International development company <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spg-land">SPG Land</a> has kicked off construction of the $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Paradiso Place</a>, one of the highest value developments to get underway on the Gold Coast in more than a decade.

Located on a 1.15ha site stretching from Surfers Paradise Boulevard to Ferny Avenue, Paradiso Place, when completed, will deliver 845 residences across three residential towers. &nbsp;

Paradiso Place has been several years in planning by SPG, which has now pushed the green light on construction to meet pent-up demand from investors and owner occupiers.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185858]

The move follows minor amendments to the original design to cater to buyer demand, including the provision of more premium residential amenity, including private dining, lounge and events spaces for residents to entertain guests.

The three towers, comprising 41, 40 and 44 levels, will bring to the market 845 apartments with each tower boasting its own podium level interconnected skybridge to create a unique elevated ‘beachside village’ for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362500]

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed development will bring a broad range of residences to the market, most offering ocean views and all enjoying five-star hotel amenities with world-class facilities and the convenience ground level retail precinct.

&nbsp;

Construction of Paradiso Place has been made possible by SPG’s newly established SPG Built division partnered with experienced project management group Eastview Australia, a company that has supported the development of a raft of major projects on the Gold Coast over the past two decades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362499]

“It’s a very exciting time for Paradiso Place as we start construction,” said SPG Land Chairman David Wang.

“We have spent our energy refreshing design and assembling the best team and waiting for what we believe is the right time to start construction on one of the most exciting mixed-use developments to proceed on the Gold Coast since Oracle in Broadbeach and Circle on Cavill in Surfers Paradise. &nbsp;

“The local and interstate downsizer market is getting stronger, and we see Paradiso Place as the right project for our times right now. Our company has the capacity to deliver large-scale projects, and we are thrilled to be bringing this vision to reality.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185861]

SPG Invest, a company founded in Australia in 1998 with a focus on high-end real estate and premium hospitality assets, has delivered 56 projects in the Asia-Pacific region over the past twenty-five years, including The Peninsula Hotel Shanghai and the Global 188 twin-tower project in Suzhou and Cambridge Residences at Robina.

Paradiso Place will deliver a range of new apartments with two-, three- and four-bedroom layouts, as well as a collection of sub-penthouse and penthouse apartments across three levels. Prices start from $950,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185852]

“We have a very strong vision for Paradiso Place – we are creating a unique beachside residential community where contemporary design &amp; architecture and luxury materials combine with five star residents’ amenities and the convenience of a premium retail precinct on the ground floor”, said SPG Land CEO Dr Ying Rao&nbsp;

“We are confident that the community will recognise that this is more than just another development. Paradiso Place will bring a much-needed retail precinct and lifestyle hub to northern Surfers Paradise with premium retail, lifestyle and food and beverage options,” Said Dr Rao&nbsp;

“The retail precinct is critical to enhancing the lifestyle amenity for residents and guests, so SPG will retain control of this precinct to curate a premium retail offering that will support this thriving new community.

“SPG will also retain short-term holiday letting to control premium and luxury outcomes in line with our vision.”

Construction of Stage 1 Paradiso Place is expected to be completed by end of 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106566]

Joel Robinson

Construction commences on $1.5 billion Paradiso Place development in Surfers Paradise

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a> has announced a partnership with Eden Brae Homes to deliver custom-designed homes at Lovedale Farm, the landmark masterplanned golf estate taking shape in the Hunter Valley wine region.

The partnership brings together two highly experienced businesses with a strong track record in quality, delivery and creating well-established neighbourhoods, and marks an important milestone in the next stage of delivery at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lovedale-farm-1054-1184-wine-country-drive-lovedale-nsw-2325">Lovedale Farm</a>.

As part of the collaboration, Eden Brae Homes has constructed the Lovedale Farm display home, which will officially open to the public on Saturday 21 March.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14476 project_image_fid=362418]

The near-300 sqm display home, with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, is one of a collection of homes custom designed specifically for the project. It features a generous master suite with impressive three-metre ceilings, dedicated golf buggy parking, and a farmhouse kitchen complete with a butler’s pantry. Premium upgrades that further enhance the home include an outdoor kitchen, walk-in wine display and gas fireplace.

Pricing for homes at Lovedale Farm starts from $1.14 million for a 255 sqm, four-bed home with rumpus and double-garage on a 504 sqm lot.

The opening will give off-the-plan buyers, future residents and the broader community the opportunity to step inside the home, experience the design and finishes firsthand, and learn more about the homes and land now available at Lovedale Farm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14476 project_image_fid=362426]

Jim Hunter, Managing Director of Capital Corporation, said the partnership builds on a strong history of successful collaboration between the two groups.

