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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

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

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

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

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

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

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

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Arts, music and eating out have emerged as the favourite spends for Australians looking for experiences to spend their disposable dollars on, according to new data released by NAB. 
The Customer Spending Behaviours report, based on around 2.7 million daily consumer transactions, found creative services such as performing arts and music had the fastest growth at 35.3 per cent followed by accommodation and food at 26.7 per cent. Experiences include buying theatre and concert tickets, eating at cafes and restaurants and staying at hotels.
NAB chief economist Alan Oster said the report gave an important insight into household budgets across the country. The report analysed the spending behaviours of its customers, excluding things such as mortgages, other credit repayments and government services.
“By examining such a large number of daily transactions, we can show where spending is growing fastest, even down to a postcode, and what our customers are spending it on,” Oster said. 
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The report also found consumers had boosted their average monthly spending during the quarter to $2,064 in metropolitan areas ($1,997 in Q1 2017) and $1,918 in regional areas ($1,866 in Q1 2017). 
In addition, it showed spending on consumption-based goods and services by NAB customers grew by 3.9 per cent over the year to Q2 2017, accelerating from 2.0 per cent over the year to Q1 2017. 
“Customer spending growth improved in all metropolitan and regional areas (except Tasmania), with overall spending growth in regional areas continuing to outpace cities,” Oster said. 
“Perhaps lower mortgage debt in regional areas is freeing up more disposable income for these consumers resulting in faster growth.” 
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Oster said retail trade is still a key part of the spending patterns but growth is increasingly coming from consumers wanting to head out to have meaningful experiences. 
“We can see consumers are getting out of the house, spending their disposable income on eating out, staying at hotels and enjoying music and the performing arts,” Mr Oster said. 
“This was particularly seen in Victoria, where growth was fastest in the suburbs of Hurstbridge and Garfield, followed by Quakers Hill in NSW.” 
Customer spending growth improved in Q2 2017 in all metropolitan and regional areas (except TAS). By state, VIC, NSW and QLD contributed around 98% of total growth in customer spending in Q2. Growth was fastest for Arts &amp; Recreation and Accommodation &amp; Food. 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Consumers spending their disposable dollars on experiences: NAB 

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Online retail sales slowed in July, falling for the second consecutive month, though it still grew higher than traditional retail, according to the NAB Online Retail Sales Index.
The index slowed in July (+0.4% mom s.a.). The slowing in the past couple of months is on the back of the May sales rebound(+1.5%,mom s.a.). 
The year-on-year growth was also slightly weaker in July (8.3%) but remained positive. Trend online retail sales (+0.5%) were slightly more subdued compared to the previous two months (0.6%).
ABS data on traditional retailers showed month on month seasonally adjusted sales up 0.3% in June. However, NORSI was still faster month-on-month.
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“We estimate that Australian consumers have spent around $23.06 billion over the 12 months to July 2017. This is equivalent to 7.5% of spending at traditional bricks &amp; mortar retailers, as measured by the ABS in the 12 months to June 2017,” said NAB in a media release.
Mixed results by category this month, with Department Stores (12.1% yoy July  vs 8.4% yoy June), Grocery and Liquor (7.7% vs 5.4%), Daily Deals (6.5% vs 5.3%), and Fashion (0.7% vs -2.4%) accelerating through the year. 
The largest spend share, Homeware and Appliances (15.4% vs 16.0%) was only slightly slower over the year, and maintains the fastest overall growth position. 
Games and Toys (11.9% vs 12.0%) sales were virtually unchanged while, Media growth halved in the 12 months to July (8.1% vs 16.7%). 
Personal and Recreational (2.0% vs 2.7%), and Food Catering (11.5% vs 13.6%) also slowed but remained positive.
SME sales made up just a little over a third of all online sales. Seasonally adjusted SME sales saw a mild contraction in the month (-0.1%,mom s.a.) despite strong year-on-year growth for SMEs (17.5%).
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Online sales slightly slow in July, but growing over the year: NAB retail index

