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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Western Australia’s Onslow will see the first large scale residential land sale release in the area in 20 years, with local residents to be given preferential first dibs to the property.
The plan is to evolve the Pilbara town by bringing locals into the new Barrarda Estate, explained Lands Minister Terry Redman.
“Unprecedented demand for new housing due to increased resource industry activity around <a href="/news">Onslow </a>makes this land release crucial,” Redman said.
Onslow’s current population is just 700, with a total 3,300 residents expected over the next eight years due to increased oil and gas activities. This includes Chevron’s Wheatstone Project.
“Property prices have escalated dramatically in Onslow in recent years with land in short supply until now.”
This is a pre-release that will see locals buying off the plan before the titles are issued next year.
Locals who reside in employee housing or who do not own a house in Onslow will be able to buy.
“Applicants will be required to have lived, been employed or owned a business in the town for the previous 12 months,” he said.
Landcorp’s Barrarda Estate’s stages 1A and 1B are being released, including 86 single lots of which 44 are house and land packages, with builders including Fleetwood Pty Ltd, McGrath Homes, DA Burke Builders, BGC Modular and Megara.
General public sales will be later this year, with interest able to be registered from now.
Following the local release, sales to the general public will be available later this year. Interested parties are <a href="https://www.landcorp.com.au/Residential/Onslow/Land-for-sale/" target="_blank">encouraged to register their interest now</a>.
Lot prices start at $230,000 with sizes spanning from 390 square metres to 774 square metres.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Onslow, WA locals given first dibs to residential lots as resource activity grows

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Real estate agents have been given an official warning to be on high alert for property scams by Attorney-General Simon Corbell after three people were arrested by South African Police over an attempted fraudulent sale of a Western Australian home.
Corbell, who said that it was one of the most serious types of scam, is calling for real estate agents to be on their guard.
"A property scam can result in a home being sold without the lawful owner's knowledge or permission. This type of scam traditionally occurs when the owner lives or is travelling overseas," Corbell said.
"Many professionals apart from those in the real estate industry are involved when a property is sold.”
Each of those professionals must be diligent in checking details, particularly when dealing with overseas transactions, he said.
"Independently confirm any change in contact details for the properties you manage to ensure you are dealing with the real owner.  Signatures should be checked with originals on file.  Have any doubtful documents verified by the issuing authority.”
"Home owners, particularly absentee owners, are also warned to be vigilant.  Have suitable protocols in place, for example, security questions, to prevent the possibility of your home being sold without your knowledge or permission."
Three people were arrested in Johannesburg earlier in the month following a five months investigation by the Major Fraud Squad of the Western Australia Police.
The trio allegedly emailed a <a href="/news">Mandurah</a> real estate agency, which was managing a property owned by a South African person, pretending to be the owner and managed to convince the agency to change the owner’s contact details to their own.
Forged signatures were used, and the <a href="/news/wa/three-arrested-in-south-africa-after-wa-home-sale-scam">property was put on the market before an offer being accepted by the trio</a>.
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Real estate agents put on alert after WA fraud case

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Geelong's most notorious eyesore is on the market once more, after a 30 year development saga.
Tim Truong has relisted the vacant corner site at 10 Bellerine Street through <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-geelong-501209787" target="_blank">KBL Commercial Real Estate</a>.
The 1,548 square metre property, first opened as the Belle Vue Hotel in 1853, is listed with a $3 million to $7 million price guide.
Although Truong pulled the site off the market after less than a month last year, selling agent Michael Lewin told The Geelong Advertiser that this time, he was ready to sell.
"We have been dealing with the vendors for many years and he is a genuine seller,” said Lewin.
“We have an authority signed by the vendor to sell by way expression of interest.”
He also said that Truong's family was open to discussions about the price.
Months before last year's short-lived listing, Truong reportedly said he had plans to spend $40 million developing the property.
According to The Geelong Advertiser, Truong previously lodged plans to develop on the site with the council five times: in 1984, 1988, 2003, 2004 and 2006. It currently falls within the council's Activity Central Zone.
KBL Commercial Real Estate will accept expressions of interest until Thursday 31 July at 4pm.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Putting on The Ritz: Geelong eyesore relisted

