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

Green design

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447 Collins Street, the commercial component of the wider Collins Arch project backed by Cbus Property and ISPT, has become the country's third development to receive a platinum level WELL Precertification.

Overseen by the International WELL Building Institute, precertification amounts to acknowledgement of design characteristics that demonstrate leadership in health and wellness. WELL Precertification is effectively a nod toward the design of commercial buildings which improve the nutrition, fitness, mood, sleep patterns and cognitive performance of its occupants.

To date the only other developments to receive an equivalent precertification rating in Australia are the nearby 477 Collins Street and Circular Quay Tower in Sydney. Further enhancing the sustainability credentials of 447 Collins Street, the development team have also put if forward for a 6-star Greenstar accreditation and 5.5 star NABERS energy rating. 

According to the International WELL Building Institute, Geelong's freshly completed 1 Malop Street office development is Victoria's sole project to date that has achieved Platinum level certification upon completion.

<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/image10a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Latest imagery for the landmark mixed-use development. Image: Cbus Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="638" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10a.jpg?itok=HXSIUJ1g" title="Latest imagery for the landmark mixed-use development. Image: Cbus Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Latest imagery for the landmark mixed-use development. Image: Cbus Property </figcaption></figure>Design features that aided in 447 Collins Street's WELL Precertification include indoor air quality monitoring, interiors fitness circulation, superior natural lighting and ventilation, varied amenities and services offered to those working within the building and the promotion of bicycle access and associated services.

<blockquote>
WELL is moving the focus of the building rating tool world from an environmental and building focus to a human health focus. This is really important in an age where people are spending over 90% of their time indoors.

If you are trying to attract and retain a tenant, you need to create a work place environment that is aligned to your life beyond just work. Our tenants are also vying to attract the best talent in their respective industries. Workplace wellness programs help define your employer brand and set it apart from the competition.

Showcasing an intentional culture that genuinely supports employee health and well-being is powerful — and can help to attract, secure and retain talent”.
<cite>Lorraine Moore, Cbus Property Sustainability Manager</cite>
</blockquote>

447 Collins Street's commercial component incorporates 50,000 square metres of premium grade office space, and has been popular with Melbourne's legal fraternity.

To date 80% of 447 Collins Street's available space has been accounted for, apportioned to future tenants Minter Ellison, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers, Gadens and Hong Kong-headquartered King &amp; Wood Mallesons.

<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/p8140790.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="August construction progression. Image: Redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/p8140790.jpg?itok=IoluZ4hh" title="August construction progression. Image: Redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>August construction progression. Image: Redden</figcaption></figure>Collins Arch's physical manifestation continues at pace. 

The larger footprint of <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">447 Collins Street</a> has become evident as its westerly form rises above Collins and William streets. Created by Woods Bagot &amp; SHoP Architects, Collins Arch's other tower form is rising jointly at 433 Collins Street; it will include a W Hotel-branded 5-star hotel with 294 rooms, 1,000 square metres of dedicated high end retail and 185 apartments.

2,000 square metres of public open space including a tiered amphitheatre will sit at the projects eastern doorstep, incorporating for a portion of Market Street.
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silvermb

All good and WELL for 447 Collins Street

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A major piece of green infrastructure is closer to reality in Sydney's inner suburbs with the draft GreenWay Master Plan now on show.

The significant step is the latest in the 15 year bid to deliver the remaining 3.2 kilometre section of GreenWay walking and cycle path through Lewisham West and Dulwich Hill that will link with existing green infrastructure at either end. Expected is a $57 million capital outlay to see the project through to fruition, with approximately half of that amount already in place.

The GreenWay Master Plan "sets out a unique, integrated, place-based approach which combines the four main functions of the GreenWay – active travel, ecology, recreation and culture – in each of the six precincts along the 5.8km corridor."

In its entirety, the green corridor spans 5.8 kilometres from Cooks River to Parramatta River's Iron Cove.

