Melbourne-based developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/las-group">LAS Group</a> has this month received planning approval for two adjoining sites, 101 Clarendon Street and 38 Clarke Street in Southbank, that will add around $700 million to the developer’s pipeline on completion.

The two sites were purchased from Crown in 2023 and occupy the same city block as the iconic Casino complex, acquired in an on-market transaction, consisting of multiple titles that were being used as warehouses and low-rise office space.

The resulting permits will see the delivery of two towers consisting of 52 and 25 levels, both to be designed by Fender Katsalidis.

LAS Group’s successful planning approvals are among only a select few new development sites in Southbank to receive a permit in the last three years, as appropriate sites become even more scarce in the popular city-side location.

The projects will enjoy immediate walking access to Crown Casino, South Wharf, the Aquarium, Southbank and the wider Yarra River walk precinct that features a plethora of restaurants, bars and other hospitality and entertainment offerings.

The Fender Katsalidis-designed towers will feature intricate brick masonry and arched windows at street level that will add character to the Southbank streetscape, with sleek towers rising above each podium.

The larger of the two towers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/101-clarendon-street-southbank-vic-3006">101 Clarendon Street</a>, will have 509 apartments across a 52-level building that wuill also include a resident&nbsp;lounge, private dining room, podcast room, golf simulator, co-working spaces, pet care facilities, and an outdoor terrace.

That is expected to complete in 2029.

<img alt="Clarendon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9d8595a7-d225-4532-86a9-d3c5ca7407d4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-05%20at%208.28.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=quwbfnhk5Vf6yR1Qj0GQtt0EjeIsKMci" /> 
The podium at 101 Clarendon Street. Image supplied

The smaller tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-42-clarke-street-southbank-vic-3006">38 Clarke Street</a> will be around half the size at 25 levels and home 188 apartments, a pool, gym, cold plunge, and sauna. That is expected to complete in 2028.

&nbsp;

LAS Group has a long history of developing key sites across Australia, including The Fawkner on St Kilda Road and Guild Apartments in Southbank, as well as holding significant interests in retail, mixed-use and storage facilities across Australia.

<img alt="38 Clarke" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d871b034-d2a4-490f-b9eb-b9d4b99a04c5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-05%20at%208.28.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=J3fWfemsLPQzXekl_h0QlsXoWFnRbfRF" /> 
38 Clarke Street, Southbank. Image supplied

LAS Group director and founder Les Smith said the planning approvals had come at a time when confidence was returning to the market and the need to deliver quality apartment stock in Melbourne’s inner suburbs was becoming critical to help ease the housing and affordability crisis.

“These planning approvals are the outcome of a collaborative process with multiple stakeholders and we are grateful for the involvement and support of Melbourne Water, the Department of Transport and Planning, Melbourne City Council and Property Council of Australia along the way," Smith said.

“We have a huge affinity for Melbourne believe the macro and micro economic factors that underpin long-term growth mean it is currently undervalued compared to other capital cities around Australia.

“Confidence is starting to return given the recent interest rate drops and the buoyancy in the economic climate, so we believe the time is right to bring these two new projects to market in the coming months."

LAS Group General Manager, Mia Smith said the design intent was to bring a sense of place to Southbank from the ground level and contribute positively to the thriving entertainment precinct, while delivering good quality, affordable stock to the market.

“These projects will deliver product that is affordable and accessible, while delivering a beautiful building with luxury appointments, in a wonderful location that’s next door to Crown Casino and the Southbank entertainment precinct, and on the doorstep to the CBD," Smith said.

“We are incredibly pleased with the designs that Fender Katsalidis have proposed and we are excited to make a positive impact to the urban design of this important pocket of Southbank with these exceptional design outcomes.”

Joel Robinson

LAS Group to build 700 apartments across two towers on Crown Casino’s former Southbank sites

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elevaire-palm-beach-1409-1411-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Elevaire Palm Beach</a> moves swiftly toward completion, the final two- and three-bedroom residences offer a rare chance to secure a North Palm Beach home just moments from the shoreline.

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/evoke-property-group">Evoke Property Group</a>, Elevaire is more than just apartments facing the beach on the east side of the main drag; the units are sanctuaries designed to echo the rhythms of the coast.

“Elevaire is inspired by the glistening ocean waves and the rolling sand dunes,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>&nbsp;Director&nbsp;Sandra Browne says.

