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

Staff Writer

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

Leading Australian integrated property development group, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>, has released the signature penthouses crowning its landmark AURA by Aqualand precinct at 168 Walker Street in North Sydney, unveiling Il Magnate and La Divina as the largest and most luxurious penthouses in the suburb.

With prices anticipated to commence from $15 million, and each accompanied by a new Porsche Carrera 911 valued at over $500K, the residences mark the culmination of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a>’s decade-long journey and the beginning of its final sales chapter. 
&nbsp; 
Their release follows more than $850 million in record-breaking residential sales and the building’s completion and occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358868]

The Richards Stanisich-designed 284 sqm Il Magnate and 224 sqm La Divina penthouses, collectively known as The Icons of AURA, are conceived as grand luxury homes rather than apartments, with expansive proportions, elevated materiality and curated identities that reflect their status as one-off residences.&nbsp;

Il Magnate features a grande master suite, complete with substantial walk-in dressing area and ensuite, three other bedrooms, second ensuite and another bathroom, powder room, open plan kitchen, scullery, substantial dining area and generous living room divided by a feature fireplace, and a multifunction wintergarden, which is ideal for a study and adjoining office breakout space. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the La Divina residence offers the same amenities, sans the powder room, on a slightly smaller alternate floor plan configuration.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358863]

Each occupies half of AURA by Aqualand’s topmost 28th level, comes with four secure car spaces and pairs sweeping Sydney Harbour panoramas with large-scale living spaces, refined detailing and a level of craftsmanship and amenity rarely offered in the North Shore market.&nbsp;

Penthouse residents will also receive Etymon’s ‘Black Key’ private concierge and lifestyle management service, an invitation only offering providing the ultimate in bespoke personalisation, including a range of everyday discrete services, from dinner party management, grocery deliveries, pet feeding or plants watered, dinners, snacks and coffee deliveries, event ticket sourcing, right up to organising travel visas and international airfares. Rarely seen in Australian properties, the service provides residents the benefits of living in a world-class luxury hotel-style home, akin to The Ritz, or the Waldorf Astoria.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358862]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>’s Director, Kirsten Stanisich, said the studio set out to craft residences that feel profoundly considered, contemporary and deeply connected to their setting.

“From the outset, we approached these penthouses with the sensibility of a grand Parisian residence - generous in scale, elegant in proportion and designed to feel more like a handcrafted home than an apartment," Stanisich said.

“Their elevated position and sweeping harbour outlook informed every decision, creating a rare connection between urban sophistication and natural calm. We shaped each space with expressive materiality, sculptural forms and bespoke detailing that invite touch and interaction.&nbsp;

“The result is a pair of residences defined by volume, light and an inherent softness - refined, flexible and deeply personal. These penthouses are unlike anything else in North Sydney, offering a sanctuary of true luxury framed by some of the city’s most remarkable views.”

For Aqualand’s Head of Sales &amp; Marketing, Alex Adams, the collaboration with Porsche underscores the shared ethos behind the residences.

“Aqualand’s collaboration with Porsche underpins both brand’s sharing an obsession with craftsmanship, design excellence, and enduring value," Adams said.

“Our penthouses are created for those who appreciate the finer details and expect the extraordinary at every touchpoint. Including a Porsche simply extends that experience beyond the residence - it’s a continuation of the lifestyle our buyers already live.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292862]

Aqualand’s Managing Director, Jin Lin, said the penthouses represent both the pinnacle of AURA by Aqualand and an important design benchmark for the company’s future pipeline.&nbsp;

“These stunning penthouses reflect the purest expression of Aqualand’s design ambition," Lin said.

“The unparalleled design intent makes them not only the glistening crown of AURA by Aqualand, but the crown of North Sydney itself. They’re essentially a thank you gift to a burgeoning community that deserves this level of quality and architectural consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re leveraging the unrivalled standard set here as the foundation for what comes next, including our upcoming Anderson Street, Chatswood; 15 Blue Street, North Sydney and Central Barangaroo projects. Purchasers of these penthouses will essentially be living inside the blueprint of Aqualand’s future.

