Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Joel Robinson

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

La Vera closes in on completion as Macquarie Park continues residential transformation

Brisbane developer Red &amp; Co's decision to include dual key apartments in its debut Gold Coast apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO Varsity Lakes</a>, is proving to be one of the project's biggest drawcards, with buyers quickly snapping up the flexible residences.

More than half of the project's 36 dual key apartments have already sold, helping drive COMO beyond the 50 per cent sold mark within the first month of launch.

The strong response highlights growing demand for apartment designs that can adapt to changing lifestyles, with buyers increasingly looking for homes that accommodate multi-generational living, provide rental income opportunities or simply offer greater flexibility over time.

Located on the shores of Lake Orr, COMO will deliver 156 apartments across 16 levels, with the dual-key residences forming a limited release within the broader development.

Each combines a primary two-bedroom apartment with a fully self-contained studio on a single title, connected by a shared foyer and lockable internal door. The design allows owners to house ageing parents, adult children or guests while maintaining privacy, or lease the secondary residence to generate additional income.

Just 17 of the original 36 dual key apartments remain available.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=367096]

The innovative configuration combines two fully self-contained residences on a single title, typically comprising a primary two-bedroom apartment alongside a separate studio residence, connected via a shared foyer and lockable internal door.&nbsp;

The model is proving particularly attractive to owner occupiers navigating changing family dynamics and the realities of the current housing crisis.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/npa">NPA</a>&nbsp;CEO Andrew Erwin said dual key living was resonating strongly with modern buyers because it delivered both financial flexibility and practical lifestyle benefits.&nbsp;

“The housing crisis and rising cost of living are fundamentally changing how Australians think about home ownership,” Erwin said.&nbsp;

“Dual key apartments provide a genuine solution for families who want to stay connected while maintaining independence. Parents can help adult children save for a future home, ageing parents can remain nearby without moving into aged care, and owners still retain privacy and flexibility.

“Importantly, buyers are also recognising the financial advantages. It creates the opportunity to generate additional income from part of the home without the holding costs associated with owning a separate investment property.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363509]

Unlike traditional dual occupancy arrangements, the residences operate under a single title, meaning owners only incur one set of body corporate fees, council rates and holding costs.&nbsp;

The secondary residence can also evolve over time - functioning as guest accommodation, a home office, creative studio or private retreat before later becoming an income-producing asset.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a>&nbsp;Director and Co-Founder David Laverty said the strong early sales reflected growing buyer urgency and changing priorities within the market.&nbsp;

“Securing more than half of COMO’s residences within such a short timeframe is an outstanding result and a clear endorsement of both the design and location,” Laverty said.&nbsp;

“Buyers are responding to the combination of location, connectivity and amenity, but ultimately it’s value relative to other East Coast markets that is driving enquiry.”&nbsp;

“We’re also seeing strong interest from owner occupiers looking for homes that can adapt with them over time. Flexibility has become one of the most important considerations for buyers in today’s market.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363515]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, COMO features a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences with 2.7-metre ceilings and larger-format floorplans aimed at owner occupiers, downsizers and lifestyle-focused buyers.&nbsp;

The development will feature an extensive rooftop recreation and wellness offering including a 25-metre lap pool, sundeck, barbecue and dining areas, gym, sauna, plunge baths, landscaped gardens, wellness spaces and rooftop pickleball and paddleball courts.

The remaining dual key apartments range from 137 sqm to 167 sqm and include generous three-bedroom layouts with separate self-contained studio accommodation and dual parking.&nbsp;

Erwin said the dual key concept represented a broader shift in how Australians would live in the future.

“People want homes that can evolve with their lives,” he said.&nbsp;

“A dual key apartment can suit a family today, support an ageing parent tomorrow, and potentially generate income later on. That adaptability is becoming incredibly valuable in the current environment.”

Prices currently range from $2,115,750 to $2,583,000.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Inter-generational living drives demand for COMO’s dual key apartments as housing pressures reshape buyer priorities 

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ceerose">Ceerose</a> has doubled down on its Leichhardt ambitions, lodging its second State Significant Development Application (SSDA) in the suburb in the last six months.

Their newest proposal seeks to transform a former industrial precinct into a new residential community centred around the adaptive reuse of one of the site's heritage warehouse buildings.

