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

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Conjoined Merran Vale and Cooinda Park properties at Barham in the Murray River district are on the market through Ruralco Property agent Andrew Miller.
Vendors Ivan and Ann Chandler are set to retire.
They purchased the original Merran Vale property in 1980.
About eleven years ago the neighbouring Cooinda Park property came on to the market and was purchased by the Chandler’s.
The properties have a freehold area of 1,143 hectares plus further significant lease country.
<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/2017/08/02/RURALCO%20MERRAN-COOINDA%20CREEK.jpg" alt="">
A Poll Hereford and a Border Leicester stud has been run n conjunction with a merino sheep grazing operation.
A significant portion of the holdings, about 1,290 acres, are laid out to flood irrigation of which 900 acres were laser levelled using a local land forming contractor.
There is a 774 megalitre NSW general water sale entitlement.
The property has two pumps one electric, one diesel on the Little Murray River which adjoins the forest lease.
There is also another electric pump on Merran Creek.
The lease country is also significant including 99.4 hectares (or 245 acres|) that is held under perpetual lease.
<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/2017/08/02/RURALCO%20MERRAN-COOINDA%20INFRASTRUCTURE.jpg" alt="">
Another 1,456 hectares (or 3,600 acres) of river country forest between the two holdings is held under an annual forest lease.
The Merran Vale-Cooinda Park aggregation has hay and machinery sheds and general shedding with a three-stand shearing shed, plus two sets of steel sheep and cattle yards.
The main Merran Vale homestead is a spacious three bedroom concrete home in a classic rural style with surrounding verandas that has recently undergone a $100,000 refurbishment including new roofing, kitchen, bathroom and services. 
It has substantial rainwater storage and presents as sound liveable family accommodation.
On the Cooinda Park portion is another three bedroom timber home in a rural setting that could suit a family member or as a manager’s residence.
Ruralco Property selling agent Andrew Miller said that the nearby village of Barham with a recent Census population of 1,100 plus with twin town Koondrook opposite across the River offer good services and an active local community with the two properties collectively known as 1019 Gonn Road having bitumen road access.
“This is a classic River Murray country property with strong livestock and cropping enterprises nearby, plus some recent new intensive horticulture activities established locally in recent years," he said.
“Vendor Ivan Chandler has worked on the land since he left school at fourteen years of age but he is now seventy six and has farmed strongly all his life overcoming some physical disabilities and he rightly says it’s time to retire.
<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/2017/08/02/RURALCO%20MERRAN-COOINDA%20SIGN.jpg" alt="">
“He reckons a few acres with a couple of cows will serve him well into the future.
“The auction of the conjoined Merran Vale and Cooinda Park properties at Barham presents a once in a generation opportunity for a new owner as either an agribusiness investment or diversification’ or for a strong farming family to acquire a unique large holding with unlimited potential in a strong well held district.
“I would access its inherent land value at well north of $1,000 an acre.
“With the auction scheduled for Thursday 7 September interested parties have plenty of opportunity to inspect, formulate their own plans and budgets ready to act on a farming opportunity of significance” Andrew Miller says.
The property will be offered at auction at the Barham Club on Thursday 7 September at 2 pm.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