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National Australia Bank is tightening its rules for home loan applicants, with photo IDs and supporting documents in response to more regulatory scrutiny of lending practices by banks.
Mortgage brokers will be required to provide updated photographs for all existing NAB customers who take out a new mortgage with the bank. 
The lender will also need to provide a physical or scanned copy of a certified photograph, such as a driver’s licence, or a passport.
The bank will also require consent forms from the borrower, any guarantors, employers and the broker, according to The Australian Financial Review.
The new identity check rules are as a result of polices being rolled out by the Australian Registers National Electronic Conveyancing Council as it tries to tackle online fraud.
The rules are even tougher for interest-only borrowers as they will be asked questions about whether that type of loan is suitable for their needs, or whether a principal and interest might be better.
For principal and interest only borrowers, questions range from whether they are taking out the loan as owner-occupiers, or investors, and how they might cope with temporary income reduction, or a large expense item.
Interest-only borrowers will also need to disclose whether they will require additional bridging finance.
"It will ensure customers take out interest-only lending in the right circumstances, which is suitable for their needs," according to a bank memo cited by the AFR.
The bank had increased rates for mortgage holders making interest-only repayments in June, following other major banks.
NAB is also tightening credit policies, such as verification of bonus income and more closely scrutinising any regular deductions from PAYG income, such as superannuation salary sacrifice, in response to tougher regulatory requirements.
Commissions can be considered when it regularly tops up a base salary; or where it is consistent and regular amounts for a minimum of six months.
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NAB rolls out stricter rules on ID checks and credit history for home loan applications

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One of the broker heads at National Australia Bank (NAB) said the lender broadly supports the securities regulator’s recommendations on broker commissions, but added that the commission model needs changes.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission had suggested that incentives not be structured to encourage larger loan sizes with larger offset balances.
“We don’t believe that the current standard commission model has resulted in poor consumer outcomes, but we believe it is essential to manage not only actual conflicts but also the potential for perceived conflicts of interest,” said Anthony Waldron, NAB executive general manager of broker partnerships.
“We believe the industry needs to make adjustments to the standard commission model by paying up-front commissions based on the drawn down amount, not the total facility amount, and by paying up-front commission net of offset balances.”
The lender submitted its response to Treasury on the ASIC proposals on June 30, which Waldron said recognised the positive effects that brokers had on the market, the Australian Broker reported.
Waldon said ASIC made many observations that acknowledged the important role played by brokers in promoting good consumer outcomes and strong competition in the home loan market and NAB supported the six ASIC proposals “in broad terms”.
On regulator’s suggestion to move away from bonus payments, NAB had never paid volume bonuses on mortgages, he added.
“The time for such payments has passed.”
Soft dollar benefits should also be managed transparently through the use of gift and conflict of interest registers, he said.
“We note however that the ongoing education and professional development of brokers is essential and we need to continue to focus on this, ensuring it’s conducted in line with community expectations.”
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Tweaks to mortgage broker commission needed: NAB executive

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ASIC has brought two charges against Mr Shane Thompson, of New Gisborne, Victoria, has appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on two charges brought by ASIC that he forged financial planning documents.
ASIC alleges that between 27 December 2012 and 1 March 2013, Mr Thompson completed 22 false client change of adviser forms and submitted them to MLC Ltd to transfer National Australia Bank (NAB) clients to his personal financial planning client list.
ASIC alleges that Mr Thompson forged client signatures on each form and undertook this process without clients' knowledge or authorisation so that he could receive additional financial planning remuneration from his employer, the NAB.
At a hearing on 31 July 2017, the matter was adjourned for a plea hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 26 October 2017.
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) is prosecuting the matter.
<h2>Background</h2>
Mr Thompson was employed by the NAB as a financial planner during the time the alleged misconduct took place.
Mr Thompson has been charged under sections 83A(1) and 83A(2) of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). The maximum penalty for each offence is ten years imprisonment.
ASIC has previously banned Mr Thompson from providing financial services and credit activities for seven years.
Wealth Management Project
This outcome is a result of ASIC's Wealth Management Project. The Wealth Management Project was established in October 2014 with the objective of lifting standards by major financial advice providers. The Wealth Management Project focuses on the conduct of the largest financial advice firms (NAB, Westpac, CBA, ANZ, AMP and Macquarie).
ASIC's work in the Wealth Management Project covers a number of areas including:
<ul>
<li>working with the largest financial advice firms to address the identification and remediation of non-compliant advice; and</li>
<li>seeking regulatory outcomes when appropriate against licensees and advisers.</li>
</ul>
As part of its Wealth Management Project, ASIC has banned 35 advisers from the financial services industry (two advisers have current appeals before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal).
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Former NAB adviser charged with forging documents 