“This is not our first collaboration. Capital Corporation has partnered with Eden Brae Homes across several successful communities, including Fairway Views and Fairway Gardens neighbourhoods at Kellyville,” Hunter said.

“Lovedale Farm represents a continuation of that proven partnership, underpinned by a shared focus on quality, delivery and creating places people are proud to call home. We are pleased to be bringing that experience to the Hunter Valley.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14476 project_image_fid=334205]

Arthur Ilias, General Managing Director of Eden Brae Homes, said the Lovedale Farm display home showcases the lifestyle and craftsmanship buyers can expect and marks an exciting new chapter for the project.

“Lovedale Farm presents a rare opportunity to create homes that are custom designed for their setting, with refined layouts, quality inclusions and a strong connection to the way people want to live in the Hunter Valley,” Ilias said.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=14476]

Capital Corporation partners with Eden Brae Homes to offer custom-designed homes at Lovedale Farm

Aqualand Group’s new investment and development platform, Aqualand Prestige, has secured its first successful end-to-end equity investment, partnering with real estate investment group, Phoenix Property Investors (Phoenix), to deliver its new Roseville residential development.

The joint venture represents a significant milestone for Aqualand Prestige, leveraging off the group’s broader project pipeline, delivery capability and vertically integrated operating model.The transaction also marks the continuation of Phoenix Property Investors’ long-term strategy investing with capable partners to deliver high quality residential projects in Sydney and Melbourne.

Phoenix Property Investors is an established real estate asset manager with a long track record of investments across developed Asia markets including, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea and Australia, for, and on behalf of, its clients, partnering with leading local developers on residential, commercial, hotel and mixed-use projects in major metropolitan markets.&nbsp;

The Roseville project at 2-4 Larkin Street will&nbsp;comprise a part-nine, part-10-storey development with around 111 apartments. Development approval is anticipated for late March, with sales to commence later in the year.

Jin Lin, Managing Director of Aqualand Group, said the joint venture marks a defining moment for the group’s new investment delivery platform.&nbsp;

“Securing our first end-to-end equity investment under the Aqualand Prestige brand is a major milestone and a strong endorsement of the platform we’ve built," Lin says.

"It provides capital partners with the opportunity to directly leverage Aqualand’s broader development expertise, construction capability and proven track record of delivery, while allowing us to deliver smaller scale residential projects with the same level of design excellence and certainty that has defined Aqualand over the past decade.”

Trent Winduss, Partner and Head of Australia at Phoenix Property Investors, said the partnership with Aqualand on the Roseville project represents a substantial investment for Phoenix’s Australian platform.&nbsp;

“We’re excited to partner with Aqualand Prestige. The Roseville development builds on Phoenix’s strategy of aligning with best-in-class development partners to deliver high-quality, design-led residential outcomes in tightly held locations.&nbsp;

“Aqualand’s depth of experience, vertically integrated delivery model and strong record of delivering complex, high-quality residential developments made them a natural partner for us."

The Roseville project marks Aqualand Prestige’s first in a growing pipeline of medium-scale luxury residential developments across Sydney. They have two sites, on Archer Street in Chatswood and Pockley Avenue in Roseville, for future developments. In 2024 they completed AURA by Aqualand, one of the most expensive developments ever to be completed in North Sydney.

The Roseville project at 2-4 Larkin Street will comprise a part-nine, part-10-storey development with around 111 apartments



Aqualand Prestige partners with Phoenix Property Investors for new Roseville apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chatswood-nsw-2067">Chatswood</a> has long been considered one of the North Shore’s most well-connected and amenity-rich neighbourhoods, sought after by those who want both abundant retail and convenient transport links on their doorstep.

International developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/changfa-group">Changfa Group</a>, who has delivered new apartment projects across New South Wales and Queensland over recent years, has teamed up with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huirong-group">Huirong Group</a>, a Chinese developer with four decades of experience, to deliver The Anderson, just over 80 family-sized apartments near the Chatswood Interchange.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151353 project_image_fid=353251]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-anderson-chatswood-54-56-anderson-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">The Anderson</a> offers a diverse range of apartment configurations, from one to four-bedrooms, including two 200 sqm double-storey penthouses. The tower, by AJC Architects, has been designed to intergenerational families and downsizers.

The apartments at The Anderson feature open-plan living areas that flow onto generous balconies, designed to capture natural light and expansive, never-to-be-built-out views toward Chatswood’s heritage precinct, with ocean glimpses from upper levels.

