Fresh off completing Pienza Neutral Bay, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-element">Central Element</a> is preparing its next move in the coveted Lower North Shore suburb.&nbsp;

Central Element (CE) has lodged plans for an eight-storey apartment building at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/54-64-barry-street-neutral-bay-nsw-2089">54–64 Barry Street</a>, a 1,659 sqm site just south of Military Road and the Neutral Bay town centre.

The $52 million development will involve the demolition of four detached homes across four lots to deliver 45 apartments, including eight affordable housing units to be managed by Bridge Housing. The mix will comprise six one-bedroom apartments, 24 two-beds, and 15 three-beds. The apartments will sit above three basement levels with 62 car parking spaces and 50 bicycle spaces.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mhn-design-union">MHN Design Union</a> (MHNDU) has returned as architect following its work on Pienza, again shaping a mid-rise form with a clear street presence. The design features a lower four-storey podium element that responds to surrounding context, with upper levels recessed to reduce perceived bulk. Communal open space is proposed both at ground level and on the rooftop, the latter including an outdoor kitchen and swimming pool.

“The building has been designed with a lower four-storey element and with building materials commensurate with the character of the area,” Beam Planning noted in its submission to the North Sydney Council.

<img alt="Barry Street, Neutral Bay Nsw 2089" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a28ab3a-b8ba-4476-81cd-e4a8bb84f3a7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Barry-Street-Neutral-Bay-1327x742.png?VersionId=hlgvxszAWXIHgHtdR5HiwIKiSli2lLZV" />

Bridge Housing will manage the affordable units for a period of 15 years, as required under the Housing SEPP’s incentive provisions.

MHNDU’s design report further highlights the site's strategic location just 250 metres from key bus stops and 1.3 kilometres from North Sydney CBD, positioning it for transit-accessible housing supply. In their planning justification, the design team emphasised the site’s compatibility with emerging local character and scale.

Central Element has a solid apartment pipeline spread all over Sydney. They recently completed&nbsp;Pienza, 37 apartments just 500 metres away from the new project, and are currently building Ethos Chatswood, Ballamac House in Coogee, and Bianca on the harbour in Drummoyne.

They have plans for future projects in Mosman, Bondi Beach, Greenwich, Lavender Bay, along with a tower on the edge of Hyde Park.

Joel Robinson

First look: Central Element unveils second Neutral Bay apartment project

Real estate investment fund Wentworth Wentworth Equities is soon to launch a "Los Angeles-inspired" residential, leisure and lifestyle precinct in Brisbane’s Hamilton riverside ahead of the predicted Olympic-led population explosion for the city.

Drawing its style inspiration and name from Los Angeles’ renowned The Grove, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hamilton-grove-19-hercules-street-hamilton-qld-4007">Hamilton Grove</a> will feature three residential towers and a vibrant street-level public precinct with curated luxury lifestyle, retail and dining offerings.

The first of the three towers, to launch in March 2026, will comprise 61 apartments, in the same building as a premium hotel.<img alt="Hamilton Grove" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d227fe61-8392-45b7-b386-9133f29a249f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-19%20at%209.10.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=HTCV35HZ4h84jQCmHwhsdIPN0ctO5d7Z" />

Wentworth Equities Executive Chairman Sameh Ibrahim said the precinct will be unique in its appeal to both residents and the wider community.

“Hamilton is already one of Brisbane’s most sought-after riverside suburbs and for good reason,” Ibrahim said.

“Where else in the world can you walk out of your front door and have everything you could possibly need at your fingertips? The city is just around the corner, the airport is only ten minutes away, you have the river and green spaces right there and premium retail and dining on your doorstep."

Wentworth Equities acquired the 7637 sqm Hercules St site in 2014, when Ibrahim said he had a "very clear vision" for the precinct, but ultimately it wasn't the right time to develop. He said Hamilton was still very much an "emerging precinct."

“Since then, Hamilton and surrounding suburbs like Ascot and Albion have significantly grown and matured into a precinct that aligns with our vision for Hamilton Grove. Brisbane as a whole has so much to offer in the way of lifestyle appeal, but as it stands it is so widespread – you go to Howard Smith Wharves for fine dining, you go to James Street for shopping, you go to West End to walk along the river – but what if you could go to Hamilton Grove for everything?

“Our vision is a precinct that brings together the best of Brisbane into one central space abundant with culture, class and culinary experience – a place that a lucky few will get to call home, but the rest of Brisbane still get to explore and experience at their leisure.”

