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The Agency has launched in Canberra with Peter Micalos leading the way, as well as a significant project pipeline.
The Agency Group said they have always seen Canberra as a top priority in their national growth plans.
Matt Lahood (pictured left), The Agency’s CEO explains, “we have been waiting for the right partnership to fulfil The Agency’s Canberra expansion, which we have found in Peter Micalos (pictured right), our new senior partner."
"Peter has been a trailblazer in the Canberra property market for many years as an influential property development and real estate executive.”
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/20/The%20agency%20canberra.jpg" alt="">
Peter Micalos holds over 15 years of experience in senior roles with highly successful property developers, and has participated in approximately $5 billion worth of property transactions and been closely involved in Canberra’s most iconic real estate developments.
Previously General Manager - Development at Geocon and now founder of Intellectual Property, a boutique real estate and development management business, Peter Micalos has also been looking for the right national partner, he said,
Along with Peter Micalos’ project pipeline, that is estimated to grow to 2,000 units over 24 months and a total value of $1billion, Peter Micalos will be establishing The Agency’s bricks-and-mortar hub in Canberra and initiating a major recruitment drive.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

The Agency launches in Canberra

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The real estate market of the Central Coast Region of New South Wales enjoyed a good year in 2019 and we don’t expect much changing for year 2020, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm asked their valuers to give an educated outlook on the residential market in their service areas in February. 
"Of course there are many factors that may change this. The most obvious factor likely to affect the market is the bushfire disaster seen across the state. 
"The Central Coast region has been affected by this, but to a much lower level than other regions. This means we can’t see a direct and significant effect on values and demand in the region," the valuation firm said. 
It remains to be seen this early in the year what operational changes, if any, lenders and insurers will implement as a result of the bushfires, but if changes occur within their respective spaces, there will be an indirect effect on the market.
"There is of course, a similar scenario in many parts of the state, and the Central Coast region sits between two markets that have been particularly affected, the Sydney and Newcastle markets," the valuation firm commented. 
Historically, the periods following significant events such as the devastating bushfires usually cause some disruption to the market and to a degree we do see this playing out in a period of consolidation - nothing new here.
"In Central Coast terms, the market is more likely to experience short term effects by excessive rainfall and flooding as we have seen in the past and if weather predictions prove correct, the region will have a lot of rain soon," the valuation firm added. 
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There weren’t any really identifiable standouts across the various market segments in 2019 and this is expected to be the case in 2020. 
"We saw the completion of several residential unit complexes in 2019. Almost all of the individual units within these complexes were sold off the plan from as far back as 2016.
"As completion drew close and developers starting calling for settlements, we were instructed to provide current valuations for mortgage purposes," the valuation firm said. 
In most cases, the values held with some increasing and on the odd occasion, a fall in value was noted.
Construction of new residential unit developments waned during the latter part of 2019 and there remains only a few developments still under construction, meaning that the heat of this market segment has eased and this should provide an opportunity for the consolidation of values in both new and older units, the latter of which did suffer slightly due to the preference for new stock.
The report notes general housing showed little of the effects of market disruptors seen in other regions during 2019 and from our perspective, it was pretty much a case of the market for established dwellings being steady throughout the year. 
"We don’t see much changing in 2020 for this segment and no locations showing signs of emerging as the place to be," the valuation firm stated. 
"Last year we offered that the peninsula suburbs of Woy Woy, Umina Beach and Ettalong Beach would see a reduction in values on the back of several extraordinarily strong years of growth. 
"We couldn’t see the rise in values being sustained for long and to a degree, this occurred with some real estate agents referring to 2016 values as the new norm for this part of the region. Once again, we would suggest caution and well founded research when buying in these suburbs," the valuation firm said. 
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"If pushed to suggest an emerging market, then we suggest a look at the new estates around Berkeley Vale," the valuation firm noted. 
The land is considered good quality and well priced. As new dwellings are established here, the values both within the estate and adjacent should benefit. 
Considerable new home building activity remains a staple for the newer suburbs towards the northern end of the region. This includes the suburbs of Hamlyn Terrace and Wadalba. 
