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

Northern Territory

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
Years ago I lived up in Darwin.
It's a cool place - at least figuratively, if not literally - and certainly very different from the sometimes drab sameness of suburban life in the big smoke.
One of the things I liked about it was how almost everyone turns out when there's an event in town, such the V8 Supercars and INXS playing live (or whatever). 
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets quite rightly attract a buzzing crowd every weekend too.
Meanwhile, the National Parks of Kakadu and Litchfield are a must-see-to-believe, especially in the Big Wet (although most Aussies talk of there being two seasons - wet and dry - Kakadu's traditional owners recognise six different seasons, understanding the subtle transitions between them). 
The odd earthquake aside, Darwin has the best winter climate of any city I've experienced, perfect dry heat in the low 30s all day every day, and never a cloud to be seen.
The summer weather, on the other hand, can range from harsh humidity to downright brutal and Cyclonic. 
Although I love the place, I think it would be fair to say that a lack of diversity of choice is a net negative for the Top End, including within the labour force. 
There were stacks of jobs in resources and in the public sector during my time up north, but not very much else. 
Employment rates and full-time salaries are high, and official unemployment rates remain very low.
But the mining boom years have faded and people are steadily drifting back where they came from. Actually, not that steadily now...quite quickly!
I also recall simple things like going for a takeaway or a coffee being phenomenally expensive, although for all I know maybe that's changed as the mining sector has cooled. 
From boom to bust
From 2003 dwelling prices soared relentlessly in Darwin for a decade, rising by <a href="http://petewargent.blogspot.com/2018/09/aussie-housing-prices-roll-over-in" target="_blank">more than 180% </a>by the middle of 2014, by far the biggest increase of any of Australia's 8 capital cities over that period. 
Since the peak of the resources construction boom time prices have dropped back by 18%, including by 6% over the 2018 financial year alone. 
During the boom years thousands of Aussies were relocating from interstate up to the Top End lured by the high wages on offer.
But although the sector experienced a second wind post-financial crisis as China stimulated its economy, even the mighty $54 billion (hello overruns!) Inpex/Ichthys LNG project hasn't been enough to stem to the inevitable downturn.
And now the NT is losing residents interstate in droves, with more than 3,500 upping sticks on a net basis over the year to March 2018. 
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UgdR-OAUOdY/W6f2q74OalI/AAAAAAAAsDg/jmUlCLdlbjYUkkQQ-iR_IUK6LAK2lntLwCLcBGAs/s1600/NT.jpg"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UgdR-OAUOdY/W6f2q74OalI/AAAAAAAAsDg/jmUlCLdlbjYUkkQQ-iR_IUK6LAK2lntLwCLcBGAs/s640/NT.jpg" width="640" height="388" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1303"></a>
With life expectancy increasing, you typically see more births than deaths these days, so the population of Australia increases naturally even without its prevailing strong immigration program.  
But in the NT the outflow of residents interstate is overwhelming both net overseas migration and the natural increase, to the extent that the population of the territory has actually declined by 1,000 persons over the past six months to 246,700. 
There are few weaker dynamics for a housing market than an outright decline in the population, if sustained. 
No doubt the local authorities will be putting in place incentives to entice families to move up north. 
In short, arguably no state or territory presently has a more concerning range of metrics in its economy or housing market. 
In arrears
Last week I looked at how each of the most populous states is faring with regards to 30+ day <a href="http://petewargent.blogspot.com/2018/09/is-mortgage-stress-at-record-highs" target="_blank">mortgage arrears</a>.
In short, not great in Western Australia, pretty comfortable elsewhere. 
Let's now consider the other four states and territories.
As you might expect the NT had the highest rate of prime and non-conforming 30+ day arrears at 2.67% as at July 2018, although this had declined just a little over the preceding two months of available figures from 2.82%. 
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rvAjhgRkFvc/W6gIxt_GYhI/AAAAAAAAsDs/edpctyzujWY88YikjxsPXwprdIMDiPkCgCLcBGAs/s1600/S%2526P1.jpg"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rvAjhgRkFvc/W6gIxt_GYhI/AAAAAAAAsDs/edpctyzujWY88YikjxsPXwprdIMDiPkCgCLcBGAs/s640/S%2526P1.jpg" width="640" height="368" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1389"></a>
Elsewhere arrears rates were reasonably low in South Australia at 1.50% following a marked improvement, very low in thriving Tasmania at 1.31%, and extremely low in the Australian Capital Territory at 0.74%. 
Generally mortgage arrears are a little higher than a year earlier across the board, despite falling unemployment rates, in part due to interest-only mortgages being reset.
Hopefully the NT can turn itself around soon! 
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Bottom falls out of Darwin in the Top End: Pete Wargent

