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A luxury full-floor apartment in Kangaroo Point has been listed for auction by Place estate agents Simon Caulfield and Courtney Maguire. 
The auction is scheduled for April 1, 2020 in East Brisbane. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-kangaroo+point-133142814" target="_blank">fourth-floor, Scott Street apartment</a> is located in the renowned Walan Residences, capturing unobstructed views of the river and city frontage. 
The 377 sqm residence is fitted with timber flooring, feature timber veneer, travertine stone and Carrara marble. 
The four-bedroom, three-bathroom luxury home features a 72 sqm covered balcony with a built-in BBQ and under-bench Liegherr fridge.
The master ensuite is positioned in its own wing, and complete with a custom wardrobe joinery, dual vanity, marble bench tops, a dual shower and travertine walls, as well as a freestanding bathtub with South Bank views.
The gourmet kitchen is complete with a breakfast bar, high-end Miele appliances, a Zip tap system, butler's pantry, a dual Liebherr refrigerator, and an additional wine fridge.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Full floor Kangaroo Point apartment up for auction

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EXPERT OBSERVER
A deeper awareness of social and environmental issues and their interdependencies with financial performance is prompting major businesses, like Westpac and Singapore's Olam International, to elevate the importance of sustainability in their corporate strategies.
The world's population is forecast to hit 9.7 billion by 2050, which means there will billions more mouths to feed over the next two decades. This rapid population growth is occurring in parallel with the challenges of resource scarcity, climate change and decent livelihood.
One organisation leading the response to these calls - and creating an example for corporate sustainability in action - is Olam International, a Singapore-based, global food and agri-business that supplies a broad portfolio of products – from cotton to cashew nuts – to over 19,800 customers.
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I recently had the privilege of hosting an in-depth discussion at Westpac’s Singapore co.lab with Olam’s Group Chief Financial Officer, Neelamani Muthukumar. He shed light on how Olam has become a pioneer in the field and provided valuable insights for companies aiming to bring sustainability closer to the heart of their operations, including through the use of sustainable finance.
Just why has this become so important? As Muthumkumar pointed out, sustainability is presenting companies with a host of new pressures as well as opportunities. For instance, as a society, we now increasingly demand granular information on the food we consume. A range of studies have revealed staggering facts about the social and ecological footprint of the agriculture industry, making people question the methods employed and their long-term viability. Consider these statistics: producing one kilogram of beef requires <a href="https://sites.psu.edu/foodsustainability/2018/02/11/our-water-footprint/" target="_blank">15,415 litres of water</a>; about 25-30% of food is wasted and not eaten; and as much as <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/srccl/chapter/technical-summary/" target="_blank">37% of total greenhouse gas emissions</a> are attributable to the food system.
The urgency surrounding climate change and resource management is also driving the expansion of ESG (environmental, social and governance) investing. More investors are factoring ESG criteria, such as climate change, modern slavery and cybersecurity, into their investment decisions in an effort to protect and create financial and societal value. 
This trend is also powering a boom in sustainable finance. For example, global issuance of green, social and sustainability bonds surged about 40% in 2019, with a combined issuance reaching US$290 billion. In Australia, the value of green or sustainability linked loans grew approximately 14 times, to US$2.3 billion.
Despite this strong growth, we anticipate further growth in the sustainable finance market. Preliminary data from a survey on sustainable finance commissioned by Westpac and conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), previewed at the co.lab event, showed 77% of companies polled intend to utilise some form of sustainable financing within the next year.
Investors are similarly bullish. In the same survey, 68% of investors plan to increase their allocation of funds in sustainable investments over the next 12 months.
Embedded in the business model
As Muthukumar explained to our audience, these realities mean sustainability should not be a last-minute add-on to any business model. At Olam, “sustainability is integrated into the strategy formulation, so it is not a distinct piece,” he said. “We believe that the agricultural and food systems in the world today are broken, and we want to fix that. We think about how we can produce more food with fewer natural resources and improve biodiversity so that we leave something for future generations.”
Known as <a href="https://www.olamgroup.com/content/dam/olamgroup/homepage/homepage-pdfs/Olam-annual-report-fy18-3-in-1.pdf" target="_blank">Olam 2.0</a>, the initiative re-imagines Olam as a ‘purpose-led company’ with an emphasis on three main outcomes: prosperous farmers and food systems; thriving communities; and regeneration of the living world. These overarching goals have determined 10 priority areas which include economic opportunity, gender diversity and safer workplaces.
Setting industry and regional benchmarks
By establishing measurable and ambitious sustainability targets, Olam was able to secure Asia’s first sustainability-linked loan in 2018. The three-year revolving credit facility, worth US$500 million, was based on the company meeting specific key performance indicators as assessed by specialist ESG firm Sustainalytics. The metrics are tested annually and if the KPIs are met, then there is a subsequent reduction of the loan’s interest rate.
Last year, Olam successfully tapped the market once again with a second KPI-linked loan for US$525 million. According to Muthukumar, third-party verification assures stakeholders that the company is meeting its sustainability targets and the reduction in financing cost incentivises executives to embrace non-traditional financing options without fear of reputational damage. As a result, Olam aims to make 20% of its debt portfolio sustainability-linked by the end of 2020.
Besides examining its own activities, Muthukumar went on to describe how Olam positions itself as a constructive partner in the wider industry landscape to promote the spread of ESG policies.
“We want to understand what CFOs can do in their respective organisations to improve sustainability, and engage with the Big Four accounting firms and regulators to develop simple, easy-to-understand standards with a finite number of metrics,” he said, noting that a lack of clearly defined frameworks were preventing many investors and issuers in Asia from committing to this segment of the market.
Indeed, the EIU survey reveals that although investors in the region are overwhelmingly interested in sustainable finance structures, they do share concerns about qualifying criteria, regulatory support, and generally insufficient ESG investment prospects in Asia Pacific.
Ultimately, sustainability is not just about being socially responsible. It makes rational business sense for companies to be at the forefront of this transformation. As Muthukumar told us that day, proactively addressing the forces reshaping our natural ecosystem, as well as the expectations of both investors and consumers, will prove that “sustainable profits are equal to corporate longevity.”
As more corporates see how sustainable finance can incentivise and compel further action on sustainability, and how such action can be good for business, I’m confident that we will see strong continued growth in the sustainable finance market.
MICHAEL CHEN is the Head of Sustainable Finance for Westpac
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How can rejuvenating global food systems enhance sustainability: Michael Chen