Both suburbs provide well priced land with services close by and handy access to the M1 Motorway.
A 7 bedroom dual occupancy house in Hamlyn Terrace has recently been sold for $790,000.
The large house with a self-contained granny flat is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-hamlyn+terrace-131806894" target="_blank">37 Georgia Drive</a> (pictured below).
It features multiple living and entertaining spaces, covered patio, swimming pool and side access for boat/caravan.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/10/hamlyn%20terrace.jpg" alt="">
A current listing is a Wadalda four bedroom house priced between $520,000 to $570,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-wadalba-132755342" target="_blank">13 Terka Street</a> (pictured below), the house comprises open living and dining spaces, three bedrooms, fourth bedroom or study and outdoor entertaining area. 
The house is situated minutes to schools, shops, sporting grounds and hospital. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/10/wadalba.jpg" alt="">
"We see a resilience to market pressures in these areas due to the relatively solid levels of affordability," the valuation firm suggested. 
"At an operational level, our interaction with lenders and mortgage brokers increased during 2019. This follows an extended period of limited interaction with the placement of intermediary parties being the link between lenders and service providers." 
While that link correctly remains present, direct discussion has proven just as successful as lenders seek a more detailed understanding of what’s happening in their local markets to assist in paving their way forward.
As with the last year, there is a reasonably good level of market confidence present, with indications that this confidence will wane slightly in some segments as the year progresses. 
"If previous cycles repeat themselves, we can expect to see a period of reduced buy and sell activity," the valuation firm said. 
 Obvious determinants of this will include the cost of financing, stock availability and of course, the presence or absence of buyers and sellers. 
Less obvious at this early stage but perhaps more influencing will be effects of natural disasters and as always, the role of the media.
"Also as with 2019, we see 2020 proving to be an interesting one for local real estate following the market peaking in most segments.
"We say interesting because the traditionally reliable and predictive market indicators have or are likely to be different to those seen in previous, fairly predictive cycles. The activity and rises seen until very recently occurred over an extended and sustained period as opposed to previous cycles." 
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Central Coast property values expected to remain steady in 2020: HTW residential 

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A circa 1920's Armadale, Victoria home has been listed for sale via a March 2020 auction.
It comes with a $2.3 million dollar price guide and a planning permit for six apartments and one penthouse.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-armadale-133002594" target="_blank">62 Kooyong Road</a>, the listing does note that there is potential to instead renovate the existing brick home or knock it down and rebuild.
Mark Wridgway and James Paull or RT Edgeway are marketing the home.
The existing house is a five bedroom, one bathroom abode.
Set on 706 sqm, the home has been listed for $500,000 less than what it prevously sold for.
It last sold for $2,860,000 in 2018. 
The home was listed as a rental in 2018 seeking $875/pw
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median price for a house in <a href="/developments/armadale-vic-3143">Armadale</a> is $1.875 million according to CoreLogic data.
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Armadale mortgagee home with planning permit listed at $500,000 value reduction

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New data released by SQM Research today has revealed the national residential rental vacancy rate decreased in January 2020 to 2.1% from 2.5% recorded in December, with the total number of vacancies Australia-wide now at 72,422 vacant residential properties.
All states recorded decreases in vacancy rates with Darwin recording the highest vacancy rate at 3.2% followed by Sydney at 3.1%. Hobart’s vacancy rate remains steady at 0.6%, the lowest of all capital cities.
Adelaide and Canberra also recorded low vacancy rates of 1.0% and 1.4% respectively.'
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/18/Vacancy%20rates%20tumble%201.JPG" alt="">
The year on year comparison revealed a more moderate decline. The national rental vacancy rate back in January 2019 was 2.2% compared to 2.1% recorded for January 2020. Melbourne, Canberra and Hobart recorded higher vacancy rates compared to this time last year.
Managing Director of SQM Research, Louis Christopher said, "Following on from December, January’s vacancy rates are also affected by seasonality. We will have a clear picture of the rental market when the numbers for February are released."
"However, we do believe that rental vacancy rates have now peaked in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Darwin. And assuming a stable economy, these cities are likely to record gradually lower vacancy rates as 2020 progresses.”
