<html><body>
House Rules has overthrown The Block Sky High in national television ratings for the first time, after a continual climb on the ratings ladder since the home renovation stress serfies kicked off in May.
Channel Seven’s House Rules was the third most watched show around the nation last night – behind Nine News and Seven News – with a 1.159 million audience, based on the five city metropolitan OzTam ratings.
House Rules trumped Channel Nine’s The Block Sky High, which fell into fourth place with a rating of 1.131 million.
On Monday night, The House Rules Reveal had narrowly failed to catch The Block Sky High, which recorded 1.493 million and House Rules recorded 1.39 million.
Both renovation shows rated higher than Nine and Seven News on Monday night, a rare occurrence, but not on Tuesday night.
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane audiences are still favouring The Block Sky High, however House Rules is more popular in Perth and Adelaide by huge margins.
House Rules has been winning the whole of Australia television ratings with some regularity given its state based house locations have been in six states. House Rules was also winning when up against against The Block Sky High Unlocked.
Property Observer reported on a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/steve-and-michelle-s-house-rules-collaroy-plateau-mortgage-the-series-biggest-prize-payoff-possibiity/2013061762169?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=newsplus">state-by-state House Rules prize guide</a>, with NSW couple Steve and Michelle having the most to gain with a $629,000 mortgage – the potential prize money. They have a termite ridden house in Collaroy Plateau.
Brisbane holds the smallest mortgage of $300,000 and therefore, the smallest potential prize.
You can keep up to date on our House Rules and The Block Sky High news <a href="?option=com_googlesearch_cse&amp;q=house%20rules" target="_blank">here.</a>
</body></html>

ntrotman-Et3xWpamVh

Termites help House Rules knock The Block Sky High off its renovation ratings pedestal for the first time

<html><body>
German-Australian photographer Helmut Newton’s former residence in East Melbourne has been listed for sale with $2.3 million plus hopes.
 The George Street property is currently operating as a medical clinic with four former bedrooms, two offices and a kitchenette.
The property features original Victorian architecture including ornate high ceilings and marble and timber open fireplaces.
The 481-square-metre property has the potential of being restored into a family home, subject to council approval.
The property will go under the hammer on June 22 through <a href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/5560799/" target="_blank">James Redfern and David Volpato of Marshall White.</a>
</body></html>

German-Australian photographer Helmut Newton's former residence listed

<html><body>
Three penthouses in the One Central Park West development in Central Park have sold, with five penthouses still up for grabs with a price guide of $1,295,000 to $2,295,000.
Property Observer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/sky-at-one-central-park-preview/2013061262168">reported </a>on the public preview of the penthouses on June 15 and June 16.
{qtube vid:=B_AMa50iDCE&amp;feature=youtu.be}
Designed by Jean Nouvel and PTW Architects, the penthouses feature interiors designed by William Smart of Smart Design Studio.
Smart says they wanted to take what the car industry does with the interiors of its vehicles and apply that to apartments.
''A prestige brand will take luxury down to the smaller and more compact cars.
''We wanted to do the same," says Smart.
Two-bedroom penthouses start from 90 square metres and three-bedders start from 200 square metres in size.
Each penthouse boasts a large timber-decked terrace, enclosed by glass balustrades and deep garden beds.
The three-bedroom penthouses located on the 16th floor of One Central Park's west tower feature a 57-square-metre outdoor space and over 20 square metres of garden.
Potential buyers will have the choice of four colour schemes for their apartment, Oak, Ebony, Tangerine and Bronze.
The penthouses also include appliances by Miele.
Residents of the skyhomes will have exclusive access to a level-29 sky garden, a plunge pool, barbeque and landscaping.
One Central Park's west tower is part of the $2 billion Central Park development on Broadway in Sydney's Chippendale, an ongoing development of Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House.
</body></html>

Five penthouses in One Central Park West on the market for $1,295,000 to $2,295,000

