When long-time Ivanhoe locals Graeme and Catherine, decided it was time to downsize, they weren’t necessarily in a rush.&nbsp;

Like many in their stage of life, they had started thinking about apartment living, but anticipated making the shift in two to three years.

That timeline changed when they visited <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, a new boutique development by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>. The project ticked all the boxes they were looking for: location, quality design, and long-term lifestyle benefits, which prompted them to bring their decision forward.

“It was the right place at the right time,” they said. “We knew immediately it ticked all the boxes, and we didn’t want to wait.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=358855]

Their decision to downsize was driven by a combination of practical needs and lifestyle considerations. Their existing home, while much loved, had become increasingly difficult to maintain. It spanned multiple levels, included extensive front and back gardens, and was starting to show the wear that comes with age.&nbsp;

They were looking for a more manageable lifestyle, one with less upkeep and more freedom. A brand-new apartment with no maintenance requirements and the ability to simply “lock up and leave” gave them peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their future.

Financially, the purchase made sense as well. The available stamp duty savings, strong price-to-value offering, and timing of the settlement suited their plans, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective. The apartment's design and inclusions further supported their choice.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357493]

The layout was both functional and flexible: three bedrooms, a butler’s pantry, a separate laundry, and a large open-plan living area. It gave them the freedom to host a family, accommodate guests, or set up a home office. The expansive balcony and elevated views added to the appeal, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

“It just had a really good flow,” Catherine noted, something they found lacking in many other apartments they’d considered, particularly in the established market.

Candela’s boutique scale was another deciding factor. With a smaller number of residences and a top-floor penthouse position, the couple felt the development offered the privacy and space they were looking for, without feeling isolated.

“We liked that it wasn’t a huge development. It felt well-balanced, modern but still with a sense of community, not overwhelming,” they said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357508]

Equally important was the ability to remain in Ivanhoe, a suburb they know well and have deep roots in. After 46 years in the area, proximity to local parks, shops, and familiar faces mattered just as much as the apartment itself.

“We didn’t want to give up the community we’ve known for decades. Candela allowed us to upgrade our lifestyle while staying in the place we call home.”

With a Walk Score of 90, the village location supports a convenient, connected lifestyle. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a> Station is just a eight-minute walk away, and the neighbourhood offers access to parks, cafes, restaurants, and schools along Upper Heidelberg Road, all within easy reach.

Beyond the apartment, the couple also saw value in the broader vision for Candela, one that integrates residential living with public spaces and local amenities.&nbsp;

The development introduces 58 new apartments as well as a mix of commercial and social spaces that integrate contemporary architecture with the suburb’s existing character.&nbsp;

At ground level, residents will find a charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offers a stunning vantage point for residents to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, host gatherings, or enjoy barbecues with family and friends. It's not just a place to live; it's a vibrant community where every moment is an opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Staff Writer

Why Ivanhoe locals are choosing to downsize to Candela

Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

Project management and construction management firm Creative Vision filed the plans for the&nbsp;multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Leading Australian integrated property development group, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>, has released the signature penthouses crowning its landmark AURA by Aqualand precinct at 168 Walker Street in North Sydney, unveiling Il Magnate and La Divina as the largest and most luxurious penthouses in the suburb.

With prices anticipated to commence from $15 million, and each accompanied by a new Porsche Carrera 911 valued at over $500K, the residences mark the culmination of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a>’s decade-long journey and the beginning of its final sales chapter. 
&nbsp; 
Their release follows more than $850 million in record-breaking residential sales and the building’s completion and occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358868]

The Richards Stanisich-designed 284 sqm Il Magnate and 224 sqm La Divina penthouses, collectively known as The Icons of AURA, are conceived as grand luxury homes rather than apartments, with expansive proportions, elevated materiality and curated identities that reflect their status as one-off residences.&nbsp;

Il Magnate features a grande master suite, complete with substantial walk-in dressing area and ensuite, three other bedrooms, second ensuite and another bathroom, powder room, open plan kitchen, scullery, substantial dining area and generous living room divided by a feature fireplace, and a multifunction wintergarden, which is ideal for a study and adjoining office breakout space. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the La Divina residence offers the same amenities, sans the powder room, on a slightly smaller alternate floor plan configuration.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358863]