“These landmark residences demonstrate how far North Sydney has evolved and the strength of demand for highly curated, bespoke luxury homes. They’re more than penthouses, they’re legacy residences.&nbsp;

“With AURA by Aqualand now a thriving new precinct with residents well and truly settled, and our in-house world-class lifestyle amenity activated, Il Magnate and La Divina represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure an extraordinary piece of North Sydney’s future.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Joel Robinson

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bokarina-qld-4575">Bokarina</a> Beach has quietly evolved into one of the Sunshine Coast’s most complete coastal lifestyle precincts, defined not just by proximity to the ocean, but by how residential living, local retail and everyday amenity are stitched together.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina-qld-4575">Bask Bokarina</a> now represents the final residential chapter in that transformation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333360]

Over recent years, the Bokarina Beach precinct has taken shape as a walkable, community-oriented neighbourhood, anchored by beachfront access, Lake Kawana to the west, and a growing mix of cafés, specialty retail and public open space.&nbsp;

With Zinc Bokarina already delivered next door by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG), Bask is the last opportunity to buy a brand new apartment within the precinct, effectively rounding out a fully formed coastal village.

GVG has positioned Bask to strengthen that lifestyle framework. Nine ground-floor retail spaces are planned beneath the residences, extending Bokarina Boulevard’s existing activity and reinforcing the area’s everyday convenience, from casual dining and coffee to local services, within a short walk of the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

The residential component comprises 135 apartments across two buildings, Mydas and Caretta, with a clear shift toward larger three- and four-bedroom layouts and penthouses. That mix reflects a maturing buyer profile in Bokarina, where demand is increasingly led by owner-occupiers and active downsizers seeking space, permanence, and connection to place rather than short-term coastal accommodation.

Design and amenity have followed the same logic. Residents will have access to a heated plunge pool, gym, private dining room with a full kitchen, landscaped communal gardens with barbecues and a firepit, and a shared herb and vegetable garden, facilities intended to support daily use rather than resort-style turnover. Pet-friendly features, including a dog wash bay, acknowledge both buyer expectations and the area’s dog-friendly beach, located around 250 metres from the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333366]

“Bokarina has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most desirable beachside communities, and Bask represents the very last chance to buy new in this location,” GVG Director Sam Gardner said.&nbsp;

“Our focus has been to create spacious, functional apartments that meet the needs of locals who want to downsize without compromise, as well as those seeking a full-time coastal retreat.”

Positioned between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Kawana, Bask apartments have been oriented to capture outlooks toward the water or the Glass House Mountains, reinforcing the project’s connection to its natural surroundings. With parks, beachfront paths, hospitals, retail and public transport already in place, Bask arrives at a point where the broader precinct is no longer emerging, but established.

Construction is expected to complete in Q3 this year, with apartments ready to move into this Spring.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141609]

Bask to complete Bokarina’s Sunshine Coast lifestyle precinct as final apartments are released

Property development giant <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/avid-property-group">AVID Property Group</a> is approaching completion, and sell-out, of its Surry Hills apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rathbone-23-47-flinders-street-surry-hills-nsw-2010">The Rathbone</a>.

The Flinders St project has sold well over half of its 32 apartments, which will sit above two retail spaces.

Now hitting the market are the final 14 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, which start from $1.15 million. AVID is targeting a mid-2026 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5947 project_image_fid=51208]

AVID General Manager New South Wales Danny Boubli said as more apartments are introduced to increase housing options in inner-city areas, homebuyers are searching for a &nbsp;sense of belonging in addition to location, convenience and value.&nbsp;

“There are very few opportunities for new developments in Surry Hills, and since acquiring the site, we’ve even seen one early purchaser merge two apartments plans together, reflecting the demand for a spacious, premium offering in a prime location,” Boubli said.&nbsp;

“Demand has been strong since we launched to market – we don’t see these final apartments staying on the market for long.”&nbsp;

Architectural firm Studio SC has designed the building which pays homage to the former 1900s Rathbone Terraces that once sat on the 990 sqm island site.

