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Real estate peak body, The Real Estate Institute of Queensland, together with REA Group, the owners of listing portals realestate.com.au and Flatmates.com.au, have worked to establish a short-term solution for Townsville’s potential housing shortfall.
As the flooded homes are slowly cleaned up, displaced Townsville residents, along with workers flying into the city to help with repairs and clean-up efforts, may struggle to find suitable accommodation.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said she had seen this situation in other areas facing disasters, including the Whitsundays after Cyclone Debbie in 2017. 
"The displaced locals whose homes have flooded and the hundreds of workers who have come to the area to start on repairs place a strain on available accommodation.
“Flatmates.com.au will waive listing fees for those in Townsville who are opening their homes, rent free to anyone in need of short-term accommodation during the massive clean-up operation,” Ms Mercorella said.
“It’s difficult to forecast how severe the housing shortfall might be, but this kind of creative and proactive solution should help ease some of the strain on the housing supply,” she said. 
Single rooms are well suited to tradespeople who are only in town for short periods and this will hopefully free up larger housing accommodation for families who have lost their home and property.
<a id="LPlnk632194" href="http://reiq.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0yMDE1MTM0JnA9MSZ1PTUxMzY3MDk2OSZsaT0xNzc1NDQ3Mg/index" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Flatmates.com.au</a> general manager, Simon Hope, said housing solutions was at the heart of what REA Group is all about.
“We wanted to help by offering a solution that brings together those who have spare accommodation and those who are in need of accommodation in a simple and effective way,” he said.
 “This solution is about helping the people of Townsville get back on their feet, so Flatmates.com.au will be waiving all fees for those people offering rent free accommodation.” he said.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

REIQ and REA partner to ease Townsville housing shortfall

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H &amp; M, Hennes &amp; Mauritz AB (H&amp;M), one of the world’s largest fashion retailers, known for offering high fashion and quality basics at affordable prices in a sustainable way, has announced that its Sunshine Plaza store will open March 28
Sunshine Plaza will be the site of H&amp;M’s first store to open on the Sunshine Coast and the twelfth in Queensland.
Spanning approximately 2,700 square metres and set over two levels; the much-anticipated store will offer an exciting shopping experience by showcasing apparel, underwear and accessories for Men, Women, Kids and Baby and the Home concept.
“We are excited to announce that our new store at Sunshine Plaza will be opening on the 28th of March” said Thomas Coellner, Australian Country Manager for H&amp;M. “Our customers are number one and we are looking forward to finally introducing the H&amp;M brand to the Sunshine Coast and meeting our new customers on opening day”.
 H&amp;M entered the Australian market in 2014. There are 36 stores nationwide.
<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/2019/2/14/David%20Jones%20and%20BIG%20W%20will%20open%20on%2028%20March%20as%20part%20of%20Sunshine%20Plazas%20grand%20opening.jpg" alt="">
Sunshine Plaza today announced the grand opening of its $440 million redevelopment will take place March 28.
Since construction works commenced in September 2016, the centre has secured the region’s first David Jones and H&amp;M stores, as well as a new Big W which will all open as part of the redevelopment.
The total expansion adds 35,000 square metres of retail space to the existing centre, and includes over 100 additional specialty stores such as <a id="LPlnk346239" name="x__Hlk780282" href=""></a>MECCA, Sheike, lululemon, Seed Heritage, Endota Spa, JB Hi-Fi, Kathmandu and Baku, with many more to come. 
The significant redevelopment will see Sunshine Plaza become the first super-regional* shopping centre north of Brisbane and is expected to generate 2,300 additional retail jobs for the region on completion.  
Lendlease managing director of retail, Gary Horwitz said they'd achieved is a new benchmark for retail centres across Australia. 
“Sunshine Plaza now has some of the biggest national brands and most sought-after specialty stores, so locals no longer need to travel to Brisbane."
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H&M to open Sunshine Plaza store in March 2019

