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Canberra’s median house price rose by 27 per cent in the past three years, however it is slowing to an estimated three per cent in 2017/18.
The median house price sits at $700,000 at June 2018.
BIS Oxford Economics released a report this week that estimates that the Canberra market is roughly in balance at June 2018, although a very tight vacancy rate of 0.7 per cent was recorded in March quarter 2018.
This report suggests that part of this tightness is as a result of the removal of around 1,000 asbestos-contaminated houses from the dwelling stock in recent years.
Median house rents have been rising over the past 2–3 years, and unit rental prices are now following.
“In contrast to the low vacancy rate, new dwelling completions have reached a record peak in 2017/18 and this is likely to have been a contributor to the slowdown in house price growth,” said Angie Zigomanis head of BIS Oxford Economics' Residential Research Unit.
“Completions in Canberra also on track to remain elevated and close to record levels in 2018/19.”
Continued high levels of supply are expected to continue to dampen upwards pressure on prices, although with the highest household income of Australia’s capital cities, affordability remains attractive.
The BIS Oxford Economists forecast that this will result in price growth of five per cent in 2018/19, but progressively slowing over the following two years as the recent surge in population reverts to longer term averages.
Canberra’s median house price is forecast to rise by a total 10 per cent in the three years to June 2020, which reflects a rise of three per cent in real terms.
In contrast, the unit sector, where there is more supply coming through, is forecast by this report, to experience price growth of only six per cent, which is actually a two per cent fall factoring for inflation.
For a look at our take on the BIS Oxford Economics report for the national market check out, "<a href="/expert-insights/buying/melbourne-house-prices-forecast-to-tread-water-through-to-2020-21-bis">Melbourne house prices forecast to tread water through to 2020/21</a>".
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Canberra's median house prices stabilises after three year growth spurt: BIS Oxford Economics 

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Darwin’s median house price has now fallen by 19 per cent after peaking at $620,800 in June 2014, according to a report released this week by BIS Oxford Economics.
This has taken the median to an estimated $505,000 at June 2018 and the upturn to 2014 was driven by the ramp up in resource sector investment led by the Icthys LNG project.
However, construction work on this project has been winding down, while lower commodity prices have also seen other mining facilities mothballed.
“The boom in mining investment was accompanied by a boom in new dwelling construction,” said Angie Zigomanis, head of BIS Oxford Economics' Residential Research Unit
“However, dwellings were being completed as mining investment was retreating and population growth contracting, which in turn saw Darwin’s vacancy rate rise to a peak of 7.8 per cent in December quarter 2016.”
House price falls in Darwin are expected to have bottomed out in 2017/18 and although quarterly median house prices have still been patchy, it appears that the downward trend has at least stopped, noted the BIS Oxford Economics economists.
Nevertheless, the oversupply means house prices are forecast to remain flat in 2018/19, before limited growth comes through over the subsequent two years.
The collapse in new dwelling construction is expected to see excess stock steadily absorbed in this period.
The report forecasts that Darwin’s median house price is to rise by a total of only five per cent in the three years to June 2021, which will result in a real house price decline of three per cent over the period.
Unit prices have retreated further than house prices, with the median being 33 per cent off its peak at June 2018 reflecting the high level of unit supply that has been added to the market.
BIS Oxford economists forecasts are that unit price growth over 2018 to 2021 to be slightly lower than for houses at a total four per cent, or a four per cent decline in real terms.
For a look at our take on the BIS Oxford Economics report for the national market check out, "<a href="/expert-insights/buying/melbourne-house-prices-forecast-to-tread-water-through-to-2020-21-bis">Melbourne house prices forecast to tread water through to 2020/21</a>".
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Downward Darwin housing market trend has stopped: BIS Oxford Economics

