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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A $420,000 Marayong townhouse was Sydney's weekend cheapest sale, according to Australian Property Monitors.
It last sold at $222,500 in 2005, just falling short of doubling over the decade.
It was available for rent in late 2014 at $375 a week, reflecting around 4.6% gross yield.
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/35e0e3908879dd08ab96f6b50b23b59cbea602eb57bdf8335f0f16285a3ab6ba/main.jpg" alt="2/49-51 Davis Road, Marayong" title="2/49-51 Davis Road, Marayong" data-index="0">
Harcourts Blacktown agent Andrew Chrysanthou told Property Observer an investor secured the auction offering.
There were eight registered bidders for the two bedroom, one bathroom 1992 townhouse.
It was one of five sales under $500,000 across Sydney over the weekend, the others being apartments at Dee Why, Fairfield West, Freshwater and Kingsford.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

$420,000 Marayong townhouse Sydney's weekend cheapest sale

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GUEST OBSERVER
The route of the Sydney Metro must choose stations with the maximum potential for new development. In our submission on the Sydney Metro we have called for the selection of St Leonards and Waterloo as stations where there is excellent potential for new development.
We also believe that more development potential exists around Redfern Station particularly on the nearby Australian Technology Park site.
The Urban Taskforce has championed major development around railway stations as the best way to accommodate Sydney’s growing population. We therefore closely examine State Government proposals near railway stations to ensure that development is maximised.
In our submission on the Sydney Metro proposals we have called for a stronger role for the Department of Planning and Environment in ensuring all stations along the Metro pull their weight in terms of development potential. Where options are presented the Urban Taskforce has supported the station that is likely to generate the most amount of new development for both jobs and residential.
We prefer St Leonards over the village of Crows Nest for the Metro station as this will give greater support for lifting current development controls to allow more development. Currently three separate councils, Willoughby, Lane Cove and North Sydney, each have different controls for adjoining areas around St Leonards Station and this is leading to uncoordinated development. The State Government, possibly through the proposed Greater Sydney Commission, must take over planning control of the area surrounding St Leonards Station.
The Urban Taskforce supports the Waterloo metro station option over Sydney University as this can lead to major urban renewal. The large social housing precincts can be better integrated into a mixture of new private sector and social housing to create a new community around the station. Successive governments have put off the renewal of this massive estate and a new station can be the trigger that leads to real action.
Another lost opportunity for urban renewal is the under-development of sites around Redfern Station. The State government’s disposal process of the Australian Technology Park (ATP) is based on a low density for the precinct. Currently the ATP has the character of a half built Business Park with reasonably low buildings amongst swathes of open space. Clearly the precinct can become a vital, mixed use, cosmopolitan environment if the density of development is high enough.
The Australian Technology Park should not even be called a ‘park’ but should become an ‘urban village’ with far more people on the site. The adjacent Redfern Station is one of the busiest stations on the Sydney network and should therefore support significant surrounding density.
You can see the Urban Taskforce's submission on Sydney Metro-City &amp; Southwest <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>. 
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Chris Johnson is chief executive of Urban Taskforce. He can be contacted <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=165&amp;Itemid=111#.Vaxkq955dFI" target="_blank">here.</a>
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Metro and rail stations must maximise surrounding development: Urban Taskforce