River Murray District Merran Vale and Cooinda Park properties listed

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A new industry body has been launched to aid government and industry to streamline planning processes, develop effective policy to reduce housing costs and increase housing supply.
The Housing Supply Association was launched by the NSW Minister for Planning and Housing, Anthony Roberts.
Properties will be made available for purchase and rental through the HSA, with caveats placed on sales to first homebuyers to ensure they are not on-sold for profit.
Minister Roberts has welcomed HSA’s commitment to help break the cycle of the spiralling property market, which slams the door on many new first homebuyers and prevents key workers living where they work.
“The NSW Government is committed to working with businesses, organisations and local communities to address housing affordability and those who are most disadvantaged in buying their first home, or renting where they live,” he said.
“I commend the formation of the not-for-profit Housing Supply Association to assist in tackling these challenges and look forward to working hand-in-hand with all participants to break down the barriers for future generations of new home owners and renters and helping key workers to live where they work.”
The HSA will also work with government and industry to secure property exclusively for those who need it most, many properties at potentially 20 – 30% below market value.
Property allocation will also focus on ex- servicemen and women and people with disabilities.
Aras Labutis, HSA Vice President said Australia was at a crossroads in addressing housing affordability for the average wage-earner.
“I am proud to be part of the HSA’s collaboration with government, councils and key stakeholders to deliver the first major positive intervention to address this serious social issue,” he said.
“This is the only holistic, industry-driven solution to deliver real outcomes for first homebuyers and key workers, such as the police, ambos and fire services who look after our communities 24/7.
“The HSA’s purpose is to increase affordable housing supply as part of an industry-wide response to a problem that now desperately needs action, not words.”
"Suitable developments for the HSA’s target market are underway or in the pipeline.
"One major property provider has already committed 20 percent of a new development to the HSA for affordable housing.
“We have consulted those groups facing hardship, and the current housing situation disadvantages many of the most valued members of our community.
“We need to increase supply of housing, and we need to look after those who need it most.
“We have tested our approach with government and the key worker Associations and they like the process.
“I would like to thank the NSW Government for their support and commitment of this important initiative.
“Without the collaboration of industry and support of Minister Roberts and the NSW Government our plans to address this crisis would not be possible.”
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Housing Supply Association formed to tackle housing crisis

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When does the duty exemption for NSW first home buyers apply?
The exemption for first home buyers will apply to contracts executed on or after 1 July 2017 for properties up to $650,000.
For properties valued between $650,000 and $800,000, duty concessions will apply.
Are there any changes for vacant land?
There are no changes to the cap for vacant land.
Does this apply only to new homes?
No, the exemption applies to new and existing homes purchased by first home buyers.
Does the 1 July 2017 date refer to the date the contracts were exchanged or settled?
The 1 July 2017 date refers to the date the contracts were exchanged.
Does a first home purchase refer to a first investment home purchase or the first owner-occupied home purchase?
First home purchase refers to the first home you purchase which you must occupy for a continuous period of 6 months, commencing within 12 months of settlement.
I have just settled, what can I do to get the benefits?
If you settled before 1 July 2017, you are only entitled to the benefits that were available at that time. Please check our website for more information.
Can I rescind the contract and enter into a new contract after 1 July 2017 and get the new benefits?
As your contract is already executed, you are liable to pay duty. If you rescind and enter into the contract for the same property after 1 July 2017 you will not be eligible for the new benefits.
My client has just exchanged contracts and is in the cooling off period. Can we rescind under the cooling off provisions and re-exchange later?
As your contract is already executed, you are liable to pay duty. If you rescind and enter into the contract for the same property after 1 July 2017 you will not be eligible for the new benefits.
My contract is dated before 1 July 2017. Are these changes retrospective?
No, the changes to the First Home Buyers Assistance scheme are not retrospective.
Does this mean yet another form? Will we need to complete another Declaration or a Statutory Declaration?
No additional forms are anticipated at this stage. However some existing forms will need to be modified and in the case of the new scheme the old form will be replaced with a new one.
If the parties entered into a Put &amp; Call option before 30 June 2017 to be exercised after 30 June 2017, would the purchaser be able to claim the exemption (or reduction as applicable) or would the Option be the determining date?
If the exercise of the option occurs on or after 1 July 2017, you will be able to claim the new exemption or reduction.
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The NSW first home buyers July 1 countdown

