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

Staff Writer

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

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

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

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

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

A wave of investment, renewal and precinct growth continues to shape the northern edge of Macquarie Park, where daily life is supported by a rare combination of university activity, corporate employment, major retail, and expansive green corridors. It’s this convergence of amenity and connectivity underpins the setting for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a>, which has now topped out and is tracking toward completion in mid-2026.

Within this pocket of the precinct, residents move easily between the area’s key anchors. Macquarie Centre, home to more than 360 retailers, fresh food offerings, dining and entertainment, sits at the heart of local convenience and functions as a major transport interchange. The Metro, T1 rail line and extensive bus network place much of Sydney within quick reach, while surrounding arterial links support direct access to neighbouring districts.

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Green space remains a defining feature of the immediate environment. Lane Cove National Park stretches along the northern boundary of the precinct, offering bushland trails, cycling routes and quiet riverfront pockets. Shrimptons Creek and the campus grounds of Macquarie University extend these recreational networks, softening the urban setting and creating a daily connection to nature that informs the project’s architectural response.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> have shaped La Vera around these contrasts. The building’s northern elevation adopts an organic, curvilinear form that mirrors the natural topography of the national park. Three sculpted forms soften the tower’s profile and encourage a stronger transition between indoor living areas, balconies and the broader landscape.

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Cox Director Felipe Miranda says the building’s outlook played a central role in the design process.

“The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park… The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies,” Felipe Miranda of Cox Architecture said.

Toward the city-facing side, the design shifts to a more urban expression. A gridded facade and extensive glazing capture CBD views, creating a dual strategy that blends ecological outlooks with metropolitan orientation.

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La Vera delivers 169 residences across one- to four-bedroom layouts, reflecting the needs of young families, downsizers, first-home buyers and investors seeking long-term certainty within a high-amenity location. From the project, residents can walk to Macquarie University, Macquarie Hospital and nearby corporate offices, reach national park trails within minutes, and enjoy retail and dining without relying on a car.

The project is delivered by Urban Property Group, a 4.5-star iCIRT-rated developer-builder with more than three decades of experience. The company has become a leader in adopting 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), first introduced on its Parq Bexley development and now embedded into its pipeline.

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La Vera is the first development in Macquarie Park approved to offer this 10-year LDI policy, adding another layer of protection for purchasers and reinforcing the transparency of the construction process.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias says this assurance has become increasingly important for buyers navigating the off-the-plan market.

“Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been… Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share,” Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said.

Urban Property Group's in-house construction team is forecasting a mid-2026 completion, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/home789">HOME789</a> appointed as the project marketer.

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La Vera delivers a nature-connected address within Macquarie Park’s core

National multi-unit approvals increased by 36 per cent in the three months to May 2021 to be 25.7 per cent higher than last year.&nbsp;

It was the strongest quarterly result for apartment approvals since 2018, stated HIA economist, Angela Lillicrap.

They were driven by a rise in apartment approvals in Queensland and Western Australia.

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Matthew Hassan, the Westpac economist noted high rise approvals, where up 186 percent year on year in Queensland and 105 percent in WA.&nbsp;

In NSW highrise approvals were up 59 percent year on year based on the quarterly data, while it was 42 percent in Victoria.

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Hassan noted that high rise approvals were greater than low rise apartment approvals.

NSW lead the low to mid rise apartment growth, up 69 percent, followed by Victoria up 8 percent and Queensland by 4 percent.&nbsp;

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Meanwhile detached building approvals fell back in May from the record level set in April but remain elevated according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics release.

Approvals for private sector houses fell across all mainland states: Western Australia (-18%), South Australia (-16.9%), Queensland (-13.8%), Victoria (-5.8%) and New South Wales (-4.6%), in seasonally adjusted terms. 
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Detached approvals will remain elevated for several more months as approval authorities work through the remaining HomeBuilder projects, stated HIA economist, Angela Lillicrap.

Ryan Felsman, the senior economist at CommSec, noted council approvals to build new homes fell by 7.1 per cent in May after falling by 5.7 per cent in April.&nbsp;

&quot;But approvals are still up 52.7 per cent on the year &ndash; the strongest annual growth rate in 11 years,&quot; Felsman advised.

In May, total house approvals fell by 10.3 per cent (up 53.6 per cent on the year) with apartments up 0.7 per cent (up 51.0 per cent on the year).&nbsp;

Over the past year, 144,827 new houses were approved &ndash; the most for a 12-month period in over 37 years.

AMP Capital cheif economist Shane Oliver noted the decline in building approvals from their peak likely reflects the end of the HomeBuilder subsidy at the end of March, which brought approvals forward.&nbsp;

&quot;However, approvals remain very high, the AIG&rsquo;s June Construction PMI survey continues to point to strong new orders for new houses and the lagged impact of the surge in approvals up until recently points to a significant further rise in dwelling construction activity over the remainder of this year.

