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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Alice Springs’ Kilgariff, the newest residential suburb, has seen the issuing of new land titles for its first stage fast tracked by the Norther Territory government.
The aim was to fast track the masterplanned suburb to allow home building to start this month, explained Chief Minister Adam Giles.
“Local contractor Sitzler Bros has completed Stage 1 subdivision works allowing us to move quickly to get these land titles issued,” Giles said.
“This is certainly great news for the 24 buyers who have already secured their future in Kilgariff, and they can now begin construction of their new homes in early 2015.”
Over the next 20 years, the area is expected to grow into a suburb with 4,500 homes. It is also expected to include a sports oval, village centre, open space, parks and cycle paths and is being developed by Land Development Corporation.
The blocks are priced from $160,000 to $180,000, and Giles expects home buyer interest due to the price point.
Stage 1A’s interested saw an early release of 1B in November, with a further 47 home sites brought to market. The initial 1A stage included 33 lots spanning 713 square metres to 1,043 square metres. There are some blocks available for units or townhouse development.
“The Giles Government is delivering on its promise of new residential land release, faster than ever before, to meet the growing demand for new homes right across the Territory,” Giles said.
“We desperately need to add to our new housing stock to put downward pressure on prices, rents and the cost of living and Kilgariff will help us do just that.”
A new development in Whittaker Street is also expected to take place, with <a href="https://www.lands.nt.gov.au/land-release/whittaker-street-development" target="_blank">expressions of interest for the site now open</a> to opportunistic developers. The prime block of commercial land spanning 18,000 square metres has seen released images of a potential mixed-use precinct that could include a hotel and tourism precinct, residential accommodation, restaurants and retail space.
“We are keen to hear what developers might be interested in this property and what ideas they have for this prime real estate,” Giles said.
“We have an open mind about the form this project could ultimately take, but it certainly presents a chance to transform a key site right in the heart of Alice and I look forward to seeing what options are proposed.”
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Alice Springs’ newest suburb fast tracked by NT government

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In the Northern Territory, the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is now only available for first home buyers entering into contracts to construct or purchase a new home.
As of 1 January, Northern Territorian first home buyers will only be able to access the grant if they purchase new, providing them with a $26,000 cash incentive to construct their own dwelling.
The NT Department of Treasury and Finance notes that this is to encourage the construction of dwellings.
There is no threshold on the value of the new home purchased, with first home buyers able to buy properties exceeding the previous $600,000 limit applied to established homes.
The FHOG is not means tested.
This brings the Northern Territory in line with the majority of other states and territories that do not offer a grant for established home purchases. Many, such as South Australia, phased out their established property FHOGs in mid-2014. Western Australia still retains a modest grant, of $3,000, for eligible first time buyers purchasing established homes.
Those claiming the Northern Territory FHOG must live in the property for a period of six continuous months within 12 months of the completion of the home.
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FHOG restricted to new homes in the Northern Territory

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The Bunda Station, of the Victoria River District, in the Northern Territory, is being sold for about $15 million through Ruralco Property.
The 178,800-hectare station owned by the Underwood family sits adjacent to the buyer, Consolidated Pastoral Company's Kirkimbie Station.
"We are in the final stages of due diligence and it is under contract," CPC chief executive Troy Setter confirmed to Fairfax Media.
CPC controls 19 properties across Australia's top end covering more than 5.6 million hectares.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-livestock-nt-lajamanu-7664139" target="_blank">Bunda Station</a> was passed in at 2012 Elders auction with just a $10 million vendor bid.
Bunda was offered with 13,500 Brahman and Charbray infused cattle. 
The herd includes 2,000 purebred Brahman bulls and breeders. 
Bunda has been developed with 22 bores.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