<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/image40_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hawthorn Canal Precinct. Image: GreenWay Master Plan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="364" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_10.jpg?itok=ATIUcKlF" title="Hawthorn Canal Precinct. Image: GreenWay Master Plan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hawthorn Canal Precinct. Image: GreenWay Master Plan</figcaption></figure>Backed by multi-disciplinary design studio McGregor Coxall, the GreenWay design mirrors the route of the Inner West Light Rail. The all-encompassing nature of the project sees bike paths and foreshore walks, cultural and historical sites, public art, community events, cafes, parks, playgrounds and sporting facilities included.

Major components of the draft GreenWay Master Plan include:

<ul>
<li>4 ha of revegetation and bank naturalisation</li>
	<li>Improvements to existing and newly accessible public open space</li>
	<li>Public art installations along the length of the corridor</li>
	<li>Completion of the remaining 3.2 km of GreenWay walking and cycle path</li>
</ul>
Construction of the already funded stages is expected to commence in 2019, with latter stages slated for a 2020 start. All works as outlined within the draft GreenWay Master Plan will be rolled out over the next 10 to 15 years.

"In line with the Government Architect office NSW vision for a Green Grid network throughout the Sydney Metropolitan area, the Greater Sydney Commission has identified the GreenWay as the number one priority Green Grid project in the Eastern City District Plan". 

<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/image41_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Dulwich Grove precinct. Image: GreenWay Master Plan - Visualisation of the "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_8.jpg?itok=bEwZeAm1" title="Dulwich Grove precinct. Image: GreenWay Master Plan - Visualisation of the " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Dulwich Grove precinct. Image: GreenWay Master Plan - Visualisation of the</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
The GreenWay was first envisaged twenty years ago, and the current Master Plan follows two decades of hard work to keep the idea alive and bring it to this point, much of it by volunteers. It's an honour to play a role at this important time in the life of the GreenWay.

In 2018, the project resonates in a city where residents are demanding better quality open space and natural areas, active transport links, and places where local arts and cultural programs can flourish.
<cite>Quotes Project Director, Alexa McAuley</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The Inner West GreenWay has got every single thing you want to have as part of the Green Grid. Green space is a key hallmark of liveability. We propose a network of high-quality green space that connects town centres, public transport hubs and major residential areas. Known as the Sydney Green Grid, it is an integral part of the Greater Sydney Region and District Plans.

The Green Grid promotes sustainable development while maximising quality of life and wellbeing.
<cite>Environment Commissioner Rod Simpson</cite>
</blockquote>

It's expected that the finalised 2018 GreenWay Master Plan will be adopted by Inner West Council in August. Public comments are invited regarding the draft Plan which is on public exhibition until 24th June. The draft plan is available at <a href="http://yoursayinnerwest.com.au/greenway">yoursayinnerwest.com.au/greenway</a>
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Sydney's GreenWay Draft Master Plan open for public comment

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The Emporium Hotel Southpoint project, sister to Emporium Hotel in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, has received EarthCheck Design Certification, the first in the country to achieve such status.
EarthCheck is a leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for travel and tourism.
Achieving EarthCheck Design Certification places the new hotel in a unique worldwide group of sustainable buildings that are certified to the internationally recognised EarthCheck Building Planning and Design Standard, with the exclusive EarthCheckTM science inside, according to a media release. 
Emporium Hotel Southpoint will open in mid 2018, and feature 143 suites, a patisserie, restaurant and Sky Bar. It will have views to Brisbane’s CBD and beyond.  
Located in the same tower as the hotel are 217 luxury apartments, with owners having access to Emporium’s services. 
On the EarthCheck Design Certification, Anthony John Group managing director Tony John said it was a proud achievement.
“We created this building from the ground-up with a vision to deliver a hotel and precinct unlike any other in Brisbane, and achieving this design certificate brings with it  global recognition, credibility, best practice performance markers, cost reductions and clever building benefits,” he said.
The hotel is being built by Hutchinson Builders. 
“Like its sister at Fortitude Valley, we expect Emporium Hotel Southpoint to create new pathways for tourism and service when we open next year,” added John.  
Stewart Moore, CEO and founder of EarthCheck, said its standards are based on Agenda 21 principles and are structured to help tourism projects become not only great places to visit and work in but also improve the quality of life of local communities, - which is exactly what the project has delivered for the South Bank Precinct. 
 EarthCheck’s certification is awarded to projects that demonstrate that match or exceed current industry best practice performance levels. 
A limited number of Emporium Residences remain available for sale from $1,950,000, with owner’s enjoying access to the services of Emporium Hotel Southpoint.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Emporium Hotel Southpoint in Brisbane gets sustainability tag from EarthCheck

