Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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Joel Robinson

First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Palmera Residences fly out the door as sales pass $400 million

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The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.4 per cent in the September quarter 2018, according to the latest ABS figures. 
This follows a rise of 0.4 per cent in the June quarter 2018.
The CPI rose 1.9 per cent through the year to September quarter 2018, having increased 2.1 per cent through the year to the June quarter 2018.
Bruce Hockman, chief economist for the ABS, said annual growth in the CPI fell back below 2 per cent in the September quarter 2018.
"Modest rises in housing costs, including rents, utilities and property rates, and a fall in child care out-of-pocket expenses, saw a subdued rise in the CPI this quarter.”
AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver said the September quarter inflation data confirms that underlying pricing pressures in the Australian economy are still weak.
"Spare capacity remains high, wages growth remains weak and competition and technological innovation in numerous industries (retail, communications and services) remains intense," Oliver said.
Click here <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/a59af5c52fda0c7dca25704c001d21fa/902a92e190c24630ca2573220079ccd9/Body/0.89A!OpenElement&amp;FieldElemFormat=gif" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/a59af5c52fda0c7dca25704c001d21fa/902a92e190c24630ca2573220079ccd9/Body/0.89A!OpenElement&amp;FieldElemFormat=gif" alt="Alternate text: The CPI All Groups rose 0.4 per cent in the September quarter 2018. The most significant positive contributors are Recreation and culture +1.6 per cent; Alcohol and tobacco group +1.3 per cent; Housing group +0.4 per cent; and Transport gr" width="539" height="535" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6766017_33="5627" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6766017_33="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6766017_33="1"> 
<div align="center">
The most significant rises this quarter are international holiday travel and accommodation, which grew 4.3 percent, fruit (+2.4 percent) and property rates and changes (+2.3 percent). 
There were big falls in childcare, which fell nearly 12 percent following the introduction of the Child Care Subsidy on 2 July, which replaced the Child Care Rebate and Child Care Benefit.
Telecommunications equipment and services declined 1.5 percent.
Oliver said pricing power remains very weak with inflation at the bottom of the range.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/31/inflation.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/31/inflation.jpg" alt="">
"The September quarter inflation data confirms yet again that pricing power remains very weak and inflation is continuing to run around or just below the RBA’s 2-3% target band.
"There are no signs of any near-term significant price pressures in Australia, particularly with subdued wages growth and competition and technological innovation remaining intense.
Oliver said AMP's view is that the RBA won't raise interest rates until late 2020 at the earliest given the weakness in inflation, wages and the Sydney and Melbourne housing markets.
He said that with the uncertain outlook for consumer spending, the next move being a rate cut cannot be ruled out.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Subdued Consumer Price Index rise in September quarter 

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The latest ABS unemployment figures show the trend unemployment rate is at a six year low.
The trend unemployment rate remained steady at 5.2 per cent in the month of September 2018 after the August figure was revised down. "Today's figures continue to show a gradual decrease in the trend unemployment rate that began in late 2014," ABS chief economist Bruce Hockman said.
"The trend unemployment rate of 5.2 per cent is the lowest it has been since mid 2012."
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/18/abs-unemp.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/18/abs-unemp.jpg" alt="">
Over the year, trend employment increased by over 290,000 persons or 2.4 per cent, which was above the average year-on-year growth over the past 20 years (2.0 per cent).  
Unemployment is down to 4.4% in New South Wales, 4.5% in Victoria and to 6% in Western Australia.
Ahead of the unemployment figures the employment segment of the NAB Quarterly Business Survey rose 2.4 points in September.
The jump, from +9.5 points in August to 11.9 point in September, brings the total points to the third highest level in 12 and a half years.
The 12 month moving average of +10 points is a record high.
NAB group chief economist Alan Oster said business conditions have stabilised after a mid-year pullback. 
 “Business conditions have pulled back through the middle of 2018 after reaching very high levels earlier in the year. However, the latest monthly survey suggests that conditions have stabilised at a still high level," Oster said.
"This suggests that momentum in the business sector has not weakened further. Overall, trading conditions, profitability and employment conditions remain quite favourable.”
Oster noted that despite conditions easing across most industries, generally most industries continue to report above average conditions.
"Retail however, remains weak, as it has been for some time," Oster noted.
Roy Morgan's latest data found 246,000 more Australians employed than last year, with unemployment down to 9.4 percent in September off a two-year high.