Each occupies half of AURA by Aqualand’s topmost 28th level, comes with four secure car spaces and pairs sweeping Sydney Harbour panoramas with large-scale living spaces, refined detailing and a level of craftsmanship and amenity rarely offered in the North Shore market.&nbsp;

Penthouse residents will also receive Etymon’s ‘Black Key’ private concierge and lifestyle management service, an invitation only offering providing the ultimate in bespoke personalisation, including a range of everyday discrete services, from dinner party management, grocery deliveries, pet feeding or plants watered, dinners, snacks and coffee deliveries, event ticket sourcing, right up to organising travel visas and international airfares. Rarely seen in Australian properties, the service provides residents the benefits of living in a world-class luxury hotel-style home, akin to The Ritz, or the Waldorf Astoria.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358862]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>’s Director, Kirsten Stanisich, said the studio set out to craft residences that feel profoundly considered, contemporary and deeply connected to their setting.

“From the outset, we approached these penthouses with the sensibility of a grand Parisian residence - generous in scale, elegant in proportion and designed to feel more like a handcrafted home than an apartment," Stanisich said.

“Their elevated position and sweeping harbour outlook informed every decision, creating a rare connection between urban sophistication and natural calm. We shaped each space with expressive materiality, sculptural forms and bespoke detailing that invite touch and interaction.&nbsp;

“The result is a pair of residences defined by volume, light and an inherent softness - refined, flexible and deeply personal. These penthouses are unlike anything else in North Sydney, offering a sanctuary of true luxury framed by some of the city’s most remarkable views.”

For Aqualand’s Head of Sales &amp; Marketing, Alex Adams, the collaboration with Porsche underscores the shared ethos behind the residences.

“Aqualand’s collaboration with Porsche underpins both brand’s sharing an obsession with craftsmanship, design excellence, and enduring value," Adams said.

“Our penthouses are created for those who appreciate the finer details and expect the extraordinary at every touchpoint. Including a Porsche simply extends that experience beyond the residence - it’s a continuation of the lifestyle our buyers already live.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292862]

Aqualand’s Managing Director, Jin Lin, said the penthouses represent both the pinnacle of AURA by Aqualand and an important design benchmark for the company’s future pipeline.&nbsp;

“These stunning penthouses reflect the purest expression of Aqualand’s design ambition," Lin said.

“The unparalleled design intent makes them not only the glistening crown of AURA by Aqualand, but the crown of North Sydney itself. They’re essentially a thank you gift to a burgeoning community that deserves this level of quality and architectural consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re leveraging the unrivalled standard set here as the foundation for what comes next, including our upcoming Anderson Street, Chatswood; 15 Blue Street, North Sydney and Central Barangaroo projects. Purchasers of these penthouses will essentially be living inside the blueprint of Aqualand’s future.

“These landmark residences demonstrate how far North Sydney has evolved and the strength of demand for highly curated, bespoke luxury homes. They’re more than penthouses, they’re legacy residences.&nbsp;

“With AURA by Aqualand now a thriving new precinct with residents well and truly settled, and our in-house world-class lifestyle amenity activated, Il Magnate and La Divina represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure an extraordinary piece of North Sydney’s future.”

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Joel Robinson

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bokarina-qld-4575">Bokarina</a> Beach has quietly evolved into one of the Sunshine Coast’s most complete coastal lifestyle precincts, defined not just by proximity to the ocean, but by how residential living, local retail and everyday amenity are stitched together.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina-qld-4575">Bask Bokarina</a> now represents the final residential chapter in that transformation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333360]

Over recent years, the Bokarina Beach precinct has taken shape as a walkable, community-oriented neighbourhood, anchored by beachfront access, Lake Kawana to the west, and a growing mix of cafés, specialty retail and public open space.&nbsp;

With Zinc Bokarina already delivered next door by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG), Bask is the last opportunity to buy a brand new apartment within the precinct, effectively rounding out a fully formed coastal village.