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Increasing liberalisation in the Asian insurance market is driving property investment, according to a new report from CBRE.
Historically, there have been strict regulations around insurance company investments in Asia, with limitations on real estate purchses. But CBRE's Liberalization and the Rise of Asian Insurance Investment in Real Estate report claims several Asian countries have begun to allow overseas direct investment with a greater threshold for real estate investment.
Total insurance assets in Asia outstripped the US and UK's insurance assets, according to insurance regulators in 10 Asia jurisdictions. Asia has US$6.7 trillion insurance assets, while the US has $5.8 trillion and the UK US$3 trillion. On the basis of total assets, Japan has the highest insurance market of anywhere in Asia, with US$3.3 trillion of assets. The majority region's other insurance assets are held by China, South Korea and Taiwan, with the four East Asian markets controlling around 90% of Asia's total insurance assets.
According to CBRE, Asian insurance companies generally operate under strict regulations controlling overseas real estate investment. The real estate company found that most of Asia's offshore insurance investments were in liquid assets including bonds, equities, cash and fixed income. It's estimated that only 2% of the continent's insurer's portfolios was made up of real estate at the end of 2013. CBRE claims that real estate generally makes up 4-6% of insurers' assets in "developed markets", with the US tying up 6.7% of their assets in real estate, and the UK 5.1%.
Of Asian countries, Taiwan has one of the highest proportions of real estate investment, with property the asset class making up 4.8% of their total insurance investments. The country only began allowing overseas investments for insurance companies in 2013.
CBRE expects the rapid growth of Asia's insurers and increasing deregulation will see US$75 billion entering the real estate market in between 2013 and 2018, with investment growing from US$130 billion to US$205 billion in five years. The apparent lack of appropriate investment opportunities in Asia and the ongoing liberalisation of Asia's insurance investment practices continues to result in increased offshore investment from Asia, according to CBRE.
The company reports that last year Asian insurers purchased about $2.4 billion in direct commercial real estate purchases outside the Asia Pacific region, with a strong preference for "trophy assets in gateway cities" such as London and New York. According to Ada Choi, senior director for CBRE research, the company expects the increase in real estate investment will be paralleled by total growth in the sector over the next five years.
"Looking ahead to the longer term, liberalization for insurance companies will speed up the pace of international real estate investments by Asian insurance companies," said Choi.
"We expect that further relaxation on overseas real estate investment will take place as regulators gain more confidence about overseeing such investments and insurance firms become savvier about investing globally," she said.
In particular, low yields for local prime core assets have seen Chinese and Taiwanese insurers opt for overseas property investments, with a preference for full ownership. CBRE expects Japanese insurers to continue to primarily invest in their own domestic market, while South Korean insurance companies are expected to use more indirect channels to acquire offshore assets.
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Deregulation of Asian insurers driving investment: CBRE

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Daracon Group’s founder, David Mingay, has said that the company is not a property developer, and therefore allowed to make political donations.
Daracon Group is involved in subdivisions and larger commercial projects, however the Newcastle Herald reports that political donations – of $15,000 to Newcastle MP Tim Owens – would be illegal if the company was classified as a property developer. They can make federal donations but not state.
The Newcastle Herald notes that the company lists property development among its skills, such as a 10-lot subdivision in Casuarina Drive, The Vintage, and earth and roadworks for Bovis Lend Lease’s Charlestown Square project.
The company engages "in a broad range of construction activities including road, rail, concrete structures, landscaping, quarrying and mining".
"Supporting these activities is Daracon’s large fleet of machinery and plant which consists of over 230 modern, fit-for-purpose machines that are maintained to the highest standard."
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Daracon Group claim they’re not property developers, as political donations revealed

