<p>Developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dasco-australia">DASCO</a> has pushed beyond the now-standard inclusions of rooftop pools and landscaped podiums at its recently launched new Epping project, Senso.</p>

<p>It has laid out over 4,000 sqm of resident-only amenity in a move designed to compete directly with low-density housing on livability, not just density. The result is a development that supports genuine daily use through purposeful spaces distributed across its five-building, 479-apartment precinct.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4396]</p>

<p>Two rooftop pools form the anchor of Senso. One is a 27-metre lap pool adjoining a heated spa, designed for everyday fitness rather than just summer leisure. The second sits on a lower podium, allowing different buildings to share in vertical access and reducing crowding during peak times.</p>

<p>It is the secondary spaces that start to distinguish Senso from other large-scale suburban projects. A rooftop cinema is integrated into a landscaped terrace, offering open-air screenings with natural ventilation and passive cooling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The inclusion of a “sensory walk”, an elevated boardwalk that threads through the site, suggests a rare investment in non-commercial, non-essential amenity: space for quiet movement that doesn’t double as access or traffic circulation.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4402]</p>

<p>The gym and wellness centre, often relegated to a small ground-floor room in many builds, takes on more substance here. Residents have access to a fully equipped gym, as well as outdoor yoga areas and meditative zones that integrate greenery and natural light.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Club Lounge is similarly designed to support multiple use cases, with a private dining terrace, kitchenette, workspace, and lockable wine storage. These aren’t superficial additions; their scale and spatial allocation indicate serious intent for frequent resident use.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4391]</p>

<p>Importantly, Senso’s amenities are embedded within a site that spans more than 10,000 sqm, allowing for better separation between spaces and reduced noise spillover, a critical but often overlooked factor in high-density developments. This spatial generosity also enables multiple alfresco kitchens and communal terraces without compromising individual privacy or usable space.</p>

<p>While many developments make claims about lifestyle, few back it with this level of built infrastructure. Senso’s mix of dedicated fitness, wellness, social and passive green spaces suggests a conscious response to the post-pandemic shift in housing expectations, especially among owner-occupiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>DASCO is one of several leading developers who have taken out Resilience Insurance's Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing buyers with a 10-year structural and waterproofing warranty, and giving them the ultimate peace of mind.</p>

<p>Senso is scheduled for completion in late 2028.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134954]</p>


Staff Writer

The outdoor amenities elevating life at Senso, Epping

<p>Following the proposal by the Minns Labor Government to rezone Parramatta Road to create up to 8,000 new homes, prominent developer Ceerose has gone to the NSW Gov to increase the density of its new mixed-use residential building in Leichhardt.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/ceerose">Ceerose</a>, founded by Edward Doueihi nearly three decades ago, has filed plans for 154 apartments above ground-floor retail at 307-315 Parramatta Road, a key corner site near Norton Street, the main high street strip in Leichhardt.</p>

<p>It's an upsize from the previously approved scheme of 63 apartments across a seven-storey building.</p>

<p><img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba1ae75b-5f08-43fb-b8d5-3de6d9f6ef71" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.39%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yA3hBBLPH4ev7MsAE0_hieXeqiFqBUb7" /></p>

<p>The project is being advanced through the State Significant Development (SSD) pathway, with concurrent rezoning sought to facilitate the proposal. The 10-storey development would rise over a four-level basement and deliver two retail tenancies, one a larger-format offering and the other a smaller “hole in the wall” space, addressing the Parramatta Road frontage. 21 of the apartments are dedicated as affordable housing.</p>

<p>According to the Urban Design Report by Architecture AND, the scheme includes a podium and tower configuration, with a fine-grain, two-storey parapet street wall that references the traditional shopfront rhythm along the corridor. “An elegant tower form is proposed, combined with a characterful two storey frontage... articulating it as two related buildings, providing consistency with the rhythm and grain of Parramatta Road,” the report notes.</p>

<p>The residential component is split across two slender towers set back from the street edge, a design move aimed at preserving solar access and reducing perceived bulk. This massing strategy also seeks to improve residential amenity by focusing scale toward the quieter northern interface, away from Parramatta Road’s noise and pollution.</p>

<p><img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="347f2f8f-5d36-4388-b40a-2e77380b9c19" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.02%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=xvyUE2ujT1lzivXTo.mHBJFF4SmfgLtz" /></p>

<p>Architecture AND has worked with Ceerose on previous Inner West projects, and cites a deep familiarity with the local character. Their design draws heavily on context, heritage, and sunlight access considerations, and engages with the Inner West Council’s “Our Fairer Future” strategic planning framework.</p>

<p>The site spans 2,712 sqm and is located near key intersections with Catherine Street, Hay Street, and Redmond Street. It adjoins a public carpark to the north and is within walking distance of Stanmore and Petersham stations. It is also flagged in state and local planning strategies, including the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, as a suitable candidate for increased density.</p>

