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<div class="column">EXPERT OBSERVATION</div>
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<div class="column">On 15 January 2015, the Home Building Amendment Act 2014 changed the terminology and definitions from structural to “major” and from minor to “in any other case” i.e. non-major.</div>
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<div class="column">These amendments apply retrospectively to residential building work commenced or completed prior to the commencement of the amendment except in relation to a dispute in which proceedings had already commenced prior to the operation of the amendment or in relation to contracts entered into prior to 1 February 2012.</div>
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 Two recent NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal Appeal Panel decisions have considered the definition of major defect and how to establish whether a defect meets this definition, providing useful guidance on this topic.</div>
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<div class="column">The definition of a major defect is substantially different from the old definition of a structural defect. A major defect is defined as a defect in a “major element” of a building. This involves defects to the following parts of the building that are defined as a major element:
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<li>a) An internal or external load bearing component of a building that is essential to the stability of the building, or any part of it (including but not limited to foundations and footings, floors, walls, roofs, columns and beams); or</li>
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<li>b) A fire safety system; or</li>
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<li>c) Waterproofing; or</li>
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<li>d) Any other element that is prescribed by the regulations as a major element of a building.</li>
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In addition to affecting a “major element” of the building, a “major defect” must have the following consequences (emphasis added):
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<li>a)  The inability to inhabit or use the building (or part of the building) for its intended purpose; or</li>
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<li>b)  The destruction of the building or part of the building; or</li>
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<li>c)  A threat of collapse of the building or part of the building.</li>
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A defect may also be a major defect if:
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<li>a) It is a defect of a kind that is prescribed by the regulations as a major defect; or</li>
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<li>b) If it involves the use of a building product within the meaning of the Building Products (Safety) Act 2017) in contravention of that Act.</li>
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What defects are included in categories of major defects will depend upon the meaning of the words“destruction”, “the inability to inhabit or use the building”, or “threat of collapse”.
It is possible that the meaning of “major defect” will be considered to only include defects that have significant consequences. If so then the limitation period will be reduced to two years for some defects that previously would have had a six-year warranty because they will be regarded as non- major.
Whilst there is very little judicial consideration of the meaning of major defect by the Courts in NSW, the definition has been considered recently in two cases this year by the Appeal Panel of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal in relation to the question of jurisdiction. In other words, if a defect is not a major defect and more than two years have passed since completion of the building, then the claim is out of time and the Tribunal does not have jurisdiction.
In Vella v Mir [2019] NSWCATAP 28 the Appeal Panel set out the sequence of analysis to decide whether a claim for a major defect was made within time as follows:
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<li>a)  when the statutory warranty period starts;</li>
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<li>b)  whether s.18E(2) applies if the statutory warranty has already been enforced;</li>
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<li>c)  whether each of the defects is a major element in a building;</li>
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<li>d)  whether each of the defects in a major element is a major defect;</li>
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<li>e)  whether the application has been made within time by reference to the statutory warranty period.</li>
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In Ashton v Stevenson [2019] NSWCATAP the Appeal Panel applied the decision of Vella and also found that the following must be established for a defect to be a major defect:
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<li>a)  The first step in the analysis is that the defect must be part of a “major element” of a building.</li>
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<li>b)  Inclusion in the definition of major element does not mean that the defect will be a “major defect”.</li>
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<li>c)  The extent to which a defect impacts on the habitability or the integrity of the building needs to be proved by the party alleging a major defect (referring to Panchal v Jones t/as Oz Style Homes [2018] NSWCATD 238).</li>
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<li>d)  The consequences of the defect must be shown to have, or probably have, a proven consequence for the habitation, or use, of the building or to the integrity of the building.</li>
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<li>e)  Section 18E(4)(a)(i) requires that there must be a proven, or probable, inability to inhabit, or use the building.</li>
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<li>f)  Section 18E(4)(a)(ii) and (iii) are at the more serious end of consequences or impact on a building. The reference to destruction does not mean minor process of deterioration, but evidence of a real possibility of destruction, not merely incidental damage or superficial deterioration.</li>
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<li>g)  These are matters for evidence as to the actual impact which must involve more than a speculative or pessimistic assessment of possibilities in order to prove that the defect will have, or probably have, the prescribed consequences.</li>
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<li>h)  The evidence must establish that the consequences are imminent or probable.</li>
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<li>i)  Whilst expert evidence may assist in this analysis, such evidence is not determinative of the issue and must rise above speculation and suggestions as to possibilities.</li>
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<li>j)  Evidence from the occupants of users of the building (as opposed to expert evidence) would be necessary to establish the claim.</li>
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In summary, a 'major defect; will have to overcome the criteria that the defect renders a building (or part of it) uninhabitable or incapable of use, destroys the building (or part of it) or imposes a threat of collapse of the building (or part of it). These criteria all involve a significant degree of seriousness.
Additionally, establishing whether a defect is a major defect is not simply a matter for expert opinion and will require evidence from occupants of the building to establish the seriousness of the defect, particularly in relation to the ability to use the building or a part of it for its intended purpose.
Unless a defect can be proven to be a major defect, an owners corporation will be out of time to claim for some very significant and costly defects if proceedings are commenced outside of the 2- year limitation period for minor defects.
The owners corporation has a strict obligation to maintain and repair the common property pursuant to section 106 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015. This includes taking action to address all defects at the property for which the builder and the developer are responsible. Failure to do so may leave the owners corporation open to action by any interested person, such as a lot owner.
It is therefore important to take steps to review the building for defects after the first 12 months from the date of issue of an occupation certificate and obtain legal advice on pursuing the builder and developer well before the 2 year limitation period expiry.
Helen Amanatiadis is a strata lawyer from JS Muellers &amp; Co Lawyers 
 