<html><body>
Property valuers Herron Todd White say Canberra’s property market has remained stagnant with slight increases in sales, which may be due to the interest rate cuts giving incentive to first home purchases and investors.
The valuers says there has been a high demand for quality, updated properties in the "nicer suburbs" of Canberra such as Weston and Evatt.
There has also been interest for four-bedroom, two-bathroom, updated dwellings.
“Moreover, entry level homes are also moving quite smoothly, such as three-bedroom, one-bathroom properties in suburbs such as Gordon and Calwell.”
Herron Todd White says the demand for units has softened due to the high number of units coming onto the market, which has also caused prices to come back a little.
“As a result, the average buyer would be looking at their options more carefully and positioning their purchases of units in the inner suburbs.
“It seems that buyers are being very patient and are waiting for good quality properties in prime suburbs to come onto the market.
“As we have seen and heard from many agents, there has been high demand for quality, updated dwellings between the range of $500,000 to $600,000.
“Overall, the buyer confidence level is still low but if a good quality property comes onto the market, they are not afraid to step in.”
The valuers say it will be hard to see growth in property in the next couple of months but dwellings in the inner areas have the best chance.
Herron Todd White says the supply of units in Canberra’s outer suburbs has softened the demand for units, leading to some quality units being sold at a cheaper rate.
“In regards to dwellings, historically Belconnen has maintained high interest with potential purchases.
“This is due to its proximity to the city and surrounding amenities such as the AIS, University of Canberra and government offices.”
</body></html>

High demand for quality properties in Canberra's Weston and Evatt: Herron Todd White

<html><body>
The median weekly rent in Melbourne increased in the month of May as the rental vacancy rate slightly tightened, according to REIV.
The rental vacancy rate in Melbourne fell from 3.2% in April to 2.8%.
The weekly rent increased from $382 to $390.
The REIV says these are only “minor variations” as the rental vacancy rate has remained relatively stable at around 3% throughout the year and the median rent has been around $390.
The REIV says the government policies designed to increase the supply of dwellings are having an effect as we are seeing consistently high vacancy rates.
The inner city rental vacancy rate tightened from 4.4% in April to 3.9% in May.
The demand for three-bedroom homes and one or two bedroom units in the inner city has seen the median rent rise.
The rental vacancy rate in the middle suburbs remained stabled at 3% over May, however the outer suburbs tightened from 2.8% to 2.2%.
Regional Victoria rental vacancy rates increased from 3.3% in April to 4.1% in May, with Geelong experiencing the most significant change.
Geelong rental vacancy rates increased from 4.4% in April to 6.7% in May.
Bendigo remained stable at 3.1% but Ballarat increased from 2.2% to 2.7%.
The median rents in regional Victoria remained stable.
</body></html>

Melbourne median weekly rent increases as rental vacancy rate tightens: REIV

<html><body>
A 10-hectare private family retreat known as Lomandra is up for grabs with an asking price of $3.1 million.
Located on Hearnes Lake Road in Woolgoolga, the coastal estate is only minutes from Coffs Harbour and metres from a three kilometre deserted beach.
The property is bordered by natural vegetation and features a freshwater lake and wetlands area.
It features a three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence and a separate 120-square-metre studio.
The estate has the potential to be subdivided into 61 lots. 
The two directly neighbouring properties have received development approval or are in the process of receiving approval for a total of over 130 lots.
The building designer Peter Davey moved to the property with his wife Diana and three children in 1997.
“Those that are this large and close to the ocean are often isolated from services, whilst those that are close to services and sub-dividable are rarely found in such a beautiful location.
“It’s an investment opportunity not to be passed up. Buyers tend to find that most properties in this category don’t tick all the boxes,” says Davey.
The property was purchased in 1997 for $300,000.
The property is listed with Peter Stone of <a href="https://www.reod.com.au/properties.php?id=7645613" target="_blank">Real Estate of Distinction.</a>
</body></html>