<img alt="Hamilton Grove" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46550990-8aeb-44d4-bb47-150cdca96529" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-19%20at%209.10.50%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bmCkApPKY_Bj3z02Q8vI7Kyo_caJXOnv" />

Experienced civil engineering contractor Mainland Civil has been appointed to commence early works for the project, adding Hamilton Grove to their extensive portfolio where it will join other iconic Brisbane developments including Queens Wharf, 300 George Street, Infinity Tower and 1 William Street.

Construction on Tower One is scheduled to commence in early 2026 with completion expected in late 2028.

Fast Facts 
 
• Three residential towers and a vibrant street-level public precinct with curated luxury lifestyle, retail and dining offerings. 
• Construction on Tower One is expected to commence in Quarter One 2026, with completion expected in late 2028. 
• 7,637 square metre site at 19 Hercules St, Hamilton (part of Economic Development Queensland’s 304 hectare Northshore Hamilton Priority Development Area). 
• 61 waterfront residences and skyhomes in the first tower, ranging from two to five bedrooms. 
• Hamiton Grove will be officially launched in March 2026.

"LA-inspired" Hamilton Grove to launch on Brisbane riverside

There’s a quiet patch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>, between the bustle of Glenferrie Road and the curve of the Yarra, that rarely sees change, and even more rarely, new apartments. But that’s exactly where <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pomeroy-pacific-quattro-corp">PQD</a> is planting Kooyongkoot: a deliberate, 18-residence answer to the question of what downsizers actually want.

“This is something this pocket of Hawthorn has never seen before,” says Fil Gacesa, head of sales at PQD. “<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a> will deliver just 18 large-scale apartments in the heart of Hawthorn. It is the true definition of resort-style living.”

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/59D7VxzltmM?si=1iCzRD7FRneKryfv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

That scale is central to the story. It’s what allows for two dedicated lift cores, short corridors, and a generous lightcourt that draws natural ventilation and sunlight into every residence. It’s also what makes room for the sort of amenity usually confined to high-density towers: a fully equipped wellness centre with infrared and traditional saunas, yoga and pilates studio, cold therapy shower, and treatment room. There’s a golf simulator, car and dog wash stations, and extensive storage too, not bolted on, but baked in from the start.

But more than the checklist, it’s the design intent that carries weight. “This project has been many years in the making,” says Mark Pomeroy, Director of PQD. “Not just in planning, but in listening, to what our buyers and the local community are looking for”.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355289]

That listening shows up in the materials, oak floors, natural stone, V-ZUG appliances, and in how space is handled. Penthouses feature private rooftop terraces with pools. Terraces and garden residences embrace outdoor connection. Inside, the layouts skew large and open, geared for hosting, not just housing.

Architecturally, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>’s approach is grounded. There’s no reaching for spectacle here. Instead, the building offers a sculptural calm, anchored by landscaping from Eckersley Garden Architecture.&nbsp;

“We wanted to create spaces that feel expansive, serene, and meaningfully connected to daily life,” said founding partner Chris Stribley elsewhere.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

That sentiment, calm, connection, echoes in the location itself. Kooyongkoot sits just a short stroll from Central Gardens, Fairview Park, and the Rivoli Cinema. Tram lines and schools are close, but the street is tucked, quiet, and leaf-lined.&nbsp;

“Residents of Kooyongkoot will be a short stroll from Fairview Park, Central Gardens, and the Glenferrie Road retail strip," Gacesa notes, "but you're also cocooned in this peaceful pocket behind extensive landscaping by Eckersley Garden Architecture.”

Kooyongkoot is set for completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Staff Writer

The project that said no to compromise: Inside Kooyongkoot, Hawthorn

When long-time Ivanhoe locals Graeme and Catherine, decided it was time to downsize, they weren’t necessarily in a rush.&nbsp;

Like many in their stage of life, they had started thinking about apartment living, but anticipated making the shift in two to three years.

That timeline changed when they visited <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, a new boutique development by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>. The project ticked all the boxes they were looking for: location, quality design, and long-term lifestyle benefits, which prompted them to bring their decision forward.

“It was the right place at the right time,” they said. “We knew immediately it ticked all the boxes, and we didn’t want to wait.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=358855]

Their decision to downsize was driven by a combination of practical needs and lifestyle considerations. Their existing home, while much loved, had become increasingly difficult to maintain. It spanned multiple levels, included extensive front and back gardens, and was starting to show the wear that comes with age.&nbsp;

They were looking for a more manageable lifestyle, one with less upkeep and more freedom. A brand-new apartment with no maintenance requirements and the ability to simply “lock up and leave” gave them peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their future.