<p>Ceerose recently completed The Alex Collective on McEvoy Street in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay.</p>

<p>The Parramatta Road corridor is coming to life with the proposed rezoning which is serviced by a significant number of bus, light rail and train routes.</p>

<p>Deicorp is progressing with its $1.8 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> precinct on Parramatta Road in Five Dock, as is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/toga-to-push-on-with-five-dock-mixed-use-masterplan">TOGA further down the street</a>. Those two projects alone will bring nearly 2,000 new homes to Parramatta Road.</p>


Joel Robinson

First look: Ceerose plots mixed-use Leichhardt development on Parramatta Road

<p>North Sydney's landmark 'SBS Building' on Alfred Street is set to be demolished to make way for a new mixed-use residential tower in the booming North Sydney.</p>

<p>Commercial property group FiveX is behind the plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/275-alfred-street-north-north-sydney-nsw-2060">39-storey tower</a>, the latest project to advance under the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway.</p>

<p>They are proposing 184 apartments above retail spaces, which will replace the existing 20-storey commercial building. FiveX was set up more than five decades ago by Joshua and Marko Berger. It is currently led by Joshua's son Lesli.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower at 275 Alfred Street, North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2efa0980-53fa-4cca-9f9e-9c3c845d4746" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29%20%281%29_0.png?VersionId=y_YyPMq3NQLfYRs84pP4os9UgWiMLp75" /></p>

<p>According to the Architectural Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">FJC Studio</a>, the slender tower form has been deliberately designed to respect the site's transitional setting at the southern gateway to the North Sydney CBD, where high-rise towers give way to lower-scale residential precincts.</p>

<p>"The slender tower form and articulated podium establish a respectful relationship with nearby heritage and low rise buildings, including the Whaling Road Heritage Conservation Area,” the architecture firm noted, adding that the tower “completes a missing link in the urban fabric” while enhancing the Alfred Street streetscape.</p>

<p>The proposed building will include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with 15 percent of the gross residential floor area allocated as affordable housing. There is an agreement already in place that those apartments will be managed by Evolve Housing.</p>

<p>The project aligns with broader state housing objectives, including the National Housing Accord target of delivering 1.2 million new homes by 2029. The Scoping Report filed with the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) suggests the site "presents no impediments to rapid delivery,” with construction able to commence within 12 months of receiving consent.</p>

<p>North Sydney has been one of the most popular suburbs in Sydney for new and off the plan apartment development, but hasn't had the supply to keep up with demand, until recently.</p>

<p>AURA by Aqualand was, for a long time, the only off the plan apartment building on the market. That completed last year, and has sold the majority of its 386 luxury apartments. Recently ALAND launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> on the same street, selling over $100 million within just a few hours of its launch, while developer CASA also launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-mclaren-north-sydney-45-mclaren-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The McLaren</a>&nbsp;in the same precinct.</p>


First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower in booming North Sydney

<p>Kokoda Property Group has announced the Sydney-based Versatile Construction as the builder for its landmark $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> precinct.</p>

<p>Construction of the 17,612 sqm site is scheduled to commence in December 2025 and is expected to be delivered in stages from 2028. Once complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> will comprise 212 residences across four architecturally distinct buildings, alongside Brisbane’s first Kimpton Hotel, extensive retail, hospitality, and wellness amenities.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=295098]</p>

<p>Kokoda Property Group Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens, said appointing Versatile Construction marks a significant milestone for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.</p>

<p>“Partnering with Versatile Construction gives us confidence in delivering a precinct that sets a new benchmark for luxury living, curated experiences and vibrant riverfront activation," Stevens said.</p>

<p>"Together, we will bring the vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> to life, creating a destination that residents and visitors will enjoy for generations."</p>

<p>Throughout the construction phase, more than 2,000 jobs will be created, supporting hundreds of local contractors and suppliers.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=352274]</p>

<p>Marco Fahd, Chairman &amp; CEO at Versatile Group, said the company is looking forward to&nbsp;expanding their footprint in the state, taking on their inaugural project in Brisbane.</p>

<p>"We are proud of the unwavering commitment our team of experts have to quality and certainty in delivery and are excited to work with Kokoda to bring their vision for this unique project to life," Fahd says.</p>

<p>Sales reached $285 million on the launch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>, with sales momentum continuing to "exceed all expectations."</p>

<p>Stevens says the overwhelming response from buyers validated the group’s vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.</p>

<p>“The demand for a luxury product in this enclave has been extraordinary, we’ve never seen anything like it before. It reinforces everything we’re doing around quality, design, and creating genuine lifestyle precincts. Buyers are recognising the enduring value of Brisbane’s riverfront and are responding to the opportunity to live within a world-class destination that celebrates both place and lifestyle.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139896]</p>


