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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

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

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

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

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

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

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

building

The Property Council of Australia has announced the important role the property industry will play in achieving net zero as NSW decarbonises its economy.

NSW director Luke Achterstraat said as NSW invests $4.8 million in speeding up the transformation of the state&rsquo;s built environment towards net zero emissions, buildings can provide some of the least cost abatement opportunities in the economy.&nbsp;

<blockquote>
&ldquo;Accelerating Australia&rsquo;s transition to sustainable housing could both protect the home building sector, as well as spur growth in delivering more than half a billion dollars of additional investment in the construction industry by 2030 and create over 7,000 new jobs,&rdquo; Achterstraat said.
</blockquote>

Effectively, this would also save Australians $600 million on their energy bills.&nbsp;

According to the Property Council, upgrading the energy efficiency of Australia&rsquo;s commercial buildings would not only stimulate economic activity through inputs of local labour, it would also deliver an estimated $12 billion in energy savings between 2016 and 2030.

&ldquo;Since efficient buildings are also healthier and more productive, gains in staff productivity are likely to dwarf the benefits in energy savings.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7149 project_image_fid=175541]

According to the <a href="https://arena.gov.au/renewable-energy/renewables-in-buildings/">Australian Renewable Energy Agency</a> (ARENA), buildings account for more than half of the nation&rsquo;s electricity consumption and are a major driver of &lsquo;peak demand&rsquo;.

An additional 2019 study revealed that the construction, operation and maintenance of buildings account for almost a <a href="https://theconversation.com/buildings-produce-25-of-australias-emissions-what-will-it-take-to-make-them-green-and-wholl-pay-105652">quarter of greenhouse gas emissions</a> in Australia.

&ldquo;We encourage the NSW State Government to leverage the unique opportunity the built environment offers to dramatically reduce carbon emissions in highly cost effective ways that will also stimulate the economy,&rdquo; Achterstraat said.&nbsp;

&ldquo;As Australia heads towards a low emissions economy, governments must provide a clear pathway of policies that give certainty to industry and create economic opportunities for Australian businesses.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758 project_image_fid=150461]

Other key industry bodies, including the&nbsp;Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), are also encouraging the government to make use of the largely untapped emissions reduction opportunities available within the sector.&nbsp;

GBCA CEO Davina Rooney&nbsp;Australia&rsquo;s property sector is already&nbsp;leading the way in carbon reduction&nbsp;and making commitments at COP26 can help the Australian Government build on this work.&nbsp;

Facilitating the transition of Australia&rsquo;s building sector towards an economy for the future is critical in improving and sustaining the future liveability, productivity and sustainability of our communities and cities.

Achterstraat concluded: &ldquo;With the right policy frameworks in place, we can minimise the costs of a transition&nbsp;to net zero emissions and create economic opportunities across all parts of industry, from sole traders and homeowners to large businesses.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Buildings account for more than half of the nation’s electricity consumption and are a major driver of ‘peak demand’

max.kwok_55688

Property industry to play a pivotal role in the race to net zero, says Property Council

Established in 1975, Hamilton Marino Builders is an experienced and dynamic multi-level apartment and commercial construction company.

One of Victoria&#39;s most experienced and sought-after multi-level apartment construction companies, the builders focus on finding alternative design methodologies to match the needs of developers and designers.

With close to 50 properties built by Hamilton Marino listed on Urban, below we take a look at the top seven that homebuyers can secure now.

1. <a href="/buildings/anthem-1-oshannassy-street-essendon">Anthem, Essendon</a> 
Address: 1 O&#39;Shannassy Street, Essendon VIC 3040 
Two-bedroom apartments from $555,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29880 project_image_fid=152706]

Delivered by Blue Earth Group, Anthem is the most recent development in the Moonee Valley&rsquo;s largest suburb, Essendon.

Comprising one, two and three-bedroom apartments, the project features central gardens, oversized floorplans and residents&rsquo; facilities.