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The three busiest suburbs for auction locations this week are in New South Wales where Port Macquarie tops the list with 20 homes scheduled for auction, according to CoreLogic data.
Their data shows, Lane Cove and Randwick follow with 15 and 12 scheduled auctions respectively.
Auction volumes are set to rise this week, with over 1,000 homes scheduled for auction across the combined capital cities.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/14/14-02%20CL.JPG" alt="">
CoreLogic is currently tracking 1,359 auctions across the capital’s, with volumes up by 46.4 per cent on last week (928), however the lower year on year trend continues with volumes down 31.8 per cent when compared to the same week last year (1,992).
Melbourne is expected to see the most significant increase in volumes over the week, with 607 properties scheduled for auction, up from 350.
Across Sydney, 501 homes are set to go under the hammer this week, increasing from 32.
Canberra and Perth will see an increase in activity over the week, while the remaining cities will see fewer homes taken to auction.
This Sunday, Damien Cooley will be Auctioneering for Elders Real Estate Port Macquarie at Rydges Hotel at 11 am, with a prestige canalfront listing at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/27-ballina-cres-port-macquarie-nsw-2444" target="_blank">27 Ballina Crescent.</a>
Amid the busy auction weekend in Port Macquarie is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-port+macquarie-129983054" target="_blank">88 O'Briens Road</a> (pictured in title).
The four bedroom three bathroom house comes with a price guide of $670,000 to $710,000
Set on 806 sqm, the listing notes the home was recently refurbished.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/14/Port%20Macq%202.JPG" alt="">
Another in Port Macquarie is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-port+macquarie-130240306" target="_blank">6 Mahogany Hill</a>.
The three bedroom two bathroom house has an price guide of $599,000 to $658,000
Set on 1,018 sqm it is a 5 minute drive from the CBD.
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Auction volumes up 46% with Port Macquarie the busiest

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Cooling in the housing market led by Sydney and Melbourne has now been ongoing for 18 months, but the decline in prices have accelerated towards the back end of 2018, according to the NAB Forward View Report.
The report noted, fall in prices has also been reflected in the activity side of the housing market with turnover falling and clearance rates remaining low.
Investment in dwellings was primarily held at a consistent level by alterations and additions.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/14/NAB%20DW%201.JPG" alt="">
NAB forecast the downturn in the construction cycle to continue over the next two years.
Sydney prices are now 12% below their July 2017 peak and Melbourne has declined by 9% since November 2017.
The report writers stated, "prices in Perth have weakened again recently after showing some signs of stabilisation in mid-2018."
"The other capitals have held up better (likely less effected by developments in the investor segment of the market)."
"We see peak-to-trough declines of around 15% in both Sydney and Melbourne but acknowledge that based on current momentum the declines may be larger, particularly in Sydney."
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/14/NAB%20DW%202.JPG" alt="">
Housing credit growth has also continued slowing, more so for investors than owner-occupiers.
Approvals for new building have declined and are now levels last seen in 2012, with the sharpest declines in apartment approvals.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/14/NAB%20DW%203.JPG" alt="">
The report stated, "We expect house prices to decline further, in an orderly fashion, and housing activity indicators to show further weakness as the market continues to adjust."
"Our forecasts embody a relatively sharp slowdown in dwelling investment with a fall approaching 20% over the next two years."
"This is consistent with further weakness in building approvals and a relatively sharp downturn in the construction cycle."
NAB forecasts house prices to decline further over 2019 before levelling out in 2020.
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Sydney home prices down 12% from peak: NAB

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GUEST OBSERVER
The December 2018 housing finance figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show the number of loans for housing continues to decline.
Overall the figures for December 2018 show, in trend terms the number of owner-occupied finance commitments decreased by 0.1 per cent – the fifteenth consecutive month of decreases.
If refinancing is excluded, in trend terms, the number of owner-occupied finance commitments decreased by 1.2 per cent –also the fifteenth consecutive month of decreases and the lowest since April 2013.
In trend terms decreases were recorded in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
The largest decrease of 1.3 per cent was in Queensland. South Australia, Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory were unchanged. Western Australia and Tasmania had increases with the largest of 0.5 per cent in Tasmania.
The value of investment housing commitments decreased by 2.5 per cent in December, in trend terms, and is the lowest since 2012 and less than half of the April 2015 peak.
In trend terms, the number of established dwellings purchase commitments decreased by 1.2 per cent while the purchase of new dwellings decreased by 0.1 per cent and new dwelling construction fell by 1.2 per cent.
The proportion of first home buyers, as part of the total owner-occupied housing finance commitments decreased in December to 17.7 per cent from 18.3 per cent in November and the number of loans to first home buyers decreased by 18.8 per cent.
The continued decline in housing finance reflects the slowing market as well as the APRA restrictions on investors, which went too far for too long, the fallout from the Royal Commission into Banking and concerns about changes to property taxation and its impact should there be a change in Government.
There is a clear risk that the decline in activity in the residential property market will become a major drag on the economy. With the Government formulating its 2019 Budget and its response to the Hayne Royal Commission the contribution the property sector makes to the economy should be at the forefront of its considerations.
ADRIAN KELLY is the President of Real Estate Institute of Australia (pictured)
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No bright spots in housing finance numbers: REIA's Adrian Kelly

