For the first time in a long time, Australia's inflation story is starting to look more like a landing than a fight.

The latest Consumer Price Index figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed annual inflation eased to four per cent in May, down from 4.2 per cent in April. On the surface, that might not seem like a major move. Inflation remains above the Reserve Bank's target range and some categories continue to record stubborn price growth.

But the significance of this result lies less in where inflation sits today and more in what it means for where interest rates are likely heading next.

The biggest takeaway is that inflation continues to move in the right direction.

Markets had been bracing for another sticky result after a period where progress appeared to stall. Instead, headline inflation came in softer than expected, helped by falling fuel prices and easing transport costs. Annual transport inflation halved from 6.6 per cent in April to 3.3 per cent in May, while automotive fuel prices fell 11.9 per cent during the month following lower oil prices and the impact of reduced fuel excise measures.

While petrol prices don't solve Australia's affordability challenges, they are one of the most visible and immediate costs for consumers. Falling fuel costs feed through the economy quickly, helping ease pressure on household budgets and business operating expenses.

The ABS data also showed headline inflation is now sitting at its lowest annual level in several months, reinforcing the broader trend that price growth is gradually moderating.

That trend is important because it aligns with what many economists and lenders have been saying for the last month.

Prior to this week's inflation data, ANZ, NAB and Commonwealth Bank had all shifted their forecasts, now believing the Reserve Bank had likely reached the peak of the interest rate cycle. Following the May inflation release, ANZ reaffirmed that view.

In its latest economic update, ANZ said it expects quarterly trimmed mean inflation to come in at 3.7 per cent for the June quarter, slightly below the Reserve Bank's forecast of 3.8 per cent. Importantly, the bank said that outcome, when combined with slowing economic activity, "supports our view that the cash rate has peaked".

The Reserve Bank has spent the better part of three years attempting to bring inflation under control through higher interest rates. If Australia's major banks are correct and rates have now peaked, the conversation shifts from how much higher rates could go to when they might begin coming down.

Westpac's caution comes from underlying inflation. The trimmed mean, the measure most closely watched by the Reserve Bank, increased from 3.4 per cent to 3.6 per cent annually. Housing inflation remains elevated at 6.5 per cent, reflecting ongoing increases in rents, electricity costs and new dwelling construction.

Electricity prices remain particularly problematic, rising 21.1 per cent over the past year following the removal of government rebates.

Housing construction costs are also showing signs of renewed pressure. ANZ noted new dwelling costs rose 0.9 per cent in May and are now running at an annualised pace of 8.6 per cent over the past three months. Builders continue to face higher labour, fuel and material costs, a reminder that inflationary pressures have not completely disappeared.

Housing affordability has deteriorated largely because of higher interest rates rather than higher property prices alone. Even modest reductions in mortgage rates would improve borrowing capacity, increase buyer confidence and reduce repayment pressure on existing homeowners.

While August is far from a certainty, the latest inflation result has strengthened the view that the next move in rates is more likely to be down than up. For borrowers, buyers and the development sector, that alone represents a significant shift from the conversation that dominated much of the past two years.

Joel Robinson

The inflation result the property market was waiting for

Commercial property group FiveX is doubling down on its move into the residential space.

The group, founded by Joshua and Marko Berger more than five decades ago, has followed up its plans for a 39-storey tower on North Sydney's Alfred Street with a proposed 61-storey tower in Chatswood.

The new tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/815-pacific-highway-chatswood-nsw-2067">815 Pacific Highway</a>, which would be one of the tallest proposed in Chatswood in recent years, will comprise 490 apartments, 76 of which will be dedicated affordable housing and managed by Evolve Housing for a minimum of 15 years.

The project will replace the long-standing Panorama Building, originally known as the BMA Tower, a 14-storey office building completed in 1972 and designed by Hungarian-born architect Hugo Stossel. At the time of its completion, the building was the tallest structure in Chatswood and became a local landmark due to its distinctive curved form and external glass lift.

<img alt="FiveX" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="956bd299-3864-47a0-8ea6-162b5524c5d8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-24%20at%201.02.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=EWx7teUr7RcYrI9mgRytwppwt5AdUDtb" />

fjcstudio is behind the designs. Its Architectural Design Report argues the ageing commercial building no longer reflects Chatswood's role as one of Sydney's key strategic centres and that the site is ideally positioned to support significantly higher residential density.

"The site is located at the heart of Chatswood, within the TOD accelerated rezoning area that supports higher density development around the new Metro station," the report states.