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As Sydney’s median house price appear headed for the $1,000,000 mark and as demand for inner-city apartments is at record levels, I would like to share some recent figures reflecting the state of the Manhattan Apartment market, where some of the prices are, according to the locals approaching ‘eye watering’ levels.
But first there’s a need to explain the differences between Co-ops and Condos, with a few key points.
Co-ops
Cooperatives or co-ops are common in New York City and they account for approximately 80% of apartment stock, these buildings are owned by an apartment corporation. Individuals do not actually “own” their apartments as they would in the case of “real” property, but own “shares” in the corporation, which entitles them to a long-term “proprietary lease.” The tenant-owner pays a portion of building expenses (which can include an underlying mortgage on the entire building) determined by the number of shares held in the corporation. Share amounts are dictated by apartment size and floor level. Co-ops are similar to our company title.
Condos
Condominiums – condos are common throughout the USA, but they are a rather new concept for New York City. A condominium apartment in Manhattan is real property and more or less directly like an apartment in Australia and they are usually easier to finance with lower deposit requirements.
With that brief summary in mind, the figures I refer to are for the second quarter 2015 and according to the Elliman Report [The Elliman Report, is private (non-official) research produced by Douglas Elliman in conjunction with Miller Samuel, a leading independent appraisal firm, and several other firms also produce these reports.] new price records were set for the average sale price, median co-op sale price, the average price per square foot for new developments, and the average price for luxury apartments, all jumped.
According to the report the average sale price for Manhattan is now a $1.87 million (AUD$2.487m*), and that’s 11.4% higher than a year ago. Of interest however is the fact that this growth is not being lead by luxury new developments, as was the case last year.
The record average and median price was set for the co-op market, and the established condo market average sale price also set a record, (with new development removed from the mix) the average, median, and price per square foot for resale condos, all set records making Manhattan apartments to quote ‘really expensive.’
Which might well be an understatement because the report puts the median sale price for all apartments at $980,000, (AUD $1.303m) which equals the second highest on record. While other published reports put the median slightly lower, at US$960,000 – $930,000, its worth keeping in mind that the current median record, US$1.025 million (AUD$1.363) was set in the pre-GFC market and peaked during the second quarter of 2008.
According to the Elliman Report the local co-op market, which is not swayed by new developments at all, saw some big price gains. The median price jumped nearly 10% from last year to US$795,000. The condo (apartment) market also set new records across the board, with the median price hitting US$1.39 million.
Compared to the first quarter, closings on new development condos sharply dropped, (keep in mind that in the USA sales including project sales are conducted very differently from our local market, auctions are rare and there is more negotiation involved with both sellers and buyers agents). Outside of the new project market, prices are transparent, when published prices are set, project prices are not published in the same way, with buyers being able to negotiate with the developer and then set a ‘closing’ price for the condo in a new project.
Currently Sydney has a lot of new apartment projects coming onto the market, while in these figures for Manhattan new projects accounted for just 8% of market transactions. Still new projects there stayed on trend and the average price per square foot set a new record, peaking at $2,011/sq. foot at approximately $22,300/sqm this is on a par with some new Sydney CBD projects and in some cases below our local price trends.
Tight Supply
Local commentators attribute these strong price gains to a lack of supply with new supply apparently ‘stalling’. Local market reports note that after bottoming out at the end of 2013, numbers expanded last year, but during the second quarter, supply only increased by a modest 1.3% over last year.
What’s also interesting is that apartments in the lower price range (below US$1 million) decreased, while those priced at $3 million or above saw steady gains. However the number of sales were down 20% compared to last year, and a lack of supply is seen as part of the reason volume dropped but the trend is still above average. According the Elliman report last year, the number of sales had spiked drastically thanks to pent-up demand that accumulated as the local economy improved after the financial collapse and things have now evened out.
Tight supply plus fewer ‘cheap apartments’ has been the perfect recipe for bidding wars, and that’s exactly what is happening. The report notes that more than half of all sales closed were at or above the asking price. The result was the highest such ratio since the financial crisis began. The Elliman report expects local price pressures will continue for the rest of the year and will eclipse 2014.
Incomes Stall Impacting Affordability
Like us there are concerns in this market over affordability and according to some comments in NYC this is crisis in the main caused by a lack of growth in incomes. The NYC Median Home Price Relative to Annual Income Ratio is now close to 7.0, whereas it used to be 5.0, the national ratio is now 3.7 years.
In Australia the figures look much worse, if you take (according to the ABS figures) average annual full-time income at $74,724 and assume, rather optimistically a house price of $650,000 then the ratio here is 8.6, well above the NYC ration. It’s no surprise then that according to figures from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that Australia has the third highest house price-to-income ratio in the world, after Belgium, Canada comes Australia then followed by Norway and Sweden. But we are not alone and post the GFC the IMF found 14 out of 24 developed economies examined still have above-average house price-to-income ratios.
In the US, as a result stagnant wage growth, weak household formation and tight credit are the reason why according to some local commentators, like Australia the US is having a national discussion around affordable housing, with homeownership rates falling and where rental prices are rising. While low interest rates are helping to drive demand here, in the US credit terms are less favourable in part because low-doc loans have now all but gone from the market. Most lenders also require a 20% deposit and or some degree of mortgage insurance, but we need to keep in mind that while home loan interest is a tax deduction, insurance premiums are not.
The NYC – Sydney Comparison
While average and median prices might not reflect the full spectrum of any market it appears that NYC and Sydney are similar in one way. What the figures show is that the apartment market in NYC is operating at a level of intensity above the balance of the country, and that also applies to Sydney.
Sydney’s demand and prices are running ahead of most other Australian cities, and a so as a result we may be seeing a two-tire market emerging, that is with Sydney, in particular the inner-city areas very active and then other parts of Australia less so.
And it appears that our local Planning Minister Rob Stokes is fairly comfortable with this situation. Last week speaking at an industry event Minister Stokes suggested that Sydney forget comparisons with Melbourne or Brisbane, rather he expressed the view that Sydneysiders should compare their city with global leaders such as London, New York, Singapore and even Dubai and from some of the figures outlined we can see we already share some aspects between our apartment markets.
According to the minister “We have a generational opportunity to reshape Sydney and we should seize it with vigour,” adding that Sydney had to “confront the institutional and government challenges” that had crippled its progress for decades, starting with the “silo thinking of government departments and the 43 local governments” across the city.
It was very encouraging to hear Rob Stokes further encourage Sydney’s growth and international ambitions.
Peter Chittenden is managing director for residential of Colliers International. He can be contacted <a href="https://www.projectagenda.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

