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

<html><body>
NSW is set to index stamp duty brackets to the consumer price index.
The seven price bands that determine how much stamp duty by home buyers will be adjusted for inflation under the scheme to start in mid-2019, The Daily Telegraph reported today.
Stamp duty has been unchanged in NSW for 32 years while the median house price has risen by an estimated 1000 per cent.
When the rates were set in 1986 the median Sydney dwelling price, according to CoreLogic, was $80,000 compared with the current median house price of around $1 million.
Last financial year, NSW residential and commercial property buyers paid a total $9.8 billion in stamp duty after 228,000 sales.
Stamp duty accounts for 28 per cent of all state tax revenue.
A typical buyer in Sydney pays about $42,000 duty when purchasing a home. 
The move is tipped to save about $500 on the average property transaction within years, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet is expected to tell media today.
<div title="Page 1">
<div>
<div>
“The indexation of Stamp Duty is a step forward in reducing the taxation imposts on housing,”stated Tim Reardon, HIA’s Principal Economist.
“This is the first adjustment to Stamp Duty rates since the average house in Sydney cost just$80,000.
“State governments have become increasingly reliant on Stamp Duty from housing as a mainsource of revenue.
“Around $1 in every $5 of state government revenue comes from Stamp Duty on houses.
“The announcement by the NSW Government to address bracket creep for the first time in over30 years is a meaningful contribution to ensuring that the impost of Stamp Duty does not continue to grow.
“Stamp duty is an inefficient tax and it has a disproportionately high impact on households that are vulnerable due to changes in their circumstances including employment, health or other family related matters.
“Stamp Duty is also a volatile source of tax revenue, as the NSW Government is currently experiencing. A small fall in house prices has had a disproportionate impact of state government revenue.
“A better long term solution would be to phase out Stamp Duty altogether and replace it with aform of revenue that doesn’t punish buyers for wishing to pursue their dream of owning a home,” concluded Mr Reardon.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

NSW to index stamp duty brackets to CPI

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
EXPERT OBSERVER
New research by the Grattan Institute and CommSec reveal NSW is slipping further and further behind Victoria in the key areas of economic growth, unemployment and construction work completed.
Disappointingly, for the second year in a row, NSW has failed to keep pace with Victoria, slipping further behind in relative economic growth according to the CommSec’s latest ‘State of the States’ report. This is very alarming and has significant negative consequences. Part of this decline is due to the state government’s complex planning system, which is hindering housing production and making homes even more unaffordable.
A report by the Grattan Institute notes that both NSW and Victorian state governments are facing significant population pressure. However in the lead up to the state election, the NSW government has adopted a populist ‘anti-growth’ rhetoric, suggesting migration intake should be halved, winding back critical planning reforms designed to increase housing supply and exempting key electorates, such as Ryde, from additional growth.
The NSW government lacks clear, strong leadership to effectively manage population growth and is constantly caving to every action group opposed to change. As a consequence housing supply has dropped off, especially in accessible areas close to transport and services, where housing is most suitable. Home ownership is declining, and more and more people are spending a large percentage of their income on housing costs.
The Grattan institute report suggests that the NSW government must go further to ensure enough housing is built, particularly in established suburbs. The NSW planning system is hugely complex and obtaining approval to build new homes is a risky and onerous process. There are huge delays in processing development applications and rezonings. This just adds to the cost of housing production and deters investment.
The Grattan report also suggests that all states should follow the lead of the ACT and replace ineffective stamp duties with broad-based property taxes. 
The Urban Taskforce has always supported a broad-based property tax as a much fairer and equitable method of taxation, as opposed to inefficient stamp duties. We applaud the ACT government for introducing this approach.
Chris Johnson is the Urban Taskforce CEO
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

cjohnson-8xfqfuuCSq

It's unsurprising that NSW is 2nd to Victoria: Chris Johnson

<html><body>
Nottingham Station, one of Australia's largest sawn hardwood timber stockpiles in Wee Jasper, NSW, has been listed for expression of interest. 
It has been offered by Jim Guilfoyle and Tim Corcoran from CBRE.
Located at 1456 NoTtingham Road, Wee Jasper, the 5,500 sqm of predominantly Mountain Gum lumber is ideal for furniture, flooring, architraves and numerous other internal and external uses.
<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/2018/9/21/wee%20jasper%203.jpg" alt="">
There are 2,863 ha of grazing land, located in a high rainfall district underpinning a sustainable carrying capacity of 3,000 DSE.
The water sources include several permanent springs, nine dams and three semi-permanent creeks.
Other features include total 19 lots with subdivision potential via four 40 ha lots, cattle yards, machinery shed as well as an abandoned homestead with power and phone connected.  
Land and lumber are being offered in one line or as separate assets on a contingent basis.
<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/2018/9/21/wee%20jasper%202.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Nottingham station in Wee Jasper for sale 