The new project, on a 6,930 sqm block at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-76-william-street-leichhardt-nsw-2040">40–76 William Street</a>, will bring more than 200 apartments to a suburb that has seen little to no new supply in recent years. It follows Ceerose's late 2025 SSDA for a mixed-use apartment project on nearby Parramatta Road, signalling the developer's growing investment in Sydney's Inner West.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the redevelopment would involve the demolition of four existing industrial buildings while retaining and adaptively reusing the site's most significant warehouse. The retained structure would anchor a new residential precinct comprising five interconnected buildings arranged around a large central landscaped courtyard, with heights stepping from five storeys along the surrounding residential streets to 11 storeys at the William Street corner.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7258c54c-8167-479e-8361-2d5fca9915b4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010B%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%202.jpg?VersionId=S9DQfxu_jpcB5LrAEYFUbyMzg5odW6i5" />

According to the Architecture Design Report by Woods Bagot, the proposal "seeks to create a residential village centred around a generous green heart while celebrating the site's industrial heritage through the adaptive reuse of the existing warehouse building."

The development would comprise 203 apartments, with 188 proposed as build-to-sell residences, alongside 15 affordable housing apartments.

Rather than treating the retained warehouse as a standalone heritage object, Woods Bagot has sought to weave the site's industrial history throughout the masterplan. The proposal retains the north and west facades of the landmark corner warehouse, while new buildings reinterpret the site's brick-and-steel industrial language through their material palette and architectural expression.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9e8c64c2-881b-49e1-8c90-6b6acaaa45b6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010C%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%203.jpg?VersionId=Qm8_8H_Xrg_sc4Mdjc59vlAcKF_5wRTb" />

The design is organised around what Woods Bagot describes as a "green heart", a landscaped communal open space that reinstates the leafy character removed when the site became an industrial storage facility. A new pedestrian laneway running through the site would improve permeability between William, North and Francis streets, linking residents through landscaped public spaces while activating the ground plane.

Residents would have access to communal gardens, rooftop open space and shared recreation areas distributed throughout the development. Sustainability has also been prioritised, with the project targeting an average 7.9-star NatHERS rating. Proposed initiatives include rooftop solar generation, rainwater harvesting, passive solar design, naturally ventilated lobbies, extensive cross-ventilation and the reuse of existing building fabric to reduce embodied carbon.

The adaptive reuse strategy became a defining feature of the application after heritage investigations found only one of the site's industrial buildings could feasibly be retained. The Heritage Impact Statement concludes that preserving the key warehouse façades while referencing the site's industrial character throughout the new development provides an appropriate balance between renewal and conservation.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efffafdb-594f-4e2b-a067-921fd51c05e1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010D%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%204.jpg?VersionId=DPmE4.k16YRt0i27hEZVtJAffarpvUfx" />

"Retention and adaptation of the site buildings has been explored but found not to be feasible except for the tallest building, whose street facades will be retained," the heritage report states.

"The proposed building will interpret the brick and steel character of the subject site, including reuse of some components and construction of a large 'sawtooth' structure in the proposed open space."

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3bfef2b5-83f5-40cd-9cab-767092f34266" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010E%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%205.jpg?VersionId=7asb3i_ql4ybbuJOUb5UHBEIy0Q9t.DF" />

The William Street site is located around 300 metres from Leichhardt North Light Rail station and a short walk to Norton Street's retail, dining and hospitality precinct. The surrounding area has increasingly become a focus for urban renewal given its proximity to public transport and the Parramatta Road corridor.

Ceerose, founded by Edward Doueihi in 1998, has become one of Sydney's more active apartment developers, with completed projects including The Alex Collective in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay. They are currently delivering Belgravia, 17 luxury apartments in Potts Point.