Interiors are defined by a restrained palette, premium fixtures and gallery-inspired wardrobe spaces, reflecting AJC’s considered approach to residential design.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151353 project_image_fid=353258]

Positioned within walking distance of Chatswood Plaza, Westfield, The Concourse and the Chatswood Interchange, the development places daily convenience, dining, and culture at residents’ fingertips.&nbsp;

The joint venture partners will be brining further amenity to its residents, with street-level retail planned for the base of the tower.

Chatswood has been one of the most popular suburbs for new apartment buyers with the newly expanded Metro service across NSW taking Chatswood residents to Martin Place in just 11 minutes. Chatswood station is just a seven-minute walk from The Anderson.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151353]

Changfa and Huirong launch The Anderson in Chatswood amid renewed demand for North Shore apartments

Construction is now underway at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/cumulus-grand-villas-carrara-17-baltimore-court-carrara-qld-4211">Cumulus Grand Villas</a> in Carrara, with all stages fully funded as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/venturecrowd-property-projects">VentureCrowd</a> progresses its 59-residence gated community on an elevated ridgeline overlooking 100 hectares of natural savanna.

The commencement marks a key milestone for the Gold Coast project, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a> and being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/devcon">Devcon Property Group</a>, at a time when buyers are placing greater emphasis on delivery certainty and builder track record.

With Devcon active in South East Queensland since 1993 and having delivered more than 1,000 homes, the team is positioning Cumulus as a fully financed, under-construction offering in a market where risk mitigation has become a central consideration for off-the-plan purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360496]

Located at 17 Baltimore Court, Cumulus Grand Villas comprises 59 three- and four-bedroom villas across four collections, Skyline, Canopy, Savanna and Broadview. Pricing starts from $1,455,000, with completion of the first stage targeted for Q4 2026.

Across the four collections, each design represents an expansive and thoughtfully considered offering. The Broadview provides additional flexibility within its floorplan, incorporating a multipurpose room or optional additional bedroom, and is priced from $1,895,000.&nbsp;

Configured across two levels, the four-bedroom villas feature two master bedrooms with private ensuites, as well as a multipurpose room (MPR), supporting intergenerational living, guest accommodation, or the creation of a dedicated retreat space.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360497]

The main living areas are positioned on the ground floor, while the bedrooms are located upstairs, a configuration that promotes both family separation and connected living. All villas include a second master suite on the ground floor, reinforcing the project’s focus on flexibility and long-term adaptability.

That adaptability was central to BDA Architecture’s design approach. The team sought to create a sophisticated, low-maintenance product that makes the most of the site’s elevation and outlook while responding to evolving household needs. Expansive glazing, open-plan interiors and private outdoor areas draw in natural light and frame views towards the savanna, hinterland and Broadbeach skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360470]

VentureCrowd Director of Property David Whitting said the project responds to a growing group of buyers reassessing what premium living on the Gold Coast looks like.

Flexible floorplans have proven particularly relevant for purchasers aged between 40 and 65, including next home buyers, downsizers and investors. The inclusion of dual master suites in the Broadview design, along with options for a downstairs MPR or guest bedroom, allows homes to adapt as family dynamics shift, whether accommodating older parents, adult children, or extended stays.

Across the community, villas are specified with European appliances and premium fixtures and fittings, alongside double garages and landscaped private areas. The gated enclave includes number plate recognition entry, reinforcing a focus on security and exclusivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360474]

Lifestyle amenity is anchored by the Infinity Terrace, an elevated communal space incorporating a 20m heated pool, alfresco zones and barbecue facilities, designed as a shared retreat within the neighbourhood. A two-acre private nature reserve with walking trails and rehabilitated bushland further integrates the development with its savanna-edge setting, reflecting a broader masterplan initiative to restore native vegetation and habitat corridors.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/carrara-qld-4211">Carrara</a>’s positioning continues to attract attention from prestige buyers seeking proximity to the coast without beachfront pricing. The suburb offers access to major retail centres including Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre, is around 15 minutes from Broadbeach, and benefits from connectivity via the M1 to Brisbane and the Gold Coast Airport.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135663]

VentureCrowd’s Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara advances with construction underway

UDIA

Some of South East Queensland&#39;s best developers scooped a number of prizes at the annual UDIA QLD awards last weekend.

The national ASX-listed developer Mirvac took out the best development in Queensland, with their Gainsborough Greens project winning the Project of the Year Award.

Gainsborough Greens, which also&nbsp;took home the Environmental Excellence award, is a masterplanned community&nbsp;in the Gold Coast&#39;s Pimpama area.

&quot;The project is a benchmark example of environmental rehabilitation, creating an outstanding backdrop for a master planned community,&quot; the judges noted.

Gainsborough Greens has created a new habitat for koalas and an array of native fauna and birdlife species within 170 hectares of conservation area.