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National Australia Bank has followed Westpac and ANZ by increasing rates for mortgage holders making interest-only repayments and reducing rates for owner-occupier customers paying off their loan, according to RateCity.
RateCity said investors and owner occupiers who pay interest-only will have to pay an extra $102 a month, or $1,224 a year, based on the average loan size of $350,000 over 30 years while owner-occupiers paying principal and interest have been given a small reprieve with $17 a month off their repayments, a savings of $204 a year.
Sally Tindall, RateCity Money Editor said today's changes were once again attributed to APRA’s new regulatory requirements.
"An astounding 41 percent of loans on the Big4 banks' books are interest-only," she said.
"That's a huge proportion of Australians who aren't paying off a single cent of debt.
"It's no wonder APRA is coming down hard. They want Australian mortgage holders to go on a debt-diet.
“Paying interest-only, particularly when you are an owner-occupier, is an expensive business.
“The average owner-occupier who elects to pay interest-only for the first five years of their loan will pay $67,810 extra to NAB over the life of their loan.
“When you look at the big picture, a couple of hundred dollars in savings each month pales in comparison to the long-term benefits of paying down debt."
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NAB follows suit in hiking interest-only rates

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The online retail market is slowing, with sales declining over the year to April and also on a monthly basis, according to a NAB index.
Year on year growth slowed from a revised 10.5% in March (was 9.0%) to 6.9% in April, according to the NAB Online Retail Sales Index. The revised trend estimate for online retail sales is now virtually flat (0.1%), it said.
On a monthly basis, the index contracted in April by 0.8% on a seasonally adjusted basis, reversing a 0.8% growth in March. 
ABS data on traditional retailers showed month on month seasonally adjusted contracted in March (-0.1%), with year on year growth of 2.4%.  
“We estimate that Australian consumers have spent around $22.37 billion over the last 12 months to April 2017. This is equivalent to 7.3% of spending at traditional bricks &amp; mortar retailers, as measured by the ABS in the 12 months to March 2017,” said a note from NAB.
In line with the headline number, most categories slowed in April. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/31/NABRetailYoY.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/31/NABRetailYoY.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/31/NABRetailMoM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/31/NABRetailMoM.png" alt="">
Against the general slowing were: Homeware and appliances (10.4% yoy Apr vs 8.7% yoy Mar), Games and Toys(14.9% yoy vs  8.2% yoy) and Daily Deals (4.4% yoy vs -3.8% yoy). Media (16.3% yoy vs 16.6% yoy) maintained strong growth while previous  growth lead, Takeaway Food, slowed considerably (11.3% yoy vs 24% yoy).   Personal and Recreational Goods (3.4% yoy vs 14.4% yoy), Department Stores (3.4% yoy vs 8.4% yoy) and Fashion (2.4% yoy vs 4.9% yoy) also slowed but remained positive, whereas  Groceries and Liquor (-1.6% yoy ) is smaller this April compared to last.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/31/NABRetailOnlinevsABS.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/31/NABRetailOnlinevsABS.png" alt=""> 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/31/NABRetailGrowth.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/31/NABRetailGrowth.png" alt="">
SME sales represents just over a third of all online sales. While SMEs (-0.4%,mom s.a.) recorded less negative sales, the fall in growth was sharper given the March result (+1.5%, mom, s.a.). Year on year growth for SMEs (10.6%) is still stronger than Corporates (6.9%).
The data is seasonally adjusted where specified, with a leap year adjustment made for February 2012 and 2016.
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Online retail sales fell in April, reversing gains in March: NAB index

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It’s not just the residential property market that is showing strong growth, sentiment in the commercial property market too rose to a new high in the first quarter of 2017, with offices taking the lead, according to the latest NAB Commercial Property Survey Q1 2017.
The Commercial Property Index climbed 6 points to +27, with around 250 panellists participating in the Q1 2017 Survey, said NAB.
NAB Group Chief Economist Alan Oster said the improvement was reflected in a much higher sentiment for office property while industrial grew modestly.  
Sentiment in the CBD hotels sector was lower, but still very solid and highest across all sectors, while sentiment in retail property markets was unchanged, the survey said.
“Confidence levels also lifted in Office, Industrial and CBD hotels markets, but fell for retail property as household consumption continues to slow to a moderate pace across most states and territories,” Oster said.
“By state, sentiment is still highest in NSW, where it reached a new survey high, followed by Victoria. It rallied in WA but is still very weak and fell in SA/NT and QLD.” 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/26/NABCommPropIndex.png" alt="">
The survey found that prospects for capital growth in next 1-2 years improved for CBD hotels, office and industrial property, but were unchanged for retail.
Other findings include the expectation that office property will continue to provide the best income returns in the next 1-2 years, with solid growth in NSW and Victoria continuing amid tightening vacancies in both states. Rental growth is expected to remain very weak in WA, reflecting expectations for elevated vacancy rates and oversupply.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/26/NABCommPropIndex2.png" alt="">
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/26/NABCommPropIndex-State.png" alt="">
Just over one in two developers expect to start new projects in the next six months, with around six in 10 projects looking to develop into residential projects, says the survey.
Funding conditions are however now considered to be harder than at any time since the final quarter of 2011, particularly for debt borrowing, and are expected to become even harder in the next 6-12 months.
More than one in four (28%) developers are looking to source more capital in the next next months, the survey said. But getting funding is now considered to be harder than at any time since Q4’11. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/26/NABPanel.png" alt="">
The survey was first launched in 2010 and is one of the leading surveys of market sentiment in the commercial property space. Its panel consists of real estate agents, fund managers, developers and investors.
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Commercial property sentiment hits new high in 2017 Q1: NAB Survey 