Asking Rents
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/18/Vacancy%20rates%20tumble%202.JPG" alt="">
Over the month, Capital city asking rents increased 2.5% for houses and 1.1% for units for the week ending 12 February 2020 to record asking rents of $569 per week for houses and $442 per week for units. In comparison over the 12 months, asking rents increased 1.6% for houses and remained steady for units.
Sydney, Melbourne and Perth all recorded increases in asking rents for both houses and units over the month.
Darwin and Hobart recorded decreases in both house and unit asking rents. Darwin had a 2.9% decline for houses and 2.5% for units whilst Hobart recorded 2.5% decline in houses and 1.4% in unit asking rents.
Brisbane recorded a decrease in house asking rents of 0.4% but increases of 0.2% in unit rents. Canberra and Adelaide had a reverse trend of increases in house rents but decrease in unit rents.
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Vacancy rates fell across Australia reaching record lows in some states: SQM Research

Insights into RBA thinking February 2020: RBA Minutes

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Water restrictions in Greater Sydney are expected to be relaxed to Level 1 on the 1st of March as Sydney Dam levels reach 80 per cent following recent rainfall. 
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said Level 2 water restrictions will remain in place for two more weeks to reduce the demand on the water supply network and ensure water quality remains high.
“We recently experienced the biggest rain event in 20 years, which has impacted the quality of raw water in Greater Sydney’s bushfire affected catchment,” Mrs Pavey said. 
“A number of initiatives are in place to ensure the water is safe for use, including extensive testing, filtration and nets to catch debris, but we are allowing an extra two weeks purely as a precautionary measure.”
“It will also give the system time to recover and on the 1st of March we expect Greater Sydney will revert back to Level 1 water restrictions, subject to water quality assessment by Water NSW and Sydney Water.”
Under Level 1 water restrictions, residents and businesses are not able to leave hoses running unattended, wash vehicles and buildings with a hose that isn’t fitted with a trigger nozzle, or use standard sprinklers and watering systems at any time. 
Mrs Pavey acknowledged people have been patient and applauded their efforts to reduce the amount of water being used annually – from 200L per person per day in 2017, to 180L today.
“Despite a 26 per cent increase in population, the total demand for drinking water remains lower than it did before mandatory restrictions were introduced in late 2003,” Mrs Pavey said.
Fines will still apply for breaches of water restrictions - $220 for residential breaches and $550 for businesses. Exemptions will be available for non-residential customers with outdoor water use as their core business.
For a full list of requirements for Level 1 and 2 water restrictions visit: lovewater.sydney
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Water restrictions in Greater Sydney expected to be relaxed from March

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The Australian government's Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has invested up to $60 million in green home loans with rates as low as 2.44 per cent this year.
The property sector accounts for around 23 per cent of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council figures. Around half of it comes from residential buildings due to the use of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, lighting and hot water systems the figures show.
This new discount loan is to encourage the construction and purchase of energy-efficient homes and help reduce household emissions. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/3_StockBreakouts/green-huis-breakout-3187521.jpg" alt="">
What is considered 'green' enough for the green home loan?
To qualify for the discounted rate, borrowers must submit certification that the homes they are buying or building have achieved a minimum of 7-stars under the <a href="https://www.certifiedenergy.com.au/nathers-per-state-ebook?hsCtaTracking=570461df-e398-4895-9cc2-e632610ddb09%7Cf6a680be-2731-4574-9a53-5013b5fc2128" target="_blank">Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS)</a> in addition to the normal borrowing criteria. 
CEFC executive director investment, Richard Lovell says the green home loan will fill a gap in the market to give builders and home buyers a financial incentive to adopt NatNERS design principles from the start of the project. 
"New homes built today will be in use for decades to come. We want those homes to have the strongest energy efficiency and to delivery the smallest carbon footprint possible.
"We believe this is a useful tool to get it happening in the market so that financial markets could support emissions reduction in the residential housing stock.
"We have the option of extending it and making it a recurring program, depending on the market response."
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Which lenders offer green home loans?