Aria Property Group, whose focus is sustainable developments in Brisbane, won five awards on the night, spread across their residential and commercial efforts in the Fish Lane Town Square precinct.

The Standard by Aria, their flagship development with 260 apartments, Tesla vehicles for residents, and 2,000 sqm of resident amenity, won the awards for Construction Excellence, Design Excellence, and the best High Density Development.

The Fish Lane Town Square took out the awards for Urban Renewal and Retail and Commercial Excellence.

Aria recently launched their latest sustainable project, Trellis, in South Bris​bane, which will no doubt more than hold its own at the awards following its completion in mid-2023.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108278 project_image_fid=173599]

Mosaic Property Group, the&nbsp;popular Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast developer, won two awards for two of its Sunshine Coast developments.

Drift by Mosaic, Coolum Beach&rsquo;s first new apartment development in 13 years, won the&nbsp;Medium Density Development award. Mosaic engaged extensively with the local community to deliver a responsive design, taking advantage of the sloping 4,161 sqm site.

Their $104 million, Avalon by Mosaic apartment project, built on a historic pocket of land on the Maroochy River, won the&nbsp;High Density &ndash; 10 storeys or less award. Mosaic are soon to announce&nbsp;something special to the market on the same strip soon.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13241 project_image_fid=179142]

&quot;We are incredibly proud and humbled to have been recognised by our esteemed industry peers at this year&rsquo;s&nbsp;UDIA Queensland&nbsp;Awards,&quot; Mosaic said.

&quot;Everyone at Mosaic, at every level of our business, works extremely hard to deliver benchmark luxury residential projects, coupled with exceptional service and experience for our customers. We are grateful to be acknowledged once again amongst the industry&#39;s very best.&quot;

An unsurprising win was Marquee Development Partners, who won the&nbsp;Marketing Excellence Award for their&nbsp;Cannes&nbsp;project. It&nbsp;became the number one selling project in the first half of 2020, with 94 of the 96 apartments sold prior to construction commencing.

The development was also a finalist for Project of the Year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24781 project_image_fid=71219]

The national ASX-listed developer Mirvac took out the best development in Queensland, with their Gainsborough Greens project winning the Project of the Year Award.

Queensland's biggest apartment developers take out UDIA QLD awards

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The Commonwealth Government’s $25,000 Homebuilder stimulus package for the housing and construction sector will help promote jobs, wages and activity as Australia recovers from the economic effects of COVID-19, according to the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA).
The Government has today unveiled its housing stimulus plan to encourage homebuyers back into the market, start construction on new housing stock and generate jobs.
Housing and construction is a central pillar of the economy – generating 7.5 percent of the nation’s growth and supporting 750,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The economic recovery will be swifter and stronger for having a housing and construction industry that is robust, so the Government’s focus on stimulating activity is the right one.
Right now, the industry is facing a slowdown in pricing, rents, sales volumes, approvals, construction and forward work pipelines.
The package will help pull forward activity that meets the challenges of the ‘economic and jobs cliff’ facing the industry in the second half of 2020.
It was critical the federal government acted and now we need the states to play their part by applying targeted incentives into the ‘gaps’ in the Homebuilder scheme (such as townhouses and off-the-plan apartments), as well as fixing planning and state taxation barriers to new housing.
“States sit at the coalface of housing markets, and are the custodians of approval systems, state taxes and charges and local government processes. This is their once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive real reform right through the whole housing supply chain.
The federal package represents an important shift from the stabilisation phase of the Government’s response to COVID-19 to one that addresses the need to kickstart activity across the economy.
The Government’s Homebuilder package is modelled around the First Home Owners Deposit Gap Scheme it launched in January this year with the same income caps for singles and couples but applied to all homebuyers.
We encourage the Government to keep an open mind on the income and price thresholds that apply to the Homebuilder package, given the difference between major capital cities and regions. A $750,000 pricing cap, especially in Sydney and Melbourne for house and land, will be restrictive in many areas.
UDIA is also conscious the package will primarily have an effect in greenfield markets, and there is limited benefit to middle ring or apartment development also crucial for creating needed supply and employment.
UDIA believes that a broader spectrum of income caps may be needed to generate the shortfall in demand which we estimate to be up to 50,000 new homes over the near term and we urge the Government to continually review this so the vital objective of stimulating demand in the short term is achieved.
UDIA’s “Bounce Back” plan also promoted deeper and broader demand initiatives that UDIA wants to work with governments to enable the industry by advancing: 
Investment in infrastructure in partnership with the states that unlocks the essential trunk infrastructure needed over the next 12 months to service new residential construction and create a double dividend of future supply and jobs.
More efficient planning and environmental approvals, including guaranteed assessment timelines for major projects currently stuck in the system related to the Environmental Biodiversity and Conservation Act.
A pathway to re-establish immigration levels that support economic growth, consistent with health protocols.
SIMON BASHEER is the UDIA National President.
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New Homebuilder Grant is a crucial move to counteract coronavirus: UDIA's Simon Basheer