 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

How to establish a major building defect: JS Mueller & Co Lawyers' Helen Amanatiadis

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WeWork is set to further expand its Sydney holdings after securing 11,000 sqm of space in a 12 year leasing deal.
The tenancy negotiated by JLL and Knight Frank marks WeWork’s first lease with building owner ARA Australia.  
JLL’s Justin Hayes, Director, Office Leasing – NSW, and Alex Wong, Director, Office Leasing – NSW, managed the deal on behalf of ARA Australia. 
Rohan Neville, Head of Asset Management at ARA Australia, said, “320 Pitt Street provides a unique accommodation solution for WeWork with a dedicated ground-floor entry and exclusive use of the low rise of the building.
<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/2019/7/22/322%20pitt%20st.jpg" alt="">
The 32-storey A-grade building has a net lettable area of 29,000 sqm.
Major upgrade works are underway and include an expanded new lobby and end-of-trip facilities. 
Tina Raftopoulos, Director, Office Leasing at Knight Frank, said: "The floor plates at 320 Pitt Street have natural light on all four sides and the column-free, efficient space enhances the options for vertical connectivity throughout the 320 Pitt Street WeWork facility.”
The building is close to Museum station, the new light rail route along George Street and the future Pitt Street Station on the Sydney Metro rail network. 
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WeWork lease further 11,000 square metres of Sydney CBD office space

