Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Conveyancing

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Home buyers and sellers will now be more informed during the settlement process, thanks to a new online directory that increases accountability and transparency in the conveyancing industry.
Launched by information provider GlobalX, OzConveyancers enables property consumers to locate property settlement professionals, review their experience, compare prices, and access stamp duty information all on one online platform.
GlobalX CEO Peter Maloney said OzConveyancers is Australia’s largest online directory of registered conveyancers, and is completely free.
“OzConveyancers.com.au provides simple, geographically-targeted information to consumers, helping them find the most appropriate, best-priced conveyancer in their local area,” said Mr Maloney.
“It also allows Australia’s 6,000+ conveyancers to list their business online for free, be searchable at any time, and in direct contact with property consumers in their region,” he said.
OzConveyancers Product Manager Nippa Ekanayake said the new website filled a gap for professionals, and buyers and sellers.
“We’ve known for some time that there is a lack of information and accessible technology available for people in the initial stages of buying and selling a home,” Mr Ekanayake said.
“Sure, conveyancers provide valuable information on available searches and help ease the settlement process, but these insights come after someone has engaged a legal professional to represent them.
“The benefit to consumers is <a href="https://ozconveyancers.com.au/" target="_blank">Ozconveyancers.com.au</a> is a one-stop-shop for conveyancing information.
This allows users to easily compare local businesses to find the best deal without any fees, or commissions paid to our organisation.”
OzConveyancers currently profiles more than 2,500 conveyancers who can list their business at no cost for increased market exposure.
“Most Australian conveyancing businesses are very small; they don’t have an online presence nor time for marketing, so, by offering a free listing on the site we’re boosting their accessibility and credibility, as well as delivering more decision-making information to the consumer,” Mr Ekanayake said.
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Property 101: GlobalX launch OzConveyancers

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The acceptance of digital signatures on contracts is the final barrier in offering a streamlined online service for property buyers and sellers according to lawlab.
Lawlab partners with real estate groups, finance aggregators and brokers to deliver their highly-rated conveyancing services through the secure online collaboration platform Rundl.
In February this year Rundl and Docusign announced a partnership to bring the contract signing and exchange process completely online.
The result is that deals can be signed and exchanged online within minutes, no paperwork, no driving contracts between solicitors.
This forms an integral part of lawlab’s user friendly, digitally-driven experience that steps all parties through the time consuming and stressful conveyancing process.
Ian Perkins, managing director of lawlab said more than 25,000 transactions have been delivered over the past four years.
"But what is preventing us from fully streamlining the service was the acceptance of digital signatures," he said.
"We have been waiting for the industry to catch up.
"Now we are starting to see more industry players accept this technology.”
Digital signatures are legally valid and have been used for many years to sign documents in all types of industries.
It is relatively new for real estate contracts to be signed electronically and by introducing this as standard practice lawlab are leading the way in making the contract exchange process easier and more convenient for buyers and sellers.
Tifanie Milton, a recent home seller from Queensland said, signing the contract was so much easier using lawlab.
"I was waiting in the lounge to board a flight when I got a message from lawlab that my sale contract terms had been agreed and the contract was ready to sign," she said.
"Within minutes, I received a link to the contract by email and was able to sign it digitally using DocuSign on my laptop.
"The contract was automatically forwarded to the buyer for them to countersign digitally and on getting off the plane I was informed the contract had been exchanged.
New player to the Australian market Purplebricks chose lawlab as their preferred conveyancing partner.
How it works
1. The seller or real estate agent submits an electronic request to lawlab to contact the seller through the Rundl platform.
2. A lawlab legal adviser contacts the seller within 2 business hours and starts the contract preparation and conveyancing process.
3. The contract of sale and any associated documents are issued within 48 hours (can vary depending on local council) and are uploaded to Rundl which notifies the real estate agent and seller.
4. Once a buyer is ready to sign lawlab will set up the signing sequence and issue a link to the documents for signing by all parties.
5. By following the prompts, the seller is first to sign the contract documents digitally.
6. Signing is easy and secure and can be done using the default stylised font of the signer’s name. Other ways to sign are by using a mouse/stylus pen or by uploading a digital signature.
7. No witnessing is required and lawlab contracts include a special condition acknowledging this.
8. The signed contract documents are then automatically forwarded to the buyer. The buyer’s lawyer also receives a copy of the contract documents so the buyer can contact their lawyer if they have any questions.
9. Once the buyer has countersigned the contract documents, the contract is exchanged and all the parties receive a full copy of the exchanged contract.
DocuSign produces a report for every contract showing who, where and when the contract was signed.
This report can be used as evidence if there is any question about who has signed the contract.
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Property 101: Acceptance of digital signatures – the final piece of the digital conveyancing puzzle