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Melbourne-based property developer Charles Lloyd Property Group has added three new studio home developments to its portfolio, following high demand for its initial three co-living projects.
The developer said its first three projects, each comprising nine 25 to 30 sqm fully self-contained spaces, were generating consistent returns of around 14 per cent. 
Funded by the Group’s own capital, the “Studio Homes” concept was launched in 2018, one of the first entrants into the ‘co-living’ arena  having identified a gap in the market created by lack of housing affordability and increasing rental demand. 
The spaces are priced at 300 to $350 a week rental fee which included utilities and internet. Each unit has a private balcony or courtyard, ensuite and kitchenette, while full kitchen and laundry facilities are communal. 
Designed as an affordable alternative in the space between serviced apartments and hotels, they are targeted at singles, young professionals and students.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/24/11_CLPG.jpeg" alt="">
Managing Director Franco Bevacqua said that the first three developments – in Berwick, Bundoora and Frankston – had fully let within weeks of going to market and another three were in development – St Albans, Epping and Hoppers Crossing. 
“A lack of affordability is pricing too many people out of the property market, and so we created the Studio Homes concept as a cost effective and efficient solution for the consumer,” Mr Bevacqua said 
“Most importantly they are proving to be a very attractive income-generating asset from an investment perspective, with average returns of around 14 per cent at this point. 
“I expect that these developments will become a more popular investment option in the build-to-rent sector than some of the higher density developments we are seeing come to market. 
“Build to rent has been slower to take off in the Australian market, mainly through the length of time it takes to see any decent return. We don’t have those challenges with the Studio Home concept. 
“There is no planning permission required so therefore no planning risk (under the building classification), while the build cost is generally lower than commercial rates, with an average eight to 12-month build duration.
“High volume, high density developments are the norm in this market, and so it seems that build to rent is only viewed through that lens, which is not a very innovative way to look at it. It’s a completely different investment proposition.” 
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Charles Lloyd Property launch three more Melbourne co-living projects

