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

Rental market

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The weekly rent in Melbourne for houses has continued to increase, according to SQM Research’s latest weekly report.
The weekly rent for Melbourne houses currently sits at $500, an increase of 4.9 perent over the last year.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-31%20at%202.37.42%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/01/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-31%20at%202.37.42%20pm.jpg" alt="">
The weekly rent for three bedroom houses in Melbourne is around the same while renting a unit costs $379.
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mill+park-420362602" target="_blank">16 Mill Park Drive</a>, Mill Park (above) is available for rent for $520 per week.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Weekly house rent in Melbourne sits at $500: SQM Research

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When it comes to affordability and lowest rents, there’s no beating Tassie.
Queenstown and Rosebery in Tasmania’s West Coast top the list of median rents in 2016 for both houses and units, according to property analysis firm CoreLogic.
While Queenstown had the lowest median rent of $140 per week for houses, Rosebery scored for units, again with a median rent of $140 pw, figures from CoreLogic’s Best of the Best 2016 show.
In fact, the West Coast appears in four places in the top 10 list of lowest median rents for houses.
Even though the median rents are the same for both Queenstown and Rosebery, the median price values are different. While in Queenstown, it is $90,008 for houses, in Rosebery the median is $76,846 for units, implying a higher rental yield in Rosebery.
Property Observer found some houses and units for rent in the two towns around the median prices.
1. A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-queenstown-419315994" target="_blank">25 Austin Street, Queenstown</a>, Tas 7467 (above) is available for $140 pw, the same as the median price. 
2. Another three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-queenstown-419853814" target="_blank">6 Hurst St Queenstown</a> Tas 7467 (below) is out for renting at $135 pw.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-13%20at%209.33.42%20AM.png" alt="">
 
3. In Rosebery, a two-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-tas-rosebery-419504506" target="_blank">2/4 Huon Court Rosebery</a> Tas 7470 (below) is up for rent for $120 pw, well below the median price. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-13%20at%209.34.41%20AM.png" alt="">
Property Observer found only one unit with the applied filters around the median price.
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Tassie led in lowest median rents in 2016: CoreLogic data 

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You can still rent in Sydney for under $350 per week. Willmot in Sydney's Blacktown is the place if you are looking for houses and Berkeley Vale in Wyong for units, says CoreLogic in its top 10 picks for the lowest median rent suburbs in Sydney in 2016.
The median rent for houses in Willmot was $330, according to CoreLogic's analysis to September 2016. The top 10 list in CoreLogic's Best of the Best 2016 is evenly split among the council areas of Blacktown and Wyong, with Blacktown's Willmot and Blackett the top two cheapest followed by Budgewoi in Wyong.
For units, Berkeley Vale's median rent was $300, followed by Carramar in Fairfield at $310 pw and Bradbury in Campbelltown at $315.
The median price of houses in Willmot was $420,492 while in Berkeley Vale, the median value of units was $323,189.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/11/SydMedRentLo-Blacktown.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/11/SydMedRentLo-Blacktown.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/11/SydMedRentLo-Wyong.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/11/SydMedRentLo-Wyong.png" alt="">
Property Observer looked for some houses and units that match the criteria for lowest median rents.
A two-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-willmot-419996750" target="_blank">32a Resolution Avenue Willmot NSW 2770</a> is up for rent at $330 per week, matching the rental median.
<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/2017/01/SydLowRent-Willmot.jpg" alt="">
For units, Property Observer found one example. A one-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-berkeley+vale-413379731" target="_blank">28A Wyong Road Berkeley Vale NSW 2261</a> is available for $250 per week.
<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/2017/01/SydLowRent-Berkeley.jpg" alt="">
 
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Sydney's Blacktown vies with Wyong for lowest median rentals: CoreLogic