"The site's role within a walkable 400-metre radius catchment is where housing, employment, retail and community uses are encouraged to cluster in support of transit-oriented living."

<img alt="fjc" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d198f5e-cc71-4175-9357-be6ec7207473" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-24%20at%201.18.27%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=5WUFc3IYBPvhQMBUYLCsjJhzdcVeYodE" />

The proposal has undergone two rounds of review by the NSW State Design Review Panel, with the design evolving through an extensive assessment process focused on design excellence, public realm outcomes, residential amenity and the integration of affordable housing.

fjcstudio says the residential component provides a diverse mix of apartment typologies, supporting a broad demographic and contributing to housing supply in a highly accessible location close to major transport, employment and retail infrastructure.

The application follows FiveX's plans for a 39-storey tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/275-alfred-street-north-north-sydney-nsw-2060">275 Alfred Street</a>, which it <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/275-alfred-street-north-north-sydney-nsw-2060">submitted through the same NSW Government pathway</a> in December. That's for 184 apartments.

Recent activity in Chatswood includes Hyecorp launching its Archer Street project, Celine, and Develotek securing approval for a 34-storey tower.

First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans

Bridgewell Capital and SLD Development seem to be bullish on the Killara apartment market, filing plans for a second new development next to the Killara Golf Club.

The new plans are for 79 apartments across an amalgamated 4,989 sqm site on Buckingham Road.&nbsp;The project has been designed by BKA Architecture and is being assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing and Infill Affordable Housing reforms. It is just 300 metres from&nbsp;Killara train station.

The majority of the apartments are three-bedrooms (46), with 23 two-bedroom apartments, seven one-beds, and three four-bedroom apartments. 17 of the apartments&nbsp;are proposed as affordable housing, representing 15 per cent of the project's gross floor area, allowing the development to access additional floor space and height incentives available under the NSW Housing SEPP.

There will be 131 resident and visitor car spaces, and more than&nbsp;1,450 sqm of communal open space. Landscaped areas would account for approximately 45 per cent of the site.

<img alt="Killara" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75ef5ef7-a53b-4932-a8f1-38f63169eec9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-24%20at%2011.04.00%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=d_lG1A1StDaMQilljy25Fr8SF1BnAmKE" />

The site currently contains three detached dwellings and occupies a prominent position on the eastern side of Buckingham Road, with frontage to an area that has already begun transitioning towards higher-density housing. Existing apartment buildings of up to six storeys surround the site, while the Killara Golf Club forms its southern boundary.

The application has been lodged as a State Significant Development due to the affordable housing component and the scale of the project.

According to the design report, the proposal has been shaped by the area's evolving planning framework, which is encouraging greater housing density around transport infrastructure.

"The site sits along a growth area anticipated to undergo transformation in line with broader trends across New South Wales, driven by the implementation of the Low and Mid-Rise and Transport-Oriented Development State Housing Policies," the report states.

"Being within 800 metres walking distance to Killara Train Station, the project seeks to provide high-quality apartments designed for various family sizes, located in a vibrant landscaped setting."

The Upper North Shore suburb has become one of the most closely watched testing grounds for the NSW Government's housing reforms. A number of developers have moved quickly to consolidate sites around railway stations across suburbs including Killara, Lindfield, Gordon and Roseville, where the new planning settings are creating opportunities for apartment developments that would previously have been difficult to achieve.

The likes of Aqualand, Hyecorp, Holdmark and Vermont Property Group have projects in the region.

Bridgewell has several developments in the pipeline. Last September they submitted plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/bridgewell-capital-seeks-55-apartment-project-in-killara">55 new apartments</a> at&nbsp;23-25 Lorne Avenue in Killara, just the other side of Regimental Park from their new project. In May they filed for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-bridgewell-plots-120-apartments-and-childcare-centre-in-maroubra-town-centre">120 apartments in Maroubra</a>.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

First look: Bridgewell, SLD Development double down on Killara Golf Club

Sydney developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-element">Central Element</a>&nbsp;is doubling down in Drummoyne, lodging plans for a boutique apartment development on St Georges Crescent, only one-kilometre down the road from its first Drummoyne development, Bianca.

The new project at 15A-21 St Georges Crescent,&nbsp;a&nbsp;1,701sqm north-facing site overlooking Iron Cove, will have 45 apartmnts across 10 levels. Eight of the units will be dedicated to affordable housing.

The site sits within walking distance of Drummoyne Village, Birkenhead Point, ferry services and the Bay Run, and offers harbour views towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge and CBD skyline.