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Model Lara Bingle's former Darling Point apartment is up for sale once more. 
Bingle bought the one bedder in the Goomerah Court block from interior designer Blainey North for $882,000 in 2010, shortly after her break-up with Test cricketer Michael Clarke.
North had paid $700,000 for the unit.
Bingle, now married to actor Sam Worthington and living in the US, no doubt paid a premium for North's design stamp, selling the apartment for a reported $860,000 after four years of ownership.
Now it's back up for sale through Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay agents Alex Lyons and Jean-Michel Rudsdale.
The 65 sqm, second floor apartment in the tightly held Art Deco block of 14 features a Calacatta marble kitchen and bathroom, has views of the harbour.
Meanwhile Bingle's former ex Michael Clarke has sold the Bondi Beach apartment the couple lived in briefly before they split.
It's believed to be the site of the the alleged "ring flush", where Bingle flushed her $200,000 engagement ring down the toilet.
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Lara Bingle's former Blainey North-designed Darling Point apartment listed again 

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Dexus advises it will cease the management of the Australian Mandate, comprising a $1.6 billion property portfolio from June 30, 2020.
The diversified Australian Mandate comprises properties managed by Dexus on behalf of NSW Treasury Corporation (“TCorp”) for more than 30 years, and TCorp remains a long-term investor on the platform via other vehicles.
The Australian Mandate has achieved outperformance versus benchmark over 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 years as at December 31, 2019. 
Dexus’s funds management business has achieved significant growth since FY12 and has recently attracted new like-minded partners such as GIC and M&amp;G Real Estate to invest alongside through the cycle.
There are currently several opportunities in the pipeline for Dexus to onboard investors with open investment periods and growth strategies.
The transition of the Australian Mandate is expected to have no impact on either Dexus's Adjusted Funds From Operations or distribution per security in FY20, with market guidance of distribution per security growth maintained at circa 5.5 per cent for the 12 months ended June 30, 2020.
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Dexus to end management of $1.6 billion Australian Mandate portfolio

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The number of ultra-wealthy people in Australia is expected to rise by 29 per cent over the next five years, equivalent to an extra 1,085 people, according to Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2020.
The data shows Australia’s ultra-high-net-worth-individual (UHNWI) population will rise to 4,881 by 2024, up from 3,796 in 2019, with more than 200 new ultra-wealthy people being created in Australia each year.
Australia’s ultra-wealthy population grew by 5 per cent in 2019 and by 35 per cent over the past five years.
At the same time, Australia’s high-net-worth-individuals (HNWI**) are expected to grow by 34 per cent over the next five years to reach close to 2.1 million. Currently, 50 million people globally are considered millionaires, with wealth of  US$1 million or more.
According to Michelle Ciesielski, Knight Frank’s head of residential research, Australia is forecast to have one of the highest rates of growth in UHNWI populations globally over the next five years.
“Australia is ranked equal 15th with Canada for the projected growth in UHNWIs out of 43 countries globally,” she said. 
“Our projections are based on The Knight Frank Wealth Sizing Model which allows us to project the number of individuals in each wealth band in the future. We have utilised data including forecast growth in GDP, house prices, equity performance, interest rates and other assets that individuals hold. 
“Coming off a number of years of solid growth in Australia, 2019 saw further wealth creation off the back of a resilient stock market and further capital gains in the prime property market. 
“Although challenges in the local economy persist, there has been much more certainty and solidifying of the global economy coming into 2020.”
Knight Frank’s Joint National Head of Private Office Sarah Harding said, “On average 80 per cent of Australian UHNWIs saw an increase in wealth in 2019, well above the global average response of 63 per cent in the Knight Frank Attitudes Survey.
“Looking ahead to 2020, 63 per cent of Australian UHNWIs believe their wealth portfolios will continue to grow, which is optimistic when compared to the global average of 55 per cent.
“Australian UHNWIs cite the top three issues challenging wealth creation in 2020 as being the flow on from the global economic slowdown, negative interest rates or bond returns and the global trade wars. 
“As a result, 92 per cent of Australian ultra-wealthy population are making changes to protect their wealth.” 
According to Ms Ciesielski, “The number of ultra-wealthy people around the world is predicted to grow by 27 per cent over the next five years, with the population rising by 136,087 to just under 650,000. An additional 31,000 UNHWI were created in 2019, an increase of 6.1 per cent. 
“Out of the top 20 fastest growing countries presented in the report, six are located in Asia, with India forecast to have the highest growth of 73 per cent.
“We expect Asia will be the world’s second largest wealth hub by 2024, with a forecast five-year growth of 44 per cent, but it will still be only half the size of North America’s ultra-wealthy population, which is forecast to increase by 22 per cent.”
 
