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A recent survey by Mortgage Choice found that over 40% of homeowners plan to renovate their home to improve their quality of living.
“While renovations can potentially increase the value of a property, our survey results show that the purpose for many Australians is to improve their lifestyle by customizing their home to suit them,” says Belinda Williamson head of corporate affairs at Mortgage Choice.
The survey revealed that the outdoor entertaining area was among the top three most popular areas to renovate, followed by upgrading the kitchen and bathroom.
Property Observer has compiled a list of the top 10 renovating tips from the many experts.
Top 10 Renovating Tips
1. Chris Gray (Property Empire) Start by choosing the right property, making sure it is an unemotional investment, as opposed to an emotional home purchase.
Are you looking to buy, renovate and sell, or buy, renovate and hold? If you’re selling it’s imperative that there is an immediate and almost guaranteed profit in the deal. If you’re looking to hold, you need to buy the right property that will continue to grow strongly forever. The renovation profit in a hold strategy is more about icing on the cake, maximising your rental return and ensuring you have minimal maintenance to do in the future.
2. Shaynna Blaze (Selling Houses Australia) Assess your lifestyle.
Before working out the design and layout of your home, the first thing for any renovators to ask themselves: how do I like to live? Is your lifestyle casual? Do you like to entertain? Do you hate cleaning or noise? These different lifestyles will not only effect how the layout is but also the surfaces and colours you end up choosing.
3. Nick Tobias (Tobias Partners Architecture) Research your architect.
Establish a shortlist of architects you feel are best equipped in terms of aesthetic and technical prowess. Spend time reviewing the work of different practices, including speaking to past clients. Remember to keep things simple, trends come and go.
4. Andrew Winter (Selling Houses Australia) Put your hard earned cash where it shows.
Make sure you put your hard earned cash where it shows. Quality kitchens and bathrooms will always add value to your home and a smart façade will make your house the envy of your neighbours.
5. Amanda Talbot (Stylist and author) 5% of the value of your house should be in your kitchen
Your kitchen needs a wow factor, including good storage; quality hardware, drawer runners and soft closing draw mechanisms. 5% of the value of your house should be in the kitchen.
6. Cherie Barber (Renovating For Profit) 1% of the value of your house should be spent on your bathroom
Aim to spend between 1% to 1.5% of your current property value on your bathroom renovation. If your property is worth $400,000 you would spend around $4,000 renovating it.
Once you know your budget, allocate your money according to how immediately obvious each component is. If the vanity is the first thing you see when you come through the door, spend more money on a nice vanity, splashback and mirror. Your bathroom is the second most important room in your house, besides your kitchen, in terms of adding real fiscal value.
7. Angus Kell (Archicentre) Go Green
Go green and cash in on the latest change in buying behaviour. Buyers can’t get enough of solar hot water, rainwater tanks and drip-feed irrigation systems
8. Patrick Bright (EPS Property Search) Avoid doing the work yourself to “save money”
A small budget means there is always a temptation to do some or all of the work yourself to save money but DIY renovations can easily backfire. If the quality of workmanship is substandard this will diminish your sale price, possibly eliminating any profit you might have made in much the same way as under-capitalising on a renovation.
9. Lisa Montgomery (Resi Mortgage Corporation) Landscaping is important
The indoor/outdoor room is now a popular part of the Australian lifestyle, so allow for a percentage of your overall budget to be spent on landscaping so you can complement the work you’ve carried out inside the house. Even if your budget is modest, basic greenery and clean, functional outside areas will only improve a property’s appeal.
10. Carolyn Burns-McCrave (House Rules, Burns-McCrave Design) Work from the inside out
A good floor plan is at the heart of a successful design and that each space should be tailored to the people who live there. Burns-McCrave says to work from the inside out; creating spaces that function and flow before thinking about colours and accessories.
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The 10 best DIY renovation tips from the experts