GVG has positioned Bask to strengthen that lifestyle framework. Ten ground-floor retail spaces are planned beneath the residences, extending Bokarina Boulevard’s existing activity and reinforcing the area’s everyday convenience, from casual dining and coffee to local services, within a short walk of the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

The residential component comprises 135 apartments across two buildings, Mydas and Caretta, with a clear shift toward larger three- and four-bedroom layouts and penthouses. That mix reflects a maturing buyer profile in Bokarina, where demand is increasingly led by owner-occupiers and active downsizers seeking space, permanence, and connection to place rather than short-term coastal accommodation.

Design and amenity have followed the same logic. Residents will have access to a heated plunge pool, gym, private dining room with a full kitchen, landscaped communal gardens with barbecues and a firepit, and a shared herb and vegetable garden, facilities intended to support daily use rather than resort-style turnover. Pet-friendly features, including a dog wash bay, acknowledge both buyer expectations and the area’s dog-friendly beach, located around 250 metres from the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333366]

“Bokarina has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most desirable beachside communities, and Bask represents the very last chance to buy new in this location,” GVG Director Sam Gardner said.&nbsp;

“Our focus has been to create spacious, functional apartments that meet the needs of locals who want to downsize without compromise, as well as those seeking a full-time coastal retreat.”

Positioned between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Kawana, Bask apartments have been oriented to capture outlooks toward the water or the Glass House Mountains, reinforcing the project’s connection to its natural surroundings. With parks, beachfront paths, hospitals, retail and public transport already in place, Bask arrives at a point where the broader precinct is no longer emerging, but established.

Construction is expected to complete in Q3 this year, with apartments ready to move into this Spring.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141609]

Bask to complete Bokarina’s Sunshine Coast lifestyle precinct as final apartments are released

Property development giant <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/avid-property-group">AVID Property Group</a> is approaching completion, and sell-out, of its Surry Hills apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rathbone-23-47-flinders-street-surry-hills-nsw-2010">The Rathbone</a>.

The Flinders St project has sold well over half of its 32 apartments, which will sit above two retail spaces.

Now hitting the market are the final 14 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, which start from $1.15 million. AVID is targeting a mid-2026 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5947 project_image_fid=51208]

AVID General Manager New South Wales Danny Boubli said as more apartments are introduced to increase housing options in inner-city areas, homebuyers are searching for a &nbsp;sense of belonging in addition to location, convenience and value.&nbsp;

“There are very few opportunities for new developments in Surry Hills, and since acquiring the site, we’ve even seen one early purchaser merge two apartments plans together, reflecting the demand for a spacious, premium offering in a prime location,” Boubli said.&nbsp;

“Demand has been strong since we launched to market – we don’t see these final apartments staying on the market for long.”&nbsp;

Architectural firm Studio SC has designed the building which pays homage to the former 1900s Rathbone Terraces that once sat on the 990 sqm island site.

Boubil said the team has made every effort to create "truly liveable apartments", through&nbsp;functional floor plans, security, storage, and the inclusion of quality fittings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5947 project_image_fid=51207]

&nbsp;

Sustainable design has also been implemented throughout the development, with natural light flooding each apartment, ventilation throughout, extensive landscaping and where possible, materials with a high level of recycled content and low volatile organic compound paints have been used. &nbsp;

Apartments range in size from 57 sqm for the one-bedrooms to the large-scale 165 sqm three-beds which are priced at $2,575,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5947]

AVID launches final apartments at The Rathbone, Surry Hills

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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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

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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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

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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<div>
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. 
<div title="Page 4">
<div>
<div>
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 
</div>
</div>
</div>
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.
<div title="Page 4">
<div>
<div>
Population growth, or lack of it, is the primary driver of demand for new dwellings, the report noted.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/3/23/UDIA%201.jpg" alt="">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/3/23/UDIA%202.jpg" alt="">
</div>
</div>
</div>
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">
<div>
<div>
Melbourne’s total market output accounted for 37% of the combined capital city lots/multi-unit production in 2017. 
</div>
</div>
</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.
<div title="Page 4">
<div>
<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. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/3/23/UDIA%203.jpg" alt="">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
 
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UDIA says spread of Sydney apartment construction would reduce oversupply risks

<html><body><div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
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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