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Villa World said while sales for the period HY19 were down, however property settlements for the period were generally consistent with the previous period.
Managing Director and CEO Craig Treasure (pictured) said, “The current challenging market conditions are part of the cyclical nature of the property industry."
"However, Villa World has a long history of successfully navigating through market cycles and has a forward strategy focused on helping people reach home and long-term value creation."
"We believe Villa World is well placed to capitalise on opportunities that will arise for astute acquisitions and partnering arrangements."
"In the current market conditions, we have invigorated our sales strategy to highlight our value product offering in our sector," he stated
The Company made a $17.6 million after tax HY19 profit, compared with $17.3 million for the same period last year.
Queensland flagship projects including The Meadows (Strathpine), Killara (Logan) and Arundel Springs (Gold Coast) "sold well"
Although Victoria's property market has moderated, some of Villa World’s Victorian projects have remained consistent, notably the Wollert joint venture project.
Villa World said as previously stated, delivery times on Victorian projects are taking longer than anticipated.
Several stages in the Company’s Victorian projects are scheduled for completion in late FY19, with some likely to extend into HY20.
They belive Market conditions and the availability of customer credit are likely to remain challenging for the remainder of FY19. Plus the upcoming federal and NSW elections may also lead to increased customer uncertainty.
GNet tangible assets at 31 December 2018 represented $2.31 per share.
Mr Treasure said, “the Company has conviction that its projects are located where people want to live, its homes are priced within reach of its customers, and its turnkey homes offer a unique customer experience."
"With sound financial fundamentals, prudent capital management and a committed team, the company has the foundations and resources to provide sustained success and shareholder value beyond the current sector dynamics," he concluded.
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Residential house and land developer Villa World sales down in HY19

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AMP's profit has been hit by its appearance at the royal commission, after which customers pulled $4 billion from its wealth management arm in 2018.
The beleaguered wealth manager's profit plummeted 97 per cent to $28 million after taking a beating at the banking royal commission.
Revenue from ordinary operations dropped 55 per cent to $820 million.
AMP made a profit of $848 million a year earlier.
The company said its underlying earnings, which strip out a lot of one-off costs and gains, were down a more moderate 35 per cent to $680 million.
It also recorded $656 million in customer remediation largely related to misconduct aired at the financial services royal commission.
AMP cut its final dividend from 14.5 cents to 4.0 cents.
Net cash outflows from its Australian wealth management division totalled nearly $4 billion dollars, compared to $931 million in the prior financial year.
AMP said the exodus was due to "the reputational impact of the royal commission" and financial advisors focusing on keeping existing customers rather than bringing in new business.
Superannuation member contributions were down but the company said it retained the majority of its employer super plans.
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AMP sees $4 billion withdrawn from its wealth management