"The interior palette is subtle and inviting, understated in its connection to the surroundings.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112941 project_image_fid=216014]

Located only 50 metres from the beach, each residence is carefully oriented to enhance its connection with the surrounding landscape. Full-height glazing opens onto expansive balconies, drawing sunlight deep into the open-plan interiors.

Kitchens are appointed with premium Smeg appliances, porcelain &nbsp;stone benchtops, and bespoke joinery, while engineered herringbone timber flooring and ducted air-conditioning ensure durability and comfort year-round.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112941 project_image_fid=216067]

&nbsp;

Each layout, whether two or three bedrooms, has been planned with generous proportions and adaptable living in mind. The three-bedroom apartments extend this with dedicated butler's pantries and generous balconies offering panoramic views over Tallebudgera and North Palm Beach.

Beyond individual residences, Elevaire's amenity suite reinforces its lifestyle promise. A wellness-focused ground level includes hot and cold magnesium pools, sauna, sun deck, outdoor shower and entertaining areas with BBQ and dining facilities, ensuring the development supports both rest and social connections.

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Builder 5POINT is expecting a February completion of Elevaire, with buyers moving in shortly after.

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Staff Writer

Inside the final apartments at Elevaire Palm Beach

The introduction of a new apartment style by Sekisui House Australia at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/zeste-at-the-orchards-norwest-104-fairway-drive-norwest-nsw-2153">Zeste</a>, the final stage of its $1 billion Norwest masterplan The Orchards, has fuelled buyer demand, particularly from the local downsizer.

The new product&nbsp;offering, Breezeway Sky Homes, accounted for 40 per cent of the 25 sales achieved at the launch of Zeste's first building, Essence, which makes up 135 of the 209 apartments in Zeste. Around 90 per cent of purchasers were local owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351878]

David Lee, Sales Manager at Sekisui House Australia, said the new Breezeway Sky Homes had proven the standout performer.

“These residences introduce cross ventilation, north south orientation, butler’s pantries and private courtyard entries that make apartment living feel like a genuine home," Lee says.

“Purchasers are choosing Norwest over other suburbs such as Hills Showground, Tallawong and Macquarie Park due to the limited supply. Zeste is also the final stage of The Orchards masterplan, where all community amenities will be fully completed, making it a functioning neighbourhood from day one.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=352090]

Lee noted that while the expanded federal government’s Home Guarantee Scheme had encouraged more first home buyers to enquire, the majority of purchasers were local homeowners taking advantage of the final opportunity to secure an address within The Orchards.

“Zeste represents the culmination of Sekisui House Australia’s decade long vision for The Orchards, creating a neighbourhood defined by community, sustainability and design excellence. With Zeste, that vision comes full circle."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351876]

Designed by Rothelowman, each residence integrates natural light and greenery, reflecting Sekisui House’s global philosophy of creating harmony between people, homes and nature.

“Zeste’s apartments are on average 20 per cent larger than previous stages, with generous internal areas tailored for owner occupiers,"&nbsp;Lee added.

"Buyers have also responded positively to the premium upgrade options and the project’s independent 4 Gold Star iCIRT rating, which reinforces confidence in quality and delivery."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=352091]

Castle Hill retirees Aswin and Dilu purchased a three-bedroom Breezeway Sky Home in Zeste.

“We have lived in the Castle Hill area for over 15 years in a large five-bedroom home and wanted something smaller but not too small," Ashwin said.

"The moment we walked into the showroom and saw the vision for Zeste we were sold. Our apartment is over 200 square metres so there is plenty of space. The layout, light timber finishes, Japanese craftmanship, balcony overlooking a landscaped courtyard and concierge were standout features. Proximity to friends, shops, restaurants, Sydney Olympic Park, walk and cycle paths and the new Metro made out decision very easy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=352096]

Sales so far have ranged from $735,000 to $2.2 million, with purchasers responding to the combination of large floorplans, refined finishes, and access to resort-style amenity within the masterplanned community.

Construction of Zeste will commence in early 2026, with completion anticipated in early 2028.&nbsp;

To date, more than 860 apartments have been sold across The Orchards, equating to over 65 per cent of the entire masterplan, marking the end of an era for The Orchards, an innovative project 10 years in the making.