First look: Ceerose doubles down in Leichhardt with adaptive reuse of former warehouse site

Property News

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Following two serious boom-level years of growth, the fact that Sydney clearance rates were still in the 70% range at the end of 2014 indicated to estate agent John McGrath that the significant amount of stock was being well absorbed by strong buyer demand.
"There is still strength in the market, the question is how much?" he pondered in his first column back on the  <a href="https://switzer.com.au/the-experts/john-mcgrath-property-expert/make-the-decision-to-sell-in-2015/" target="_blank">Switzer</a> website.
"There is definitely no question that if you sell in Sydney this Autumn, you will be realising some fantastic new capital gains.
"I think the market will ebb and flow in 2015 but overall, there’s still 15-20% price growth yet to eventuate over the next few years of the cycle – it just won’t happen in the straight line people have become used to since early 2013.
"My best piece of advice for 2015 is don’t panic when reports start coming out about slowing rates of price growth or median values dipping slightly in some months.
"There is a pattern we see time and time again in growth cycles where the first couple of years are very strong and then we see some plateauing, some consolidation and here and there, some small declines and small increases.
"It’s normal and to be expected.
"Don’t start worrying that you’ve ‘missed the boat’," he advised.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Don't start worrying you've missed the boat: John McGrath

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Gentrification.
For investors, it can mean high capital growth, increased tenant demand, and secure passive income.
For locals, it can mean escalating council rates, skyrocketing rents, increasing prices at the neighbourhood shops and, eventually, being ousted from your suburb by cashed up young professionals with a fever for homes in "vibrant", "mutlicultural" or "buzzing" areas. Of course, the process has the habit of pushing out the people who made the area "vibrant", "multicultural" or "buzzing" in the first place.
Many investors seek out areas which are gentrifying, believing they'll be able to purchase cheap properties which will appreciate. In fact, Property Observer knows of one property advisor who actively keeps an eye out for new galleries as an early indicator of a gentrifying suburb.
Either way, it seems there's now a definitive checklist for neighbourhood undergoing gentrification, put together by <a href="https://ny.curbed.com/tags/gentrification-watch" target="_blank">Curbed</a>.
<img src="/images/2015/01/06/tweet-jan-6-one.jpg" alt="">
Although the list is based on American experiences of gentrification, those of the Property Observer team who live in the inner city reckon it looks about right. What does your suburb score?
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Tweet of the day: The gentrification check list

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Swimming pools contributed to 15% of total preventable drownings for Australians last year, according to the Royal Life Saving’s National Drowning Report, with Archers Body Corporate warning residents and bodies corporate to review their pool hygiene and safety systems. 
With more drownings occurring in summer, due to more pool activity, Archers’ compliance manager Joel Carkeet is encouraging everyone to check the pool area regularly to ensure it stays safe.
“It is important to ensure the pool area is always left tidy, all toys are picked up and the gate is latched properly to avoid any children accessing the pool area unattended,” Carkeet said.
“Residents should also be vigilant in supervising children, and be able to access CPR and first aid procedures in the pool area.”
Up to date safety certificates are required legally, but also serve to reassure guests and residents.
Bodies corporate should also be watching hygiene and filtrations, suggests Carkett.
“The pool filtration system should be operated every six to eight hours of the day, and sanitiser levels should be regularly checked, preferably daily,” he said.
Here are Archers Body Corporate’s three swimming pool tips:
<ul>
<li>Ensure pool rules are enforced for all residents and guests including opening hours and glass restrictions. 
</li>
<li>Keep pool hygiene up-to-date – Operate the pool filtration 6-8 hours a day and have the pool checked by a professional every two weeks in summer. 
</li>
<li>Ensure pool rules and CPR signage is clearly visible to all residents and guests using the pool area.</li>
</ul>
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Bodies corporate and residents need to focus on pool safety this summer: Archers

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Mortgage comparison website Finder has released an online tool to assist those attempting to keep their New Year's resolutions.
In a study commissioned by Finder, around 45% of respondents surveyed had made a New Year's resolution. According to the study results, two in every three people who make a New Year's pledge don't succeed.
Three in four respondents believed that sharing their resolution helped them achieve their goals, leading Finder to develop an online pledging tool. <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/new-years-resolutions" target="_blank">The tool</a> allows people to share their financial, travel, business and fitness goals, among others, on social media. It also delivers reminders for those who tend to forget their resolutions early in the year.
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Finder launches New Year's resolution tool