&quot;This is good news for continuing economic and jobs recovery.&nbsp;

&quot;Continuing strength in home building against the back drop of the collapse in population growth also holds out the prospect that the property market will move into a situation of underlying oversupply in the next year or so which should ultimately slow the gains in home prices and help improve affordability,&quot; Oliver said.

Multi-unit approvals increased by 36 per cent in the three months to May 2021, the strongest quarterly result since 2018

jchancellor

Apartment approvals see strongest quarterly result since 2018

HIA has announced the appointment of its new national Vice President, Ms Debbie Johnson. Debbie is the second female to be elected to this position.

Debbie is a highly experienced and regarded building designer and builder based in Queensland bringing a strong portfolio of skills to the role having run her business for 35 years and being involved in a diverse range of industry and government boards throughout her career.

Debbie was appointed as the Queensland Regional President in 2013 and to the National Board in 2017.&nbsp;

Debbie was integral in the establishment of HIA&rsquo;s Building Women awards in Queensland which will celebrate their 7th annual event later this year. She supported the expansion of the program nationally and has shared her career journey speaking at many regional Building Women events over the last five years.

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Ms Johnson has expressed her desire to carry on the good work of her predecessors and represent the HIA core values.

&ldquo;I am proud to be a HIA member and will always promote the Housing Industry Association at every level,&quot;&nbsp;said Ms Johnson.

&ldquo;I want Australians to have confidence in our industry, in the products and materials we use and the homes we deliver every day for thousands of families. The industry is proud of our knowledge, experience and our skills and the Association will continue to work hard to develop the next generation of building professionals,&rdquo; she concluded.

HIA has announced the appointment of its new national Vice President, Ms Debbie Johnson

jordan_55689

HIA appoint new national Vice President

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New Home Sales were 39.4 per cent higher in the March 2021 quarter than the same time the previous year.

The HIA New Home Sales report – a monthly survey of the largest volume home builders in the five largest states – is a leading indicator of future detached home construction.

“HomeBuilder, combined with low interest rates, changing population dynamics and improving market confidence, led to strong sales through to the end of 2020,” stated HIA’s Economist, Angela Lillicrap.

“In December 2020, there was a near record volume of new home sales as households rushed to finalise contracts to build a new home before the end of the $25,000 grant."

“This same effect can be seen in March as households rushed to get access to the $15,000 grant."

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Over the year to March 2021, sales increased by 42.6 per cent compared to the previous year. This indicates a strong level of building activity will occur in 2021 and into 2022, providing employment to the construction sector and supporting the broader economy.

HomeBuilder has brought forward demand for new homes. As a consequence, sales over the coming months are expected to cool from recent highs.

“Demographic shifts in population towards regional areas will continue to drive demand for new detached homes. Strong house price growth recently has also sparked FOMO in buyers which will also support the industry,” concluded Ms Lillicrap.

Sales in the March 2021 quarter increased across all the five largest jurisdictions compared to the same time the previous year. South Australia was up by 90.6 per cent, followed by Queensland (+54.9 per cent) and Victoria (+41.9 per cent). New South Wales increased by 24.7 per cent and Western Australia is up by 15.2 per cent over the same period.
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New Home Sales were 39.4 per cent higher in the March 2021 quarter than the same time the previous year.

New home sales spike during March

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New home sales fell in January 2021. They were 12 per cent lower than at January last year, according to the HIA’s chief economist, Tim Reardon who expected a decline given the winding back of the HomeBuilder program on December 31.

The HIA New Home Sales report – a monthly survey of the largest volume home builders in the five largest states – is a leading indicator of future detached home construction.

“New Home Sales reached remarkable heights in the December 2020 quarter, almost 100 per cent higher than at the same time the previous year,” Reardon noted.

The surge in sales at the end of 2020 can be attributed to HomeBuilder as households finalised contracts to access the $25,000 grant.

“As a consequence of HomeBuilder drawing forward sales in December, new home sales in January 2021 were just 30 percent per cent of the number of sales achieved in December 2020.

“This is still an encouraging result given the nature of the market in January, which is typically a slow month for sales. 

“After drawing forward sales into December, HomeBuilder will also push sales back until the end of March when the reduced $15,000 grant ends,” he added.

Sales are expected to remain flat in February before another surge in March.
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The surge in sales at the end of 2020 can be attributed to HomeBuilder as households finalised contracts to access the $25,000 grant

New home sales fall in January

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EXPERT INSIGHT

In less than a year, the Australian Capital Territory managed to overtake Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania to take out top spot in HIA’s Housing Scorecard Report.

The HIA Housing Scorecard report presents analysis which ranks each of the eight states and territories based on the performance of 13 key residential building indicators, including detached and multi-unit building activity, renovations, housing finance, and rates of overseas and interstate migration.