Bank Australia 
The new <a href="https://www.bankaust.com.au/personal/borrow/home-loans/clean-energy-home-loan/" target="_blank">Bank Australia Clean Energy Home Loan</a> (BACEHL) offers qualifying builders and home buyers a 0.4 percentage point discount for up to five years on mortgages worth $1.5 million or less.
On a standard mortgage of $350,000, this would equate to savings of $1400 a year, or $7000 over the life of the loan. Half of the discount will be funded by the CEFC finance and the other half by Bank Australia.
Currently, there are three options for the BACEHL.
The 7 Star + opinion is for new builds or existing homes that meet a high standard of energy efficiency. In order to qualify for this BACEHL option, the property must have a NatHERS rating of 7 stars or higher which can be proved with a NatHERS Certificate completed by a HatHERS accredited assessor. 
Alternatively, a property can also qualify if it has a Residential Efficiency Scorecard rating of 7 stars or higher, excluding the impact of rooftop solar instalments; Passive House Certification; or, Green Star's Design &amp; As Built score of 8 points of higher on the credit '15 Greenhouse Gas Emissions'. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/14/2_Green%20BANK%20LOAN.jpg" alt="" width="561" height="320">
The <a href="https://direct.bankaust.com.au/MHCwa/DefaultAn.aspx?Instance=5D085108400047&amp;LoginType=0C&amp;QuestionnaireID=085D0351&amp;LayoutID=085D0158&amp;BroadcastID=&amp;CheckSum=4C5C055906&amp;notrack&amp;_ga=2.226959259.743840930.1581651236-1432342159.1581651236" target="_blank">Property Upgrade</a> and <a href="https://direct.bankaust.com.au/MHCwa/DefaultAn.aspx?Instance=5D085108400047&amp;LoginType=0C&amp;QuestionnaireID=085D0351&amp;LayoutID=085D0158&amp;BroadcastID=&amp;CheckSum=4C5C055906&amp;notrack&amp;_ga=2.226959259.743840930.1581651236-1432342159.1581651236" target="_blank">High Energy Efficiency</a> opinions are not available yet, but potential borrowers can register their interests online.
The Property Upgrade option is designed for existing homeowners that implement three or more eligible sustainable upgrades, or achieve a minimum 1 star improvement to the energy efficiency assessment as assessed by the Residential Efficiency Scorecard.
Meanwhile, the High Energy Efficiency option is a higher discount that can be applied to loans for new builds or existing homes that have three eligible sustainability features like a minimum NatHERS rating of 8 stars, a solar system, a battery or a real-time in-home energy monitoring system. 
Those who qualify for a BACEHL will receive an interest rate discount from the Premium Home Loan Package.
This package features:
<ul>
<li>No redraw fee which is available during the fixed rate period of the home loan;</li>
<li>Fee waived on your everyday banking, the Everyday Access or Mortgage Offset accounts;</li>
<li>No annual fee on the bank's Platinum Rewards Visa Credit Card, and zero per cent on balance transfers for 12 months;</li>
<li>No establishment fee for Personal loans and home loan top-ups, as well as</li>
<li>10 per cent off general insurance products across buildings, contents and comprehensive motors.</li>
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In addition, the interest paid back on any Bank Australia home loan will not be used to fund any industries that cause harm like fossil fuels, live animal exports, or nuclear weapons.
Bank Australia managing director, Damien Walsh says the decision to launch the Clean Energy Home Loan was driven by customers who cared deeply about sustainability and climate change. 
Mr Walsh says, "Our customers have told us that they care about sustainability and action on climate change and Bank Australia is a customer-owned bank, so we seek to reflect their values and take priority on the areas that are concerned to them."
"We want a high proportion of our loan book to be energy-efficient homes, and we want to be able to track progress towards emissions reductions in our portfolio.
"An individual home may not have huge emissions, but when you add up all the homes we finance, that's a really big opportunity for us to make a difference by helping customers reduce the environmental impact of their homes," he explains. 
Mr Lovell and Walsh both agree that the $60 million initial investment could be extended by both Bank Australia and the CEFC depending on the uptake. 