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The Melbourne based chippies and half brothers, Tim, 32, and Mat, 27, (pictured above) thought they had the upper hand in the 2019 series of House Rules.
But they failed losing just by two points to Victorian dance teachers Pete, 32, and Courtney, 31. The judge Laurence Llewelyn Bowen awarded them a 10 for their final renovation, taking Pete and Courtney to a score of 29/30 from the judges while Melbourne brothers Tim and Mat received 27 points. 
Three teams battled it out in the House Rules 2019 Grand Final challenge after facing off in a seven day luxury loft challenge.
South Australia’s Lisa and Andy finished in third spot on 26 points.
From day one the chippies duo reckoned they have the requisite "background in carpentry and building, along with being able to visualise things before they are put together".
They had Tim’s family home, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-thornbury-128700662" target="_blank">a 1950s weatherboard cottage in Thornbury</a> (pictured below) that’s never been seriously renovated, get the makeover.
<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/2019/4/26/thorn.jpg" alt="">
It cost $972,000 last July, having been held in the same family for over 50 years.
The charming double-fronted home, marketed by Nelson Alexander as having a well-maintained interior, comprises an entry foyer, three large bedrooms, central living room leading through to an updated kitchen and meals area.
There's a separate laundry, store room and verandah that overlooks a large rear yard offering plenty of scope and opportunity to expand on the 352 square metre block.
It had been listed with a $900,000 to $990,000 price guide.
This year, the six teams on House Rules weren't just renovating, but required to innovate.
The six teams renovated and styling each other's homes, with the aim of taking out the top prize of $250,000 in the seventh series of the reality renovation show hosted by Joanna Griggs.
<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/2019/4/26/lisa-andy.jpg" alt=""> 
Lisa and Andy 
SA couple Lisa and Andy had been together for 11 years before they got hitched. 
Newlyweds, Lisa, 30, and Andy, 32 have previously renovated a home. The fireman and flight attendant live in Adelaide.
<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/2019/4/26/mikaela-eliza.jpg" alt="">
Mikaela and Eliza
Not so WA renovation rookies, Mikaela, 24, and Eliza, 21, the surfie sisters who have both been ranked among the top 100 female surfers in the world. Their family home is in the Margaret River region.
<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/2019/4/26/pete-courtney%201.jpg" alt="">
Pete and Courtney 
Victorian dance teachers Pete, 32, and Courtney, 31, come with one of the biggest houses the show has ever seen. 
The pair, who live in a huge brown-brick '80s mega-mansion, are no strangers to renovations, having once flipped a three-bedroom apartment in two weeks. They live in the foothills of Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges at Ferntree Gully.
During the finale the Melbourne parents revealed their baby plans.
<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/2019/4/26/shayn-carly%201.jpg" alt="">
Shayn and Carly
Sunshine Coast couple Shayn, 33 and Carly, 31 says their family is fast outgrowing the house. 
Civil engineer Shayn, who has worked as a chippie and construction supervisor, and wife Carly actually call it their three-bedroom double-brick "prison".
"It's a small rectangular box with bars on the windows, security screens all over the place and not much light," Shayn says.
<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/2019/4/26/katie-alex%201.jpg" alt="">
Katie and Alex
The married NSW-based couple Katie and Alex have a little cottage built in the 1880s in NSW’s Southern Tablelands having moved there from the ACT. 
The stay-at-home mum, and midwife, Katie, 29, and Federal Police officer Alex, 32, desire a working kitchen and a master bedroom that doesn't leak at their Gundaroo home.
 
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Melbourne chippies Tim and Mat end up the House Rules 2019 runners up

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In terms of the best growth suburbs to invest in Melbourne, valuer John Costanzo believes there is still plenty of value to be had in Ringwood and Croydon, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
"While the property market started 2019 on a positive note with more interest from buyers, auction clearance rates rising and banks chasing more business, another hurdle has been put in our way," the valuation firm said. 
"While the current slump in property values resembles those in 2008 during the global financial crisis, this time around, our economy is sound with interest rates at an all-time low." 
A four bedroom house positioned within a highly coveted cul-de-sac in Ringwood with views of Dandenong Ranges has recently been sold for $796,000.
Nestled on a 559 square metre allotment, the brick house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-ringwood-129317002" target="_blank"> 4 Gibson Court</a> (pictured below) comprises master with built-children's playroom, three additional bedrooms, living and dining room with views, and sleek stone kitchen.
It has easy access to schools, shops and public transport. 
<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/2019/6/27/ringwood%20.jpg" alt="">
Another pick is Wantirna, according to the HTW report. 
"While Wantirna South’s median entered the $1 million club in 2018, its sister suburb Wantirna is inevitably next in line," the valuation firm commented. 
With a median house price of $960,600, it offers excellent transport links, schools and proximity to Westfield Knox Shopping Centre, which will undergo a long- awaited major redevelopment from November 2019.
A current listing is a three bedroom single level house priced between $880,000 to $960,000.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-wantirna-131232658" target="_blank">2 Fortescue Court, Wantirna</a> (pictured below), the house comes with master bedroom, two additional robed bedrooms, living and dining spaced with porcelain tiles, smart kitchen and family area. 
Additional features include ducted heating, split-system heating/cooling, salt-chlorinated in-ground pool with deck surround and double garage.
<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/2019/6/27/wantirna%20.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/27/east%20mel.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<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/2019/6/27/east%20mel.jpg" alt=""> 
"Investors should start thinking about suburbs where infrastructure upgrades, particularly with links to transport, could put them at the top of the next boom.
"Buyers are still being cautious and with tighter lending conditions still in place, it’s likely the eastern Melbourne market will tread water in the latter half of 2019, although this will vary depending on local market conditions and demand. Only time will tell."
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Ringwood, Croydon and Wantirna - best suburbs to invest in Melbourne: HTW residential 

