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

Sydney

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Sydney based property developer JQZ secured the weekend sales of over 200 apartments.
They were sold in under the first two hours of its first sales release on Saturday of Prime, in the heart of Macquarie Park, in what has been predicted to become Sydney's fourth CBD. 
The average prices paid by the majority of local buyers for one-bedroom and one bedroom + study apartments was $653K-$850K, for two-bedrooms and two-bedrooms + study was $1.040M-$1.410M, for three-bedrooms was $1.380M-$1.548M and two-three bedroom penthouses was $1.520M-$2.580M.
<img src="/images/2016/11/07/20161105_2022.jpg" alt="">
Jian Qiu Zhang, Founder and CEO of JQZ said “today’s sales success has been extremely encouraging."
It will be positioned right next door to the prestigious Macquarie Centre, featuring 680 one, two, three and four-bedroom penthouse apartments across four towers, each 20 storeys high. 
Lane Cove National Park will be seen from the north-facing apartments and the Sydney CBD will be seen from the south-east facing dwellings.
David Milton, at CBRE said the penthouses will have internal stairs to access their own private rooftop gardens.
There are 19 penthouses .
<img src="/images/2016/11/07/20161105_2497.jpg" alt="">
JQZ’s own in-house construction team is expected to commence building works in mid-2017.
The Prime sales gallery is open from 11am to 4pm seven days a week.
For more information, visit <a href="https://www.primemacquarie.com.au" target="_blank">www.primemacquarie.com.au</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