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<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Leasing activity in the Perth metro area is up four percent in the three months to October compared to the three months to September according to REIWA.
Rental listings fell in the three months to October, down two percent on the three months to September.
Hayden Groves, REIWA president said the average number of days it took to lease a rental was unchanged at 53 days and the vacancy rate for October was reported at 6.9 percent.
"All sub-regions in the metropolitan area experienced increases in activity, with the South East and Central sub-regions the stand out performers, lifting seven and five per cent respectively over the three month period," he said.
“Perth’s rental market has certainly presented its challenges in recent times, however it’s pleasing to see that leasing activity is healthy across the metro area. Tenants clearly recognise that there is a good opportunity in the current market to secure themselves a new lease at a more affordable price.
“Although listings remain at elevated levels, we are seeing signs that stock volumes have begun to stabilise with the rate of increase slowing in recent months. There was also little change to Perth’s overall median rent price in the three months to October, with the price adjusting back slightly to $365 per week.
“While the Perth rental market clearly still presents some difficulties for investors, it’s important to remember that although rents have fallen so too have interest rates with many investors able to ride out the downturn as a result. Perth investors are well advised to heed the advice of their property managers to help ensure their rental appeals to tenants in what is a competitive market."
 
<a href="/images/2016/11/24/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-24%20at%2012.43.48%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/24/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-24%20at%2012.43.48%20PM.png" alt="">
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Signs of stability in Perth's rental market

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National residential vacancies edged down in October according to SQM Research, with a national vacancy rate of 2.3 percent, down from 2.4 percent in September 2016.
Louis Christopher, SQM Research managing director said the biggest capital cities, Sydney and Melbourne recorded vacancies rates of 1.7 percent and 1.9 percent, respectively, down marginally from September 2016, while Brisbane’s vacancy rate rose to 3.0 percent, up from 2.9 percent, one of only two capital cities to record a rise, along with Darwin (up to 3.2 percent from 3.1 percent).
<a href="/images/2016/11/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-15%20at%2012.21.27%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-15%20at%2012.21.27%20PM.png" alt="">
"Perth reported the highest vacancy rate at 4.9 percent, though it was down slightly from the previous month. Hobart had the tightest rate at just 0.5 percent, down from 0.6%. Year-on-year results demonstrate that the national vacancy rate is steady," he said.
"Sydney remains the most expensive city for rents in Australia, where asking rents for houses sitting at $738 a week and $510 for units. Asking rents have surged in Canberra, up 9.3 percent for houses and 8.0 percent for units from a year earlier. Despite a tight vacancy rate, Hobart continues to offer the most affordable rental accommodation, with houses costing just $356 a week and units averaging $297 a week.
"Reflecting its high vacancy rate, Perth has recorded falls in asking rents of 11.0 percent for houses and 10.7 percent for units over the past 12 months. Yearly falls have also been posted in Darwin, with asking rents down 2.5 percent for houses and 3.1 percent for units. In Brisbane too, asking rents are down 1.8 percent for houses and up just 1.1 percent for units.
"Asking rents have slipped back in Brisbane as vacancy rates have continued to rise this year. At 3.0 percent, the rental market is finally favouring tenants and given the surge in new apartment supply, rents in Brisbane could continue to fall from here, particularly in the inner city.
<a href="/images/2016/11/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-15%20at%2012.23.46%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-15%20at%2012.23.46%20PM.png" alt="">
“Vacancies are likely to rise in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney over 2017 as more new high-rise apartment developments come onto the market. However, we believe that oversupply will largely be limited to inner-city areas where apartment supply is rising the most, which will temper rental growth."
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National residential vacancies edged down in October: SQM Research

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More than 7,000 Renter Resumes have been created on Rent.com.au in the first two weeks following launch.
Renter Resume already used for more than 5,000 online rental applications.
Adoption of RENT's Renter Resume feature in the two weeks since it was launched on <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/">www.rent.com.au</a> has exceeded Company expectations.
Greg Bader, Rent.com.au chief executive officer, said the 7,000 Renter Resumes created since launchhave been used over 5,000 times to apply for rental homes.
"Online applications save time for both renters and property agents, yet industry-wide most applications today are still received via paper forms," he said.
"We've seized an opportunity to make renting easier for everyone involved and the products we bring to market will continue to reflect this.
"The adoption rate for existing RENT products such as RentCheck, RentBond and RentConnect have also increased significantly as the Renter Resume online application process seamlessly introduces renters to these highly convenient products.
"Our recently launched WalkScore® feature is also getting great feedback.
"People are loving the additional information about a property, especially how it calculates their commute times from every property they view. Watch this space, we have even more cool stuff being released over the coming months.
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Property 101: Uptake on Rent.com.au applications increasing