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Since the beginning of 2019, it was expected that the residential and rural residential market in Lismore, Casino and Kyogle would soften with reduced sales activity and weakening demand, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residental report. 
"From a general view point, this has occurred, albeit with some pockets of the market kicking this statement into touch," the valuation firm said. 
"Firstly, following on from the ravages of floodwaters inundating parts of North and South Lismore and parts of Lismore Central during April 2017, the volume of sales activity and demand came to a virtual halt, however over the past six months, we began to see some positive movement."
With the stringent banking regulations now in place, flood affected areas with an estimated habitable floor height level below the estimated one in 100 year flood event height level will experience a lot of difficulty securing mortgage finance.
Nevertheless, those dwellings with a floor height above the estimated one in 100 year flood event height level have fared better and it is not uncommon now to see prices above $300,000 for part renovated dwellings in South Lismore and North Lismore.
The report notes that modern residential estates in the suburb of Goonellabah have continued to improve over the past six months with well improved, four-bedroom, two- bathroom dwellings sometimes breaching the $600,000 mark.
An example was a single level Goonellabah house which has recently been sold for $600,000.
Nestled on an 804 square metre parcel of land, the house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-goonellabah-130593262" target="_blank">181 Invercauld Road </a>(pictured below) comprises four bedrooms, two bathrooms, open plan living and dining area, gourmet kitchen and outdoor entertainment. 
Located within Wyralla Road Public School catchment area, the house is only footsteps to school bus stop and close to local amenities. 
<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/2019/6/25/goonellabah.jpg" alt="">
Casino and Kyogle on the other hand have seen a general slowdown in activity with only well- presented properties that have special features garnering more interest.
Being close to the town centre and providing modern appointments help improve the overall appeal, according to the HTW report. 
"We note a recent construction of four good quality two-bedroom attached units within close proximity of the Kyogle CBD having no trouble securing tenants at the $350 per week price point," the valuation firm said. 
A two bedroom unit within walking distance to Kyogle CBD has been offered for lease with a price of $375 per week. 
The unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-kyogle-426720686" target="_blank">1/61 Ettrick Street</a> (pictured below) comprises two bedrooms, living area, modern kitchen, and alfresco area.
Other features include air-conditioning in the main bedroom and living area, solar hot water and garage with remote controlled door. 
<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/2019/6/25/kyogle.jpg" alt="">
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Lismore market picking up after flood affected halt: HTW residential 

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The southern Gold Coast and Tweed Coast localities held up quite well in the easing or falling market, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
As with the central Gold Coast, there is a lack of urgency from buyers and properties must be competitively priced in the current market.
Selling agents are reporting that there are a number of unrealistic vendors and that they are considering not taking on listings for these properties.
"Properties located close to the coastline and priced under $1.5 million have been less impacted by the current easing market along with duplex units and townhouse and villa units with low body corporate fees," the valuation firm said. 
"Properties priced above $1.5 million generated significantly less activity with agents who reported decreased interest and less sales compared to 12 months ago." 
A current offering is an architect designed multilevel house at Currumbin priced at $2.5 million. 
Occupying a 624 square metre block, the house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-currumbin-129155578" target="_blank"> 15 James Street </a>(pictured below) comes with four bedrooms, three separate living and entertaining zones, Caesarstone kitchen and engineered swimming pool. 
Privately positioned amid rainforest, it is only a short stroll from golden sand, still water estuary and local cafes.
<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/2019/6/27/currumbin.jpg" alt="">
"On the opposite side of the coin, there was very limited demand from investors in the market, predominantly due to uncertainty around the election," the valuation firm commented. 
Accordingly, units in complexes where buyers are mainly investors were difficult to sell and there has been a significant drop in value levels.
There was a recent sale of a one-bedroom unit at Varsity Lakes for $252,000.
Located within five minutes walk to Bond University, the fully furnished apartment at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-qld-varsity+lakes-129679010" target="_blank"> 78/228 Varsity Parade</a> comes with large bedroom, separate living area, private balcony and full kitchen with bench tops. 
Comparable sales in the previous six months generally ranged between $260,000 and $280,000 and the selling agent advised that there was very limited enquiry.
This unit previously sold in June 2015 for $255,000 and the original developer sale was in March 2007 for $349,500.
<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/2019/6/27/varsity%20lakes%20.jpg" alt="">
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Southern Gold Coast and Tweed Coast unit values in decline: HTW residential 