"Australian employment has grown solidly over the past year with nearly 200,000 jobs created split evenly between full-time and part-time employment," the market research firm advised.
There were a total of 12,164,000 Australians employed in September, up 192,000 over the last year.
The September increase however was split evenly across full time jobs (97,000 created) and part-time jobs (95,000 created).
Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine said as a consequence, part-time employment in Australia has hit a new record high of nearly 4.5 million in September.
“In addition to the new jobs created a further 54,000 Australians entering the workforce were unable to find a job and became unemployed," Levine said.
"Now 1.3 million Australians are unemployed in September equivalent to 9.4% of the workforce and up 0.3% on a year ago," Levine said.
Compared to three years ago, there are now 4.1% less Australians in full-time work (63.3%), while part-time employment is up 4.1% (36.7%).
“As we’ve noted previously the persistent high level of unemployment and under-employment in Australia isn’t because jobs aren’t being created, it’s because the workforce continues to grow at a faster rate than the growth in employment," Levine suggested.
"Not only is the expanding Australian workforce not providing enough jobs to reduce unemployment but the long-term trend of an increasing casualisation of the Australian workforce is continuing.
The ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence rating fell by 0.7 percent to 117.3 in the past week.
The index is comfortably above the average of 114.2 held since 2014, and above the longer term average of 113 held since 1990.
CommSec's Ryan Felsman said the hiring spree in Australia continues.
"Labour market conditions are positive, employment growth is solid, the unemployment rate is at six-year lows, job vacancies are elevated and the participation rate has been hovering near record high levels," he said.
"And while home prices have moderated in Greater Sydney and Melbourne, the unemployment rates in both cities are at near ten-year (4.4 per cent) and six-year (5.5 per cent) lows in August."
Felsman said further job gains are anticipated, with the Aussie domestic economic backdrop supportive.
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Trend unemployment rate at six year low: ABS

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Average home prices across all eight capitals fell 0.2 per cent in the September quarter, the first decline since the March quarter of 2016, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Residential Property Price Index.
Sydney apartments, townhouses and semi-detached homes fell 1.4 per cent in the quarter, the ABS figures showed.
House prices also turned negative with values falling 1.3 per cent.
Average capital city prices were up 8.3 per cent on the same period a year earlier.
Hobart posted the strongest annual gains being up 13.8 per cent, while prices in Melbourne were up by 13.2 per cent and Sydney had a 9.4 per cent gain.
House prices in Melbourne rose 1.6 per cent in the September quarter.
Perth (-0.9 per cent) and Darwin (-2.5 per cent) continued their decline.
Hobart's dwelling values jumped 3.4 per cent in quarter, greater than in any other city.
Apartment values fell in Melbourne (-0.4 per cent), Perth (-1.3 per cent), Darwin (-2.8 per cent) and Canberra (-1.1 per cent) in the September quarter.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Property prices fall in September quarter: ABS

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Building activity data for the June 2017 quarter was published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics earlier this week. The data contains additional insight to the housing construction sector, tracking quarterly dwelling commencements, completions and counts of dwellings under construction. The data is showing a softening in commencements as approvals have slowed but still heightened levels of completions and dwellings under construction. 
<h3>Dwelling commencements</h3>
Over the June 2017 quarter, seasonally adjusted data showed that 28,087 new houses and 24,380 new units commenced construction nationally.  The number of houses commenced was 3.3% higher over the quarter but -7.1% lower than a year earlier while unit commencements were down -0.8% over the quarter and -6.6% lower over the year.     Year-on-year new house commencements were lower in each state and territory, recorded at: -3.5% in NSW, -7.2% in Vic, -3.1% in Qld, -10.6% in SA, -12.2% in WA, -7.0% in Tas, -29.1% in NT and -37.9% in ACT.   Year-on-year new unit commencements were higher in NSW (3.3%), Vic (3.2%), SA (35.0%) and Tas (153.1%) and they were lower in Qld (-30.4%), WA (-40.5%), NT (-40.9%) and ACT (-17.7%).
Commencements for houses picked up over the quarter but are lower across all regions over the year.  Meanwhile unit commencements are trending lower in most states and territories with notable exception of NSW, Vic and Tas.  NSW and Vic have been home to the two strongest housing markets over recent years (Sydney and Melbourne) and are seeing the largest increases in population fuelling housing demand.  Meanwhile, dwelling values in Tasmania’s largest city (Hobart) are rising at the fastest rate of any capital city while stock levels are very low so it seems a supply response is occurring.