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EXPERT OBSERVERS
Most of the economists polled think better regulation can make banks put customers first. The rest think it will need more. 
After three years and 35 polls, the Economic Society of Australia has received its first-ever <a href="http://esacentral.org.au/nep-polls-and-articles-item/33205/bank-royal-commission-ii/?type_fr=452" target="_blank">unanimous response</a> to a survey question.
It asked just over 50 of Australia’s leading economists to respond to this statement:
There is no way to significantly increase the degree to which Australian retail banks act in the interests of consumers.
Twenty did. All rejected the proposition that nothing could be done. But there was widespread disagreement about what should be done.
Most thought that regulations should be tightened and better enforced.
<a href="http://esacentral.org.au/national-economic-panel-item/15794/matthew-butlin/?type_fr=369" target="_blank">Mathew Butlin</a>’s comments typify this “more regulation” approach:
The incentive structures for bank staff, from the top down, play a key role in shaping behaviour. A more complete set of performance measures linked to remuneration that strongly penalises behaviour not in the consumer interest would provide stronger incentives for better behaviour, especially when linked with reliable information on non-compliance going to management and ultimately the bank board and a requirement for both to take action.
A smaller group openly doubted that better regulations would help, because they were not confident that the current crop of regulators or politicians would be able to devise and properly enforce them.
<a href="http://esacentral.org.au/national-economic-panel-item/15810/allan-fels-ao/?type_fr=369" target="_blank">Allan Fels</a> gave the most damning response (with the highest word count) saying what was needed - among other things - was a “radical improvement in the performance” of the two main regulators, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority.
In particular they need a change of culture. This will prove to be harder to do than it sounds. People have been talking for over twenty years about the ASIC and APRA culture needing improvement.
<a href="http://esacentral.org.au/national-economic-panel-item/16039/geoff-kingston/?type_fr=369" target="_blank">Geoffrey Kingston</a> called for mandatory minimum sentences for financial crimes, arguing that the courts were complicit in the maintenance of financial crimes by being reluctant to jail white-collar criminals.
Kingston and <a href="http://esacentral.org.au/national-economic-panel-item/16049/joaquin-vespignani/?type_fr=369" target="_blank">Joaquin Vespignani</a> pointed to the monopoly power of the big four banks before then raising the hope that the “big data” revolution would democratise banking and re-empower consumers, an idea at the heart of the government’s <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/focus-areas/consumer-data-right" target="_blank">Consumer Data Right initiative</a>.
Also targeting market concentration, Allan Fels, <a href="http://esacentral.org.au/national-economic-panel-item/16044/james-morley/?type_fr=369" target="_blank">James Morley</a>, and <a href="http://esacentral.org.au/national-economic-panel-item/17340/john-quiggin/?type_fr=369" target="_blank">John Quiggin</a> called for the separation of bank functions (with marketing separate from advice) or the breakup of banks themselves as happened in the United States under the <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/glass_steagall_act.asp" target="_blank">Glass-Steagall Act</a> of 1933 which separated investment banks from deposit-taking banks.
<a href="http://esacentral.org.au/national-economic-panel-item/15811/gigi-foster/?type_fr=369" target="_blank">Gigi Foster</a> called for foreign countries to send competent regulators to sort out Australian’s banking system, suggesting that Australian regulators were compromised.
John Quiggin called for a stand-alone “no frills” public bank modelled on New Zealand’s <a href="https://www.kiwibank.co.nz/about-us/" target="_blank">Kiwibank</a>, something he hoped would rein in the expansion of the financial sector that began in the 1970s. But he added:
These proposals may be beyond the realm of political feasibility, which is why I have expressed only modest confidence in my view.
Quiggin and a substantial minority of those polled acknowledged that - uncomfortably for economists - many of the barriers to getting banks to behave better lay outside the realm of economics. Like well-meaning doctors, economists have been dispensing prescriptions that “should work”, while the patient continues to die.
But standard prescriptions have their place – among them removing commissions, imposing salary caps, imposing fee caps, revoking licences and setting minimum jail terms, all of which would change the balance of risks and rewards and help put money back into the pcokets of ordinary Australians.
Of course, even applying traditional economic prescriptions require political will.
Perhaps surprisingly for a group of “dismal scientists”, 20 of Australia’s leading economists believe that change is possible. It isn’t the economics that is dismal, it’s the dearth of political courage to do what’s needed.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/111748/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gigi-foster-194" target="_blank">Gigi Foster</a>, Professor, School of Economics, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-1414" target="_blank">UNSW</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paul-frijters-3277" target="_blank">Paul Frijters</a>, Co-Director, Wellbeing Program, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/london-school-of-economics-and-political-science-1219" target="_blank">London School of Economics and Political Science</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/its-unanimous-economists-poll-says-we-can-fix-the-banks-but-that-doesnt-mean-we-will-111748" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Economists’ poll says we can fix the banks, but that doesn’t mean we will