Comparing New York property to the Sydney market: Peter Chittenden

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The three-time Archibald winner Eric Smith sold his three-bedroom Woollahra home for $2.96 million at weekend auction, close to $500,000 above its $2.5 million reserve at BHR auction. 
The Smith family moved into the double-fronted Victorian home in 1958.
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/70e0ce7800be62b8d6e3cf3227cd7de98459573394d5e451a18c9dc6f66f3cb6/main.jpg" alt="5 Small Street, Woollahra" title="5 Small Street, Woollahra" data-index="0">
The studio at the back of the home was where he painted his three Archibald Prize-winning portraits.
The dilapidated cottage and studio on 393 square metres on Small Street sold to an Eastern suburbs builder.
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Artist Eric Smith's Woollahra cottage sells at $2.96 million

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NRL coach Ricky Stuart has listed his Sutherland Shire waterfront property with $3.5 million hopes through Jon Brookes at Brookes Partners.
It is being marketed promoting its sporting property pedigree.
It was bought in 2011 for $2.65 million from the former champion swimmer Ian Thorpe who paid $2.9 million in 2003 for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-port+hacking-120274921" target="_blank">the Port Hacking waterfront</a>.
<img src="/images/stories/thorpe2.jpg">
Stuart's 2011 purchase of 2 Wallendbeen Avenue marked his return to the sporty shire, having previously owned at Burraneer Bay.
Stuart had been on the receiving end of the weaker property market in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, as he sold his former Vaucluse house for $2.3 million in 2011 having paid $2.75 in 2006 while coaching the Sydney Roosters.
He has been coaching the Canberra Raiders since 2014.
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Ricky Stuart lists Port Hacking, Sutherland Shire waterfront

