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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

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

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

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

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

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

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Home Sales

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The top sale of the week was a four bedroom waterfront home in Hunters Hill, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
Set on a massive 1876 sqm site, the 1886 sandstone property at 22 Vernon Street sold for $6.51 million through BresicWhitney agent Nicholas McEvoy.
The Hunters Hill home narrowly edged out a six bedder in Mosman which sold for $6.5 million.
Sold through Simeon Manners Property, the home features a large wine cellar, gas-heated pool, spa, sauna and huge games room with a bar.
Top 10 sales across Australia last week
1. 22 Vernon Street, Hunters Hill, NSW - Four bedroom, two bathroom: Bresic Whitney: $6.51 million 
2. 54 Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, NSW - Six bedroom, four bathroom: Simeon Manners Property: $6.5 million
3. 61a Muston Street, Mosman, NSW - Four bedroom, three bathroom: Simeon Manners Property: $6.45 million
4 3 Crestmont Court, Toorak, VIC - Four bedroom, three bathroom: Melbourne Sotheby's International Realty Toorak: $5.79 million
5. 45 Roseville Avenue, Roseville, NSW - Five bedroom, four bathrooms: McGrath Estate Agents: $4.64 million
6. 22 Shackel Avenue, Clovelly, NSW - Four bedrooms, three bathroom: Phillips Pantzer Donnelley Woollahra: $4.2 million
7. 31 Harris Street, Paddington, NSW - Four bedroom, three bathroom: BresicWhitney Darlinghurst: $3.9 million
8. 219 Trafalgar Street, Annandale, NSW - Four bedroom, three bathroom: Pilcher Residential Annandale: $3.65 million
9. 35 Bundarra Road, Bellevue Hill, NSW - Five bedroom, four bathroom: Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay: $3.55 million
10. 797 Hampton Street, Brighton, VIC - Five bedroom, four bathroom: Buxton Brighton: $3.55 million
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Hunters Hill home tops the week's most expensive sales

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The Gold Coast's sub-$1 million market has been buzzing with a mix of local upgraders and southern investors and seachangers, according to estate agent John McGrath.
It has also been an excellent year for prestige property with the entry level of the region’s Top 50 Home Sales (Gold Coast Bulletin) in FY15 rising to $2.5 million from $1.323 million in FY14.
John McGrath says the China Factor – a key element in Sydney and Melbourne’s booms, is increasingly at play in Queensland and especially on the Gold Coast.
The juwai.com property portal reports purchasing intent up by 1,120% YOY, which is not surprising as more Chinese developers build locally and market their projects directly back home.
Construction on the long-awaited $1 billion Jewel hotel and apartment project at Broadbeach by its Chinese owners began in March and the first non-stop flights from the Gold Coast to China have now commenced.
"I remain very optimistic about South-East Queensland.
"The weakening dollar will boost tourism, there are a slew of new infrastructure projects underway and the economy appears to be responding to new political management.
"While the Gold Coast has always had a good international reputation, Brisbane is increasingly asserting itself as a sophisticated global city, particularly following the G20 in 2014.
"The ‘big country town’ stigma of old has been eroded by a continuing undercurrent of social, economic and cultural change.
"Once state economic conditions improve and Sydney slows further, the South-East Queensland property market will be ready to roar," he said.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

SEQ ready to roar: John McGrath

<html><body>
Funds manager Will Liley and his UK born artist wife Janice have sold their Paddington terrace.
Liley, who rowed for Australia in the late 1960s and 1970s, before he founded infrastructure investment firm mInfra, secured around $3.5 million through Ben Collier at McGrath Estate Agents.
Janice studied at the National Art School, Sydney, and before than at Cheltenham College of the Arts in the UK.
Their longtime four bedroom Windsor Street abode was bought back in 1999 at $870,000. 
They retain their Southern Highlands retreat Rosehill Farm, a 45-hectare holding with Richard Rowe designed six-bedroom, seven-bathroom house.
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Funds manager Will Liley sells Paddo terrace

<html><body>
There are indicators that home ownership is starting to decline, the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) suggests.
However, Australia has maintained consistent rates of home ownership of around 68% since 1976. 
"The composition of homeowners, those who own outright and those who are currently servicing a mortgage, has changed with houses under purchase now out numbering those owned outright.
"The last 20 years has also seen sharp growth of migration to Australia and this may have played a role in sustaining home purchase rates." 
<a href="/images/2015/09/02/Screen%20Shot%202015-09-02%20at%206.45.14%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/09/02/Screen%20Shot%202015-09-02%20at%206.45.14%20PM.png" alt="" width="820" height="519">
"The rate of home ownership is higher amongst older age groups, with 55-64 year olds maintaining around 80 per cent ownership rates over the last 30 years to 2011."
 