<h3>Dwelling completions</h3>
Seasonally adjusted data nationally shows that over the June quarter there were 28,251 houses and 25,090 units completed nationally.  Interestingly these figures are fairly closely aligned to commencements so what was completed was effectively replaced as having started construction.  Over the quarter, new house completions were down -1.2% and new unit completions were -10.2% lower.  Year-on-year new house completions were -9.0% lower and new unit completions were down -5.2%.   State and territory data which isn’t seasonally adjusted shows that year-on-year, new house completions rose in NSW (8.6%), Qld (18.3%) and ACT (73.3%) while completions were lower in Vic (-12.8%), SA (-3.7%), WA (-45.3%), Tas (-29.8%) and NT (-44.2%).   New unit completions increased over the year in Vic (11.1%), Qld (13.7%) and ACT (29.6%) and were lower in NSW (-20.4%), SA (-41.6%), WA (-22.3%), Tas (-40.0%) and NT (-69.9%)
Completions remain at high levels however, they have eased back a little.  Given that there remains a high volume of stock under construction (as we will analyse shortly) it’s anticipated that completions are likely to remain elevated for some time.
<h3>Dwellings under construction</h3>
At the end of the June 2017 quarter, there were 216,242 dwellings under construction nationally.  Although the number of dwellings under construction is down from its historic high of 224,314 in September 2016, it is still at an extremely elevated level.  As a comparison, the long-term average number of dwellings under construction at the end of a quarter is 106,774 and even over the past 10 years the average has been recorded at 153,545.  In June 2017, there were 62,409 new houses and 151,510 new units under construction nationally.  Again, both are well above the long-run averages of 48,329 and 38,964 respectively.   Looking at the data across the states, at the end of the quarter the number of new houses under construction was recorded at: 17,845 in NSW, 21,401 in Vic, 8,605 in Qld, 4,726 in SA, 7,669 in WA, 1,227 in Tas, 276 in NT and 660 in ACT.  By comparison, the long-term average number of houses under construction across the states is recorded at: 13,566 in NSW, 15,186 in Vic, 7,250 in Qld, 3,681 in SA, 7,455 in WA, 1,548 in Tas, 544 in NT and 938 in ACT.  All states and territories except for Tas, NT and ACT currently have more new houses under construction than the long-term average.   The number of new units under construction is where there is generally a substantial deviation from the long-term average.  Across the states, at the end of the June 2017 quarter the number of new units under construction was recorded at: 64,470 in NSW, 43,240 in Vic, 27,420 in Qld, 4,230 in SA, 6,360 in WA, 391 in Tas, 495 in NT and 4,904 in ACT.  Tas is the only state or territory with fewer new units currently under construction than its long-term average which is recorded at 431.  Across the remaining states, the long term average number of new units under construction is: 17,162 in NSW, 10,854 in Vic, 7,897 in Qld, 1,955 in SA, 3,382 in WA, 445 in NT and 1,235 in ACT.  The current number of new units under construction in NSW (+276%), Vic (+298%), Qld (+247%), SA (+116%) and ACT (+297%) is well in excess of double the long-term average.
The volume of new housing stock under construction remains at dizzying heights, albeit not quite as high as a few quarters ago.  The surge in stock under construction is being driven by units which by nature take longer to build and deliver more stock in a single project than houses. Interestingly, the number of units under construction has slowed in Vic and Qld but continues to climb in NSW.  This is probably to do with the fact that many property purchasers in NSW can simply no longer afford houses (particularly in Sydney) so units become their only housing purchase option. 
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
Although dwelling approvals have eased from their record high levels, over recent months they have been fairly steady.  They seem to have settled at a level which is well above long-term average levels.  While this means that commencements won’t be as strong going forward they are likely to remain high relative to historic levels.  There is a significant number of new dwellings (particularly units) under construction which means that completions are likely to remain elevated for some time. Once they do fall we would expect them to stabilise at a level well above the long-term average.  With the national population increasing rapidly, these people need to be housed so although housing construction is unlikely to remain as strong as it has been recently, we do expect that a substantial volume of housing construction is likely to continue to take place.
