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

Property News

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Perth's median house price fell by 2.7% or $15,000 in the September quarter when compared to June, according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.
The median house price is now $535,000.
Sales turnover was down 14% when compared to the previous quarter.
REIWA Deputy President Hayden Groves said the adjustment in price of 2.7% was quite modest given the high number of properties on the market. 
“Currently we have almost 15,000 listings on the Perth market, which is up by about 3,000 on what we would consider normal,” Mr Groves said. 
"Listings for sale were up by 9% in the quarter and up by 44% on the same time last year. The biggest growth in listings over the last three months was found in the north-east sub region which includes the Shires of Kalamunda and Mundaring, along with the City of Swan. This region saw a further 305 properties added to the sales market, bringing it to a total of 1,952 listings at quarter’s end.
"Top selling suburbs overall included Butler, Ellenbrook, Bayswater, Baldivis and Canning Vale, largely reflecting first home buyer activity. Only a handful of areas saw an increase in turnover for the quarter, but these included Fremantle, Gosnells, Cockburn and Armadale."
In the rental market the vacancy rate has lifted slightly to 5.4 per cent for the three months to August, with some 8,311 rental properties on the market.  
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Perth house prices, rents, down in September: REIWA 

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ABC TV host Leigh Sales, the 7.30 presenter, and her husband, animator Phil Willis, had hoped their Glebe townhouse would fetch more than $1.3 million
With plans to upsize to something nearby with more space for the family of four, they secured<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-glebe-120699009" target="_blank"> $1,705,000 at weekend BresicWhitney auction</a> with 10 registered bidders.
The corner property has been home to the couple since 2009 when they paid $955,000.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