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The preliminary weighted national auction clearance rate sits at 77 per cent this week, having increased from a recent low of 74.9 per cent the previous week. 
CoreLogic RP Data noted there have been 1,414 auction results reported until Saturday evening from a total of 1,766 auctions held across the capital cities. 
Last week there were 1,704 capital city auctions, while one year ago there were 1,515 with a clearance rate of 69.3 per cent.
Melbourne’s preliminary auction clearance rate was 74.9 per cent this week, the lowest it has been since mid-February.
The clearance rate this week is down from 77.4 per cent last week, but higher than at the same time last year when the clearance rate was 68.4 per cent. This week there were 729 Melbourne auctions, compared to 655 last week and 674 last year. The strongest performing Melbourne sub-region, based on preliminary results, was the North East region, where 80 results have been reported with a clearance rate of 82.5 per cent.
The preliminary auction clearance rate for Sydney was 82.6 per cent this week, up from 78.8 per cent last week, which was the second lowest clearance rate in the city for 2015. This week the number of homes taken to auction across Sydney remained relatively steady, with 768 auctions compared to 791 last week. At the same time last year, Sydney’s auction market was beginning to gain some momentum, with a clearance rate of 75.2 per cent across 588 auctions. Across Sydney, Inner West (92.7 per cent), Blacktown (90.9 per cent) and Ryde (90.9 per cent) were the strongest performing sub-regions this week.
For Brisbane, the auction clearance rate this week increased from 52.5 per cent last week to 65.4 per cent. This week’s result is also stronger than at the same time last year, when 56.9 per cent of auctions were successful. Meanwhile, across the Gold Coast, 24 results have been reported so far, with a clearance rate of 45.8 per cent.
Across Adelaide, 77 homes were taken to auction this week and of the 49 results, 69.4 per cent were sold. Adelaide’s clearance rate was lower over the previous week (66.1 per cent) and at the same time last year (69.0 per cent).
22.2 per cent of Perth’s reported auctions were sold this week, compared to 33.3 per cent last week and 38.5 per cent the previous week. This week 21 auctions were held across Perth, compared to 26 last week, and just 16 one year ago.
There were 44 Canberra homes taken to auction this week and of the 22 reported results, 86.4 per cent were sold.
Across Tasmania, 6 results were reported to CoreLogic RP Data, with 4 of these properties reported as sold.
 
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Inner west, Blacktown, Ryde top Sydney's strongest auction regions: CoreLogic RP Data

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Champion swimmer Geoff Huegill, and his wife Sara, have sold their three-level, four-bedroom Darlinghurst terrace pre-auction.
Title Tattle gleans it sold for $2.32 million ahead of its scheduled August 6 auction through Jason Boon and Geoff Cox at Richardson &amp; Wrench Elizabeth Bay.
<img src="https://i3.au.reastatic.net/800x600/2d6664d430e542a15b0394ed2f35acf7e646ad65ce49253486049849a52a4fd3/main.jpg" alt="453 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst" title="453 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst" data-index="0">
The 133 square metre offering cost $1.97 million in late 2011. They bought it and still own 60% percent of the terrace, after it<a href="/news/geoff-huegill-and-wife-sara-hills-list-darlinghurst-terrace"> was bought in partnership with Geoff Huegill’s in-laws</a>.
<img src="https://i2.au.reastatic.net/800x600/831635f6a9bb62fb96d84ff521055ebe2e2924bf1198cd1f5480dd6fe9601139/image3.jpg" alt="453 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst" title="453 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst" data-index="2">
Sara Huegill, nee Hills, was in the Sweaty Betty PR fashion firm prior to their 2011 marriage.
The couple reportedly wanted mid-$2 million.
<img src="https://i4.au.reastatic.net/800x600/ba6ebe95ec724a0407cf388666e13b4be6e2b8db929d3673318d29d2896c4571/image5.jpg" alt="453 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst" title="453 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst" data-index="4">
A $1,565,000 sale nearby at 473 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst was secured earlier this year with three bedrooms, two bathrooms.
Winning bronze and silver at the 2000 Olympics, Huegill established himself as one of the world’s best butterfly swimmers.
All up he set eight world records.
 
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Geoff Huegill and Sara Hills sell Darlinghurst pre-auction 