The building, designed by CHT Architects, is set to include a world-class health and fitness centre, an abundance of entertaining spaces and five-star hotel service.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29880 project_image_fid=152708]

Budding chefs and family cooks will enjoy experimenting in the functional kitchen, meticulously designed by an award-winning team and the celebrity chef, Adam D&rsquo;Sylva. &nbsp;

2. <a href="/new-apartments/mckn-236-jasper-road-mckinnon" target="_blank">MCKN, McKinnon</a> 
Address: 236 Jasper Road, McKinnon VIC 3204 
Two-bedroom apartments from $755,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4939 project_image_fid=152596]

The luxury development,&nbsp;MCKN&nbsp;is being developed by veteran developer Dealcorp, offering a Bayside lifestyle&nbsp;without carrying the expensive Bayside postcode.

Families have been snapping up the large apartments in the Glen Eira precinct, with just 41 apartments in two and three-bedroom configurations available in the boutique five-level complex.&nbsp;

Designed by Ritz &amp; Ghougassian, the development includes huge outdoor balconies and&nbsp;terraces and quality finishes and design, including natural stone, timber flooring and European appliances.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4939 project_image_fid=152584]

Each apartment features&nbsp;at least one car space. Although residents can also enjoy the convenience of a train station that is only 500m away.

3. Walmer, Richmond 
Address: 649 Victoria Street, Richmond VIC 3067 
Two-bedroom apartments from $875,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3475 project_image_fid=150823]

Comprising 75 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, Salta Properties&rsquo; Walmer presents a riverfront residence that sits as a natural extension of its surrounds.

Designed by Bates Smart and landscapers Taylor Cullity Lethlean, the home features generous outdoor living, native landscaping and inviting apartments.

Each light-filled residence includes an open-plan kitchen, carved stone benches, curated Gaggenau and BORA appliances and integrated fittings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3475 project_image_fid=150820]

The development features a well-stocked library, business centre, communal wine cellar and on-call chef and concierge.

4. <a href="/buildings/4248-42-claremont-street-south-yarra">4248, South Yarra</a> 
Address: 42 Claremont Street, South Yarra VIC 3141 
Two-bedroom apartments from $648,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3353 project_image_fid=30131]

Located at 42 Claremont Street, 4248 has been designed to make modern living a bigger and better experience.

Developed by DealCorp, the project features a collection of one, two and three-bedroom residences, contemporary design and sculptural public space at street level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3353 project_image_fid=90647]

Plus Architecture have brought their approach to life at the project, with an extravagant lobby, floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive open-living spaces and city views.

5. <a href="/buildings/the-gentry-29-41-william-street-alexandria">The Gentry, Alexandria</a> 
Address: 29-41 William Street, Alexandria NSW 2015 
Three-bedroom apartments from $2,175,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6859 project_image_fid=38844]

The latest inner-west offering from the Thirdi Group, the Gentry consists of 37 designed terraces with an untouched heritage-listed fa&ccedil;ade.

Designed by SJB and Lawless Meyerson, each home spans four, boasting three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a private rooftop garden terrace with a barbeque entertainment area and spa.

The interiors are a response to the warehouse-style architecture and feature porcelain benchtops, large outdoor courtyards and luxury kitchen features.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6859 project_image_fid=38847]

Other features to enjoy at the Gentry include a private single lock-up garage, a custom wine cellar and an expansive wardrobe that includes concealed desk space.

6. <a href="/buildings/gadsden-288-adderley-street-west-melbourne">Gadsden, West Melbourne</a> 
Address: 268 Adderley Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003 
Two-bedroom apartments from $626,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22344 project_image_fid=54329]

Developed by&nbsp;PDG Corporation, Gadsen provides residents with a lifestyle that perfectly balances community ambience and rich culture within close proximity to Melbourne CBD.

The project features a collection of 188 residences, including one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as exclusive townhouses wrapped in a historic fa&ccedil;ade.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22344 project_image_fid=54334]

Rising 11 storeys, these buildings reflect the history of West Melbourne while appealing to residents with functional spaces, local character and modern finishes.

Designed by DKO Architecture, the homes include floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, prime city views and recessed LED downlights.