<a href="/images/2015/09/02/Screen%20Shot%202015-09-02%20at%206.47.52%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/09/02/Screen%20Shot%202015-09-02%20at%206.47.52%20PM.png" alt="" width="831" height="558"> 
In the submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics, AHURI observed that home purchase has decreased mostly for those in the lowest income cohorts, particularly for those aged 24-35 years. 
"Between 1981 and 2011 the rate of purchase for those in the lowest household income quintile fell from 62.7 per cent to 31.3 per cent.
"In interviews with 87 Indigenous people living in various forms of rental housing, AHURI research found that most saw home ownership as an economic burden even when income was assessed not to be a barrier for a quarter of households. 
"Home ownership for some is a more complex due to the relationship with land and implications of individual ownership. 
"A study of home-owners found that around 13% of owners ‘churn’ in and out of ownership while 9% permanently leave. There has been a reduced ability to maintain home ownership due to increased divorce rates and mortgage stress.
"Increasing numbers of homeowners are approaching retirement with mortgages, and a sizeable number of older mortgagees are dropping out of homeownership which is a flag for potential pressure on other areas of the housing system such as a need to access housing assistance." 
Aspects affecting home ownership rates include the increase in house prices and increase in size and period of debt. There is also the positive side of wealth creation for home owners, but this does not happen without risk.
"AHURI research which looked at metropolitan Melbourne found that one in eight of all sellers lost money in real terms and that there is greater risk of making a loss for dwellings in outer urban areas where low to moderate income earners are most able to purchase, and if the dwelling is sold in the first three years. 
"However, higher house prices—while aiding wealth accumulation for those who own or are purchasing—hinders access for aspiring first home buyers. 
"AHURI research also indicates that owners are now more accustomed to using new flexible mortgage products to access their housing wealth, and so use that wealth as a financial buffer to meet needs over time."
AHURI believes that if supply does not match demand it can be a contributing factor to house price pressures and declining affordability.
"Low interest rates, lower unemployment combined with easy credit for housing, have worked together to increase demand. 
"New household formation is a driver for demand for housing. Traditionally this has been seen as part of the ‘housing career pathway’ when partnering and leaving home or moving from private rental to home ownership. 
"Immigration creates new households and therefore increases demand for housing. AHURI research suggests that migrants historically have had a higher purchase rate than native-born Australians. 
"Population projections show that the rate of population increase is expected to be steepest among people aged 65 year and over and this will translate into a surge of singles living alone. 
"Population ageing poses demands for smaller housing in nearby suburbs to enable downsizing and equity release.
"AHURI research found that difficulties faced by downsizers included availability of suitable housing, its cost and affordability, and the suitability of its location.
Evidence is varied on whether land release assists in reducing house prices. 
"AHURI research has documented that connections between land supply and price, which can flow on to house price, are complex with many factors affecting both land and house prices. However, a well-run and timely land release policy can help with the supply of new houses.
"With a strong, nationally coordinated policy framework emphasising housing affordability and dedicated affordable housing creation, state housing policy and planning legislation then promotes affordability, and enables affordable housing creation, through: 
<ul>
<li> system-wide approaches to facilitate land supply in preferred locations, by making planning processes more efficient and through targeted infrastructure     investment;</li>
<li> better needs assessment and planning methodologies to forecast, monitor and respond to housing demand, supply and affordability trends;</li>
<li> specific planning levers or mechanisms to secure land for new affordable housing development and retain existing levels of low-cost housing.</li>
</ul>
"The proportion of new loans for investment housing is at a record high. Up until 2010, lending for owner occupied housing was tracking well above investment housing, however this trend has changed since 2010 after which lending for investment has continued to rise but housing finance commitments for owner occupation started to decline. 
"AHURI research finds that stamp duty is found to impede access to home ownership because it tightens borrowing constraints.
"The provision of the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) raises the rate of home ownership and accelerates ownership, but research finds it is regressive in impact as it primarily favours those that would have eventually become home-owners. 
"Younger (less than 45 years of age) owner-occupiers, most of whom have relatively low equity in their dwellings and face high mortgage debt, are relatively disadvantaged by the structure of tax expenditures because of their inability to deduct the costs of purchasing their home from the income it produces. 
Recent AHURI research examined government spending related to housing in Melbourne for the 2011–12 financial year. The total housing expenditure figure for Melbourne was $5.2 billion. 
"Public housing was the smallest proportion of this figure, at around $107 million or 2 per cent of the total; the First Home Owners Grant, for both new and existing properties, had an outlay of $277 million, 5.3 per cent of the total. 
"Rental assistance had a total of $500 million (9.6% of the total). These expenditures were eclipsed by the negative gearing ($861 million) and capital gains tax exemption ($3.5 billion) estimates, which comprised 17 per cent and 67 per cent of total outlays respectively."
<a href="/images/2015/09/02/Screen%20Shot%202015-09-02%20at%206.54.55%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/09/02/Screen%20Shot%202015-09-02%20at%206.54.55%20PM.png" alt=""> 
 