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Australia’s ultra-wealthy population projected to rise 29 per cent: Knight Frank

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
Headline GDP rose by 0.5 per cent in Q4 to be 2.2 per cent higher over the year, a moderate result ahead of an expected virus-driven fall in output in Q1.
 Notwithstanding a significant contribution from the recovery in housing turnover and small improvement in consumer spending, private domestic demand remains weak with falling residential construction and business investment subtracting 0.3ppt from growth. Net exports and stocks helped offset this weakness. 
While the focus of policy-makers has turned to the impact of the coronavirus on both the global and domestic economies, today’s outcome confirms a below trend pace of growth as a starting point even with the strong recovery in housing turnover, with a turnaround unlikely for some time given residential investment has yet to trough, consumer spending is constrained by weak wage growth and businesses outside of mining remain reluctant to invest.
 Factoring in an initial hit from the virus outbreak, this leads us to forecast growth to remain below trend over the next year or so, before seeing a small improvement. There is significant uncertainty about the extent and duration of the shock from the outbreak, but this outlook points to rising unemployment over 2020 and likely further action from the RBA beyond our expected rate cut in April. 
We will update our forecasts for growth, the labour market and the policy outlook next week.
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In Q4, weak private demand growth was driven by a fall in dwelling investment which is now down 9.7 per cent over the year, and a decline business investment. While consumption growth improved, it also continues to track well below its long- run average, reinforcing our long-held view that tax rebates have failed to provide a significant boost to household spending.
 Indeed, part of the increase in consumption reflects extreme price discounting. Public-sector spending made no contribution following the solid outcome in Q3. Offsetting some of this weakness was a 0.1 contribution from exports - though this is a little weaker than recent quarters. A significant (though likely) temporary boost to the expenditure side came from the recovery in housing turnover which saw a boost to real estate margins. 
Both the production and income measures of GDP were slightly stronger than the expenditure measure in the quarter.
Looking forward, the magnitude of the bushfires and especially the coronavirus impact on the March quarter will be a focus, as will the ongoing impacts of the latter in subsequent quarters. For now, we have factored in a decline in March quarter GDP, but for a small recovery in quarterly growth thereafter on the assumption that the virus is quickly contained. 
As a result, we see year-average growth of 1.2 per cent in 2020 before an improvement in 2021 to around 2.7 per cent. Should the impact of the virus become more protracted this will necessarily see a down grade to our forecasts for growth. 
Notwithstanding the impact of the virus, our read is that the sluggish pace of underlying growth already warrants further policy action, with below-trend growth over the next 18 months likely to see a deterioration in the labour market with further downside risk as a result of ongoing impacts from the coronavirus.
 Indeed, we see the RBA cutting rates for a second time in 2020 at the April meeting and a significant risk of unconventional policy going forward depending on the severity of the uptick in the unemployment rate as well as the magnitude and impact of any response from fiscal policy.
Household consumption growth improved slightly in Q4, rising 0.4 per cent q/q but remains weak at 1.2 per cent y/y – the weakest pace since the GFC. The drivers of consumption growth in the quarter were increases in discretionary categories including clothing &amp; footwear, household goods and recreation and culture – possibly reflecting some impact from the earlier tax cuts.
Nonetheless, spending on discretionary items has remained weak over the year, with spending on essentials having driven the bulk of consumption growth. 
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Underlying business investment declined by -0.8 per cent q/q, similar to Q3 (-1.1 per cent q/q). Unlike Q3, however, weakness in business investment was driven by non-mining investment which fell 3.6 per cent, while mining investment increased by 5.0 per cent q/q.
Mining investment in Q4 was 3.2 per cent higher than the same time a year ago – the first time annual growth has been positive since 2013 other than one-off gain posted in Q3 2017. The turnaround in mining was not unexpected, but the decline in commodity prices that started towards the end of last year, now reinforced by the coronavirus shock to the world economy, casts doubt on whether this will be sustained. At the same time, weak business conditions remain a headwind for non-mining sector investment.