Designed by MHN Design Union, the development will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside resident amenity including a gym, landscaped communal open space and three levels of basement parking.

The project has been lodged under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, with Drummoyne Village identified as a town centre capable of accommodating additional housing supply.

Central Element acquired the site earlier this year as part of its continued expansion across Sydney's eastern suburbs, lower north shore and inner west.

The developer's current pipeline includes luxury apartment projects Pearl Bondi and a separate development on Lamrock Avenue in Bondi, a residential project in Barry Street, Neutral Bay, and a mixed-use seniors living community in Greenwich.

Central Element Managing Director Nathan Chivas said the project would address a shortage of new owner-occupier housing opportunities in Drummoyne.

"While we're seeing a significant shift across Canada Bay as major infrastructure investment, population growth and planning reform drive a new chapter for the region, in suburbs like Drummoyne there remains a genuine shortage of new boutique luxury housing opportunities for owner occupiers," Chivas said.

"Sites of this nature are increasingly difficult to secure, particularly those that combine a north-facing aspect with direct water outlook. Our St Georges Crescent project responds directly to the market demand, offering a level of exclusivity, outlook and lifestyle in the highly sought after suburb."

The development application has been lodged with the City of Canada Bay Council, with the project expected to launch to market in early 2027.

&nbsp;

Central Element seeks second Drummoyne apartment development

The NSW Government has unveiled plans that could deliver around 1,300 new homes across Nowra and Kiama, continuing its push to unlock housing in well-located regional centres along the South Coast.

The proposals, now on public exhibition, would pave the way for around 830 homes in Nowra and a further 450 homes in Kiama, while also introducing affordable housing requirements and increased building heights in key locations.

The larger of the two proposals is centred on Nowra, where the NSW Government is seeking to rezone land within the Mandalay and Riverfront precincts.

The Mandalay sub-precinct, located close to Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital, Nowra Library and the city's aquatic centre, could accommodate around 530 new homes. Around 30 per cent of housing delivered on Homes NSW-owned land would be dedicated to social and affordable housing, equating to roughly 100 homes. Building heights would increase from the current two-storey limit to between three and six storeys.

A separate rezoning proposal for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct would unlock a further 377 homes while creating stronger connections between the Shoalhaven River and the CBD. The plans include building heights ranging from five to 12 storeys, floor space ratios of up to 2:1 and a requirement for two per cent affordable housing.

Together, the two proposals would deliver more than 900 homes across the broader Nowra area, reinforcing the city's role as one of regional NSW's key growth centres.

The housing push builds on previous infrastructure commitments in the Shoalhaven, including government funding aimed at supporting thousands of future homes in West Nowra through upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure.

Further north, the NSW Government is also progressing plans for the former Kiama Depot site, a two-hectare parcel near Kiama's town centre.

The rezoning proposal would transform the former industrial site into a residential community capable of delivering up to 450 homes. Buildings would range between six and eight storeys, with at least 10 per cent of homes allocated as affordable housing. The proposal also includes approximately 600 parking spaces and improved walking and cycling connections.

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the proposals are designed to increase housing supply in locations close to jobs, transport and services.

"For too long, families have struggled to find somewhere to live, and activating underutilised sites allows us to deliver the new homes these families need," Scully said.

"The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of unlocking well-located sites close to transport, jobs, and town centres and building the homes our communities need.

"These rezonings are about removing barriers to housing delivery and making sure land is put to better use so more people can find a place to call home within the communities they choose."

The latest rezonings form part of the Minns Government's broader strategy to accelerate housing delivery across NSW, particularly in established centres where existing infrastructure can support additional population growth.

Community consultation on the proposals is now underway, with feedback set to inform the final planning controls before the rezonings are determined.

Around 1,300 new homes earmarked for Nowra and Kiama as NSW Government pushes housing supply