ABC's Leigh Sales secures strong Glebe townhouse price

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GUEST OBSERVER
The latest apprenticeship figures, released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) in September, show a decline in the number of apprentices commencing and completing training. Compared with the previous 12-month period, apprenticeship and traineeship commencements between March 2014 to March 2015 decreased by 19.8%.
Over this period, apprenticeship and traineeship completions also dropped an alarming 19.4%. A report on completion and attrition rates released earlier this year predicted already low completion rates for apprentices and trainees to decline further. For apprentices and trainees commencing in 2014, completions were predicted to fall to 41.4% in trades and 57.5% in non-trades occupations.
These latest figures come on the back of a worrying pattern of apprenticeship decline in recent years. Why the decline in this crucial sector of labour force development? And what can be done to address it?
Why the decline in participation?
Apprenticeship and traineeship commencements commonly fluctuate with economic conditions. In times of economic downturn, employers may be reluctant to take on apprentices and trainees. They may also be financially unable to retain apprentices already under contract.
During the global financial crisis, training systems across Australia were faced with the dilemma of supporting an increase in “out-of-trade” apprentices who had lost employment.
Funding for Trade Training Centres, the piloting of the P-TECH model and programs promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and non-traditional pathways for young women are just some of the strategies being used to promote vocational and apprenticeship pathways within schools.
But despite these strategies and investments, data on apprenticeship and traineeship take up among school-completers provides further evidence of decline. This is in contrast to increasing university participation rates, and increased numbers of young people going directly into the labour market.
Group Training Australia is among the many stakeholders that have expressed concern that young school-leavers and their families are overlooking apprenticeships and traineeships in favour of going to university. Earlier NCVER research found the likelihood of undertaking an apprenticeship is influenced by an inclination to go to university.
Why such low completion rates?
Completion rates for apprentices and trainees vary by industry and by occupation. Completions tend to be lower in occupations such as hairdressing (31% completion), construction and mining labouring (27%) and in automotive and engineering trades work (40.3%).
Completion rates are higher among health and welfare support workers (72.4%), engineering, ICT and science technicians (64%) and general clerical workers (68%).
Wages for apprentices and trainees are infamously low. However, this has not been found to be the main reason for drop-out or non-completion. Difficulties with an employer or colleagues, or wanting to change career direction, are among the most commonly cited reasons for cancelling an apprenticeship or traineeship contract.
A lack of pre-apprenticeship career advice also has an impact on completions. Apprentices entering the workforce without a solid understanding of the occupation or the requisite foundational skills are more likely to withdraw. The common anecdote here is of young cookery apprentices who arrive aspiring to be the next George Calombaris or Kylie Kwong and are disappointed to be cutting vegetables all day.
Similarly, some confusion exists within schools regarding the often rigorous mathematical requirements for some apprenticeships. Young people may be advised against taking higher-level maths because it is seen as not needed for “the vocational training kids”.
How should apprenticeship uptake be promoted?
In response to the decline in apprenticeship commencements, various governments have announced funding to boost training numbers. This has included an increase in government incentives.
The NSW government requires bidders for major infrastructure projects to demonstrate how many apprentices will be recruited. Bidders must demonstrate how they will:
… leave a lasting skills dividend for local communities.
<a href="https://twitter.com/share?&amp;text=%E2%80%A6%20leave%20a%20lasting%20skills%20dividend%20for%20local%20communities.">t</a><a href="/expert-insights/australia-needs-arrest-the-decline-in-apprenticeships">f</a>
The federal government maintains a National Skills Needs List, which identifies traditional trades experiencing skill shortage. Apprentices training in one of the listed skill-shortage areas may be eligible for government incentives. Occupations experiencing skill shortage include arborists, butchers, stonemasons and signwriters.
Recommendations from a 2010 expert panel urged government action in growing apprenticeship participation among new learner groups. Current apprenticeship demographics indicate that two-thirds of apprentices and trainees are male. Female participation is particularly low in traditional trades occupations.
When compared with university and broader Vocational Education and Training (VET) participation, apprentices are a much less ethnically diverse cohort. Only 9% of apprentices in 2014 came from a non-English speaking background. This is compared with 20% non-English speaking learners in non-apprenticeship VET. Participation among Indigenous learners and learners with a disability is also lower than for non-apprenticeship VET.
The important role apprentices play
There are currently more than 310,000 apprentices and trainees under contract in Australia. While young people aged 15-24 still dominate the ranks of apprentices and trainees, there is a growing uptake among older learners. Almost one in four (22.5%) current apprentices and trainees are aged 25-39.
Outcomes for apprentices and trainees who complete their training are generally strong. The Australia Jobs 2015 report indicates that 85.5% of apprentices and trainees are employed six months after completion. This compares with 77.6% for VET graduates generally and 68.1% for bachelor degree graduates.
At the recent International Network on Innovative Apprenticeship (INAP) conference, the then-assistant education minister (now minister), Simon Birmingham, warned:
"Without a strong, consistent supply of apprentices, Australia’s economic performance would be placed at risk," he said.
Kira Clarke is lecturer, Education Policy, Centre for Vocational and Educational Policy, University of Melbourne and author for <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-needs-to-do-more-to-arrest-the-decline-in-apprenticeships-47942?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Latest+from+The+Conversation+for+October+5+2015+-+3542&amp;utm_content=Latest+from+The+Conversation+for+October+5+2015+-+3542+CID_996f6fcbb19dbcc930ab3b7dac73bcc0&amp;utm_source=campaign_monitor&amp;utm_term=Australia%20needs%20to%20do%20more%20to%20arrest%20the%20decline%20in%20apprenticeships" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>.
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Australia needs arrest the decline in apprenticeships