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A 1,590 hectares (3928 acres) rural property in North Territory has been listed for $595,000.
It is located adjacent to the Finniss River near Dundee Downs in the Bynoe area.
It has been offered by Gunter Trnka from N.T. Realty Pty Ltd. 
This Freehold title lot is on offer 12/130 share with approx 7 other owners, the owners have fenced off approx 14 acres they use privately as their living area.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-nt-dundee+downs-128604694" target="_blank">Positioned at Sec 9 Hundred of Milne</a>, Dundee Downs,  it comes with three bedroom accommodation, house stales, lock-up shed, shipping container and carports for four vehicles.
The property has solar power, septic and unlimited water supplied from the river for stock and domestic use.
Located near Sandpalm's Motel in the Dundee Bynoe area, it is just 40 minutes to Palmerston, 35 minutes to Coolalinga.
Fisherman's treat with Bynoe &amp; Dundee boat-ramps is nearby.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Dundee Downs rural property listed for sale 

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In a first for Apartments.com.au, the subject of this article is a new Westin branded hotel not for Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide or even Perth. Instead, the Bates Smart-designed Westin will be developed in the Northern Territory's capital city Darwin.

Located right on the waterfront, the hotel has been designed to form important and meaningful connections between the city and the water, with the dual aim of enhancing the precinct and providing a gateway to the natural wonders of the Northern Territory beyond.

According to architects Bates Smart, the vision for the Westin Darwin Hotel is "the creation of an iconic tropical hotel that embodies the rich natural and cultural heritage of the location."

<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/m12069_n4_webview.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Westin Darwin Hotel. Image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/m12069_n4_webview.jpg?itok=8dgdrN8d" title="The Westin Darwin Hotel. Image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Westin Darwin Hotel. Image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>The design team studied the geographic story of the site, the historic context and the requirements of the climate, with the design response producing a curved form which references the layered histories of the waterfront. This embeds the hotel with a strong sense of place and a response to its context.

<blockquote>
The lower levels are inspired by the nearby rock formations and capture the spirit of the local landscape through the use of natural stone, complemented with lush landscaping and water features.

Areas for rest and reflection are aided by verandas and breeze ways which respond to the tropical environment, but also reference the heritage buildings within Darwin.

The upper levels of the hotel are inspired by tree canopies. Dark metal and timber screens create dappled patterns of light, but also provide valuable shading for the humid temperature.

Importantly, the design incorporates a seawall which is designed to protect the hotel from significant weather events and cyclonic wave activity, but that at the same time provides a generous pedestrian path and access to the waterfront for the local community.

- Bates Smart
</blockquote>

A garden restaurant and bar provides patrons with an authentic Northern Territory dining experience, supported by a rooftop garden accommodating additional restaurant facilities, and infinity pool providing expansive views over the waterfront. The hotel's rooftop can be accessed via a skywalk from Goyder Park.

Additionally, the hotel includes a diverse range of function and conference facilities with new spaces for events for Darwin locals and visitors.

High-quality materials and detailing have been provided throughout the interiors complemented by a neutral palette of soft tonal textured finishes which add a tactile quality to the spaces.

<blockquote>
Our intention is for the hotel to embody the spirit of Darwin, the land and nature and to create an identity that is uniquely connected to the Northern Territory.

- Cian Davis, Bates Smart Studio Director
</blockquote>

<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/m12069_n10_webview.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Westin Darwin Hotel will be located right on the waterfront. Image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/m12069_n10_webview.jpg?itok=KPl-tPVL" title="Westin Darwin Hotel will be located right on the waterfront. Image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Westin Darwin Hotel will be located right on the waterfront. Image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>The design of the Westin Darwin Hotel will achieve the following:

<ul>
<li>Iconic tropical hotel that embodies the rich natural and cultural heritage of the location.</li>
	<li>Connects the city and the water, enhancing the waterfront precinct.</li>
	<li>A generous pedestrian path provides access to the waterfront for the local community.</li>
	<li>The design references the historic context and the requirements of the climate.</li>
	<li>The hotel offers tropical luxury with beautiful rooms and iconic dining offerings.</li>
	<li>A diverse range of function and conference facilities provides the people of Darwin with new spaces for events.</li>
</ul>
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Laurence Dragomir