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The mining boom, and the resulting increase in fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers, has led to housing shortages across Australia. It’s a problem an innovative new website hopes to solve – by turning spare rooms into cash.
Founded by brothers Daniel and Chris Del Borrello, <a href="https://www.fifohousemate.com.au/" target="_blank">fifohousemate</a> is a new website that aims to connect FIFO workers with spare rooms for hire.
Meanwhile, because FIFO workers are looking for places to stay away from their mining or job sites, fifohousemate is open for property listings across Australia.
Co-founder and director Daniel Del Borrello told StartupSmart the service was inspired by his brother’s experiences in trying to rent out a spare room.
“My brother was looking for a housemate – he has a small two-by-one apartment. It’s a small space, and he doesn’t want to have someone living there permanently and cramping his style,” Del Borrello says.
“He came up with the idea of splitting the rent by having a FIFO worker rent a room. But there’s nowhere specifically where you can find a FIFO worker, so he came to me with the idea for the site.”
Del Borrello says fifohousemate can help alleviate the housing shortage by unlocking new properties that can be rented out.
“It connects rentals with FIFO workers, effectively creating new rooms for them to rent,” he says.
“So, for example, a young family with a spare room is probably not going to look for a full-time housemate. But they might be open to having someone use the room one week out of four.”
While the website has been online for just three weeks, Del Borrello says it has already attracted 10,000 visitors and 350 listings.
Around 80% of its visitors currently come from the traditional mining state of WA, although interest is growing rapidly in the other states.
Victoria has already overtaken Queensland as the state with the second-most visitors. Del Borrello predicts the number of listings will only increase as awareness grows across Australia.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au">StartupSmart</a>.
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asadauskas-o9wSWMRiAW

The new website turning spare bedrooms into FIFO rental gold

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In a painful lesson to get insured upon settlement, a Canberra home was left with $100,000 worth of damage after 70 teenagers turned up for a party.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-09/teen-vandals-trash-home-at-kambah-during-house-part-owners/5584810" target="_blank">According to the ABC</a>, the uninhabited house was advertised as a free house party on a social media website, attracting around 70 15 to 18 year olds who smashed windows, pulled down doors and kicked in walls. Police said the owners, who were renovating the house and living elsewhere, did not know any of the teenagers and had not heard about the party invitation. They had only recently bought the <a href="/news">Tuggeranong</a> house.
Police arrived at the home just after 9pm on Tuesday, finding teenagers leaving.
The ABC reports that Sergeant Mark Roswell, Tuggeranong Station's acting officer in-charge, said the owners were "obviously quite upset and pretty devastated by the damage caused to their house".
"For any teens that were involved, I urge you to come forward and talk to us... It would be better for them to come forward than wait for police to come knock on their door,"said Roswell. He said the owners of cars on the street that night would be contacted.
"This is a rarity, it doesn't happen often in Canberra," he said.
"People do have house parties often, most people don't break into other people's houses to do so."
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$100,000 worth of damage as teenagers vandalise Canberra home

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It’s grey, rainy and miserable – we’re well and truly in the depths of winter.
If you’ve run out of blankets and the second hand warmth of your laptop isn’t cutting it, fan your home fantasies with these five fireplace offerings.
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://www.modernhouse.co/listings/reeler-house/" target="_blank">Reeler House, Turramurra, NSW</a>
<img src="/images/2014/07/11/2.JPG" alt=""> The Turramurra house designed by Ian Reeler features a stellar fireplace surrounded by a glass prism. You’ll have a perfect view of the forest as you warm yourself by the fire, all while perched on that mid-century modernist icon, the Eames lounge chair. Reeler House, built in 1985, is set over 10 floors and was named the <a href="/news/reeler-house-the-1986-home-beautiful-house-of-the-year-listed">1986 Home Beautiful Home of the Year</a>.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-vic-flinders-116563603" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Kaloon Park, Flinders, VIC</a>
<img src="/images/2014/07/11/1.jpg" alt=""> Another fireplace with a view comes from a home on the Mornington Peninsula. After a swim in the pool, you could thaw out by the central stone fireplace, overlooking the Bass Strait. Kaloon Park has five bedrooms and three bathrooms, with three living spaces and a separate private office. The home is on the market for $3.75 million.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.modernhouse.co/listings/hollander-house/" target="_blank">Hollander House, Newport, NSW</a>
<img src="/images/2014/07/11/3.JPG" alt=""> Hollander House’s fireplace and chimney is much like all its other features – perfectly integrated with the rest of the house. The hand formed ferro-cement house <a href="/news/organic-1970s-hollander-house-the-gaudi-style-home-at-newport-listed">designed by David Hollander</a> and completed in 1971 follows the contours of the surrounding land. The organic three bedroom home also comes with an impressive outdoor fireplace with a freestanding chimney, so your winter garden party won’t be smoked out. <img src="/images/2014/07/11/4.JPG" alt="">
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<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-sorrento-116537271" target="_blank">3518 Point Nepean Road Sorrento, VIC</a>
<img src="/images/2014/07/11/5.jpg" alt=""> Speaking of garden parties, this huge freestanding fireplace should suffice. But if wild weather interrupts, you can always duck inside and gather around the wide sandstone fireplace. Designed by Nicholas Day, this four bedroom, three bathroom cliff-side home has a tennis court, a pool, direct beach  access and a private boat shed.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-caulfield+north-113363683" target="_blank">14 Ward Avenue Caulfield North, VIC</a>
<img src="/images/2014/07/11/6.jpg" alt=""> For those who prefer the suburbs to the seaside, there’s 14 Ward Avenue. The Caulfield house, decked out in enough chrome and white leather to make Patrick Bateman feel at home, extends its hard contemporary style to the fireplaces, which are far from the organic offerings above. The pebble-filled gas fireplaces, warm despite their cold appearance, are dotted all over the home – there’s even one in the bathroom.  <img src="/images/2014/07/11/7.jpg" alt=""> 
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</ol>
 