NT's Bunda Station sells to Consolidated Pastoral Company

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Darwin property prices may have fallen over the September quarter, according to CoreLogic RP Data, but one local agent believes the market is well placed to come roaring back in 2015.
In the three months to 31 October, Core Logic RP Data information shows a 1.7% drop in the Darwin median price.
The large amount off the plan settlements has deterred buyers and investors form the market, according to general manager of Raine and Horne Darwin, Glen Grantham.
But, Grantham says the underlying fundamentals are strong and the market won’t spike until the middle of 2015.
“We have an election in late 2015 and already the NT government is starting to make announcements that will drive stronger business activity and consumer confidence,” he said.
One of the major upcoming announcements is the tender for the North East Gas Interconnector, a gas pipeline linking the Northern Territory with the east coast gas grid.
Grantham says the smart buyers will get in early and find some bargains before the market starts to generate strong growth.
“The smart money is currently buying properties in inner CBD suburbs such as <a href="/news">Stuart Park</a> and <a href="/news">The Gardens</a>,” he said.
“In The Gardens, entry-level, two-bedroom apartments start from $450,000, which are generating weekly rents of $550. This is a very healthy 6.4% gross yield, with the prospect of decent growth to come.”
<a href="/news">Woolner</a>, with a current median unit price of $620,000,<a href="/news"> </a>is another market which Grantham says is due for a spike.
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owisniewski-RiYLqnXfKH

Darwin property prices fall, but rebound could be on the cards

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The announcement yesterday by the Northern Territory government that it is selling the Territory Insurance Office’s insurance assets to Allianz Australia for A$236 million has many <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/25594850/northern-territory-government-confirms-sale-of-tio-for-424m-after-months-of-speculation-protests-and-petitions/" target="_blank">worried</a> their premiums will increase. Some of this concern is no doubt a result of significant premium increases in North Queensland following cyclones Larry and Yasi. But is all this concern justified?
Looking first at the increases in North Queensland, the exposure in that region is to highly intense cyclones and large catastrophic insurance losses have followed. North Queensland has a very long east-facing coastline all exposed to cyclone. This part of northern Australia is home to numerous cities and towns, which means the risk there is much larger for insurers. Cyclones Yasi and Larry each cost insurers in excess of A$1 billion in claims paid.
While the Territory’s economy is growing, it just does not have the same level of infrastructure, in resorts, large hotels, high rises, factories, warehouses and residential housing. As a result, the risk of such occurrences is considered significantly lower in the Northern Territory than in North Queensland.
Since Cyclone Tracey (coming up to its 40-year anniversary), building codes in Darwin and the Northern Territory in general have been improved and are the toughest in Australia. This has reduced the damage caused when cyclones do hit. For example, with a combination of lower intensity and buildings built to a higher code, 2011’s Cyclone Carlos caused relatively minor property damage in Darwin.
Over the past 10 years, the majority of Australian insurers have moved from community rating to risk rating due to improvements in technology. In the case of homes and other buildings this is through geospatial technology. It allows the overlay of cyclone, flood and other maps onto street maps and satellite images of addresses.
In motor insurance we will see more use of telematics to reward good driving behaviour. Poorer drivers will pay more for the additional risk they create.
<h3>Individual premiums</h3>
The same goes with home or business insurance. Premiums are highly individualised in terms of price because no two houses are the same when it comes to construction, value, location or risk. Premiums reflect the price of a home owner transferring the financial risk, from an insured peril, from themselves and their family to the insurer.
The reality is that while the Northern Territory set up and owned TIO, it is run on a completely commercial basis. Its pricing is not set by government and it is not subsidised in any way. From my research, in areas such as cyclone cover, TIO has not been the cheapest; its prices have sat at the middle of the market.
With flood insurance, the same applies. Regardless of who owns TIO, pricing for flood is moving from community rating to the risk address.
If you do not live in a flood-prone area, this is good news for you. If you are in a flood zone, then your premiums are likely to increase due to the flood risk of your property.
Flood is a concern right across Australia and governments at all levels are, or should be, looking at this. One of the positives coming from the sale of TIO is that the Territory government has pledged A$50 million in flood mitigation for Rapid Creek, Katherine and the Darwin Rural Area. Whether this is enough is yet to be seen. From my observations, I would like to have seen funding go to Alice Springs as well, as I foresee significant flood losses in that town in the future.
In summary, I see no difference in increase in pricing due to the sale of TIO to Allianz. Over time, the cost of insurance may well be reduced, as there will be some economies of scale with TIO not having to stand alone as a relatively small insurer. Allianz, one of the world’s largest insurers, has greater capacity to hold risk itself and greater buying power when it comes to re-insurance.
While the TIO was originally established due to insurers being reluctant to offer workers’ compensation cover in the Territory, today it is serviced by 12 insurers. All offer cyclone cover and only one does not provide flood cover.
All other states have sold their general insurance companies. As the Territory matures and its economy grows, it does seem right for the government to move out of this area and concentrate on other areas where government is the most appropriate supplier of the service. In my view, the government achieved a very good price on the sale for the benefit for all Territorians.
Allan Manning is adjunct professor at <a href="https://www.vu.edu.au/" target="_blank">Victoria University</a> and is managing director of LMI Group. 
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>.
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Will the Territory Insurance Office sale push up premiums?

