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]

Joel Robinson

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 52-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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 52-storey tower, which has just shy of 250 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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"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

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

<html><body>
The building approvals in the current cycle began to rise from mid-2012, according to HIA’s latest report.
It took until late 2015 for the cycle to peak and approvals have subsequently maintained very high levels from a historical perspective.
Australia’s latest new home construction cycle, for which building approvals formed a very accurate lead indicator, is the longest and largest in the nation’s history.
This has produced very healthy outcomes for the broader Australian economy.
The December 2016 numbers for ABS Building Approvals (the latest available data) confirm that we have passed the peak for this cycle.
However, actual residential construction activity will remain healthy throughout 2016/17 and into 2017/18 due to the continuing gap between building approvals and new dwelling commencements (starts).
In monthly terms building approvals peaked in October 2015 at a level of 21,546.
The annual peak for building approvals was a staggering 241,561 over the 12 months to November 2015.
In calendar year 2016 building approvals reached a level of 230,813 compared to 240,009 in 2015.
A gradual decline in building approvals in the early stages of the down cycle provides an important signal for the Australian economy.
This trend is consistent with continued healthy levels of new dwelling commencements and residential work being done in 2016/17 and into next year.
This situation in turn provides positive impacts on economic growth and employment.
For example, construction absorbs 9 per cent of the workforce and is the third largest employer, after health (12.8 per cent) and retail (10.5 per cent) in the Australian economy.
Record levels of residential construction and related jobs have in recent years offset job losses in other sectors.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/21/HIA-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/21/HIA-1.jpg" alt="">
There was considerable variation in the evolution of dwelling approvals among the states in 2016 compared to 2015.
This is not a surprising finding – this building cycle has been marked by larger than normal divergenes in housing conditions around Australia given that the up-cycle began before Australia’s largest ever resources investment boom had peaked.
In original (i.e. not seasonally adjusted) terms three out of eight states recorded increases in total building approvals in calendar year 2016.
The strongest increase occurred in the Australian Capital Territory (+44.6 per cent), followed by South Australia (+3.8 per cent) and New South Wales (+1.2 per cent).
Total building approvals declined in Western Australia and the Northern Territory (-23.4 per cent in each instance), Tasmania (-23.0 per cent), Queensland (-5.9 per cent), and Victoria (-1.3 per cent).
Comparing the December 2016 quarter to the December 2015 quarter, there was a decline in approvals nationwide of 14.2 per cent (in unadjusted terms, see chart below).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/21/HIA-2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/21/HIA-2.jpg" alt="">
Different jurisdictions played varying roles in this overall result.
The main drivers of this annual change in the December 2016 quarter were New South Wales (-6.4 percentage points) and Queensland (-4.9 percentage points).
Contractions were also evident for: Western Australia (-1.5 percentage points); and Victoria and South Australia (-0.9 percentage points in each instance).
Tasmania had a minor - 0.1 percentage point result.
In terms of the number of building approvals, the decline in NSW (-3,884) acted as a large drag on the national outcome (-8,560).
The following analysis provides greater detail on developments in approvals for different dwelling types.
This breakdown of building approvals – separating out semi-detached style product from medium/high density (MHD) units, for example provides important ‘colour’ to the building approvals landscape and is often forgotten in generalised commentary regarding detached houses ‘versus multi-units’.
Let’s start from the top with the aggregate profiles to provide the necessary background.
The chart below shows monthly changes in seasonally adjusted approvals.
There were 51,173 total seasonally adjusted building approvals in the December 2016 quarter, a level 15.2 per cent lower than approvals in the September quarter.
As previously noted, building approvals were 3.8 per cent lower in 2016 than in 2015.
Seasonally adjusted building approvals for detached houses totalled 28,275 in the December 2016 quarter, a level 2.2 per cent lower than in the September quarter of 2016.
Total approvals for ‘other dwellings’ – usually referred to as ‘multi-units’ numbered 22,900 in the December 2016 quarter.
That level was 26.9 per cent lower than the approvals in the September quarter of 2016. In the 12 months to December 2016 approvals were 5.5 per cent lower than in 2015.
The overall profile for detached house approvals in 2016 suggests this segment of the new home building market remains in relatively healthy shape in early 2017.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/21/HIA-3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/21/HIA-3.jpg" alt="">
