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

Privacy

Arcadia is among&nbsp;Lane Cove’s most coveted new addresses, combining bushland panoramas with sophisticated architectural designs.

Never to be built-out natural vistas create a green backdrop to the apartment development, nestled at the doorstep of the bushland reserve along Stringybark Creek.

Delivered by DASCO, Arcadia features&nbsp;69 one, two and three-bedroom residences across three individual buildings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6912 project_image_fid=153922]

Diverse floorplans feature a range of offerings, including double-storey layouts, studies, media spaces, while select three-storey, terrace-style residences feature their own private entrances.

Floorplans extend up to 227sqm, making these apartments more than $800,000 cheaper than a similar-sized, free-standing home in the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6912 project_image_fid=153921]

Arcadia focuses on alfresco living, with generous private terraces, courtyards and sun-soaked balconies providing a sublime setting for relaxing and entertaining outdoors.

Inside, living spaces are roomy and airy, graced with top-quality Italian ILVE appliances, stone benchtops, a smart home system and floor-to-ceiling windows.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6912 project_image_fid=153912]

Residents can choose between two considered colour schemes. The stylish lighter and darker colour palettes, Sunrise and Sunset, allows buyers to personalise their surroundings to suit their taste.

Lane Cove lies within one of Australia’s top 10 most advantaged Local Government Areas, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6912 project_image_fid=153916]

Located close to several major centres including the Sydney and North Sydney CBDs, Macquarie Park and Chatswood, its convenience is a major drawcard.

A number of infrastructure and community projects and upgrades have helped to transform the suburb and its village, which has become a popular and diverse destination in its own right.

These include an upgrade of Lane Cove Plaza and the opening of The Canopy, poised to become Lane Cove’s premier dining and shopping destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6912 project_image_fid=153925]

Central and convenient, Arcadia enjoys easy access to the area’s many attractions and amenities. It is located a 4-minute walk from the nearest bus stop on Centennial Avenue and a 12-minute bus ride to Chatswood.

The CBD lies within a 15-minute drive from the residence and premier education institutions are within close proximity, including Lane Cove and Lane Cove West Public Schools, St Ignatius’ College Riverview and Macquarie Uni.

“We are thrilled to bring our signature quality, vision and lifestyle focus to beautiful Lane Cove and deliver a product that we know will resonate with style-conscious buyers”, DASCO director Salim Nicolas said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6912 project_image_fid=153917]

Arcadia delivers a lush living experience to a range of buyers, and the lush surrounding treescape ensures a feeling of peace, tranquillity and seclusion rarely found in urban living.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=6912]

A number of infrastructure and community projects and upgrades have helped to transform the suburb and its village, which has become a popular and diverse destination in its own right.