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The Wollongong residential market has experienced strong growth in recent years, over 20% greater than Newcastle.
Primarily because of its proximity to Sydney and the potential for the population commute to Sydney, where there is a larger variety of higher paying jobs, according to the latest report from BIS Oxford Economics.
Wollongong’s median house price is calculated to have risen by 68 per cent in the four years to June 2017, but growth has slowed down to around two per cent in 2017/18 in line with the slowdown in the Sydney market.
In contrast, median house price growth in Newcastle has lagged, having risen by an estimated 42 per cent in the four years to June 2017, although house price growth in 2017/18 has been stronger, at an estimated five per cent, the report noted.
The lower price growth in the Hunter Region reflects it being largely outside the orbit of Sydney from a commuting perspective, and weaker local employment conditions that have been impacted by falling coal investment.
The economists suggest, that the market appears to be tightening, with vacancy rates in the Hunter Region falling below two per cent since the last quarter of 2017.
"Both regions will start to show slowing price growth over the next three years, in line with the weaker Sydney market", the report forecasts.
"Starting from further behind, more upside is forecast for the Newcastle market, where the median house price is expected to rise by a total six per cent in the three years to June 2021."
In contrast, prices in Wollongong are expected to remain flat, with aggregate growth of one per cent in the three years to June 2021, the economists suggested.
Recent population estimates from the Australian Bureau of Statistics suggests that despite decreasing affordability in Sydney, there hasn’t been significant growth in migration into these regions from Sydney as yet.
However, if movements were to accelerate, there could be some upside to the price forecast for both markets, concluded the report.
For a look at our take on the BIS Oxford Economics report for the national market check out, "Melbourne house prices forecast to tread water through to 2020/21".
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Newcastle and Wollongong's residential market growth to weaken in line with Sydney: BIS Oxford Economics

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The Premier, Gladys Berejiklian has announced that the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC) will be reporting through the Department of Premier and Cabinet to the Premier – rather than to the Minister for Planning. 
 Led by chief commissioner Lucy Turnbull, the Greater Sydney Commission is the independent body responsible for championing the vision of Sydney as three 30-minute cities.
“Strategic planning and the coordination of land use planning and infrastructure is finally being recognised as a core government agenda with the joining of GSC reporting to the Premier” commented PIA NSW President Jenny Rudolph.
PIA has consistently advocated for the infrastructure coordination role of the Greater Sydney Commission to be strengthened beyond its role as chair of the Infrastructure Delivery Committee. PIA looks to the new arrangements to ensure that capital investment decisions by all agencies deliver on the sustainable growth vision set out in the Greater Sydney Regional Plan.
The GSC should now be expanded to play a broader role for strategic planning and coordination in the regions. PIA acknowledges the key role of the Minister and Department of Planning and Environment in reforming the planning system and strengthening its capability to deliver better planning and development outcomes for our community.
“The two portfolios will need to quickly and clearly resolve their roles and accountabilities for strategic planning, growth areas, planning policy, LEP local plan making and planning systems in Greater Sydney” stressed PIA President Jenny Rudolph.  
“The GSC should have a level of mandate to ensure that State Government infrastructure providing agencies coordinate their programs and budgeting with the Greater Sydney Region Plan and District Plans. This will ensure the Plans are delivered,” noted Jenny Rudolph.
2GB radio broadcaster Ray Hadley recently offered an open invitation to chauffeur the Commission boss Lucy Turnbull around Sydney after the PM’s wife claimed the city is “far from full”.
 
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Greater Sydney Commission to report to Premier Gladys Berejiklian

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A four bedroom house in Western Australia's Quinns Rocks has been listed by mortgagees.  It is listed at $279,000 through Sharen Lewis at Laurence Realty.
It was built in 1995. It last sold at $370,000 in 2012.  
The <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/10-cresswell-place-quinns-rocks-4091707/" target="_blank">10 Cresswell Place, Quinns Rocks</a> house has an open plan living, four bedroom, two bathroom, and two space parking. It features a theatre/lounge, and below ground pool.
It is moments from schools, transport, shopping, parks, restaurants, cafes, and beaches. The suburb's median house price sits on <a href="/developments/quinns-rocks-wa-6030">$450,000</a>  according to CoreLogic.
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Quinns Rocks house listed by mortgagee