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Buyers in Mildura are still active, with recent sales showing some value growth continuing throughout the first half of 2019, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) report. 
A search of RPData records indicates the number of sales of houses in the Mildura postcode is running at around 50 to 55 per month, a slight reduction on the average 65 per month during the first part of 2018.
"Values still appear to be increasing slightly - we think at somewhere around 3% to 4% per annum - and selling periods are generally less than 45 days," the valuation firm said. 
Demand remains strongest for modern homes, with buyers showing a preference for homes that are less than 20 years old, although there are still a good number of sales of older homes occurring.
The report notes that finding evidence of recent re-sales is always a challenge, however one example is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-mildura-131000274" target="_blank">6 Felix Court</a> (pictured above), which has just sold for $351,500, after previously selling in late 2017 for $305,500.
It comes with three bedrooms, separate lounge, central family home and meals area, and kitchen overlooking the yard. 
Presentation was slightly better this time around, however the improvements were largely unchanged.
There is also some evidence suggesting re-sales of houses in the $450,000 to $550,000 bracket have recorded lower growth rates over the past six months, suggesting that while buyers are still active, the market is evenly balanced at this level.
The HTW report suggests there have been noticeably fewer sales of prestige homes during 2019.
"It is not yet clear whether this is due to fewer properties in the $800,000 to $1.5 million bracket being put to the market, or whether buyers are being more cautious at this upper end of the market. Probably both factors are at work," the valuation firm said. 
<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/2019/6/27/the%20henry.jpg" alt="">
The Henry, a craftman designed and built home at Mildura was sold for $820,000 in February.
Set on a 2000 square metre block, The Henry at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-mildura-129948306" target="_blank"> 513 Riverside Avenue </a>(pictured above) comprises four bedrooms plus study, three living areas, large entertaining area, chef's kitchen, and double lock up garage.
Other features include 9ft ceiling height, solar hot water and large trademan's shed. 
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Mildura market sees continuing value growth: HTW residential 

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Sutherland and Sydney inner south-west regions continued to witness median house prices declines, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report.  
According to Corelogic, Sydney has six of the 10 sub-regions which have shown the largest decline in dwelling values in the year to April.
Two of those are in Sydney’s south with the Sutherland and inner south-west (St George and Bankstown) areas showing 12.2% and 14.9% decline in dwelling values in the 12 months to April.
The Bass Hill/Georges Hall (-19.4%), Panania/ Milperra/Picnic Point (-18.9%) and Revesby (-18.5%) regions appear to have experienced the biggest declines during this period, according to CoreLogic data.
These suburbs continued to experience declines in their median house prices during the first quarter of 2019 of between 1.2% (Picnic Point) and 5.6% (Revesby), with only Milperra bucking the trend with a slight 0.5% increase in its median house price (source: realestate.com.au).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/19/southern%20syd.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<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/2019/6/19/southern%20syd.jpg" alt="">
In the Sutherland Shire, Miranda/Yowie Bay has been listed as one of the poorer performing regions in Sydney with a median drop of 17.8% in the 12 months to April.
"Miranda has had a recent increase of units flooding the market with a few large unit developments reaching completion this quarter," the HTW report noted. 
Real estate agents have noted that this has also affected the rental market with a larger number of units all available for rent at the same time.
<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/2019/6/19/miranda%20.jpg" alt="">
A new two bedroom apartment situated in the heart of Miranda has been listed for lease from $550 per week. 
The apartment at 10 Pinnacle Street (pictured above) comes with open plan living, two oversized bedrooms, gourmet kitchen and private balconies with district views.
Other features include ducted air conditioning, oversized bathrooms, and single allocated car spaces plus storage cafe.  
"Not all suburbs and property types are seeing a decline however," the HTW report said. 
"The Cronulla housing market has remained stable for the March quarter at $2.25 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/2019/6/19/cronulla%201.jpg" alt="">
A four bedroom Cronulla house with a 15 metre frontage was sold for $2.1 million in March.
Occupying a 645 square metre level parcel, the single level home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-cronulla-130426482" target="_blank">13 Kirkwood Road</a> (pictured above) comprises three bedrooms, optional 4th bedroom or study, separate lounge and dining rooms, and covered timer deck overlooking the yard. 
It's close to an array of local amenities including schools, golf courses, shops and transport, and just minutes away Wanda Beach. 
The Cronulla unit market however has dropped from a median price of $900,000 in December 2019 to $875,000 in March 2019, according to realestate.com.au.
<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/2019/6/19/cronulla%202.jpg" alt="">
A current listing is a two bedroom beachside apartment priced at $749,000.
Set within a small complex, the apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-cronulla-131178666" target="_blank">6/20 Ewos Parade </a>(pictured above) comprises two bedrooms, kitchen with breakfast bar, combined living and dining room, and north facing balcony. 
It is close to local shops, parks and transport.
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Sutherland housing values decline sharply: HTW residential