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The fallout from a data breach at the listed valuation company LandMark White has seen National Australia Bank suspending its use of the firm, joining Commonwealth Bank and ANZ.
"We are not in a position to say how many individuals are likely at risk as a result of the incident at this point although this remains under close review," LMW advised yesterday.
Up to 100,000 customers, according to Nine Entertainment, had personal information including property valuations, phone numbers and dates of birth leaked as part of the <a href="/news/landmark-white-limited-reports-property-valuations-data-breach">data breach at LandMark White</a>.
ANZ’s chief data officer, Emma Gray, said it involved a very small percentage of its customers who had valuations undertaken between November 2015 and December 2018 who are potentially impacted.
“As a result of this incident ANZ has currently suspended use of the services of the valuation provider at the centre of the investigations."
<div>
LandMark White's share price is down slightly from 44 cents to 42 cents since the ASX listed company revealed the breach.
<p data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen-6236702_632="1550088100368" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6236702_632="1550088100368" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6236702_632="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6236702_632="1">LandMark White is one of the biggest valuation firms used by banks and lenders for assessing mortgage applications. 
LMW chairman Keith Perrett said the group had been communicating constantly with its business partners in the face of a complex attack on the business.
</div>
<div>''We are very pleased to hear from our external advisors that the breach was isolated to a single system, that the source of the disclosure had been closed, and that there is no ongoing suspicious activity across our network,'' Mr Perrett.</div>
<div class="_1lC_G">
<div class="_1665V undefined">
<p data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen-6236702_632="1550088123437" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6236702_632="1550088123437" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6236702_632="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6236702_632="1"><a href="/news/what-are-landmark-white-doing-about-property-valuations-data-breach">LandMark White have been working</a> closely with the relevant government agencies, including the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
<p data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen-6236702_632="1550088123437" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6236702_632="1550088123437" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6236702_632="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6236702_632="1">Before the breach, the group issued a 25 per cent downgrade in its profits for the first half to December 31, 2018, in late January, saying it had experienced a significant reduction in valuation instructions from the first-tier lenders.
<p data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen-6236702_632="1550088123437" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6236702_632="1550088123437" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6236702_632="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6236702_632="1">It was February 5 when LandMark White Limited became aware that a dataset containing property valuation and personal contact information had been disclosed.
"We take the privacy and security of our data very seriously, and we are working closely with cyber security consultants to investigate the circumstances of the disclosure of the dataset," LMW told the ASX.
LMW became aware through one if its corporate partners, CoreLogic.
"We have taken immediate steps to secure what we believe to be the source of the disclosure to prevent any further disclosure of data.
"Currently there is no evidence of misuse of any information although this remains under close review."
Property valuer LandMark White Limited has blamed an exposed API for the leak of a dataset that included property valuation details and contact information of a range of individuals held by the company.
The security vulnerability responsible for the breach — “an exposed programming interface on one of our valuation platforms” — was closed on 23 January, according to the company.
“At that point, we were not aware that there had been any data disclosure,” an update released today for people affected by the breach states.
<div>
<div id="gpt-ad-interscroller-5935221" class="gpt-ad" data-gpt-ad-unit-path="/8456/IDG.AU_B2B_ComputerWorld.com.au/security_section" data-gpt-size-mapping="[[[0, 0], [[3, 3]]]]" data-gpt-sizes="[[3, 3]]" data-gpt-targeting='{"node": ["657662"], "idgau_tax": ["news"], "country": ["AU"], "site": ["cw"], "kw": ["data", "cyber+security", "data+breach"], "sect": ["security"], "idgau_search_referrer": ["no"], "type": ["article"]}' data-google-query-id="CJjZirDFueACFYQPKwod2vcO-w">“Having since become aware of the disclosure on 4 February 2019, we have worked to confirm that the data disclosure relates to the vulnerability which had been previously secured.”</div>
</div>
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<div>
<div>
<div>
Founded in 1982 and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2003, LMW has a long and proud heritage of providing independent professional property services to people and companies across Australia.
LMW has over 400 property professionals across 40 plus locations Australia wide.
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</div>
</div>
</div>
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Banks drop LandMark White valuations after data breach

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The Summerhouse, an original 1960s Currumbin Beach house, is under contract, selling for just the second time in 50 years.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-currumbin-129878806" target="_blank">32 Panorama Drive, Currumbin</a>, the home came with a price guide of $1.85 million.
Set on a 607 square metre block adjoining reserve (never to be build out) the north facing home enjoys views of the golden arc of Palm Beach, Burleigh Headland, Surfers Paradise skyline, and Stradbroke Island.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/29/Currumbin%202.JPG" alt="">
Built in 1950, the five bedroom four bathroom residence has been renovated and extended, drawing on "elements of the family holiday home in the South of France".
Featuring a covered deck, sandstone entertaining terrace, garden and an integrated sparkling blue pool the home has it's original brushbox hardwood flooring
The three car garage has bespoke double gates.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/29/Currumbin%203.JPG" alt="">
Located a 10 minute walk from Currumbin Beach, and within easy access of schools, shops, John Flynn Hospital  and the Gold Coast Airport the home is a 45 minute drive from Byron Bay.
It last sold at auction in 2010 for $664,000
The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/currumbin-qld-4223">Currumbin</a> is $823,043, according to CoreLogic.
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1950s Currumbin Beach house under contract

Sydney developer Hyecorp's roots on the Lower North Shore stretch back three generations, and that deep understanding of the market continues to shape where and how it develops today.

From high-rise towers to boutique apartment projects, the family-run developer has built its reputation by focusing on a part of Sydney it knows intimately. Founded by Michael Abolakian in the early 1990s, Hyecorp is now led by his sons Stephen, Troy and Patrick.