max.kwok_55688

Arcadia, the Lower North Shore apartments attracting families and investors

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
Facial recognition technology is increasingly being trialled and deployed around Australia.
Queensland and Western Australia are reportedly already using real-time facial recognition through CCTV cameras. 7-Eleven Australia is also deploying facial recognition technology in its 700 stores nationwide for what it says is customer feedback.
And Australian police are <a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-police-are-using-the-clearview-ai-facial-recognition-system-with-no-accountability-132667" target="_blank">reportedly using</a>a facial recognition system that allows them to identify members of the public from online photographs.
Facial recognition technology has a somewhat nefarious reputation in some police states and non-democratic countries. It has been used by the police in China to identify anti-Beijing protesters in <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/26/technology/hong-kong-protests-facial-recognition-surveillance" target="_blank">Hong Kong</a> and monitor members of the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2019/apr/11/china-hi-tech-war-on-muslim-minority-xinjiang-uighurs-surveillance-face-recognition" target="_blank">Uighur minority</a> in Xinjiang.
With the spread of this technology in Australia and other democratic countries, there are important questions about the legal implications of scanning, storing and sharing facial images.
Use of technology by public entities
The use of facial recognition technology by immigration authorities (for example, in the channels at airports for people with electronic passports) and police departments is authorised by law and therefore subject to public scrutiny through parliamentary processes.
In a positive sign, the government’s proposed identity matching services laws are <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1037969X20920008" target="_blank">currently being scrutinised</a> by a parliamentary committee, which will address concerns over <a href="http://www.unswlawjournal.unsw.edu.au/article/who-owns-information-law-enforcement-information-sharing-as-a-case-study-in-conceptual-confusion/" target="_blank">data sharing</a> and the potential for people to be incorrectly identified.
Indeed, Australian Human Rights Commissioner Edward Santow recently <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/technology/harm-against-humans-rights-chief-warns-of-facial-recognition-threat-20200611-p551o6" target="_blank">sounded an alarm</a> over the lack of regulation in this area.
At the moment, there are not strong and clear enough legal protections in place to prevent the misuse of facial recognition in high stakes areas like policing or law enforcement.
Another specific concern with the legislation is that people’s data <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-the-governments-proposed-facial-recognition-database-is-causing-such-alarm-125811" target="_blank">could be shared</a> between government agencies and private companies like telcos and banks.
How private operators work
Then there is the use of facial recognition technology by private companies, such as banks, telcos and even 7-Elevens.
Here, the first thing to determine is if the technology is being used on public or private land. A private landowner can do whatever it likes to protect itself, its wares and its occupants so long as <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://legal.thomsonreuters.com.au/the-law-of-private-security-in-australia-2nd-edition/productdetail/99342" target="_blank">it doesn’t break the law</a> (for example, by unlawful restraint or a discriminatory practice).
This would include allowing for the installation and monitoring of staff and visitors <a href="https://theconversation.com/cctv-who-can-watch-whom-under-the-law-63046" target="_blank">through facial recognition cameras</a>.
By contrast, on public land, any decision to deploy such tools must go through a more transparent decision-making process (say, a council meeting) where the public has an opportunity to respond.
This isn’t the case, however, for many “public” properties (such as sports fields, schools, universities, shopping centres and hospitals) that are privately owned or managed. As such, they can be <a href="https://theconversation.com/non-police-doing-police-type-work-operate-in-a-perilously-grey-area-of-law-53219" target="_blank">privately secured</a> through the use of guards monitoring CCTV cameras and other technologies.
Facial recognition is not the only surveillance tool available to these private operators. Others include iris and <a href="https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/retina-scan" target="_blank">retina scanners</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140916102000.htm" target="_blank">GIS profiling</a>, <a href="https://www.datasciencecentral.com/profiles/blogs/the-7-most-important-data-mining-techniques" target="_blank">internet data-mining</a> (which includes “<a href="/news">predictive analytics</a>,” that is, building a customer database on the strength of online behaviours), and “<a href="https://hbr.org/2019/01/neuromarketing-what-you-need-to-know" target="_blank">neuromarketing</a>” (the use of surveillance tools to capture a consumer’s attributes during purchases).
There’s more. Our technological wizardry also allows the private sector to store and retrieve huge amounts of customer data, including every purchase we make and the price we paid. And the major political parties have compiled <a href="https://www.aspg.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/02-Onselen-Errington-full.pdf" target="_blank">extensive private databanks</a> on the makeup of households and likely electoral preferences of their occupants.
Is it any wonder we have started to become <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2524167" target="_blank">a little alarmed</a> by the reach of surveillance and data retention tools in our lives?
What’s currently allowed under the law
The law in this area is new and struggling to keep up with the pace of change. One thing is clear: the law does not prohibit even highly intrusive levels of surveillance by the private sector on private land in the absence of illegal conduct.
The most useful way of reviewing the legal principles in this space is to pose specific questions:
Can visitors be legally photographed and scanned when entering businesses?
The answer is yes where visitors have been warned of the presence of cameras and scanners by the use of signs. Remaining on the premises denotes implied consent to the conditions of entry.
Do people have any recourse if they don’t want their image taken?
No. The law does very little to protect those who may be upset by the obvious presence of a surveillance device on a door, ceiling or wall. The best option for anybody concerned about this is to leave the premises or not enter in the first place.
What about sharing images? Can private operators do whatever they like with them?
No. The sharing of electronic data is limited by what are referred to as the “<a href="https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/australian-privacy-principles-guidelines/" target="_blank">privacy principles</a>”, which govern the rights and obligations around the collection, use and sharing of personal information. These were extended to the private sector in 2001 by amendments to the Commonwealth <a href="https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/cth/consol_act/pa1988108/" target="_blank">Privacy Act 1988</a>.
These privacy principles would certainly prohibit the sharing of images except, for example, if a store was requested by police to hand them over for investigation purposes.
Can private businesses legally store your image?
Yes, private or commercial enterprises can store images of people captured on their cameras in their own databases. A person can ask for the image to be disclosed to them (that is, to confirm it is held by the store and to see it) under the “privacy principles”. Few people would bother, though, since it’s unlikely they would know it even exists.
The privacy principles do, however, require the business to take reasonable steps to destroy the data or image (or ensure there is de-identification) once it is no longer needed.
What if facial recognition technology is used without warnings like signs?
If there is a demonstrable public interest in any type of covert surveillance (for example, to ensure patrons in casino gaming rooms are not cheating, or to ensure public safety in crowded walkways), and there is no evidence of, or potential for, misuse, then the law permits it.
However, it is <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-does-the-law-say-about-secret-recordings-and-the-public-interest-140731" target="_blank">not legal to film someone covertly</a> unless there is a public interest in doing so.
What does the future hold?
Any change to the laws in this area is a matter for our parliamentarians. They have been slow to respond given the difficulty of determining what is required.
It will not be easy to frame legislation that strikes the right balance between respecting individuals’ <a href="https://theconversation.com/animal-activists-v-private-landowners-what-does-the-law-say-110279" target="_blank">rights to privacy</a> and the desires of commercial entities to keep their stock, patrons and staff secure.
In the meantime, there are steps we can all take to safeguard our privacy. If you want to protect your image completely, don’t select a phone that switches on when you look at it, and don’t get a passport.
And if certain businesses want to scan your face when you enter their premises, give them a wide berth, and your feedback.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/141357/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;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rick-sarre-22428" target="_blank">Rick Sarre</a>, Adjunct Professor of Law and Criminal Justice, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180" target="_blank">University of South Australia</a>
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/facial-recognition-technology-is-expanding-rapidly-across-australia-are-our-laws-keeping-pace-141357" target="_blank">original article</a>.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Facial recognition technology is expanding rapidly across Australia. Are our laws keeping pace?