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Media and entertainment giant Village Roadshow will be moving from its headquarters at the Jam Factory on South Yarra’s Chapel Street to nearby Wilson Street.
Fitzroys agents James Lockwood and James Spencer, negotiated the deal at $140,000 per annum net for the 500 sqm first floor space at 60 Wilson Street in South Yarra.
The self-contained office consists of a part-partitioned and part open-plan layout.
The triple-fronted site benefits from three on-site parking spaces and surrounding tenants.
Lockwood and Spencer said the strong leasing outcome was attributed to the quality of the offering and the lack of well-located office stock in South Yarra.
“We are seeing office tenants now seeking more than just good working space."
"They are looking for surrounding amenity such as dining, shopping and recreational options,” Spencer said.
“The property’s proximity to Chapel Street, Jam Factory and Botanic Gardens assisted in the uptake of this space by a premium tenant in Village Roadshow,” Spencer said.
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Village Roadshow relocates headquarters in South Yarra

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The Bank of Queensland is among five lenders to have increased their mortgage rates.
BoQ, one of the nation's major regional banks, is increasing variable home loan rates for interest-only owner occupiers and investors by up to 15 basis points.
"Funding costs have significantly risen since February and have primarily been drive by an increase in 30 and 90 day BBSW rates, along with competition for term deposits," said Anthony Rose, Bank of Queensland's acting group executive.
"While the bank has absorbed these costs for some time, the changes announced will help to offset the impact of increased funding costs," Rose said.
The interest rate changes are effective July 2.
BOQ today announced variable home loan rate for owner occupiers (principal and interest repayments) will increase by 0.09 per cent, per annum;
<ul>
<li>
Variable home loan rate for owner occupiers (interest only repayments) will increase by 0.15 per cent, per annum;
</li>
<li>
Variable home loan rate for investors (principal and interest and interest only repayments) will increase by 0.15 per cent, per annum; and
</li>
<li>
Owner occupier and investor Lines of Credit will increase by 0.10 per cent, per annum.
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</ul>
Anthony Rose said the decisions "are always difficult" and BOQ balances the needs of our borrowers and depositors when making changes.
Elsewhere rates in some cases are up by 40 basis points.
It comes as the lenders suggest they can no longer absorb the impact of rising funding costs on net interest margins.
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IMB, the nation's third largest building society, has raised standard variable interest rates by 8 basis points for new and existing home loans.
AMP Bank has hiked rates on some investment products by up to 40 basis points. 
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Greater Bank and Homestar Finance are also raising some rates by 10 basis points.
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Bank of Queensland raise IO investor rates

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Adelaide’s estimated median house price of $510,000 at June 2018 represents a four per cent increase for 2017/18, according to a report released this week from BIS Oxford Economics.
“With relatively soft economic conditions, prices in the Adelaide market appear to be responding to low interest rates,” said Angie Zigomanis head of BIS Oxford Economics' residential research unit.
“Net interstate migration outflows have improved slightly, although remain high, while new dwelling completions remain elevated."
Mr Zigomanis forecasts that “economic conditions in South Australia are to remain subdued in the short term."
"The unemployment rate for the state is above the national level, and a lull is expected as the economy responds to the shutdown of automotive manufacturing ahead of other future employment drivers such as ship building ramping up."
Affordability in Adelaide does not appear to be a constraint on the market and this will support prices.
Growth in net overseas migration inflows into South Australia is unlikely, although net interstate migration outflows are expected to slowly improve as the employment outlook eventually improves, the economists suggested.
Modest growth averaging three per cent per annum is forecast for 2020/21, beginning to accelerate into the final year of this outlook as the economic environment steadily improves.
In contrast, there has been a decline in median unit prices in 2017/18 in response to high levels of unit supply and a further decline is forecast in this report for 2018/19 before unit prices stabilise and improve in subsequent years, although still only display modest growth.
For a look at our take on the BIS Oxford Economics report for the national market check out, "Melbourne house prices forecast to tread water through to 2020/21".
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Adelaide's housing market remains affordable: BIS Oxford Economics