Drilling down from this aggregate profile we consider five categories of residential building approvals.
Comparing the December 2016 quarter to the same period in 2015, all of the five categories of dwellings recorded a decline in approvals: detached houses (-5.8 per cent); semi-detached, row, terrace or townhouse homes (-10.1 per cent); flats or units in 1 or 2 storey buildings (-21.9 per cent); flats or units in 3 storey buildings (-25.8 per cent); and flats or units in 4 or more storey buildings (-27.4 per cent).
All the categories combined recorded a national decline of 14.2 per cent.
In terms of last calendar year, all categories except semi-detached, row or terrace dwellings posted a negative change.
Building approvals in the ‘semi-detached’ category increased by 3.8 per cent in 2016.
The remaining categories posted declines in 2016 of: detached houses (-1.9 per cent); flats or units in 1 or 2 storey buildings (-27.1 per cent); flats or units in 3 storey buildings (-7.7 per cent); and flats or units in 4 or more storey buildings (-7.5 per cent).
The chart below shows how approvals for each of the different dwelling types have been contributing or detracting from total growth in the number of building approvals in a quarter over the same quarter a year ago.
Clearly, up to the December 2016 quarter, approvals for all categories have driven declines in aggregate approvals, but to a widely varying extent.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/21/HIA-4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/21/HIA-4.jpg" alt="">
Detached house approvals
<ul>
<li>51.2 per cent of total building approvals in 2016 compared with the decade average of 60.9 per cent;</li>
<li>A significant 5.8 per cent decline during the three months to December 2016 to reach a (non- seasonally adjusted) level of 27,610. This level is 13.8 per cent lower than in the December 2015 quarter;</li>
<li>Average monthly approvals of 9,735 dwellings over 2016 in unadjusted terms;</li>
<li>Eastern seaboard states the primary geographical drivers of growth in 2016.</li>
</ul>
Semi-detached and townhouse approvals
<ul>
<li>14.6 per cent of total building approvals in 2016 compared with the decade average of 13.5 per cent;</li>
<li>Average monthly approvals of 2,781 dwellings over 2016, in unadjusted terms;</li>
<li>Strong 3.8 per cent growth in 2016, driven by the eastern seaboard states;</li>
<li>Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory and Victoria contributed to aggregate growth nationally;</li>
</ul>
Approvals for units in 1 or 2 storey buildings
<ul>
<li>1.4 per cent share in 2016, compared with the decade average of 2.9 per cent;</li>
<li>Average monthly approvals of 271 dwellings over 2016, in unadjusted terms. Growth driven by South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, but declines elsewhere.</li>
</ul>
Approvals for units in 3 storey buildings
<ul>
<li>2.2 per cent share in 2016, compared with the decade average of 2.5 per cent;</li>
<li>Average monthly approvals of 426 dwellings over 2016, in unadjusted terms;</li>
<li>Decline of 7.7 per cent in 2016;</li>
<li>Annual decline a result of pull-backs in New South Wales and the Northern Territory. Growth in Victoria and South Australia was insufficient to offset the declines.</li>
</ul>
Approvals for units in 4+ storey buildings
<ul>
<li>30.5 per cent share in 2016 compared with ten year average of 20.1 per cent;</li>
<li>Average monthly approvals of 5,826 dwellings over 2016, in unadjusted terms;</li>
<li>Some slow-down in 2016, driven mainly by Victoria, Queensland and the Northern Territory. The Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales were the two star contributors to growth.</li>
</ul>
Australia’s new home-building boom looks set to taper off from 2017.
Building approvals for new housing have faded (moderately) in the past year, but they didn’t tank.
ABS building approvals figures show that the number of houses and ‘other dwellings’ approved in 2016 were lower than in 2015 by less than 4 per cent.
This outcome is not a precursor of any serious declines in new dwelling commencements in the first half of 2017.
The steady trend in detached house approvals suggests that actual activity will similarly remain reasonably healthy in the short term.
A slightly more positive short term outlook applies to semi-detached type approvals.
Overall, we retain our long held outlook for continued healthy levels of new home construction in 2016/17, and to a lesser extent in calendar year 2017:-
Detached house construction will remain healthy in the short term, but the volume of building will be lower than last year;
The semi-detached market has some further growth to it in the first half of 2017 – a tick in the box that shouldn’t be missed;
The pipeline of work in progress is substantial, particularly in terms of medium/high density dwellings.
HIA Economics will shortly be releasing their latest forecasts for dwelling commencements.
This release will include updates for the subscription products of: dwelling starts composition forecasts; regional building approvals forecasts; and long term forecasts.
For further information go <a href="https://hia.com.au/en/BusinessInfo/economicInfo/housingForecasts.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.
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New home building approvals in longest and largest cycle in Australia's history