Set on a nature site with a creek and cycle/walkways, The Orchards will feature recreational amenities including a 1.4-hectare public park, an outdoor cinema, onsite café, playgrounds, break-out green spaces, lagoon pool and large fitness centre.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150510]

Local owner-occupiers drive sales at Zeste, Norwest

Within a few weeks of unveiling its newest Sydney apartment development The Rushcutters, developer Third.i, and joint venture partner NPACT, have sold out all of the two-bedroom apartments in the boutique building.

Over 200 guests attended an exclusive VIP evening, followed by a bustling weekend at the display suite in Potts Point. More than 50 groups toured the suite, resulting in multiple deposits.

Two-bedroom apartments have sold out, and the remaining three-bedroom residences are available from $4.95 million.

The Rubinstein Group’s James Nixon and Christian Jones are the local agents appointed to sell <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rushcutters-51-57-bayswater-road-rushcutters-bay-nsw-2011">The Rushcutters</a>, alongside Hume Residential. JLL’s Freya Watson, Harri Williams-Jones and Patrick Yi are the listed international agent for The Rushcutters.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144646 project_image_fid=354308]

The Rushcutters is redefining luxury apartment living by offering the unique opportunity to combine two apartments into a single, expansive whole-floor residence. This delivers the ultimate in harbourside luxury, with generous living spaces, curated finishes, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Due to strict planning controls, only one level is available for amalgamation, making it a truly one-off chance for those seeking an inner-city, house-sized apartment.

Luke Berry, Director and Co-founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/thirdi-group">Thirdi Group</a>, said the feedback from buyers has been "overwhelmingly positive", with many drawn to the flexibility and lifestyle that whole-floor living provides

“We’ve always believed there was a real appetite for large, luxury apartments in this part of Sydney, but the response to The Rushcutters has been incredible," Berry said.

“People are looking for something special space, quality, and a sense of home, all in a location that’s second to none. We’re proud to offer a project that delivers on all fronts."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144646 project_image_fid=351899]

Designed by renowned architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, The Rushcutters blends contemporary elegance with timeless materials.

Each residence features expansive living areas, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and high-end finishes that reflect a commitment to quality and detail. Residents will also enjoy secure parking, private outdoor terraces, and seamless connectivity to Sydney’s CBD, parks, and waterfront.

The project’s location in Rushcutters Bay places it within easy reach of the city’s best dining, shopping, and recreational amenities, but is far enough removed to not be in the heart of the urban bustle.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144646]

Buyers jump at The Rushcutters launch

Capital Corporation has officially broken ground on its landmark residential project, The Residences at Wahroonga Estate.

The milestone marks the beginning of a joint venture with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, delivered in partnership with award-winning builder DASCO. Together with interior design by Coco Republic and architecture by GroupGSA, the partnership will transform an underutilized block of land into a vibrant new residential community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=284381]

Capital Corporation Managing Director Jim Hunter said&nbsp;DASCO’s reputation and capability made them the standout choice for this key project.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-residences-at-wahroonga-estate-169-fox-valley-road-wahroonga-nsw-2076">The Residences at&nbsp;Wahroonga&nbsp;Estate</a> will be a luxury landmark development for&nbsp;Sydney’s Upper North Shore, and we’re confident&nbsp;DASCO&nbsp;will help bring it to life with integrity and the highest standards of workmanship.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=262185]

With around 55 per cent of the initial release already sold, valued at approximately $100 million, the development is being hailed as a key catalyst in the renaissance of Sydney’s Upper North Shore residential market.

Capital Corporation’s decision to position The Residences at Wahroonga Estate next to Sydney Adventist Hospital (the San), one of the most respected and significant private hospitals in Sydney, is resonating strongly with buyers who value convenient access to healthcare and lifestyle amenity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=284380]

Sydney Adventist Hospital CEO Brett Goods said the development reflects the hospital’s long-standing commitment to community wellbeing.

“The San has been part of the Wahroonga community for more than 120 years, providing care for generations of families. The Residences at Wahroonga Estate continues our vision of providing world class healthcare and promoting wellness, connection and peace of mind for residents and patients alike,” said Goods.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=284379]

New research commissioned by Capital Corporation into Australian downsizing motivations underscores the growing influence of health and wellbeing on property decisions.