Boubil said the team has made every effort to create "truly liveable apartments", through&nbsp;functional floor plans, security, storage, and the inclusion of quality fittings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5947 project_image_fid=51207]

&nbsp;

Sustainable design has also been implemented throughout the development, with natural light flooding each apartment, ventilation throughout, extensive landscaping and where possible, materials with a high level of recycled content and low volatile organic compound paints have been used. &nbsp;

Apartments range in size from 57 sqm for the one-bedrooms to the large-scale 165 sqm three-beds which are priced at $2,575,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5947]

AVID launches final apartments at The Rathbone, Surry Hills

A wave of investment, renewal and precinct growth continues to shape the northern edge of Macquarie Park, where daily life is supported by a rare combination of university activity, corporate employment, major retail, and expansive green corridors. It’s this convergence of amenity and connectivity underpins the setting for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a>, which has now topped out and is tracking toward completion in mid-2026.

Within this pocket of the precinct, residents move easily between the area’s key anchors. Macquarie Centre, home to more than 360 retailers, fresh food offerings, dining and entertainment, sits at the heart of local convenience and functions as a major transport interchange. The Metro, T1 rail line and extensive bus network place much of Sydney within quick reach, while surrounding arterial links support direct access to neighbouring districts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=5829]

Green space remains a defining feature of the immediate environment. Lane Cove National Park stretches along the northern boundary of the precinct, offering bushland trails, cycling routes and quiet riverfront pockets. Shrimptons Creek and the campus grounds of Macquarie University extend these recreational networks, softening the urban setting and creating a daily connection to nature that informs the project’s architectural response.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> have shaped La Vera around these contrasts. The building’s northern elevation adopts an organic, curvilinear form that mirrors the natural topography of the national park. Three sculpted forms soften the tower’s profile and encourage a stronger transition between indoor living areas, balconies and the broader landscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=223737]

Cox Director Felipe Miranda says the building’s outlook played a central role in the design process.

“The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park… The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies,” Felipe Miranda of Cox Architecture said.

Toward the city-facing side, the design shifts to a more urban expression. A gridded facade and extensive glazing capture CBD views, creating a dual strategy that blends ecological outlooks with metropolitan orientation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=5827]

La Vera delivers 169 residences across one- to four-bedroom layouts, reflecting the needs of young families, downsizers, first-home buyers and investors seeking long-term certainty within a high-amenity location. From the project, residents can walk to Macquarie University, Macquarie Hospital and nearby corporate offices, reach national park trails within minutes, and enjoy retail and dining without relying on a car.

The project is delivered by Urban Property Group, a 4.5-star iCIRT-rated developer-builder with more than three decades of experience. The company has become a leader in adopting 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), first introduced on its Parq Bexley development and now embedded into its pipeline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=223727]

La Vera is the first development in Macquarie Park approved to offer this 10-year LDI policy, adding another layer of protection for purchasers and reinforcing the transparency of the construction process.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias says this assurance has become increasingly important for buyers navigating the off-the-plan market.

“Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been… Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share,” Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said.

Urban Property Group's in-house construction team is forecasting a mid-2026 completion, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/home789">HOME789</a> appointed as the project marketer.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

La Vera delivers a nature-connected address within Macquarie Park’s core

Master Builders

Three multi-unit developments in Western Australia have been recognised for their excellence in construction at the 2021 WA Master Builders-Bankwest Awards.

Among the winners included PACT Construction for their work on Edge Visionary Living&rsquo;s Arthouse in Joondalup, taking the award for best multi-unit development between $20 million and $50 million.