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The December 2016 update for ABS Building Approvals confirms the peak for the cycle has passed, according to the Housing Industry Association.
“While a downward trend in building approvals is firmly entrenched, residential construction activity itself will hold up well throughout 2016/17,” said HIA chief economist, Dr Harley Dale.
“From 2017/18 we will see a sharper decline in new home building activity, primarily due to the medium/high density segment of the market.
"Building approvals peaked in July 2016, but by December last year were only 18 per cent lower than that peak.
"Given approvals reached an all-time high last year that’s a modest fall – we can take that away and bank it as a good outcome for the Australian economy.
"This has been an extraordinary cycle for new home building – the biggest and longest in history."
He said a long tail to the cycle will be helpful for the Australian economy.
Dr Dale said it was important to focus in 2017 on ensuring Australia has the correct longer term policy settings to ensure we adequately house our growing and ageing population.
The recent appointment of Michael Sukkar as Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, with a focus on housing affordability allows the Federal Government to lead from the front in meeting this crucial national objective.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/02/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-02%20at%202.34.22%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/02/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-02%20at%202.34.22%20pm.jpg" alt="">
In December 2016 total seasonally adjusted building approvals fell by 1.2 per cent with detached houses down by 2.2 per cent and ‘other dwellings’ sitting flat at +0.1 per cent.
On a three month annualised basis total approvals remain above the 200,000 threshold at 204,692.
In December 2016, seasonally-adjusted building approvals increased by 19.5 per cent in Tasmania and 17.0 per cent in Victoria, while in trend terms there was an increase of 1.2 per cent in the Northern Territory.
Building approvals fell in Western Australia (-16.3 per cent), New South Wales (-13.2 per cent), South Australia (-5.4 per cent), and Queensland (-0.1 per cent).
In trend terms approvals fell by 2.1 per cent in the Australian Capital Territory.
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Peak of the building approvals cycle has passed: HIA

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After posting some healthy looking results over recent quarters, figures released today show Australia’s economy contracted during the September 2016 quarter marking the first quarterly decline in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) since 2011 and only the third quarterly decline in the last decade.
A decline in GDP was not unexpected, however the magnitude of the decline makes the result worthy of closer scrutiny, said Geordan Murray, economist at the Housing Industry Association.
“The value of investment in residential building declined by 1.4 percent in the quarter, however it remains 7.2 percent higher than in the September quarter a year earlier.
In the context of the residential building cycle reaching a record high, the decline in investment in the sector and the role that it played in the overall contraction in GDP is likely to be a point of discussion,” he said.
The 1.4 percent decline in aggregate investment in residential building was the result of a 1.6 percent decline in work done building dwellings, and a 1.0 percent reduction in renovations activity.
“Quarter by quarter fluctuations are expected and poor weather has been blamed for the weak result for the construction sector in the September 2016 quarter.
The latest quarterly decline is not likely to herald the turning point for residential investment just yet, he noted.
There is still a significant volume of work that remains to be done on projects at various stages of construction which will see the level of investment remain at a historically high level over the next few quarters.”
“With GDP contracting by 0.5 percent in the September quarter it will be tempting to focus on the negative headline result.
It is worth noting that the most significant factor detracting from growth was a reduction in capital investment by the various levels of government.
A reduction in defence expenditure was a significant item, while there was also a significant reduction in capital investment by state and local governments,”
“Looking at private sector investment, results continue to be mixed. On the positive side, investment in machinery and equipment increased and the agricultural sector made a strong contribution to growth.
However, this was outweighed by quite a significant drop in new non-residential building along with the modest reduction in residential building investment.
In addition, the widely anticipated contraction in mining related engineering investment continues to weigh on growth,” concluded Geordan Murray.
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Housing unexpectedly bites as GDP declines