The study found that around one in three Australians (35%) are downsizing due to health- related reasons and want to live closer to medical facilities.

It also revealed that nearly two-thirds (64%) of downsizers seek apartments near general amenities, while a third (33%) specifically value close access to health and wellbeing features when choosing where to live.

Hunter said the findings explained the success of The Residences at Wahroonga Estate, where the combination of premium design, convenience and direct access to Sydney’s leading private hospital has proven to be a major drawcard.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, DASCO and key stakeholders, reflecting Capital Corporation’s enduring reputation as a trusted joint venture partner and leader in quality, community-driven development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=284382]

Francois Keet, CFO of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific said they chose to partner with Capital Corporation because of their proven experience in delivering community-focused developments.

“They’ve helped unlock value in the Estate, allowing us to reinvest in what matters — healthcare training, senior care, key worker housing and other vital local initiatives.

“This partnership is about more than development; it’s about futureproofing our mission and creating lasting social impact for the community we serve.”

&nbsp;

The Residences at Wahroonga Estate is set to complete in 2027 and will offer 128 one, two and three-bedroom, pet-friendly apartments immersed in nature.

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Capital Corporation breaks ground on The Residences at Wahroonga Estate

Housing Developments

<html><body>
Sydney-based land developer, Clearstate, having completed their first major capital raising.
They are now set to deliver 1,700 new homes to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Clearstate kicked off in 2011 and was placed third in the Australian Financial Review’s 2017 Fast Starters list.
Kandis Investments Ltd, an affiliate entity of US-based global investment firm, Avenue Capital Group, has agreed to finance Clearstate with a facility of up to A$50 million.
Clearstate Managing Director, Dean Willemsen (pictured above), said the facility will help Clearstate embark on a new era of expansion.
Currently Clearstate's development pipeline is approaching 600 lots.
The capital raising was facilitated by EY Australia, who secured the partnership with Avenue Capital Group, based in New York.
Clearstate has developed land projects in Sydney’s North West and South West growth corridors, as well as Melbourne.
The company’s latest project, Rouse Hill, is located on Tallawong Rd, Rouse Hill, NSW with house and land packages starting from $777,000.
Clearstate has completely sold 8 other developments ranging in size from 9-59 lots.
They currently have one other one other development with lot's still available for purchase, Candlebark at Box Hill.
Home and land packages at Candlebark start from $688,000.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Clearstate set to deliver 1,700 new homes into Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane markets

<html><body>
JGL Properties has sold 95% of its new $40 million development the Grange Residences.
The two-bedroom and three-bedroom townhomes range in price from $625,000 to $1.6 million. 
Set in Brisbane's inner north, The Grange Residences have a low site coverage across the 1.15-hectare infill site.
North-east-facing over Kedron Brook, the project comprises 39 townhouses and two houses designed by architect Arkhefield.
It is under construction by Hutchinson Builders. 
The project is fully funded by Suncorp and Thakral Capital Australia.
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JGL's Brisbane townhouse project Grange Residences selling well

<html><body>
Wallan offers the cheapest newly released residential land at a median of $248 per square metre, the latest Domain Group data shows.
Craigieburn had the most number of land sales over the December quarter.
Doreen in Melbourne's north-east recorded the strongest annual growth for land prices at 18.5 per cent.
The median price for land in Pakenham also jumped 17.3 per cent over the year.
Some western suburbs had weaker values and growth because there was more land, Domain Group chief economist Andrew Wilson noted.
 