Stephen Abolakian, joint managing director alongside Troy, has spent more than two decades in the business, overseeing development, planning, finance, marketing and sales.

Abolakian says the developer's disciplined focus on where it chooses to operate has been, and continues to be, one of Hyecorp's greatest strengths.

“We know the buyer profile exceptionally well,” Abolakian says.

“The demographics between places like Willoughby, Chatswood, St Leonards and Roseville are very similar. There are nuances between suburbs and projects, but culturally and from a buyer perspective, there’s a strong overlap.”

That buyer has historically been overwhelmingly owner-occupier driven.

Unlike many Sydney apartment developers that have traditionally relied heavily on investor demand, Hyecorp’s projects have typically attracted downsizers, upsizers, rightsizers and family owner-occupiers seeking long-term homes rather than short-term investments.

“Historically, investors have been a much smaller portion of our demand profile,” Abolakian says.

“We design for owner-occupiers. We don’t design for yield, we design for comfort, amenity, family living and long-term usability.”

That philosophy extends well beyond apartment layouts.

From landscaping and communal gardens to shared amenities and circulation spaces, Hyecorp’s developments are designed around how people actually live, something Abolakian believes has become increasingly important in Sydney’s apartment market.

“There was probably a period where having an approved project in market was enough,” he says.

“There wasn’t as much competition and if you built it, buyers would come. That’s no longer the case.”

“There’s more supply in the pipeline now, particularly with TOD precincts and low and mid-rise reforms opening up opportunities across Sydney. Buyers have more choice, so if you get the product wrong, they’ll simply go elsewhere.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=311393]

The shift has forced developers to become more sophisticated in how they approach apartment design, particularly as owner-occupier expectations continue to rise.

For Hyecorp, that means thinking beyond who the buyer is today and designing for who they may become in five or 10 years' time.

“People buying now often aren’t moving in for several years,” Abolakian says.

“You might have a young couple buying today, but by the time they move in they may have children, older children, or changing lifestyle needs. You’ve got to think about how families evolve.”

That thinking also shapes Hyecorp’s approach to amenity, which positions wellness at the forefront.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362634]

While resort-style facilities have become increasingly common marketing tools across Sydney apartment developments, Abolakian says the challenge is ensuring amenities are genuinely usable and appropriate for the scale of the project.

“If amenities are done right, they can materially improve the living experience,” he says, adding however that if you&nbsp;overdo it or get it wrong, you can end up with facilities nobody uses that simply create ongoing strata costs.”

That balance is something Hyecorp is aiming to strike with projects like Roseville Avenue, one of the group's upcoming Lower North Shore developments, which Abolakian describes as bringing a resort-style living experience into a metropolitan setting.

“It’s about creating something that feels special without being excessive,” he says.

“Good gardens, quality apartments, thoughtful amenity. Creating that resort feeling in a metro location.”

<img alt="Hyecorp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13c4c0f3-b1b7-44cf-9344-0b3d1d07797a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-02%20at%2012.14.57%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=9OLWjyj2bYkDV35F78WJnyMSPfc2bJ2z" />

The focus on owner-occupier product comes as Sydney’s apartment market continues to navigate a difficult development environment.&nbsp;For Hyecorp, maintaining an in-house operating model across construction, sales, marketing and development management has become increasingly important in navigating that environment.

“We’ve always believed in keeping a lot of the process in-house,” Abolakian says.

“It creates efficiencies, but it also creates quality control. You can make faster decisions and ensure the end product stays aligned with the original vision.”

Despite the challenges, Abolakian believes demand for quality owner-occupier apartments across Sydney remains strong beneath the surface, particularly across established Lower North Shore suburbs where downsizers continue to seek new housing options close to existing communities.

“There are definitely people waiting,” he says.

“Once some of the broader uncertainty settles, whether that’s the global environment or some of the local economic noise, I think the right projects will perform very strongly.”

Hyecorp currently has three residential developments on the market across Sydney’s Lower North Shore.&nbsp;Audrey, St Leonards, positioned opposite Newlands Park, is nearing completion and preparing to welcome its first residents, with the project now almost sold out.

Hyecorp has also recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celine-chatswood-37-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Celine Chatswood</a>, an architectural tower, while continuing to deliver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet Roseville</a>, a more boutique scale of development with just 34 apartments.