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Taxes, fees, levies and other government charges are "the lead in the saddlebag" for housing affordability, according to the Housing Industry Association's (HIA) chief executive – industry policy and media, Graham Wolfe.
“Housing affordability will not be addressed by political point scoring around negative gearing or capital gains tax,” he said.
“It’s a distracting and lazy debate and one where all three levels of government point a finger at each other, when it’s a fact that around 40% of the cost of a new home is taxation.”
“Increasing the supply of new housing is an obvious key to improving housing affordability.
“But retaining the enormous taxation burden on the cost of new homes is an anathema to addressing the problem.”
Wolfe is responsible for the lobbying group's policy development, media and advocacy functions and has been pushing the government to reform its taxation policies towards the industry.
“It’s the taxes and levies that are charged on every new home that overwhelmingly defeat all attempts to reduce housing costs,” he said.
“Yet housing, a basic requirement that all Australians should be able to access, is taxed more heavily than other parts of the economy.”
“State based stamp duty on the purchase of a typical new home alone adds a $91 per month burden on household mortgage repayments.”
“On average, families in NSW will pay considerably more – every month for the life of their home loan.
“Residential investment in housing has made a considerable contribution to arresting rental costs for thousands of families.
“Particularly in NSW where new supply has moderated rental increases over the past two years.”
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Property taxes are crippling housing affordability: HIA

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Central Equity has won the Housing Industry of Australia Victorian (HIA) Apartment Complex 2016 for its Southbank Grand development.
Southbank Grand was designed in collaboration with architects Guilford Bell and Graham Fisher. 
<img src="/images/2016/11/15/SBG_Bedroom_typical.jpeg" alt="">
The 43-level tower meets the standards that have won Central Equity several previous awards for its inner-city residential developments.
<img src="/images/2016/11/15/SBG_Facilities_Indoorpool.jpeg" alt="">
In designing the apartments, consideration was given to space and light and quality finishes and fixtures.
Living areas feature double-glazed floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto a balcony or terrace for abundant light, fresh air and cityscape vistas. 
There are European sourced appliances, composite stone bench-tops, sparkling splash backs and German tap ware. 
<img src="/images/2016/11/15/SBG_TypicalLiving_3bedApt.jpeg" alt="">
Building facilities include state of the art security, access to NBN via a high speed broadband network, an indoor heated pool, gym, BBQ terrace and concierge services.
<img src="/images/2016/11/15/SBG_foyer_panorama.jpeg" alt="">
Southbank Grand is situated at 151 City Rd, Southbank (corner of Power St).  For more information, <a href="https://www.southbankgrand.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Central Equity wins HIA Victorian Apartment Complex 2016 award

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Total dwelling approvals experienced a large decline during September with new dwelling approvals falling 8.7 percent during September and multi-unit developments down 17.5 percent month on month according to the Housing Industry Association.
During September, total new dwelling approvals fell by 8.7 per cent due to big reductions in the larger states, according to Shane Garrett, HIA Senior Economist.
He said during the month, a total of 18,945 approvals were recorded with detached house approvals increasing by 1.7 percent during the month, while multi-unit approvals were down by some 17.5 percent in month-on-month terms.
“Despite the large drop in multi-unit dwelling approvals during September, the volume of approvals in this segment of the market is still at very high levels by historic standards - this means that the immediate pipeline of work will remain very elevated on the apartment side,” he said.
“The concentration of multi-unit dwelling construction in the large states like NSW and Victoria means that these big players bore the brunt of the reduction in multi-unit approvals during September.
“During September, detached house approvals rose to their highest level since May which was good news for both South Australia and Western Australia where detached houses still account for the large majority of new dwellings.
"In September 2016, total seasonally-adjusted new home building approvals increased by 9.4 percent in South Australia and by 5.5 percent in Western Australia.
"During September, building approvals experienced the largest decline in Victoria (-15.6 percent) followed by New South Wales (-13.3 percent).
<a href="/images/2016/11/02/Building%20approvals.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="/images/2016/11/02/Building%20approvals.jpg" alt="">
 
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Residential building approvals declining during September period

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NSW Government figures showing new home building in Sydney at a 16-year high have been welcomed by the Housing Industry Association.
HIA Senior Economist Shane Garrett said these figures from the NSW Department of Planning &amp; Environment indicate that 30,191 new homes were completed in Sydney during 2015/16, the highest since 1999/2000.
“This represents a 10.4 per cent increase on the previous financial year, with multi-units now accounting for two out of every three new homes in the Sydney area,” he said.
In 2015-2016, 30,191 new houses and apartments were completed, up 10 per cent year-on-year, figures from the Metropolitan Housing Monitor released to Fairfax Media on Tuesday found. This compared to 30,520 new homes built in 1999-2000, when builders were rushing into the market before the introduction of GST in July 2000.
About 40 percent of the completed houses and apartments were concentrated in six local government areas, including the City of Sydney, Blacktown, Camden, Parramatta, Liverpool and The Hills.
“The output of the residential building industry has provided homes for almost 80,000 people in the Sydney area during 2015/16 alone. It is important that Sydney’s dwelling stock expands in order to accommodate the strong, migration-driven growth in the local labour market," he said.
“The strength of new home building in Sydney over the past few years owes much to the low interest rates in place, as well as the rebound in tourism and skilled services in the city.
“However, obstacles with respect to planning, land supply and the affordable delivery of housing infrastructure all risk preventing the Sydney economy from reaching its full potential over the long term."
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Sydney home building at 16-year high: HIA