<div class="moveable_w" data-element-id="table_52173693" data-object-id="6195c47d-1d30-44a7-96be-c9788ba8702d" data-object-type="chart">
<div id="table_52173693" class="moveable chart ig-theme-group-chart">
<div id="igc-subtable-52173693" class="igc-chart inner">
<div class="igc-table-container">
<table id="Chart_52173693" class="igc-table __dynamic __visible">
<colgroup>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
</colgroup>
<thead><tr>
<th class="igc-table-header igicon-sort " data-column="0">Suburb</th>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-dynamic-column igicon-sort" data-column="1">Median</th>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-dynamic-column igicon-sort" data-column="2">1-year growth</th>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-dynamic-column igicon-sort" data-column="3">Median price per m2</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody class="igc-table-body">
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Wallan</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$165,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">15.8%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$248</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Bacchus Marsh</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$189,500</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">18.4%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$284</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Sunbury</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$235,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">7.8%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$319</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Brookfield</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$154,990</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">3.3%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$326</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Melton South</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$147,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">1.4%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$335</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Melton West</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$157,500</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">7.1%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$354</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Wyndham Vale</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$180,950</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">-0.8%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$423</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Pakenham</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$230,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">17.3%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$434</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Mickleham</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$217,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">6.9%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$480</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Doreen</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$237,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">18.5%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$521</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="moveable_w" data-element-id="particle_26a606cf-90d8-4463-bcab-701415e238eb" data-object-id="26a606cf-90d8-4463-bcab-701415e238eb" data-object-type="particle">
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<div class="bodytext">
<div class="innertext" data-placeholder="">Source: Domain Group</div>
<div class="innertext" data-placeholder=""> </div>
<div class="innertext" data-placeholder="">A large 11,350 sqm of land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-doreen-201725862" target="_blank">79D Cookes Road</a>, Doreen (above) has been recently listed for sale.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Similarly a commercial land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-wallan-201711450" target="_blank">19 High Street</a>, Wallan (below) has been listed for sale.
<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/2017/02/20/19%20High%20Street.jpg" alt="">
A residential block at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-residential+land-vic-wallan-200516515" target="_blank">22 Moondara Terrace</a>, Wallan (below) was recently sold for $151,000.
<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/2017/02/20/22%20Moondara%20Terrace.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a residential land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-residential+land-vic-doreen-201628138" target="_blank">59 Woorawa Drive</a>, Doreen (below) was recently sold for $246,000.
<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/2017/02/20/59%20Woorawa%20Drive.jpg" alt="">
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Wallan ranks as Melbourne's cheapest land release suburb

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A residential development site in the Brisbane suburb of Griffin has sold at a rate of $1.18 million per hectare, with a total size of 15.44 hectares over three lots.
The total development site, located between Dohles Rocks Road and Wagner Road, roughly 22 kilometres north of Brisbane CBD, was sold for $18.25 million to Oxmar Properties through Colliers International on behalf of RSL Care Limited.
A development application has already been lodged for a residential community .
Colliers International’s Brendan Hogan said the vacant land price in the suburb of Griffin has significantly increased over the recent period which is consistent with the strong population growth in the area.  
“Being one of the last available greenfield sites in Griffin, it attracted nine offers from a range of public, private and offshore groups," he said.
“The buyer Oxmar is a local based developer who understands this value proposition as they are already active throughout the Moreton Bay region."
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