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EXPERT OBSERVER
An Infrastructure Accord is needed to drive the next wave of investment needed to keep pace with a growing list of national priority projects, according to the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA).
UDIA National – the nation’s peak organisation for the urban development industry - has welcomed release of Infrastructure Australia’s latest Infrastructure Priority List. The expanded list of projects shows there is clear demand for investment in road, water, energy, educational and social infrastructure.
What’s clear is that Australia is already investing heavily in infrastructure but will need to accelerate that as our cities and population continue to grow.
There is a compelling case for bringing more discipline to the way we plan, fund and deliver the next generation of infrastructure projects across our cities and regions.
We need to go further and lift infrastructure above the political fray and ensure the durability of decisions to give comfort to investors – both in infrastructure, but also the land use and housing supply that follows.
A bi-partisan Infrastructure Accord would help insulate the identification, funding and delivery of major projects from politics and see the Priority List as the baseline for decisions on prioritisation.
It could be extended to ensure all projects include analysis of the associated land use and housing opportunities to maximise the dividend from investments made by government and the private sector.
If governments want to step outside the Priority List, they can do so – but they first need to submit the projects to Infrastructure Australia for full business case assessment.
UDIA National also urges governments to properly scrutinise the trunk infrastructure needs of housing development opportunities that emerge from the list, particularly transport projects.
This would ensure we can create a more robust pipeline of new and diversified housing stock to keep pace with population growth and demographic demands.
CONNIE KIRK is the UDIA National Executive Director
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Infrastructure accord needed to drive investment: UDIA's Connie Kirk

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EXPERT OBSERVER
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Australian cities and regions will be able to better plan for the economic and social dividend of growth with the launch of a new National Population Plan.
The Commonwealth Government has today announced details of its National Population Plan, building on the recent creation of a new Centre for Population Growth and changes to the migration program. 
Immigration and population growth have been an essential ingredient of the modern Australian story, adding to the nation’s collective prosperity.
Our population will keep growing so we need to stay ahead of the task of understanding its implications. 
A clear national plan that includes rolling short and long-term forecasts, maps settlement patterns and informs land use, housing, infrastructure and service delivery is crucial. 
We can also use the opportunity to open a stronger dialogue with the community around the trajectory and consequences of change that can create stronger, more prosperous cities and regions. 
A major plus of the plan is it leans on the states to help inform settlement patterns and then structures the migration and visa program to meet workforce needs. 
This should means the states are better placed to deliver on the land use, infrastructure and housing needed to sustain known rates of growth. 
Migrants have always brought skills, workforce capability, wages, tax revenue, diversity and improved productivity to the table. 
The new National Population Plan shows a willingness to harness these assets and tie them to a population policy framework that enhances the national economy.”
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CONNIE KIRK is the UDIA National Executive Director.
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National Population Plan a critical new policy tool: UDIA

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EXPERT OBSERVER
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The introduction of legislation giving effect to the Commonwealth Government’s deposit gap scheme is the first step in easing the pathway to home ownership.
The scheme – promised on the eve of the federal election – helps reduce barriers to home ownership by closing deposit savings requirement and effectively reducing mortgage insurance costs. 
We welcome introduction of the legislation and said the next critical step was getting design features right. 
UDIA has been actively engaging with the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC), which has carriage of the scheme’s design, implementation and ongoing management. 
The scheme rightly recognises that saving for a deposit is arguably the biggest hurdle most homebuyers face in trying to enter the market. 
The rapid escalation in house prices in the past decade has widened the deposit gap, so the Commonwealth’s decision to effectively go guarantor on a portion of the loan makes sense. 
It sits well alongside other initiatives to improve housing affordability – like retention of negative gearing and capital gains tax arrangements, and improved loan serviceability assessment rules. 
The next challenge is to ensure the design principles of the scheme reflect the reality of house prices in different markets. 
The draft legislation proposes variable price caps for different capital cities and regions, which is a perfectly logical step. 
We would also urge however that the same flexibility apply to income thresholds, particularly in the most expensive capital cities like Sydney and Melbourne. 
Our research shows that singles in particular on the proposed income threshold of $125,000 would not be able to access housing in large tracts of Sydney and Melbourne. 
The other recommendation we would make is to limit access to the scheme to newly-constructed properties, which has the benefit of spurring construction activity at a time the economy needs a boost.
We also welcome provisions in the legislation to expand the mandate of NHFIC to examine housing supply, demand and affordability. 
The renewed research capacity will give the Government deeper insights into the policy barriers to improved housing production and better affordability. 
UDIA National looks forward to working further with Government on the precise design of the new mandate for NHFIC. 
CONNIE KIRK is the UDIA National Executive Director.
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Deposit gap scheme opens the door to home ownership: UDIA's Connie Kirk

