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

Commercial Property

<html><body>
The Darling Street retail strip which runs through Rozelle and Balmain is back in business, according to Ray White Commercial Inner West.
Ray White Commercial Inner West Principal Tim Morrison said the agency has leased more than 20 shops in Balmain and Rozelle so far this year and the precinct is thriving once again.
“Balmain is back,” he said.
“After a few years of a large number of vacant retail premises, there has been a significant turnaround this year in Darling St.
“We have leased more than 20 properties so far this year which is the most active I have seen the leasing market in Balmain for many years with virtually no vacancies."
 
Tim said a variety of businesses had set up shop in Darling Street this year, with IT companies, barbers and hairdressers, food stores, clothing outlets, music shops and a number of bars moving in.
He said one of the reasons for the Darling Street revival was some local council initiatives such as easing parking restrictions for shoppers.
“There has certainly been some recognition from council that the precinct was in need of some assistance,” he said.
Tim said easing rental prices and incentives had also helped to attract tenants.
“Darling St is a busy retail strip again with high pedestrian and vehicular traffic and it will always be a popular area being close to the Sydney CBD with quick and easy access to the major commercial hubs along Victorian Road and City West Link,” he said.
“We have investment opportunities available offering highly attractive yields.”
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Darling Street buzzing again

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
The Deloitte Access Economics “Investment Monitor” provides a detailed snapshot of Australia’s investment project pipeline. The database contains details on 1,073 projects valued at $20mn or more, as at June 2016. Here we provide an update of the key results.
Note, the full value of a project is included in the investment pipeline until the project is either completed or deleted. This differs from official estimates of the existing “work pipeline”, which is the value of work yet to be done on a project currently under construction.
The Investment Monitor estimates the total project pipeline to be $822bn at present. That is a $42bn increase on March, reversing declines over the second half of 2015, to be $2bn higher than a year ago.
<a href="/images/2016/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-01%20at%201.24.38%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-01%20at%201.24.38%20PM.png" alt="">
Significantly, the value of definite projects (those either under construction or committed) rose by $49bn to $431bn, to be $11bn above a year ago but $37bn below the peak of three years earlier.
Potential projects (either under consideration or possible) are valued at $391bn, some $10bn lower than a year ago.
As we have highlighted previously, the project flow is changing course on a stream of new public transport initiatives. That was the clear theme in the latest update.
In June, $39bn of the $49bn increase in total definite projects was explained by public transport initiatives. Following the round of annual state budgets, there are now 29 public transport projects at the committed stage, with a combined value of $44bn, up from 19 with a value of $5bn in March. The transport &amp; storage investment pipeline in total is $231bn, dominated by the public sector, $190bn.
<a href="/images/2016/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-01%20at%201.26.09%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-01%20at%201.26.09%20PM.png" alt="">
The oil and gas sector accounted for the remaining $10bn increase in definite projects in June, most of which was a $7.6bn cost blow-out on the Inpex Ichthys gas field project to $45bn. Phase 2 of the Greater Western Flank project in the Pilbra WA, valued at $2bn, entered the database in June, at the committed stage, with a 2016 H2 start date.
The mining project pipeline, totalling $382bn, of which $202nd is at the definite stage, will thin considerably when the 5 remaining mega gas projects, with a combined value of $172bn, are completed over 2016 and 2017, with potential slippage into 2018.
The non-mining investment pipeline (excluding transport and ex the $44bn NBN), is $165bn, unchanged over the past two years. Of that, $80bn are definite projects, up $2.4bn on mid-2015. Notably, the investment pipeline of accommodation projects, with the low AUD boosting tourism, is valued at $23bn and while that is unchanged on a year ago there has been some transition to the definite stage, up $3bn over the year to be $5.6bn.
<a href="/images/2016/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-01%20at%201.27.11%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-01%20at%201.27.11%20PM.png" alt="">
Mining projects
The mining sector project pipeline is valued at $382bn currently, a $22bn partial rebound on March but still $22bn lower than a year earlier and well below the $478bn peak at end 2012. (Note, mining-related projects can be included in other sectors, e.g. transport &amp; storage.)
The 5 mega gas projects under construction are together worth $172bn. By LNG projects: Gorgon, $61bn, which moved to the start-up phase in the first half of 2016, is to be fully completed by late 2016; Origin’s Australia Pacific LNG $25bn project, Qld, second production train is expected to start production in Q4 2016; Wheatstone, $29bn LNG project in the Pilbara WA, start- up has been delayed to mid-2017; Prelude, $12bn floating LNG platform, Kimberley WA, 2017 start-up potentially delayed to 2018; and Ichthys $45bn project, NT, second half of 2017.
As to oil and gas projects currently under construction, while the combined full project value is $179bn, the pipeline of work outstanding is $35bn, as estimated by the ABS (for March).
Excluding the 5 mega gas projects, the mining project pipeline is: $210bn in total, of which $30bn is definite, $94bn is under consideration and $86bn is possible. The commodity price slump over recent years raises doubts as to how many of these potential projects will proceed near-term.
<a href="/images/2016/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-01%20at%201.28.19%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-01%20at%201.28.19%20PM.png" alt="">
Transport &amp; storage, public projects
Transport projects in the public sector was a key mover in the June quarter, following the recent round of annual state budgets. Notably, the state government’s have found the capacity to lift public investment, a much needed development.
Transport &amp; storage projects in total are valued at $231bn in June, dominated by the public sector, at $190bn. Looking back over recent years, the public transport investment pipeline initially rebounded in 2013; moved higher in 2014; marked time in 2015; and jumped in June 2016, up $24bn on three months ago. By stage, the public transport pipeline is: $51bn under construction (unchanged from 3 months ago); $44bn committed (+$39bn); $62bn under consideration (–$2bn); and $33bn possible (–$12.5bn).
<a href="/images/2016/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-01%20at%201.29.57%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-01%20at%201.29.57%20PM.png" alt="">
Relative to a year ago, the definite projects pipeline is up $44bn, with gains by state of: NSW, +$17bn to $51bn; Victoria, +$15bn to $21bn; Qld, +$7bn to $13bn; WA, +$2bn to $6bn; and SA, +$2.5bn to $2.7bn. Of note, advancing to the definite stage were: in NSW: Sydney Metro stage 2, $12bn; Pacific Highway upgrade Woolgoolga to Ballina, $4.4bn; in Victoria: CityLink upgrade, $1.3bn; Melbourne Metro, $11bn; Dandenong Rail Corridor, $1.6bn; in Qld: new generation rollingstock &amp; Wulkuraka maintenance centre, $4.4bn; Toowoomba second range crossing, $1.6bn; in WA: Forrestfield Airport Rail Link, $2bn; NorthLink WA, $1.1bn; and in SA: five road projects, with a combined value of $2.5bn.
<a href="/images/2016/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-01%20at%201.31.03%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-01%20at%201.31.03%20PM.png" alt="">
Public transport projects under consideration are: in NSW, $23bn, including a second tunnel under Sydney harbour, $10.4bn + $4.5bn; Western Sydney light rail, $2.9bn; and Western Sydney airport, $2.5bn; in Victoria, $13bn, including $5.5bn North-Esat (missing) link; and $5.5bn, Western Distributor; in Qld, $9bn, incl’ Brisbane underground train/bus terminal, $5bn; in WA, $5bn, including Perth Freight Link, $1.9bn and Perth light rail, $1.9bn; and there is also the $10bn Melbourne to Brisbane inland rail link.
<a href="/images/2016/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-01%20at%201.31.10%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-01%20at%201.31.10%20PM.png" alt="">
 Andrew Hanlan is senior economist for Westpac and can be contacted <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>. 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Public transport initiatives lift Australia's investment project pipeline