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Melbourne is one of the cheapest places in Australia to rent an apartment or house - but not an individual room, according to a new rental price metric by Rent.com.au.
The Rent.com.au median room price metric shows that Sydney has the highest rental prices per room at almost $250 a week, followed by Canberra, Darwin and Melbourne.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
City (metro area)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Median Room/wk
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Median Property/wk
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
$248
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
$520
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Canberra
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
$183
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
$430
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Darwin
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
$175
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
$470
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
$163
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
$380
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
$150
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
$400
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Hobart
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
$135
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
$330
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
$130
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
$380
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
$125
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
$340
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Rent.com.au CEO Greg Bader said the new price metric was a different way to look at the cost of a Rental, more accurate in a sense for people that share a home with others
“Much of the existing data about rental properties and prices is based on metrics developed for homeowners, like dwelling price. We’ve introduced the median room price metric, it goes someway to levelling the distortion around the type of property (flat, unit, house) and hope it provides another view that can be used by Australian renters,” he said.
“There are significant differences. For example, the data based on dwellings shows that it costs the same to rent per week in Perth and Melbourne. But that’s not really true. The reality is that it costs renters more than $30 extra per room in Melbourne each week.
“The difference between Adelaide and Sydney is more than $120 per room. That extra cost per room has a serious impact for families as well as people who are looking to share a home with other renters. These are the sort numbers - designed specifically for renters, not homeowners - that have so far been hidden from view.”
Mr Bader said Rent.com.au was dedicated to developing new services designed specifically for Australia’s growing number of renters.
“So much of the public discussion around real estate in Australia is focused on owning property, but there’s about 7 million people in Australia who rent their homes and we want them to be represented as well,” he said.
A recent Rent.com.au survey found that long-term security and rental affordability were two of the biggest concerns held by Australian renters, and that families were the most common kind of renters - accounting for 40 percent of tenants.
Corrabare, NSW mother of three Tabatha, 43, said she had to move further out from the city as rental prices in metro areas increased.
“I’m in a position now where I’ve got a roof over my head, but for how long?” she said.
“I’ve moved 19 times since 2006. I moved house the day my 7-year-old was born. She’s never had stability. I’ve taught my kids to respect where they live and I take care of the property, but I don’t have a chance compared to renters with no kids.”
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Rent.com.au new metric shows Melbourne as cheapest place to rent an apartment or house