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 Dwelling investment fell 3.4 per cent in the quarter driven by a fall in investment in construction (-4.1 per cent) and a fall in alterations &amp; additions (-2.2 per cent). Over the year dwelling investment has fallen 9.7 per cent. This result is unsurprising given the weakness in work done, and the ongoing weakness in dwelling approvals. These data also confirm the downturn in construction is not over. The decline was driven by a fall in NSW and QLD, though construction also declined in WA and Tas. Vic saw a small improvement in the quarter.</div>
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 Government demand growth slowed considerably from Q3. Underlying public demand grew by 0.1 per cent q/q, well down from 2.0 per cent in Q3. However, growth over the last year was a still solid 5.1 per cent y/y. Government consumption growth was 0.7 per cent q/q – the lowest growth since Q2 2018 due to a fall in defence spending (a volatile component) and another quarter of very modest state/local government consumption growth. In contrast, Federal non-defence spending grew by 2.4 per cent q/q (10 per cent y/y), likely reflecting disability and aged care spending.</div>
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<div class="column">Underlying public investment declined 2.3 per cent q/q, but this followed a 6 per cent increase in Q3, and it was 4.2 per cent higher than a year ago. Overall, the roll-out of the NDIS and large infrastructure programs still appear to be supporting the economy – and a fiscal package expected in the next week or so, will also provide additional support to Q2 data.</div>
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 Net exports made a 0.1ppts contribution to quarterly GDP growth even with export volumes basically unchanged in the quarter, as imports declined (-0.5 per cent q/q). Exports and imports of non-monetary gold declined substantially masking growth, overall, in other trade flows.</div>
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<div class="column">On the export side, there was a large increase in manufacturing exports (7.6 per cent q/q), with smaller increases in commodity exports – both rural and non-rural. Capital and intermediate goods imports increased, but services imports fell (driven by travel, which has declined in each of the last four quarters), and there was a small decline in consumption goods imports.</div>
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<div class="column">Over the last year, total imports have declined by 1.5 per cent, consistent with the weakness in domestic demand. Travel exports and imports will decline sharply in Q1.</div>
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 Compensation of employees rose by 1.0 per cent in the quarter (5.1 per cent y/y). While employment continued to rise, average COE per employee also increased by a moderate 0.5 per cent in the quarter. COE per hour continued to track above the WPI but saw a moderation in year-ended growth in the quarter. The boost to household income growth from tax cuts in Q3 faded in the quarter which also saw the household savings rate tick down.</div>
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 By industry, real estate services saw the strongest quarterly growth (up 2.7 per cent on a quarterly basis), likely reflecting the improvement in housing sales. Manufacturing (notably in food products), transport, healthcare and social assistance and mining also grew strongly, as did mining. Construction contracted 2.3 per cent on a quarterly basis, with building construction, engineering and construction services all hit down. Mining, manufacturing, transport, real estate services, public administration and health care each contributed 0.1 per cent to GDP growth in the December quarter, while construction detracted 0.2 per cent from growth.</div>
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 By state, the ACT experienced the fastest growth in state final demand (+0.8 per cent q/q), followed by NSW (+0.5 per cent), with the latter result largely reflecting growth in public consumption and investment spending. NT SFD rose by 0.3 per cent, its first increase since Q3 2017, reflecting a big boost in public investment and to a lesser extent petroleum exploration (perhaps driven by the end of the NT’s fracking ban). Queensland recorded growth of 0.2 per cent q/q, while Victoria saw a fall of 0.1 per cent, largely reflecting a slowdown in major road construction. SA and WA both contracted 0.2 per cent, driven by falls in private and public investment. Tasmania fell 1.0 per cent on lower public and private investment; non-dwelling construction fell 18.6 per cent on reduced energy and accommodation project spending.</div>
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 The slide in farm GDP was arrested in Q4 on a quarterly basis, up 0.4 per cent, although it remains lower on an annual basis (down 3.0 per cent). While the drought continued to wreak havoc in New South and Queensland in Q4, this led to higher cattle and sheep slaughter and therefore higher meat production. 2020 has brought a deluge to many Australian agricultural regions, which is very welcome relief indeed. However, this may be slow to show up in 2020 GDP as graziers rebuild herds and flocks – reducing meat production. It remains too early to say how the 2020-21 winter cropping season will perform.</div>
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ALAN OSTER is the Chief Economist at NAB Group
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Coronavirus to slow Australian GDP significantly: NAB's Alan Oster

