The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 41-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

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Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 41-storey tower, which has 229 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

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"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

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The decline in dwelling approvals appears to be losing momentum, the HIA chief economist Tim Reardon advised after the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics release of its monthly building approvals data covering all states and territories.
Approvals in May 2019 were up by 0.7% from the previous month.
The improvement was led by multi-unit approvals (+2.1%) with detached house approvals down marginally (-0.2%), noted Reardon.
"Recent positive news relating to house prices and new home sales has started filtering through," he said.
"Even if this isn’t the bottom of the cycle the pick-up in new home sales in May suggests the pace of decline is slowing.
"We’re hopeful market confidence has improved following the Federal election and retention of current property taxation arrangements.
"Back-to-back interest rate cuts from the RBA and the pending reforms to APRA’s mortgage lending guidelines should act to minimise any further contraction in residential building."
Seasonally adjusted building approvals in May 2019 were up by 14.4% in Victoria and were flat in NSW.
Approvals declined in Tasmania (-1.2%), South Australia (-2.9%), Western Australia (-4.7%) and Queensland (-6.3%).
In trend terms, approvals in May lifted by 7.2% in the ACT and were down by 6.1% in the Northern Territory.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/7/4/building%20approvals%20.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<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/2019/7/4/building%20approvals%20.jpg" alt="">
Source: HIA 
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Housing downturn loses momentum as good news rolls in: HIA 

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Simon Norris is the newly elected National President of the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
After serving as HIA’s National Vice President for the past two years, Simon Norris (pictured) has been elected as National President to replace outgoing National President, Pino Monaco.
“Simon’s involvement with the HIA has spanned over 20 years, in various roles including as Queensland Executive Committee member, Queensland Vice President and President, National Service Committee Chair and as National Director for the past eight years,” said HIA managing director, Graham Wolfe.
In his first formal address at HIA’s National Conference in Perth, Mr Norris praised former National President, Pino Monaco for his “commitment, energy and outstanding contribution to the National Board and to the HIA membership more generally”.
“I am delighted to say that Mr Monaco’s contribution to our great Association will continue through his position on HIA’s National Board as Immediate Past President,” said Mr Norris. 
“His knowledge and experience will serve the Board well as we approach the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
“The residential building industry generates over $130 billion dollars in economic activity, employs over one million workers and provides opportunities for rewarding, lifelong careers in an industry that boasts a ‘salt of the earth dna’. 
“The industry’s contribution is much greater if related activities such as landscaping, hard and soft furnishings, domestic appliances and home technologies are included.”
“HIA members include builders, developers, trade contractors, designers, building supervisors, manufacturers and suppliers, estimators, engineers, and many other professionals. 
“I look forward to working with HIA’s members to achieve improvements across key areas such as planning schemes, red tape, finance and housing affordability,” said Mr Norris.
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New HIA national president Simon Norris elected

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EXPERT OBSERVATION 
In the lead up to the NSW election the calls by politicians to stop funding Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) are not only wrong, but will substantially harm the residential building industry in NSW substantially.
HIA is fully supportive of policies that encourage people to take up a skilled trade, as it is vital that Australia has steady supply of tradies people to build the homes of tomorrow and increase the supply of housing in NSW.
However, recent calls to stop all RTO’s from receiving government support will make the problem of skills shortages worse.
Private RTO’s, in particular industry association RTO’s like HIA, have a long and successful track record delivering training products that are designed specifically for industry.
This allows students the option of choosing training that is tailored to their experience and delivered with flexibility to align with their working hours, and provides the crucial element of on the ground training.
There is no doubt that some Private RTO’s have abused funding in the past, however The Australian Skills and Qualifications Authority (ASQA) has made a concerted effort to crack down on the ‘dodgy’ RTO’s in recent years.
If ASQA audits a Private RTO and is satisfied they meet the necessary requirements, why would a state government believe differently?
HIA has helped hundreds of both young and adult apprentices complete their apprenticeship and get trade qualified over 15,800 students received their qualifications at an RTO in 2017.
It has also helped hundreds get their certificate in building or in other career pathways, and taken mature age apprentices through their journey to realising a new career, last year over 40% of all certificates achieved in Australia were achieved through RTO’s.
Instead of pitting TAFES against RTO’s Politicians in NSW would do better to put funds into promoting trades, to show that a trade is just not a plan B career choice but a legitimate and rewarding career that provides a vital service to the residential building industry and economy as a whole.
In fact, it seems lost on many politicians that industry groups like HIA work hand in hand with TAFE all the time in their apprentices.
HIA would also like to see more money directed towards mature age apprentices entering the work force as their expertise and life experience makes them a valuable asset to the residential building industry.
Any incoming NSW government needs to create meaningful policies to address skills shortages and provide flexibility in choice for students via a contestable market.
Simply using a populist argument and pitting RTO’s against TAFES doesn’t help anyone.
DAVID BARE is the Executive Director of HIA NSW
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Populist policy doesn’t solve skills problem: HIA's David Bare