Bates Smart designs new Westin for Australia's top end

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A unique custom-built Humpty Doo, Northern Territory house remains listed for sale with amended $785,000 plus hopes having initially sought buyer interest at $888,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nt-humpty+doo-125699930" target="_blank">900 Pioneer Drive</a>, the property is built like a house from the Hobbit.
It was last sold in 1999 for $126,000.
The brick smoke house has an expansive internal living quarters with multiple bedroom options with built in water feature in the living areas.
Kitchen is spacious and has modern appliances.
Bedrooms each have their own unique spin including circular portal window or custom shapes.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/18/900%20Pioneer%20Drive-2.jpg" alt="">
One bedroom is surrounded by landscaped gardens and bushlands and has twin built in robes and central vanity.
A central study room or home office is available which can also be converted into an additional living room.
There is a bush pool and outdoor verandah available.
Other features includes multiple carports on the property, swimming pool as well as a shed/workshop with twin carport parking space.
The property is offered through Top End Real Estate agent May Dunlop.
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Price drops at Hobbit-inspired Humpty Doo house

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One of northern Australia’s true pastoral legends, Peter Sherwin has re-entered the grazing property market after a decade long absence.
His purchase of <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-commercial+farming-nt-borroloola-502477306" target="_blank">Broadmere</a>, a substantial grazing property on the eastern side of the Northern Territory, was confirmed by the beefcentral website.
It is a 259,000 hectare holding located 250 kilometres east of Daly Waters via the sealed Carpentaria Highway.
Set on the Carpentaria Highway at Borroloola, it comes with a carrying capacity of 6,500 with scope for expansion.
It was marketed as strategically located to service both domestic and export markets.
It came with highly secure water resources including Limmen Bight River and October and Lansen Creeks.
Its unique natural features include the renowned sandstone “Lost City” suitable for eco-tourism.
Sherwin's last property sale was in 2008 when he sold Alroy Downs.
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Peter Sherwin returns to cattle with Lost City, Broadmere acquisition

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After recording strong growth last quarter, Darwin’s median house price dropped by 3.6% over the September quarter, to $593,329, according to Domain.
The result is 2.8% lower than the same time last year.
The median unit price is Darwin also decreased, dropping by 6.8% to $330,354 — 30.5% lower year-on-year.
Domain quarterly stratified median prices:
<table border="1" cellpadding="0">
<thead><tr>
<td>
HOUSE
</td>
<td>
SEP 2017
</td>
<td>
JUN 2017
</td>
<td>
SEP 2016
</td>
<td>
QOQ %
</td>
<td>
YOY %
</td>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Sydney
</td>
<td>
$1,167,516
</td>
<td>
$1,190,677
</td>
<td>
$1,079,309
</td>
<td>
-1.9%
</td>
<td>
8.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Melbourne
</td>
<td>
$880,902
</td>
<td>
$869,598
</td>
<td>
$773,399
</td>
<td>
1.3%
</td>
<td>
13.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Brisbane
</td>
<td>
$551,840
</td>
<td>
$552,874
</td>
<td>
$531,767
</td>
<td>
-0.2%
</td>
<td>
3.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Adelaide
</td>
<td>
$519,517
</td>
<td>
$520,846
</td>
<td>
$498,971
</td>
<td>
-0.3%
</td>
<td>
4.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Perth
</td>
<td>
$554,095
</td>
<td>
$561,391
</td>
<td>
$567,314
</td>
<td>
-1.3%
</td>
<td>
-2.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Canberra
</td>
<td>
$723,980
</td>
<td>
$693,962
</td>
<td>
$655,468
</td>
<td>
4.3%
</td>
<td>
10.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Hobart
</td>
<td>
$409,592
</td>
<td>
$392,170
</td>
<td>
$356,916
</td>
<td>
4.4%
</td>
<td>
14.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Darwin
</td>
<td>
$593,329
</td>
<td>
$615,670
</td>
<td>
$610,510
</td>
<td>
-3.6%
</td>
<td>
-2.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
National
</td>
<td>
$819,455
</td>
<td>
$823,381
</td>
<td>
$758,367
</td>
<td>
-0.5%
</td>
<td>
10.8%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Rental prices for both houses and units in Darwin have remained steady over the quarter, sitting at $520 and $400 per week, respectively.
Both the houses and unit figures remained steady over the last three months, the results do indicate a drop year-on-year – by 5.5% and 5.9% respectively.
"The drop of 30.5% in median unit prices year-on-year is indicative of the oversupply of apartments in the city," said Domain chief economist, Dr Andrew Wilson. 
"This same oversupply is highlighted by the annual decrease in median rental prices and is expected to continue until demand and supply are rebalanced.
"Unfortunately, policies that are designed to restrict investor lending, are also impacting those apartment markets where supply is already well ahead of demand."
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Darwin house prices dipping again: Domain