Joel Robinson

Why Hyecorp continues to back Sydney's Lower North Shore apartment market

South East Queensland’s apartment market is entering a new phase defined by rising prices, constrained affordability, and mounting pressure on the construction pipeline, according to RPM Group’s latest SEQ Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report.

The May 2026 report highlights a widening divide between what buyers can afford and what developers can viably deliver, with detached house prices continuing to push more buyers toward apartments across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

RPM says Brisbane’s median house price has reached around $1.5 million, accelerating the shift toward higher-density housing as buyers are increasingly priced out of the detached market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=356540]

Median unit prices rose across all three major SEQ markets in the March quarter. Brisbane City recorded the strongest annual growth, with median unit prices climbing 21 per cent to $862,000, while the Gold Coast reached the highest overall median at $950,000, up 17 per cent year-on-year. The Sunshine Coast followed at $870,000, representing annual growth of nine per cent.

RPM noted the affordability gap between houses and units remains significant, with detached homes commanding premiums of 67 per cent in Brisbane and 68 per cent on the Gold Coast relative to apartments.

The report suggests this price disparity is increasingly consolidating buyer demand within the apartment market, particularly among downsizers and owner-occupiers.

“Demand is real. Supply is moving. But they’re operating on different timelines and the gap between what’s being built and what buyers can afford is the defining tension in this market right now,” RPM Queensland and NSW Managing Directors Peter Neale and Clinton Trezise said in the report.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366230]

While approvals and commencements are strengthening, RPM argues the delivery pipeline remains constrained by construction costs, labour shortages, and extended build timelines.

Apartment approvals across Queensland increased 86 per cent over the year to February 2026, reaching 12,682 approvals, the highest level recorded since 2016. Brisbane overtook the Gold Coast as the state’s most active apartment approval market, with nearly 5,000 apartments approved over the past 12 months.

Unit commencements also strengthened considerably, rising 48 per cent year-on-year to 5,453 commencements in the December 2025 quarter, the highest level since 2018.

However, RPM’s research found apartment delivery timeframes have expanded sharply compared to the previous cycle. Projects are now averaging around 30 months from approval to completion, compared to roughly 20 months a decade ago.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367515]

The number of units under construction has climbed to approximately 31,530 dwellings, nearing the previous 2016 peak, though projects are remaining in the pipeline for considerably longer.

Construction costs continue to weigh heavily on feasibility. RPM found the average apartment construction cost in Greater Brisbane reached $630,000 per dwelling in 2025, exceeding both Sydney and Melbourne. Coastal Queensland markets, including the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, were even higher at an average of $817,418 per apartment due to the prevalence of larger premium product.

The report also points to increasing pressure from Olympic-related infrastructure spending ahead of Brisbane 2032, with labour competition expected to intensify over the next several years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370960]

ANZ Associate Director of Property Daniel Gradwell said the underlying demand drivers across South East Queensland remain strong, supported by interstate migration, downsizers, and population growth.

“The challenge is bringing enough supply to market to meet that demand, and nothing on the horizon makes that straightforward,” Gradwell said.

RPM’s analysis found the affordability challenge is becoming more pronounced in the new apartment market itself, with only three per cent of surveyed new apartments priced below $1 million.

Instead, the market is increasingly concentrated in higher price brackets, with the most common new apartment price band across SEQ sitting between $1.5 million and $1.75 million. Around half of all new apartment stock surveyed is priced below $2 million.

The report suggests developers are not necessarily avoiding lower price points by choice, but because current construction economics make delivering affordable apartments increasingly difficult at scale.

Rental conditions also remain tight across the region. Median rents for one-bedroom apartments rose 12 per cent in Brisbane over the past year to $580 per week, while Gold Coast one-bedroom rents increased nine per cent to $630.

Despite rising rents, RPM noted bond lodgements have generally trended downward over the past five years, indicating more apartments are being absorbed by owner-occupiers rather than retained as investor-held rental stock.

Looking ahead, RPM expects projects targeting the mid-market owner-occupier segment between $1.25 million and $2 million to remain the most viable part of the market, while premium projects in highly constrained coastal or riverfront locations continue to attract demand.

“Construction costs are rewriting the feasibility rulebook across Greater Brisbane, and with little relief in sight, only projects in the right price band, right location, and with presales secured early will make it through,” the report concludes.

SEQ apartment demand outpacing affordable supply as construction timelines stretch: RPM

Camberwell Junction has long been the epicentre of amenity in Melbourne’s Boroondara region.

