<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Gardner Vaughan Group breaks ground on first Gold Coast development, Bronze on Chevron

Reiwa

<html><body>
Leasing activity in Perth lifted 32% in May, with reiwa.com data revealing 4,915 properties were tenanted over the month.
Tenant activity was very healthy in the metro area, the REIWA President Hayden Groves said although noting Perth’s private rental sector continued to present its challenges for landlords.
“Leasing activity was slightly subdued in April as a result of the Easter and ANZAC Day breaks, but rebounded strongly in May to record levels which now sit 17% higher than they did in May 2016,” Groves said.
Data from reiwa.com shows all five sub-regions experienced notable increases in activity over the month, with the North East sub-region the standout for May, increasing 35.5%.
“The South West and Central sub-regions also had particularly strong months, recording increases in leasing activity of 33.7% and 33% respectively.
“At a suburb level, East Perth, Perth and Scarborough in the Central sub-region had the highest volume of properties leased in May,” Groves said.
Although rental stock levels remain high in Perth, data for May shows listings were stable over the month with no change recorded.
Groves said there were hints that listing levels had finally begun to stabilise.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Residential leasing activity levels remain elevated in Perth

<html><body>
Six out of the 12 locations across regional WA experienced positive median house price growth in the December quarter 2016.
REIWA President Hayden Groves dubbed it an optimistic sign for the regions.
Preliminary Landgate data shows the median growth up 1.4 percent over the quarter to $355,000.
Although sales activity in Northam was subdued in the December quarter, it was the best performing regional centre for median house price growth, with its quarterly change in the annual median increasing 18.6 percent in the three months to December 2016.
Other top performers for median house price growth were Busselton Urban Area and Esperance Urban Area, which experienced lifts of 12.1 and 7.1 percent respectively, Hayden Groves said. 
The Broome and Port Hedland regional centres had the most notable softening of median house price in the December quarter. 
 
<table style="width: 438px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Regional centre
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Annual median house price (Year to December 2016)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Quarterly change in the annual median house price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Albany Urban Area
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$380,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
3.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Broome Urban Area
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$475,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
-12.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Bunbury Greater
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$380,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
4.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Busselton Urban Area
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$480,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
12.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Esperance Urban Area
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$337,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
7.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Geraldton/Greenough
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$312,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
-4.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Kalgoorlie/Boulder
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$334,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
1.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Karratha Urban Area
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$265,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
-1.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Mandurah/Murray
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$372,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
-2.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Northam
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$255,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
18.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Port Hedland
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$262,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
-6.3%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Sales volumes were down across regional WA in the December quarter, with preliminary Landgate data showing 1,264 transactions.
The figure was expected to be around 1,500 once all sales had settled.
“Albany and Broome were the strongest performers for sales activity over the quarter, bucking the trend to record stable volume levels.
REIWA analysis shows the bulk of regional sales transactions in the December quarter remained in the $150,000 to $360,000 price range.
“In Bunbury and Albany, while the majority of transactions were below $500,000, both regional centres saw an increase in activity in the higher end of the market.
"It has contributed to the quarterly median house price for both areas lifting,” Mr Groves said.
It was, on average, two days faster to sell a property in regional WA in the December quarter than it was in the September quarter.
“Drilling down, six of the regional centres saw improvements in the number of days it took to sell a property.
Albany and Bunbury were among the most improved, with it being 17 and 10 days quicker (respectively) to achieve a sale in those centres,” Mr Groves said.
Other regional centres to record an improvement in average selling days over the quarter were Northam, Esperance Urban Area, Mandurah/Murray and Geraldton/Greenough.
Meanwhile the Karratha Urban Area was unchanged on the September quarter.
When it came to discounting, the proportion of sellers needing to drop their asking price over the quarter remained stable in comparison to the September quarter at 63 percent.
“We did however see a decline in the amount sellers were needing to reduce their asking price by.
It would have been a contributing factor to regional WA’s overall median increasing in the December quarter,” Mr Groves said.
Property Observer found this three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-spencer+park-123406654" target="_blank">16 Tunney Way, Spencer Park, WA</a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-spencer+park-123406654"></a>, (pictured above) that sold in February for $340,000 in the Albany district.
</body></html>