<html><body>
A new report has identified the New South Wales infrastructure projects that will have the greatest impact on property prices.
The Sydney Light Rail (CBD and South East), the Sydney Metro Northwest and the Sydney Metro City and South West will have the greatest effect on the NSW property market, according to JLL’s new report, NSW economic growth drivers and infrastructure: Assessing the impact on property markets.
JLL’s Head of Research — Australia Andrew Ballantyne said the group looked at the 10 major projects in the NSW infrastructure pipeline.
“Infrastructure changes real estate markets,” he said.
“While all 10 of the major projects will have an impact on the NSW commercial and residential property sectors, these three — and specifically the placement of stations along the routes — will have the greatest effect through reducing travel times and costs, connecting people with job opportunities and connecting products with markets.”
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/28/Picture1.png" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
Source: JLL
 1. Sydney Light Rail (CBD and South East)
Property close to the light rail stations are likely to increase in value, while the route is also likely to change the mix of retail in the region.
JLL’s Managing Director — NSW Daniel Kernaghan said:
“George Street is going to become a more desirable location for retailers in the luxury and food-and-beverage categories. 
“Improved connectivity within the CBD will mean organisations can look beyond the core CBD to secure lower office rental rates.
“Average A-grade rents on Goulburn Street are 31% lower than for comparable A-grade core CBD assets.” 
2. Sydney Metro (Northwest) 
New stations create dfor the project will stimulate further residential development.
“This project is going to deliver a reliable public transport service to the region which has the highest car ownership levels per household in NSW,” Ballantyne said.
3. Sydney Metro (City and South West)
The project will support the continuing development of the North Sydney’s office market, which is expected to increase to 930,000 square metres of space by 2024.
“Additionally, a revitalised Central Station will act as a regenerative magnet for the southern Sydney CBD, creating a vibrant new mixed-use precinct,” Kernaghan said.
</body></html>

The NSW infrastructure projects that will impact property prices the most: JLL

<html><body>
The NSW Government’s unveiling of its 20-year vision for a thriving regional NSW spells good news for the property market, RiskWise Property Research CEO Doron Peleg said.
Peleg says anyone seeking long-term capital growth would be wise to investigate buying property in the region especially given an extra 185,000 new residents were expected, on top of the population growth already predicted, by 2038. 
The Government’s 20-year vision focuses on connectivity and water security to industry and community leaders in Bathurst in the State’s Central West and sets out a framework for investment that will guide the allocation of resources from the new $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund.
The goal is to promote regional development and job creation, unlocking the potential in the region by providing the infrastructure, the services and the support it needs to thrive. 
According to Premier Gladys Berejiklian, at the centre will be “a new generation of nation-building projects enabled by the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund” creating an additional 260,000 new jobs between now and 2038.
The vision also brings together the NSW Government’s long-term planning strategies including the Future Transport Strategy 2056 and the NSW State Infrastructure Strategy, with plans to attract an extra 185,000 new residents. 
Studies and planning works will also be undertaken for an inland port and investment precinct in Parkes, known as The Parkes National Logistics Hub, which is expected to attract major employers, drive local economies and create jobs across the Central West.
Peleg said population growth, job creation, an improved economy and good infrastructure would draw more people to the area and therefore increase demand for property.
"Also regional NSW has become a more attractive property destination," he said.
"While the Sydney market has cooled - and in some areas prices have actually dropped - the city is still ranked 9th in the world when it comes to poor housing affordability of family suitable units.
"The gap between the household income people need to buy a Sydney inner-city unit of just 105sqm, suitable for families, to the income they really have is so huge a household with the median income would really struggle to afford one.
"It comes down to undersupply of suitable dwellings that force the price up and make them completely unaffordable. But that is not the case in regional NSW where house sizes and blocks are more than adequate for a growing family."
For example, in Bathurst the median house price is $422,949 and for a unit $301,644 compared to Greater Sydney which has a median house price of $1,100,355 and a median unit price of $768,142.
Bathurst also enjoys a house price-to-income ratio of 6.2 which is well below that of Greater Sydney (at 12.1) and the rest of Australia (8.4).
In Parkes, the median house price is $251,353 and the unit price $227,832, with a house price-to-income ratio of 4.4.
Peleg said there was also an increasing trend of ‘mobile professionals’ who were prepared to work from home to maximise lifestyle and avoid the daily city commute.
"The bottomline is regional NSW is a great alternative location to Sydney for those looking for affordable housing with the long-term goal of solid capital growth," he concluded.
</body></html>