Lomandra in Woolgoolga up for grabs for $3.1 million

<html><body>
Property valuers Herron Todd White say now is a good time to buy residential property in Melbourne with interest rates at record low levels.
"The Melbourne property market is currently a buyers' market, giving potential purchases the chance to shop around, and negotiate to find themselves a bargain.
“If you’re one of the many thinking about taking the metaphorical dive into property ownership and you want to be savvy about it, there are few things to consider.
“Properties with strong tenant demand and minimal holding costs will help to maximise you rental return; however homes with the potential for significant capital growth help to provide financial freedom in the long run."
The valuers say the equity built up can be used to purchase another property, which is beneficial for those looking to expand their portfolio.
For those looking for a house or unit with the potential for strong growth in the next four to six years, HTW says <a href="/news">West Footscray</a>, <a href="/news">Footscray</a> and <a href="/news">Maidstone </a>are showing positive signs for strong growth in the detached/semi detached market.
The suburbs are located within eight kilometres from the Melbourne CBD and are more available, with houses under $500,000.
Herron Todd White forecasts these areas to attract stronger demand due to their convenient location and as the trend towards high-density housing and gentrification continues.
Footscray is expected to profit from the proposed and current development in the area including the Footscray Railway Station redevelopment, Footscray Plaza Redevelopment and the Whitten oval Redevelopment, as well as being home to Victoria University, Western Hospital and Lonely Planet Publications.
Herron Todd White says the Melbourne 2030 planning strategy has designated Footscray as one of the major activity centres which are the preferred locations for future higher density residential land and mixed use development.
“All of these factors help to generate rental and investment demand in which the median house values are below that of surrounding areas which have already experienced gentrification and a shift in development plans.
"Like Footscray, Maidstone and West Footscray will benefit from the current and future development of the area.
"Both suburbs are located within eight kilometres of the CBD and offer greater housing affordability."
The valuers say a potential investor can expect to enter the West Footscray and Maidstone market with $535,000 and $498,000 being the median house price respectively.
Maidstone and West Footscray are located nearby the Maribyrnong Defence Site Redevelopment and the Maribyrnong/Footscray early years hub.
Areas of Maidstone also offer larger blocks and city views while development in West Footscray include the Barkly Village streetscape improvements and the West Footscray Railway Station redevelopment.
Image of Footscray by Steve Davidson, courtesy of Flickr.
</body></html>

Melbourne property market a buyers' market; Footscray, West Footscray, Maidstone: Herron Todd White

<html><body>
Classic Constructions, Melinda Boag Design and Paul Tilse Architect won the HIA 2013 Australian display home of the year.
The display home, Aston, is located 3.5 kilometres southwest of the Canberra CBD in the suburb of <a target="_blank" href="/news">Yarralumla</a>.
<a target="_blank" href="https://theaston.com.au/">The Aston's </a>formal entrance at 15 Abbott Street, Yarralumla certainly sets the tone and character for this elegantly appointed home.
The home features ironbark polished timber floorboards, floor to ceiling bi-fold doors and bluestone walls at the entrance to the lounge.
Aston also includes a Sonos integrated sound system with wi-fi control throughout the house and a Blumotion system is integrated into the kitchen.
The property, which was formally opened for inspections last November, also boasts an outdoor pool and landscaped gardens.
What the judges said:
This home has exceptional attention to detail and carefully blends multiple materials to provide a distinctive home. Featuring integrated internal living areas with external entertaining areas, the free-?owing open plan design is an entertainer’s delight.
The Aston was also the winner of the HIA Kitchen up to $30,000 
Classic Constructions is a family owned business, established in 1987 by Michael and George Tanchevski.
Melinda Boag Design was established in 1993 and is a Canberra-based Interior Design business.
2013 Australian display home of the year finalists:
Metricon, Hunter
Sarpel Homes Pty Ltd, New South Wales
Martin Locke Homes, North Queensland
Abode New Homes Pty Ltd, Northern Territory
Ryan Designer Homes, Queensland
Precision Homes (Australia) Pty Ltd, South Australia
Hotondo Homes, Tasmania
Englehart Homes, Victoria
Ross Grif?n Homes, Western Australia
</body></html>

Aston in Yarralumla wins for Classic Constructions in HIA 2013 Australian display home of the year