JQZ sells 200 off the plan apartment within two hours in Sydney's Macquarie Park

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Sydney remains Australia’s strongest and most enduring property market, according to McGrath's latest report.
It's powered by long-standing fundamentals of undersupply and population growth, providing every type of lifestyle possible including beachside, harbourside, CBD living and suburban neighbourhoods for almost 5 million residents.
"Sydney real estate is like gold and in my opinion, despite the phenomenal boom of 2012-2016, Sydney property prices will continue to rise," the report stated.
Latest figures from CoreLogic RP Data tell us that Sydney property prices have risen 64% in four years.
This is spectacular growth and well ahead of the second best result in Melbourne at 44%.
For many Sydney property owners, the boom has delivered extraordinary gains for those in the market. But how do you best capitalise on this newfound wealth?
<a href="/images/2016/10/31/Sydney.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/31/Sydney.jpg" alt="">
Meantime, the market is showing signs of plateauing but price growth has continued due to a significant undersupply of stock and strong demand buoyed by further falls in interest rates.
According to CoreLogic RP Data, the pace of price growth in Sydney has halved this year but median property values are still up 12.8% to $880,000 for houses and 7.5% to $665,500 for apartments over the first eight months of 2016. Pretty impressive for a slowing market.
Record low listing numbers have contributed to very strong auction clearance rates between 70% to above 80% all year.
Local upgraders have been the greatest buying force, aiming to use new equity to upgrade their homes and potentially refinance while interest rates are so low. However, fear of selling and not being able to buy back in is resulting in a determination to buy first, so stock remains low.
Many would-be upgraders are staying put and renovating instead, with Sydney and Melbourne owners spending more than twice the money of owners in other capital cities, according to the ABS and Domain research.
While investors are still out there, we have definitely noticed a drop-off due to tighter lending criteria. The APRA-led changes introduced in early 2015 aimed to limit growth in the banks’ property investment lending to less than 10% per year and this has now been achieved.
The top end of the market improved this year. The lower dollar has encouraged expats and foreign buyers; and locals who purchased wisely post-GFC are now looking to cash in and upgrade.
In Sydney, Eastern Suburbs owners who bought in the $2 million-$4 million bracket are now selling for $7 million and upgrading to $10 million. In the Lower North Shore harbour suburbs, young families are selling for $4 million -$5 million and upgrading to $8 million-$10 million.
Affordability remains an issue across Sydney. The traditional migration west for cheaper housing continues, with the greatest population growth over the next 20 years expected in Camden, Parramatta, The Hills and Liverpool regions, according to new figures from the NSW Department of Planning.
However, limited greenfield development space on Sydney’s western fringe means we need to get creative in housing a predicted 1.7 million new residents over the next two decades. Among the options is subdivision of traditional blocks in established suburbs to enable more terraces, townhouses and dual occupancies; and more high rise apartment living around suburban CBDs.
Meantime, a growing cohort of young families are leaving Sydney altogether in favour of affordable lifestyle locations, with ABS figures showing the most popular spots are the Richmond-Tweed region, Mid-North Coast, Central Coast and Hunter Valley.
Chinese buyers remain a force in Sydney, however new fees levied by both federal and state governments on top of tighter lending criteria for foreigners has resulted in reduced demand and settlement risk on new apartments.
There’s a two-year pipeline of 82,000 new apartments to be completed in Sydney, according to CoreLogic RP Data. To put that in perspective, 43,500 apartments are sold in Sydney per year but that includes established apartments, which represent a bigger share of the pie.
This wave of new supply will be concentrated around the inner city and suburban employment and shopping hubs such as Strathfield, Parramatta and Ryde.
This is where young people want to live and over the next few years, they will be spoilt for choice and finally have some negotiating power on their side.
We see a bright future for the Sydney property market. There is plenty of long term price growth ahead even as we approach a major affordability hurdle for younger buyers today.
We believe the burgeoning global audience for Sydney real estate will be a key contributor to future price growth; and the long term stability of the market and opportunity to create significant personal wealth will sustain the aspirations of Sydneysiders to own their own homes for generations to come.
<a href="/images/2016/10/31/Sydney%20Audi.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/31/Sydney%20Audi.jpg" alt="">
John McGrath’s top picks:
1. Canterbury
Once an average suburban precinct best known for its equine interests; Canterbury is fast becoming an Inner West bolthole attracting young families and professionals alike. Buy, sit and watch your asset grow in value.
2. Hunters Hill
We still can’t work out why the values here for some of the country’s best real estate are materially below her peers in the East and North? This attractive garden enclave is private and discreet with beautiful homes and perfumed gardens. If you want to see some of the best homes in the country, you better check it out.
3. Rouse Hill
Follow the money. At the minute it’s all heading to the North West ahead of the soon-to-be-completed new rail line. The surrounding areas are equally as attractive for both lifestyle and capital growth but the Rouse Hill Town Centre is worth seeing for that address alone.
4. Sans Souci/Dolls Point
Surrounded by water and with all the appeal and benefits of Sydney’s southern suburbs yet only minutes to the bay and airport with easy access to the CBD. Leaves little doubt that this area will continue to be one of the most desirable in Sydney.
5. Forestville
This has been a favourite suburb for several years now. If you crossed the leafy North Shore with the vibrant Northern Beaches, Forestville would be the outcome. Relatively easy access to the CBD, just 7 minutes to the surf and surrounded by trees, its ideal for homemakers.
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Sydney remains the top city for strongest and enduring property market: McGrath