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Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting has added another Northern Territory cattle station.
The 171,000 hectare Willeroo Station comes with around 20,000 head of Brahman cattle.
It adjoins Aroona Station, which was bought by Hancock Prospecting in March.
Great Giant Livestock (GGL), one of Indonesia's largest feedlot operators, sold the property.
Rinehart said she was interested in Willeroo Station because "we believe we can add improvements and value to the station, where we will copy what we have introduced successfully on our other Hancock stations, and are currently rolling out across Kidman properties also".
"Willeroo will well complement our existing investments in the north," she said.
"It is adjacent to Aroona Station which we acquired earlier this year allowing us to operate the two stations as a combined unit.
"Also being near to the Phoenix Park export depot it will assist part of the wet season growing program for Riveren and Inverway as well as help to provide better market timing opportunities for some of Hancock Beef's Kimberley cattle stations."
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Hancock Mining buys another NT cattle station

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 Short-term letting platform Airbnb says it can cure the ailing Northern Territory economy.
The peer-to-peer accommodation platform’s economic benefits for Australia were recently captured in a Deloitte Access Economics report that said Airbnb guests contributed $1.6 billion in GDP and supported more than 14,000 jobs.  
Airbnb’s head of public policy for Australia and New Zealand, Brent Thomas recently said Airbnb has become an economic lifeline for everyday Territorians and small businesses, according to the NT News.
“With the cost or delay of having to build new accommodation options, Airbnb is helping the Territory host more guests and grow the tourism pie,” Thomas said.
“We are injecting more than $6.5 million into the economy and creating more than 50 local jobs,” he said, while pitching for the need for fair and progressive rules for home sharing in the Northern Territory.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/03/AirbnbEconomy.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/03/AirbnbEconomy.png" alt="">
He questioned Tourism NT’s Vision 2020 strategy that excludes using short-term accommodation providers such as Airbnb.
According to Tourism NT’s Vision 2020,  the state will need an additional 205-225 hotel rooms per annum to 2020 to keep occupancy at viable and sustainable levels.
“The strategy focuses on increasing the supply of traditional commercial accommodation,” Airbnb said.
“Yet, the strategy doesn’t consider the idea of using short-term accommodation, like Airbnb, to fill the gap like other cities around Australia and the world are doing.
He said it does not mention the need to expand the supply of short-term accommodation, adding that states such as South Australia and Tasmania are already benefitting after embracing Airbnb.
Every state in Australia has different rules for short-term accommodation.
The Deloitte report said Airbnb could serve as a potential model or means by which the Northern Territory could access different markets, and leverage the opportunity presented by a global platform.
"Airbnb guests tend to spend more than average tourists, with Airbnb and TRA survey data showing that Airbnb guests in Darwin spend 53 per cent more on average. These spending tendencies may assist the government to grow the value of the tourism sector," it said.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/03/AirbnbTouristExp.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/03/AirbnbTouristExp.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/03/AirbnbEconGuest.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/03/AirbnbEconGuest.png" alt="">
 
The report, Economic effects of Airbnb in Australia, found that of the total 2.12 million Airbnb guests in 2015-16, NT’s share was only 8,800 guests, who spent a total of 18,000 nights. 
The average Airbnb guest spent more than $282 per day in the NT on things like, food services, shopping and leisure; Airbnb hosts in the NT earned a median income of $4,470 in 2015-16; The top 3 destinations for Airbnb guests were Darwin, Alice Springs and Katherine. 
The same report also said that South Australia’s economy got a $38 million economic boost from Airbnb in the 2016 financial year, with guests on the shared accommodation platform spending more than the average tourist.
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Airbnb says it can boost sluggish NT economy 