Financially, the purchase made sense as well. The available stamp duty savings, strong price-to-value offering, and timing of the settlement suited their plans, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective. The apartment's design and inclusions further supported their choice.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357493]

The layout was both functional and flexible: three bedrooms, a butler’s pantry, a separate laundry, and a large open-plan living area. It gave them the freedom to host a family, accommodate guests, or set up a home office. The expansive balcony and elevated views added to the appeal, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

“It just had a really good flow,” Catherine noted, something they found lacking in many other apartments they’d considered, particularly in the established market.

Candela’s boutique scale was another deciding factor. With a smaller number of residences and a top-floor penthouse position, the couple felt the development offered the privacy and space they were looking for, without feeling isolated.

“We liked that it wasn’t a huge development. It felt well-balanced, modern but still with a sense of community, not overwhelming,” they said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357508]

Equally important was the ability to remain in Ivanhoe, a suburb they know well and have deep roots in. After 46 years in the area, proximity to local parks, shops, and familiar faces mattered just as much as the apartment itself.

“We didn’t want to give up the community we’ve known for decades. Candela allowed us to upgrade our lifestyle while staying in the place we call home.”

With a Walk Score of 90, the village location supports a convenient, connected lifestyle. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a> Station is just a eight-minute walk away, and the neighbourhood offers access to parks, cafes, restaurants, and schools along Upper Heidelberg Road, all within easy reach.

Beyond the apartment, the couple also saw value in the broader vision for Candela, one that integrates residential living with public spaces and local amenities.&nbsp;

The development introduces 58 new apartments as well as a mix of commercial and social spaces that integrate contemporary architecture with the suburb’s existing character.&nbsp;

At ground level, residents will find a charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offers a stunning vantage point for residents to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, host gatherings, or enjoy barbecues with family and friends. It's not just a place to live; it's a vibrant community where every moment is an opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Why Ivanhoe locals are choosing to downsize to Candela

Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

Project management and construction management firm Creative Vision filed the plans for the&nbsp;multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Roy Morgan

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A large majority of Victorians approve of the way Premier Daniel Andrews is handling his job, according to a Roy Morgan Snap SMS survey on Victoria’s Stage 4 restrictions.
However, 76 per cent said the Victorian government should compensate small businesses not forced to close.
The current restrictions will continue until the end of September, with a longer roadmap keeping many businesses closed throughout October.
The survey asked respondents three questions from a pool of six to determine their attitudes towards the current government directives.
According to the results, only 38 per cent of Melbournians say the night-time curfew in Melbourne should end now, compared to only 31 per cent of country Victorians.
Over 80 per cent of respondents who identified with the ALP and Greens parties, supported Andrews’ handling, whilst only 43 per cent of L-NP approving of his leadership.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/Screen%20Shot%202020-09-10%20at%202.11.03%20pm.png" alt="">
L-NP supporters also favoured ending the restrictions, with 51 per cent saying Melbourne restaurants should be able to provide table services.
Only 26 per cent of ALP supporters agreed, preferring to keep restrictions as they are.
The survey was conducted on Tuesday, September 8, with a Victoria-wide cross-section of 2,325 Victorians.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Majority of Victorians approve of the Premier's handling of his job: Roy Morgan