<html><body>
Telstra has signed on to stay in its current Melbourne Headquarters on Exhibition Street following a new leasing deal struck for eleven years and five months commencing 2020.
The building, 242 Exhibition Street Melbourne, is jointly owned by Investa Commercial Property Fund (ICPF) and Investa Office Fund (IOF) with Telstra leasing over 63,372 square metres - 59,676 square metres of office space and 3,696 square metres of conference and training areas.
Building upgrades will include a including a $12.5 million lift  renewal as well as foyer and tenancy areas refurbishment.
 Investa Group Executive, Michael Cook said Telstra will remain at 242 Exhibition Street until 2031and would enable Telstra’s innovative Future Ways of Working model to be integrated well before their original expiry date.
 
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Telstra extends lease on 242 Exhibition St

<html><body>
Confectioner Doughnut Time has paid a 36 per cent premium on the asking rental to move into the Swan Street retail strip in Melbourne’s Richmond.
The 174 Swan Street shop was let at $75,000 per annum net on a five-year term with options. The asking rental had been $55,000 per annum.
The shop has a space of 175 square metre.
“There is no doubt the Swan Street strip is fast becoming a hot strip for national food retailers,” said Teska Carson’s Fergus Evans, who brokered the deal.
“We had the property on the market for just two weeks and were inundated with requests for inspections,’’ Evans said.
Doughnut Time has expanded its business to 23 stores since the opening of its first hole-in-the-wallstore in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley in February 2015. 
The lessor is a Melbourne-based private investor. 
 