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SPONSORED POST
For some time now, Australia has featured at the forefront in the growth of green buildings, a trend which has been reinforced with the recent Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark results.
However, while Australia’s premium office market moves toward the next building evolution in optimising human health and wellness, the mid-tier office market is yet to see any notable shifts in energy and emissions reduction.
Mid-tier office challenges and opportunities
The breadth and size of this market is compelling. The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council’s recent Low Carbon High Performance report cites mid-tier offices are estimated to make up 52 million square meters of the 64 million square meters of office space nationally.
Policy makers have taken this into account and have started to focus more heavily on investigating the associated challenges and opportunities facing this sector. One of the resulting reports has been the 2015 Mid-tier Commercial Office Buildings in Australia (‘Pathway’) report produced by Green Building Council of Australia, following extensive collaboration between government and industry stakeholders.
This report shone a light on the complex barriers affecting change - notably the lack of knowledge, capital, resources and time faced by building owners / managers with respect to the adoption of energy efficiency measures. 
<img src="/images/2016/09/21/700_light.jpg" alt="">
Carrot and stick approaches
Drawing on some of the recommendations contained within the Pathway report, there have been a number of recent policy and program developments. A planned reduction in the threshold for the Commercial Building Disclosure program in mid-2017 is expected to see a good deal more small building owners being legally required to measure and disclose the energy efficiency of their assets. While there is potential for this scheme to work, it will be heavily influenced by tenant demand for green office space at this end of the market.
At the other end of the carrot and stick approach lies the need for targeted financial incentives:   
<ul>
<li>Sustainability Victoria’s Energy Efficient Office Buildings Program was aimed at mid-tier office buildings through matched funding grants of up to $150K.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>NSW’s Office of Environment and Heritage has recently initiated the ‘No More Average Buildings’ program, which provides financial assistance for energy efficiency improvements in buildings with low NABERS Energy ratings. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>At a national level, there are calls to consider measures such as ‘green depreciation’ in which tax breaks could help drive greater investment in energy efficiency measures when building refurbishment works are carried out.  </li>
</ul>
Efficiency in a global context
Looking around the world, locations such as the United States, European Union and Japan are aiming to achieve net zero energy performance for their respective commercial buildings in the next few decades.
In the United Kingdom, by mid-2018, it will be unlawful for commercial building owners to lease poorly performing buildings, which at current estimates represent close to 20 percent of the national market.
The penalties for non-compliance with the legislation are expected to be considerable, but balanced against this is the provision of grants and subsidies to assist building owners. With talk of the energy-efficiency bar being raised in subsequent years, this new approach in the UK is sure to provide an interesting litmus test for other jurisdictions around the world, including Australia, to consider.
This article was written by Dale O’Toole, Savills Manager of National Sustainability. Savills is a leading global real estate service provider offering the full spectrum of services from strategic advice to managing assets and projects and transacting deals. To learn more about Savills sustainability services, visit <a href="https://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/savills-earth.aspx" target="_blank">savills.com.au/earth</a>.
 
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Energy efficiency in the mid-tier market: should we be dangling the carrot or brandishing the stick?