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The CoreLogic Quarterly Regional Market Update ranks Geelong as taking regional honours with the largest annual increase in median values in both houses (15.8%) and units (12.2%).
Houses increased by nearly 16%, while units saw an increase of over 12%.
Sales activity was down 3% across Geelong
Rental rates for units in Geelong increased by nearly 2%.
<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/2018/6/12/geelong%201.jpg" alt="">
A home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-geelong-125229510" target="_blank">161 Verner Street</a> (top) recently sold for $1,420,000 after being built in 2011.
The 860 square metre parcel last traded for $319,000 in 2009.
A <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-geelong-127809642" target="_blank">Mundy Street home</a> (below), designed and built in 2014 by Padarc, sold for $950,000 after having a guide of $899,000 to $969,000.
<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/2018/6/26/Geelong%201%2042%20Mundy%20St%20950000.jpg" alt="">
The three bedroom property was built to wrap around a central courtyard.
It was a windfall result for the vendors, who paid $198,662 for the 210 square metre parcel then $350,000 for the build of the home.
A classic cottage at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-geelong-128297002" target="_blank">16 Brownbill Street</a> (below) sold for for $650,000 at its recent weekend auction.
<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/2018/6/29/2c4cad4713c947fab85b8404d63de9af.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-geelong-128428562" target="_blank">46 Bourke Crescent</a> recently fetched for $780,000.
The 455sqm homestead (below) last sold for 288,000 in 2003, almost a 300 percent increase in value in 15 years.
<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/2018/6/26/Geelong%203%2046%20Bourke%20Crescent%20780000.jpg" alt="">
A two bedroom, one bathroom house marketed as a quaint and charming family home recently sold for $581,000 (below).
Located on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-geelong-128360630" target="_blank">151 Swanston Street</a>, the 301sqm one-story holding last sold for $272,500 in June 2009.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/6/26/Geelong%205%20Swanston%20St.JPG" alt="">
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What $650,000 buys in Geelong, the nation's top performing regional area

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Neither the Sydney nor Melbourne property market is going to crash, veteran estate agent John McGrath has blogged.
"There are too many fundamentals holding prices up, such as the undersupply, high population growth largely due to migration, very low interest rates, low unemployment and a strong economy," he told investor readers on the Switzer website.
But he agreed the cities were "seeing prices paring back."
He indicated just how far prices will fall "is a hard question to answer with any real accuracy," but added it was reasonable to rely on history for an indication of how low prices might go.
He cited recent research showing Australia has had six previous episodes of declining housing prices since 1980, with the peak-to-trough range of 2.5 percent to 8 percent.
McGrath cited the buying urgency has gone, competition was weaker, "there’s more homes for sale and much less risk of paying a premium at auction.
"We’re getting back to normal market conditions," he said adding it was good because market corrections prevent bubbles.
"We want a period of consolidation now to cement in the significant price gains of the boom.... Sydney house prices were up 67% and Melbourne house prices were up 40% since mid-2012 when the growth cycle began.
"So, even if they fall by 8%-10% or more, most home owners shouldn’t be concerned by this. 
"At the end of the day, the gains made during the boom will far outweigh any price falls we experience now," he said.
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Sydney and Melbourne property markets won't crash in 2018: John McGrath

The NSW Government has expanded its $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program, broadening access for affordable housing providers and smaller residential developments as it seeks to accelerate housing delivery across the state.

The Minns Government says the program has already helped bring forward more than 600 homes across Sydney and regional NSW since launching in September 2025, with similar models now adopted in South Australia and Western Australia.

The latest changes, announced by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, are designed to improve access to finance for projects that have planning approval but are struggling to secure funding.

Among the key changes is an expansion of support for community housing providers. The program will now support up to 100 per cent affordable housing projects valued at up to $30 million when delivered by not-for-profit providers, while support for larger affordable housing developments will increase for projects worth up to $80 million.

The government says the changes will help accelerate the delivery of housing for low-income workers, older people, people living with disability, and those at risk of homelessness, while reducing reliance on direct grants or subsidised loans to bridge funding gaps.

The eligibility criteria for smaller residential developments have also been broadened. The previous $5 million minimum project value threshold has been removed and replaced with a requirement that projects deliver at least four homes.

Support has also increased for projects delivering fewer than 20 homes, with the guarantee now able to cover up to 75 per cent of dwellings in a development, capped at $30 million per project.

The changes are expected to particularly benefit smaller-scale and regional developments, which often face greater challenges meeting pre-sale requirements imposed by lenders.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the scheme demonstrates how government can use its balance sheet to stimulate housing supply without relying solely on taxpayer-funded grants.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee shows how this Government is using its balance sheet to reduce risk and unlock private investment, enabling new homes to move from design to construction faster," Mookhey said.