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Sydney property investors are better off looking to other state capitals that are earlier in their growth cycle, according to a new research report.
The report by investment advisor Momentum Wealth suggests the days of stellar growth are numbered after Sydney's median house price rocketed.
It has increased 46.7 percent since the start of the current upcycle in January 2012. It now stands at around $880,000
Short-term growth prospects are waning in the Sydney market according to the research report, Property Market Spotlight: Sydney.
It examined the city’s key demand and supply indicators and found that conditions were easing as a well-publicised apartment oversupply loomed.
Properties are now taking longer to sell, according to the report. The number of properties selling has dropped and dwelling approvals have plateaued at record levels.
“It can be acutely detrimental to buy at the peak of a market upcycle as the ensuing downturn can have a severe setback on investors’ finances and investment goals,” Momentum Wealth managing director Damian Collins said.
“While it’s impossible to predict how much longer Sydney’s upcycle will continue, our research report highlights an easing in several key market indicators suggesting the strongest capital growth in the current upcycle has passed.”
Some buyers are being priced out of the market due to the extreme affordability problems.
The threat of an apartment oversupply continues to be at the forefront of the property market conversation.
The research report suggests both of these factors will weigh on short to medium term capital growth prospects.
“While the long-term outlook for the Sydney property market remains positive, the short-to-medium term view isn’t as rosy,” Collins said.
“The research report explains that investors considering the Sydney market are likely to be better off looking at other Australian capital cities that are earlier in their growth cycle, are more affordable and offer higher yields.”
“While Sydney’s time will come again, for the time being better investments can be made elsewhere,” he said.
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Sydney property investors better off elsewhere as strongest growth has passed

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Key investors at LoanDolphin, Australia's leading loan bidding platform, have raised $1.1 million to expand its presence in major capital cities.
Strategic investor Barry Lambert provided the bulk of the total, giving $1 million. The rest came from finch investment firm H2 Ventures.
Lambert made his money by selling Count Financial, a company he founded in 1980, to Commonwealth Bank in 2011 for $373 million.
The company are hoping to claim a stake in Australia’s $1.5 trillion home loan market.
LoanDolphin is a free online platform that allows people to refinance or obtain new home loans at rates not advertised by banks or lenders.
<img src="/images/2016/11/03/LoanDolphin.jpg" alt="" width="545" height="182">
Launched in February 2016, LoanDolphin have delivered average savings of $5,254 per year to home owners.
They offers customers a simple and efficient way to get the lowest interest home loan rates for free.
In August, LoanDolphin reached more than $100 million worth of home loans auctioned on its platform.
It takes around three minutes for customers to (anonymously) upload their home loan requirements before mortgage brokers, lenders and banks start bidding to offer them the best home loan rates which are never advertised.
“We are extremely excited by the capital boost which will help us accelerate our growth plans,” LoanDolphin CEO Ranin Mendis said.
“Barry’s involvement is extremely valuable to LoanDolphin and strong validation of our model and market opportunity,” Mr Mendis said.
LoanDolphin will use the funding to reach more customers, develop the team and to introduce new features to the platform.
“LoanDolphin’s bidding platform is the next generation in mortgage broking efficiency and borrower savings,” Lambert said.
“It is a much more efficient prospecting tool for mortgage brokers and therefore enables them to pass on those savings to borrowers.
“The system has been written by bankers who understand the mortgage broking industry and therefore understand the real issues for borrowers, brokers and banks,” Mr Lambert said.
He added that LoanDolphin understands exactly where substantial financial and time efficiencies could be achieved while dramatically increasing a borrower’s user satisfaction.
 
 
 
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Leading loan bidding platform receives $1m seed funding to disrupt market

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Burwood is the fastest rental growth in Sydney for units, according to Investar’s latest market report.
The investment firm states that Burwood’s rental price has increased by 17 percent to $470.
This is followed by Canterbury at 16 percent to $535 and Artarmon at 16 percent to $465.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Median rent
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
1 yr change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Burwood
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
2134
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$470
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
17%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Canterbury
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
2193
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$535
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Artarmon
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
2064
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$465
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Bondi Junction
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
2022
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$580
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Wollongong
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
2500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$300
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
15%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Neutral Bay
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
2089
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$975
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
14%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Bellevue Hill
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
2023
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$520
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
14%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
An example would be a one bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-burwood-417910482" target="_blank">19/316 Parramatta Road</a> (above) where the weekly rent is $490 per week.
Similarly a one bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-burwood-419548406" target="_blank">165/1 Railway Pde</a> (below) has a weekly rent of $500.
<img src="/images/2016/10/24/165_1%20Railway%20Pde.jpg" alt="">
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Burwood takes top spot as fastest rental growth suburb in Sydney with a 17% increase: Investar