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Pipeline of housing stock has peaked but pending supply remains well above long term average levels

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<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">Residential property prices rose 1.9 percent in the June quarter nationwide according to the ABS.</div>
Price rises in Sydney (2.3 per cent) and Melbourne (3.0 per cent) were partially offset by falls in Perth (0.8 per cent) and Darwin (1.4 per cent). 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/09/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-20%20at%2010.12.38%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-20%20at%2010.12.38%20AM.png" alt="">
Bruce Hockman, ABS chief economist for the ABS, residential property prices, while continuing to rise in Melbourne and Sydney this quarter, have begun to moderate. 
"Annual price movements ranged from -4.9 percent in Darwin to +13.8 percent in Sydney and Melbourne. 
"These results highlight the diverse housing market and economic conditions in Australia's capital cities.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/09/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-20%20at%2010.14.03%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-20%20at%2010.14.03%20AM.png" alt=""> "Through the year growth in residential property prices reached 10.2 per cent in the June quarter 2017. 
"Sydney and Melbourne recorded the largest through the year growth of all capital cities, both rising 13.8 per cent followed by Hobart, which rose 12.4 percent. "The total value of Australia's 9.9 million residential dwellings increased $145.9 billion to $6.7 trillion. 
"The mean price of dwellings in Australia rose by $12,100 over the quarter to $679,100."
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/09/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-20%20at%2010.14.57%20AM.png" target="_blank"> Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-20%20at%2010.14.57%20AM.png" alt="">
 
“The annual pace of dwelling price growth across Australia’s eight capital cities moved up a gear to 10.2 per cent during the June 2017 quarter,” said HIA Senior Economist, Shane Garrett.
The ABS Residential Property Price Index released today, shows acceleration in the pace of dwelling price growth.
“Dwelling price growth is still strongest in Sydney and Melbourne. Hobart and Canberra also showed robust price growth.
“The markets most affected by the natural resources investment downturn like Perth and Darwin continue to be affected by falling dwelling prices.
“The bottom line is that unabated price increases are putting the dream of home ownership beyond the reach of more and more Australians.
“The ultimate solution to the affordability challenge is to make the delivery of our future housing stock easier and less costly.
“More flexibility in housing supply is the answer,” Mr Garrett concluded.
Between the June 2016 and the June 2017 quarters, Sydney dwellings experienced the largest increase in price (+14.4 per cent) followed by Melbourne (+13.4 per cent) and Hobart (+11.3 per cent).
There were also rises in dwelling prices in Canberra (+8.9 per cent), Adelaide (+5.0 per cent) and Brisbane (+3.5 per cent) over the same period.
Prices declined in both Perth (-3.5 per cent) and Darwin (-5.9 per cent) over the year to the June 2017 quarter.
“Falling Perth house prices are indicative of a weak economy, which is why the State Government must double down on its commitment to driving the State’s growth,” Property Council WA Executive Director Lino Iacomella said. 
“A major focus must be on encouraging population growth through job creation. 
“There is a plethora of major infrastructure projects in the pipeline since the reveal of the State Government’s METRONET plans.
“It is also imperative that the government pushes ahead with its election promise to establish Infrastructure WA, to plan and prioritize infrastructure projects," he said.
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House prices continue to rise with double digit strength

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The latest ABS figures shows the Consumer Price Index rose 0.2 percent in the June quarter.
This follows a rise of 0.5 percent in the March quarter of 2017.
The most significant price rises for the quarter were medical and hospital services (+4.1 per cent), new dwelling purchase by owner-occupiers (+0.9 per cent) and tobacco (+1.0 per cent).
 These rises are partially offset by falls in domestic holiday travel and accommodation (-3.2 per cent) and automotive fuel (-2.5 per cent). The CPI rose 1.9 per cent through the year to June quarter 2017 having increased to 2.1 per cent in the March quarter 2017.
Bruce Hockman, chief economist for the ABS said that inflation in Australia remains low.
"Price falls for automotive fuel; and ongoing competition in the clothing and food retail markets has contributed to this quarter’s result.
"In addition, the ABS continues to closely monitor the impact of Cyclone Debbie on fruit and vegetable prices.
"While strong price rises were recorded for select fruit and vegetables such as tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, melons, berries and bananas in the June quarter 2017 - these rises were offset by falls in seasonally available fruits such as oranges, mandarins and apples."
CommSec's Craig James suggests the benign inflation will keep the rates on hold next week.
"There is no smoking gun to justify a change of interest rates in any direction," James said.