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We would all love a dollar every time the words “tax reform” have been mentioned over the past decade with countless inquiries and white papers presented where no reform ever eventuated.
So it was most interesting to see Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and freshly appointed Treasurer Scott Morrison flagging tax reform, income tax cuts and housing affordability again, much like that broken record of their many predecessors.
Yes the Australian economy has its fair share of problems much like the rest of the developed countries across the planet where the common problem is that they are their own worst enemies. The last major tax reform in Australia was the introduction of the GST back in 2000 where 15 years on the taxes and duties that were promised to be removed still remain in place. So it should come as no surprise that the NSW Premier Mike Baird is leading the debate on the GST being increased to 15 per cent.
Back in February 2015 I wrote about abolishing payroll tax to kick start the economy, so high on Malcolm Turnbull’s to – do list should be the abolition of payroll tax on the basis that each business then injects into their business over the next financial year the amount previously paid in payroll tax.
At last month’s Australian Financial Review Tax Reform Summit Malcolm Turnbull effectively put superannuation tax, negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions back on the discussion table. Respected economist Saul Eslake referred to Australia’s tax system as being a “giant Swiss cheese” riddled with holes that allow the wealthy to pay less tax through minimisation strategies. Based on those observations we can expect an intense debate in coming months where previous governments chose to side – step these issues as they were too contentious. We also need to bear in mind that we are approximately twelve months out from a federal election – so how will such a debate go down with voters?
Current Australian Bureau of Statistics projections have the Australian population growing at approximately 4 million people per decade, which places Australia with the fastest rate of population growth in the developed world. Sydney and Melbourne can expect an additional 100,000 new arrivals annually for the next 40 years which in itself requires massive planning although this may further explain the recent Federal portfolio announcement creating the Cities and Built Environment portfolio.
So now Australia’s tax reform discussion has begun in earnest although given the sheer magnitude that explains why this debate has been deferred for decades. Prior to the next Federal Election we can expect to be inundated with discussion groups and scare campaigns although nothing will really happen (if we do get tax reform) until the 2019 Federal Election given such reforms take years to plan then execute.
In the meantime if we are looking for clues we should note with interest that Scott Morrison has just appointed Phil Gaetjens as his chief of staff which should not be too much of a challenge as he was Peter Costello’s chief of staff from 1997 to 2007. Yes one of the key architects for the GST introduction 15 years ago so it really doesn’t require much joining of the dots to see what picture will appear on the canvas.
Although this time around if there is to be any reform the Australian voters will demand that the states and territories commit to honoring their word when it comes to removing taxes and duties in lieu of increasing the GST to 15 per cent. Somehow many are of the opinion that the states and territories will never agree to take payroll tax and stamp duties from their respective cash registers.
‘ The tax reform debate really needs to start at Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and wouldn’t you love to be a fly on the wall when the Prime Minister and Treasurer outline their bold tax reform agendas.
In NSW we are witnessing the amalgamation of councils because the state government is not happy with them, believing amalgamation will lead to more developments (land tax and stamp duties) – which it certainly will. So with Australia’s biggest ever tax reform finally now plated up on the table they might as well look at the three – tier – governments too.
Make that two as the council amalgamations have already been decided – just not announced.
<h5>MOSMAN – 2088</h5>
• Number of houses on the market this time last year – 61
• Number of houses on the market last week – 51
• Number of houses on the market this week – 48
• Number of apartments on the market this time last year – 41
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 52
• Number of apartments on the market this week – 60
<h5>CREMORNE – 2090</h5>
• Number of houses on the market this time last year – 8
• Number of houses on the market last week – 5
• Number of houses on the market this week – 7
• Number of apartments on the market this time last year – 19
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 21
• Number of apartments on the market this week – 23
<h5>NEUTRAL BAY – 2089</h5>
• Number of houses on the market this time last year – 5
• Number of houses on the market last week – 7
•Number of houses on the market this week – 9
• Number of apartments on the market this time last year– 43
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 28
• Number of apartments on the market this week – 21
ROBERT SIMEON is a director of <a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/" target="_blank" title="RWM" rel="nofollow">Richardson Wrench Mosman and Neutral Bay</a> and has been selling residential real estate in Sydney since 1985.  He has also been writing real estate blog <a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" target="_blank" title="Virtual Realty News" rel="nofollow">Virtual Realty News</a> since 2000. 
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robertsimeon-hRNTwJyXkQ