</body></html>

prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Doughnut Time leases on Melbourne’s Swan St at 36% rental premium

<html><body>
A property in Melbourne’s renowned Lygon Street restaurant precinct recently sold to a local buyer for $2.58 million at auction.
Currently leased to Lygon Charcoal Grill &amp; Steakhouse, the <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/120-lygon-street-carlton-vic-3053-2012604703" target="_blank">120 Lygon Street</a>, Carlton property is on a new 10-year lease plus three five-year extensions. 
It returns an annual rental of $95,000 per annum plus outgoings. At the sale price, the yield works out at 3.68%. 
The property is nearly 307 sqm and comprises a main dining area, function room, fully equipped kitchen, undercover alfresco seating on Lygon Street, a one-bedroom apartment on the third level and rear car park. 
The selling agents were Charles Cini and Anthony Carbone of CVA Property Consultants.
 
</body></html>

Restaurant in Melbourne's Carlton cooks up $2.58 million at auction 

<html><body>
The possibility of a hung parliament is creating disquiet among business owners and commercial real estate investors in Canberra according to Raine &amp; Horne who believe the current instability is hitting the local commercial property market.
Nick Cotis, director of operations Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Canberra said institutional clients are worried the main political parties will be required to shift public sector agencies interstate as part of their negotiations with minor parties and independents.
“This will create a commercial office glut and long-term vacancy rates will blow out, with a consequent hit to yields also a distinct possibility,” he said.
“A constant theme among our investors is that it’s 2016 and not 1901, and that we should be able to get a decision faster. It’s archaic and it’s put the country in limbo, not to mention alone the effect it is having on commercial property markets in Canberra. Plenty of private and institutional investors are questioning why it’s taking so long to get a result in this age of technology.
He added in September last year, office vacancy rates in Canberra were sitting at around 15 percent with strong indications leading up to the election that the Canberra office vacancy rate had fallen to around 12 percent.
</body></html>

Commercial property investors in Canberra call for political clarity

<html><body>
Savills Australia has appointed Jason Kougellis, as managing director of Savills Victoria.
His career has included time as managing director Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia of GE Capital Real Estate as well as roles at Fosun International Ltd, Paladin Funds Management, GIO Asset Management and in CBA's Property Valuation Services.
Paul Craig, chief executive officer, Savills Australia and New Zealand said Jason has an outstanding level of transactional experience and knowledge of all Australian markets and has acquired, managed and divested over $5 billion of assets.
"His recent role with the Chinese international conglomerate and investment company, Fosun, has afforded Jason an excellent understanding of Asian investor appetite and process," he said.
“Furthermore, Jason’s relationships with key institutional capital both in Australia and abroad will enhance our highly successful Melbourne city and suburban sales team’s ability to attract a broader audience.
“We are embarking on an aggressive growth strategy and Jason’s leadership and management experience will significantly benefit the greater Savills business in achieving a co-ordinated and disciplined approach" 
 