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Stamp duty constraints impede home ownership: AHURI

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A record 1,120 auctions are slated for Melbourne this weekend, breaking the previous record of 1,030 auctions set in the second week in August.
Some 810 auctions were held on the same weekend last year. 
Real Estate Institute of Victoria CEO Enzo Raimondo said clearance rates in suburbs such as Bayswater, Dingley Village and Wantirna, have been recorded well above 90%. 
“But strong clearance rates and high auction numbers in Melbourne’s middle and outer suburbs show that buyers are increasingly seeking value, and space, in the more affordable areas," he said.
“The heightened demand for homes in these locations is driving a push towards more auctions, with vendors benefiting from strong competition on auction day.”
 
Melbourne’s top auction suburbs in the year-to-date:
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
 
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 
</td>
<td colspan="2" valign="middle">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Total Auctions
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Sold at Auction
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Clearance Rates
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
RESERVOIR
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     387
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     277
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     72%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
GLEN WAVERLEY
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     306
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     244
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     80%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
RICHMOND
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     298
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     241
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     81%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
ST KILDA
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     285
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     211
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     74%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
MOUNT WAVERLEY
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     279
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     240
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     86%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
Suburbs with the highest clearance rates in the year-to-date:
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Total Auctions 
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 Sold at Auction 
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 Clearance Rates
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
BAYSWATER
</td>
<td valign="middle">
      51
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     49
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     96%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
DINGLEY VILLAGE
</td>
<td valign="middle">
      64
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     61
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     95%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
WANTIRNA
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     100
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     95
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     95%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
HEATHMONT
</td>
<td valign="middle">
      59
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     56
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     95%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
VERMONT SOUTH
</td>
<td valign="middle">
      84
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     79
</td>
<td valign="middle">
     94%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Melbourne sets new auction record for August 

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We’re now seeing home sales trend below $400,000 which is making it much harder for price-sensitive buyers to purchase into capital city markets.
37.4% of all home sales nationally were at less than $400,000 compared to 52.0% between $400,000 and $1 million and 10.6% over $1 million over the 12 months to June 2015. 
Sales below $400,000 were at a record low over the past year and sales above $1 million were at a record high.
<a href="/images/2015/08/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-27%20at%2011.35.28%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-27%20at%2011.35.28%20AM.png" alt="">
 
Across capital cities, 25.1% of home sales were under $400,000, 60.1% were between $400,000 and $1 million and 14.8% were in excess of $1 million. 
Twenty years ago 95.2% of all capital city houses and 96.7% of units sold for less than $400,000. Meanwhile, only 0.4% of all houses and 0.3% of all units sold transacted for more than $1 million.
<a href="/images/2015/08/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-27%20at%2011.37.04%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-27%20at%2011.37.04%20AM.png" alt="">
 