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Cbus property and Charter Hall's building in Melbourne has become Victoria's first 6 Star NABERS Energy rating.
The internationally lauded building at 171 Collins Street is one of just two commercial office buildings across the country to reach the rating milestone.
Designed by award-winning architects Bates Smart, the building was engineered by Umow Lai and managed by Knight Frank.
A building accredited with 6 Star NABERS Energy rating emits 50 percent less greenhouse gases than a building with a 5 Star rating.
The Collins Street building saves more than 1.3 million kilograms of carbon dioxide each year, equal to 568,000 litres of petrol, or 139 homes' energy use for one year when compared to a building with a 5 Star Nabers Energy Rating.
Home to BHP Billiton, Cbus Property CEO Adrian Pozzo said 171 Collins Street had set a benchmark in sustainability and was a shining example of the drive to create highly sustainable workplaces for the future.
“171 Collins Street is a lighthouse example of how premium grade buildings can deliver architectural beauty, world leading sustainability and exceptional occupant amenities without compromise,” he said.
“It is a true 21st century workplace and embodies all that we strive to achieve at Cbus Property in delivering projects that are of international architectural value and achieve exceptional environmental outcomes.
‘This milestone caps off several years of dedication by the entire project team as well as 171 Collins Street’s tenants in delivering and maintaining a truly green and sustainable building.”
The 171 Collins Street building also became the first premium building in 6 Star Green Star as Built Office V2 rating by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA)
It achieved a record 83 points.
In addition it has been recognised at the International Property Awards Asia Pacific, United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Awards and Urban Taskforce Development Excellence Awards.
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Victoria's first 6 Star NABERS Energy rated building

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/62621/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
The transition to a clean energy future is upon us, as shown by the huge uptake of solar panels and by the Turnbull government’s decision to set up a A$1 billion Clean Energy Innovation Fund. But what about those people who are at risk of being left behind?
Our survey of lower-income households shows that information about low-carbon living is often difficult to access, and that assistance is sometimes misdirected.
As a result, transitioning to low-carbon living is much harder for these households than it should be.
<h2>Listening to the people</h2>
Between December 2015 and June 2016, we held 23 focus group discussions with 164 lower-income households across eight metropolitan and regional centres in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. Our aim was to try to understand the challenges these households face in transitioning to low-carbon living. This was part of a wider study, funded by the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living, on finding ways to help poorer households reduce their carbon impact.
Almost everyone we spoke with supported the idea of low-carbon living. However, the ability to afford whiz-bang green technology – from expensive solar panels and battery systems right down to LED lightbulbs – is a big issue for these households.
Significant increases in energy costs since the late 2000s have added to this problem. In some states, bills have more than doubled in just the past six years.
While money is a key problem, it’s not the whole story, and there are ways to help. We have found a range of factors, besides affordability, that limit lower-income households’ ability to transition to low-carbon living.
<h2>Finding reliable information</h2>
Not everyone is looking for a hand-out; many just want to know how they can help themselves become more energy-efficient.
A major barrier that cropped up time and again in our survey is accessing the “right” information. Many people get good tips about assistance programs through friends and family, or via charities like the Salvation Army (one of our in-kind project partners).
But outside these avenues, information is often only available online, and many of our participants said that they either can’t afford internet access at home or, more importantly, don’t know what to search for.