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Sydney's preliminary weekend auction success rate bounced up to 83%, but the revised figure for last weekend dipped to 77%.
The revised 77% figure was the lowest for the year, down 3% on the preliminary 80% on the initial June 11 result.
Sydney prices ranged from $420,000 to $4.7 million in the July 18 weekend results which covered 498 of the 605 listings.
Sydney's cold auction day came as the city recorded its busiest ever July auction day.
<div id="Content_Content_propertyPhotos_MainImage_upnlHeroImage">
<div id="Content_Content_propertyPhotos_MainImage_MainImagePlaceholder" class="img-wrapper"><img class="js-first-image" src="https://b.domainstatic.com.au/w800-h600-w900-h600-2012014349_1_pi_150717_070509" alt="53 dorking road cabarita NSW 2137"></div>
</div>
Top sale was a $4.7 million suburb record (above and below) for a seven-bedroom Dorking Road, Cabarita 865-square-metre waterfront property traded just 11 months ago for $3.8 million. 
Nothing much done at the home since last August when sold via expressions of interest, other than 25% plus annualised price growth. It had failed to sell at its $4 million plus hopes at May 2014 auction.
The August 2014 sale was on delayed settlement terms, with the sale finalised in December last year, Property Observer gleans. 
<img src="https://i4.au.reastatic.net/456x342/a2b7b7237dc39a61534f7828f8285e99dea488e96a5ce375d7a82082bd4f1458/image7.jpg" alt="53 Dorking Road, Cabarita" title="53 Dorking Road, Cabarita" data-index="7">
It was marketed with $4 million plus price guidance this time around.
The buyers, who came from Five Dock, saw the property mid-week for the first time.
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-cabarita-116630479" target="_blank">THEN</a> AND <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-cabarita-119903285" target="_blank">NOW.</a>
<table style="width: 502px; height: 329px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
Most expensive
</td>
<td colspan="2"> </td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_0">
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_0" align="left">Sydney</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_0" colspan="2">53 Dorking Rd, Cabarita NSW 2137, 7 br House, Devine Real Estate</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_0">$4.7m</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_1">
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_1" align="left">Melbourne</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_1" colspan="2">15 Glencairn Av, Camberwell VIC 3124, 5 br House, Jellis Craig</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_1">$3.35m</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_2">
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_2" align="left">Adelaide</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_2" colspan="2">16 Williams Av, Dulwich SA 5065, 4 br House, Harris Real Estate</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_2">$1.21m</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_3">
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_3" align="left">Brisbane</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_3" colspan="2">4 Oxford St, Paddington QLD 4064, 3 br House, Paddington Real Estate</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_3">$1.485m</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_4">
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_4" align="left">Canberra</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_4" colspan="2">17 Truscott St, Campbell ACT 2612, 5 br House, Peter Blackshaw </td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_4">$1.292m</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
Most affordable
</td>
<td colspan="2"> </td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostAffordable_trMostAffordableRow_0">
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_0" align="left">Sydney</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_0" colspan="2">2/49-51 Davis Rd, Marayong NSW 2148, 2 br Townhouse, HAR Unlimited</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_0">$420,000</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostAffordable_trMostAffordableRow_1">
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_1" align="left">Melbourne</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_1" colspan="2">45/92 Grey St, St Kilda VIC 3182, 1 br Studio, Pride Real Estate</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_1">$180,000</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostAffordable_trMostAffordableRow_2">
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_2" align="left">Adelaide</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_2" colspan="2">3 Winkle St, Elizabeth Downs SA 5113, 3 br House, ELD Playford</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_2">$141,000</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostAffordable_trMostAffordableRow_3">
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_3" align="left">Brisbane</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_3" colspan="2">6 Driftwood St, Crestmead QLD 4132, 3 br House, REMAX First Choice Community</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_3">$235,500</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostAffordable_trMostAffordableRow_4">
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_4" align="left">Canberra</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_4" colspan="2">3 Cosgrove St, Curtin ACT 2605, 2 br House, Peter Blackshaw Real Estate</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_4">$452,500</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
"Although clearance rates have been falling recently reflecting the typical seasonal effect of winter, listing numbers however have been heading in the other direction," APM senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson noted before today's results.
Sydney hosted 605 auctions which was ahead of last weekend’s 550 and significantly higher than the 410 auctioned over the same weekend last year. 
<div>Auction listings in Sydney are tracking 50 percent higher so far over July compared to last July over the same period, with numbers set to rise sharply over the final two weekends of the month. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>"July auction listings are looking more like spring and autumn market activity reflecting heady confidence by sellers in the still strong Sydney market," Dr Wilson said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Cooley Auctions clearance rate was 83% today selling 45 of 54.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Shane Oliver, head of investment strategy and chief economist at AMP Capital, suggested the APM clearance for Sydney of 83% would become 81% after late results - "trending a bit softer, but still strong and up on year ago."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<table style="width: 605px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<h2>Auction Results</h2>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<table style="width: 605px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5">
<thead><tr>
<th>City</th>
<th>Clearance rate</th>
<th>Number listed</th>
<th>Number reported auctions</th>
<th>Number sold</th>
<th>Number w/drawn</th>
<th>Total value sold (million)</th>
<th>Auction median houses</th>
<th>Auction median units</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="5">
This week
</td>
<td colspan="4">
Saturday, 18 July 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_trThisWeekRow_0">
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekCity_0">Sydney</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekClearance_0">83.1 %</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekListed_0">630</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekReported_0">476</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekSold_0">414</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekWithdrawn_0">22</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekTotalSold_0">$398.8</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekHouseMedian_0">$1,240,000</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekUnitMedian_0">$770,000</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_trThisWeekRow_1">
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekCity_1">Melbourne</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekClearance_1">77.6 %</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekListed_1">650</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekReported_1">497</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekSold_1">387</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekWithdrawn_1">2</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekTotalSold_1">$250.0</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekHouseMedian_1">$805,000</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekUnitMedian_1">$522,500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>SOURCE APM</div>
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Stellar 25% price growth amid see-sawing Sydney auction success as cooling forecast comes for late winter vendors