House price growth emerging in regional Western Australia: REIWA

<html><body>
A new study on housing affordability for people on very low to moderate incomes in Perth has found a mismatch between the availability of housing and what is affordable.
The report, Housing Affordability – A study for the Perth metropolitan area, a collaboration between the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia, the Housing Authority and Shelter WA, concentrated on affordability for households on very low (less than $43,000), low ($43,000-$69,000) and moderate incomes ($69,000-$86,000).
Brendon Grylls, Housing Minister  said that while the property market has softened, improving availability for some, those on the lowest incomes are still finding it extremely difficult to find available, appropriate and affordable housing.
“With over 80 percent of sales being larger properties, it’s also evident that there’s a lack of diversity in Perth’s housing stock,” he said.
“Housing affordability is a complex issue and the information in the report will inform the Housing Authority in the delivery of its commitments under the State Affordable Housing Strategy, which is on track to provide 30,000 affordable housing opportunities by 2020.”
Chantal Roberts, Shelter WA executive officer said the research identifies the limited housing options for low to moderate income households in WA.
“There are many households, including key workers, that are trapped in our insecure private rental market due to a lack of diverse and affordable options, particularly in locations close to jobs and services,” she said.
“A range of varied and affordable housing is needed across all areas to support the development of strong and diverse communities.”
Hayden Groves, REIWA president said the report highlights key issues affecting the industry and the community as a whole.
“We can see from the findings that both housing affordability and diversity are issues to be addressed and we’re looking forward to working with both the Housing Authority and Shelter WA on further research regarding the state of the WA housing market,” Mr Groves said.
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Housing affordability still difficult for low-to-moderate income earners in Perth

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The Parliament of Western Australia has passed the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2015 and the Licensing Provisions Bill 2015, with amendments being made to the Residential Tenancies Act, the Real Estate and Business Agents Act, and the Auction Sales Act.
This is a result of initiatives put forward by the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA), who has been advocating for these major changes which will create direct savings for the real estate industry.
REIWA chief executive officer Neville Pozzi said the amendments will not only result in a reduction in administrative burden and cost savings for tenants, lessors and real estate agents, but also increase efficiencies that are expected to contribute towards keeping downward pressure on rental costs for tenants.
“REIWA commends the Barnett Government, the Minister for Commerce and the Opposition for passing the bills, which will reduce compliance costs, save the industry money and make it easier to conduct real estate business in WA,” he said.
The proposed amendments will include changes to the following:
Residential Tenancies Act changes:
<ul>
<li>Will simplify the process when a lessor is required to issue a notice of proposed entry to the tenant;</li>
<li>Will enable the service of notices and documents under the act by electronic means</li>
<li>Will remove the requirement for notices of abandoned goods to be advertised in a newspaper circulating throughout the state.</li>
</ul>
Real Estate and Business Agents Act changes:
<ul>
<li>Will remove the prohibition on real estate agents from receiving commission prior to settlement from an off the plan strata sales transaction (as defined by the act).</li>
</ul>
Auction Sales Act changes:
<ul>
<li>Will allow auction licensing renewals to align with other industry license renewal periods, up to three years.</li>
</ul>
Once both bills receive royal assent, are proclaimed and gazetted as acts in the coming weeks, businesses operating within the real estate industry can start implementing these changes into their practices.
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Legislation passed to cut costs for WA real estate industry

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The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia has assisted in the introduction of new codes of conduct for real estate agents, sales representatives, settlement agents and land valuers which support industry best practice and provide consumer protection.
REIWA president Hayden Groves thanked the Minister for Commerce, the Hon. Michael Mischin MLC, and the Department of Commerce for carrying out a detailed consultation process and working closely with the institute to develop the new codes.
“We congratulate Minister Mischin for working closely with REIWA and other industry stakeholders to ensure the codes benefit all those involved with buying, selling or leasing property,” Groves said.
“It’s important that there are measures in place to ensure the industry maintains high standards of practice and service.”
The Code of Conduct for Agents and Sales Representatives 2016 comes into effect this month with a two month transition period.
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REIWA recognises new codes of conduct for WA property

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A continuining drop in first home buyer numbers has chief executive of the Real Estate Instute of Western Australia (REIWA), Neville Pozzi, warning the government not to introduced any stamp duty increases for first timers.
He said that this drop should come as a budget warning to the state government.
“Given that first home buyers are dropping in numbers, it’s critical that the Treasurer doesn’t bring back stamp duty for this segment of the market,” Pozzi said.
Currently, first home buyers in Western Australia are exempt from stamp duty payments for homes under $500,000.
“It’s very concerning, however, that Premier Barnett has indicated that the current tax break for first home buyers is under review and might be changed,” he said.
“The housing market is very susceptible to cost pressures and making first homes more expensive would be a terrible blow to the market just as it’s starting to stabilise,” he said.
FHOG applications for the March quarter, as recorded by the Office of State Revenue, recorded a 9% drop. This is 21% below the June 2013 peak.
This drop is across both the established and new-build sectors, with established homes dropping by 14%.
“This means that grants being paid out have now fallen below the average since the FHOG was first introduced 14 years ago,” he said.
He noted that the "last thing" the market needs at present is any added cost pressure on first time buyers.
The median purchase by first home buyers in March was $470,000 in Perth, and $350,000 in regional Western Australia.
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