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/65465/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Australia’s long run of “home ownership for all” appears to have ended. 
Smashed avocado aside, young people are now much less likely than their parents to ever own their own home. Almost one-third of the nation rents, mainly from private landlords. 
Governments have gradually shifted the focus of welfare away from public housing and towards subsidising housing in the private rental market. At last count, around 1.3 million households were receiving government rental assistance – that’s around one in five Australian households receiving on average A$128 per fortnight. 
As the private rental sector expands and the cost of housing rises, it is important to acknowledge that the effects of unaffordable housing cascade into other areas of life, in particular, mental health. 
Our research has found unaffordable housing has a negative effect on mental health. And it’s worse for private renters than those with a mortgage. When lower-income private renters’ housing becomes unaffordable, their mental health worsens. This doesn’t seem to happen for people on similar incomes paying a mortgage. 
It’s different in the UK. Our cross-national comparison conducted before austerity measures were taken in the UK suggested more generous benefits and conditions may have protected their lower-income private renters from the mental health effects experienced by their counterparts in Australia. 
While this work highlights the potential protective effect of affordable housing, recent changes in the UK as a result of austerity measures may have taken the Brits backwards. 
<h2>A ‘natural experiment’</h2>
A recently published analysis tracked the effect of a national reduction to government-provided rent assistance in the UK. 
In April 2011, austerity measures in the UK resulted in a reduction of the rental housing assistance payment. This meant that incomes for rent assistance recipients fell, on average, by approximately £1,220 (A$2,000) per year. Some people experienced much smaller declines, but many witnessed much larger reductions in their housing benefit. 
Although not without methodological challenges, the research found reduced government support to meet housing costs has a negative impact on people’s mental health. The policy caused a measureable population-wide increase in depressive symptoms, with around 26,000 people experiencing symptoms for the first time.
<h2>Lessons for Australia</h2>
Affordable housing is an effective health intervention. Australia has some of the world’s least affordable housing, and while we debate the solutions to this (such as removing negative gearing), government assistance to meet housing costs protects many people from poor mental health, and possibly, depression. 
As World Medical Association president Professor Michael Marmot argues, housing is a form of preventative health care. The one in five Australian households relying on government assistance to pay their rent are currently receiving this form of preventative health care. 
Households that receive private rent assistance gain more than just shelter. Rent assistance may allow people to live nearer to good schools, buy healthier food for their kids, and provide some residential stability. It also protects their mental health. 
Cuts to private rent assistance may do the opposite: pushing people away from good schools, leaving them without adequate food, and exposing them to housing insecurity. As the UK work shows, even slight changes to policy can have major (and often unintended) effects, particularly for mental health. The most economically vulnerable are likely to be disproportionately affected. 
As we enter an era of substantial reassessment of the structure of welfare in Australia, this UK research highlights the importance of harnessing natural experiments to systematically test the outcomes of broad policy change, and develop evidence on which to build better health into the future. 
While Australia’s cohort of private renters grows and housing affordability stress escalates, we need to ensure that health, well-being and productivity are supported. We need to address the structural factors that contribute to our housing affordability crisis. We also need to support people who are disadvantaged by it. We shouldn’t underestimate the importance of getting housing right.
Rebecca Bentley is associate professor, Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rebecca-bentley-173502" target="_blank">here</a>.
Aaron Reeves is associate professorial research fellow in Poverty and Inequality, London School of Economics and Political Science and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/aaron-reeves-298453" target="_blank">here</a>.
Emma Baker is associate professor, School of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Adelaide and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emma-baker-172081" target="_blank">here</a>.
All are authors for The Conversation.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Housing: the hidden health intervention