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A three-bedroom residence on 13.45 hectares in Closeburn tops SQM’s most discounted properties for another week.
The Queensland property (pictured below) also includes a workshop, separate office and multi vehicle parking.
<img height="351" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/06/closeburnjune27one.jpg" alt="closeburnjune27one">
It comes with the potential of being subdivided into four two-hectare allotments.
It was originally listed for $1.45 million and after 672 days on the market, is now listed for $795,000 – a 45% price cut.
Queensland properties continue to dominate SQM’s top 10 most discounted properties list, taking out six spots.
However SQM says these Queensland properties are located in outer areas or on islands and are not necessarily a reflection of the Queensland market.
The property prices are predicted to remain flat in Brisbane for the remainder of the year.
The top ten discounted properties are
 
1.
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-closeburn-107603313">34 Seraya Court Closeburn 4520</a>
 
Days on the market: 672
Initial asking price: $1,450,000
Current asking price: $795,000
Reduction: 45%
 
2.
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-londonderry-7296375">9 Hughes Street Londonderry 2753</a>
 
Days on the market: 987
Initial asking price: $2,300,000
Current asking price: $1,290,000
Reduction: 44%
 
3.
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-redbank+plains-113103983">1 Barry Drive Redbank Plains 4301</a>
 
Days on the market: 112
Initial asking price: $350,000
Current asking price: $199,000
Reduction: 43%
 
4.
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-tangalooma-104624146">7 Cassidae Crescent Tangalooma 4025</a>
 
Days on the market: 1,539
Initial asking price: $1,495,000
Current asking price: $875,000
Reduction: 41%
 
5.
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-lamb+island-112206275">4 Edgewater Place Lamb Island 4184</a>
 
Days on the market: 1,050
Initial asking price: $425,000
Current asking price: $249,000
Reduction: 41%
 
6.
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-lamb+island-105155213">79 Perulpa Drive Lamb Island 4184</a>
 
Days on the market: 1,036
Initial asking price: $499,000
Current asking price: $298,000
Reduction: 40%
 
7.
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-doolandella-112978863">38 Cloverdale Road Doolandella 4077</a>
 
Days on the market: 126
Initial asking price: $1,650,000
Current asking price: $1,000,000
Reduction: 39%
 
8.
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-two+rocks-106211228">15 Gretel Two Rocks 6037</a>
Days on the market: 1,267
Initial asking price: $1,100,000
Current asking price: 699,000
Reduction: 36%
 
9.
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-spring+beach-106968687">368 Rheban Road Spring Beach 7190</a>
Days on the market: 952
Initial asking price: $760,000
Current asking price: $500,000
Reduction: 34%
 
10.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-berowra+waters-106757204">134 Bay Road Berowra Waters 2082</a>
 
Days on the market: 1,029
Initial asking price: $1,199,000
Current asking price $795,000
Reduction 34%
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Some 672 days on the market - and now at a 45% discount - Australia's most discounted offering at Closeburn: SQM

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House Rules New South Wales team Michelle and Steve could potentially pocket an impressive $225,000 if they were to sell their newly renovated Collaroy Plateau home.
The couple paid $650,000 for the termite-infested shack (pictured below) in May last year and have the biggest mortgage on the show, and therefore the biggest prize, of $629,000.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/06/june12collaroyplateau]}
House Rules asked two local real estate agents to appraise the renovated property (pictured below).
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/06/june26michelleandsteveafter]}
Mark Clarke of Ray White appraised the property at $845,000 to $875,000.
Clarke said by removing the internal walls in the living area, the space flows well from the kitchen to the entertaining deck.
“This open plan has substantially increased the value of the home,” says Clarke.
Nicholas Hayes of Doyle Spillane appraised the property at $830,000 to $850,000.
Hayes agreed that the removal of internal walls has increased the value of the home and has improved its salability by broadening its potential market.
However, Hayes says the use of rich colourings and retro wall furnishings in Jesse’s bedroom could “polarise the market” and is “removed from the general style of the rest of the house.”
The 1950s coastal weatherboard house sits on 860 square metres and features three bedrooms.
Channel Seven declined to reveal the renovation budget for each house.
The median house price in Collaroy Plateau is $875,000, according to <a target="_blank" href="/news">RP Data.</a>
House Rules was again the most watched show around the nation last night, raking in a rating of 1.474 million, according to OzTAM.
It smashed The Block Sky High, which rated 1.191 million.
Viewers witnessed the elimination of Brisbane couple, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/amy-and-sean-s-house-rules-nundah-home-now-worth-%24500000-plus/2013062462592">Amy and Sean</a>.
Sydney and Melbourne have preferred The Block Sky High since airing began of the two renovation shows, however House Rules attracted more Sydney viewers last night with a rating of 350,000.
For other House Rules stories, <a target="_blank" href="/?option=com_googlesearch_cse&amp;q=house%20rules">click here.</a>
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NSW House Rules couple Michelle and Steve could pocket up to $225,000