What little information trickles through is often hard to understand. The Tasmanian government, for instance, offers a range of concessions on power and heating bills for older people or those who need to run medical equipment at home. But the benefits are expressed in cents per day (the current electricity concession, for instance, is 132.557¢ per day), which can make them unnecessarily hard for customers to calculate. Eligibility criteria are also often complicated.
With access to government services increasingly being moved online, the process can become a confusing rigmarole for many people, while others may miss out entirely.
<h2>Misdirected assistance</h2>
Most of the assistance programs available to lower-income households, such as Centrelink Utilities Allowances, are aimed squarely at providing financial relief.
States and territories also have their own rebate schemes to offer relief from rising energy costs. In NSW, for example, EAPA vouchers are designed to provide emergency and crisis relief.
But with lower-income households less likely to own their homes, they are often precluded from accessing programs to encourage green energy, such as solar panel rebates. This is a classic split incentive – the owner buys the panels (and gets the rebate) but the tenant gets the benefit (lower bills), making the owner less likely to invest.
This leads to the question of why rebates are not offered for using green energy, as well as for installing it.
“Green” criteria already exist in some other assistance programs. For example, the No Interest Loan Scheme, which helps lower-income households buy products such as whitegoods, now requires appliances to meet certain energy-efficiency standards.
The same principle could easily be used to help lower-income renters access electricity from cleaner energy sources.
Giving poorer households free home energy assessments is a good start, but they are focused purely on cutting energy consumption.
<h2>Removing hurdles</h2>
The compounding impacts of energy bill increases mean that many lower-income households are doing it pretty tough. Forgoing comfort in not turning on the heater or air-conditioner is one thing, but skipping meals or medication (as many of our survey respondents do) can have significant impacts on health and well-being.
Unfortunately, lower-income households have been going without life’s essentials for far too long. Setting up assistance programs is a good start, but we need to make sure that those who need help are getting it.
Here are our five suggestions for making it happen:
<ol>
<li>
Get the info out there. It’s important that people get the right information when they need it. Putting information online is great but it cannot be the only way – consideration must be given to those without internet access or who are less computer-literate.</li>
<li>
Keep it simple. Information needs to be straightforward and clear. If it’s stuffed with jargon and confusing numbers, it can become self-defeating.</li>
<li>
Support the support organisations. Charities like the Salvation Armyand the St Vincent de Paul Society serve important roles within our community, but they too need our continued help, especially when funding is not keeping up with needs.</li>
<li>
Get value for the public’s money. A billion-dollar public fund may sound like a big deal, but this is small fry compared to Australia’s A$878 billion annual domestic consumption expenditure. Nonetheless, it is a good start in heading towards the right direction. We just need to make sure it helps those who need it most.</li>
<li>
Overcome personal pride. Asking for help is never easy, and that’s why so many lower-income families go without. Making sure that incentive programs reach the right people, in the right way, can dramatically improve their willingness to use them. Hopefully, in the long run, fewer families will need to go without.</li>
</ol>
Edgar Liu is research fellow at City Futures Research Centre, UNSW Australia and author for The Conversation. He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/edgar-liu-32200" target="_blank">here</a>.
Bruce Judd is professor, UNSW Australia, and author for The Conversation. He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bruce-judd-137243" target="_blank">here</a>.
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It’s not easy being green, especially when affordable help is so hard to find