Kokoda appoints builder for $1.5 billion Teneriffe Banks waterfront precinct

<p data-end="246" data-start="85">Castle Hill’s booming development market is set for another boost, with builder-developer Buildex proposing a new mid-rise apartment building near Castle Towers.</p>

<p data-end="467" data-start="248">Buildex has submitted plans to The Hills Shire Council for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/197-old-northern-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">nine-storey building comprising 57 apartments</a> on Old Northern Road. The company acquired two adjoining sites earlier this year, totalling more than 2,683 sqm.</p>

<p data-end="597" data-start="469">Texco Design has prepared the scheme, which includes five one-bed plus study apartments, 37 two-bedrooms, and 15 three-bedrooms.</p>

<p data-end="836" data-start="599">Castle Hill has become a hotspot for developers in recent years, undergoing significant transformation driven by the opening of the Hills Showground Precinct to development and the introduction of two metro stations servicing the suburb.</p>

<p data-end="1053" data-start="838">Developers including Deicorp and Kassis Homes have already completed projects, and are progressing future developments, while Meriton, Arada, and Ellipse are currently delivering new projects in the rapidly evolving area.</p>


First look: Buildex plans 57 apartments near Castle Towers

Migration

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<p> It's been suggested that trends in migration from Australia towards Australia might bode ill for our economy, a kind of pseudo-recession indicator if you will.</p>
<p>Certainly, there had been a significant increase in those migrating permanently of for the long term across the Tasman - many of whom were originally Kiwis returning home.</p>
<div id="post-body-6341683202076112219" class="post-body entry-content">
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<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/06/28/NZ1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br><div>It's not too hard to see why these trends developed.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>New Zealand had been running a much higher unemployment rate than Australia while we were still enjoying the spoils of a heady resources construction boom.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>But then as the mining construction boom passed its peak in Australia, opportunities for employment here declined, and the unemployment rate ticked higher - just as NZ was being anointed with its "rock star economy" status.</div>
<br><a href="/images/2016/06/28/NZ2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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<img src="/images/2016/06/28/NZ2.jpg" alt=""><br><div> </div>
<div>Unfortunately New Zealand's one-time rock star economy rather seems to have rocked itself out.<br><br>In fact, NZ now has a higher unemployment rate than Australia, after an odd-looking blip last in the quarter before last.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Now there isn't all that much to pick between either economy.<br><br>Both have indicators of under-employment, under-utilisation and weakened commodity prices (here it's mainly bulk commodities, over there, dairy).<br><br>And both countries are looking to tourism and international student migration to paper over the cracks.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It looks as though the trend in net migration having tilted sharply in favour of New Zealand has now reached something approaching equilibrium. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In fact in April there was a small seasonally adjusted net flow back in favour Australia. </div>
<br><div class="separator"><a href="/images/2016/06/28/NZ2-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/06/28/NZ2-1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br><div>In truth, whether 100 or so people decide to head this way or that will have little bearing on the health or otherwise of Australia's economy going forward.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>About 60 per cent of permanent migrants to Australia now hail from Asia.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>And with our international student visa rules to be relaxed significantly from 1 July this trend will be reinforced, with a high share of the new applicants expected to be from China and India.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

About 60 percent of permanent migrants to Australia now hail from Asia: Pete Wargent

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<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p>As at June 2018, an estimated 17,650,130 residents of Australia were born in Australia.</p>
<p>While this might seem like a high number, it shows that 29.4% of residents were born overseas. Based on data from the ABS, which dates back to 1996, this is the highest share of residents born overseas on record.</p>
<p>It also shows that over 2017-18, Australian born residents increased by 1.1%, overseas born residents increased in population by a much larger 2.8%. While that figure is high, it was down from 3.3% over the previous year.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/4/11/CL%20PP%20Population%201.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p>Harking back to colonial times, England remains the largest source of residents that were born overseas. In fact, almost 1 million residents were born in England, which accounts for 13.5% of all Australian residents that were born overseas. The top 10 countries of birth accounted for 54.8% of all residents that were born overseas as at June 2018.</p>
<p>Another interesting point of note is that migration from certain countries has clearly slowed.</p>
<p>The number of persons born in England peaked at 1,012,780 persons in 2013, consistently falling to its current level. The number of persons born in New Zealand also peaked in 2013 at 585,390, as did persons born in Scotland (142,360) and persons born in Italy (200,670).</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/4/11/CL%20PP%20Population%202.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p> </p>
<p>While we have seen fewer residents born in in these countries over the past five years, there has been a significant rise in persons born in China (432,400 in 2013) and India (378,480) over the same five-year period.</p>
<p>Twenty years ago, the top 10 countries of birth for residents born overseas accounted for 56.0% of all residents born overseas. Keep in mind that in 1998, a much lower number of residents were born overseas.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/4/11/CL%20PP%20Population%203.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The makeup of the CoreLogic top 10 list 20 years ago is quite different to how it currently looks. China is now the second largest source of residents while 20 years ago it was the seventh largest.</p>
<p>India, which is now the third largest source of residents was the 12th largest source, Malaysia is now the ninth largest source and was the 13th largest source 2 decades ago and South Africa is now the seventh largest source of residents compared to 17th 20 years ago.</p>
<p>20 years ago, Greece was the sixth largest source of residents born overseas compared to 15th now, Germany was the eighth largest source compared to being 14th now and Netherlands was the 10th largest source compared to 25th now.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/4/11/CL%20PP%20Population%204.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Although the Federal Government has recently announced that they are set to reduce the migration intake going forward, Australia is still set to be a very multicultural country.</p>
<p>Furthermore, demand for our education services, particularly from the world’s two most populous countries (China and India) is anticipated to remain high. As a result, expect even more residents of Chinese and Indian heritage to find their way to our shores over the coming years.</p>
<p>Similarly, those countries such as Scotland and Italy will likely see themselves fall out of the top 10 list over coming years with new countries of origin finding their way to the top 10 list.</p>
<p><em>CAMERON KUSHER is <span>head of research for the <em>Australian branch of</em></span> CoreLogic</em></p>
<p><em>Mr Kusher regularly posts on the <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/taxonomy/corelogic-people/cameron-kusher" target="_blank">CoreLogic website</a>.</em></p>
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Increasing numbers of overseas migrants: CoreLogic's Cameron Kusher