<html><body>
LandMark White has claimed it is the victim of a saboteur hellbent on destroying the listed valuation firm after it was hit with another data leak.
The company told the ASX that valuation and related commercial documents had been uploaded to international document sharing site SCRIBD.
"Someone is trying to destroy the company," chairman Keith Perrett told Nine Entertainment.
In a statement to the ASX on Thursday night, company secretary John Wise SCRIBD would removed all the documents offline within 24 hours.
"We are investigating this recent disclosure as an immediate priority and have identified that the documents mostly comprise PDF valuation documents and other operationally related commercial documents of LMW," Mr Wise said.
"We also confirm that these documents do not appear to have been taken from LMW through an IT related security breach but may be the deliberate work of an individual known to the LMW business."
Mr Wise said the company would work with law enforcement agencies and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. In a letter to clients, LandMark White acting chief executive Tim Rabbit said the leak "may be the work of an individual known to the LMW business".
"We are under attack," he said.
"This not a serious data breach.. it's sabotage and I hope the financial institutions will support a good Australian company that has worked incredibly hard to ensure our security systems are as goods as any in the world."
Earlier this month the property valuation and consultancy firm LandMark White revealed <a href="/news/landmark-white-valuation-data-available-on-dark-web-forum-after-data-breach">the initial data breach from their servers in February</a> cost the company <a href="/news/landmark-white-data-breach-to-cost-over-7-million">up to $7 million</a>. 
</body></html>