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The national ASX listed real estate agency The Agency is seeking a fresh injection of cash.
Shares in the debt-laden group went into a trading halt on Monday, pending an announcement about a capital raising.
It is expected on Wednesday.
The shares have lost two-thirds of its value since February when it was trading at 22 cents. Now they're at seven cents
Nine Entertainment reports "concerns about its financial viability."
The Australian Financial Review called it a "capital funding lifeline."
There was a capital raising last November.
The group continue to expand its operations however.
The Agency now operates in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Newcastle and Illawarra after sizeable expansions.
They <a href="/news/cameron-mckillop-merges-with-the-agency-in-the-southern-highlands">recently partnered</a> with Southern Highlands veteran agent Cameron McKillop and his team at McKillop Property. 
The Agency Group's June quarter update saw 674 exchanges, their highest on record.
In March this year The Agency reported it expects its core business units to be profitable within the next 12 months.
Shares <a href="/news/andrew-jensen-appointed-interim-chairman-of-the-agency">fell 15 percent in February</a> around the time Philip Re tendered his resignation as chairman. He was replaced with interim chairman Andrew Jensen, The Agency's former chief financial officer.
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The Agency seeks fresh injection of cash

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New house and land packages on suburban lots in developing estates around Beaudesert have been dominated by investors in recent years, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) report. 
The report notes that this sector of the market on the Scenic Rim has slowed in contrast to the owner-occupier market.
Resales of houses in these estates are lower than the cost of the new house and land package indicating a price difference between new and second hand in these localities and a difference between what investors and owner-occupiers are prepared to pay for the same product.
"In contrast, locations in the Scenic Rim and Gold Coast hinterland that are dominated by owner-occupiers are proving very resilient in the face of negative media reports about the property market," the valuation firm said. 
A recent sale in Beaudesert is a four bedroom house located within the Kerry Hill Estate.
It was sold for $580,000. 
Built in 2012, the house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-beaudesert-130081698" target="_blank"> 70 Panorama Drive</a> (pictured below) features open plan kitchen/living/dining with adjoining games room, four bedrooms, office or fifth bedroom and covered entertaining area. 
The home was sold at $197,000 in 2012 and $184 in 2008. 
<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/2019/6/27/beaudesert%201.jpg" alt="">
Rural residential housing and housing in some village locations such as Canungra and Tamborine Mountain remain in demand from buyers.
Felton (pictured below), a four bedroom historic home on two lush acres in Tamborine Mountain has been sold for $835,000.
It is believed to be designed and built for renowned architect George Henry Male Addition in 1887.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-tamborine+mountain-129827558" target="_blank">75-77 Benowa Street</a>, the home comes with four bedrooms, study or fifth bedroom, four bathrooms, two large living area, kitchen, verandas and inground pool.  <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/2019/6/27/tamborine%20mountain.jpg" alt="">
According to the HTW report, selling periods are relatively short and many properties are still selling at or around asking price.
Some of these areas are commuting distance from Brisbane and Gold Coast and buyers get more bang for their buck in these areas compared to their city neighbours as well as offering certain lifestyle features.
"Overall, buyers, sellers and agents appear to be keeping a cool head and while now is not the time to panic, it would be prudent to fully research the market in these localities prior to committing to a property," the report said. 
"Unlike the heated market of previous years, there are no time pressures about making a decision to buy, no fear of missing out eating away at people’s thoughts, so as we move toward a buyer’s market, purchasers are able to take the time to thoroughly inspect properties, do the research and shop around." 
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Gold Coast hinterland and Scenic Rim owner-occupier market proves resilient: HTW residential 

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

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

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

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

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

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

Staff reporter

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