"Inflation is comfortable just below the Reserve Bank’s 2-3 per cent target band.
"Inflation isn’t rapidly moving below the target band, nor is it rapidly lifting back into the target band.
"So the Reserve Bank can stay on the interest rate sidelines.
REIA President Malcolm Gunning suggests the low CPI is good news for homebuyers and renters.
“The annual change for both the analytical series of trimmed mean and for the weighted median was 1.8 per cent with the annual change in the trimmed mean being the same for the past four quarters and the weighted mean up by 0.1 percentage points compared to the year to the March 2017," he said.
"This is below the RBA’s target zone of 2-3 per cet and suggests the continuation of historically low interest rates for some time yet."
“The latest CPI figures show that the increased investment in housing through the current taxation arrangements has kept growth in rents lower than they have been historically.
“In Sydney and Melbourne where much of the investor activity has been focussed the increase in rents in the past twelve months has been 2.5 per cent and 1.7 per cent respectively.
“With the CPI figures always a central component of the RBA’s consideration, the latest inflation data would suggest that home buyers can be comfortable in the knowledge that interest rates will remain stable for a while yet."
For more information <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/MediaRealesesByCatalogue/902A92E190C24630CA2573220079CCD9?OpenDocument" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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June quarter ABS figures show subdued inflation

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Building approvals for May showed a decline in the number of new home approvals this year, with the multi-unit sector falling sharply, latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed.
Approvals for construction of new homes fell by 5.6 per cent in May, despite recording positive growth in April 2017. 
Total dwelling approvals fell to 16,448 in May, well below the peak of more than 21,000 recorded for two consecutive months in July and August 2016.
“The downward trend for new home approvals has now been locked in for about six months,” said Tim Reardon, principal economist for the Housing Industry Association. 
“This downward trend confirms our forecasts for a slowing in new residential building projects through 2017,” stated Tim Reardon. 
“This latest result firms a downward trend in dwelling approvals which began to emerge around mid-2016, with dwelling approvals over the year down by 31.3 per cent,” Matthew Pollock, national manager-Economics and Housing, of Master Builders Australia said.
However, new house starts increased by 1 per cent in May but were still 6.9 per cent lower than the same month last year.
“It is the multi-unit sector of the industry that has slowed more quickly than detached homes. During the three months to May 2017, multi-unit approvals fell by 27.8 per cent when compared with the same period in 2016,” said Reardon.
He noted that the slowdown in multi-units was off the back of the super-cycle of apartments that started in 2015. 
“The amount of work that is still under construction means that the residential building industry will continue to operate at high levels well into 2018,” he said.
“This slowdown is in stark contrast to the growing demands of first home buyers and the need to promote an increase in housing supply.” 
Across the states: Tasmania is the only state with a growth in approvals compared to the same quarter in 2016, up 6.9 per cent. New South Wales (down 22.4 per cent); Victoria (down 11.6 per cent); Queensland (down 21.6 per cent); Western Australia (down 18.4 per cent); the Northern Territory (down 51.3 per cent) and the ACT (down 36.2). 
“South Australian approvals are just 6.1 per cent below the same levels in 2016 due to the large number of multi-unit apartments getting the green light,” Reardon said.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/03/BuildingApprovals.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/03/BuildingApprovals.jpg" alt="">
However, auction clearance rates remain high in Sydney and Melbourne while rents are still growing, “suggesting there are still pockets of high demand and low supply,” Pollock of MBA added.
He said government estimates indicate a housing shortage in Australia of around 100,000 homes. 
“There is a concern that if the current weakness in approvals turns into very low new housing commencements, then we could see supply constraints once again push up house prices,” Matthew Pollock said. 
“Recent work by Master Builders shows the government’s housing affordability measures, as announced in the May Budget, could support the construction of up to an additional 100,000 new homes over the next four years. As such we urge the Parliament to pass these measures in full to support housing affordability and keep homeownership within reach of ordinary Australians,” Pollock said. 
ANZ Research confirmed the view, saying in spite of house prices posting a solid rise in June, “the fundamentals point toward softer price growth through the second half of the year”. 
ANZ reiterated its previous view that building approvals could fall a further 5-10% in the current cycle.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/03/ANZ.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/03/ANZ.png" alt="">
“In fact, with monthly trend approvals now at the lowest level in three years, it is possible that we are getting close to the end of the most significant declines, although further falls are still likely over the near term.”