The Master Builders Excellence in Construction Awards recognises excellence in the commercial, industrial, and civil engineering sectors, rewarding builders for demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to building excellence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8520 project_image_fid=92514]

Situated between the recently expanded Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre and an array of local retail boutiques, Arthouse is now the tallest building in Joondalup.

The 16-storey development comprises 162 apartments and takes cues from the surrounding landscape.

Designed by Hillam Architects, the tower places and health and recreation at its foundation, with in-house amenities including a 15-metre lap pool, spa, sauna, yoga retreat, gym and outdoor cinema

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8520 project_image_fid=92505]

Two smaller developments, Bode&rsquo;s One Iluka Beach and M/Group&rsquo;s Quest Perth Ascot, were also awarded the title of best multi-unit development, in the price ranges of $5 million to $10 million and $10 million to $20 million, respectively.

M/Group also entered their Como apartment building M/26 to the awards, which has been developed under one of their three boutique brands, Match.

Although one-bedroom apartments at M/26 have sold out, two-bedroom apartments are still available, offering sophisticated and elegant apartments by the river.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=25261 project_image_fid=52776]

Consisting of 40 well-designed apartments, M/26 boasts views of the Swan River and the Perth skyline.

Also entered was the EMCO Building-constructed Jolimont development, Treehouse.

Delivered by Stirling Capital, the exclusive 48-apartment project featured 17 unique floorplans, contemporary design and three colour schemes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7850 project_image_fid=162768]

Treehouse&rsquo;s features include an 11-metre outdoor heated pool, a two-level, fully-equipped gym and a private sun deck.

Multiplex Constructions took out the top award at the event which took place Saturday night for delivering WA&rsquo;s largest data centre, NEXTDC P2.

The new tech hub is a critical piece of digital infrastructure that will assist WA businesses to operate and innovate.

The awards were held on July 17 at Crown Perth. 
&nbsp;

For the full list of multi-unit development entrants and winners, see below (winners in bold):

Best Multi-Unit Development ($5 Million - $10 Million):

<ol>
	<li>One Iluka Beach, Iluka 
	Builder: Dale Alcock Projects</li>
</ol>

Best Multi-Unit Development ($10 Million - $20 Million):

<ol>
	<li><a href="/new-apartments/leederville-wa-6007">Aston238</a>, Leederville 
	Builder: FIRM Construction</li>
	<li><a href="/buildings/m-26-7-mary-street-como">M/26</a>, Como 
	Builder: M/Construction</li>
	<li>Quest Perth, Ascot 
	Builder: M/Construction</li>
</ol>

Best Multi-Unit Development ($20 Million - $50 Million):

<ol>
	<li><a href="/buildings/compass-latitude-leighton-beach-7-cattalini-lane-north-fremantle">Compass Latitude,</a> Leighton Beach 
	Builder: Built Pty Ltd</li>
	<li><a href="/buildings/treehouse-18-hortus-way-jolimont">Treehouse Apartments</a>, Jolimont 
	Builder: EMCO Building</li>
	<li>Guildford Grammar New Boarding House 
	Builder: FIRM Construction</li>
	<li><a href="/buildings/lucent-claremont-5-davies-road-claremont">Lucent Apartments</a>, Claremont 
	Builder: JAXON Construction Pty Ltd</li>
	<li><a href="/buildings/arthouse-113-grand-boulevard-joondalup">Arthouse</a>, Joondalup 
	Builder: PACT Construction</li>
</ol>

Three multi-unit developments in Western Australia have been recognised for their excellence in construction at the 2021 WA Master Builders-Bankwest Awards

max.kwok_55688

MBAWA announce the best multi-unit developments in Perth at the Master Builders-Bankwest Excellence in Constructions Awards

The Melbourne property developer Pace Development Group&nbsp;have won&nbsp;the Master Builders Victoria award for Excellence in Construction - Highrise Buildings 2020 for their Abbotsford development Pace of Abbotsford.