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The multi-national eight-month investigation by WA's major fraud squad, Australian Federal Police and authorities in South Africa and Nigeria has resulted in a year's jail for the convicted mastermind.
Ntuen Promise Ekenmini tried to sell a $780,000 home in the Perth suburb of Falcon using forged documents.
The Nigerian court heard the attempted fraud began when after a property manager of a Mandurah real estate agent was contacted in December 2012 by a man claiming to be the owner of a home managed by the agency.
He requested property documents, which were sent through by the property managers and contact details changed.
He used a Yahoo email address in the name of one of the real owners, who was a Johannesburg resident, and requested that all future correspondence be forwarded to this new email address and all phone contact to be made through a new mobile phone number.
The agency then received a request to sell the property and a sales agreement with false signatures was sent, along with copies of fake passports of the two owners and forged documents purporting to be from the Australian High Commission in Pretoria confirming their identity.
The agency staff became suspicious, WA's fraud squad was contacted and they pretended to go ahead with the sale to try to identify the fraudsters.
"It had generally been thought that people attempting to perpetrate frauds from Nigeria were beyond the reach of the law," Consumer Protection assistant commissioner Gary Newcombe said.
"This prosecution shows that, while difficult, prosecution is not impossible.
"The imprisonment of Mr Ekenmini should send a strong message to other potential fraudsters in Nigeria that they are not beyond the law."
Detective Senior Sergeant Dom Blackshaw of the Major Fraud Squad (WA Police) noted in 2013 the arrest represented a major breakthrough in the investigation of real estate fraud in Western Australia where there were two successful and five attempted frauds reported over the past five years.
“Six of the seven cases involved owners who live in South Africa, have investment properties in Perth which are rented and have had their identities stolen. There is now clear evidence of a link between criminals in South Africa and Nigeria," detective Senior Sergeant Dom Blackshaw said.
The first successful property fraud in Western Australia was reported in September 2010 when home owner Roger Mildenhall, based in South Africa, discovered his investment home in Karrinyup, Perth had been sold for A$485,000 in August 2010 without his knowledge or consent by the agent who was managing the property on his behalf.
In April 2011, a home in Ballajura, another suburb of Perth, owned by a couple who were living in Nigeria at the time, was sold for $410,000 allegedly by Nigerian fraudsters without the knowledge or permission of the real owners. The fraudulent sale was not reported until August 2011 when the owners returned to Perth wanting to inspect the property.
In both these cases the funds were transferred to bank accounts in China.
In November 2011, the Codes of Conduct for WA real estate agents and sales representatives and settlement agents (conveyancers) were strengthened to incorporate strict identity verification guidelines for all transactions, particularly involving overseas owners.
The Western Australian government’s land titles office, Landgate, has also put in place strict fraud prevention measures.
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Jail for Nigerian mastermind behind 2012 Perth property fraud

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An Australian Capital Territory Civil &amp; Administrative Tribunal decision has upheld a 25% penalty imposed on a property buyer over a First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) dispute.
Yesterday, it was found that Mr MD Masud Karim, who had been given the First Home Owner Grant and First Home Owner Grant Boost, totalling $21,000, was required to give back the funds, interest and face a penalty as he had not resided in the premises.
The tribunal noted that it was not a deliberate intention on Karim’s part to defraud.
In January 2009, Karim entered into a contract for sale for a block of land. In July, he then entered into a home building contract to construct a dwelling on the site.
In August, he then lodged an application for the grants where he said that he, as the applicant, would be occupying the home as his principal place of residence for six months within 12 months of completion.
However, in September 2009 he left Australia for Bangladesh, with the application not yet determined. He has not returned to Australia, citing better employment opportunities for himself in Bangladesh.
In November he was told that his application was approved. He did not update his NSW driver’s licence from his previous Lakemba address, nor his bank accounts, nor put himself on the ACT electoral roll. He was, however, the addressee for the electricity and natural gas bills.
His wife and children moved into the house in January 2010, where she used her address and enrolled her children at the local school.
In May 2010, she appointed a property manager to rent the house and act as agent for rates and land tax, where it was rented to other people until July 2010 when she and the children moved to Bangladesh.
In October 2010 Karim sold the house. He said that he was unable to service the mortgage with his current income and the rent.
Despite his wife and children living in the property, and Karim’s submission that it was his primary place of residence in Australia despite himself living in Bangladesh, Tribunal said that he must have lived in the house himself as the applicant.
Instead, Tribunal advised the better course of action would have been to not accept the grant, or notify the respondent within 14 days that he would not meet the residency requirement. Possibly, an extension of the time for the grant may have been provided for the unexpected situational change.
In effect, the Tribunal agreed with the submission of the respondent that those who receive the grant accept it on a “conditional bases” that means they are expected to exercise diligence to ensure they either meet the conditions of the grant or return the funds.
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Man penalised for claiming FHOG while living offshore