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Multi-unit apartment approvals show sharp decline in May: HIA

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The ABS has for the first time released new information showing changes in land values, use and cover for the state of Queensland.
It showed that total land in Queensland covered approximately 173.0 million hectares.
IT had a total unimproved land value of $721.5 billion as at 30 June 2016, up 16% from $621.4 billion as at 30 June 2011, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-15%20at%2012.09.39%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-15%20at%2012.09.39%20pm.jpg" alt="">
"The increase in total unimproved land value was largely driven by a 25% increase in the value of Residential land from $415.0 billion in 2011 to $518.7 billion in 2016," said Mike Booth, Director of Environmental Accounts Development at the ABS.
"Similarly Residential land area also increased 18% between 2011 and 2016. This increase in land area was largely at the expense of primary production land use types, including a net increase of 22,087 hectares to Residential land from Livestock Grazing land."
The area of Waterbodies and Wetlands land cover showed an overall decrease of 191,231 hectares (or 18%) and 512,344 hectares (or 48%) between the two intervals 2010-2011 and 2014-2015 respectively.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-15%20at%2012.09.48%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-15%20at%2012.09.48%20pm.jpg" alt="">
"These decreases in Waterbodies and Wetlands land cover are likely related to an overall decrease in total rainfall across these same accounting periods, as reported by the Bureau of Meteorology," said Mr Booth.
Summary data on land use, land cover and land parcels has been produced for Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2s) within Queensland for this publication.
"This data provides users an opportunity to explore stocks and changes in land for small geographical regions," explained Mr Booth.
The publication also presents a Feature Article which accounts for land changes within the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) region.
This information will provide a foundation for the ABS Experimental Environmental-Economic Accounts for the Great Barrier Reef due for release in August 2017.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-15%20at%2012.09.57%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-15%20at%2012.09.57%20pm.jpg" alt="">
QUEENSLAND'S LAND AT A GLANCE
<ul>
<li>The State of Queensland covers approximately 173 million hectares.</li>
<li>Total unimproved land value in Queensland increased by around $100 billion from $621.4 billion to $721.5 billion between 2011 and 2016.</li>
<li>'Residential' was the highest valued land use in Queensland with an unimproved land value of $415.0 billion and $518.7 billion in 2011 and 2016.</li>
<li>'Livestock Grazing' was the most dominant land use type by area in Queensland with 144.2 million and 143.8 million hectares in 2011 and 2016.</li>
<li>'Grasslands' was the most dominant broad land cover type by area in Queensland with 84.6 million and 82.3 million hectares in 2010-2011 and 2014-2015.</li>
<li>'Woodland' was the most dominant detailed land cover type by area in Queensland in 2010-2011 with 35.6 million hectares, while 'Spare Vegetation' was the most dominant in 2014-2015 with 53.3 million hectares.</li>
</ul>
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Forestry lands in decline in residential-focused Queensland

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The ABS has released its property price index showing a 1.5% rise in home values nationally over the September quarter.
It put the national gain at 3.5% gain <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6416.0" target="_blank">over the year</a>.
It reflected a further slight slowing as there was 4.1% annual growth reported in the year to June.
The 3.5 per cent rise through the year was the weakest growth since March quarter 2013 - and a decline from the peak of 10.7 per cent a year ago, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
<a href="/images/2016/12/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-13%20at%2012.33.06%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-13%20at%2012.33.06%20pm.jpg" width="650"> In the September quarter, residential property prices continued to fall in Perth and Darwin, while prices rose in all other capital cities.
Sydney recorded the largest quarterly residential property price growth of all capital cities, with house prices rising 2.9 per cent and attached dwellings 2.1 per cent. Melbourne recorded the strongest through the year growth of 6.9 per cent, followed by Hobart at 6.8 per cent. The total value of Australia's 9.8 million residential dwellings increased $112.1 billion to $6.2 trillion. The mean price of dwellings in Australia is now $631,000.
The mean price of residential dwellings rose $9,000 to $631,000 and the number of residential dwellings rose by 39,300 to 9,755,400 in the September quarter 2016.
<a href="/images/2016/12/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-13%20at%2012.33.14%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-13%20at%2012.33.14%20pm.jpg" width="650">
The capital city residential property price indexes rose in Sydney (+2.6%), Melbourne (+1.7%), Adelaide (+0.9%), Brisbane (+0.2%), Canberra (+0.8%) and Hobart (+2.3%) and fell in Perth (-1.6%) and Darwin (-1.2%).