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The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is seeking feedback on the proposed prices that Sydney Water and Hunter Water can charge for wholesale water and sewerage services from 1 March 2017 to 30 June 2021.
These services are purchased by wholesale customers who provide water and/or sewerage services to end-use (or ‘retail’) customers such as households and businesses.
Wholesale customers are typically new, smaller water utilities licensed under the Water Industry Competition Act 2006 (NSW) to service a specific development area.
The emergence of these smaller water utilities has created competition for end-use customers.
The prices that Sydney Water and Hunter Water can charge their retail customers for water and sewerage services for the period 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2020 have already been set by IPART through separate reviews.
IPART Chair, Dr Peter Boxall, said this is the first time that IPART has reviewed and set wholesale water and sewerage prices.
“Competition is important in encouraging greater efficiency in the supply of water and sewerage services. As competition develops over time, this will deliver benefits to customers,” Dr Boxall said.
“The draft decision is to set system-wide prices to reduce the need for potentially costly scheme-specific reviews, while also allowing parties to seek scheme-specific price reviews from IPART or enter unregulated agreements.”
These system-wide prices would apply to new wholesale arrangements, while the opportunity to seek a scheme-specific price review from IPART or agree to an unregulated agreement would be open to all wholesale arrangements – existing and new.
“The draft decisions are designed to encourage efficient entry and competition in the market, given its early stage of development,” Dr Boxall said. “We are interested in hearing industry and stakeholder views about the proposed approach and prices.”
Stakeholder submissions on the draft decisions are due by 7 December 2016. Copies of the report and accompanying determination are available on <a href="https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank">IPART’s website</a>.
A public hearing will be held on 28 November 2016 at the Wesley Conference Centre in Sydney’s CBD.
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Property 101: Draft Sydney and Hunter wholesale water prices released