The 12 level tower was designed in collaboration with SJB Architects and pays homage to Abbotsford&rsquo;s rich industrial past through a thoughtful and relevant design response.

They restored the landmark 1923 St Crispin House fa&ccedil;ade to its former glory, which forms the street level of the building along with a Woolworths Metro and a Sparrows speciality wine store.

St Crispin House was named after the patron saint of shoemakers &ndash; a nod to its first tenants the Grimson Shoe Machinery Company. The Art Deco building is also a symbol of the wider history of shoemaking and related industrial operations throughout Abbotsford.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3755]

Pace created a contemporary juxtaposition of modern apartments above the historic red-brick building. There are 133 loft-style apartments featuring four metre ceilings.

The rooftop infinity pool is the standout, with sweeping views across Melbourne. There&#39;s also a gym,&nbsp;BBQ and dining area and a resident library. On the fifth level is a garden terrace designed by Jack Merlo.

It&#39;s Pace&#39;s second consecutive win of the award, having won it in 2019 for their Collingwood project Pace of Collingwood, their 100th project.

Pace Development Group latest development is Pace of Blackburn, where the final stage is now on market.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=7211]

Pace Development Group win Master Builders Victoria award for Pace of Abbotsford

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVATION
Master Builders is calling on the Federal Government to fund a new initiative, CommunityBuilder Grants, in the October Federal Budget to activate the construction of community and non-for-profit facilities, in its Pre-Budget Budget Submission released today.
We are calling for the Federal Government to adapt the highly effective HomeBuilder scheme model to do for the commercial construction sector what they done for the housing sector.
Commercial construction activity will suffer a major fall of more than 17% in 2020/21 according our latest forecasts.
This will put under the viability of thousands of SME commercial construction businesses and the jobs of the thousands of tradies they employ, unless the Government steps in with measures such as CommunityBuilder.
We propose that CommunityBuilder would involve the Federal Government providing applicants from the not-for-profit and community sector with grants to fund 25% of the construction, up to a capped amount for example $5 million, for facilities such as community centres, toilet blocks, libraries and training centres.
Grant recipients could supplement CommunityBuilder grants with state and local government grants, but they would need to come up with the rest of the funds. Grant recipients with ‘skin in the game’ increases the impact of taxpayer’s stimulus measures and ensures projects will be constructed with value for money in mind.
Our modelling shows that an investment of $3.8 billion in CommunityBuilder would return a $6.8 billion boost to GDP and create 13,000 new jobs.
Since the onset of the pandemic the Prime Minister has always advanced the protection of jobs as his highest priority. The Governor of the Reserve Bank has consistently shared the PM’s sentiment and he reinforced it again on Friday when he told the Parliament that government’s should more worried about unemployment than anything else and that “fiscal spending with get people back to work".
Our industry has more businesses on JobKeeper than any other sector of the economy and Master Builders is gravely concerned about their continuing viability and the livelihoods of the people they employ.
That is why we are calling on the Government to including funding of our the CommunityBuilder grants proposal in the October Budget. As the sector with the third largest economic multiplier effect in the economy, commercial construction is vital to building a bridge to economic recovery and saving jobs.
DENITA WAWN is the CEO of Master Builders Australia
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Master Builders Australia call for new CommunityBuilder grants: Denita Wawn