Annually, residential property prices rose in Melbourne (+6.9%), Hobart (+6.8%), Canberra (+5.5%), Sydney (+3.2%), Adelaide (+3.2%) and Brisbane (+3.1%), and fell in Darwin (-7.2%) and Perth (-4.0%).
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Prices up 3.5% nationally: ABS says it's slowest in three years

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/62493/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Despite being one of our oldest public institutions, the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) social media campaign for the 2016 Census is a clever nod to the modern zeitgeist.
This census will ask us to “pause” (presumably Netflix) and “make a difference” on the night of Tuesday, August 9.
Held every five years (compared to the ten-year censuses of the UK and US), the ABS describes the census as a:
"Snapshot of Australia, showing how our nation has changed over time, allowing us to plan for the future."
Census data have a real impact on the lives of Australians, from determining political representation through the distribution of electorates, to the allocation of government funding, as well as private investment based on projected demand for goods and services.
Australia uses the census to evaluate how well it is progressing on myriad issues, such as Indigenous policy, the distribution of health outcomes by socioeconomic inequality and to plan for population growth.
<h2>The census’ evolution</h2>
The act of taking a census is as old as civilisation itself; Egyptian, Roman, Byzantine, Persian and Chinese empires all conducted censuses.
The primary purpose of these seems to have been twofold: establishing the size and strength of a potential army in case of war, and enabling effective taxation (in large part to fund these armies).
The industrial and scientific advances of the 18th and 19th centuries led to a dramatic shift in the relationship between the state and the public, and in the ability to statistically “manage” populations.
Economics and sociology as developing academic disciplines further motivated population data collection. The defining idea was that a nation’s physical and moral “progress” could be measured statistically. Thus, the modern census was born.
Today the census plays an essential role in Australia’s public life. It provides the raw data with which policies can be planned and outcomes assessed.
While knowing Australia’s total population at one point in time might seem of little use (as this number is almost immediately out of date), the question of exactly where people are living, and the changing characteristics of these local populations, is of vital importance.
<h2>Technological developments and privacy</h2>
The 2016 Census is in some ways a case of continuity and change. No new questions have been added since the 2011 Census, which makes it easier to compare outcomes across both years.
The big change the ABS is pushing in 2016 is the ongoing move to a more digital census. It is hoping 65% of households will complete the 2016 Census online, compared with 33% in 2011.
Another more controversial change in 2016 is the decision to retain names and addresses temporarily in order to link census results with other administrative data for research and policy assessment purposes.
These records will be kept for four years. During that time they are protected with both digital and physical safeguards. However, privacy groups and those concerned about the potential for government overreach have flagged worries.
<h2>Sensitive information</h2>
Providing the government with personal information, especially on religion or race, is a sensitive issue. This is one of the reasons the question on religious affiliation has remained optional in every Australian census since the first in 1911.
In the early colonial censuses, with their origins in the military-style “musters” of Governor Arthur Phillip, convict status was also a sensitive and unpopular question. It was eventually removed in the second half of the 19th century. The first simultaneous census of all Australian colonies was held in 1881 as part of a wider census of the British Empire.
By this time, the question of race had gained prominence, with the population divided into Australians, Chinese (who had arrived in large numbers during the gold rush) and Indigenous Australians. However, Indigenous Australia would not be properly included in the census count until 1971.
<h2>Data retention</h2>
The history of the Australian census also tells an interesting story about the changing attitude towards the retention of personal information, as reintroduced this year.
In 1891, Victorian statistician Henry Hayter chose to destroy the original census forms rather than hand them over to the police, who wanted access to private records to track down suspected criminals.
Australia has been an outlier in its commitment to destroying individual census records throughout the 20th century. In Canada, the UK and the US, personal records are retained under embargo.
The census represents in many ways the goals and values of our time; we measure what we think is important. But with power (to measure) comes great responsibility, and trust in public institutions like the ABS is therefore crucial.
Nicholas Biddle is fellow, Australian National University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicholas-biddle-10171" target="_blank">here</a>.
Maxine Montaigne is PhD student, Economic History, London School of Economics and Political Science and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/maxine-montaigne-10699" target="_blank">here</a>.
Both are authors for The Conversation.
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