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GUEST OBSERVER
One of the most significant and far-reaching retail legislative changes will quietly come into effect in New South Wales on 1 July 2017.
The amendments to the Retail Leases Act of NSW are numerous and in essence, will change the dynamics of retail leasing as we know it.
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Of the many changes being made, the change I believe that will have the biggest impact on the sector is the requirement for all leases under the Act, over three years in length, to be registered within three months from leases being signed. This will increase transparency in the sector and help to continue levelling the playing field between tenants and landlords. 
Even more transparency will result with the change that requires Landlords to accurately disclose and estimate outgoings in a Disclosure Statement, failing which, that outgoings will not be recoverable. 
The removal of the requirement for a minimum five-year lease term in the new Act will likely result in both longer and shorter-term leases. This is a positive for the market as it will allow greater flexibility in this volatile and ever-changing market. 
Also included in the Act is a change to how bank guarantees need to be handled. Once the Act is in place, Landlords will be required to return bank guarantees to the tenant within two months after the tenant completes performance. 
Another change for landlords means they will no longer be able to request online sales revenue information from tenants, except for goods delivered from the premises or where the centre or the transaction takes place while the customer is in the premises. 
Redundant manual processing of rental bonds will be replaced with a change to the Act that will see the rental bond scheme move to an online platform cutting out the need for physical documents to be lodged. 
Another change includes increasing the penalty notices for offences. These include the right to compensation if a landlord fails to provide a disclosure statement within seven days before the lease is entered into or if it is misleading or incomplete. 
The amendments to the Act will create a more transparent and balanced retail leasing market, enabling greater flexibility and operational efficiency for both tenants and landlords, in a sector that is undergoing significant cyclical and structural change. 
Simon Fonteyn is Managing Director, Leasing Information Systems and can be <a href="https://www.leaseinfo.com.au" target="_blank">contacted here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Amendments to the Retail Leases Act of NSW looming

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The abolition of the off-the-plan transfer duty concession deferral scheme for residential investors in the NSW State Budget will recoup $380 million in a one off annual fillip next financial year.
Investors will then pay another $110 million in 2018-19 ahead of schedule, the NSW treasury papers indicate.
The OTP stamp duty was always going to be paid by investors, but the decision brings forward its payment.
The concession for residential off-the-plan purchases, which allowed for a delay of up to 12 months in the payment of duty, has been amended to allow the government's focus on first home buyers.
The state's finances continue to benefit from Sydney's property boom.
The Government will reap $6.8 billion in residential stamp duty revenue in 2016–17, an increase of almost 10 per cent on the previous year, thanks in part to the strong performance of Sydney's property market.
All the big property decisions were actually announced before today's budget.
The doubling of the foreign investor from four per cent to eight per cent on stamp duty and a rise from 0.75 per cent to 2 per cent on foreigner land tax is forecast to secure $180 million in its first year.
Privatisations have turbocharged NSW finances, with Treasurer Dominic Perrottet announcing a surplus when he delivered his first budget today.
He describing his first state budget as "the envy of the western world."
"Surpluses shield us from difficulties and challenges that may lie ahead. We're [forecasting] 75,000 new homes in the next 12 months; we are about to embark on a housing construction boom," said Mr Perrottet when asked about his level of confidence against the backdrop of a housing crash speculation.
With much foreshadowed, the biggest new announcement on Tuesday was spending on hospitals, with $720 million to upgrade the Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick.
It added to $632 million for the Campbelltown Hospital, $534 million for Tweed Hospital; $576 million for Nepean Hospital; and $341 million for Concord Hospital that had all been previously announced.
Stamp duty revenues are still edging towards $10 billion annually for the ever increasing property tax-dependent NSW State Government coffers.
Residential stamp duty was up 9.6 percent in the current financial year to $6.8 billion, and will ease to 5.9 percent growth next financial year. Treasurer Perrottet expects transfer duty revenue to continue increasing but at a slower growth rate - down to 4.2 per cent by the 2020-21 financial year. Total transfer duties sit at $9.6 billion.
The budget confirmed first home buyers in New South Wales will be able to buy property up to $650,000 without having to pay stamp duty. 
The policy, which will apply to new and existing homes, will start from July 1 in an attempt to combat the housing affordability issue by the NSW State Government. It will cost $187 million next financial year rising to $310 million in 2019.
The cap had previously been set at $550,000 for first home buyers on  new homes.
Homes up to $800,000 will also see a discounted stamp duty.
Up to $34,360 will be saved under the package, according to the government.
The budget papers reveal that property development companies that are foreign-owned but based in Australia will not be taxed as foreigners  and will be eligible for a refund if they sell their developed properties within five years.
The budget papers confirm the 2016-17 surplus is $856.9 million higher than forecast in last year's budget, largely to stamp duty revenues from the part-privatisation of electricity companies Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy.
The NSW Government will spend more than $720 million over the next four years to address the key issue of housing affordability.
“Our number one priority as a government is to get more houses built and to market to help make new homes more affordable,” Minister for Planning and Housing, Anthony Roberts said.
“We are working on many fronts to make owning a home a reality for more people, by streamlining and simplifying the planning system so housing approvals can be fast-tracked and are continuing to release and rezone more land.
The 2017-18 NSW Budget includes $117.8 million over four years of new investment to deliver infrastructure, housing and employment initiatives, review land use and infrastructure strategies for priority growth areas and implement regional plans.
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Property investors lose out in NSW State Budget