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The CoreLogic October Home Value Index results released today show that capital city dwelling values have reached new record highs in October, with values rising across six of the eight capitals.
CoreLogic research director Tim Lawless said the pace of growth has reduced when compared with previous months, with October dwelling values rising by 0.5 percent, compared with a 1 percent lift in September and 1.1 percent rise in August.
The latest monthly housing market data takes the quarterly change in national capital city dwelling values to 2.7 percent and 7.5 percent higher over the past twelve months.
<a href="/images/2016/11/01/Index%20results.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/01/Index%20results.jpg" alt="">
Apart from Adelaide (-1.3%) and Perth (-1.5%), every capital city recorded a rise in dwelling values over the past three months, with the Canberra housing market recording the largest increase in values after a 5.6% quarterly rise.
Lawless noted the strong conditions across the Canberra market are largely related to rising house values, with unit values increasing at less than half the pace of detached housing.
Sydney continued as the stand out based on annual capital gains, recording the largest year-on-year increase; dwelling values are now 10.6 percent higher over the past 12 months.
Detached houses (+10.9 percent) are showing only a slightly higher rate of capital gain compared with units (+9.1 percent) across Sydney, highlighting the healthier supply/demand dynamic that exists across the Sydney region for higher density housing.
“This also points to higher demand for Sydney units considering how expensive Sydney houses have become," Lawless said.
"Units generally provide a more affordable option for home ownership and investment for many buyers.”
Lawless noted most other markets, detached housing is generally outperforming the unit sector as concerns around the high number of units available for sale in the market dent buyer confidence, coupled with lending policies for unit stock becoming tighter.
<a href="/images/2016/11/01/Changes%20in%20dwelling%20values.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/01/Changes%20in%20dwelling%20values.jpg" alt="">
According to Mr Lawless, the divergence in performance between houses and units is most clearly evident in Melbourne and Brisbane.
The annual rate of capital gains in Melbourne remains strong at 9.1 percent, however there is a substantial difference in growth rates between houses and units, with house values up 9.6 percent compared with a 5.2 percent increase in unit values over the past year.
Brisbane’s housing market has shown a larger capital gain spread, with house values up 4.7 percent compared with a 1.4 percent fall in unit values over the year.
“The weaker performance of unit values across the Brisbane market may be partially attributed to supply concerns, as unit supply levels across key regions of Brisbane’s inner city show the potential for a significantly larger relative increase in existing stock levels when compared with Melbourne and Sydney.”
<a href="/images/2016/11/01/Annual%20changes%20in%20dwelling%20values.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/01/Annual%20changes%20in%20dwelling%20values.jpg" alt="">
The CoreLogic Settlement Risk report is currently tracking approximately 49,000 units that have been approved for construction across the broad Brisbane metro region.
Mr Lawless said while it’s unlikely that all projects will proceed through to commencement, based on the approval numbers across Brisbane, we could see an uplift in existing unit stock which is in excess of 25 percent over the next two years.
Comparatively, in Sydney and Melbourne, the approved unit pipeline is higher at approximately 96,000 over the next 24 months, however the potential stock uplift is much less significant, at 13 percent and 16 percent respectively relative to existing unit stock levels.
According to CoreLogic, another sign of market strength can be seen in auction results.
Auction clearance rates, which are one of the most timely measures of the fit between buyer and seller expectations, have been tracking in the mid to high 70 percent range across the combined capital city markets, with the largest auction markets of Melbourne and Sydney general showing a higher rate of clearance.
Over the past two months, clearance rates across Sydney have dipped below 80 percent only once.
A year ago auction clearance rates were consistently trending around the mid 60 percent range, albeit on volumes that were about 20 percent higher.
<a href="/images/2016/11/01/Gross%20rental%20yields.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/01/Gross%20rental%20yields.jpg" alt="">
Lawless said the strong housing market growth results are continuing to occur on a back drop of low stock levels and low transactional activity.
The latest national listing estimates from CoreLogic show total listing numbers remain 2.6 percent lower than a year ago, with the most substantial drop in listing numbers over the year recorded in Hobart, where there are almost one third fewer homes listed for sale.
Canberra stock levels are 15 percent lower than a year ago and listing numbers in Sydney remain subdued, tracking 9.6 percent lower than last year.
Mr Lawless said low stock levels tend to create a higher level of urgency in the housing market as buyers compete with each other and vendors are less willing to negotiate on prices. This may be one reason why transaction numbers have reduced over the year.
The CoreLogic turnover estimates have recently levelled after trending lower since April 2015, however settled dwelling sales over the three months ending October 31 remain 13.9 percent lower than the same three month period in 2015.
These estimates do not include off-the-plan sales, which, according to Mr Lawless, implies there is likely to be a level of upwards revision in the numbers as the record number of off the plan units move through to settlement.
While dwelling values have broadly risen during October, rental yields in Sydney and Melbourne remain depressed, with gross yields are at record lows.
The typical Sydney and Melbourne house is now providing a gross rental return of just 2.8 percent.
Taking into consideration holdings costs, expenses and vacancy, the net rental yield for houses is likely to be closer to 2 percent in these markets.
Markets where value growth hasn’t been as strong are seeing healthier yield profiles, with Hobart demonstrating the highest gross rental yields of any capital city.
<a href="/images/2016/11/01/Monthly%20settled%20dwelling%20sales.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/01/Monthly%20settled%20dwelling%20sales.jpg" alt="">
Lawless high values, low yields and a mature growth cycle haven’t been enough to deter investors from the market. Housing credit data released by the RBA earlier this week provides some insight into increased demand from the investor segment. Over March 2016, investor housing credit grew by just 0.29 percent and this has consistently increased to 0.62 percent over September. At the same time, credit growth for owner occupier housing has slowed. After peaking at 0.79 percent growth in November 2015, owner occupier housing credit growth slowed to 0.49 percent.”
“While home values are still rising, the rate of growth is slower than it was 12 months ago, however, annual growth remains somewhat heightened, particularly considering this growth phase has now been running for almost four and a half years.
“With ongoing strong value growth and high clearance rates in Sydney and Melbourne, as well debate around affordability gathering some momentum, there is likely to be further caution by the Reserve Bank around future interest rate cuts, which, if it were to occur, may provide additional stimulus for housing markets around Australia."
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Sydney dwelling prices running at 10.6 percent annual growth: CoreLogic 