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Western Australia has led all Australian states for new residential listings activity over the month to June 23, according to the latest information from RP Data.
Western Australia had a 5.3% rise in new listings activity (seasonally adjusted) over the month. Meanwhile, Tasmania had a 2.4% rise in new listings activity.
Victoria only had a 1.0% rise in new listings activity and New South Wales declined by 0.2%.
Nationally, there was only a 0.2% increase in new listings activity.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/06/rpdatanewlistingsjune25one.jpg" width="470" height="244" alt="rpdatanewlistingsjune25one">
<img src="/images/stories/2013/06/rpdatanewlistingsjune25two.jpg" width="470" height="206" alt="rpdatanewlistingsjune25two">
The RP Data Listings Index provides a lead indicator for the number of residential dwellings that are being prepared for sale across the Australian housing market.
RP Data customers account for over 70% of all listings in the Australian property market.
The index, which tracks the flow of metadata acrossRP Data’s real estate data platform, shows a 75% correlation with the number of new listings about to enter the market.
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Western Australia leads new listings activity: RP Data

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The latest apartment complex to hit North Melbourne is Ryan and Leveson – a mix of North Melbourne’s industrial past and current restoration.
Located on the corner of Ryan and Leveson Street, the complex features a range of 108 apartments across two four-storey buildings.
Developed by PDG, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ryanandleveson.com.au/">Ryan and Leveson</a> features designs by CJ Koay and Roberto Dreolini of Disegno Australia.
One-bedroom apartment range from 58 square metres to 72 square metres and range and start from $430,000.
Two-bedroom apartments range in size from 70 square metres to 81 square metres and start from $553,000.
Three-bedroom apartments range from 119 square metres to 140 square metres and start from $895,000.
The apartments boast German appliances and German black chrome tap wear throughout.
“Ryan and Leveson is like no other, this will be North Melbourne’s finest development offering a level of quality and finishes that has not been seen at this level before,” says sales manager Mark Giuliano.
Ground level apartments include outdoor terraces with landscaped gardens by Formium landscape architects.
“Green spaces, arrival gardens and green walls are of tremendous ESD value – they add to the cities biodiversity.
“For a resident they enhance the ‘sense of place’ and the ‘sense of identity’, providing places for passive reflection, active social opportunities or simply green leafy outlooks for residence,” says Mark McWha of Formium.
The 2,719-square-metre lot was previously home to motor mechanic Carrera Motors, which has since been demolished.
Ryan and Leveson is currently 40% sold.
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A mix of North Melbourne's industrial past and current restoration at the heart of new apartment development Ryan and Leveson