"This landmark reform allows us to deliver homes for working families at a lower cost to taxpayers, while also maintaining strong financial discipline."

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the program had already proven effective in bringing stalled projects to market.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has already proven it can unlock stalled projects and accelerate housing delivery by giving lenders the confidence they need to back good developments," Scully said.

"These changes will allow more affordable housing and smaller developments to access support so more homes can be built faster where communities need them most."

Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the expansion would help community housing providers overcome financing barriers that often delay projects.

"We know community housing providers are ready to build more homes, too often they're held back by barriers to finance," Jackson said.

"Expanding the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee helps remove those barriers so more affordable homes can get off the ground sooner."

The announcement was welcomed by the Property Council of Australia, which has long advocated for measures aimed at improving project feasibility and access to finance.

Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson described the expansion as a practical intervention that addresses one of the most immediate constraints on housing delivery.

"This is exactly the kind of practical intervention we need right now, focused on getting projects out of the ground, not just approved," Stevenson said.

"It builds on a model the Property Council has worked closely with government to develop following calls for such a scheme ahead of last year's NSW Budget, so it's great to see it being expanded."

Stevenson said the reforms would help unlock projects that are ready to proceed but have been delayed by financing challenges. However, she noted that broader feasibility issues remain a significant barrier to increasing housing supply.

"The biggest challenge in NSW housing today is delivery. Too many projects have planning approval but are simply not financially viable to proceed under current settings," she said.

Speaking at the Property Council's NSW Housing Summit, Housing Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged that feasibility and financing pressures continue to constrain housing delivery, while reaffirming the government's commitment to work with industry on solutions.

Stevenson said the government's recognition of those challenges was encouraging ahead of next week's state budget.

"It's positive to see the government clearly recognising that feasibility pressures are now a binding constraint on supply," she said.

"With the Budget just days away, the focus must be on backing delivery, making sure projects stack up, finance can flow, and more homes can move from approval to construction."

The expanded Pre-sale Finance Guarantee forms part of the NSW Government's broader housing agenda, which also includes planning reforms, the NSW Housing Pattern Book, and a series of rezonings intended to increase housing capacity across the state.

Joel Robinson

NSW expands Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to unlock more affordable and regional housing

Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372212]

Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372225]

While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146717]

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6395]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=353235]

A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

The Walden pairs house-scale living with North Sydney connectivity

The ACT will become the first jurisdiction in Australia to abolish stamp duty for all first home buyers, with no income caps and no property price thresholds from 1 July.

The move, announced as part of the ACT Budget, completes a key election commitment from the Barr Government and removes what Chief Minister Andrew Barr described as one of the biggest barriers to entering the housing market. The reform forms part of the ACT's long-running transition away from transaction taxes and towards a broader-based property tax system.

"This budget marks a major milestone in our long-term tax reform program," Barr said, adding that the government had maintained a sustained focus on removing barriers to home ownership. He said stamp duty had long been one of the largest upfront hurdles facing buyers and that from July, "that barrier is gone" for first home buyers in the Territory.

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The changes come alongside a range of measures designed to encourage new housing supply, including support for the delivery of so-called "missing middle" housing such as terraces, townhouses and low-rise multi-unit developments.

The announcement has renewed debate around whether the ACT's approach could provide a blueprint for improving housing affordability nationally.

New research from OurTop10.com.au, conducted by Primara Research, suggests the Territory's decade-long reform agenda has produced outcomes unmatched elsewhere in Australia.

While stamp duty costs have increased by an average 67 per cent nationally over the past decade, the ACT has recorded growth of just 15 per cent, the lowest increase of any jurisdiction.

The Territory has also emerged as one of the strongest performers on housing delivery. Based on population-weighted housing targets, the ACT is sitting less than one per cent behind its target. Victoria is the next closest at seven per cent behind, while the national average sits 25 per cent below target. New South Wales is tracking 39 per cent behind.

The latest reform removes one of the final barriers facing first home buyers in Canberra.

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The average Australian home buyer currently pays $61,714 in stamp duty. In the ACT, that figure is $38,399 despite the Territory having the third-highest median house price in the country.