Times change, sadly politicians haven’t: Robert Simeon

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As the feathers fly in Saturday's AFL Grand Final between Victoria's Hawthorn Hawks and Western Australia's West Coast Eagles, property markets in the hometowns of both contenders show a near level playing field, according to LJ Hooker.
LJ Hooker’s national research manager Mathew Tiller compared house markets in the suburbs of Hawthorn and Subiaco (home of the West Coast Eagles’ Domain Stadium) and said if you’re landlord, you’d be happier in Subiaco with weekly rents some $100 more and a gross rental yield of 3.3%
“As expected, Hawthorn had the higher median sale price ($1.44m) and triple the combined value of homes sold over the year ($375m), and more than double the number of properties sold (224)," he said.
"The average time taken to sell a house in the inner-city markets is near identical at 67.6 for Subiaco and 67.7 days for Hawthorn, respectively. 
“Hawthorn residents (13.8 years) were also likely to stay put longer than Subiaco locals (9.9).
“However, while Subiaco’s median house price ($1.2m) dropped 1.8% over the 12 months, it still held its own better than Hawthorn’s (-2%). 
<a href="/images/2015/09/30/Screen%20Shot%202015-09-30%20at%2010.20.32%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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West Coast versus Hawthorn for property bragging rights

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A local investor with ties to Malaysia has paid $15 million for a Bourke Street, Melbourne property on a yield of just over 3% in a deal brokered by Savills’ directors Clinton Baxter and Nick Peden.
Mr Baxter said the resulting 3.07% yield for the <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-melbourne-501662393" target="_blank">384-386 Bourke Street</a> property was a further demonstration of the ongoing yield compression for well-located freestanding CBD properties while the land rate of $29,182 a square metre also underscored investor’s continuing confidence in the market.
"Whilst some pundits were predicting an easing of land values following Planning Minister Wynne’s recent announcement of interim planning controls, this transaction along with our recent sale of 10-16 McKillop Street ($10.5m) illustrates that land values remain strong with investors appreciating that over the long-term the CBD built environment simply must increase in density to accommodate our rapidly rising population.
Mr Peden said interest in the property had been driven by the property’s location just 60 metres from the Bourke Street Mall, the large 514 square metre site with two street frontages offering significant future value-add potential, and the lease to longstanding blue-chip tenant, OPSM.
“The property’s numerous attributes attracted extremely strong interest throughout the sale campaign, particularly from offshore groups, eventually selling to a local investor with strong links to Malaysia who wishes to retain the property as-is as a long-term investment.
He said the three level building was sold subject to a lease to OPSM at a net rental of $460,576 per annum.
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OPSM’s Bourke St Melbourne building sells for $15 million