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A historic pub in Macarthur region’s Picton on the south-western edge of Sydney, has sold for an undisclosed sum through Ray White Hotels.
The George IV Inn was scheduled for auction on May 31.
The 174 Argyle Street property is one of the oldest pubs in NSW, built by convict labour in 1835. It is one of the only two pubs in town.
It last changed hands for $1.2 million in 2011, according to RP Data.
It was recently damaged by floods and needs repairs, according to its description by selling agency Ray White Hotels.
The freehold property has multiple bars, micro-brewing facilities, kitchen, function space, gaming room &amp; nine PMEs.
It has a land area of 7,174 sqm with ample parking &amp; enormous upside
Blake Edwards and Tony Braham of Ray White Hotels were the selling agents.
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One of NSW's oldest pubs in Picton changes hands

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Multiplex has topped out its $180 million Paddington over 55s development The Terraces, located at the Scottish Hospital site on Brown Street, Sydney.
The Terraces is owned and operated Presbyterian Aged Care (PAC) in NSW. Construction topped out at level eight.
The Terraces at Paddington, designed by JPR Architects, will feature a 100 bed facility including a 23-bed dementia unit. The new retirement village includes 70 new seniors’ independent living units across four new buildings.
<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/2017/04/12/Bruce%20Christian%20Chairman%20of%20PAC%20Committee%20Harry%20Young%20Regional%20%20Director%20NSW%20Multiplex%20Paul%20Sadler%20CEO%20PAC.jpg" alt="">
The Scottish Hospital heritage building will house nine seniors apartments.
As part of the project, Presbyterian Aged Care are dedicating 1,300 square metres of land to the community for an expansion of the Dillon Street reserve park at the north of the site.
<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/2017/04/12/Bruce%20Christian%20Chairman%20of%20PAC%20Committee%20in%20yellow%20at%20the%20%20concrete%20Adam%20Stante%20Project%20Manager%20Multiplex%20Paul%20Sadler%20on%20the%20right%20%20CEO%20PAC.jpg" alt="">
Completion of the entire project is expected by early 2019.
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Multiplex tops out Paddington aged care project