</body></html>

New MD for Savills Victoria

<html><body>
With elections announced for July 2, domestic gripes are back and Australians are facing a few weeks of spin from polarised think tanks, economists and shock jocks, according to Rita Avdiev, managing director of the Avdiev Group.
In Oz, the economic divide is between the healthy service sector economies in the East and the hard yakka states where falling commodity prices bring rising unemployment and property value collapse. 
The property bubble
"It’s back, the slow leak mended by the Reserve Bank," she writes in a post on avdiev.com.au.
The RBA has dropped interest rates to a new low, great for borrowers, especially negatively geared investors, but another blow for self-funded retirees. What will be the unintended consequences on investor behaviour? What impact on welfare needs?
The negative gearing debate is continuing. Removing it was tried and abandoned in the mid-1980s, but that was too long ago for the lessons of history to be remembered. The current government intends to keep it. 
According to Rita Avdiev, it was a win for the property industry which has been the stand out performer of the Oz economy.
"We’ve done well in the pay stakes too. Salary rises in other markets have been low to negligible, property is well ahead."
Although the 2016 Avdiev Property Industry Report findings show a 3% median rise overall, under the surface there are stand out market sectors where shortages are severe and the attraction and retention strategies aggressive. Contributors reported massive pay increases and forecasts in development and building companies, for development managers, project managers and architects with 3-D modelling software skills, all in short supply.  
There’s been lots of action at the top of the property food chain – the major listed property funds, she says. Profits are up, foreign investment continues. Amalgamations, joint ventures and a spectacular but unsuccessful takeover attempt has resulted in resignations and renewal in the senior echelons of both companies. 
Commercial property is doing well, spare space capacity is being absorbed, especially in Sydney. 
Retail is softening - unseasonal weather, consumer sentiment and sluggish sales impact on rents and yields. Regulation, the availability of local finance and a potential slowdown of foreign funds are a worry for developers, especially for the seasoned ones who have seen it all before.  But hope springs eternal for the young ones, they are joint venturing with their sources of capital and looking ahead.
Real Estate has been super busy, at the big end of the property market, and in residential as well. But listing on the stock market is a brave move and does not guarantee success, even if it’s a large franchised residential network and a well known brand name. Time will tell.
The built environment consultants in the active market sectors of property are doing well, but a recent study of business conditions for architects in South Australia tells a tale of woe – fee cutting, low salaries, not enough work. They are not unique, similar conditions exist in other states too, depending on opportunity, specialisations and feral tendering competition.
The Sydney v Melbourne rivalry is still on, she writes.
Both are magnets for foreign investment, both have a healthy economy, dysfunctional planning controls, and infrastructure and transport problems. But the solutions are very different. The NSW government will fund a second harbour rail crossing. Victoria, having abandoned the East West road link at the cost of $1.1 billion, is now focused on removing road and rail level crossings which should have gone a long time ago. What will living next to overhead rail do for the residents of the world’s most liveable city? Shades of Chicago? NSW has completed a review of planning regulations – the latest of how many? What’s the next step? The Victorian Planning Minister has stopped reviewing and started making decisions to allow large CBD developments with foreign funding proceed.
</body></html>

Commercial property doing well, retail softening, but property still standout of Oz economy: Avdiev 

<html><body>
One Parramatta Square (1PSQ), a $220.5 million commercial development in Sydney’s west, had its 'topping out' that included among its attendees NSW Premier Mike Baird.
Upon completion, the building will be the flagship Parramatta City Campus for the Western Sydney University.
1PSQ will be Sydney’s most advanced education facility in Parramatta, according to a media release by Charter Hall Group, which is working on the project.
Also present at the occasion was WSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover and Charter Hall's head of Office Development, Andrew Borger.
1PSQ was the first project to commence construction as part of Parramatta City Council’s Parramatta Square vision. 
It will be the new CBD campus of Western Sydney University and includes 14 levels of A-grade commercial space over 26,500 square metres.
The university has committed to lease the entire building on a 15-year lease, with options.
The building was designed after an international competition won by Architectural firm Architectus.
</body></html>

Western Sydney University and Charter Hall celebrate ‘topping out’ at $220 million campus project

<html><body>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
While the residential property market may be slowing, it is probably time to lock in your investment in commercial property, going by the rate of returns for the year ended March 31. 
Commercial property delivered an average annual return of 14 percent, according to the Property Council-PD Australia All Property Index, now managed by MSCI, said a report in the Australian Financial Review.
The index measures only directly held property investments and excludes gearing in its calculations.
<a href="/images/2016/05/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-19%20at%209.05.07%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/05/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-19%20at%209.05.07%20AM.png" alt="">
The result handsomely beat the 9.2 per cent return on property shares.
Rental returns drove the result. The average income yield on the $160 billion of property in the index was 6.6 per cent. 
The S&amp;P/ASX200 A-REIT index, which includes the top 17 trusts, has delivered a 17.5 per cent total return since March 31. 
For direct property, the March result was the best since the September quarter 2008 just before the financial crisis, the AFR report said.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
<a href="/images/2016/05/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-19%20at%209.07.01%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/05/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-19%20at%209.07.01%20AM.png" alt="">
The Reserve Bank has long warned of the disconnect between the underlying fundamentals in the sector and the commercial prices.
But AMP chief economist Shane Oliver has said several times that low interest rates favour commercial property. The RBA cash rate is at a low of 1.75 percent at present.
The article cited executive director of MSCI, Anthony De Francesco, as saying commercial property would "hover" around the current cycle peak for the rest of this year.
"Concern about the weakening domestic economy and global economy are likely to constrain demand for space," he said.
In the past year, the aggressive demand for commercial property has cut the yield across the MSCI index by 65 basis points to 6.1 percent.
According to Dr De Francesco, the office sector was strengthening while retail shopping centres and industrial sectors were moderating. He also noted that the Sydney office market was strengthening, while Perth was weakening.
 
</div>
</body></html>

Commercial Property

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Commercial Property

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News