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If the leading dwelling construction indicators do not improve in the first half of 2019, then the pipeline of building work will be exhausted at a concerning rate, according to HIA's latest report.
The report found the pipeline of building work has expanded over recent years and the backlog that once existed has been reduced.
Tim Reardon, HIA Chief Economist said, “The downturn in the level of home building activity will be contained to the next two years, as long as migration policy is not tightened further."
“In 2018, market confidence fell away as dwelling prices corrected, adversely impacting all segments of the market. Investors and owner occupiers are delaying purchase decisions and foreign investment has also fallen dramatically for numerous reasons."
“Builders in markets with a significant volume of work in the pipeline – such as Melbourne – have not been affected by the downturn yet, but other markets that were already performing poorly – such as Perth – have seen their market fall to a new historic low point," he stated.
Tim Reardon is of the opinion that the building industry, which has been a driving factor for the rest of the economy for the past five years, will now be relying on the rest of the economy to deliver a "contained" downturn.
“The expectation that governments will not constrain net overseas migration is central to this outlook for a contained downturn."
“If the fall in overseas migration accelerates then interest rate cuts are likely to be necessary in order to mitigate the adverse impacts of this home building downturn on the wider economy,” concluded Mr Reardon.
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The pipeline of home building work is shrinking: HIA

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GUEST OBSERVER
New home sales continued the trend of decline seen throughout 2018.
The HIA New Home Sales Report shows detached house sales fell by 6.7 per cent in the final month of 2018.
Sales during the final quarter of 2018 were 14.9 per cent lower than last year.
While declining home prices in Sydney and Melbourne have made home buyers in these markets far more cautious, the ongoing challenges accessing finance that face many would-be home buyers across the rest of the country continue weigh on new home sales.
New home sales declined steadily throughout 2018. The declines ultimately ended up with sales in December dropping to their lowest level since late-2012.
There is still a large amount of residential building work under way due to residential developments that proceeded with large numbers of off-the-plan sales during 2016, 2017 and early 2018.
These off-the-plan sales have been flowing through the build process and many are now in the construction phase. This high level of building activity is masking a deterioration looming on the horizon.
The slowdown in sales that occurred throughout 2018 shows that the pipeline of new work coming though during 2019 is set to be considerably weaker than we’ve seen in recent years.
Home building activity on the ground is set to decline as the year progresses.
It will be important to watch the trajectory of new home sales during the first half of 2019. This will give us a clear indication of how the contractionary phase of the home building cycle will play out in the second half of 2019 and into 2020.
New South Wales was the only state where sales did not decline during the month (up by 10.0 per cent). Elsewhere sales declined: by 11.8 per cent in Victoria, 9.2 per cent in Queensland, 4.0 per cent in South Australia and 9.2 per cent in Western Australia.
Geordan Murray is a Senior Economist for HIA 
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New home sales at 2012 levels: HIA's Geordan Murray