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The REIV is forecasting a slow auction weekend this Moomba in Melbourne.
Only 410 auctions are currently scheduled in Victoria.
However this volume is higher than the 186 auctions that took place during the Moomba/Labour day festivities in Victoria last year. 
This is significantly less than the 1,345 that took place last weekend, which was much busier than that week last year.
During that time last year, 891 auctions took place. 
Plus clearance rates were up nearly 25%, 80% compared to 57%.
The Moomba Festival this year runs from March 6th to March 9th coinciding with the long Labour Day weekend
One vendor undeterred by the festivities is auctioning off their <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-132963546" target="_blank">107/565 Flinders Street</a> property (pictured above).
The one bedroom, one bathroom apartment sits on a 62 sqm block.
It goes to auction with a $350,000 - $370,000 price guide.
Sydney is also seeing a slowdown this week albeit not as drastic with 796 homes set to go under the hammer this week, lower than the 1,087 auctions held last week at final figures, according to CoreLogic data.
Their findings show that Perth is the only capital city market expected to see a rise in volumes over the week, with volumes set to be lower across Adelaide (-25.9%), Brisbane (-17.6%), Canberra (-50.6%) and Tasmania (1 scheduled auction)
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Melbourne auction listings slow this Moomba

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Perth’s median rent increased to $360 per week in February and is the first increase the Western Australian property market has seen since January 2017.
REIWA President Damian Collins said median rents had remained stable for the longest period since reiwa.com first started capturing rental data in 2001.
“While the overall increase in median rent was up by $10 per week in February, this is a significant step in the WA property market and one we have been waiting a long time for."
“This increase can be attributed to Perth’s vacancy rate dropping to 2.2 per cent, which is the lowest it has been since March 2013, coupled with listings for rent on reiwa.com being down compared to January.”
The top suburbs by median rent price growth for February include Stirling, Shenton Park, Ocean Reef, Thornlie and Bertram.
Mr Collins said, “leasing activity dropped nine per cent compared to January and days to lease has improved by one day to take on average only 28 days."
“As we head into March, which is usually one of the busiest months of the year for the rental market, it will be interesting to see how the market performs and if rents continue to rise, which is possible given the low vacancy rates,” he concluded.
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Perth rents up for the first time in over 3 years: REIWA

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Firstly, small businesses in bushfire-affected communities will be able to operate from portable offices without council approval, under the latest bushfire recovery initiative from the NSW Government.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said the changes will ensure regional business owners can continue to earn an income, employ local residents and support local economies.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes implemented changes to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) Amendment (Bushfire Response) 2020, which will enable any existing business that has sustained damage in the bushfires to operate from a portable office, such as a shipping container, for up to two years.
“This may only be a small change, but it’s one that will have a significant operational impact for the many small business owners across the State who have been devastated by these fires,” Mr Stokes said.
This initiative follows changes to allow temporary accommodation like caravans and storage containers to be on property for up to two years without council approval.
The NSW Government is also waiving Planning Reform Fees, worth an average of $320, and is issuing free BASIX certificates which usually cost $50, for bushfire-affected residents who need to rebuild their properties.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said small businesses were incredibly resilient and encouraged bushfire-affected enterprises to look into this new initiative.
“We’re committed to doing all we can to help small businesses affected by bushfire not only survive this difficult time, but thrive into the future,” Mr Tudehope stated.
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The latest planning and recovery initiatives for bushfire-affected communities

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

Joel Robinson

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]

La Vera closes in on completion as Macquarie Park continues residential transformation

Brisbane developer Red &amp; Co's decision to include dual key apartments in its debut Gold Coast apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO Varsity Lakes</a>, is proving to be one of the project's biggest drawcards, with buyers quickly snapping up the flexible residences.

More than half of the project's 36 dual key apartments have already sold, helping drive COMO beyond the 50 per cent sold mark within the first month of launch.