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An estimated 828,000 mortgage holders were in ‘mortgage stress’ as Australia entered shutdown in March, according to new research from Roy Morgan.
This equates to roughly 18.2% of all mortgage holders, and  is a significant improvement on those considered to be in mortgage stress 12 months ago and represents the second-lowest level of mortgage stress in over a decade.
The findings were part of Roy Morgan’s latest Single Source Survey, which is based on in-depth interviews conducted with 50,000 Australians each year, including over 10,000 owner-occupied mortgage-holders.
The strong employment market leading up to the COVID-19 related shutdown in mid-March had kept incomes strong while at the same time the decline in interest rates to record lows over the past year has reduced mortgage repayments for many mortgage holders.
A large concern for Australia’s banks will be the impact of COVID-19 on the employment market.
Just over 2-in-3 mortgages rely on more than one income and the mortgage risk is typically very low for these mortgages.
The biggest driver of increased mortgage stress is a sudden drop in income – most often caused by the loss of a job and analysis shows that the impact of the loss of one income quadruples the level of risk for these mortgage holders.
Even a reduction in work caused by being stood down, or cuts to work hours, can have an effect.
A special survey undertaken by Roy Morgan shows that 10.5 million Australians have already reported a change to their employment status caused by COVID-19.
These impacts include having work hours reduced, being stood down, not having any work offered, being made redundant or having pay reduced for working the same number of hours – all of which clearly have a negative impact on income.
The proportion of mortgage holders classified as ‘At Risk’, or ‘Extremely at Risk’, is down on a year ago but those classified as ‘Extremely at Risk’ have increased after hitting a low in October.
In the three months to March 2020, 18.2% of mortgage holders were ‘At Risk’ (828,000), which is down from 21.5% (903,000) in March 2019.
Over the same period those ‘Extremely at Risk’ also decreased from 14.5% (594,000) to 12.6% (559,000), a drop of 35,000.
However, the number ‘Extremely at Risk’ hit a low of only 425,000 (10.7%) in October, following an RBA interest rate cut, and has since increased.
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wdavis-8cCN98p7xp

Almost 20% of all mortgage holders suffered ‘mortgage stress' during March: Roy Morgan

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Strong jobs growth over the last year has helped drive down both unemployment and under-employment, however over 2 million Australians are still looking for work or looking for more work
Our data shows real unemployment and under-employment is at 2.17 million in September, representing 15.7% of the workforce. This marks a significant improvement over the last year with the measure declining 2.1% points following strong full-time jobs growth.
However, despite these positive signs, real unemployment and under-employment has now marked four straight years above 2 million, stretching back to September 2015 (1.99 million – 15.6%).
The interest rate cuts in June and July as well as significant income tax cuts legislated in recent months appear to have stabilised the economy after a rough start to 2019. The RBA’s decision to cut interest rates to a record low of only 0.75% in October will also provide additional stimulus.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/15/Roy%20Morgan%20underemployment.jpg" alt="">
It’s also worth noting the RBA doesn’t have much room for further interest rate cuts in the remainder of this year and heading into 2020. There are several candidates to increase economic uncertainty in the next few months include the US-China trade war, a messy Brexit ‘divorce deal’ between the UK and the EU or even a risk of conflict in the Middle East.
If any of these were to escalate over the next year, the RBA, as well as the Federal Government, would have to consider more unconventional means to ensure the Australian economy keeps growing and providing jobs for an increasing population.  
Michele Levine is the CEO of Roy Morgan.
Roy Morgan employment series September highlights
In September 1.2 million Australians were unemployed (8.7% of the workforce) with an additional 970,000 (7.0%) now under-employed.
- The workforce, which comprises employed Australians and those who are unemployed and looking for work, has increased year-on-year by 416,000 to 13,836,000. The increasing workforce was driven entirely by an increase in full-time employment as unemployment and part-time employment fell;
- Employment was up 470,000 to 12,634,000 in September 2019 – the rise in employment was driven by a significant increase in full-time employment of 773,000 to 8,467,000. However, over the past year part-time employment has declined by 303,000 to 4,167,000;
- Unemployment was down 54,000 on a year ago to 1,202,000 Australians and the unemployment rate is down by 0.7% to 8.7%. In addition under-employment is down by 155,000 to 972,000 Australians (down 1.4% to 7% of the workforce) over the past year which includes Australians working part-time and looking for more work;
- Roy Morgan’s unemployment figure of 8.7% for August is higher than the <a href="http://icm-tracking.meltwater.com/link.php?DynEngagement=true&amp;H=FcQ5do3Mtm%2F2JnP%2FxXFcY%2BL9mOkU%2Fad4G7kfqxVfSdkEEq1vNf2gyySaRFEPQL1%2Bi9ipkiUFRCKm00AkHYvGhrLiJHyUZ39UtsXT8roOnEVDSeYCVw9OJsMaR7qoClmuQ7FnqRmFIc4%3D&amp;G=0&amp;R=http%3A%2F%2Fabs.gov.au%2FAUSSTATS%2Fabs%40.nsf%2Fmf%2F6202.0%3Fopendocument&amp;I=20191015051433.0000007b2c8f%40mail6-41-usnbn1&amp;X=MHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVkYTU1MDBkYTM0NmMyNzhmNzA2MTM0Yzs%3D&amp;S=2jyKXPgq0a5bJjyFUSJjaEuGst94S_XP0LIhm9ZcBTo" target="_blank">current ABS estimate for August 2019 of 5.3%</a>, although the gap between the two measures is closer than usual. Roy Morgan’s under-employment estimate of 7% is now slightly below the current <a href="http://icm-tracking.meltwater.com/link.php?DynEngagement=true&amp;H=FcQ5do3Mtm%2F2JnP%2FxXFcY%2BL9mOkU%2Fad4G7kfqxVfSdkEEq1vNf2gyySaRFEPQL1%2Bi9ipkiUFRCKm00AkHYvGhrLiJHyUZ39UtsXT8roOnEVDSeYCVw9OJsMaR7qoClmuQ7FnqRmFIc4%3D&amp;G=0&amp;R=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abs.gov.au%2Fausstats%2Fabs%40.nsf%2Fmf%2F6202.0%3Fopendocument%26ref%3DHPKI&amp;I=20191015051433.0000007b2c8f%40mail6-41-usnbn1&amp;X=MHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVkYTU1MDBkYTM0NmMyNzhmNzA2MTM0Yzs%3D&amp;S=K2aAgJimDljPFdUm4K9Tzu-E-I2U2LeVVHjAVLbQK5Y" target="_blank">ABS under-employment estimate of 8.6%</a>;
- Roy Morgan’s total unemployment and under-employment of 2,174,000 Australians (15.7% of the workforce) in September, down 209,000 on a year ago, is larger than figures usually proffered, but the biennial ABS survey the ‘<a href="http://icm-tracking.meltwater.com/link.php?DynEngagement=true&amp;H=FcQ5do3Mtm%2F2JnP%2FxXFcY%2BL9mOkU%2Fad4G7kfqxVfSdkEEq1vNf2gyySaRFEPQL1%2Bi9ipkiUFRCKm00AkHYvGhrLiJHyUZ39UtsXT8roOnEVDSeYCVw9OJsMaR7qoClmuQ7FnqRmFIc4%3D&amp;G=0&amp;R=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.abs.gov.au%2Fausstats%2Fabs%40.nsf%2Fmf%2F6239.0&amp;I=20191015051433.0000007b2c8f%40mail6-41-usnbn1&amp;X=MHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVkYTU1MDBkYTM0NmMyNzhmNzA2MTM0Yzs%3D&amp;S=VJo-K5kqz77QZOCYbmpq7jLLG35UQYMJf8Bh1cULqb8" target="_blank">Barriers and Incentives to Labour Force Participation</a>’ last released in 2017 claims a much higher figure of 2.7 million Australians would like a job or to work more hours – including 1.1 million people the ABS said wanted a job but are excluded from the Labour Force.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Real unemployment and under-employment stuck above two million: Roy Morgan