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The Northern Beaches takes the weekend's top spot as the Sydney region with the highest auction clearance rate, according to CoreLogic’s latest weekly report.
Out of the 83 reported auctions to CoreLogic about 94% resulted in a successful outcome.
<a href="/images/2016/10/31/Sydney%20weekly%20clearance%20rate.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/31/Sydney%20weekly%20clearance%20rate.jpg" alt="">
This is followed by Sutherland with 93% and Blacktown with a clearance rate of 92%.
The region with the lowest auction clearance rate was Parramatta where only 67% of the 61 auctions known to CoreLogic resulted in a successful outcome.
<a href="/images/2016/10/31/Sydney%20sub%20regions.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/31/Sydney%20sub%20regions.jpg" alt="">
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Northern Beaches's top spot as Sydney region with best clearance rate: CoreLogic

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CRONE has won a design excellence competition for a new residential and hotel tower at 230 Sussex Street, Sydney.
Its design integrates the existing heritage-listed Foley Brothers warehouse with a new 115-metre hotel and residential tower.
The warehouse will be adapted to host a striking heritage courtyard and hotel lobby, creating a focal point and activated heart of the Meriton development.
CRONE design director Niall Durney said the tower’s strong connection to the existing heritage warehouse together with references to the surrounding streetscape were the winning qualities of the design.
“The tower sits on a sandstone podium with proportions taken from the adjacent heritage building,” he said.
Construction of the new 230 Sussex Street precinct will commence in April 2017 with completion expected October 2018.
<img src="/images/2016/10/06/230%20Sussex%20Street%20lobby.jpg" alt="">
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CRONE wins 230 Sussex Street hotel design competition

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Bell Potter has advised McGrath shareholders with an updated chart on auction volumes and clearance rates in Sydney which includes the results for last weekend.
<div class="x_WordSection1">
<a href="/images/2016/10/27/McGrathListings.png" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/27/McGrathListings.png" alt="">
"The key take-out is volumes dipped slightly last weekend relative to the weekend before and the clearance rate remained above 80%," broking analyst Chris Savage said.
"There has still yet to be, however, a meaningful uptick in volumes and we are now approaching the end of October (i.e one month of spring to go). 
"The good news, however, is that this coming weekend is looking good for Sydney with CoreLogic RP Data saying there are currently 968 auctions scheduled. 
"If this is correct, it will be the highest level for the half and easily surpass the previous highs of 863 (24th September), 835 (15th October) and 820 (22nd October). 
"Still, it is below the levels achieved last spring when auctions regularly exceeded 1,000 on a weekend. 
"We wait and see if the scheduled uptick in volumes this weekend continues into November and if there is is a late uptick in volumes for the spring selling period," he said.
Expansionary McGrath's volumes are up slightly year on year, against the overall market trend of less auction stock.
Property Observer is aware there were 111 auctions between 10 October 2015 and 12 October 2015. There were 95 McGrath auctions between 17 October 2015 and 19 October 2015. There were 111 auctions between 23 October 2015 and 26 October 2015.
Last weekend McGrath had around 127 weekend auction offerings, up on the prior weekend's 115 listings and around 108 on the October 8 weekend.
Property Observer suggests Saturday November 26 will be a bonanza, with many fresh vendors seeking to get a sale on the last Saturday of November. There is quite likely a busy December ahead too.
</div>
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