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<p>Interstate migration to Queensland is picking up again as expected as folks head north from crowded and pricey Sydney, but it was the record interstate migration to Victoria which really shot the lights out over the year to September. </p>
<p>The driver of this is clear, since Victoria alone has been creating almost all of Australia's jobs lately.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/24/A1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div id="post-body-1155932946791358378" class="post-body entry-content">
<div class="separator"><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/2017/03/24/A1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br>Net overseas migration also accelerated into Sydney, Melbourne, and south east Queensland.</div>
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<br><div>As a result the most populous states are mopping up a huge share of population growth, with New South Wales and Victoria alone accounting for 68 percent of the population increase, and Queensland a further 19 percent. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/24/A5.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><div class="separator"><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/2017/03/24/A5.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br><div>Absolute population growth increased to 67,700 in Queensland and a massive 109,600 in New South Wales - mainly into Greater Sydney - but Victoria is breaking demographic records not seen since the gold rush, with the total population exploding 127,500 higher over the year to September. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/24/A6.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><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/2017/03/24/A6.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br><div>Here are those same numbers looked at over the past three years, with South Australia and Western Australia losing momentum, and the largest capital cities gaining population growth at their expense. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/24/A7.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><div class="separator"><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/2017/03/24/A7.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>The massive headcount growth into Melbourne in particular explains why residential housing vacancy rates have been falling, close to a decade low at the last count.<br><br>
</div>
<div>Despite many new tower blocks adorning the skyline, a record supply of small apartments has only partially absorbed a vast surge in migration to the Victorian capital.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/"><span class="s2">AllenWargent</span></a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/"><span class="s2">blogger</span></a>.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s3"><em>His latest book is </em><a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx"><span class="s2"><em>Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</em></span></a><em>.</em></span></p>
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Melbourne crowned king of jobs and growth

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<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>Annual migration to New Zealand hit its highest annual level on record in November 2016 at 70,400. </p>
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<p>Australia saw a net loss of permanent and long term 1,830 departures to NZ over the year - mainly Kiwis returning home - although over the last six years the cumulative gain to Australia has been more than 116,000. </p>
<div id="post-body-8831991451369549932" class="post-body entry-content"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/17/NZ1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<br><div class="separator">Although it's tempting to think that Australia is losing population to New Zealand, in reality the opposite is true.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">In fact, an extra 16,000 Kiwis came to Australia on 444 visas on a net basis over the year, taking the total storming past 677,000. </div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">The big drivers of migration to NZ are now China and South Africa. </div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
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<br><div class="separator"><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/2017/01/17/NZ3.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br>NZ still has a lower unemployment rate than Australia, which is very much helping its cause.</div>
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<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
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NZ migration highest on record: Pete Wargent