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Swift action by the Commonwealth Government on a suite of policy initiatives can position Australia’s cities, economy and housing markets for sustained prosperity.
Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) has released a post-election action plan entitled Building A Better Australia that outlines six policy priorities across population, cities, infrastructure, housing, tax and regulation.
The plan presents a blueprint for policy priorities that can enhance the global competitiveness of Australian cities.
There is clear goodwill towards a government re-elected through the prism of its pro-growth and aspirational agenda.
The optimism they are generating is giving hope to everyone interested in a robust economy and recovery in housing construction, which are directly linked.
We are also witnessing improved access to housing finance, courtesy of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority’s (APRA) intention to ease interest rate loan assessment levels for Banks and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and policies like the promised scheme to close the deposit gap.
There is now a real window in which we can seize the momentum and press on with policies that will boost the productivity, liveability and affordability of our cities.
The six-point plan promotes six ideas to cement the benefits of reform:
<ol>
<li>Entrench the emerging new policy framework to get population settings right</li>
<li>Create a Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Accord to deliver long term certainty in planning and delivery</li>
<li>Audit the current infrastructure pipeline to assess opportunities for better alignment of infrastructure planning and land release</li>
<li>Properly design and fund the new mandate on housing supply, demand and affordability</li>
<li>Identify short, medium and long-term steps to reform and strip back taxes on new housing</li>
<li>Commence a review of environmental planning practices.</li>
</ol>
UDIA National will be moving quickly to engage with the re-elected Government, as well as the Opposition, to promote the policy platform.
UDIA National has already commenced initial briefings with the Government – having already met the Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, The Hon Alan Tudge MP, last week.
The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) is the peak body representing the property development industry throughout Australia.
The Institute is a not-for-profit industry body dedicated to the representation of Australia's development industry.
Our members cover a wide range of specialist and industry fields, including: developers, valuers, planners, engineers, architects, marketers, researchers, project managers, surveyors, landscape architects, consultants, lawyers, financial institutions, state and local government authorities, and product suppliers.
The priorities we’re promoting have a dual benefit – giving a kickstart to housing construction in the short-term, as well as entrenching ideas that have a long-term, linked and lasting dividend.
Population policy and analysis can inform the choices we make about the design and infrastructure of our cities, as well as long-term land use strategies to deliver housing supply and diversity.
We also need to recognise that reforms to the taxation and regulatory burdens placed on housing construction take time to entrench, so triggering the start of changes now makes sense.
A full copy of UDIA's Building A Better Australia is available via the <a href="http://www.udia.com.au/news/national-policy-priorities" target="_blank">UDIA website</a>.
CONNIE KIRK is the UDIA National Executive Director
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UDIA shares six point plan for the Australian Government: Connie Kirk

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The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) has provided a response to Planning Minister Richard Wynne’s <a href="/news/alp-unveil-planning-related-policies-including-banning-embedded-networks-in-new-apartment-developments">announcement late last week</a> that a re-elected Andrews Labor Government would introduce new reforms to the Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria.

<blockquote>
The UDIA Victoria welcomes Minister Wynne’s announcement this morning that the Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria will be reviewed if an Andrews Government is re-elected.

Victoria continues to experience unprecedented population growth, and apartments are a preferred form of housing for a broadening range of households. We simply must be able to increase the housing stock across our city. Prescriptive design requirements minimise product diversity and stifle innovation.

It is essential that any review has a clearer focus on good design outcomes, allowing space for innovative product, rather than prescriptive structural outcomes that create an unnecessary burden on permit applicants in what is an already tight market.

UDIA will consult with our members, and put forward a detailed submission to the Victorian Government on behalf of the industry.