The strong response highlights growing demand for apartment designs that can adapt to changing lifestyles, with buyers increasingly looking for homes that accommodate multi-generational living, provide rental income opportunities or simply offer greater flexibility over time.

Located on the shores of Lake Orr, COMO will deliver 156 apartments across 16 levels, with the dual-key residences forming a limited release within the broader development.

Each combines a primary two-bedroom apartment with a fully self-contained studio on a single title, connected by a shared foyer and lockable internal door. The design allows owners to house ageing parents, adult children or guests while maintaining privacy, or lease the secondary residence to generate additional income.

Just 17 of the original 36 dual key apartments remain available.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=367096]

The innovative configuration combines two fully self-contained residences on a single title, typically comprising a primary two-bedroom apartment alongside a separate studio residence, connected via a shared foyer and lockable internal door.&nbsp;

The model is proving particularly attractive to owner occupiers navigating changing family dynamics and the realities of the current housing crisis.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/npa">NPA</a>&nbsp;CEO Andrew Erwin said dual key living was resonating strongly with modern buyers because it delivered both financial flexibility and practical lifestyle benefits.&nbsp;

“The housing crisis and rising cost of living are fundamentally changing how Australians think about home ownership,” Erwin said.&nbsp;

“Dual key apartments provide a genuine solution for families who want to stay connected while maintaining independence. Parents can help adult children save for a future home, ageing parents can remain nearby without moving into aged care, and owners still retain privacy and flexibility.

“Importantly, buyers are also recognising the financial advantages. It creates the opportunity to generate additional income from part of the home without the holding costs associated with owning a separate investment property.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363509]

Unlike traditional dual occupancy arrangements, the residences operate under a single title, meaning owners only incur one set of body corporate fees, council rates and holding costs.&nbsp;

The secondary residence can also evolve over time - functioning as guest accommodation, a home office, creative studio or private retreat before later becoming an income-producing asset.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a>&nbsp;Director and Co-Founder David Laverty said the strong early sales reflected growing buyer urgency and changing priorities within the market.&nbsp;

“Securing more than half of COMO’s residences within such a short timeframe is an outstanding result and a clear endorsement of both the design and location,” Laverty said.&nbsp;

“Buyers are responding to the combination of location, connectivity and amenity, but ultimately it’s value relative to other East Coast markets that is driving enquiry.”&nbsp;

“We’re also seeing strong interest from owner occupiers looking for homes that can adapt with them over time. Flexibility has become one of the most important considerations for buyers in today’s market.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363515]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, COMO features a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences with 2.7-metre ceilings and larger-format floorplans aimed at owner occupiers, downsizers and lifestyle-focused buyers.&nbsp;

The development will feature an extensive rooftop recreation and wellness offering including a 25-metre lap pool, sundeck, barbecue and dining areas, gym, sauna, plunge baths, landscaped gardens, wellness spaces and rooftop pickleball and paddleball courts.

The remaining dual key apartments range from 137 sqm to 167 sqm and include generous three-bedroom layouts with separate self-contained studio accommodation and dual parking.&nbsp;

Erwin said the dual key concept represented a broader shift in how Australians would live in the future.

“People want homes that can evolve with their lives,” he said.&nbsp;

“A dual key apartment can suit a family today, support an ageing parent tomorrow, and potentially generate income later on. That adaptability is becoming incredibly valuable in the current environment.”

Prices currently range from $2,115,750 to $2,583,000.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Inter-generational living drives demand for COMO’s dual key apartments as housing pressures reshape buyer priorities 

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ceerose">Ceerose</a> has doubled down on its Leichhardt ambitions, lodging its second State Significant Development Application (SSDA) in the suburb in the last six months.

Their newest proposal seeks to transform a former industrial precinct into a new residential community centred around the adaptive reuse of one of the site's heritage warehouse buildings.

The new project, on a 6,930 sqm block at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-76-william-street-leichhardt-nsw-2040">40–76 William Street</a>, will bring more than 200 apartments to a suburb that has seen little to no new supply in recent years. It follows Ceerose's late 2025 SSDA for a mixed-use apartment project on nearby Parramatta Road, signalling the developer's growing investment in Sydney's Inner West.

Ceerose Founder Edward Doueihi told Apartments.com.au the developer’s long-standing presence in Leichhardt and the Inner West had given it a strong understanding of how the area has evolved and where its future opportunities lie.