Regional Australia Bank
The Regional Australia Bank's <a href="https://www.regionalaustraliabank.com.au/personal/products/home-loans/sustainable-home-loan" target="_blank">Sustainable Home Loan</a> features a variable rate of 3.31 p.a. 
To qualify for the Sustainable Home Loan, the borrower's home must have at least one feature from List A and at least two features from List B: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/14/2_REGIONAL%20.jpg" alt="">
Source: <a href="https://www.regionalaustraliabank.com.au/personal/products/home-loans/sustainable-home-loan" target="_blank">Screenshot of Regional Australia Bank </a>
This Sustainable Home Loan also features:
<ul>
<li>100 per cent Offset Accounts with up to eight per loan account;</li>
<li>Split Loan options;</li>
<li>Advance payment options;</li>
<li>Option to redraw;</li>
<li>a maximum term of 30 years;</li>
<li>an interest only payments available for up to five years;</li>
<li>Discounted Interest Rate on Your Choice Visa Credit Card; and </li>
<li>Waived Access Fee on Transaction and Savings Accounts.</li>
</ul>
There are similar options available at Bendigo Bank, Maleny Credit Union, and Hunter United but are not supported by CEFC. 
Mr Lovell says CEFC would like to see other lenders follow suit, "we are absolutely keen to see other banks and non-banks develop similar products in the same space and we're more than happy to work with any financiers that do want to try."
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Government sponsored mortgage discounts for green home purchases

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New data released today by the Housing (Supply) Minister shows that the Federal Government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme is already helping millennials achieve their home ownership aspirations and giving a boost to regional areas.
The data shows that 34 per cent of applicants are aged between 25 and 29, while 76 per cent of applicants are aged between 18 and 34, with millennials making up the largest share. This represents 3,055 first home buyers taking the opportunity to buy their first home sooner.
These figures ring true with research undertaken for HIA in 2018 which found that 92 per cent of renters aspire to own their own home, yet only 49 per cent believe they will achieve that dream. The Scheme is clearly helping.
Where first home buyers are looking to live is also encouraging. A large number of applicants, including millennials, are looking to buy outside the major cities of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. This suggests that people are starting to think outside the box (and the capital cities) when they think about buying their first home.
The house price cap in these locations is on average around $400,000 and even then the data shows most borrowers are seeking approval to buy houses below that maximum price.
Free standing houses are the most popular purchase with the scheme, which tends to suggest people are buying existing homes, rather than new homes. This is something HIA has raised with the Government and we will continue to investigate as the Scheme matures to ensure first home buyers have a choice.
There is no simple or single solution to increasing the rates of first home ownership but it is important to ensure that at the heart of any incentive scheme, greater housing supply is a core objective. Achieving this helps both first home buyers and those renting and saving their deposit.
No doubt this strong early take up will encourage the Government to think about increasing the number of places for the scheme in 2021.
All Australians seek to have secure housing options. Home ownership is an important fundamental of achieving that and increasing housing supply will have trickledown effect for the economy as whole.
HIA is heartened to see the Scheme receiving so much interest and so many first home buyers now being able to achieve their home ownership dream.
KRISTIN BROOKFIELD is the Chief Executive of Industry Policy at HIA
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First home buyer scheme supports regional areas and millennials: HIA's Kristin Brookfield

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Household financial comfort fell across regional Australia during the six months to December 2019, according to ME Bank’s latest Household Financial Comfort Report.
While ME Bank’s latest biannual survey showed the financial comfort of metropolitan households increased 3% to 5.76 out of 10 to near record highs – especially in eastern Australia – financial comfort for regional households fell 4% to 5.08, continuing a decline over the past year to approach its lowest point in the past eight years.
ME’s Consulting Economist, Jeff Oughton, said the gap in financial comfort between regional and metropolitan households had now reached a record 13%, almost twice the historical average of 7%.
“The sharp fall in financial comfort in regional areas is likely a result of ongoing drought and recent bushfire catastrophes, which have significantly lowered already low levels of financial comfort."
"‘Comfort with cash savings’ fell 9% and the ‘ability to deal with financial emergencies’ fell 7%, while long-term retirement comfort deteriorated, with ‘anticipated standard of living in retirement’ down 7%."