 
Ten years ago, the proportion of sales under $400,000 had fallen sharply relative to 10 years earlier. At this time, 66.2% of houses and 73.8% of units had sold over the year for less than $400,000. In comparison, 4.0% of houses and 2.3% of units across the capital cities sold for more than $1 million. 
Five years ago, around one third of all capital city house sales (34.1%) and 46.4% of units sold for less than $400,000. At the same time, 10.1% of capital city houses and 3.8% of units sold for more than $1 million.
<a href="/images/2015/08/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-27%20at%2011.38.05%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-27%20at%2011.38.05%20AM.png" alt="">
 
Looking at the activity over the past year: 
Canberra (7.4%) and Sydney (7.8%) recorded the lowest proportion of house sales under $400,000. 
Hobart (61.2%) was the only city to have more than half of all house sales below $400,000. 
Currently, the unit market offers more opportunity to purchase below $400,000 however, each of Sydney (16.3%), Melbourne (35.9%), Perth (38.5%), Darwin (29.7%) and Canberra (43.3%) recorded a majority of unit sales above this price point. 
CoreLogic RP Data reported a record high proportion of houses and units sold for more than $1 million over the past 12 months. In Sydney, more than a third of all houses (36.8%) sold for more than $1 million. Melbourne had the second highest proportion of sales over $1 million (17.7%). 
Although Melbourne had a record high proportion of houses sold over $1 million it was less than half the proportion of sales in excess of $1 million recorded in Sydney. 
For units, Sydney had the highest proportion of sales over $1 million (11.6%) and was the only capital city in which more than 10% of unit sales were in excess of $1 million. In fact, Sydney had a higher proportion of unit sales over $1 million than each of Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and Canberra had for houses. 
Although we anticipate that the rate of capital growth will slow over the coming year we still expect values to generally rise. As a result we would expect a further decline in the proportion of homes selling below $400,000. 
 
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Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic RP Data. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/author/cameron-kusher/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Home sales trend below $400,000: Cameron Kusher

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GUEST OBSERVER
Timing can be everything when it comes to buying or selling homes and your ability to secure a great price for your home, or even attract multiple buyers, can hinge on the time of year.
Spring is widely regarded as the ideal time to sell property. Warmer weather attracts buyers onto the streets and into open home inspections; our gardens tend to look their best in spring; and many buyers want to be settled in their new home in time for the looming festive season.
Don’t despair however if you are selling your home at a different time of year. The seasons don’t always dictate the best outcome. Indeed, selling in spring may deliver the best price for your current home but it could also mean competing with more buyers for your next property – and that can mean paying a higher price.
Think beyond spring
The geography of your home can be a contributing factor to the ideal time to sell. In hot or humid areas for instance, your property may be more appealing during the cooler months. Or your home may have particular features like an open fireplace or underfloor heating that are best showcased during the cooler months. 
Remember too, with potentially fewer buyers around in winter or autumn, you could enjoy faster turnaround times on professional services like your solicitor or conveyancer. If you are selling in winter, be sure to choose inspection times when your home’s interior receives maximum sunlight.
Focus on the key drivers
Should the season influence whether – and precisely when – you list your house for sale or buy another home? Perhaps. But other factors deserve higher priority, like whether your home is ready to be shown to buyers; whether you have the time to prepare your home for weekend inspections; and whether you have discussed home loan options with your lender to develop a buying budget for your next place.  
These are the key drivers that should really determine the ‘right’ time for you to start your buying and selling activity.
 
Patrick Nolan is head of home loans for industry super fund-owned bank ME. You can contact Patrick <a href="https://www.mebank.com.au/personal/home-loans/home-loans/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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PatrickNolan-Yjmguhh735

Is there a right season to sell? ME Bank's Patrick Nolan

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Four out of the top five most clicked homes for sale on realestateview.com.au for the last week are located in Victoria, with only one entrant from NSW.
The listing that gathered the most interest online was a stylish three bedroom home belonging to Nick and Chris from the first season of House Rules.
The property, <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/25-barry-street-kew/Property-Details-buy-residential-9273376" target="_blank">19 Jackman Street, Preston, Victoria,</a> is the only house on the street with dual car access and is being sold through hockingstuart Preston auction on Saturday, August 29.
<img src="/images/2015/08/21/19-Jackman-Street-Preston-VIC-3072-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-9273376.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="267">
 
A four bedroom three bathroom Doncaster house listed with $1.2 million hopes was the second most clicked property.
The <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/25-barry-street-kew/Property-Details-buy-residential-9204246" target="_blank">77 Church Road, Doncaster, Victoria</a> home faces north, is ripe for development and is for sale through Fletchers.
 