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A $200 million, 18 storey mixed-use proposal has been received from Darwin developers Randazzo and La Pira families for a Palmerston ‘superblock’.
The ‘superblock’, named as such due to its 6,060 square metre size in the centre of the CBD, has been vacant since the 1980s and is government owned, according to Minister for Lands, Planning and the Environment Peter Chandler.
It will be the tallest building in Palmerston and the first mixed-use project of its kind. The Northern Territory developers previously created the Palmerston Shopping Centre, Highway House and the Goyder Building.
It is to be the first of its type for Palmerston and will provide housing and accommodation options.
To be called Boulevard Plaza, it is expected to bring 225 apartments, 185 hotel rooms and street level access to 10,000 square metres of retail and hospitality space, said Chandler.
“What’s becoming clear is that Territorians want more choice with their housing options. Apartments in Darwin are being snapped up at record rates and smaller blocks of land are becoming more attractive to home buyers,” he said.
“Living and working in the city has many economic and environmental advantages with less of a reliance on vehicles to commute to work, shops or social events.”
Paolo Randazzo and Peter La Pira have said that it will revitalise and activate the heart of the city, noting it will support the rural area, defence activities, oil and gas, the new hospital and the increased commercial activity.
“We played a key role in the social and economic growth of Palmerston and we are now reinvesting in the city’s future because of our confidence in Palmerston’s growth,” La Pira said.
It will be designed by another local name, architects Jackman Gooden, and will have energy efficient measures and a large podium on level five.
The proposal will be lodged with the Development Consent Authority in early-2015, with construction expected shortly after. It will be built over several years in a staged release.
Picture of Palmerston courtesy of Bidgee/Wikimedia Commons.
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Palmerston’s tallest building coming: 18 storey 'superblock' proposed

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Richard Bruxner, a Northern Territory lawyer, has been appointed by Attorney-General John Elferink as the president of the new Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT) for a period of 12 months.
The 12 month temporary appointment is until a selection process is complete and a permanent president is appointed, explained Elferink. Candidates for president of NTCAT must be a magistrate or eligible to be a magistrate.
The NTCAT is located in Casuarina.
“Mr Bruxner has 24 years’ experience as a lawyer, mainly in the field of litigation. He was at the private bar for 11 years before joining the Solicitor for the Northern Territory’s Chambers in 2008,” he said.
“Mr Bruxner was appointed Crown Counsel in October 2011 and has since been working in the Solicitor General's Chambers.”
The new NTCAT was introduced to cut red tape and provide a single place for civil and administrative appeals, with a focus on ‘fairness’ rather than strict legal interpretations, with an aim to be less intimidating than court-based appeals.
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Northern Territory lawyer appointed NTCAT president