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SPONSORED POST
Signing your business up for a property lease is a lot different than renting a home to live in.
Here’s nine things you should keep in mind when taking out a commercial lease.
1. Is the rent appropriate?
Exactly what space are you renting? Does it include common areas such as hallways, rest rooms, and elevators? How does the landlord measure the space –some measurement practices include the thickness of the walls. Also keep in mind that commercial lease agreements usually provide for an annual percentage-based rent increase.
2. Set cost parameters from the start
Negotiate with the landlord for a cap on the percentage increase to avoid unmanageable costs later on with the rent going up when you least need it. Check to see if there is a use clause. Many lease agreements will incorporate a use clause to define the activity the tenant can engage in on the premises.
3. Who’s responsible for what?
Who will maintain and repair the premises, including the heating and air conditioning systems? Responsibilities for the building and any equipment are often shared between landlord and tenant. The agreement should spell this out clearly.
4. Set your own timeframe
Most landlords prefer long-term lease agreements. If it’s a new business, it might pay to ask the landlord for a short-term lease with an option to renew. This may raise the rent you pay, but it could be a better alternative than agreeing to a lengthy term.
5. Can you make changes to the property?
A lease should address what improvements or modifications can be made to the property, which party will pay for the improvements, and whether the tenant is responsible for returning the unit to its original condition at the end of the tenancy. It should also spell out who will own the improvements when the lease expires.
6. Remember the little things
If the business needs it, make sure that the lease agreement does not prohibit putting up signs that are visible from the street. Agree on who is responsible for rates, taxes, insurance and other outgoings; for example, contents insurance or council and water rates. It’s also important to check if the lease agreement allows subletting. This is important because the lessee is still responsible for paying the rent if the business fails or relocates. An assignment or sublet clause in place allows the business to find someone else to cover the rent.
7. Know your rights
Does the lease have a Right of Assignment clause? If you have to sell the business, a Right of Assignment clause gives you the option of transferring the lease to a new tenant. Is there an option to renew the lease or expand the space you are renting? How would the lease be terminated? Is there a notice requirement? Are there penalties for early termination?
8. Seek financial advice
Before you sign, you should check the deductibility of rent and your tax liabilities with your financial adviser. If the agreement requires the business to purchase leased goods or equipment, it could invalidate your right to claim rent as a tax deduction. A financial adviser is essential here.
Check rent deductibility and tax liabilities with a financial adviser before you sign a lease.
9. Are there additional clauses?
If you are leasing premises in a shopping centre, it’s worth asking whether you have to comply with the centre’s fit out rules (shopping centres can often be more restrictive), whether you are required to contribute financially to the centre’s marketing and promotional activities and whether your business would be affected by any ownership plans to redevelop or expand the centre.
So there you have it: A solid checklist to get started.
For more information, <a href="https://bs.serving-sys.com/BurstingPipe/adServer.bs?cn=tf&amp;c=20&amp;mc=click&amp;pli=18755997&amp;PluID=0&amp;ord=%5Btimestamp%5D" target="_blank">click here</a>.
ABOUT REALCOMMERCIAL.COM.AU: realcommercial.com.au is the leading website in Australia for commercial property, attracting an average of 1.7 million visitors a month (Source: Nielsen Online Market Intelligence, Total Traffic, average calculation May-July 2015, includes app traffic from Omniture Site Catalyst as Nielsen doesn’t report on app). It is owned and operated by realestate.com.au Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of ASX-listed REA Group Limited ACN 068 349 066 (ASX:REA).
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9 things to remember when taking out a commercial lease 

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GUEST OBSERVER
New York's ban on commercial short term lettings – and the advertising of non-conforming short terms stays – should provide a model for Australian jurisdictions.
New York state law prohibits apartment owners from <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airbnb-regulation-insight-idUSKCN12L0DY" target="_blank">renting units for less than 30 days</a> if they are not present, with fines of up to US$7500 forbreaches. On Friday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo approved a law that also outlawed advertising of short-term stays on sites such as Airbnb that violated the existing law. 
The New York law follows similar crackdowns in cities such as San Francisco, Berlin, Paris and Amsterdam, while Dublin and London are also considering tightening regulations. 
The global move to curb commercial unregulated short-termaccommodation comes less than a week after a NSW Legislative Assembly Inquiry recommended a reduction in regulation, a move that has been strongly opposed by resident/strata bodies and regulated accommodation operators. 
It is ironic that at a time when city administrators across America and Europe are imposing major restrictions on unregulated commercial short-term accommodation operators that a NSW parliamentary committee should be advocating a softening of regulations
The overwhelming majority of listings for unregulated short term accommodation in Sydney are for full houses and flats involving no sharing, and increasingly the sector is being controlled by commercialoperators with multiple properties available 365 days a year. 
This is the same situation that has occurred in American and European cities and they have taken action to control the situation.
We call on Australian governments at all levels to take note and take action to protect residents, communities and regulated accommodation operators.
As in New York we want a very specific ceiling on the number of days an apartment or house can be let out on the short-term market and we want online distribution channels to be held responsible for ensuring these limits are not exceeded and that they advertise only properties that are compliant – meeting safety, insurance, body corporate, strata, council and state regulations. 
We are not against genuine ‘sharing’, but we believe there needs to be sensible and proportional regulations imposed on non-resident commercial property owners – especially multiple-property investors – who rent out full properties for short term stays.
Carol Giuseppi is chief executive officer, Tourism Accommodation Australia and can be contacted <a href="https://nsw.tourismaccommodation.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>. 
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