-  Danni Addison, UDIA CEO for Victoria
</blockquote>

According to the UDIA's residential index report:

<ul>
<li>The residential development sector is a significant driver of the Victorian economy. In FY16/17 the construction of new dwellings made a contribution to the Victorian economy of more than $20 billion. This contribution is expected to increase to over $22.9 billion in FY17/18.</li>
	<li>The residential development sector sustained over 162,000 jobs in Victoria in FY16/17. This figure includes jobs sustained directly in the sector as well as in support industries such as property and business services, financial services, transport and distribution, manufacturing and other sectors. This is expected to increase to almost 185,000 full time, part time and casual jobs across the Victorian economy in FY17/18.</li>
</ul>
The Andrews Government has outlined the following reforms, should it be re-elected next month:

<ul>
<li>Increased apartment setbacks from neighbouring properties to improve privacy, natural light, airflow and to stop streets being turned into cold, dark wind tunnels</li>
	<li>Introduce minimum green space standards</li>
	<li>Ensure apartment exteriors are made from natural, durable and safe materials, such as brick, timber, concrete, metal, stone or non-combustible cladding</li>
	<li>Put in place mandatory construction management plans to put an end to residents being disturbed by noise from construction workers or rubbish removalists outside reasonable hours</li>
</ul>
The Andrews Government had previously introduced blanket bans on certain materials in Victoria, in addition to forming a taskforce to oversee the removal of dangerous cladding from buildings. $4 million will also be invested towards enabling Victoria’s architects to collaborate with the Office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA) to produce better apartment layouts and developments which demonstrate global leadership in design, sustainability and liveability. 

The Victorian State Election will be held on Saturday 24th November. The electoral roll closes on November 6th at 8pm.  If you are in Victoria and need to update your enrolment, see <a href="https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/elections/2018StateElection">vec.vic.gov.au</a>

<ul></ul>
Lead image: Escala Apartments NewQuay Docklands
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Laurence Dragomir

UDIA responds to Andrews Government's proposed reforms to the Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria

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Perth’s Elizabeth Quay development has been awarded Australia’s best urban renewal project by the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), Australia’s peak body for the urban development industry.

The Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority's (MRA) Elizabeth Quay project has changed the face of Perth's CBD, transforming 10ha of largely under-utilised land along the Swan River into a waterfront destination, providing a new backdrop for major events, tourism promotions and news broadcasts.

Designed by Melbourne-based <a href="/architects/arm-architecture">ARM Architecture</a>, Elizabeth Quay’s Master Plan allows for others to develop the sites it establishes. It identifies the locations and types of built form desired, areas for pedestrians, pedestrian and vehicle routes, and sight lines to and from other parts of Perth.

ARM developed a design motif dubbed the “ripple-wave pattern” which informed the geometry of the built edges for paving and terraces, building and planting interfaces, furniture locations, trees, stairs and water features.

This motif was inspired by the Wagyl, or rainbow serpent, egg of the Noongar mythology. The pattern is embedded within the paving colours, responding to elements in the landscape such as trees and buildings, and providing the Elizabeth Quay precinct with a cohesive and structured theme.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/fairground-1200x720.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="First Contact artwork by indigenous artist Laurel Nannup. Image: MRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fairground-1200x720.jpg?itok=PFvwJ7OO" title="First Contact artwork by indigenous artist Laurel Nannup. Image: MRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>First Contact artwork by indigenous artist Laurel Nannup. Image: MRA</figcaption></figure>Since opening in 2016, Elizabeth Quay has attracted over 12 million visitors and hosted more than 150 events, including Perth’s first Diner en Blanc and the Gran Fondo World Championships in cycling.

Planning and construction of Elizabeth Quay was a major undertaking and a logistical challenge for the city but one that continues to return great results for the people of Perth, claims MRA. 

<blockquote>
Elizabeth Quay has restored a valuable physical and cultural connection between Perth’s city centre and the Swan River; a connection that had previously been cut by roads and decades of development.

The $440million invested by the State Government in this development was massively ambitious. City roads were realigned, valuable heritage items were relocated and iconic new attractions have been created to transform Perth’s riverfront.

The MRA literally shifted Perth city’s riverline to be closer to the CBD and encourage people to engage with the Swan River. In just under four years, a man-made inlet and 7,000sqm island were built, along with a stunning pedestrian bridge, playground, waterpark, public art, ferry terminal, boat moorings and new places to eat and drink.

While still in its infancy, Elizabeth Quay has proven itself to be a popular meeting place for the community, a must-see tourist attraction and a place that the people of Perth can celebrate with pride.

With more than $2billion in private development still to come – for new hotels, apartments, tourist, student and office accommodation – Elizabeth Quay will continue to be an exciting place to live, work and visit and will generate essential economic activity for many years to come.

- Sean Henriques, MRA Chief Executive Officer
</blockquote>

According to MRA, Elizabeth Quay is drawing local, interstate and international visitors resulting in significant economic benefits for Western Australia, with local businesses experiencing record trading days.

The relocation of the city’s public ferry terminal into the inlet has also resulted in doubled ferry patronage.