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New tax rules in place since July 2016 now apply to vendors disposing of certain taxable Australian property under contracts.
Conveyancers may need to register with the Tax Practitioners Board, when assisting clients to meet new requirements under the foreign resident capital gains tax withholding measures. Ian Taylor, chair of the Tax Practitioners Board, said depending on whether a conveyancer’s client is the vendor or purchaser, foreign resident capital gains withholding forms may need to be completed and submitted to the ATO which include clearance certificate, rate variation application and the purchaser payment notification form. 
"The TPB considers there are sections of each of these forms that involve the provision of a tax agent service. 
"It is also recognised that conveyancers, who perform certain services relating to the purchaser payment form, are exempted from being registered with the TPB as a tax agent until 31 December 2017.   "Before assisting clients to meet the requirements of the foreign resident capital gains withholding regime, all conveyancers who are not registered with the TPB as tax agents, need to understand what they can or cannot do under the TASA.   "If conveyancers complete and submit these forms to the ATO on behalf of a client for a fee or reward, they may need to be registered with the TPB, either immediately or in the future"   For further information about whether or not conveyancers need to be registered with the TPB <a href="https://tpb.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f1bfb3d6593e3b7312cde4bc0&amp;id=9c07a3e754&amp;e=c8397a77b6" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Property 101: Conveyancing and the TASA

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The Real Property Amendment (Electronic Conveyancing) Act 2015 introduced a new section 12E into the Real Property Act 1900 which allows the Registrar General to make Conveyancing Rules. 
The Conveyancing Rules will largely parallel provisions in the Participation Rules for electronic conveyancing.
The Rules will align paper conveyancing practices and workflows with those developed for electronic conveyancing and will be implemented in stages.
Conveyancing Rules - Version 1 Version 1 of the Conveyancing Rules was published on the LPI website on 28 March 2016.
The rules in Version 1 standardise formal verification of identity and authority requirements across all conveyancing in New South Wales including:
• requirements for verification of identity
• requirements for verifying authority (right to deal)
• supporting evidence requirements
• provisions for certifications on paper transactions.
Verification of identity This rule applies to Australian legal practitioners, law practices and licensed conveyancers.
They must take reasonable steps to verify the identity of clients or their agents, and persons to whom certificates of title are given. The rule takes effect on 1 May 2016.
However, the Registrar General is allowing a transition period of three months with full compliance required from 1 August 2016 inclusive.
Authority (Right to Deal) This rule requires Australian legal practitioners, law practices and licensed conveyancers to take reasonable steps to verify that any client is a legal person and has the right to enter into a conveyancing transaction.
Similar requirements apply to mortgagees and representatives of a mortgagee. This rule takes effect on 1 May 2016.
However, the Registrar General is allowing a transition period of three months with full compliance required on and from 1 August 2016.
Supporting evidence From 1 August 2016, a party or their representative must retain the evidence supporting a dealing for at least seven years from the date of lodgment of the dealing.
Land and Property Information, a division of the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation, is officially registered in the Australian Business Register and for GST. Its ABN is 84 104 377 806. 
Certifications on paper dealings This rule applies to witnessing and execution of paper dealings.
 It replicates and continues unchanged the certification requirements that were previously set out in section 117 of the Real Property Act 1900 and Clause 22 of the Real Property Regulation 2014. 
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Property 101: National verification in property paper conveyancing