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A trusted Melbourne lawyer who swindled clients out of more than $12 million received a 12-year jail sentence for his crimes last week.
The Supreme Court of Victoria heard Philip Linacre operated a 12-year-long <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/legal/19226-how-graham-hoy-created-australia-s-worst-ponzi-scheme-and-got-13-years-jail">Ponzi scheme</a>, a fraudulent investment where returns are paid to investors are paid by new investors, rather than from profit earned from the investment itself.
Linacre told clients, including his own family and friends, their investments would be given to a third party as a mortgage loan, promising them between returns of 12% and 24% on the investments. He was instead using their money to pay out the interest on other clients' investments.
Linacre, who said he started the scheme because of his own bad financial position, operated the arrangement from 2000 until 2012, when he turned himself in to police. He pleaded guilty to 21 counts of dishonesty and five counts of having a deficiency in a trust account.
Chief Justice Warren called Linacre’s actions “calculated and complex” and said many of the victims were already in difficult financial circumstances when Linacre convinced them to invest.
“You have committed a number of serious offences in the trusted position of a lawyer,” said Warren in her ruling.
“Importantly, these victims came to you in their time of need. Many sought information about investing their life savings, superannuation or inheritance. They placed complete trust in you. You did not only steal money from your victims, you robbed them of their future.”
Warren also found many of Linacre’s victims suffered ill health because of his criminality.
Linacre will serve a minimum of eight years’ jail.
Brett Warfield chief executive of forensic accounting firm Warfield &amp; Associates, said Ponzi schemes have been around for a long time and there were two major red flags for investors to watch out for.
“The first, and most glaring, is the rate of return you are promised,” says Warfield.
“As soon as you are promised above the market rate, so in this instance the mortgage lending rate, when you get someone offering double, triple or four times that, straight away that should be a sign.”
Warfield says the greater the return on investment, the greater the risk for investors.
“The other thing with Ponzi schemes is asking questions about the actual investment,” he says. “Asking what type of information will be provided about my investments?”
Warfield says investors should expect detailed reports and correspondences on their investment, such as what one might expect from superannuation funds. He says although some people may feel uncomfortable asking for this information, investors have to be proactive to protect themselves.
“You have to be in charge of your money,” he says. “The good thing is vulnerable people who would have invested may see and may think twice.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Melbourne lawyer jailed for 12 years over “calculated and complex” Ponzi mortgage scheme