Fairfax Media

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Domain has appointed the former Reserve Bank economist Trent Wiltshire as its economist.
He was more recently at the Grattan Institute.
Wiltshire, who joined Grattan in July 2015 after four years as an economist at the Reserve Bank, holds a Master of Public Policy and Management from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours in Economics and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Monash University.
He resides in a dowdy 1960s Moorabin home which cost $1,025,000 in 2016 after being listed for just three days.
The home now comes with a $1.08 million value estimate by Domain, reflecting annual price growth of almost three percent.
It was marketed with being 250 steps to the business and shopping centre as its major selling point.
Wiltshire has recently been vocal on local traffic issues especially around the proposed Jasper Road and Moorabbin shopping strip.
He will work in Domain's new data and insights unit, Domain Research House.
The unit is being led by newly-appointed content and data director Tobias (aka Toby) Johnstone, who began working with auction results in the SMH newspaper in 2008 under the tutelage of then property editor Jonathan Chancellor, now editor at large at Property Observer.
<img src="https://mumbrella.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DOM-Research-House-Logo-800x307.jpg" alt="" width="470" height="180">
As part of the launch, Dr Nicola Powell has been confirmed as senior research analyst, although she calls herself a data scientist.
Eliza Owen has been recruited as a research analyst from CoreLogic.
The new division launched a report by Wiltshire, which looked at Western Australia’s property renaissance. 
"After years in the doldrums, Western Australia is showing signs of life.
"But new Domain research shows that WA’s beleaguered property market could have bottomed out," he wrote. 
He replaces the veteran Dr Andrew Wilson.
The blokeish Domain coterie was recently rocked by the departure of its rising star Chris Kohler.
Kohler now leads authoritative property coverage on the new yourmoney channel, a joint venture launching next month between Nine and Australian News Channel.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Domain hires former Reserve Bank economist Trent Wiltshire 

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Fairfax Media director Patrick Allaway and wife Elizabeth have bought back into Mosman.
They've spent $3.1 million on a single-level home that has doubled in price since it traded in 2013 for $1,567,000.
Set on 385 sqm in rose dotted gardens, the home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The couple downsized from their $4.4 million Esther Road home last year.
Its their fourth Mosman abode, having peaked with a Kirkoswald Avenue trophy home sold to UBS boss Matthew Grounds for $14.05 million in 2012.
They briefly resided on the edge of Hyde Park, but sold their apartment in The Residence to Fairfax Media chief executive Greg Hywood for $4.1 million in 2016.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
 
 
 
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Fairfax Media director Patrick Allaway buys back in to Mosman

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The Fairfax-backed Domain Group has told staff it was undertaking a HR review of its workplace culture.
It coincides with a series of three articles this week by The Australian Financial Review with allegations of a "Wolf of Wall Street atmosphere" where its former chief executive Antony Catalano allegedly led a “high octane, blokey, boys' club.” 
Catalano was unavailable for comment to Fairfax Media reporters this week, but The Australian reported he had engaged defamation lawyer Mark O'Brien.
An email was sent to Domain employees on Wednesday by the acting executive chairman Nick Falloon who pledged to undertake a review of its working environment.
Falloon’s email to all Domain staff said they “would have seen the AFR report this morning regarding Domain”. There have been two further articles as Fairfax Media ratcheted up the pursuit of their former executive.
The latest article is today headlined, "Antony Catalano: The fall of a party boy."
The Aaron Patrick piece write-off alleged "the Domain CEO represents the first Australian corporate casualty of the worldwide movement against inappropriate workplace behaviour triggered by Harvey Weinstein."
<p data-reactid="416" data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen-6236702_632="203531" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6236702_632="203531" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6236702_632="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6236702_632="1">Fairfax holds a 60 per cent stake in Domain. The Catalano-led division, mostly Melbourne-based, previously reported directly to the Sydney-based Fairfax chief executive Greg Hywood.
“Be assured that the board and management are committed to ensuring that Domain is an employer of choice. Our future prosperity is based on the quality of our people and creating a positive, safe and welcoming workplace,” Falloon told Domain staff.
“We believe Domain has done well in this regard. But we can always do better.
“Accordingly, we have recently commissioned a review of our working environment. We ask that you all participate in this review so we can further improve our workplaces for the future.”
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Fairfax turns on Catalano as Domain chairman seeks HR workplace environment review 

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Listing at noon yesterday, Domain shares opened at $3.80.
The stock traded as high as $3.98, before finishing the day at $3.69, reflecting a near $2.2 million valuation. 
Fairfax Media shares fell 30% to 74¢, due to the loss of a 40% stake in the Domain business that has been given to the publisher's shareholders. 
Fairfax Media, including its 60% stake in Domain, is now worth $1.7 billion, but when excluding Domain, the market is valuing the Fairfax rump at about $400 million.
On its second trading trading day Domain (DHG) was trading at $3.75.
The spin-off, long mooted, but first announced in February, saw Fairfax's existing shareholders given one Domain share for each 10 shares they own in the longtime publisher.
Fairfax returned to its spinoff plans after US private equity firms TPG and Hellman &amp; Friedman dropped out of bidding for the publishing group in July.
TPG Capital had lobbed a $2.76 billion bid.
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Domain hits stock exchange with near $2.2 million valuation