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVATION
Master Builders Australia is calling for an extension of the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder grants scheme in its Pre-Budget Submission released today.
We want to see the Federal Government extend what has been the most effective government stimulus measure in a decade for an additional 12 months,
Despite the undeniable success of HomeBuilder so far, we have downgraded our forecast for the housing sector by 25% for 2020/21 so that we are now predicting a 27% fall in homebuilding activity compared to 2019/20.
This will be calamitous for many of the nearly 370,000 home building businesses that are vital to local economies and communities throughout Australia unless the Government steps in with extension of HomeBuilder and other stimulus measures.
Our modelling shows that, based on the Government’s estimate that HomeBuilder Mark I will cost $680 million, that a one year extension, or HomeBuilder Mark II, will require an investment of $1.3 billion, return a boost to GDP of up to $4.5 billion, create more than 4,500 additional new jobs and result in the construction of more than 6,000 new homes in addition to those created in HomeBuilder Mark I.
The Federal Government showed its commitment to builders and tradies when it announced HomeBuilder Mark I and they must be given credit for that. They should now double down to secure to further jobs by including HomeBuilder Mark II in the October Budget.
DENITA WAWN is the CEO of Master Builders Australia
</body></html>

Master Builders Australia call for HomeBuilder extension: Denita Wawn

<html><body>
A riverfront five-bedroom, four-bathroom house in Corinda was sold for $5.1 million through Adcock Prestige estate agent Jason Adcock. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-corinda-129462306" target="_blank">Richmond Street residence</a> is a winner of The Master Builder's Association "Australian House of The Year" with a 39 metre river frontage and unobstructed views across the river to the parkland. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/27/16_Corinda%20Front%20.jpg" alt="">
The 3,633 sqm north-facing estate has two street frontages and surrounded by parkland and manicured lawns. 
The estate features high ceilings, glass walls, open plan living, dining and kitchen, and theatre room. 
Upstairs is the master ensuite with dressing room space, an island bath, chandelier, double shower, double vanity and huge river-view balcony. 
Below entry level is the home's wine cellar, multiple storage spaces and four car garaging equipped with Tesla charging facilities. 
</body></html>

Award-winning riverfront house in Corinda sold for $5.1 million

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
The volume of new apartment building is smaller than at any time since July 2012. 
Just released figures from the ABS show that new home building approvals lost another 8.4% during December 2018.
Detached house approvals were down by 2.1% but approvals for new apartments/units dropped by 18.6% during the month.
Today’s ABS figures complete the full 12-month picture for 2018. For the year overall, the volume of new home building approvals was pretty strong with over 212,000 permits issued for new dwellings.
This was down only modestly (-5.6%) compared with the 2017 total.
More worrying is the pace at which approvals have been falling back over more recent months.
During the final three months of 2018, total approvals were 23.7% lower than a year earlier – with apartment approvals suffering a 40.1% reduction over this period.
Faltering new home building activity has been occurring against the backdrop of falling house prices, the Royal Commission’s work and uncertainty about what housing policy will look like after May’s Federal Election.
Clearing up some of these uncertainties would help get the housing market back on its feet.
During December, new dwelling approvals increased in three markets including South Australia (+5.6%), the Northern Territory (+1.7%) and Western Australia (+1.1%).
The largest reduction in approvals hit Tasmania (-24.3%) followed by the ACT (-21.3%). The volume of approvals also declined in New South Wales (-8.6%), Victoria (-8.1%) and Queensland (-5.8%).
Shane Garrett is Master Builders Australia’s Chief Economist
</body></html>

New apartments volumes weakest since mid 2012: Shane Garrett

<html><body>
"The pace of increase in rents remains at its slowest in 25 years,” according to Shane Garrett, Chief Economist of Master Builders Australia.
ABS inflation data show that over the year to September 2018, rents increased by just 0.6%.
He said, "the last time we saw a smaller increase in rental prices was back in late 1993."
“Rents have been increasing at a much weaker pace than both wages and general inflation over recent years” 
“Current arrangements around Negative Gearing and the Capital Gains Tax discount are also crucial to ensuring that a large enough supply of rental accommodation makes it onto the market from year to year. Introducing any restrictions here could cause shortages of rental accommodation to develop,” Shane Garrett concluded.
There is considerable variation in rental price inflation across Australia’s eight capital cities.
Over the year to September 2018, Hobart rents saw the largest increase (+4.5%), followed by Canberra (+3.0%).
Rents also rose in Sydney (+1.9%), Melbourne (1.8%) and Adelaide (+0.8%) over the same period.
Perth rents saw a sharp decline over the year (-6.1%) with rents also falling in Darwin (- 4.6%) and Brisbane (-0.1%) over the same period.
 