<img src="/images/2015/08/21/77-Church-Road-Doncaster-VIC-3108-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-9204246.jpg" alt="" width="410" height="273">
  
A sold five-bedroom home with three living areas, a pool next to the outdoor room and deck complete with custom fit out is the third most popular listing.
The <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/25-barry-street-kew/Property-Details-buy-residential-9218950" target="_blank">44 Cummins Road, Brighton East</a> home sold for $1,850,000 through Marshall White Brighton.
 
<img src="/images/2015/08/21/44-Cummins-Road-Brighton-East-VIC-3187-Real-Estate-photo-8-large-9218950.jpg" alt="" width="447" height="298">
 
The only home to feature on the list in New South Wales is a brand new property located at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/25-barry-street-kew/Property-Details-buy-residential-9156442" target="_blank">10 Lauren Close, Gol Gol</a>, for sale at $490,000. 
The four bedder with a massive family room and study nook features 9ft ceilings and spotted gum timber floors throughout.
It is for sale through Roccisano Real Estate.
<div>
<img src="/images/2015/08/21/10-Lauren-Close-Gol-Gol-NSW-2738-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-9156442.jpg" alt="" width="483" height="321">
 
The final home on realestateview's top five most clicked houses for the last week is <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/25-barry-street-kew/Property-Details-buy-residential-8547722" target="_blank">Lot 210 No 3 Vibrandia Way, Truganina, Victoria</a>, available through Wyndham Lakes Real Estate.
Homes in the estate are available from $305,000 to $335,000.
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<h2><img src="/images/2015/08/21/Lot-210-No-3-Vibrandia-Way-Truganina-VIC-3029-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-8547722.jpg" alt="" width="546" height="410"> </h2>
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House Rules home dominates most clicked house listings: Realestateview.com.au

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Mirvac Group's Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz forecasts Sydney's fast house price growth is close to ending.
And she anticipates volumes of home sales could fall away by 15%.
"Previous cycles would suggest that activity, i.e. volume of sales, will moderate for a year or two by 15%, but importantly we don't believe this will lead to price falls rather we expect price growth to moderate away from the double-digit growth rate that it has been experiencing."
She suggested the recent Australian Prudential Regulation Authority crackdown had been a "blunt" measure.
Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz has presided over a record $2 billion in residential sales in the past year at Mirvac.
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Mirvac's boss sees less Sydney sales volume ahead

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Croydon South heads the list of Victoria's fastest selling suburbs, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
Its private treaty house sales are typically selling in around 28 days. 
<table border="1">
<colgroup>
<col>
<col>
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="s0" colspan="3">10 Fastest selling days on market (under 40 days)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s1"> </td>
<td class="s2"> </td>
<td class="s2"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s3">Suburb</td>
<td class="s4">Median Price ($'000)</td>
<td class="s4">Days on Market</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s1"> </td>
<td class="s2"> </td>
<td class="s2"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Croydon South</td>
<td class="s6">459</td>
<td class="s6">28</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Ferntree Gully</td>
<td class="s6">403</td>
<td class="s6">29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Chelsea</td>
<td class="s6">423</td>
<td class="s6">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Vermont</td>
<td class="s6">595</td>
<td class="s6">34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Bayswater North</td>
<td class="s6">345</td>
<td class="s6">35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Carlton North</td>
<td class="s6">600</td>
<td class="s6">35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Wantirna South</td>
<td class="s6">477</td>
<td class="s6">36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Ringwood East</td>
<td class="s6">426</td>
<td class="s6">37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Forest Hill</td>
<td class="s6">600</td>
<td class="s6">38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Murrumbeena</td>
<td class="s6">549</td>
<td class="s6">39</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 
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