"Regional Queensland reported the largest fall in comfort, down 14% to 4.95, dipping below regional New South Wales (5.09) and Victoria (5.20)."
“In contrast, the improvement in the financial comfort of metropolitan households reflected significant gains in all key drivers, with record high levels of comfort approached in Sydney (up 1% to 5.94), Melbourne (up 3% to 5.91) and Brisbane (up 10% to 5.82).”
Record low mortgage rates and rising house prices improving comfort with debt in the major cities
Across the 11 key drivers that make up ME’s Household Financial Comfort Index, the biggest improvement was with ‘comfort with debt’, up 5% to 6.55 out of 10, reaching record highs. ‘Comfort with debt’ increased 7% for households in metropolitan areas, particularly those with mortgages on their homes or on an investment property.
“Significantly lower home loan rates and relatively low and stable unemployment rates helped to significantly improve ‘comfort with debt’ – especially in major capital cities, while a partial reversal of the fall in residential property prices in eastern capital cities and expectations of further price gains have also eased gearing concerns,” said Oughton.
Mortgage stress eases further and expected debt management improves Consistent with a significant fall in home loan rates, sustained low unemployment and improved property prices in most of Australia, mortgage stress eased a bit further during the past six months.
Nevertheless, there remains generally high levels of mortgage stress and significant other financial stress amongst households.
Record low Reserve Bank official interest rates helping, but divide households 
For the first time in the latest survey, ME asked households if they thought they were ‘better’ or ‘worse off’ as a result of the historically low official interest rates.
Overall, slightly more households reported being better off (27%), compared to worse off (23%), while the remaining half of households reported they weren’t impacted positively or negatively.
“Those households paying off a mortgage felt they were far better off than those renting or who already own their homes. When it came to investors with debt, results show they feel they’ve benefitted the most (60% ‘better off’) from the flow on to record low mortgage rates – an indication of the high level of gearing among residential property investors in Australia.”
In terms of life stage, young singles and couples with no children appeared to be the biggest winners, with over half (51%) saying they were ‘better off’, followed by couples with young children (41%).
Property price optimism revised higher
The report revealed household optimism regarding the outlook for residential property prices has continued, with both owner occupiers (47%) and investors (51%) revising up price expectations for 2020.
Brisbane investors and owner occupiers were the most optimistic about higher property prices (67% and 61%, respectively), followed by Melbourne owner occupiers (55%) and Sydney investors (51%). Owner occupiers in Perth (29%) remain the least optimistic in this regard.  
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Household financial comfort fell across regional Australia: ME Bank

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Capital city auctions saw a national success rate hovering around 78 per cent. 
Canberra recorded the highest clearance rate this weekend with 90 per cent, while Sydney sat at 80 per cent.
Melbourne was the busiest auction market with just over 700 auctions, according to CoreLogic. Sydney was the second busiest capital with 578 offerings.
Of the 386 Sydney results captured, 304 homes sold.
In Melbourne, 586 results were captured and 464 homes sold.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/17/CoreLogic%20Feb%2017.jpg" alt="">
Sydney had the most expensive sale among the capitals when <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/74-cascade-st-paddington-nsw-2021">74 Cascade, St. Paddington</a> sold through Phillips Pantzer Donnelley prior to auction for $4,675,000.
It was architecturally designed by Noekdesign and newly rebuilt by Huntsman Constructions. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/1_Paddington.jpg" alt="" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;">
The former three-bedroom, two-bathroom house had previously sold for $2.3 million. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/1_Paddington_2.jpg" alt="">
The 183 sqm block has been transformed into a luxury home with aged brass finishes, and Venetian plaster walls.  
There was also $4,510,000 pre-auction ocean-view sale at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-clontarf-132769278" target="_blank">10 Peronne Avenue, Clontarf </a>through Stone Estate Agents. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/1_Oceanview.jpg" alt="" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;">
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom house was previously sold for $3,120,000 in 2009.
A six-bedroom, three-bathroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-strathfield-132617658" target="_blank">25 South Street, Strathfield</a> sold at auction for $4,420,000 through Richard Matthews. 