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National Australia Bank has come up with new goodies to attract first home buyers to its fold in a competitive lending market at a time when both the RBA and prudential regulator have voiced concern on banks’ exposure to the housing market.
NAB is also offering its “cheapest-ever” two-year fixed rate for first time home buyers.
As part of an overhaul of its products, NAB is scrapping the $1,500 home loan cash back offer and an annual fee waiver of $395 for all broker-originated home loan applications, according to an article in Fairfax Media.
Those will be replaced by a 350,000 NAB Rewards Points offers, with offerings for gadgets such as a smart TVs, cameras and $1,750 towards any flight or hotel purchase with Webjet. Also part of offers are gift cards, cash-backs and other incentives on about 1,500 goods and services, from household goods to vouchers from major retailers such as Coles, Myers and Bunnings.
The scheme is for customers applying for loans till August 31.
The incentives come at a time when the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has announced a review of mortgage lending practices of banks as it feels banks are too exposed to the housing sector which is a risk. 
Recently, RBA governor Philip Rowe was also critical of banks’ lending standards, saying “too many loans are still made where the borrower has the skinniest of income buffers after interest payments”.
Meanwhile, NAB is just doing what other lenders are. Fighting for more market share through promotions and offers. 
As part of its mortgage range restructuring, the bank recently withdrew NAB Homeplus and NAB Peak Performance products for new customers.
It is attempting to aggressively build market share in the first home buyers' segment with a 3.69 per cent fixed rate for two years for owner occupier, principal and interest loans.
"We recognise these are challenging times for home buyers," a bank spokeswoman was cited as saying by the Australian Financial Review. "We also recognise our customers want more choice on how they are rewarded.” 
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NAB woos home loan applicants with trips, cash and gadget offers

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The NAB will increase its standard variable rate for owner-occupiers and investor property loans.
The standard variable rate for owner-occupiers will increase from 5.25 percent to 5.32 percent.
Investor property loans will increase from 5.5 percent to 5.80 percent. 
The standard variable rate increase may add an extra $13 a month on a $300,000 principal and interest mortgage.
The increase came after the US Federal Reserve increased its key interest rate.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told Network Seven the increase by NAB is certainly not welcome.
"But as you know, the banks obviously have to manage their own affairs, and they have funding costs," he said.
In the NAB's March Global &amp; Australian Economic Perspective report, group chief economist Alan Oster noted the RBA is becoming increasingly focused on financial stability considerations, particularly household balance sheets in the context of a re-acceleration in house price growth in Sydney and Melbourne amidst elevated levels of household debt. 
"Recent comments from RBA officials raise the possibility that macro-prudential measures may be stepped up and we now consider a further rate cut as unlikely in this environment," he said.
"We have removed our expectation of a 25bp rate cut in late 2017, although continue to flag the risk of further monetary policy easing at some point given our concerns about economic growth and the labour market in 2018.
"As a result of our RBA view change, we are revising up our 2018 AUD/USD forecast slightly while maintaining our 0.70 end-2017 projection. A weaker AUD is still likely on a combination of further US interest rate-driven US dollar strength, lower commodity prices and potentially some deterioration in risk sentiment from current elevated levels. 
"Dwelling investment increased 1.2 percent in Q4, although that only partly unwound the Q3 decline – a subdued result given the anticipated rebound from temporary weather-related disruptions and the record level of construction projects in the pipeline.
"There are, however, signs that the contribution of dwelling investment to economic growth may soon peak.
"New medium-density approvals have come off sharply from their highs, although they are still at elevated levels (especially in Victoria). Meanwhile, housing markets in Sydney and Melbourne continue to defy belief in 2017, with property prices showing no signs of slowing despite tightening credit conditions and concerns about affordability."
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