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I have noticed that over the last few years there’s been a bit of trend towards marketing that I feel is starting to look somewhat predictable, even tired and humdrum, in both style and content.
This is not to suggest the content is wrong, but I wonder if the strength of the market has caused some marketing to be more template driven, with not enough effort focused on the core demographic in the various and I suggest very diverse markets. You see similar trends in other industries where for example both major supermarket brands tend to drive the same message across what must be very different markets. Then recently among the supermarkets we have seen one new player take a very different approach, and they are picking away at the market share of the two majors.
To help demonstrate my thinking I have had a look at some of the key demographics across the City of Sydney, the South-East and parts of the inner west, all very popular areas for medium and high-density living, but with some very individual demographics. Then when the differences are highlighted I think it’s good to ask if our marketing is on target, because there’s possibly more room to be particular.
Some Key Differences
One starting point, and one where there’s a very clear measure relates to income levels, and as might be expected in a market like the City of Sydney, there’s a big range of incomes. The areas of the city with the highest incomes are firstly centred on King Street where the median household income is around $106,000 followed by the core CBD with $102,000, and both these figures are well in excess of the metro median for Sydney.
While at the other end of the scale we have Chinatown and the CBD South at $61,500 and Redfern at $63,500, which are both well below the metro median, and I have to admit I was surprised by the figures for Chinatown. Then when looking more closely another fact in this area is the very big number of students, at almost double the average of other LGA areas. This has an impact on the buyer profile and would lead to a stronger investor market. This would normally be a key factor in marketing to this target.
Growth Potential
Incomes are a revealing pointer and another interesting measure is the potential for average population growth, because this would be a key factor in looking at values directly aligned to the potential for new supply. In this area we also find some contrasting results, this is a direct reflection of the maturity of particular sub-markets across the City.
The area with the lowest growth forecast at just 0.40% is the Macleay Street precinct and Woolloomooloo – this is not a surprise given how very limited sites are here and also how mature the market is with some pockets of high density living dating back to the 1930’s and so this is a very tightly held, high demand and low supply market.
Green Square and City South are by direct contrast areas expecting a lot of new supply and growth is forecast at 5.10%, which looks conservative, but that figure sets the tone of the area, and would influence all marketing and product development and would also impact price expectations and the potential for price growth.
Which brings me to one final area where it’s very useful to look at the population demographics and the big impact that has on how a project might be received, and I think it worth making the remark that markets are always evolving, but I’ll come back to this point.
Firstly I wanted to look at population density and what a leading indicator those figures are, in particular in areas where sites are being re-developed or in areas that were former industrial and manufacturing sites, like Sydney’s inner-east and south-east. Here we can see that there are groups of areas where density is high and well above 100 persons/hectare and this includes Elizabeth Bay, Rushcutters Bay, Redfern, Pyrmont, Haymarket, Darlinghurst and Newtown just sneaking in but set for more growth.
At the other end of the scale Alexandria and Rosebery sit well below the above figures at just 20.01 and 39.02 persons/hectare which aligns to the growth expected in both areas over the next few years, so lots of opportunity for new supply. There are a few other areas like The Rocks and Centennial Park with low figures, but these are not typical markets, while an area like Paddington is also low, but given it’s unique history and conservation needs future supply looks very limited.
Diversity
To help illustrate this topic I wanted to use a sample of demographics to help explore the diversity of our many markets and show how they signpost the evolving nature of each and very different targets. And while markets change we need to keep abreast of how we promote each area and now with the use of digital content this can be very uncomplicated and highly efficient. However the way figures always vary I think that making a big effort to engage our buyers is a first-rate idea.
Peter Chittenden is managing director for residential of Colliers International. He can be contacted <a href="https://www.projectagenda.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Understanding Sydney’s inner-city neighbourhoods: Peter Chittenden

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Eleuthera, the Exeter farm in NSW, now has a $5 million price guidance, $1.5 million less than when first advertised last September.
The <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/for-sale/ellsmore-road-exeter-nsw-2579-2011420587?sp=5" target="_blank">40 hectare estate</a> is inspired by the modernist architectural forms of the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
It has three bathrooms with stone, glass and masonry.
There are large picture windows with views over the gardens and beyond.
It comes with heated pool, tennis court, three bedroom manager’s cottage, and two bedroom barn style guest accommodation and stables.
Eleuthera is about one and a half hours from Sydney and an hour from Canberra.
The property has been listed through Drew Lindsay at Drew Lindsay Real Estate.
Last year, Drew Lindsay at Drew Lindsay Real Estate gave a $6.5 million price guidance for the redundant home of his<a href="/news/monaco-based-mining-entrepreneur-chris-kyriakou-lists-eleuthera-his-exeter-rural-property"> Monaco-based vendor, mining entrepreneur Chris Kyriakou</a>.
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Exeter's Eleuthera trophy home drops price guidance