Sydney's most affordable auction was at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/unit-10-39-bathurst-st-liverpool-nsw-2170?pid=p4ep-pdp%7Csold-pdp:property-history-cta#timeline" target="_blank">10/39 Bathurst, St. Liverpool</a> which sold for $340,000 through RW Parramatta. 
Domain reported the highest residential sale in Melbourne was a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/50-chaucer-st-st-kilda-vic-3182" target="_blank">50 Chaucer Street, St Kilda</a>. 
The 399 sqm holding sold through Belle Property for $3,710,000. 
There had been a $2.7 million to $2.9 million price guide, with an opening bid of $3 million from the first of three bidders
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/1_MEL.jpg" alt="">
Melbourne's cheapest auction sale at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-richmond-132818338" target="_blank">8/182 Coppin, St. Richmond</a> sold through Biggin &amp; Scott Richmond for $290,500. 
The one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment price guide had been between $265,000 and $290,000.
Brisbane's priciest listing at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-highgate+hill-132566870">19 Rosebery Street, Highgate Hill</a> did not sell.
Brisbane's highest sale was <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-new+farm-132599094" target="_blank">12 Clay Street. New Farm</a> which sold through Ray White at $1,895,000.
Built in 1890, it last sold for 1,030,000 in 2014.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/1_Bris.jpg" alt="">
The five-bedroom, three-bathroom house is situated on 298 sqm of land.
Brisbane's most affordable house sale at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/45-grice-cres-ningi-qld-4511" target="_blank">45 Grice Crescent, Ningi</a> sold for $370,000 through Raine &amp; Horne.
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom house sold at a loss with its last sale in 2013 for $413,900.
The shock sale of the weekend was when the garage at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-albert+park-202587130" target="_blank">32 Little Graham Street</a>, Albert Park, belonging to a retired plumber, Frank Davis, fetched $645,500. 
It sold through Greg Hocking, whose price guide had been $365,000 to $400,000. 
The 90-year-old  paid $8000 for the property in 1984 for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/albert-park-garage-sells-for-645500-at-hot-auction/" target="_blank">"storing my plumbing gear"</a>. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/1_Garage.jpeg" alt="">
Some seven bidders battled for the 46 sqm real estate among a 100-plus crowd.
The buyers, Lola and Brenton Smith of Templestowe Lower, secured the property. 
Canberra's auction volume was down. 
However, Canberra recorded the strongest clearance rate of 90 per cent. 
The most expensive sale was <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/6-welsh-pl-chifley-act-2606" target="_blank">6 Welsh Place, Chifley</a>, a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house which fetched $1,135,000 through McGrath Woden. 
It was last sold for $235,000 in 2002. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/1_CANBERRA.jpg" alt="">
Canberra's most affordable auction sale was a three-bedroom, one-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-holt-132845330" target="_blank">16 Sellwood Street, Holt</a>.
Built around 1975, the 104 sqm residence sold for $496,000 through Luton Properties.
There were 14 registered bidders at an auction in Canberra for a large home at <a href="https://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZG/82IddyOwvlx0uwzb2nnICtXdeXxuax8&amp;rh=ff005a1eb05551cdee63205ebf489cee80dc7e19" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">16 Bussell Crescent, Cook</a> which sold for $1.3 million to a local family.  
Ray White agent Troy Reddick noted the average number of bidders was rising "so we’re expecting to have a strong year.” 
Adelaide had the cheapest sale among the capitals with <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-davoren+park-132767686" target="_blank">12 Walpole Street, Davoren Park</a> through Harcourts.
The 720 sqm land parcel sold at a loss for $117,000 at its mortgagee auction.
The three-bedroom, one-bathroom property last sold for $127,000 in 2005. 
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There were 1,555 homes taken to auction across the combined capital cities this week.
It was 1,167 auctions were held last week, returning a revised clearance rate of 67 per cent, according to CoreLogic.
Over the same week last year, auction volumes were slightly lower with 1,450 homes going under the hammer across the combined capital cities, returning a final auction clearance rate of just 51 per cent.
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Sydney clears 80 per cent of real estate at weekend auction, Melbourne 79 per cent

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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