<h2>Meanwhile...</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/elizabeth_quay_prop.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Future development at Elizabeth Quay and construction progress at The Towers. Photo: SkyscraperCity member Szik"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="191" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/elizabeth_quay_prop.jpg?itok=_9U3eqyp" title="Future development at Elizabeth Quay and construction progress at The Towers. Photo: SkyscraperCity member Szik" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Future development at Elizabeth Quay and construction progress at The Towers. Photo: SkyscraperCity member Szik</figcaption></figure>Construction of <a href="/buildings/the-towers-at-elizabeth-quay-11-barrack-square-perth">The Towers</a> at Elizabeth Quay continues with <a href="/builders/probuild">Probuild</a> at the helm of the twin-tower development. Designed by <a href="/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a> for <a href="/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>, the development includes a Ritz Carlton hotel tower in addition to a separate residential tower that shares a common podium and basement car parking.

Development rights for the remaining development parcels have also all been awarded as per the following:

<ul>
<li>Lots 7 and 8 - Chevron Australia purchased the lots for $64 million for their Australian headquarters back in 2015 with a planning application deadline of December 2018 in place.</li>
	<li>Lots 5 and 6 - Brookfield Multiplex has approval for dual towers of 54-storeys and 19-storeys respectively designed by New York based REX. The mixed-use development known as Perth+ will include office space, apartments and hotel rooms.</li>
	<li>Lots 2 and 3 - CA &amp; Associates' two towers, with a hotel, 313 apartments, 171 serviced apartments, dining and retail. With approval in hand, the Kerry Hill-designed development is expected to commence construction this year.</li>
	<li>Lot 4 - The final of the development parcels to be awarded, CA &amp; Associates are seeking to develop a mixed-use project comprising commercial, retail and residential uses in addition to a post-graduate education facility and student accommodation. </li>
</ul>
Lead image: Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority

 
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Perth's Elizabeth Quay named UDIA's best for urban renewal

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Sydney has the nation's most evenly distributed new apartment market which puts it at less risk of inner city oversupply, the 2018 UDIA State of the Land Report suggests. 
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Sydney accounted for 28% of total market supply in 2017 with 37,740 lots/multi-units completions, which reflected a similar production output to 2016 but a 48% uplift on 2014 
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Just over a fifth of new Sydney unit completions (apartments, townhouses and terraces) were within five kilometres of the city centre in 2017.
It compared to almost half of all Melbourne unit completions.
In Adelaide and Brisbane almost two-thirds of new unit completions were within their respective five kilometre inner rings.
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Population growth, or lack of it, is the primary driver of demand for new dwellings, the report noted.
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The UDIA said a third of new Sydney units were within 5 to 10 kilometres of the CBD, 28 per cent of completions were 10 to 20 kilometres out and 18 per cent of completions were as far as 50 kilometres from the centre of town, according to data compiled for the report by CoreLogic.
</div>
<div>
<div id="article-inline-ad">The UDIA report also found that new multi-unit completion (10 units or more) hit a record 77,365 in 2017, up 8 per cent on 2016 and 64 per cent higher than three years ago.</div>
</div>
<div>
Most of this growth was due to a 25 per cent rise in Melbourne unit completion which reached 25,900 last year, just below the 28,300 units completed in Sydney.
It noted the heighted levels of new residential supply being delivered had been led by Melbourne which recorded a total production of almost 49,000 lots/multi-units in 2017, which was up 96% on 2014.
<div title="Page 4">
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<div>
Melbourne’s total market output accounted for 37% of the combined capital city lots/multi-unit production in 2017. 
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</div>
Brisbane's unit market fell 3 per cent over the year to 11,900 completions while Perth slumped 38 per cent to just under 5000 completions.
Among the smaller unit markets, Adelaide completed 2130 units, up 39 per cent, with Canberra's new unit market doubling to 4100 units last year.
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<div>
Residential supply from Perth has retracted sharply over the last three years, with the 2017 output of 11,900 lots/multi-units representing 9% of national capital city supply, down from the 16% national market share with 17,900 lots/multi-units in 2015. 
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UDIA says spread of Sydney apartment construction would reduce oversupply risks

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The Urban Development Institute of Australia has elected Darren Cooper to replace the outgoing Michael Corcoran as its next national president after his two year term.
The UDIA, which has more than 2000 member companies, champions issues of housing affordability, supply and infrastructure policy.
Cooper has more than 30 years of experience in the development industry.
He currently serves on a variety of boards in the development industry, not-for-profit organisations and private companies.
Cooper is a strategic adviser to national developer AMEX Corporation.
He is a Life Member of UDIA WA and a former senior executive at Mirvac, Blackburne Property Group and PEET Limited.
"Our industry delivers 10 percent of Australia's GDP and employs 10 percent of Australia's workforce. UDIA is here to ensure that our industry's voice is heard given this massive contribution."
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