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Winter warmer: Five fireplace offerings

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Property and food go so well together that wine and cheese pairing has now gone beyond the plate… into selling real estate.
It seems natural to us here at Property Observer that beautiful houses, and even the not-so beautiful, are more palatable with a glass of merlot and, perhaps, a wedge of Roquefort (or perhaps camembert or gouda for the less daring). But is wine and cheese pairing a good idea?
While you may think that allowing your guests to sip pinot noir (many a property industry pundits favourite glass of red) is the ultimate in sophistication, if you find yourself pairing the drink and the property incorrectly you’ll be in for a bad surprise.
Last weekend, The Palladio at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-arcadia-117372811" target="_blank">25 Nollands Road, Arcadia</a> (pictured below) was open for inspection. Owner Tim Higgens has held the property since he purchased the land in 1987, and then built the home in 1990, originally as a weekend getaway. With $160,000 of garden furniture and artifacts included in the sale, it has been looking for offers above $2.75 million. 
<img src="/images/2014/07/11/arcadia_0000_1.jpg.jpg" alt="">
Sandy Ward of Ray White Dural decided that a wine and cheese tasting was the perfect way to present the home, and answered our questions about this technique.
Why offer a cheese and wine tasting with the inspection?
This is our first time that we have offered this with our viewings. It allows the locals the opportunity to talk amongst themselves in a beautiful setting and will help to create local awareness by getting them to talk about who knows who and on acreage living. This seldom happens over the fence on large properties. The buyers that we have personally invited are delighted and like the idea.
Are these techniques becoming increasingly common?
If it is successful we will be doing the cheese and wine tasting again. We have had twilight inspections previously and the timing works well with people returning from work in the evenings. The Palladio looks particularly wonderful at this time of day and winter has been magic with the weather of late.
What homes does it and does it not work for?
As this is our first trial and with a property that is completely unique we are hoping for a more relaxed environment for buyers. The Palladio at 25 Nollands Road Arcadia would suit buyers that are looking for a unique property, it is for those out of the box clients, looking for a unique idea suitable to fashion, arts, photography shoots, wedding receptions, holiday retreat or exclusive bed and breakfasts... It may not work for all inspections but once in a while there comes a gem along that it would totally be the correct setting. The viewing this Saturday is set amongst artistic elements that permeate this beautiful residence created in the Palladian style to reflect the feel of the European countryside.
Which cheeses and wines do you use, and why?
We have encouraged a local wine tasting merchant to join us with his RSA and [offered] two selections of each of the red and white catering for up to 50 to 200 attendees. The cheese platter was arranged by Sandra Ward with some fruit in season and catering for most tastes.
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So, cheese platter aficionados – don’t forget that it’s not just about the cheese.
Looking local, and using some other treats to balance out the palate (such as fruits, crackers and chutneys) will always go down a treat. Bear in mind that blue cheeses are not everyone’s favourite (perhaps put them on a separate plate if you’re adamant they should make an appearance) and try to avoid anything too messy or crumbly – strangers sharing food can often be an exercise in disaster, particularly when etiquette is not a quality instilled in every person. Lastly, consider providing a dairy-free cheese, to cater for allergies and diets of all types.
Serve your cheese at room temperature. Keep it somewhere clean and tidy, provide enough plates or napkins as necessary, and ensure that high traffic won’t block through-ways to the rest of the house – remember that the purpose is, after all, for buyers to view the home.