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A 27 hectare site on College Road, Berrimah in the Northern Territory has been released for the development of 50 to 60 industrial lots.
The site’s works are expected to begin in 2015, with sales to follow.
Northern Territory Minister for Lands, Planning and the Environment, Peter Chandler, said that there is a well-known historic lack of residential land in the area, but there is also strong demand for industrial land.
“The Country Liberals are leading a nation-wide push to develop Northern Australia and companies are falling over themselves to invest in the Territory,” Chandler said, pointing to Southern Steel’s opening of operations at East Arm, close to this new site.
“It is important that enough land is released so we can capitalise on this investment potential,” he said.
Their aim is to secure a pipeline of major projects to break the “boom and bust cycle of the economy and support sustained growth”.
They have opened a<a href="https://www.lands.nt.gov.au/land-release/College-Road-Industrial" target="_blank"> public request for proposal process</a>, which closes on 1 December. A briefing will be held on 1 October.
The industrial subdivision site is expected to help boost new and existing businesses and provide further employment options. It is 26.8 hectares in size, zoned GI (general industry) and 10 kilometres from both Darwin and Palmerston.
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Northern Territory land released for industrial development

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A new project in Northern Territory’s Alawa is underway, with plants to redevelop ageing housing into new Defence and public housing sites.
The project will be developed by the Northern Territory government in conjunction with Defence Housing Australia (DHA) and is the first time the two have partnered together with the potential for future projects.
Northern Territory Housing Minister Matt Conlan said that the project will improve the quality of public housing.
“By partnering with an experienced developer in DHA, the government will gain the benefit of quality new public housing dwellings built cost-effectively,” he said.
“The redevelopment costs will be funded wholly by the DHA in return for the exchange of land.”
The trial site at 27-33 Young Crescent includes four vacant properties that are more than 30 years old.
DHA will seek approval to construct 11 townhouses. They are currently consulting with several stakeholders, including Darwin City Council. 
DHA managing director Peter Howman said that they are extending their residential development industry expertise to housing Defence staff, but also to benefit other Darwin residents.
“DHA has always been a major part of the NT’s residential development sector,” he said, with more than 2,000 Defence members in DHA homes in the territory.
“We have led the way in designing climate-responsive housing for the residents of the Top End and this new initiative is another great way to show the community that we are committed to being a part of this city and to helping it thrive.”
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NT government joins forces with DHA to redevelop ageing housing

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Launched in June, the Northern Territory’s Remote Home Ownership Program looks to move public housing tenants in remote communities into owning a property.
It focuses on the Tiwi Islands, Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island and seeks to allow tenants to become home owners.
Loan products will be provided by Indigenous Business Australia, including services and insurance, for the first 12 months. After the sale, the buyers will be given a special incentive grant of $20,000 for home upgrades and maintenance.
The first homes are expected to be put up for sale by the end of the year.
Housing Minister Matt Conlan said that they’re currently in the process of discussing the program with the communities and stakeholders.
This includes the traditional owners, land councils, regional councils, housing reference groups and government engagement coordinators.
 “It is clear there is an appetite for home ownership is in these communities with 11 finance applications already lodged, which is fantastic to see,” said Conlan.
 “We want public housing to be a pathway to home ownership, not an end in itself and it is pleasing to see this supported by these communities.”
Those areas with long-term township leases include Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island, Milikapiti on Melville Island, Angurugu and Umbakumba on Groote Eylandt and Milyakburra on Bickerton Island.
The program has been provided $4.5 million for the next three years, and this figure could see up to 50% of remote housing stock made available to tenants to buy.
“The price of properties will be determined via an independent evaluation and it is expected that most homes would be available for purchase in the $50,000 to $150,000 range,” he said.
The next stage is to request formal expressions of interest from tenants. This will then be followed by an eligibility assessment.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia COmmonso
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