Solid capital growth possible for regional NSW property: RiskWise

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 3">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
While there remains some positive sentiment in the rural property market across New South Wales, the ongoing drought is starting to have an impact on some buyers’ decisions to pursue rural property, according to the latest Herron Todd White rural report.
The valuation firm noted that, despite this, agents are still reporting higher levels of enquiry than they have experienced in the past several years, however a lack of supply is evident as landholders are waiting for improved seasonal conditions before trying to market and sell. 
"We are seeing continued sales across most areas of New South Wales, particularly higher rainfall areas, however due to the negative climatic conditions encountered over the past 18 months there have generally been lower sales volumes. 
"We expect this trend to continue while the area receives below average rainfall."
The HTW valuer, Angus Ross added, "the continued dry seasonal conditions across large parts of New South Wales are limiting the market’s enthusiasm for expansionary activities.
"It is our opinion that the positive cash flows generated in most areas during the past two years have been funnelled into debt consolidation rather than any expansionary movements."
Recently, Heathlea, a mixed farming property at Rannock, just a short drive from from the village of Coolamon NSW, has been sold for $2.69 million (picutured above).
Comprising 452 hectares of productive fertile farm land, Heathlea at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-mixed+farming-nsw-rannock-7978134" target="_blank">2718 Ronnock Rd </a>comes with water security, stock and domestic water scheme, 61 ha of established Lucerne, and an additional 61 ha sown Autumn 2018.
Addtional features include three stand woolshed, sheep/cattle yards and spacious three bedroom brick home.
Another sale is a Mudgee rural lifestyle block which was sold for $330,000 on August 27 (pictured below).
Located at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-other-nsw-mudgee-7982122" target="_blank"> 1243 Lower Piambong Rd</a>, the parcel of land consisiting of 50.92 hectares or 125 acres has been fenced into three main paddocks.
It features three dams with ample water for stocks, timber cattle yards, and rural views.
It's only 20 mins drive from Mudgee. 
<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/2018/9/3/mudgee%20.jpg" alt="">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Ongoing drought impacts buyer's decision to pursue rural property in NSW: HTW rural

<html><body>
NSW land tax revenues are up, but stamp duty on sales has fallen dramatically.
The annual land tax revenue from property investors was $148 million higher than the $3.68 billion forecast.
The land tax helped the NSW surplus for 2017-2018 coming in at $3.9 billion, buoyed by a gst boost.
But a slowdown in sales activity saw NSW stamp duty revenues $960 million lower than expected.
The stamp duty revenue will be $10.4 billion this financial year, down from the $11.46 billion forecast.
It was blamed on lower than expected growth in property sales and prices along with a “significant shift from investors toward first home buyers.”
The overall stamp duty revenue will be $5.5 billion lower over the three years to 2020-21.
“Despite  this our finances remain in excellent shape,” the NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said.
The Treasury papers noted while the downturn was “significant in dollar terms, revenue growth has been strong for an extended period, and the downturn is moderate compared with historic variations.”
The budget papers noted stamp duty was “a highly volatile revenue source reflecting the underlying volatility of property transactions and prices.”
There was also a sharp fall in revenues from foreign investors revealed in the budget.
There was hope that the state budget would provide stamp duty relief or reform, but the Treasurer said he would prefer to support first time buying.
 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

No change on stamp duty or FHB in NSW state budget, as decline in sales activity hits