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<p>Sydney’s fast pace population growth is set to come to an abrupt halt. The recent closing of borders and after the restrictions that will follow the COVID-19 pandemic will stop most of it.</p>
<p>For the past half century demand for housing and the accompanying property price growth has been driven in part by population growth.</p>
<p>The latest government estimates suggest the key driver is going to fall sharply over the next year or so.</p>
<p>The disruption will show up in many ways.</p>
<p>Short term tourists have disappeared, but will return.</p>
<p>The weakness in short-term tourist arrivals will hit the domestic tourism industry, though will likely be offset in part by more Australians travelling at home when domestic travel restrictions are lifted in stage two.</p>
<p>Large numbers of temporary residents from overseas have departed, but only a trickle will return any time soon. Ditto temporary working visas.</p>
<p>The fall in numbers of international students on visas will likely not see a return to recent levels anytime over the coming year.</p>
<p>The downward pressure on rental price growth that landlords have seen in recent weeks will likely be extended unless Australia’s sustained comparative advantage as an education and tourism destination returns quickly.</p>
<p>The Government estimates long-term migration arrivals could fall by around 300,000 over the next 18 months, with a drop of 72,000 in the first half of this calendar year and another 204,000 in the 2020/21 financial year.</p>
<p>According to UBS Australia's population growth is forecast to slow to just 0.5 percent in 2020.</p>
<p>This is the slowest pace since 1916, according to economists.</p>
<p>The recent average has been between 1.5 percent to 2 percent per year.</p>
<p>Scott Haslem at <span>Cretonne Wealth Management says a</span>t the positive end a temporary pullback in migration flows could provide some time for infrastructure works to "catch up" over the next 18 months.</p>
<p>But for residential housing, the weakness in migration is a significant headwind.</p>
<p>UBS estimates there will be a fall in underlying annual housing demand from around 200,000 to only around 130,000 in the near term - before recovering towards 190,000 by the end of 2022.</p>
<p>This drop in dwelling commencements will mean fewer tradies in work which spells wider problems for the economy.</p>
<p>Construction has continued during the shutdown so employment has not yet been impacted like many other industries.</p>
<p>Lower population growth, from fewer arrivals from overseas, will be accompanied by an emerging drop in the nation's fertility rate currently averaging 1.7 children per couple.</p>
<p>Births falling by 2 per cent to 91,376 in NSW last year.</p>
<p class="selectionShareable">We are set to enter an ongoing debate especially on the role of <span>temporary migration.</span></p>
<p class="selectionShareable"><span>Temporary migration is certain to look different over the next few years than it has over past few. </span></p>
<p class="selectionShareable"><span>That’s its purpose – to adapt to changing circumstances, Monash academic <span class="fn author-name">Gabriela D'Souza recently noted</span></span>.</p>
<p class="selectionShareable">But the Investec fund manager Graeme Katz recently warned pushing back against immigration as a “seriously short sighted view”.</p>
<p class="selectionShareable">“Our country needs to send a signal that we’re open for people, we’re open for capital, and we’re open for business, and provide the productive environment for job creation and growth,” he said.</p>
<p class="selectionShareable">“Only growth will provide the environment for job security, which in turn creates a confidence of consumers to spend and the multiplier flow on ... will provide a tax base to support a well-balanced economy and society,” he said.</p>
<p class="selectionShareable"><em>This article first appeared in </em>The Daily Telegraph</p>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Sydney's population growth set for abrupt Covid-19 induced halt