7. <a href="/buildings/the-grove-1-5-olive-york-way-brunswick-west">The Grove, Brunswick West</a> 
Address: 1-5 Olive York Way, Brunswick West VIC 3055 
Two-bedroom apartments from $540,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1168 project_image_fid=16988]

Consisting 325 apartments across nine floors, Blue Earth Group&rsquo;s latest Melbourne residence showcases superior style and functionality.

The Grove is comprised of three buildings designed by MAP Architecture and Adele Bates Design Studio, showcasing style and everyday living solutions.

Each home features natural materials, engineered timber floors, stone benchtops and boast access to numerous amenities to encourage a social lifestyle.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1168 project_image_fid=28632]

Among these include a health club, business centre, landscaped spa and private lounge.

Established in 1975, Hamilton Marino Builders is an experienced and dynamic multi-level apartment and commercial construction company

Top seven apartment buildings constructed by Hamilton Marino

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They call it “reality” television and shows such as House Rules, Better Homes and Gardens, and, of course, The Block, have certainly fuelled our enthusiasm for DIY. 
The recent screening of The Block, where four apartments in an inner Melbourne suburb were auctioned off, drew strong interest nationally. The popularity of DIY has increased significantly as a result of our interest in such home improvement shows – and hardware and building supplies stores are reaping the benefits. 
Business information analysts Ibisworld released a report earlier this year showing their revenue was up thanks to the increase in renovation projects and DIY.
The report said almost 6000 businesses in the sector had shown annual growth of about 3.5% over the past five years with the past two financial years in particular helped by “greater expenditure on DIY renovations and home improvement projects”.
But while these homeowners think they are adding value to their homes – and some are – there are many pitfalls for the amateur. Sub-standard DIY work can not only make a poor first impression, but have buyers worrying about what else has been badly done.
Among the problems agents say can make a notably bad impression: poorly fitted kitchen or bathroom cabinets, poorly fitted carpets, visible wiring and a below-average paint or tiling job.
But if you are planning to DIY, take care, as there’s a range of implications. Not all are financial; there’s a need to make sure that the work is safe to undertake yourself.
And even DIY done well will not add value if the home is overcapitalised – that is, more spent on it than could be recouped in a sale – or if the amount spent is more than people are willing to spend on homes in the area.
Work must be done well, which means being sure you have the skills and experience for the tasks and, if not, hiring professionals to do it.  It is not cost-effective and is potentially dangerous to attempt work such as wiring and major plumbing jobs.  While this may seem expensive, it can boost the price of your home.
Before starting, it’s worth researching the price of renovated homes in your area that are of a similar size, to check on the potential value of the renovation. Then you’ll be able to proceed, and ensure that you make a significant return on your investment. 
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Reality television renovation: Enzo Raimondo

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New South Wales (read: Sydney), Queensland (marginally), and Western Australia (ditto).
<a href="/images/2015/07/13/alsts.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/13/alsts.jpg" alt="">
 
Declining elsewhere.
No contribution to Q2 GDP to be found here.
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
 
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Where is renovation activity increasing? Pete Wargent