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EXPERT OBSERVER
With home prices falling, access to finance more difficult and fewer people now entering the country, the number of new homes approved for construction has declined.
ABS data released today show that 16,447 homes (seasonally adjusted) were approved for construction in August – a level that is 9.4 per cent lower than in July and 13.6 per cent lower than in August 2017. The latest level of approvals is the lowest since October 2016. 
The new home building sector has been cooling modestly over the past year after reaching all-time high levels of activity during 2015 through to 2017.
Just as apartment construction drove the increase in home building to record levels, approvals data is signalling that apartments will lead the decline.
Approvals for units fell by 17.2 per cent in August, to be 23.7 per cent lower than a year earlier. 
The key risks that we’re watching relate to credit conditions and population growth.
Constraints on the availability of finance through APRA and increased prudential constraints by banks are restricting investment in new homes.
Population growth has slowed since the government introduced stricter visa requirements last year. As global economic conditions improve, skilled migrants who might otherwise consider immigrating to Australia could be more inclined to look to other similar advanced economies where entry requirements are less restrictive.
The outlook for detached house building is better than for units, with the latest approvals data indicating declines likely to be much more modest,” added Ms Hopkins.
Detached house approvals declined by 1.7 per cent in August and are a modest 4.2 per cent lower than a year previously,” concluded Ms Hopkins.
Total seasonally adjusted dwelling approvals in August fell across the eastern seaboard states: Victoria (-12.0 per cent); Queensland (-8.4 per cent), and; New South Wales (-2.7 per cent). Tasmania experienced the largest monthly fall (-18.6 per cent). Elsewhere approvals increased: Western Australia (+14.7 per cent) and South Australia (+9.6 per cent). 
In trend terms, total dwelling approvals in August increased by 1.5 per cent in the Northern Territory and was virtually unchanged (up by 0.1 per cent) in the Australian Capital Territory.
Diwa Hopkins is an economist at the Housing Industry Association.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Fewer homes approved for construction: HIA

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For the third consecutive year, Metricon Homes has been revealed as the nation’s number one residential builder.
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The announcement came at the launch of the HIA-COLORBOND® steel Housing 100 Report in Melbourne earlier this week.
Metricon Homes reported a total of 4,764 starts – almost 400 more homes than last year - across Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. Of these starts, 3,876 were detached houses and 491 were semi-detached dwellings. 
The Housing 100 Report found that the number of homes built by the top 100 builders in Australia has fallen for the first time in five years.
Representation in all states has fallen, with the exception of builders from Victoria.
HIA said in terms of building activity, 2017/18 will be recorded as one of the strongest years on record. 
"We are expecting to see around 222,000 new homes commenced this last year, making it the second strongest year on record and the strongest year for detached house builders in 18 years," HIA said.
"Against this backdrop, it is surprising to see that the number of new homes built by the largest 100 home builders in the country did not increase."
HIA suggested building businesses have shifted their focus away from increasing the number of homes they build to focus on improving the efficiency of their business in preparation for a slowdown across the market over the next couple of years.
The key highlights from this year’s HIA–COLORBOND® steel Housing 100 Report for 2017/18 shows that the largest 100 residential builders:
- Increased revenue earned from home construction by 12.3 per cent to $25.39 billion in 2017/18.
- Reduced the number of new starts in the year by seven homes.
- Reduced their share of the new home building market from 34 per cent to 33 per cent.
- Accounted for 69 per cent of the detached homes built in Australia in 2017/18. 
The number of starts required to make the list has also increased again, from 108 to 118 – the highest entry hurdle on record. 
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Metricon Homes named HIA's number one residential builder for third year running

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Changes to visas for skilled workers have delivered an immediate hit to Australia’s population growth.
ABS data released today shows that Australia’s annualised population growth rate slowed for the fourth consecutive quarter.
Australia’s overseas migration fell by 9 per cent since changes to visa requirements came into force in April 2017, slowing the population growth rate to 1.6 per cent.
In April 2017, Australia introduced a range of visa changes which have been successful in reducing the number of skilled migrants arriving in Australia.
The current phase of Australia’s 28 years of continuous economic growth is built upon the arrival of skilled migrants. Skilled migration is necessary to offset the impact of our aging population.
Looking domestically, states such as New South Wales and Victoria that have benefited the most from overseas migration over recent years are now seeing population growth rates slowing.
The slowing rate of population growth, while it remains high for a developed economy, will contribute to slower growth of household consumption.
This means slower growth in sectors such as retail and residential building.
Given that these two sectors are amongst the nation’s largest employers the risks presented a decline in population growth should not be underestimated.
Over the year to March 2018, Victoria saw the strongest growth in population (+2.2 per cent), followed by the ACT (+2.1 per cent) and Queensland (+1.7 per cent).
New South Wales was fourth fastest (+1.6 per cent) with Tasmania fifth (+1.0 per cent), Western Australia sixth (+0.8 per cent) and South Australia seventh (+0.7 per cent).
The population of the Northern Territory has actually declined over the last two quarters and the annual rate of growth has slowed to 0.1 per cent.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/20/HIA%20ground.JPG" alt="">
Geordan Murray is the Principal Economist for HIA 
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Overseas migration into Australia is down by 9 per cent: Geordan Murray