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<p class="legacy">Australians are among the most mobile populations in the world. More than 40% of us change address every five years, about twice the global average. Yet the level of internal migration – moving within Australia – has gone down over the past four decades.</p>
<p>The proportion of Australians changing state of residence <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/2071.0%7E2016%7EMain%20Features%7EPopulation%20Shift:%20Understanding%20Internal%20Migration%20in%20Australia%7E69" target="_blank">fell by 20%</a> between 1981 and 2016, particularly after 1991. Their movement between regions within states – between, say, Brisbane and Mackay – <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/2071.0%7E2016%7EMain%20Features%7EPopulation%20Shift:%20Understanding%20Internal%20Migration%20in%20Australia%7E69" target="_blank">dropped by a whopping 25%</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/323130/original/file-20200326-168918-jmxrg6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:</p>
<p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/323130/original/file-20200326-168918-jmxrg6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/323130/original/file-20200326-168918-jmxrg6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a></p>
<p><span class="attribution"><span class="source">Data: ABS Census of Population and Housing, 1981-2016</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></p>
<p>The decline in migration is a feature of a number of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.routledge.com/Internal-Migration-in-the-Developed-World-Are-we-becoming-less-mobile/Champion-Cooke-Shuttleworth/p/book/9781472478061" target="_blank">advanced economies</a>, including the United States. Policymakers have been concerned this trend heralds a less flexible economy where workers do not move to regions with jobs. If that’s the case, it could prolong recessions and reduce growth.</p>
<p>So why are Australians moving less? Several factors might help explain it.</p>
<h2>Australia is getting older</h2>
<p>Population ageing is one of the main explanations because older people move less than young people. It’s enough to account for 20-30% of the decline in internal migration in Australia.</p>
<p>However, the increase in the share of mobile groups – such as renters, tertiary-educated people and recently arrived immigrants – has <a href="https://qcpr.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/qcpr_working-paper_kalemba-et-al-2020.pdf" target="_blank">fully compensated</a> the downward effect of population ageing. This means the net effect on migration levels of changes in the composition of the Australian population is close to null.</p>
<p>So the decline is not the result of overall changes in population composition. It is the result of deeper behavioural changes. People in their 20s, 30s and 40s are simply moving less today than in the past.</p>
<h2>Working arrangements have changed</h2>
<p>Information and communication technology and the changes in working arrangements brought by the internet are often thought to have contributed to lower migration levels. But, the proportion of individuals who telework remains small. <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Aude_Bernard/publication/339899498_Decline_in_internal_migration_levels_in_Australia_Compositional_or_behavioural_effect/links/5e6b3077a6fdccf321d93834/Decline-in-internal-migration-levels-in-Australia-Compositional-or-behavioural-effect.pdf" target="_blank">Only 5%</a> of the Australian workforce worked from home at the 2016 census.</p>
<p>Perhaps more significant is the increase in dual-income households. They now account for two-thirds of couples compared with 56% in 2001. Because these couples find it more challenging to jointly relocate than traditional male-breadwinner families, this shift <a href="https://qcpr.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/qcpr_working-paper_kalemba-et-al-2020.pdf" target="_blank">explains about 10%</a> of the decline in interstate migration in Australia.</p>
<p>Despite these transformations, the mix of reasons for moving hasn’t changed over the past 15 years. Australians still move mainly for family and work reasons.</p>
<p>So, what is going on?</p>
<p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/323142/original/file-20200326-168889-xy3fj2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:</p>
<p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/323142/original/file-20200326-168889-xy3fj2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/323142/original/file-20200326-168889-xy3fj2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a></p>
<p><span class="attribution"><span class="source">Authors’ calculations using Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey data</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></p>
<h2>Place attachment plays a part</h2>
<p>In the United States, this downward trend has been linked to “<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/psp.670" target="_blank">rootedness</a>”, the idea that individuals have become more attached their families and communities and are therefore less inclined to relocate.</p>
<p>Such concepts are difficult to measure and quantify. Yet a <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/psp.2225" target="_blank">2019 study</a> showed that Australians with strong place attachment and social networks are less likely to migrate, particularly over long distances. But it is not clear how place attachment has changed over time and whether it has contributed to the decline in internal migration.</p>
<h2>Young people are staying put</h2>
<p>We know young people are moving less than they used to. In 2017, <a href="https://theconversation.com/over-50-of-young-australian-adults-still-live-with-their-parents-and-the-numbers-are-climbing-faster-for-women-120587" target="_blank">56% of Australians below the age of 30</a> were still living at home compared with 47% in 2001. Explanations for this trend include increasing housing costs and delayed union formation.</p>
<p>The consequences not only bring down current migration levels but also in the future. This is because <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/psp.2286" target="_blank">migration is self-reinforcing</a>: having moved in the past increases the chances of moving again. So, young adults who are staying put now are less likely to move later because they have not been exposed early in life to the challenges of relocating.</p>
<p>This means the level of migration in Australia is likely to remain low, but this downward trend may level off as we have seen in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378437119316875" target="_blank">United States</a>.</p>
<h2>Is this new low a problem?</h2>
<p>There is no evidence Australians are less willing to relocate for their jobs, so this downward trend should not have major impacts on the economy.</p>
<p>What is more concerning is <a href="https://qcpr.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/qcpr_working-paper_kalemba-et-al-2020.pdf" target="_blank">some groups have been affected</a> more than others, particularly those in part-time work and in low-paid sectors such as retail and trade. These workers are less mobile than in the past and their share in the workforce has increased.</p>
<p>Individuals with limited resources face <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://digital.lib.washington.edu/researchworks/handle/1773/38220" target="_blank">greater difficulties</a> in being mobile, particularly when faced with rising housing costs and stagnant wages. We need to ensure Australia does not evolve toward a two-tier migration system, in which some can afford to move and others are “trapped”. This could, in the long term, reinforce socio-economic inequalities.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/133767/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;"></p>
<p><span><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/aude-bernard-316886" target="_blank">Aude Bernard</a>, Lecturer, Queensland Centre for Population Research, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805" target="_blank">The University of Queensland</a></em> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sunganani-v-kalemba-997197" target="_blank">Sunganani V. Kalemba</a>, PhD candidate, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805" target="_blank">The University of Queensland</a></em></span></p>
<p>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/australians-are-moving-home-less-why-and-does-it-matter-133767" target="_blank">original article</a>.</p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Australians are moving home less. Why? And does it matter?