For nearly a century, it has drawn both locals and visitors, anchored by the Camberwell Sunday Market, which first operated in 1929 and quickly became a fixture of the suburb’s identity. Over time, the Junction evolved into one of Melbourne’s most established retail and lifestyle precincts, now comprising more than 400 stores and over 300 commercial businesses.

Despite that depth of amenity, one thing has remained notably limited: the supply of new apartments.

In a suburb defined by its heritage streetscapes and tightly held residential stock, new development opportunities have been scarce, particularly within the core of the Junction itself. That lack of supply has left a gap in the market for larger, design-led apartments suited to downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in the area.

Boutique developer Above Zero identified that gap when it secured a prime site on Burke Road, in the heart of Camberwell Junction.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368543]

The site has a long planning history. Various proposals have been put forward over more than a decade, many of which were knocked back by the City of Boroondara, with initial applications dating back to 2015. Above Zero acquired the site in 2022 and returned with a revised scheme, refining both the building’s height and its ground-level interface to better align with Council expectations.

That process has culminated in approval for Camberwell House.

The Cera Stribley-designed development will deliver 57 residences on a 1,950 sqm site within the Camberwell Activity Centre, placing it directly within one of Melbourne’s most established retail and transport hubs.

It is expected to be one of the only new apartment developments to launch in the Junction in recent years, reinforcing the rarity of new supply in the precinct. Currently, there are just a handful of projects on the market in Camberwell, underscoring the significance of a development of this scale and positioning.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368544]

Camberwell House has been conceived with a clear focus on larger-format apartments. The project will offer a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, alongside a limited number of penthouses, targeting owner-occupiers seeking scale rather than volume-driven product.

The building’s vertical presence will also set it apart.

Positioned on Burke Road, the development is set to become one of the taller buildings in its immediate context, allowing for elevated outlooks across Melbourne’s CBD skyline and toward the Dandenong Ranges. In a precinct characterised by lower-scale built form, that height provides a point of differentiation, particularly for buyers seeking outlook and natural light.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368568]

Architecture has been led by Cera Stribley, with interiors by GOLDEN and landscape design by Florian Wild. The design approach centres on material consistency and restraint, with residences oriented to maximise light, ventilation and connection to outdoor spaces.

Full-height glazing and generous terraces form a key part of that strategy, allowing apartments to extend beyond their internal footprint and engage with the surrounding environment.

Beyond the private residences, a significant component of the project is its amenity offering.

Above Zero has positioned Camberwell House as a “complete living environment”, incorporating a full floor dedicated to resident facilities. At the centre of that is a wellness zone, including a 12.5-metre lap pool, spa, sauna and treatment spaces, alongside a gym and recovery-focused amenities.

This level of amenity is more commonly associated with inner-city developments, rather than established middle-ring suburbs like Camberwell.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368588]

Additional shared spaces include a private library lounge, dining and entertaining areas, and an indoor golf simulator. A self-contained guest suite has also been incorporated, allowing residents to accommodate visiting family or friends without impacting their primary living space.

The inclusion of these facilities reflects a broader shift in buyer expectations.

As more downsizers look to transition from larger family homes into apartments, there is increasing demand for developments that offer not just a residence, but a lifestyle. That includes access to wellness, social and entertaining spaces within the building itself, reducing the reliance on external amenity while still maintaining proximity to established precincts.

Camberwell House is positioned to benefit from both.

Its location places it within immediate walking distance of Camberwell Junction’s retail and dining offering, as well as public transport connections, including tram and train services. That combination of internal amenity and external convenience is central to its appeal.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-150" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:55d7c6ac-8e6d-4881-ad49-0ed9bf66d1cc-74" dir="auto">
Jellis Craig Projects Director Stephen Bowtell is handling sales for the project and says Camberwell House offers a rare entry point into one of Melbourne’s most tightly held markets.

“Buyers are recognising that Camberwell House offers something they simply haven’t seen before in Boroondara,”&nbsp;Bowtell&nbsp;says.

“It combines a level of resident amenity and service typically associated with Melbourne’s premium inner-city developments, while being positioned right in the heart of Camberwell Junction.

“The response to the concierge offering has been particularly strong. Buyers appreciate not only the convenience, but also the sense of security and peace of mind that comes from having a dedicated presence in the building every day.

“When you combine that with the wellness facilities, the exceptional arrival experience, and panoramic views across both the CBD skyline and the Dandenong Ranges, it creates a lifestyle proposition that is genuinely unique within the local market.”
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4896]

Above Zero launches Camberwell House in undersupplied Camberwell Junction precinct

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

Staff reporter

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