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A shopping centre of the future design has won the Brickworks Living Building Challenge by using a 'screwed not glued' approach than enables it to be rebuilt elsewhere in the future.
The Brickworks Living Building Challenge design competition, run by the Living Future Institute of Australia with principal partner Frasers Property Australia, aims to explore the boundaries of sustainable design within the retail environment and redefine ‘best practice’ for the sector.
The shopping centre project, titled 'The Difference is Living', is the result of a collaboration between DWP Suters, Aurecon, CJ Arms, Reedbed Technology, Eco Harvest, Biomimicry Australia, Future Food and Watpac, featured a vision for the shopping centre of the future by comprehensively and creatively addressing key design principles, said Living Future Institute of Australia (LFIA) Vice- Chair Stephen Choi.
He said the way the modular design came together in a functional, well-conceived way, to potentially be re- purposed elsewhere at the end of the centre’s life cycle, significantly reduces construction waste compared to a standard retail centre, and is not an approach normally considered to this extent.
“Additionally, the winning design recognises and celebrates the innate connection between human beings and the natural elements that surround us, through its 'Bush Tucker' interpretive green walls and approximately 3900sqm of billabong plantings, including over 2000sqm of vine growing structures along site boundaries," he said.
“The billabong idea is very strong. Billabongs are usually formed when the path of a creek or river changes, leaving the former branch with a dead end. Billabongs, reflecting the arid Australian climate in which these "dead rivers" are found, fill with water seasonally and are dry for a greater part of the year. 
“We were inundated with thought-provoking, progressive submissions that highlight the breadth of sustainability expertise that the competition tapped into, resulting in a diverse range of thinking underscored by a shared passion to re-imagine the retail sector."
<img src="/images/2016/06/17/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-17%20at%2011.31.17%20AM.png" alt="">
Peri Macdonald, general manager of retail, Frasers Property Australia, said the design competition was an important initiative to progress the sustainable possibilities for retail not only in Australia, but internationally. 
“This competition opens the industry’s eyes to new possibilities when it comes to the design, creation and operation of shopping centres. It provides us all with food for thought when we begin to conceptualise a new retail centre for any given site,” he said.
The official awards ceremony for the Brickworks Living Building Challenge design competition was held at the Melbourne School of Design. The competition was coordinated by the LFIA, the local arm of the International Living Future Institute. Frasers Property Australia was the Principal Partner and the company’s Brickworks shopping centre site in Melbourne was the subject of the competition.
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A full list of winners and commendations is included below.
Professional winner: The Red Williams Award
The Brickworks - The Difference is Living 
DWP Suters, Aurecon, CJ Arms, Reedbed Technology, Eco Harvest, Biomimicry Australia, Future Food, Watpac 
The winning design comprehensively and creatively addresses the principles of the Living Building Challenge, with its modular construction a great initiative in a well thought out and functional design. The design’s market roof concept was interesting, with links to heritage, a striking roof structure and beautiful finishes. 
Professional runner-up: The Power for Life Award 
For the Common Good - A Restart to Retailing 
Buchan Group, Grün Consulting, Inhabit, Rushwright Associates 
A beautiful design and functional retail space, with an interesting digital communication and education concept, where the centre becomes a community gathering space instead of just a shopping centre. This design challenges traditional thinking and approaches by starting with sustainability and working backwards to make retail fit. 
Professional commendation: The Manna Gum Award 
The Gathering 
KPA Architects, Link Engineering Consultants, Ionic Design Australia, REALMstudios, Sustainability House 
The visually striking design comprises an interesting basement garden and grand entrance, with good construction methodology detail. A central garden connects two levels of a building that behaves like a flower, with inwardly embracing elements that stretch outwards. 
People’s Choice Award 
For the Common Good - A Restart to Retailing 
Buchan Group, Grün Consulting, Inhabit, Rushwright Associates
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Special commendation 
Living Retail 
NH Architecture, Ark Resources, ASPECT Studios, E2Designlab, CERES, Mott MacDonald 
A visually impressive 'long life loose fit' design which utilises natural ventilation and the venturi effect, and includes high density residential. Interesting features include a mobile batching plant on site for construction waste, and a user (tenant) pays for power system to incentivise battery storage. 
Volunteering champion: The Shiny Wallaby Award for Volunteering 
The BioVale 
DesignInc Melbourne, WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff, Outlines Landscape Architecture, Mend 
The team behind this design has contributed in a volunteer and pro bono capacity to a number of not-for-profit community and environmental groups over the duration of the design competition. 
The Primary School Challenge Award 
Sustainability for the Future! 
Olivia Murley, Antonio Park Primary School 
Olivia’s drawing clearly represents some key ideas of what is relevant for sustainability in shopping centres. The design has a human scale, with a focus on pedestrians and cyclists. It’s a community space with lots of plants, public seating and a community garden. Practical ways to reduce energy include solar panels, natural light and external shading devices for the windows. Water is captured with cleverly placed funnels to filter down through the vertical gardens. 
Olivia wins a solar panel system for her school to be supplied and installed by competition sponsor Solgen Energy Group. 
Student winner: The Candlebark Award
Burwood Life Centre 
Team 42: Bhargav Sridhar, Monica Sutisna 
A plan with clever aspects like power generation and the inclusion of bees for pollination and regeneration. The incorporation of the Brickworks history and heritage connection is powerful, and a point of difference is the commercial catchment. An amazing rammed earth visual feature uses excavated materials on site. The design also included a research lab and library. 
Student commendations: The Red Box Award 
Brickworks Green by CE Arch (Elise Fancourt, Claire Murray) Farmulous: Urban Agriculture Education Centre by Dan Parker and Hui Li Yeoh 
For more information, <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/tools/ebooks-and-webinars/52152-australia-aspires-to-global-green-leadership-the-living-building-challenge" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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