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House Rules has had a huge victory and trumped not only The Block Sky High last night, but also Nine News and Seven News.
The whole house reveal and first eviction episode of House Rules last night rated 1.54 million nationally, making it the most watched show on television.
The Block Sky High fell into third place with a rating of 1.369 million, the furthest its ever fallen behind House Rules.
The Block’s judging twist, which saw the announcement of the winning team dragged on from Sunday night to last night, failed to compete with its rival House Rules.
The Block contestants were asked to judge each others room for the first time in Block history, with Western Australia couple Matt and Kim taking out their first room win.
House Rules Tasmanian couple Jane and Plinio were the first couple to be evicted last night after the final reveal of the Sydney team Steve and Michelle.
Jane and Plinio were evicted after receiving the lowest score.
Melbourne recorded the highest ratings for both House Rules and The Block, with House Rules rating 449,000 and The Block rating 478,000.
House Rules has been favoured by Western Australian and South Australian audiences to date, but last night Sydney and Melbourne tuned in the most.
Sydney and Melbourne continue to prefer The Block Sky High to other states, with Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth rating higher for House Rules.
You can keep up to date with our House Rules stories <a target="_blank" href="?option=com_googlesearch_cse&amp;q=house%20rules">here.</a>
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House Rules smashes The Block as first couple evicted

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A six-bedroom home in Brighton was the most expensive sale for the week ending June 23, selling at auction for $4,235,000, according to RP Data.
However two sales in Sydney's <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trophy-homes/a-%247-million-coogee-oceanfront-the-whisper-quiet-weekend-trophy-home-sale/2013062362573" target="_blank">Coogee</a> and <a href="/news">Freshwater</a> are likely to have exceded the Brighton price, but agents have kept their sale price as withheld. 
The Hanby Street Brighton property (pictured below) features a timber and iron handcrafted entry door, landscaped gardens and poolside alfresco entertaining.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/06/june25brighton]}
The kitchen boasts travertine marble stone bench tops and a freestanding French lacanche cooker.
A 35-square-metre basement is large enough for six cars and also includes a communications room, gym and a music/games room.
James Buyers Advocate said more than 70 people attended the June 22 auction and it was a bid off between three bidders.
Auctioneer Russell Cambridge called for an opening bid of $4 million, however was met with a $3.8 million offer from bidder one.
The first bidder secured the sale after outbidding the two other bidders.
The 890-square-metre property was listed through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.bigginscott.com.au/property/details/11030">Trudy Biggin of Biggin and Scott</a>.
The most expensive sales:
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/64_hanby_street_brighton_vic_3186/10013116">64 Hanby Street, Brighton, VIC, 3186</a>, six-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 22 by Biggin &amp; Scott Brighton for $4.235 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/13_weetawaa_road_northbridge_nsw_2063/5073206">13 Weetawaa Road, Northbridge, NSW, 2063</a>, four-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on June 19 by Richarsdon &amp; Wrench Northbridge for $3.75 million 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/12_wimba_avenue_kew_vic_3101/11358705">12 Wimba Avenue, Kew, VIC, 3101</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 22 by Jellis Craig Real Estate Hawthorn for $3.12 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/21_gardiner_road_hawthorn_vic_3122/11189410">21 Gardiner Road, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 22 by RT Edgar Boroondara for $3.06 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/18_hardwicke_street_balwyn_vic_3103/9559410">18 Hardwicke Street, Balwyn, VIC, 3103</a>, four-bedroom house, sold on June 18 by Jellis Craig Hawthorn for $2.95 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/115b_military_road_dover_heights_nsw_2030/2121107">115B Military Road, Dover Heights, NSW, 2030</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 22 by Sydney Sothebey's International Realty for $2.9 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/115_hereford_street_forest_lodge_nsw_2037/2342649">115 Hereford Street, Forest Lodge, NSW, 2037</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 22 by McGrath Estate Agents for $2.75 million 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/50_harcourt_street_hawthorn_east_vic_3123/11199414">50 Harcourt Street, Hawthorn East, VIC, 3123</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 22 by Nelson Alexander Fitzroy for $2.7425 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/17_george_street_east_melbourne_vic_3002/10874330">17 George Street, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 22 by Marshall White Real Estate Armadale for $2.72 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/27_chelsea_street_redfern_nsw_2016/5798186">27 Chelsea Street, Redfern, NSW, 2016</a>, four-bedroom house, sold on June 20 by BresicWhitney Estate Agents Darlinghurst for $2.58 million
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Six-bedroom Brighton trophy home the week's most expensive sale