</body></html>

Rental inflation at its weakest in a quarter of a century: Shane Garrett

<html><body>
National builder Vaughan Constructions has won the prestigious industry award, the Master Builder of the Year Award at the recent Master Builders Association Victoria Awards.
The awards, which showcase exceptional craftsmanship and standards of excellence in the commercial building sector, also honoured Vaughan with the award for <a href="https://www.mbav.com.au/2018-excellence-construction-awards">Excellence in Construction of Industrial Buildings</a> for its work on the $165 million Dulux Merrifield Coatings Plant at Mickleham.
Vaughan Constructions Director Mark Byrne said superior ECI project methodology works with the client to achieve the best possible outcome.  
He said ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) meant utilising the builder’s expertise as early as possible in the development process to maximise both cost and operational efficiencies in the design and construction of a building.
"There’s no greater disaster for a client than getting the design they want but one they can’t afford or that ultimately doesn’t meet the desired outcome,’’ Byrne said. 
Vaughan Constructions was engaged under an ECI agreement to complete the base build of Dulux Merrifield (pictured above), a task which was expanded as the project’s design and implementation progressed to also take on responsibility for the completion of the production process fitout.
Dulux Group Project Director, Kevin Worrell, said Vaughan Constructions had completed both the base build and integrated fitout of the Dulux facility which is now the largest coatings factory in Australia and New Zealand. 
Master Builders Victoria CEO, Radley de Silva, praised Vaughan for the Dulux building’s complexity and its ability to remain durable in a harsh, chemical-based environment. 
Vaughan Constructions will now compete at the Master Builders Association National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards at the Adelaide Convention Centre in November. 
</body></html>

Vaughan Constructions named Master Builder of the Year

<html><body>
Master Builders Australia has appointed Denita Wawn as chief executive officer, effective 20 March 2017.
Mrs Wawn will be Master Builders’ first female CEO in its 127 year history and the third CEO in thirty years.
Dan Perkins, national president of Master Builders, said the board is confident her  leadership will see the implementation of its vision for Master Builders as a modern, credible and influential national voice.
“Denita has impeccable credentials for success including her wealth of experience spearheading game changing advocacy and industrial relations campaigns at the National Farmers Federation (NFF), and the Australian Hotels Association (AHA),” he said.
“As CEO of the Brewers Association of Australia and New Zealand, Denita implemented a highly successful reputational change strategy at a national and international level.
“Denita has spent over the past 12 months as General Manager Operations at Master Builders, giving her a strong foundation to understand the issues impacting on Master Builders and our members.
"The Board is excited by Mrs Wawn’s leadership, her strong grasp of the factors which drive success in industry associations, and her passionate commitment for standing up for the interests of members."
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Denita Wawn appointed CEO, Master Builders Australia 

<html><body>
Chief executive officer of the Master Builders Australia, Wilhelm Harnisch, will step down from his role after 15 years.
He has been with the association for 26 years. He was appointed as chief economist in 1991, deputy CEO in 1996 and CEO in 2002.  
He said it has been a privilege to lead the most influential lobby group that represents the whole spectrum of the building and construction industry.
Dan Perkins, Master Builders Australia national president said Wilhelm has been a tireless advocate for the building and construction industry and his longevity as CEO is testament to his success.” 
“Under his leadership, Master Builders Australia has become a highly influential and effective voice in promoting the building and construction sector for its 32,000 members," he said.  
"His hallmark as CEO has been his passion for the industry, his bi-partisan approach and highly disciplined evidence based advocacy."
</body></html>

Master Builders

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Master Builders

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.