And, of course, watch your spend. While some properties’ prices can justify a significant outlay on wining and cheese-ing your prospective buyers, those with prices closer to the city’s median might not want to include the extra few hundred dollars, or more, that it costs to cater. In fact, some properties would be better off directing those funds to re-painting.
It doesn’t mean you need to give up the wine and cheese concept entirely. This<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-tarneit-117387023" target="_blank"> $390,000 Tarneit, Victoria home</a> (pictured below) uses the suggestion in the listing to conjure up the idea. The agent suggests a wine and cheese platter on the space next to the spa bath. While most of us are more likely to clutter it up with half-used shampoo bottles, it’s nice to dream – and the effect is certainly there.
<img src="/images/2014/07/11/tarneit%20july%2011%20one.jpg" alt="">
Meanwhile, more creative writing and suggestions are provided for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-mount+richon-115165639" target="_blank">this amazing Mount Richon house</a> (pictured below), which actually won the 2004 Housing Industry Association WA Home of the Year award. We can see why – the home is breathtaking, particularly at its $899,000 price point.
<img src="/images/2014/07/11/richone%20july%2011.jpg" alt="">
The agent suggests that on the master bedroom’s Juliette balcony “with ornate balustrade providing some hills romance” Margaret River wine and cheese “on a clear star filled evening” would be the perfect accompaniment. We hardly disagree.
While we’re on the topic, we can’t go past at least a cursory mention of the most commonly sighted bottles in open homes and real estate photographs. Moet, Chandon and, in more recent months, Penfolds, have taken out top titles of most commonly found celebratory alcohols in the listings. There’s even a Perrier-Jouët that makes an appearance.
These photos all come from current listings, or those we've kept tabs on over the past few months.
<img src="/images/2014/07/11/cham%20july%2011%20five.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/07/11/cham-july-11-one.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/07/11/cham%20july%2011%20two.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/07/11/cham%20july%2011%20three.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/07/11/cham%20july%2011%20four.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/07/11/grange%20darlinghurst%20jan%2021.jpg" alt="">
 We’re not sure all of these are effective, but at least some creativity is being used.
{module Do you think a bottle of plonk helps sell a home?}
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Pairing wine, cheese and… property

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After a Fairfax Media report that Pacific Equity Partners was running a ruler over the beleaguered rural services outfit Elders, its chief executive Mark Allison has confirmed interested parties have been looking.
But the Australian Financial Review Street Talk column noted no formal offer had gone to the board.
The live export group Wellard and Asian investors are also understood to be looking at the 175-year-old Adelaide-based rural services business.
Mr Allison told the AFR the outsiders were looking as Elders was getting to the point of "a turnaround".
Since the 2008 global financial crisis Elders has been selling assets to try to pay down its debt burden.
At the May half-year result Elders reported an underlying half-year profit of $6.7 million compared with a $23.7 million loss the year before.
Mr Allison, who took on the CEO role in April.
Last year Elders rival Ruralco, which owns about 12% of Elders, made an unsuccessful bid.
Elders told the ASX on Tuesday that “Elders has recently received a number of informal, incomplete and confidential approaches from several parties, proposing participation by those parties in the affairs of the company,” the company said.
Elders shares were up almost 7% after the Tuesday morning report, but eased during the afternoon trading at 23.5¢, up 4.4% for the day.
The stock which touched a low of 10 cents in April was trading today as high as 24 cents. 
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