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Whether you are building a single house, duplex or multi unit development, there is one essential building material that we always include. This item is not mandatory or compulsory in most cases, however Property Bloom has three good reasons why we include it. 
We are talking about sarking beneath a tiled roof. Sarking is a pliable membrane that sits under roof tiles, usually silver in colour. 
I've been watching as a new house is being built in my street.  As the roof was going on, I noticed they had not used sarking. The house is being built by one of the parents at my son's school who I know. So when I saw them next, I casually mentioned to them that I'd seen the roof had now been finished but there was no sarking. They said they had ummed and ahhed about it and decided not to spend the extra money on something no one is going to see. Big mistake I thought, but I didn't say that as it was too late for them to change their mind. Their bedrooms are all upstairs and the house faces west.  I know how hot it will get up there but that's not the only reason they should have considered it. 
So here's my reasons why we include sarking on our all Property Bloom developments:
1. Waterproofing. This is my number one reason. If you get a cracked roof tile, which is easy enough to occur in a big storm particularly if there are trees close by, sarking will assist in keeping out the moisture. Leaking roofs are your worst enemy. Once water seeps through the plasterboard, it can get expensive to repair and can also cause electrical damage. 
2. Insulation. This is a pretty good reason, particularly in a long, hot summer. We are seeing our temperatures rising and if you're sleeping just a few meters from your roof void, then chances are you are going to be hot or spend a lot of money on cooling this area. Sarking improves the thermal performance by up to 97%* and helps to provide a more energy efficient and comfortable home.
*CSR Bradford
3. Dust. Sarking helps keep dust out of your roof void. If you have access into the roof void for storage or maybe thinking of creating an attic room, then minimising dust is a good thing. Also, if you have down lights or sky lights in your ceiling and no sarking, you may find dust can filter down into the living area through any tiny gaps created by ceiling fittings.  
On a typical Property Bloom duplex project, our builder charges about $1,800-$2,000 more for sarking and to me this is a small price to pay to ensure you have the highest of quality roof protection for your property. The last thing we want is for our clients to experience complaints from tenants down the track that their roof is leaking. 
Sarking is compulsory in bushfire rated areas and provides compliance to BAL bush fire ember attack requirements. 
So don't scrimp on your roof, it'll be a good investment plus provide peace of mind. 
Jo Chivers is chief executive officer of property development project managers <a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/about" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a>.
 
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One important building material to include in your construction: Jo Chivers

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The <a href="https://wp.architecture.com.au/news-media/national-building-agreement-welcome-now-focus-on-action/">Australian Institute of Architects</a> is calling for a fundamental overhaul of building regulation to improve compliance and accountability. 
At the moment, Australian regulation and building codes lack transparency and as we have seen in the recent events, do little to protect residents and homeowners. 
Currently, anybody can procure and construct an apartment building in Australia without evidence of education, experience or insurance held where previously, independent and rigorous checks would oversee the design, materials choice and construction to ensure the utmost safety and sustainability for residents. Over the years this compliance has decreased to prioritise cost-saving over quality and is a reflection of our quick supply and demand culture. 
Countries such as <a href="https://www.building.govt.nz/building-code-compliance/">New Zealand</a> have a building code compliance that all builders must comply with even without building consent to ensure the safety and durability for everyone that uses them. New Zealand builders must abide by the technical guidance by the Building Code of 2004 with strict warnings and bans in place which could see the builder or developer paying a fine of up to $200,000 for which all buildings must focus on:

<ul>
<li>General Provisions</li>
	<li>Stability</li>
	<li>Protection from Fire</li>
	<li>Access</li>
	<li>Moisture</li>
	<li>Safety of Users</li>
	<li>Service and Facilities</li>
	<li>Energy Efficiency</li>
</ul>
Japan’s strict building regulations may be due to protecting citizens from the incredible amount of seismic activity the country experiences but are incredibly helpful when considering updating and strengthening Australia’s as bans on combustible building materials is much more closely regulated than here.