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GUEST OBSERVER
The land registries in NSW, Victoria and Queensland have developed and adopted Verification of Identity Standards (VOI Standards) for verifying the identity of parties to land transactions for the purposes of the National Electronic Conveyancing laws in Australia. 
The current VOI Standards are set out in Schedule 8 of version 3 of the Model Participation Rules (Rules) developed for the purposes of electronic conveyancing. 
To ensure consistency between paper transactions and electronic transactions, the VOI Standards for paper transactions have been introduced in Victoria.  NSW and Queensland have also introduced the VOI Standards for the verification of paper mortgages. 
Queensland
Under sections 11A and 11B of the Land Title Act 1994 (Qld) and sections 288A and 288B of the Land Act 1994 (Qld), mortgagees (lenders) are required to take reasonable steps to confirm the identity of mortgagors (borrowers). 
Revised practices for lenders confirming the identity of borrowers, to be incorporated into the Queensland Land Titles Practice Manual in the form of the VOI Standards, will take effect from 1 March 2016.  Under these practices a lender will be considered to have taken reasonable steps if they have complied with the VOI Standards.
Victoria 
The Victorian Registrar of Titles has adopted new verification of identity requirements for parties who wish to lodge dealings in paper form at Land Victoria pursuant to section 106A of the Transfer of Land Act 1958 (Vic).  
The Registrar’s requirements for all dealings, which came into effect on 9 November 2015, have adopted the VOI Standards and under these requirements a solicitor, conveyancer or lender will be deemed to have taken reasonable steps if they have complied with the VOI Standards.
New South Wales
Under section 56C of the Real Property Act 1900 (NSW) lenders are required to take reasonable steps to confirm the identity of borrowers, and regulation 16 of the Real Property Regulation 2014 (NSW) provides that from 1 January 2015 lenders are considered to have taken reasonable steps if they have complied with the VOI Standards.  
From 9 November 2015, an amended table of minimum document requirements for verification of identity took effect under the VOI Standards and now applies to verifying borrowers in NSW. 
PURPOSE OF VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY 
The purpose of carrying out a verification of identity for land transactions is to:
<ul>
<li>ensure a person is who they claim to be;</li>
<li>reduce the risk of identity fraud; and</li>
<li>prevent the registration of fraudulent land transactions. </li>
</ul>
WHEN VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY IS REQUIRED 
The Rules require solicitors, conveyancers and lenders (Verifiers) to take reasonable steps to verify the identity of:
<ul>
<li>their clients;</li>
<li>borrowers; and</li>
<li>persons to whom certificates of title are to be provided.</li>
</ul>
CARRYING OUT VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY 
When verifying the identity of a party, reasonable steps to verify their identity must be taken.  
Reasonable Steps
‘Reasonable steps’ means the taking of such steps as an ordinarily prudent Verifier would take in the circumstances and in the ordinary course of their business.  Whether reasonable steps have been taken is a question of fact depending on the circumstances of each case. 
Previous Verification of Identity
Where a verification of identity has occurred within the previous 2 years, the party’s identity is not required to be verified again provided the Verifier takes reasonable steps to ensure they are dealing with the party previously identified. 
Supporting Evidence 
In order to demonstrate reasonable steps were taken, Verifiers must retain evidence supporting a verification of identity for at least 7 years. 
Verification of Identity Overseas 
The Rules have established arrangements with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for verifying the identity of people overseas.  The arrangements standardise services provided by Australian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates to persons overseas.  
AGENTS 
A Verifier may use an agent to undertake verification of identity on the Verifier’s behalf.  The Verifier must direct the agent how to conduct the verification of identity, and this could be by using the VOI Standard or some other method that constitutes taking reasonable steps.  A Verifier must reasonably believe an agent to be reputable, competent and insured in accordance with the Rules. 
Australia Post currently provides a verification of identity service in each of NSW, Queensland and Victoria.
Tress Cox Lawyers can assist with verification of your identity.
We use InfoTrack’s ‘IDfy’ iOS app-based system for face to face VOI interviews in our offices.  We have worked with InfoTrack to fine tune the app.  We can also attend our clients’ offices to carry out VOI interviews using the app.  The relevant identity information is encrypted before it is stored.
We have also registered with Australia Post for clients who prefer to attend their local post office to carry out the VOI interview.  Certified VOI documents are forwarded to us electronically by Australia Post.
 
<div>
Martyn Tier, Lynette Reynolds and Dan Flynn, are partners forTress Cox Lawyers and can be contacted <a href="https://www.tresscox.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
</div>
 
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Conveyancing

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