LandMark White reports more private valuation files posted online

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Following the recent reinstatement of Commonwealth Bank, LandMark White has now secured Westpac as resuming its valuation workflow.
LMW told its shareholders that still requires reinstatement from a majority of our remaining banking clients before LMW can provide reasonable financial projections.
It remains suspended from the ASX.
It was February 19 when Westpac Group moved to protect the personal information and privacy of its borrowers after the recent data breach involving LandMark White Limited.
"We are investigating this matter and it is our immediate priority to contact and support any Westpac, St.George, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA or RAMS customers who may be affected," it advised.
Westpac believed only a small number of individuals are potentially impacted.
The data disclosed includes property valuation details and some contact details (such as names, addresses and email addresses) of the various parties involved in the property valuation process.
No loan application details, such as financial and identification documents, were disclosed.
LMW also told its shareholders today that an advertisement in today’s Australian Financial Review seeking Expressions of Interest for a “Property Services Business” did not relate to LMW.
Last month LandMark White was reinstated by Commonwealth Bank to its panel for residential valuations.
Marking a significant step for the company after the <a href="/news/landmark-white-limited-reports-property-valuations-data-breach">recent cyber-attack</a>, Keith Perrett, Chairman of LandMark White, said the decision made by Commonwealth Bank is an endorsement of the actions taken by the company in response to the incident.
"We’re pleased a number of financial institutions have reinstated LMW to its panel of valuation providers, including one of Australia’s major lenders.
"Commonwealth Bank recognised the risk to our company, our staff and shareholders, and reviewed the enhancements to our systems and networks in an efficient manner while also ensuring its affected customers were supported,” Mr Perrett said.
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The company has been working closely with financial institutions throughout the last few weeks – including all of Australia’s major lenders – to ensure its systems and networks are now subject to the highest level of security and monitoring.
Commonwealth Bank, as well as NAB and ANZ, <a href="/news/banks-drop-landmark-white-valuations-after-data-breach">dropped LandMark White</a> following the attack.
LMW liaised with Commonwealth Bank’s Data Protect Group to assess and improve its datasecurity environment, while the company has also committed to a framework for robust risk management and continuous improvement.
"We’re pleased a number of financial institutions have reinstated LMW to its panel of valuation providers, including one of Australia’s major lenders. 
“It’s a great sign of faith in our company and our people, and I thank the Commonwealth Bank for the support they have shown LMW in the last few weeks. We are confident we now have one of the most secure systems and networks for a property valuation company in Australia.”
“We have been a trusted member of the industry for nearly 40 years and with the support ofall the major banks, we’re confident we’ll be here for another 40 years and longer.”
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

LandMark White see Westpac return after dark web data privacy breach 

<html><body>
Westpac has confirmed it had joined Australia's three other major banks in not sending any further valuation work to LandMark White.
<p data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6236702_632="1550610401672" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6236702_632="4000" data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen-6236702_632="1550610405836" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6236702_632="1">"Our immediate priority is to contact customers who may have been impacted," a Westpac spokesperson said.
"We are aware of a personal data leak involving LandMark White, a contracted service provider which conducts property valuations on our behalf," a Westpac spokesperson said.
It came a week after the other big banks pulled their requirement for LMW valuations on property for mortgage applications.
Independent LandMark White holds around 20 per cent share of the residential market with a further eight major property valuers, most of which are subsidiaries of large real estate agencies.
LandmarkWhite has also again suspended its shares from trading on the stockmarket, in the wake of stolen valuation records being posted on a dark-web forum for 10 days.
It suggests <a href="/news/landmark-white-blames-ill-informed-public-commentary-on-its-dark-web-data-breach-for-further-asx-share-suspension">the trading halt could be for as long as a month</a>.
The company advised shareholders that LMW had lost work from a significant number of clients which was "impacting our revenues, profitability and cashflows."
Only yesterday it indicated the valuation clients were likely to return.
"At this point in time we are unable to ascertain when these clients will reinstate LMW and hence when LMW will be in a position to assess with any certainty the financial impact of the incident," LMW updated the market at lunchtime Tuesday.
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
"In addition, LMW anticipates that continued public commentary does not allow for an informed market for trading in LMW securities."
LMW expects that it would be able to provide the market with accurate information relating to the financial impact of the incident and hence a forecast for FY2019 within the next two to four weeks and lift the suspension at that time.
Last week Landmark White advised its investigations revealed that an unknown third party posted an <a href="/news/landmark-white-valuation-data-available-on-dark-web-forum-after-data-breach">illegally downloaded valuation dataset on a dark web forum </a>for 10 days in late January 2019.
It <a href="/news/landmark-white-enters-trading-halt-after-banks-suspend-its-use">sought the suspension of its ASX-listed shares</a> after some of the big four banks indicated they had <a href="/news/banks-drop-landmark-white-valuations-after-data-breach">stopped using LMW valuations</a>.
Westpac Group said it "takes the protection of personal information and privacy extremely seriously."
"We are investigating this matter and it is our immediate priority to contact and support any Westpac, St.George, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA or RAMS customers who may be affected.  
"At this stage, we believe only a small number of individuals are potentially impacted.
"The data disclosed includes property valuation details and some contact details (such as names, addresses and email addresses) of the various parties involved in the property valuation process.
"No loan application details, such as financial and identification documents, were disclosed.
"While we investigate the matter, we have also suspended sending any further work to LandMark White," Westpac told its customers.
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Westpac stops sending property valuation work to LandMark White after data breach