 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/neo_apartment_screen_peter_clarke-54.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="In early February 2019, Neo200 on Spencer experienced a balcony cladding fire up levels 21 to 27. Image by Hayball."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/neo_apartment_screen_peter_clarke-54.jpg?itok=PQvzB5Fo" title="In early February 2019, Neo200 on Spencer experienced a balcony cladding fire up levels 21 to 27. Image by Hayball." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>In early February 2019, Neo200 on Spencer experienced a balcony cladding fire up levels 21 to 27. Image by <a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a>.</figcaption></figure>In late 2018, Victoria banned lethal flammable building cladding, which includes aluminium panels. 
The ban provides builders with a clear and strict guideline of materials that can and cannot be used in the construction of buildings above two levels high. 
The VBA, <a href="https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/">Victorian Building Authority</a> has put builders on notice, as they inspect the hundreds of at risk buildings in a statewide audit to crack down on non-compliant structures. 
Architects and developers design buildings and communities with the intent of enriching the lives of people and the environment in which it stands, therefore building codes in Australia need to match that intensity with strict regulation and inspection to ensure the well being of all people. 
In recent news, residents of <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a> respond in panic due to hearing cracking noises, power outages and lift operating failures. Since the first settlers took residence in the soon to be 101 story tower in late 2018, there have been a slew of complaints regarding construction noise and construction defects within apartments such as windows not closing or opening due to the curved facade. 
These stories have now either been exacerbated by the media to take advantage of panicked citizens to incite fear and sell papers or forcing builders and developers to take accountability and be more transparent about their building practices.  
With articles published in The Age and Herald Sun displaying the latest apartment building disasters, people are on high alert in fear their building's too, falls under the same underegulated practices. What holds true to these statements is that resident’s voices deserve to be heard with their safety and quality of life at the utmost importance.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image_by_worzil_skyscrapercity.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Most updated construction image of Australia 108 by worzil of Skyscrapercity.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="547" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image_by_worzil_skyscrapercity.jpg?itok=wP1ehTRH" title="Most updated construction image of Australia 108 by worzil of Skyscrapercity.com" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Most updated construction image of <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a> by worzil of Skyscrapercity.com</figcaption></figure>Multiplex denied any structural damages in a statement and said the building is bound to move slightly as it is still under construction and minor defects are quickly fixed with absolutely no risk to residents.  
These complaints of noise are common with residents within and surrounding high density skyscrapers under construction and are not permanent. 
A multiplex representative states that “all residents have access to the Multiplex onsite customer team and our onsite service team has been working closely with the residents to rectify these items in a timely manner.” 
A benefit to the exposure of towers such as Opal in Sydney and its defects is that consumers and citizens are conscious and have opened up a dialogue with government about the loosened regulations and building codes our individual states hold. 
The next step is to hold builders accountable and to provide transparency with VBA and other councils alike in order to adhere to the highest quality of building and ensuring the safety of residents and communities. 
As work commences in Victoria establishing a ban on all flammable materials used in construction, a push for other councils and states is imminent and blatantly necessary. 
The Australian Institute of Architects are taking their demands of an industry revolution to VBA and multiple councils across New South Wales insisting on addressing the root of the issue, a culture and practice that has put time and cost above quality.  
This construction industry crisis facing Australia are systemic and it is crucial to make those steps forward to eradicate unlawful practices.

 

Read their latest article demanding industry revolution by clicking this <a href="https://wp.architecture.com.au/news-media/nsw-president-says-our-construction-industry-needs-nothing-short-of-a-revolution/">link</a>.
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Nick Dante

Australia called, we want our Building Codes updated and regulated

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EXPERT OBSERVATIONS
Geordan Murray, a Senior Economist at HIA, said the home lending figures released by the ABS today show the number of loans to households building new homes grew modestly in May.
Overall housing finance commitments for construction and purchase of new homes grew in the month of May by a modest 2.3 per cent but remain 11.7 per cent lower than the same month last year.
The credit squeeze that emerged from mid-2018 has seen lending for the construction of new homes contract sharply.
This month’s data suggests that these conditions have started to ease.
The improvement in lending in May is stronger than we had anticipated and reflects an increased level of borrowing from first home buyers.
This is the strongest month of borrowing by first home buyers this year.
There has been an improvement in housing market sentiment in the weeks following the federal election.
When combined with the RBA’s rate cuts and easing of APRA restrictions, there is cause to be optimistic that lending activity could improve as the year progresses.
However REIA President Adrian Kelly believes the May 2019 Lending to Households and Business figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show the number of loans for housing, excluding refinancing, continues to decline, but at a slower rate.
Mr Kelly said, overall the figures for May 2019 show, in trend terms that the number of owner-occupied finance commitments, excluding refinancing, decreased by 0.5 per cent –the twenty first consecutive month of decreases and the lowest since August 2012.
The value of investment housing commitments, excluding refinancing, decreased by 1.5 per cent in May. This is down 27.8 per cent from a year ago and is at its lowest level since March 2009.
The number of loans to first home buyers increased by 0.8 per cent and is the highest since November 2018 whilst the proportion of first home buyers, as part of the total owner-occupied housing finance commitments increased in May to 18.8 per cent from 18.2 per cent in April.
Whilst the total number of finance commitments for May show a continuing, but modest, decline it needs to be remembered that the Federal election was held in the middle of the month with considerable uncertainty regarding the outcome and concern about changes to property taxation and its impact should there be a change in Government. 
With the post election boost in confidence in the real estate market as evidenced by higher levels of enquiry, two cuts in interest rates and changes in APRA’s requirements May will most likely mark the bottom of the lending cycle.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Conflicting opinions on the strength of housing lending strength: HIA & REIA