<html><body>
House Rules Victorian Team Chris and Nick are likely to make a terrific profit through the Channel 7 reno show if they were to sell their Preston home.
The pair purchased the 1930s Californian bungalow (pictured below) for $555,000 in August last year.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may30houserules]}
Undergoing a complete renovation on the show, the house is now worth a lot more, according to two local agents.
House Rules asked two local agents in each state to appraise the property - and provide a hit and miss of the renovation.
Real estate agent Joe Ledda of Hockingstuart Preston gave an appraisal of $730,000 to $800,000, saying the property was “trendy”.
Ledda wasn't that sure about the study, saying a third bedroom in its place would have attracted more buyers.
“A three-bedroom home traditionally attracts more buyers, enquiries and a higher price than a two-bed with study.”
Agent Jim Dimitropoulos of Barry Plant gave an more conservative appraisal of $690,000 to $720,000.
Dimitropoulos’ miss was the second bathroom.
“This can discourage the family homebuyer from making the purchase,” says Dimitropoulos.
The median house price in <a href="/news">Preston</a> is $584,000, according to RP Data.
Channel Seven declined to reveal the renovation budget for each house, however Property Observer is aware there was a formal $49,000 development application with Darebin Council earlier this year for the Preston house. The figure would not represent the total expenditure.
Tasmanian team Jane and Plinio paid $355,000 for their New Town property in 2010, after it was originally listed at $380,000.
Agent Ant Manton of Ray White appraised the newly renovated home at $425,000 to $450,000.
Manton’s hit rooms included the kitchen, dining room and family room but would have given the study nook a miss, saying it “missed an opportunity to increase the possible market value.”
Mike Speakman of Petrusma Property appraised the house at $470,000 to $490,000.
Speakman says the living space is a hit, however the kitchen lacks a wow factor.
The median house price in <a href="/news">New Town</a> is $421,000, according to RP Data.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
South Australian couple Carly and Leighton purchased their Warradale home (pictured below) for $450,000, after it was originally listed for $485,000 in May 2012.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/06/june5warradale]}
Peter Hurcombe of LJ Hooker Glenelg gave a price appraisal of $535,000 to $555,000.
Hurcombe says the kitchen and family room is a hit, with floating timber floors lifting the house’s appeal.
Hurcombe says the ensuite and walk in robe is a miss as it sacrifices a third bedroom.
Annette Bradshaw of Annette Bradshaw Real Estate gave a price appraisal of $560,000. She sold the couple the property.
Bradshaw said the two bathrooms is a miss as it’s “wasted space”.
The median house price in <a href="/news">Warradale</a> is $460,000, according to RP Data.
Readers can keep up to date with Property Observer’s stories on House Rules <a href="?option=com_googlesearch_cse&amp;q=house%20rules">here.</a>
</body></html>

House Rules contestant couples $100,000 to $200,000 better off after the renovations

<html><body>
A block of flats in Cremorne Point sold prior to its scheduled June auction for a little over $3 million.
Located on Kareela Road, the property boasts harbourfront views and overlooks Mosman Bay.
The ground floor features two two-bedroom apartments, each with a sunroom, terrace, basic kitchen and bathroom.
The top floor features a four-bedroom penthouse with two bathrooms, and a one-bedroom apartment.
The 430-square-metre property has been with the same owner for over 50 years, with the units undergoing very basic maintenance over this time.
The apartments retain original sandstone and patterned ceilings and offer the potential to be redeveloped into luxurious waterfront apartments.
Listing agent Anthony Puntigam of <a target="_blank" href="https://bradfieldcleary.com.au/3680281/7-Kareela-Road-Cremorne-Point">BradfieldCleary</a> says blocks of flats are proving to be a very popular choice with investors.
Puntigam says the purchaser has plans to remodel the apartments and eventually rent them out.
The median unit price in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Cremorne Point</a> is $700,000 and the median rent is $600 per week, according to RP Data.
</body></html>

Block of flats sell prior to auction in Cremorne Point for $3 million plus

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

Nicola Trotman

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News