<html><body>
LandmarkWhite has again suspended its shares from trading on the stockmarket, in the wake of stolen valuation records being posted on a dark-web forum for 10 days.
It suggests the trading halt could be for as long as a month.
The company advised shareholders that LMW had lost work from a significant number of clients which was "impacting our revenues, profitability and cashflows."
<a href="/news/westpac-stops-sending-property-valuation-work-to-landmark-white-after-data-breach">Westpac confirmed</a> it had joined Australia's three other major banks in not sending any further valuation work to LandMark White.
Only yesterday it indicated the valuation clients were likely to return.
"At this point in time we are unable to ascertain when these clients will reinstate LMW and hence when LMW will be in a position to assess with any certainty the financial impact of the incident," LMW updated the market at lunchtime Tuesday.
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
"In addition, LMW anticipates that continued public commentary does not allow for an informed market for trading in LMW securities."
LMW expects that it would be able to provide the market with accurate information relating to the financial impact of the incident and hence a forecast for FY2019 within the next two to four weeks and lift the suspension at that time.
The clients  that pulled their business in the wake of a data breach included three of the big four banks.
On Monday the shares in the property valuation firm fell 10 percent to 38 cents after it resumed trading after its major data breach.
It was trading at 45 cents prior to its initial advisory of a privacy breach.
Last week Landmark White advised its investigations revealed that an unknown third party posted an <a href="/news/landmark-white-valuation-data-available-on-dark-web-forum-after-data-breach">illegally downloaded valuation dataset on a dark web forum </a>for 10 days in late January 2019.
It <a href="/news/landmark-white-enters-trading-halt-after-banks-suspend-its-use">sought the suspension of its ASX-listed shares</a> after some of the big four banks indicated they had <a href="/news/banks-drop-landmark-white-valuations-after-data-breach">stopped using LMW valuations</a>.
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
"We anticipate that the suspensions will be progressively lifted over the coming days and that workflows will return to more normal levels by the end of the month," it told shareholders on Monday.
"An unknown criminal has maliciously accessed a LandMark White’s system," it advised.
"LMW has been working with independent cyber security consultants, along with the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, to ensure client information and LMW’s network is secure.
LMW has not obtained any evidence that the data has been misused.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

LandMark White blames ill-informed public commentary on its dark web data breach for further ASX share suspension