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Centuria Capital Group (Centuria) has announced their acquisition of 10 Moore Street, Canberra. 
The property known as the ‘Optus Centre’ will be directly purchased by Centuria Diversified Property Fund (CDPF) for $35 million from commercial property group Quintessential.
Commenting on the acquisition, Centuria’s Head of Real Estate and Funds Management, JasonHuljich, said “Strong support from investors and financial advisers in the CDPF has seen the fund’s inflows increase significantly this financial year, allowing the fund to make strategic purchases. 
“10 Moore Street is a centrally-located property – ideally positioned in Civic, the heart of Canberra’s CBD precinct."
“The building has been fully regenerated to a very high standard by Quintessential Equity – all the work done over the years has been of a high quality, and the actions undertaken to improve the environmental footprint of the building has resulted in a 5-star NABERS energy rating, further enhancing the quality of this acquisition.”
It has a 4.3 year WALE (as at 1 June 2019), and is currently 98% leased to a mix of tenants, with a 12-month rental guarantee on approximately 2% (123 sqm) of vacant space, which Mr Huljich is confident about leasing.
“One of Centuria’s A-REITs, the Centuria Metropolitan REIT (CMA), owns two properties nearby– at 54 and 60 Marcus Clarke Street, about 100 metres from 10 Moore Street – so we are familiar with the area, and have had very good leasing success there: we understand what appeals to tenants,” he said.
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Russell Bullen, Quintessential Equity’s Chief Executive Officer, said the group is very pleased with the sale of the 6,709sqm building, which he calls a “top-tier office investment”.
“Since we acquired the building in 2014, we’ve completed a full regeneration and successful releasing campaign at the property, future-proofing it for years to come."
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Centuria announce acquisition of Moore Street Optus Centre in Canberra

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The Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania has put its 130 Little Collins Street office building on the market in Melbourne’s prized east end.
The building boasts a net lettable area of 3,797 square metres, comprising eight levels of office, ground floor retail, and 15 car spaces.
It is on a 651 square metre corner site with 53 metres of frontage to Little Collins Street (16 metres) and Coromandel Place (37 metres). 
The Uniting Church has occupied the building since its construction.
It has decided to offer the property to market in anticipation of its move to the redeveloped Wesley Place site at 130 Lonsdale Street in 2020. 
CBRE, in conjunction with Colliers International, are offering it to the market with a permit for an Elenberg Fraser designed 26-level hotel development. 
Recent sales history have seen CBD office property with yields averaging under 4% including a low of 2.3% achieved with the December sale of 288 Queen Street. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/16/UNITING.jpg" alt="">
Source: CBRE 
The permit is for an 11,957 square metre (GFA), lifestyle hotel with multi-level food and beverage amenities, conferencing facilities and rooftop bar.
The asset would be sold with a view to create vacant possession in 18 months’ time.
Offers for the property close June 13.
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Uniting Church lists Little Collins building with approval for 26-storey hotel 

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One of the Haymarket precinct’s last freestanding buildings is coming to market in North Melbourne.
Located at 87-89 Flemington Road, North Melbourne the two-level building sits on 510 sqm of land and is squeezed between 4 12-storey apartment buildings.
The building, opposite the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital is being offered for sale with an approved permit for a 12-level residential development. 
Colliers International’s David Sia, Oliver Hay, Hamish Burgess and Dave Walker have been appointed to handle the transaction.   
The vendor of the property, Topsun Development, originally purchased the property as a premium residential development opportunity.
Situated metres from the upcoming $11 billion Metro Rail Project and the subsequent Parkville Train Station the property is set to benefit. 
Expressions of interest for 87-89 Flemington Road, North Melbourne close December 5.
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