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<p>GUEST OBSERVATION</p>
<p>According to the United Nations, more people live in a <a href="https://www.un.org/en/sections/issues-depth/migration/index" target="_blank">country other than their place of birth</a> today than ever before.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/migration/publications/migrationreport/docs/MigrationReport2017_Highlights.pdf" target="_blank">2017 migration statistics</a> show that about 34 people out of every 1,000 lived away from their place of birth. This number was over 31 in 2010, and 28 in 2000.</p>
<p>Although the <a href="https://refugeesmigrants.un.org/migration-compact" target="_blank">number of migrants is expected to grow</a>, a clear understanding of contemporary migration remains a challenge.</p>
<p><strong>Defining who is a migrant</strong></p>
<p>This challenge was on display at <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/south-asian-media-we-need-to-talk-more-with-refugees-and-not-just-report-about-them/a-48356819" target="_blank">a recent meeting</a> where a group of South Asian journalists, academics and activists gathered to address the core issue of migration.</p>
<p>Officially, the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/sections/issues-depth/migration/index" target="_blank">number of migrants</a> globally reached 258 million in 2017, compared to about 173 million in 2000, which represents an increase of 49%. But it remains difficult to determine with reasonable clarity who is a migrant and who is not. The multiple identities of people on the move complicate migration statistics and generate controversy.</p>
<p>One of the speakers, Chris Lowenstein-Lom from the International Organisation of Migration (<a href="https://www.iom.int/" target="_blank">IOM</a>), presented an overview of migration scenarios in South Asia to highlight the sheer number of migrants in the region, both internally and internationally. Many participants questioned the validity of the figures.</p>
<p>Journalists raised questions about the migration data gathered by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (<a href="https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/" target="_blank">UN DESA</a>) and IOM. The figures either contradicted their lived experience (for example, the number of Indian-origin people living in Pakistan, and vice versa) or overlooked the historical context of certain migrants (for example those of Bangladeshi-origin in India).</p>
<p>The IOM representative’s insistence on his organisation’s goal of “safe, regular and orderly” movement of people across borders resonated with other participants. They emphasised that improving data quality is important for achieving safe passage of migrants.</p>
<p><strong>Difficulties with migration data</strong></p>
<p>Concerns about accuracy and clarity of migration statistics were raised concerning both data collection methods and interpretation. For example, the ranking of countries by the number of migrants shifts dramatically with a change in definition.</p>
<p>The highest number of immigrants (over 48 million) live in the United States, which constitutes 15% of the country’s population. However, the highest proportion of immigrants to a population (87%) live in the United Arab Emirates, which is only eight million in number. The highest number of migrants (nearly 16 million) originate from India, which is only 1.2% of the country’s population. But the highest proportion of migrants to a country’s population (45.6%) is in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is only two million.</p>
<p>Any statistical generalisation about migrants requires significant qualification. Political perspectives on who is or is not a bona fide migrant vary significantly between countries. As a result, the figures produced to represent certain sections of the migrant population can become cloudy or even opaque.</p>
<p>For example, many Indian politicians label the Bangla-speaking Muslim population in northeast India as migrants from Bangladesh. But from the Bangladeshi perspective, most of these people can hardly be considered as such because they had lived in their current location since well before the state of Bangladesh was created in 1971.</p>
<p>Similarly, in the early stage of the 2017 influx of Rohingya people to Bangladesh, this definitional opacity created confusion about their status. Were they returnees, refugees or infiltrators? This lack of clarity in legal status has the potential to render a <a href="https://odihpn.org/magazine/statelessness-identity-rohingya-refugee-crisis/" target="_blank">vast number of people stateless</a>.</p>
<p>On the other hand, the refugee status of the Afghani people in Pakistan has been relatively clear to many sides, even though the identity of a specific individual can still be problematic.</p>
<p><strong>Challenge to report on migration</strong></p>
<p>These differences create a challenge for South Asian journalists to report accurately on migration issues.</p>
<p>Consider the following figures: According to the <a href="/news">UN DESA 2017 estimate</a>, 33.5 million people moved out of five South Asian countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) while 11.7 million people lived in these countries as migrants.</p>
<p>The largest number of migrants in South Asia were from neighbouring countries, such as from Myanmar to Bangladesh (42% of the total 2.2 million immigrants in the country), from Afghanistan to Pakistan (1.4 million out of the total 3.4 million), and from Pakistan and Bangladesh to India (together, 81% of the total 5.2 million immigrants).</p>
<p>According to this estimate, about 60% of the 5.2 million migrants in India were from Bangladesh. But this estimate was based mainly on population data produced by India. Bangladeshi officials and experts had reservations about this figure because, they claimed, the historical dimension mentioned above had been overlooked in its calculation.</p>
<p><strong>Consequences of data opacity</strong></p>
<p>One can easily imagine the difficulties faced by journalists in busy newsrooms with limited resources. They need to report on complex migration issues and are expected to report them accurately, without a clear definition about who is and is not a migrant. Would you label Rohingya people in Bangladesh as “returnees”, following the Myanmar authorities? Or would you use the “infiltrator” description, as Bangladeshi officials initially identified them?</p>
<p>Some of this confusion may be clarified over time, but others continue to bug journalists and other commentators. The lack of a clear definition exists not only in South Asia.</p>
<p>Despite the <a href="https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/why-global-migration-statistics-do-not-add-up-a-1090736" target="_blank">well-founded criticisms</a> levelled against the <a href="/news">UN data on migration</a>, they remain the most widely used set of figures globally. Other organisations and mechanisms of data distribution, such as IOM or the Migration Data Portal also use them.</p>
<p>An important characteristic of the data set is its origin. They are mainly produced through official <a href="/news">population censuses</a> by the respective member states, using public money. Everyone has a stake in improving the quality of these data for a better understanding of the complexity of South Asian and global migration.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/114443/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;"></p>
<p><em><strong>Akhteruz Zaman</strong>, Lecturer, Massey University</em></p>
<p><em><strong>Jahnnabi Das</strong>, , University of Technology Sydney</em></p>
<p><em>This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/migration-is-a-growing-issue-but-it-remains-a-challenge-to-define-who-actually-is-a-migrant-114443" target="_blank">original article</a>.</em></p>
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Migration is a growing issue, but it remains a challenge to define who actually is a migrant