<html><body>
Landmark White has advised its investigations reveal that an unknown third party posted an illegally downloaded valuation dataset on a dark web forum for 10 days in late January 2019.
Its advisory came a day after it <a href="/news/landmark-white-enters-trading-halt-after-banks-suspend-its-use">sought the suspension of its ASX-listed shares</a> after some of the big four banks indicated they had <a href="/news/banks-drop-landmark-white-valuations-after-data-breach">stopped using LMW valuations</a>.
"An unknown criminal has maliciously accessed a LandMark White’s system," it advised.
"We do not know the identity of the individual," it added.
Its investigations reveal that the dataset contained:
<ul>
<li>approximately 137,500 unique valuation records, and approximately 1,680 supporting documents.</li>
<li>approximately 250,000 individual records in total but a lot of records are duplicates.</li>
<li>The date of the documents range between approximately 4 January 2011 and 20 January 2019.</li>
</ul>
"We can now share that on 30 December 2018, we received a message through the 'Live Chat' messaging service on our website, providing us with a link to the dark web. 
"As part of our standard operating procedure, we investigated this and as we could not access the dark web link provided, at that time this was discounted as spam."
On 10 January 2019, the LMW team received an email from the Australian Cyber Security Centre alerting LMW to a vulnerability. 
The <a href="/news/landmark-white-limited-reports-property-valuations-data-breach">breached valuation data</a> has since been taken offline as at 10 February 2019.
"We do not know how many people accessed the dataset throughout the approximately 10 days that it was available on the dark web."
The dark web details are advised in its incident update as at 15 February recommending that all potentially impacted individuals remain vigilant against a potential risk of receiving phishing and other spam communications from organisations purporting to be LandMark White or one of our lending clients.
"Although LandMark White is one of the victims of this cybercrime, we take responsibility for this incident and deeply and sincerely regret that this incident has occurred," the company advised.
"We remain committed to achieving the best possible outcome for all parties that may be impacted, and we are focused on supporting our partners and their customers in the wake of this incident."
LMW is an Australian property valuation and consultancy firm which was founded in 1982 and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2003, employing 450 staff across Australia.
On 23 January 2019, LMW closed off a security vulnerability identified in one of its valuation platforms.
"We have engaged leading privacy, digital forensic and cyber security consultants who have confirmed that the data disclosure relates to the vulnerability which had been secured. We can confirm that the disclosed dataset does not include loan application, date of birth, or other sensitive information."
The dataset contained property valuation and some personal contact information of borrowers, lenders, homeowners, residents, and property agents. 
There was also a small subset of supporting documents relevant to the valuation assessment contained in the dataset, such as contracts for the sale of land, council rates, and strata reports.
There was no evidence of misuse of any personal information, although LMW advise it will continue to closely monitor for this together with industry partners. 
LMW confirmed that no loan application details, including financial and identity documents, are contained within the dataset.
"We can also confirm that no date of birth records, personal bank account details, payment or credit card details, username and password or other credentials, or other sensitive information exists in the dataset.
Independent security consultants have confirmed that the data was accessed via an exposed programming interface on one of LMW's valuation platforms.
"We had already taken steps in January 2019 to block direct access to this interface to prevent any ongoing data disclosure, and it is no longer directly accessible from the internet."
LandMark White advised it was adopting a "very cautionary position" and assuming that a subset of its valuation requests received by LandMark White during the period 4 January 2011 and 23 January 2019 may potentially be at risk. 
 
</body></html>

Landmark White valuation data available on dark web forum after data breach

<html><body>
The fallout from a data breach at the listed valuation company LandMark White has seen National Australia Bank suspending its use of the firm, joining Commonwealth Bank and ANZ.
"We are not in a position to say how many individuals are likely at risk as a result of the incident at this point although this remains under close review," LMW advised yesterday.
Up to 100,000 customers, according to Nine Entertainment, had personal information including property valuations, phone numbers and dates of birth leaked as part of the <a href="/news/landmark-white-limited-reports-property-valuations-data-breach">data breach at LandMark White</a>.
ANZ’s chief data officer, Emma Gray, said it involved a very small percentage of its customers who had valuations undertaken between November 2015 and December 2018 who are potentially impacted.
“As a result of this incident ANZ has currently suspended use of the services of the valuation provider at the centre of the investigations."
<div>
LandMark White's share price is down slightly from 44 cents to 42 cents since the ASX listed company revealed the breach.
<p data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen-6236702_632="1550088100368" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6236702_632="1550088100368" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6236702_632="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6236702_632="1">LandMark White is one of the biggest valuation firms used by banks and lenders for assessing mortgage applications. 
LMW chairman Keith Perrett said the group had been communicating constantly with its business partners in the face of a complex attack on the business.
</div>
<div>''We are very pleased to hear from our external advisors that the breach was isolated to a single system, that the source of the disclosure had been closed, and that there is no ongoing suspicious activity across our network,'' Mr Perrett.</div>
<div class="_1lC_G">
<div class="_1665V undefined">
<p data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen-6236702_632="1550088123437" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6236702_632="1550088123437" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6236702_632="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6236702_632="1"><a href="/news/what-are-landmark-white-doing-about-property-valuations-data-breach">LandMark White have been working</a> closely with the relevant government agencies, including the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
<p data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen-6236702_632="1550088123437" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6236702_632="1550088123437" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6236702_632="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6236702_632="1">Before the breach, the group issued a 25 per cent downgrade in its profits for the first half to December 31, 2018, in late January, saying it had experienced a significant reduction in valuation instructions from the first-tier lenders.
<p data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen-6236702_632="1550088123437" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6236702_632="1550088123437" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6236702_632="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6236702_632="1">It was February 5 when LandMark White Limited became aware that a dataset containing property valuation and personal contact information had been disclosed.
"We take the privacy and security of our data very seriously, and we are working closely with cyber security consultants to investigate the circumstances of the disclosure of the dataset," LMW told the ASX.
LMW became aware through one if its corporate partners, CoreLogic.
"We have taken immediate steps to secure what we believe to be the source of the disclosure to prevent any further disclosure of data.
"Currently there is no evidence of misuse of any information although this remains under close review."
Property valuer LandMark White Limited has blamed an exposed API for the leak of a dataset that included property valuation details and contact information of a range of individuals held by the company.
The security vulnerability responsible for the breach — “an exposed programming interface on one of our valuation platforms” — was closed on 23 January, according to the company.
“At that point, we were not aware that there had been any data disclosure,” an update released today for people affected by the breach states.
<div>
<div id="gpt-ad-interscroller-5935221" class="gpt-ad" data-gpt-ad-unit-path="/8456/IDG.AU_B2B_ComputerWorld.com.au/security_section" data-gpt-size-mapping="[[[0, 0], [[3, 3]]]]" data-gpt-sizes="[[3, 3]]" data-gpt-targeting='{"node": ["657662"], "idgau_tax": ["news"], "country": ["AU"], "site": ["cw"], "kw": ["data", "cyber+security", "data+breach"], "sect": ["security"], "idgau_search_referrer": ["no"], "type": ["article"]}' data-google-query-id="CJjZirDFueACFYQPKwod2vcO-w">“Having since become aware of the disclosure on 4 February 2019, we have worked to confirm that the data disclosure relates to the vulnerability which had been previously secured.”</div>
</div>
<div title="Page 1">
<div>
<div>
<div>
Founded in 1982 and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2003, LMW has a long and proud heritage of providing independent professional property services to people and companies across Australia.
LMW has over 400 property professionals across 40 plus locations Australia wide.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Banks drop LandMark White valuations after data breach