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The auction market remains strong however has dropped slightly this week with 1,507 auctions scheduled across the capital cities, according to RP Data.
As we enter further into the colder months, scheduled auction volumes are dropping off with a revised figure of 1,626 auctions last week, down from a revised figure of 1,773 the previous week.
However the clearance rate increased from 63.3% the previous week to 67% last week.
At the same time last year the clearance rate was substantially lower at 51.7% and auction volumes were also lower at 1,332.
The clearance rate in Melbourne increased last week to 69.3% from 67.2% the previous week.
However auction volumes were slightly lower, with a revised figure of 807 auctions last week, down from 868 auctions the previous week.
Melbourne has 694 auctions scheduled this week.
Sydney also has fewer auctions scheduled this week with 567.
Sydney held a revised figure of 582 auctions last week, up slightly from the previous week of 575 auctions.
Sydney’s clearance rate decreased last week to 72.5%, down from 73.6% the previous week.
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Auction market remains strong but colder weather sees fewer listings

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Designed by architect Alex Popov, a Castlecrag home sold at its recent auction for $5.1 million. 
The property was listed with a $4.5 million plus price guide.
Located on Linden Way, the four-bedroom home boasts 180-degree views of the lower North Shore of Sydney.
Hidden behind sandstone walls and established gardens, the home features six metre high ceilings, a private north facing courtyard, custom designed fishpond and a heated lap pool.
The kitchen features twin Quarella stone bench tops and Viking Professional and Miele appliances.
Also included is a wine cellar with a capacity of 3,200 bottles and a French made Cheminees Philippe fireplace.
The original home on the property was demolished after being purchased in 1998 for $1,435,000.
Mark O’Brien of <a href="https://www.randw.com.au/879669/" target="_blank">Richardson and Wrench Castlecrag and Northbridge had the listing.</a>
Title Tattle recently <a href="/news">reported </a>on the impressive auction result of another Alex-Popov designed home in Castlecrag that secured $5.9 million.
Event planner David Grant had hoped for $4.5 million plus.
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Another Alex Popov-designed trophy home sells in Castlecrag

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Channel 7 House Rules Queensland couple Amy and Sean could pocket a potential $165,000 profit if they were to sell their newly renovated Nundah home.
The couple (pictured below) purchased the 1960s three-bedroom home (pictured above pre-renovation) for $365,000 in June last year.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/06/amyandsean.png" width="470" height="263" alt="amyandsean">
They have the smallest mortgage on the show of just $300,000.
The Channel 7 renovation show asked two local real estate agents to appraise the Queensland home.
Clint Devereaux of First National Real Estate appraised the newly renovated property (pictured below) to now be worth $510,000 to $520,000.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/06/june25amyandseanafter]}
Devereaux says the kitchen has added the most value to the home, having been transformed into an eat-in kitchen.
However, Devereaux says the bathroom is “saturated with country cottage elements” and is “lifeless”.
Steve Grimbas of Place Estate Agents appraised the property at $500,000 to $530,000.
Grimbas agreed that the kitchen has added the most value to the home as it ticks all the boxes for today’s buyer.
However, Grimbas says removing the third bedroom and turning it into a study has lowered the full potential of the property.
Grimbas says a three-bedroom home traditionally attracts more enquiries, buyers and a higher price than a two-bedroom with a study.
The median house price in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Nundah</a> is $585,000, according to RP Data.
Property Observer has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/house-rules-contestant-couples-%24100000-to-%24200000-better-off-after-the-renovations/2013061662093">reported</a> on the new value house appraisals of the Melbourne, South Australia and Tasmania homes.
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Amy and Sean's House Rules Nundah home now worth $500,000 plus

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

Nicola Trotman

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