“Ceerose has had a long-standing presence in Leichhardt and the Inner West, giving us a unique understanding of the area’s evolution and future potential,” Doueihi said.

“Having delivered projects throughout the region, we have witnessed the suburb’s transformation first-hand and understand the opportunities for its continued growth.”

Doueihi said that understanding also informed the planning process, with a comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Outcomes Report prepared before the application was lodged.

The report identified the key issues and concerns raised by neighbouring residents and other stakeholders, allowing those matters to be considered and incorporated into the design where appropriate.

He said the delivery of additional housing would also play an important role in supporting the revitalisation of Norton Street and the Italian Forum.

“By increasing the local residential population, the development is expected to strengthen demand for local businesses, encourage further investment, and help restore the vibrancy that made the precinct a thriving destination in the early 2000s.”

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7258c54c-8167-479e-8361-2d5fca9915b4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010B%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%202.jpg?VersionId=S9DQfxu_jpcB5LrAEYFUbyMzg5odW6i5" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the redevelopment would involve the demolition of four existing industrial buildings while retaining and adaptively reusing the site's most significant warehouse. The retained structure would anchor a new residential precinct comprising five interconnected buildings arranged around a large central landscaped courtyard, with heights stepping from five storeys along the surrounding residential streets to 11 storeys at the William Street corner.

According to the Architecture Design Report by Woods Bagot, the proposal "seeks to create a residential village centred around a generous green heart while celebrating the site's industrial heritage through the adaptive reuse of the existing warehouse building."

The development would comprise 203 apartments, with 188 proposed as build-to-sell residences, alongside 15 affordable housing apartments.

Rather than treating the retained warehouse as a standalone heritage object, Woods Bagot has sought to weave the site's industrial history throughout the masterplan. The proposal retains the north and west facades of the landmark corner warehouse, while new buildings reinterpret the site's brick-and-steel industrial language through their material palette and architectural expression.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9e8c64c2-881b-49e1-8c90-6b6acaaa45b6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010C%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%203.jpg?VersionId=Qm8_8H_Xrg_sc4Mdjc59vlAcKF_5wRTb" />

The design is organised around what Woods Bagot describes as a "green heart", a landscaped communal open space that reinstates the leafy character removed when the site became an industrial storage facility. A new pedestrian laneway running through the site would improve permeability between William, North and Francis streets, linking residents through landscaped public spaces while activating the ground plane.

Residents would have access to communal gardens and shared recreation areas distributed throughout the development. Sustainability has also been prioritised, with the project targeting an average 7.9-star NatHERS rating. Proposed initiatives include rooftop solar generation, rainwater harvesting, passive solar design, naturally ventilated lobbies, extensive cross-ventilation and the reuse of existing building fabric to reduce embodied carbon.

The adaptive reuse strategy became a defining feature of the application after heritage investigations found only one of the site's industrial buildings could feasibly be retained. The Heritage Impact Statement concludes that preserving the key warehouse façades while referencing the site's industrial character throughout the new development provides an appropriate balance between renewal and conservation.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efffafdb-594f-4e2b-a067-921fd51c05e1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010D%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%204.jpg?VersionId=DPmE4.k16YRt0i27hEZVtJAffarpvUfx" />

"Retention and adaptation of the site buildings has been explored but found not to be feasible except for the tallest building, whose street facades will be retained," the heritage report states.

"The proposed building will interpret the brick and steel character of the subject site, including reuse of some components and construction of a large 'sawtooth' structure in the proposed open space."

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3bfef2b5-83f5-40cd-9cab-767092f34266" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010E%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%205.jpg?VersionId=7asb3i_ql4ybbuJOUb5UHBEIy0Q9t.DF" />

The William Street site is located around 300 metres from Leichhardt North Light Rail station and a short walk to Norton Street's retail, dining and hospitality precinct. The surrounding area has increasingly become a focus for urban renewal given its proximity to public transport and the Parramatta Road corridor.

Doueihi founded Ceerose in 1998 and has grown the business to become one of Sydney's more active apartment developers in recent years, with completed projects including The Alex Collective in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay. They are currently delivering Belgravia, 17 luxury apartments in Potts Point.

Staff reporter

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