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Fairfax Media has warned that its revenues are down 4 percent to 5 percent on last year's levels, as it prepares its much anticipated Domain separation plan.
In a statement to the share market, the media company reported falling revenue for all parts of its business, except the real estate advertising arm that is about to be spun-off.
The new digital property group, Domain will have an enterprise value of $1.85 billion, less than the numbers being tossed around when private equity interest was briefly being shown.
The only part of the old Fairfax business with revenue growth was Domain, where gross earnings rose 13 percent on the back of an overall 22 percent rise in Fairfax Domain digital revenue.
However the total recent revenue growth at Domain of 13 percent, was down from its recent 16 per cent forecast, along with overall Domain digital revenue growth of 22 percent, coming in below a forecast of 26 percent.
Fairfax said it made the updated financial disclosure as part of the Domain separation.
The company said today's financial update will replace the usual disclosure provided at the annual general meeting, which will be on November 2.
After the spinoff, Fairfax will no longer have direct access to Domain's cash flow and will only receive money from Domain via dividends.
In a disclosure statement Fairfax also said Domain’s costs will increase approximately 13 percent in 2017-18, from $206 million in 2016-17, in line with previous guidance.
The worst decline in revenue was for its metro media division — which includes the mastheads, The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and the Australian Financial Review — where gross earnings are down 11 percent so far this financial year compared to last.
Australian Community Media, the local newspapers division, has had a 10 percent revenue slide.
Domain has signalled its intentions to be far more than a property advertising platform.
Domain Group is expanding into insurance with the launch of Domain Insure in conjunction with insurance specialist Envest.
Domain Insure, expected to launch later this year, is set to become a must-use digital solution for Domain customers seeking to meet their insurance requirements arising from buying, selling or renting property.
Domain chief executive officer Antony Catalano said Domain Insure adds to Domain’s suite of real estate products and services spanning home loans, utilities connections and trade services "which together deliver on our ambition to meet the modern needs of property consumers throughout their property lifecycle of buying, owning and selling."
Domain’s portfolio of offerings include home loan brokering business Domain Loan Finder, utilities connections business Compare &amp; Connect, home improvement and maintenance business Oneflare, open for inspection check-in management system Homepass, in addition to Domain Insure.
Fairfax confirmed in August it plans to retain 60 percent of the shares in the separately listed Domain, with Fairfax shareholders taking the other 40 percent.
The company also confirmed in August Fairfax Media chairman Nick Falloon will take the same post at Domain.
The board will be:
Nick Falloon, Chairman and Non-Executive Director;
Greg Ellis, Independent Non-Executive Director;
Geo Kleemann, Independent Non-Executive Director;
Diana Eilert, Independent Non-Executive Director;
Patrick Allaway, Non-Executive Director;
Gail Hambly, Non-Executive Director; and
Antony Catalano, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.
"Domain is a real estate media and technology services business, covering services across digital and print platforms," Falloon said in the statement.
"The business, which delivered FY17 revenue from operations of $320 million, has a strong track record of growth, with total revenue increasing at a 28% compound annual growth rate over the past three years.
"Domain has a subscriber base of approximately 12,000 agencies and the large majority of all property listings in every state on its site, providing a strong platform to drive national expansion and depth revenue in the future."
Post separation, Domain will incur a range of costs and adjustments attributable to being a standalone, ASX-listed company. 
The total pro forma standalone cost adjustments are $10 million in FY17 consisting of:
$2 million for Domain Board costs, listing and other costs associated with Domain becoming a standalone entity;
$6 million for additional corporate duties; and
$2 million in FY17 reflecting corporate costs attributable to Domain which were previously unallocated to Domain for the purpose of Fairfax Media segment reporting.
The amounts include charges paid by Domain to Fairfax Media.
Following the separation, Domain will continue to be consolidated by Fairfax Media and therefore the incremental costs for Fairfax Media (post separation) will be $5 million, as opposed to $10-12 million for Domain.
The senior leadership team will comprise of:
• Antony Catalano, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director;
• Robert Doyle, Chief Financial Officer;
• Graeme Plowman, Chief Operating Officer;
• Melina Cruickshank, Chief Editorial and Marketing Officer;
• Simon Kent, Group Director (Domain Media and Developers);
• Tony Blamey, Chief Commercial Officer;
• Mark Cohen, Chief Technology Officer; and
• Trent Casson, Managing Director, Domain Victoria.
 
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