North Brisbane development site sells for $18.25 million

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Evolve Housing, a not-for-profit community housing provider and a manager of state owned social housing, addressed some key design principles for reform in the submission to the Inquiry into Home Ownership by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics.
These key principles are as follows:
<ul>
<li>The provision of integrated, person-centred supports and incentives</li>
<li>Directing policies and programs to the full housing continuum - including the expansion of affordable housing stock</li>
<li>Increasing the community housing asset base through property transfers</li>
<li>Investing to expand affordable housing</li>
<li>Partnering with developers</li>
<li>Focus at state and local government levels on increasing the supply and sustainability of affordable housing</li>
</ul>
Evolve Housing explained in the submission that the people assisted by community housing providers have many other needs as a result of various forms of disadvantages. Lack of English language skills, lack of training and qualifications, and limitations imposed by disabilities are some of the reasons that increase the obstacle of affordable housing
"We urge the government to adopt two overarching design principles for housing reform. Enshrine the policy principle of offering housing assistance within a “Continuum of Housing” model and progressively update assistance options to facilitate the progress of residents, where applicable and appropriate, from income-linked social housing to Affordable Housing and then through to shared ownership and full home ownership. 
"Place particular emphasis on the policies, programs and funding incentives which act as supports and assistance for people on the pathway to housing independence and the associated social inclusion."
The community housing provider went on to address the suggested design principles for reform.
"The government must place immediate priority on funding and delivery models that will provide additional Affordable Housing stock, consistent with the proposed policy principle of offering housing assistance within a “Continuum of Housing” model and bridging the gap between income-linked social housing and the private rental market. 
"We also support proposals for investigating new sources of development. These include categorising Affordable and Social Housing as infrastructure and providing access to NSW Government Waratah Bonds for developing new supply, and investigating the potential use of Social Benefit Bonds or Housing Supply Bonds, and Social Impact Investment strategies, which have been used successfully elsewhere.  
"The government to ensure fair and responsible use of social housing across all of the states and territories and to assist transitions to affordable housing through the following actions:
"Review existing rent-setting arrangements for social housing to provide a clearer incentive to employment and to ensure that tenants are not materially disadvantaged if they move to Affordable Housing or private rental, or take up a job. 
"Seek an Australian Government review of arrangements that allow social housing tenants receiving benefits to cancel Centrelink rent deductions at any time. 
"Where a tenant’s rent is automatically deducted from their Centrelink benefits or Commonwealth Rent Assistance, the consent of their housing provider be required before the payment is reduced or cancelled (on the basis that such consent cannot be unreasonably withheld). 
"Implement a grace period for applicants on the social housing waiting list (or previous social housing tenants) who accept tenancy of an affordable property, allowing them to return to social housing within that grace period in specified circumstances. 
"Allow housing providers to require tenants and potential tenants to disclose personal financial information, such as taxation records, bank balances and visa information, where a housing provider reasonably believes it is necessary to ascertain the eligibility of the tenant for a housing benefit. In the event that tenants exceed eligible income thresholds or refuse to disclose the relevant information, a housing provider should be entitled to evict. 
"The imbalances between social housing and Affordable Housing include much greater security of tenure in social housing, incompatible arrangements for setting rent charges, and a lack of flexibility in Affordable Housing to assist tenants whose incomes rise or fall significantly. 
"The turnover of social housing is lower than it could be because some clients, who could afford to move out of social housing, do not do so.
"These challenges mean that people who need social housing miss out because accommodation is being tenanted by persons who do not in fact meet eligibility criteria. 
"Evolve Housing estimates that the above changes would have immediate impact and, based on our anecdotal experience, could lead to more than 10 per cent of existing social housing residents moving into other forms of housing."
Encouraging state governments to transfer larger scale existing public housing stock from the government and public sector to Community Housing Providers (CHP), is also suggested by Evolve Housing.
"Invest in expanding the portfolio of available Affordable Housing stock, including through innovative investment models and strong partnerships 
"Community Housing Providers to partner with developers to incorporate social and affordable housing into new mixed tenure developments. 
"Government to mandate livable housing design principles, from Living Housing Australia (LHA), in all new homes built by 2018. 
"We urge the government to work with state government to identify the areas where local government is able to strengthen the supply and sustainability of housing.
"Priority to be given to inclusion of affordable housing strategies in planning instruments, the potential for inclusionary zoning, use of developer contributions to fund affordable housing, and incentives to subsidise the yield gap between affordable and private market. 
Evolve housing has almost 4,300 social and affordable properties owned or under management, the experience from managing those led it to believe that the solution to easing the crisis to long-term sustainable housing is reform at individual, organizational and governmental levels.
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Design principles key in community housing reform

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GUEST OBSERVER
The Winter 2015 National Outlook has been released today by the Housing Industry Association. The report is the most comprehensive quarterly review of Australia’s residential building industry, and includes forecasts for new home building and renovations activity.
During 2014/15, we estimate that a total of 214,450 new dwelling commencements occurred across Australia. This is easily the highest yearly total on record. 
HIA's recent National Outlook identifies the role of the low interest rate environment in supporting higher levels of new home building, as well as strong, migration-driven population growth over the past decade.
However, other elements are serving to frustrate the delivery of new housing supply. We are faced with an excessive taxation burden on new housing, land release which is simply too slow and a raft of planning restrictions. All of these make it difficult for our industry to meet the housing needs of Australians.
The effect of these supply bottlenecks will become apparent over the next 12 months, with the volume of new home building projected to decline by 7% during 2015/16. 
During the upturn, multi-units accounted for an increasing proportion of new home building. Consequently, the multi-unit segment will see larger rates of decline over the coming years compared with the detached house segment. 
HIA projects that new home building will bottom out at around 175,000 per year towards the end of the decade. Critically, this falls short of Australia’s long term requirements and emphasises the importance of reform around taxation and housing supply policy. 
Shane Garrett is senior economist for HIA and can be contacted <a href="https://hia.com.au/en/BusinessInfo/economicInfo/EcoGroup.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.
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