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Another group of higher education students have moved into new custom-designed student accommodation at Central Park in Chippendale.
The Steps Central Park is part of the accomodation mix at the $2 billion mixed-use masterplanned community.
Developed by joint venture partners, Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House Australia and operated by UniLodge, The Steps Central Park building was designed by international architecture practice, Foster + Partners and local architects, Nettletontribe.
The Steps Central Park is the second stage of student housing to be delivered following the launch of UniLodge @ Kensington Street in February 2015.
Frasers Property Sales and Marketing Director, Paul Lowe noted the accomodation was located opposite two major universities, UTS and University of Notre Dame, and a short walk to The University of Sydney.
The Steps Central Park comprises 770 apartments within 14 levels, offering a combination of purpose-built self-contained studio suites, a mix of share apartments and student-focussed communal areas.
UniLodge general manager, Phil Shelley said UniLodge fully furnished rooms with air-conditioning and heating and exclusive use bathrooms, along with flexible living spaces which facilitate social and educational experiences. 
A defining design feature of The Steps Central Park is the central foyer atrium which incorporates a series of timber steps, conceived as the social learning hub of the building.
The first student to move into The Steps Central Park was 26 year old Charlie Wang, who is studying a PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
“One of the most appealing things about living at The Steps is the convenience of being part of the Central Park precinct and having everything I need within walking distance. There is Woolworths, coffee shops, juice bars, a Commonwealth Bank and endless dining options right on my doorstop – between university and Central Park, I pretty much never need to leave the area!"
The opportunity to live at <a href="https://www.centralparksydney.com/live/thestepscentralpark" target="_blank">The Steps Central Park is still available with rooms starting from $340 weekly</a>.
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

The Steps Central Park, Chippendale's student housing

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Housing in the feeder areas of Sydney's Parramatta Public School and Strathfiled Girls High School had the greatest price growth rate of all Sydney government schools up to April 2015.
New research released by Domain.com.au compared the sale price date against the corresponding school catchment zone for and tracked the price growth rate between property within government school catchment zones across Australia
Housing with in the Cherrybrook Technology High School catchment zone and Cherrybrook Public School featured on both lists.
Primary<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2015/07/16/sydney_primary.jpg" target="_blank"></a>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2015/07/16/sydney_primary.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/2015/07/16/sydney_primary.jpg" alt="">
High school
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2015/07/16/sydney_high.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/2015/07/16/sydney_high.jpg" alt="" width="1368" height="586">
Click <a href="/news/school-zones-capture-more-family-property-buying-interest-but-be-sure-when-paying-the-premium">here</a> to see the national list.
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