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The Housing Industry Association chief economist Harley Dale says strong price growth was only evident in Sydney.
"Any corrective action by regulators must be very targeted, so as not to adversely affect broader housing demand," Harley Dale suggested.
"Residential building is one of the few bright lights in the economy at the moment, and it would be unwise to interfere in the market to an extent that risks derailing activity."
Efforts to boost lending standards in Australian banks' housing portfolios in the last three months were starting to bear fruit, Wayne Byres, the chairman of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).
"This effort has consumed a great deal of our supervisory time over the past three months, but is now starting to bear fruit," Wayne Byres told a senate committee hearing this week.
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HIA's Harley Dale says strong growth only in Sydney

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Western Australia builder Gransden Constructions has won top gongs at the recent HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards, taking out both the Australian Home of the Year and Custom Built Home of the Year Awards.
The winning trophy home, located in the Perth Hills suburb of Bedfordale, is on 20 hectares and built around five areas known as pods, which make up a total of 1000 square metres. 
One of the pods features a 20m heated pool, complete with enough fibre-optic lighting to make the roof look like the Milky Way.
Builder George Allingham told WA Today the owners, retirees Retirees Tena and Terry Wheeler, wanted a house inspired by their combined love of Japanese architecture.
"It's a large house but it doesn't feel particularly large – it nestles into the block. The architect said it 'touches the earth lightly'," he said.
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<a href="https://hia.com.au/aha" target="_blank">HIA-CSR Australian Home of the Year</a> is the top accolade with other finalists:
<ul>
<li>Metricon HomesSouth Australia
</li>
<li>Planbuild Homes Queensland
</li>
<li>Stonehaven HomesVictoria
</li>
<li>Spacemaker Home Extensions Victoria
</li>
<li>BCG Constructions Pty LtdVictoria 
</li>
<li>Giorgi Exclusive Homes Western Australia
</li>
</ul>
The project also won the award for the Australian Custom Built Home of the Year, partnered by Stramit Building Products. 
The judges were impressed with the execution of the build and the material combination, and described this home as an exemplary masterpiece. 
<a href="https://www.gransden.com.au/-Company-" target="_blank">Gransden Construction</a> services the $1 million-plus market in new homes and the $850,000-plus market in home additions or renovations.
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Architect Suzanne Hunt says her favourite feature of the home was the tranquillity, light and connection to the landscape.
 
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The orientation of the house on the east-west long axis makes the most of natural weather conditions, including solar gain, natural light and the capturing of prevailing breezes.
 High-level remote-controlled windows, sliding glass doors, and louvred and sashless windows ensure cross-flow ventilation. 
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WA builders Gransden Construction win HIA-CSR Australian Home of the Year

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Harley Dale, chief economist at the Housing Industry Association, acknowledges that Sydney is out there on its own.
“Everybody will remain in a tizzy about Sydney through the rest of the year," he said.
But while Sydney and  Melbourne will continue to record strong growth in housing prices, Dale says most  other markets in Australia will register little or no price movement Increased unemployment and stagnant household incomes  will outweigh cheaper home loans and investor appetite so he expects national house price growth will slow down over the next 12 months even if some pockets in capital cities post another bumper return for the period.
“There are literally thousands of property markets around Australia,” Mr Dale told The New Daily.
"Sydney looks to be  well out in front, Melbourne is kind of in the race, Brisbane is accelerating from effectively last place,  and the rest have some training to do.
"National housing price boom – rubbish!”
National price acceleration is unlikely.
"Headlines of a ‘national housing price boom’ will remain  erroneous and, at times, almost irresponsible, because there are negatives as well as positives.
“Sydney is an ‘out there’ market which is outperforming now following a decade of underperformance," he said.
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