<html><body>
LandMark White Limited recently became aware that a dataset containing property valuation and personal contact information has been leaked.
LMW stated, "We have engaged leading external cyber security and privacy experts to undergo a forensic investigation into the incident, as well as the circumstances of the disclosure of the dataset."
"We have also engaged leading privacy experts to assess the scope and impact of any information disclosed, so that we can assess who may be impacted by this incident."
"In addition to this, we will be monitoring all of our systems to ensure that there is no ongoing data security risk," they added.
LMW believe that the source of disclosure which took place on February 4 has now been closed and that there is no ongoing data breaches or leaks.
An initial statement was released February 5 on the breach, and they have a FAQ website that is being <a href="https://www.lmw.com.au/faqs" target="_blank">updated as new information</a> becomes available.
The data at risk was contained, property valuation and some personal contact information of home owners, residents, and property agents, including first and last name, residential address, and contact numbers."
They have stated, "we are in the process of reviewing the dataset to understand the scope and impact of the incident, and the number and profile of individuals whose information is contained in the dataset."
"We reiterate that there is no evidence of misuse of any personal information, although this remains under close review."
 
 
</body></html>

What are Landmark White doing about property valuations data breach

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
LandMark White Limited has became aware that a dataset containing property valuation and personal contact information has been disclosed.
"We take the privacy and security of our data very seriously, and we are working closely with cyber security consultants to investigate the circumstances of the disclosure of the dataset," LMW told the ASX.
LMW became aware through one if its corporate partners, CoreLogic.
"We have taken immediate steps to secure what we believe to be the source of the disclosure to prevent any further disclosure of data.
"Currently there is no evidence of misuse of any information although this remains under close review."
LMW are directly notifying affected corporate partners of the incident.
As part of our response, we have established a dedicated email mailbox (privacy@lmw.com.au) to respond to questions about this incident and will be creating a dedicated FAQ web page (www.lmw.com.au/faqs) which we will update as more information becomes known.
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Founded in 1982 and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2003, LMW has a long and proud heritage of providing independent professional property services to people and companies across Australia.
LMW has over 400 property professionals across 40 plus locations Australia wide.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Privacy

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Privacy

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News