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At $825,000, a median priced Sydney house is almost $200,000 more expensive than one in Melbourne, according to CoreLogic.
It’s more than double the median price of a Hobart home, and almost $300,000 more than a typical house in Perth.
Property Observer looks at recent sales to see just how far $825,000 will go in some of Australia’s other capital cities. 
<h3>Sydney:</h3>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-the+ponds-118298403" target="_blank">69 Mosaic Avenue, The Ponds, NSW</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/15/1.jpg" alt="">
This four bedroom single level home sold for $820,000. The house with a backyard and double garage and ducted air conditioning is located in The Ponds, 40 kilometres north-west of the Sydney CBD.
<ul>
<li>Price: $820,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Four</li>
<li>Land size: 450 square metres</li>
<li>Drive to CBD: 40 minutes</li>
</ul>
<h3>Melbourne:</h3>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-heidelberg-118217635" target="_blank">5 Halifax Avenue, Heidelberg, Vic</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/15/2.jpg" alt="">
A four bedroom house located in the north-eastern Melbourne suburb of Heidelberg sold for $825,000 last month. However, this one’s much closer to the city than The Ponds’ offering around 11 kilometres from the CBD. 
<ul>
<li>Price: $825,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Four</li>
<li>Land size: 613 square metres</li>
<li>Drive to CBD: 30 minutes</li>
</ul>
<h3>Brisbane:</h3>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-taringa-118083059" target="_blank">46 Swann Road, Taringa, Qld</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/15/3.jpg" alt="">
This Queenslander has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. One bedroom and one bathroom are located downstairs, which has separate access and can act as a granny flat. The home sold for $24,000 less than Sydney’s house price, and is situated around 7 kilometres from the CBD.
<ul>
<li>Price: $801,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Four</li>
<li>Land size: 511 square metres</li>
<li>Drive to CBD: 12 minutes</li>
</ul>
<h3>Hobart:</h3>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-sandy+bay-116898179" target="_blank">5 Duke Street, Sandy Bay, Tas</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/15/4.jpg" alt="">
A five bedroom house in Australia’s cheapest capital city sold for $820,000 earlier this year. The circa 1920 house has two levels and is located just outside of Hobart’s CBD.
<ul>
<li>Price: $820,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Five</li>
<li>Land size: 734 square metres</li>
<li>Drive to CBD: Seven minutes</li>
</ul>
<h3>Perth:</h3>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-lesmurdie-117846895" target="_blank">27 Rootes Road, Lesmurdie, WA</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/15/5.jpg" alt="">
Buyers paid $825,000 for this four bedroom, two bathroom house in Lesmurdie. The house is set on a 1,803 square metre block, with a large patio and in ground pool. It’s located in Perth’s eastern suburbs, around 26 kilometres from the CBD.
<ul>
<li>Price: $825,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Four</li>
<li>Land size: 1,803 square metres</li>
<li>Drive to CBD: 35 minutes</li>
</ul>
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What will Sydney’s median house price buy you around the country?

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The top sellers’ markets across Australia, where there are the most people looking per listing, have been released by realestate.com.au.
The top 10 reveal that South Australia remains strong on the list, with Parkside taking out top spot again – having maintained the result over the last 11 quarters.
The figures are based on the September to November 2014 quarter’s views on the site.
The top 10 revealed suburbs:
<ol>
<li>Parkside, South Australia 
</li>
<li>Unley, South Australia 
</li>
<li>Engadine, New South Wales 
</li>
<li>Norwood, South Australia 
</li>
<li>Albert Park, Victoria 
</li>
<li>Unley Park, South Australia 
</li>
<li>Cherrybrook, New South Wales 
</li>
<li>Holland Park, Queensland 
</li>
<li>Bella Vista, New South Wales 
</li>
<li>Ringwood North, Victoria</li>
</ol>
New South Wales, while still a good result, has seen the number of suburbs on the list halved since last quarter.
Parkside, Norwood, Cherrybrook and Bella Vista have all been on the list previously.
Tom Ainsworth, realestate.com.au’s head of sales, said that it’s good news for sellers as it means there is a high amount of interest in buying their property when they put it to market.
“If a suburb is consistently featuring on the Top Sellers’ Markets list, it shows that buyers are determined to find a property in this area and are always checking the site to see if a listing has come up,” he explained.
Property Observer isn't quite sure why Parkside has seen such strong success. With 2,286 private dwellings in total in the area, REA statistics note that when considering properties for sale there are 102 visits per property compared to the 65 visits per property for the Adelaide average.
Why do you think this area has made the list?
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The 10 suburbs with the most buyers per listing: REA

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A new project from a network of organisations wants to help Australians cut their energy bills - to $0.
The Energy Freedom alliance provides home owners with information about how to achieve net zero energy emissions.
A number of the partner businesses, which include Cherry LED and Energy Matters Solar, are also offering discounts and rewards as part of the Energy Freedom project. The venture is headed by Beyond Zero Emissions, a subscriber funded not-for-profit which works with the University of Melbourne's Energy Research Institute.
The organisation developed the Zero Carbon Australia Buildings Plan, a nationwide plan to retrofit Australia's homes and, which demonstrates how existing buildings can reach zero emissions within 10 years.
Dr Stephen Bygrave, Beyond Zero Emissions chief executive said: "Energy Freedom is providing information to householders who want a smart renovation that will save them money on energy bills, and can achieve a high performing home that everyone wants to have."
Energy Freedom estimates the average Australian home owner spends about $2,250 per year on household energy costs.
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