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The Daly Waters Pub, an iconic outback pub in the Northern Territory, has sold for an undisclosed sum.
It was listed with expectations of more than $4 million, hotel news website The Shout reported.
Located 600 km south of Darwin, The Daly Waters Pub off Stuart Highway, is a favourite with passers-by. 
It has received AHA NT’s Best Wayside Inn award eight times since 2005.
The pub was built in 1930 by Bill and Henrietta Pierce, its website says. In its long, colourful history, the pub has witnessed murders, shoot outs in the main street, cattle stampeding through town and drunken brawls. 
Publicans Lindsay Carmichael and Robyne Webster, who owned and operated the pub for 18 years, decided to retire and move to Darwin. 
The pub is known for its collection of memorabilia from visitors, who in the late 80s started a tradition of leaving something at the pub to commemorate their visit. The knick knacks that adorn the walls include artificial limbs, surfboards, lingerie and an Irish hurling stick, to name a few among hundreds. There’s even a helicopter sitting atop the shed of the pub, though it’s not in use anymore.
“We endeavour to keep it in an orderly fashion, a bit like a department store. As we have no windows the maintenance is crucial – daily dusting and de-cobwebbing are essential. All is taken down every six months and laundered. Whatever survives goes back up. Most male employees volunteer to wash the lingerie,” Webster was cited as saying by The Shout.
The freehold going concern included the pub with its bistro, a caravan park, cabin park, motel and service station. The total land area is 19,930 sqm.
The selling agent was Steve Liebelt of Ruralco Property.
The buyer is believed to be a businessman from South Australia.
While remote, the pub enjoys plenty of patronage, both from Daly Waters locals and from tourists who have heard of its legendary reputation. 
“While some may consider the pub being remote this is one of its strengths and with a major service and population centre at Katherine only some two hours’ drive away, nobody is ever far from all services,” said Liebelt.
      
.
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NT's famed Daly Waters Pub changes hands

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A number of Northern Territory stations remain under sale negotiation according to Herron Todd White following a number of sales mid May.
HTW said in the Kimberley the Yougawalla Pastoral Company properties including Bulka (2,745 square kilometres), Margaret River (1,771 square kilometres ) and Yougawalla (3,395 square kilometres) have reportedly contracted for sale to Chinese interests.
"The properties had been on the market since around late 2015 on the basis of either an outright sale or for a new partner to buy in and replace some existing stakeholders," HTW said.
"The sale in mid May (reportedly still to be FIRB approved) was reportedly an outright sale of the three properties for around $70 million WIWO with an unconfirmed number of cattle (however reportedly over 40,000 head).
"Yougawalla was originally acquired back in April 2008 for $3 million WIWO (or around $1.94 million assessed bare), then Baulka in March 2011 for $9 million WIWO ($5.15 million assessed bare) and lastly Margaret River July 2013 for $4.3 million WIWO ($2.2 million assessed bare).
"The properties were owned by a partnership (which included media identity Harold Mitchell) that undertook signi cant pastoral infrastructure development to lift carrying capacity.
"Yougawalla is principally red sand plain desert country, Bulka is predominantly red-yellow sand plains, extensive dune elds and a small proportion of alluvial plains, while Margaret River comprises cracking clays on the oodplains (only around 9 percent of total area), red loamy and red sandy/ gravelly soils to more inferior skeletal soils.
"If the deal is finally consummated at the reported sale price, further analysis will be required to reveal the true dollar per adult equivalent. However at this stage it looks like reflecting continued strong demand for cattle country in the Kimberley, particularly from Chinese interests who also acquired the 10,373 SAWA aggregation for $100 million (WIWO) around ten months ago. "
Bidgemia Station in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-wa-gascoyne+junction-7891302" target="_blank">Gascoyne Junction, WA</a> (above) is currently on the market. It has 15 sets of established yards, the main with 2,000 head capacity including feedlot as well as extensive double frontage to the Lyons River (68 km) &amp; Gascoyne Rivers (125 km). 
<div class="column">
Sunnyside Farm, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-wa-derby-7876570" target="_blank">Lot 555 Derby Highway Derby</a>, (below) sits on approximately 221.3 acres and is on the market for around $1,500,000.
 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-21%20at%201.17.05%20PM.png" alt="">
</div>
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