<html><body>
There's heightened desire that Tuesday's State Budget does something on the stamp duty front. Some seek relief others reform.
Stamp duty has been unchanged in NSW for 32 years despite the median house price rising by 1000 percent or so.
When the current NSW transfer duty rates were budgeted in 1986, the median dwelling price, according to CoreLogic, was $80,000 compared to the current median house price of just above $1 million.
The median stamp duty paid was $1500 after Premier Barry Unsworth's 1986 budget.
The typical buyer now pays $42,000 duty for their acquisition.
The government unwillingness to move on the stamp duty rate was outrageous, Leanne Pilkington, the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales president, recently suggested.
She went even further suggesting the government’s inaction was "nothing less than unconscionable.”
But I suspect next week's budget is not the time for the NSW government to correct the punishing effects of stamp duty bracket creep. 
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet is facing softening house prices and reduced sales activity at a time he's got heightened infrastructure spending demands.
Last financial year NSW residential and commercial property buyers paid $9.8 billion in stamp duty after a record 228,000 sales, with stamp duty accounting for 28 percent of total state tax revenues. 
State Treasury has already downgraded its revenue forecast in the mid-year budget review in December, and the escalating property downturn is now tipped to see revenue down by $865 million this financial year. 
There can be little doubt that stamp duty affects affordability by making buying homes dearer, especially for first home buyers who get most of the current offsetting handouts.
But it affects mobility too.
Stamp duty impedes workers taking advantage of new employment opportunities elsewhere.
It leads to the inefficient use of housing by constraining the capacity of the empty nesters and elderly to downsize into a more appropriately sized home.
Premiers Kristina Keneally and Barry O'Farrell had a shot at an initiative aimed at encouraging seniors to downsize to regional NSW with the twin goal of encouraging new home construction.
Described as an Australian first, it flopped.
State treasurers tend to copy each other's initiatives, so it will be interesting to see whether Perrottet looks over the border to the recent ACT budget.
It will abolish stamp duty for first home buyers with an annual household income of $160,000 or less.
The scheme sees the abolition of the $7000 first home owners grant.
The ACT is also several years into its 20 year plan to abolish stamp duty in favour of higher council rates and land taxation.
Reformers hope NSW takes the initial steps away from stamp duty, replacing it with a universal land tax paid annually on all properties, not just investors. 
It will ensure reliability of revenue and free up property transfers.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
</body></html>

Heightened desire for NSW State Budget to offer relief or reform on stamp duty

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
EXPERT OBSERVATION
The March 2018 quarterly construction figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicate a slow-down in NSW while Victoria grows.
The latest construction figures indicate a slowing rate of work in NSW particularly for non-residential work.
When the figures are looked at on a per capita basis Victoria does seem to be building more than NSW. For total building in the March Quarter NSW construction was $1,145 per capita whileVictoria spent $1,343 per person.
In terms of residential construction over the March Quarter the per capita figures are$785 per person in NSW and $878 per person in Victoria.
On non-residential construction over the March quarter NSW expenditure was $270 per capita compared to the Victorian per capita expenditure of $339.
While both states are strong in long term measurements it does appear that Victoria is pulling ahead in overall construction dollars on a per capita basis.
It will be important for the NSW government to continue the excellent residential construction of recent years into the future by ensuring a good pipeline of projects in the planning system. There are concerns in the Sydney apartment market of a slow-down inpre commitments for apartments that could have an impact on housing supply.”
See below the graph of Total Building Value per Capita based on ABS seasonally adjusted data for the March 2018 quarter.
<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/2018/5/25/C1.jpg" alt="">
 
CHRIS JOHNSON is the Urban Taskforce CEO.
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Construction slowing in New south Wales but growing in Victoria

<html><body>
Kingscliff, the coastal suburb just south of Tweed Heads, has ranked top one of biggest quarterly mover among NSW waterfront localities.
According to Real Estate Investar, the property data firm says the four quarter average median townhouse price growth by 8.77%.
This is followed by Tweed Heads with 8.14% and Rushcutters Bay with %7.71.
<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/2018/4/3/NSW.jpg" alt="">
A Kingscliff three bedroom townhouse has been recently sold for $500,000 (pictured below).
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-nsw-kingscliff-107500324" target="_blank">Situated at 1/11 Blue Bay Circuit</a>, this Kingscliff home comes with three bedrooms, open plan lounge/dining, and a good sized fenced front and side yard.
Located within easy walking distance via the new Dunes Estate to Dreamtime Beach, it is close to the Kingscliff central Business district with its newly completed Central Park, shops and the pristine Cudgen Creek with children's park.
<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/2018/4/3/kingscliff1.jpg" alt="">
Another offering currently on the rental market is a beachside five-bedroom house which priced at $670 per week (pictured below).
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-nsw-kingscliff-423432974" target="_blank">The 1/28 Kingscliff St townhouse </a>comes with five bedrooms, large open plan living and dining area, two large balconies and a private courtyard.
It also features split system air conditioning, vaulted ceilings and bambooimber floors to living areas.
<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/2018/4/3/kingscliff%202.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

NSW

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

NSW