Until now, the ACT's first home buyer concession scheme only applied to purchases up to $1.02 million, around $51,000 below Canberra's median house price of $1.071 million. In practical terms, many first home buyers were unable to access the median-priced home without losing the concession.

From July, those restrictions disappear.

Every first home buyer in the ACT will pay no stamp duty, regardless of income or purchase price.

Canberra remains one of Australia's most expensive housing markets, with dwelling values increasing 82 per cent over the past decade. However, that growth ranks only 11th among Australia's 15 major housing markets, suggesting affordability pressures have been less severe than in many other parts of the country.

Simon Ma, CEO of OurTop10.com.au, said the latest reforms recognise that many first home buyers have simply outgrown thresholds set years ago.

"Many first home buyers aren't just looking for a way onto the ladder, they want a home their family can actually live in," Ma said.

"In a market where the median house price is over a million dollars, a concession scheme that cuts out at $1.02 million was never going to get them there.

"Removing the ceiling entirely means ACT first home buyers can now pursue the home they actually want, rather than limiting themselves to a price point designed for a very different market."

Whether other states follow remains to be seen. But at a time when most jurisdictions are struggling to improve affordability while also increasing housing supply, the ACT has quietly become the national test case for both.

15% stamp duty growth. Just 1% off the national housing target. Zero stamp duty for FHBs. Is the ACT the blueprint for the great Australian dream?

ACT abolishes stamp duty for first home buyers

A rooftop pool and spa overlooking the Brisbane CBD, private dining spaces, expansive landscaped gardens and a residents' lounge are set to crown <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/callista-on-park-west-end-49-mollison-street-west-end-qld-4101">Callista on Park</a>, the final residential building within Brisbane's West Village precinct.

The rooftop amenity collection has been designed as an extension of the lifestyle already established throughout West Village, providing residents with a series of indoor and outdoor spaces that capitalise on the building's elevated position above West End.

A swimming pool and heated spa form the centrepiece of the rooftop offering, surrounded by landscaped gardens developed through a collaboration between developer Sekisui House and ASPECT Studios. The design incorporates expansive lawn areas surrounded by English garden-inspired planting.

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Residents will also have access to two barbecue and outdoor dining areas positioned to take advantage of views across Brisbane's skyline, neighbouring Mollison Park, and the surrounding inner-city landscape.

For larger gatherings, the rooftop includes a private dining room centred around a substantial stone island bench, complete with a full kitchen and a 10-seat dining table set beneath four-metre-high ceilings. The space has been designed to overlook both the rooftop gardens and the Brisbane CBD skyline.

A separate residents' lounge provides an additional indoor retreat connected to the broader rooftop amenity offering, creating another space for residents to work, relax or entertain guests.

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The attention to detail extends beyond the rooftop.

Upon arrival, residents will enter through a lobby featuring a bespoke ceiling light installation developed in collaboration between Sekisui House and Alcorn Middleton Architecture. The arrival experience is complemented by private resident mailboxes and carefully considered interior finishes designed to reflect the premium positioning of the building.

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The amenity offering forms part of Callista on Park, the final residential release within the decade-long transformation of the former Peters Ice Cream Factory site into West Village, one of Brisbane's most established mixed-use communities.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a>, Callista represents the most premium residential offering within the masterplanned precinct.

Construction is now entering its final stages, with scaffolding beginning to come down and completion expected in the first quarter of 2027.

Prices for the three-bedroom plus MPR apartments start from just over $2.6 million.

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Callista will mark the final opportunity to purchase within West Village, where residents have direct access to more than 35 retail, dining, wellness and medical operators including Harris Farm Markets, Woolworths, Function Well and Goodlife Health Clubs, Metro Arts, and a growing collection of restaurants and cafés.

Located just 800 metres from the Brisbane CBD, the precinct also places residents within walking distance of South Bank, West End's dining scene, riverfront parklands and major public transport connections.

For Sekisui House, which has delivered more than two million homes globally, Callista serves as the concluding piece of the West Village masterplan, bringing together the precinct's heritage character, parkland setting and emphasis on walkability in a final collection of larger-format residences.

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