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<div>The UK Land Registry released its latest House Price Index for the month of August 2015, which showed prices rising in the East (+8.4% year-on-year), South East (+7.6%), and yet again, in London (+6.6%).</div>
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<div>The largest gain for the month was seen in the capital city of London (+1.7%), while Cambridgeshire recorded yet another robust +7.8% year-on-year gain.</div>
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<div>On the other hand prices declined in the month in a number of the regions located away from The Smoke, including in t'North West, Yorkshire &amp; t'Humber, and in the East Midlands. </div>
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 Prices have also remained relatively flat over the past year in Wales and the North East like. Not shorting shortages
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<div>There have been some alarming statistics reported over recent years projecting dramatic housing shortages around London and the South East, and rarely is progess made on how the supply shortages will be tackled.</div>
<div>If there is one thing there has been a glut of over the past 20 years years it has been hapless experts trying in vain to pick turning points in the London housing market.</div>
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<div>Meanwhile average house London prices have increased from £91,000 to nearly £500,000 (A$1,090,000), comfortably greater than a fivefold increase (today's average price is 5.4 times higher than in 1995, to be precise).
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<div><a href="/images/2015/09/30/HPI.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div>Different strokes for different folks, of course, but the single best investment decision I've made over the years has simply been to never sell a property, regardless of what the 'experts' in the media say. Buy prime location capital city properties, never sell them. Sure you'll get cyclical downturns - see 2008, for example, which was quite a significant pull-back - but the long term trend is clear enough, provided you do buy in the right locations. 
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<div>Down under</div>
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<div>It is worth noting that cash rate futures markets in Australia are pricing in at least one more interest rate cut in this cycle, while implied yields already suggest that two further cuts by 2017 is a distinct possibility.</div>
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<div><a href="/images/2015/09/30/ASX.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div>Even in the more bullish case scenarios, it appears likely that there are couple of years worth of slack in the labour market to be mopped up. You can clearly see in the first chart of this blog post above the impact of the UK's macroprudential measures in 2014. The City regulator the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) "ran interference" with a series of measures known as the Mortgage Market Review last year, which temporarily disrupted growth in the London housing market.</div>
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<div>Macroprudential measures can undoubtedly slow the market for a while - HSBC will be the next bank to put the cold freeze on new investor loans in Australia - but ultimately nothing gets to work on cooling a housing market quite like higher interest rates.</div>
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<div>Unfortunately in Britain the emerging threat of an interest rate hike in 2016 (after a long hiatus since March 2009) now seems to be resulting in a surge of activity as buyers dive in before the Bank of England taps on the brakes.</div>
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<div>The Bank of England's mortgage approvals figures released this morning revealed the highest number of approvals in 19 months and the largest monthly jump in borrowing since 2008, with a net increase of £3.4 billion smashing analyst expectations - so the market appears set to accelerate once again, fuelled by record low mortgage rates.</div>
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<div>All of these are factors worth taking into account as the line of market observers trying to pick the next turning point in Sydney's housing market lengthens by the day. </div>
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PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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Macroprudential fail as London prices rise again: Pete Wargent

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Recent falls in auction clearance rates across Sydney is a strong indicator the Sydney market is slowing, according to SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher.
According to the latest research from SQM, the preliminary clearance rate result this weekend of 69.6% is lower than the same time last year with more listings on the market (984).
Last year APM recorded a revised auction clearance rate of 76.9% based on 722 listings.
Louis Christopher said the long term average auction clearance rate for Sydney during spring has been in the order of the low 60's and it should be noted that auction clearance rates tend to fall each spring.
"Now what does a clearance rate of the high 60's mean for this time of year? Well let me tell you now, it most certainly doesn’t represent a “bloodbath” as some unqualified commentators have put out there this year. And neither does it represent a boom. Rather it represents more normal market activity," he said.
"For some reason, vendors think spring time is a great time to sell. Perhaps they think their garden is looking fabulous right now. Perhaps they wish to tie up affairs prior to Christmas. Whatever the reasons given, many vendors think this way and therefore it’s not such a great time to sell as everyone else is selling! No wonder they call it the spring selling season!
"Nevertheless in all this, we do acknowledge a slowing in the market. However I do not believe at this stage the Sydney market is close to correction territory. I would not be concerned on that event until we see clearance rates below 60%. That hurdle rate has served us well in the past, particularly in predicting the 2010-2012 downturn<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/property/clearance-rates-under-60-point-to-correction-to-come-20100628-zcx2" target="_blank">.</a>"
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