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<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p>More people are deciding to call Australia home – if not permanently, at least for longer than a year. The lift in permanent and long-term arrivals reflects a perception of Australia as a great place to live and work – a country with a high standard of living and great opportunities.</p>
<p>Over 115,000 foreigners came to Australia as a “permanent or long-term arrival” in February. While February is seasonally a peak time for migrant inflows, the annual total of 844,800 is also a record high and up 11.4% on a year ago – the strongest growth in 20 months. </p>
<p>In February there were also 40,740 Aussies deciding to move overseas either permanently or for more than year – the lowest level in four months. Over the year to February the net number (arrivals less departures) of permanent and long-term arrivals hit a five-year high of almost 300,000 people. While studying, working or travelling, the ‘new Aussies’ will contribute to spending and demand for accommodation. </p>
<p>The new migrants boost employment in the short-term but provide the strongest contribution to economic output the longer that they are in their positions (as the case of all new employees). This highlights the fallacy of the recent ‘per capita’ discussion – more a reflection of a timing gap. </p>
<p><strong>Tourism</strong></p>
<p>Tourist arrivals rose by 0.9% in February, the strongest gain in five months. Aussie tourist departures fell by 3.3%, the biggest fall in almost two years. </p>
<p>Over the year, arrivals were up by 4% and departures were up by 3.7%. In February, tourists from Greater China (China and Hong Kong) totalled 141,800 (mainland China 115,600; Hong Kong 26,200), ahead of New Zealand (124,800). </p>
<p>China is the largest source of tourists to Australia. Over the past year a record 1,451,600 tourists came to Australia from China, up by 3.9%. </p>
<p>Tourists from New Zealand totalled 1,400,200 visitors over the past year, up by 3.0%. A record 364,300 Indian tourists travelled to Australia over the year to February, up by 16.7% on a year ago.</p>
<p>In February, there were record tourist inflows from New Zealand and India. And in the month a record number of Aussies travelled to India.</p>
<p><strong>Migration</strong> </p>
<p>In February there were 115,100 permanent and long-term arrivals in Australia. The annual number of permanent and long-term overseas arrivals rose to a record high of 844,800 in February, up by 7.3% over the year. </p>
<p>In February there were 40,740 permanent and long-term departures from Australia. The annual number of permanent and long-term overseas departures fell from 546,310 to 545,610 in February but were still up by 5.2% over the year. </p>
<p>Net permanent and long-term arrivals stood at a five-year high of 299,100 in the year to February, up 11.4% on the year.</p>
<p><strong>Chinese inflation</strong></p>
<p>Consumer prices rose by 2.3% in the year to March (forecast: +2.4%), after lifting by 1.5% in the year to February. It was the highest annual rate for consumer prices in five months </p>
<p>Consumer prices fell by 0.4% in March after rising 1.0% in February. Food prices fell by 0.9% to stand 4.1% higher than a year ago. Non-food prices fell by 0.2% to stand 1.8% higher than a year ago. </p>
<p>Producer prices rose by 0.4% in the year to March (forecast +0.4%), up from 0.1% in year to February.</p>
<p><strong>What are the implications for interest rates and investors?</strong> </p>
<p>Australia is rightly regarded as a great place for study, work and travel. The continued growth of short and longer term arrivals is good news for a raft of industries such as retailing, tourism and higher education. </p>
<p>The lift in Chinese inflation is encouraging as a weak economy would be more likely to have deflation issues. Chinese consumer price inflation is near a 2% annual rate, like a raft of economies at present.</p>
<p>CommSec expects the cash rate to remain unchanged for the foreseeable future.</p>
<p><em><strong>CRAIG JAMES</strong> is the Chief Economist of CommSec</em></p>
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