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New South Wales will double its foreign investors stamp duty surcharge to 8 percent as part of premier Gladys Berejiklian’s moves to address housing affordability ahead of the budget. 
The annual land tax surcharge on foreign home owners will also increase to 2 percent from the existing 0.75 per cent.
Berejiklian is expected to announce more details after a cabinet meeting on Thursday, The Australian Financial Review reported. 
Although Sydney median home prices are the highest in the country, the latest data suggests prices fell slightly in May with concerns about an oversupply of new apartments. 
The tax hikes are expected to raise $1.9 billion over the next four years for the NSW budget, compared to $150 million raised from the 4 percent tax which was announced in last year's budget.
New South Wales stamp duty and land transfer receipts were back up to $9.4 billon over the year to January 2017.
Treasurer Scott Morrison has predicted that foreign buyers would fall by more than half this year as states increase taxes and the tax office cracks down on buyers who try to skirt Foreign Investment Review Board approval.
The NSW government is also poised to widen access to its first-home buyers bonus, offering it to buyers of existing stock rather than just new homes, the AFR said.
The state budget will be announced on June 20.
Housing affordability is one of the cornerstones of Berejiklian’s agenda after she became the NSW premier earlier this year. She appointed former Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens as an advisor on the package which cabinet is now considering. 
Foreigners made up about 11 percent of home purchases in NSW in the September quarter last year, according to NSW government data.
NSW surcharge is now above Victoria which charges 7 percent but it is still below comparable international jurisdictions facing a similar flood of foreign buyers. In Canada some provinces charge as much as 15 percent.  The tax charges are in addition to normal NSW stamp duty of as high as 7 percent.
But only about 2 percent of NSW home buyers paid the surcharge because it does not affect foreign citizens provided they are permanent residents who have been in Australia for 200 days in the preceding year.
In 2015-16, FIRB approved about 13,000 purchases by foreigners in NSW, about a third of the 40,000 foreign residential approvals. FIRB's definition of foreign buyers is slightly different to NSW. 
Morrison says the total number of foreign buyers will to 15,000 this year.
FIRB data suggests that the vast majority of foreign buyers come from China.
Some have argued that foreigners buy the equivalent of a quarter of new housing constructed in NSW. 
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

NSW hikes stamp duty for foreign investors to 8 percent

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Coffs Harbour in New South Wales is approaching the peak of market position for offices, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's April report, which focuses on the office market.
The office market in Coffs Harbour features an oversupply with limited enquiry for leasing at stable or slightly softer rental levels. 
There are a number of office project developments on hold until pre-sales or leasing is effected. These projects range from smaller strata title office projects to larger developments. The eastern precinct of the CBD remains prime with rental levels of $330 per square metre to $400 per square metre. 
Secondary or dated offices remain difficult to let. The impacts of reduced government spending, limited availability of grants and the retractionist policies are clearly evident in the Coffs Harbour regional office market. 
There is a lack of sales and leasing transactions within the office sphere of the market. Generally yields within Coffs Harbour remain firm based on the prevailing low interest rate climate. 
Leasing activity is restricted with serious owners having to offer lease up incentives or rent-free periods to attract quality tenants. 
As an example, a commercial building leased to a law firm at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-coffs+harbour-502317902" target="_blank">134 West High Street</a> in the CBD recently changed hands for an undisclosed sum.
The tenant pays all outgoings and the property earns a net Income of $186,500 pa + GST.
 <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/2017/04/21/CoffsHarbour.jpg" alt="">
The selling agents were Rhys Parker of Burgess Rawson and Troy Mitchell of LJ Hooker Commercial.
 
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Coffs Harbour office market is oversupplied with limited leasing: HTW 

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An iconic hotel in Maitland in NSW’s Lower Hunter Valley is up for auction on June 15. 
The Family Hotel is at the northern gateway to the Maitland CBD.
The two-story hotel sits on a large site of 2,136 square metres. 
The hotel is easily recognisable with its pitched roof and overhanging verandahs, says its description.
Built in 1860, the pub is believed to have a resident ghost, was supposed to be the scene of a murder, has a hidden attic still furnished with original furniture and a ballroom with a sprung dance floor, according to the Maitland Mercury.
Manenti Quinlan and Associates of Sydney and Moore and Moore Real Estate of Newcastle have been appointed to market the hotel, following their recent success in selling Shenanigans at The Imperial in Maitland. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/19/FamilyHotel1.JPG" alt="">
Manenti Quinlan’s Gerry Quinlan said that Maitland was one of the sought-after hotel destinations in New South Wales due to its proximity to Sydney, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. 
The hotel has been priced to attract a wide audience of investors and operators, said Deane Moore.
 
 
 
 
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