The Australian Capital Territory has benefited from steady population growth and a stable labour market when compared to other jurisdictions. This has supported strong demand for new homes and renovation activity, which has been boosted by the HomeBuilder program. Activity in the first home buyer sector has also grown strongly. 

This is the first time since 2014 that the nation’s capital has topped the Housing Scorecard.

Victoria’s incredible run of housing market success came to an end in 2020. 

Victoria consistently ranked in the top two spots from late 2015 to mid-2020. The COVID recession has seen the state slide from first place into sixth in just six months. This fall is due to a contraction in most of the thirteen indicators. 

New South Wales has also fallen to its lowest Scorecard ranking since 2012. New South Wales now has just one indicator, multi-unit commencements, remaining in the top two of the nation.

Tasmania, Queensland and South Australia have remained near the top of the rankings, in second, third and fourth position respectively. These states have endured the challenges of the COVID recession with greater resilience than Victoria and New South Wales.

Tasmania’s economy had valuable momentum heading into the COVID recession, underpinned by a substantial volume of home building. Ongoing state government support for home building, including social housing projects, will provide support for the state’s labour market.

In 2020, South Australia recorded its first quarter of positive net interstate migration flow since 2002. Many of these new residents are quickly putting down roots which has provided a significant boost in demand for new detached dwellings.

Queensland, which already had the strongest renovations sector in the nation, has seen a further surge in renovations approvals. The south eastern corner of the state has continued to attract interstate migration from Sydney and Melbourne which partially offset the loss of overseas migration.

The second last ranking for Western Australia hides the remarkable surge in activity since mid-2020. The extent of the recovery is only just starting to emerge in official data. An improving economic outlook for WA, the federal government’s HomeBuilder program and the state government’s support package for residential building has seen owner occupiers and investors return to the market.

The economic disruption in 2020 reshuffled the Housing Scorecard rankings.  
The relative strength of residential building activity across the states and territories will be heavily influenced by the take-up of HomeBuilder and other stimulus measures in 2021.

Thomas Devitt is an HIA economist
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ACT has topped the nation in HIA's Housing Scorecard: Thomas Devitt

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The number of multi-unit approvals increased in four states in the December 2020 quarter. 
Multi-unit approvals increased by 14.4 per cent in the December 2020 quarter compared to the preceding quarter but the HIA noted they are 12.6 per cent lower than the same time last year. 

Multi-unit approvals finished the year 8.6 per cent lower than in 2019. 
  
“This relatively strong level of approvals for multi-units is not an indication of the volume of commencements to occur in 2021, as they likely began the planning and approval process prior to COVID,” said HIA economist, Angela Lillicrap.

“There is a divergence in the conditions facing detached builders versus apartment builders,” she advised.

ABS building approvals data for detached houses rose for the sixth consecutive month in December, to reach the largest number since the series began in 1983. Detached house approvals increased in the December 2020 quarter to be 43 per cent higher than at the same time the previous year. Detached approvals finished 13.9 per cent higher for the 2020 calendar year than in 2019.

Lillicrap suggested “not only does the apartment market face headwinds” from a lack of population growth but the regional migration data shows a shift away from metropolitan Sydney and Melbourne. 
  
“The apartment market is also likely to be constrained until overseas migration returns,” said Ms Lillicrap. 
The number of multi-unit approvals increased in Western Australia (+73.8 per cent), New South Wales (+15.3 per cent) and Queensland (+5.7 per cent). 

The number of multi-unit approvals declined in Tasmania (-81.8 percent), Victoria (-47.2 per cent) and South Australia (-44.4 per cent). 
 
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Multi-unit approvals increased by 14.4 per cent in the December 2020 quarter

Multi-apartment approvals jump in December quarter

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HIA has welcomed the announcement by the Federal Government of the $2 billion JobTrainer package, which includes an extension of the vital Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy until March 2021.
“The Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy was the first employment assistance package introduced by the Government as COVID-19 began to take hold. It was well targeted and critical to providing both employers and apprentices the certainty they needed in those early days of the crisis,” said HIA managing director Graham Wolfe.
“While the HomeBuilder incentive has underpinned activity in the second half of 2020, there are many hurdles for businesses into the months ahead.
“Moving early and confirming that apprentices will now be supported beyond the original September timeframe to March 2021 simply makes sense.
“Today’s announcement extends the subsidy to medium-sized businesses with less than 200 employees also giving them greater certainty.
“The partnership between the Federal Government and the States and Territories announced today, giving more Australians access to free, or low cost, training places in areas of identified skills needs through a $1 billion co-funded JobTrainer fund, is also a welcome move,” said Mr Wolfe.
“Undertaking training may be a practical option for many people. Whether that’s reskilling or upskilling, looking at the opportunity to take on a building apprenticeship now offers a chance for workers to enter new careers and be paid while they learn.
“HIA will monitor the new National Partnership Agreement that will facilitate this training opportunity and work with the National Skills Commission to ensure building and construction trades are recognised as critical areas for the future.” 
“While this subsidy will make a real difference to current apprentices and trainees, it is important to provide a clear signal to the school leavers’ class of 2020 that moving into an apprenticeship in 2021 is the right decision. HIA looks forward to working with the Government to identify ways to bring in new students in 2021 and showcase the wealth of opportunities that exist in our industry.”
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