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New home sales rose 2 per cent in June, the first rise this year, according to the HIA New Home Sales report.
“Despite the monthly bounce in June, new home sales during the entire 2017/18 financial year were 5.3 per cent lower than in the previous financial year,” stated HIA’s principal economist, Tim Reardon.
The increase in sales in June is small in comparison with the fall in sales that has occurred throughout 2018.
New home sales for the first six months of this year are 2.9 per cent lower than in the last six months of 2017.
AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver noted despite the first rise this year the "moderate downtrend was continuing."
"The deterioration of sales over the financial year reflects shifts in housing market conditions," noted Mr Reardon.
The availability of credit has tightened over the past 12 months with banks responding to the decline in house prices and the Banking Royal Commission.
Although credit availability has tightened, overall building activity remains elevated when compared with building levels over the past decade.
New home sales rose in all states except Victoria, which have been in decline since February 2018 and declined a further a 0.4 per cent in June.
“Activity in the Victorian market has reached record levels over recent years and has remained elevated well above historical trends and well in excess of growth in other states," stated Mr Rearden.
“The decline in sales in Victoria is well overdue."
“A pickup in new home sales in the other states, particularly NSW, is a welcome reprieve from a year of slow sales," he added.
Sales in NSW were 13.3 per cent lower in 2017/18 than in the previous year.
Sales in NSW picked up in June 2018, by 8.3 per cent compared with the previous month, giving a positive end to an underwhelming year.
Across the other markets, new home sales also rose in Queensland (2.7 per cent) and WA (1.5 per cent) and SA (0.2 per cent).
Mr Rearden stated that “Australia’s population growth has slowed over the past three quarters in response to tighter visa requirements that have constrained inward migration."
The Sydney and Melbourne markets have seen a decline in their rates of population growth since 1 July 2017.
ABS data shows approvals for private sector detached houses fell dramatically in May 2018.
"Approvals data typically trails the new home sales data by three to six months and the dramatic fall in approvals in May is likely to be reflected in the June data,” concluded Mr Reardon.
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New home sales numbers have risen for the first time this year: HIA

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New home sales rose 9.1 per cent in August, powered by strong results in Victoria and Western Australia, but over the year sales continue to slow, according to Housing Industry Association (HIA).
The HIA New Home Sales report is a monthly survey of the largest volume home builders in the five largest states and is an indicator of building approvals and activity in the building industry. 
“The jump in sales in July confirms our forecast of a slowdown in building activity through until 2018/19. The increase in sales in August offsets larger declines in sales in recent months, but it is not sufficient to reverse the decline in sales that is evident since early 2016,” said HIA’s principal economist, Tim Reardon.  
“Results in July and August have been affected by government interventions in NSW and Victoria which have seen first home-buyers returning to the new home market. 
For the three months to August compared with the same period last year, house sales in Victoria were up 15.7 per cent while in South Australia the figure rose 9.2 per cent. 
However, sales declined in Queensland (-7.3 per cent), WA (-15.4 per cent), NSW (-17.4 per cent) and Queensland (-37.9 per cent). 
“Victoria has seen record numbers of new building approvals and new home sales are continuing to drive even higher. Strong population growth and employment growth, fortified with enhanced first home buyer incentives, is prolonging the boom in building activity.” 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/10/03/HIAchart.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/10/03/HIAchart.png" alt="">
“The trend in new home sales continues to provide a strong leading indicator of the trend in residential building approval figures from the ABS as can be seen in the chart,” said Reardon. 
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