JobTrainer package provides certainty for apprentices: HIA

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
HIA welcomes the release of crucial final touches to the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder scheme. 
The addition of this extra detail will clarify questions builders and home buyers have been asking since the scheme was announced on 4 June.
The HomeBuilder grant has already boosted interest in buying a new home or carrying out a renovation project. Builders are feeling positive about the next six months of activity and equally important is the potential the scheme has to generate activity in 2021. The new details will make this interest even stronger.
The Government has announced three key refinements to HomeBuilder:
<ul>
<li>allowing the necessary time for home buyers to arrange their finance approvals, building approvals and meet other legal requirements before work is required to commence, rather than the fixed three month timeframe initially announced; </li>
<li>clarification that a sales contract for a home purchased off the plan will be eligible in the same way as a building contract, and</li>
<li>aligning the process with the current timing of payments for first home owner grants for new homes. </li>
</ul>
These updates will give greater certainty to home buyers and their builders about what projects potentially qualify for the grant. 
Recognising that a fixed three month timeframe to commence building work did not reflect how dependent home builders are on other players, like the banks, the councils and building certifiers, is extremely important and a welcome update.
While the state and territory revenue offices now need to outline the final details of how applicants will apply for the grant and timing of payment, the new information clearly addresses key concerns HIA had raised with Government.
HIA has been working closely with state and territory revenue offices and we look forward to receiving these details soon, which will assist home buyers and builders begin taking full advantage of the grant. 
The HomeBuilder grant provides the incentive and the support needed to maintain housing activity in the second half of 2020.
Kristin Brookfield is the HIA Chief Executive Industry Policy
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Final touches add certainty to HomeBuilder scheme: HIA's Kristin Brookfield

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A luxurious estate in Currumbin Valley sold for $2.85 million through Realty Blue estate agent Sharon Orlandini. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-currumbin+valley-132139554" target="_blank">Rocks Road estate</a> is the 2013 HIA award-winning Paul Ullmann six-year-old residence with views of surf, sand and ocean. 
The nine-acre property features four bedrooms, three bathrooms.
The three children's bedrooms are situated on the upper level with a bathroom while the master retreat on the main level has a walk-in wardrobe with automatic lights and a huge ensuite.
The media room or library is an audio visual zone with controlled lighting, roll down electric blinds, a large projector screen and status audio visual automated system.
There is eco glass installed throughout the home, nine audio visual zones, and vantage controlled lighting system. 
The residence is characterised by its high ceilings with intricate lines, timber flooring, abundance of light, vast living and dining areas, outdoor fire and speakers.
The Rocks Road estate won a 2013 HIA award. 
<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/2020/5/27/20_QLD%20.jpg" alt="">
 
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Award-winning Currumbin Valley house sold for $2.85 million

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HIA has asked the Fair Work Commission to consider changes to the Building and Construction General Onsite Award that help employers and employees in the residential building industry stay connected despite the impacts of COVID-19.
Home builders and trade contractors are feeling the impacts of COVID-19 in their business every day.
They want to keep their staff and keep them employed despite the decline in home building activity as a result of COVID-19. The current Onsite Award that applies to our industry simply does not give both sides the necessary flexibility to do this.
Last month, 99 modern awards were changed to address COVID-19 impacts but building and construction was left off the list.
The changes we have put forward largely reflect the changes to workplace arrangements available to employers covered by those 99 modern awards and employers eligible for JobKeeper Payments.
The application would also help those employers who remain ineligible for JobKeeper the same flexibility as other businesses. The proposals also address the need for building businesses to comply with COVID health and hygiene requirements by recognizing that extra time during the work day may be needed to carry out building work.
It is important that everyone on construction sites can prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Offering greater options in the Award regarding, for example start and finish times, would support businesses appropriately schedule their work while still being able to get the job done.
The Prime Minister’s comments this week regarding the need to realign our current industrial relations system and support job creation are consistent with this application.
A positive response from the Commission, combined with further advice from Treasury to address the unique situation home builders face under the JobKeeper arrangements, would be a welcome outcome.
With up to half a million jobs at risk in the residential building industry keeping employees connected with their workplaces and keeping businesses in business must be a priority. Any measures that can help facilitate this are now critical.
MELISSA ADLER HIA Executive Director - Industrial Relations.
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