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The value of assets held by Australians has almost doubled over a 12 year period, a new report has found. 
From 2007 to 2019, asset values are up 96%, while debt has increased by 78.6% over the same period, according to the <a id="LPlnk178519" href="http://icm-tracking.meltwater.com/link.php?DynEngagement=true&amp;H=btYXC68syxmDVppbhVzFoYHdeMNV9070xvOlf%2FNdDQ0wXj6aidRhm%2BU%2B3pvvHdsrpvIIhgT9m2JwAuxVME0Zp2SQWJMw%2Fl0vyvX5XpPY4CpJ8TwkzTJoFeV9rdYJuyfe%2FYEc7gWVJ%2B0%3D&amp;G=0&amp;R=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.roymorgan.com%2Fproduct%2FRoy-Morgan-Wealth-Report-13397&amp;I=20190711015504.00000194d375%40mail6-114-ussnn1&amp;X=MHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVkMjU4OWEyYzVkZmE3ZjMyZjJjYTFiZTs%3D&amp;S=iwIWS64fklsraWL5xgm3auOxsrFdtkaHt3FvSlv0LBQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Roy Morgan Wealth Report</a>. 
Over this period, which covers the period from just before the start of the global financial crisis, net wealth has increased by 98.7%.
Even after accounting for population growth and inflation, the average Australian is better off, the report said. 
The report is drawn from over half a million in-depth face-to-face interviews conducted in Australians’ homes over the period from 2007 to 2019.
The second edition of the Wealth Report focuses how net wealth has changed since just before the onset of the global financial crisis.
Australia performed very strongly over the past 12 years compared with other OECD nations – particularly in Europe where many nations went backwards over the same period, it said. 
Key findings of the report include:
<ul>
<li>The value of assets held by Australians has almost doubled from 2007 to 2019 (up 96.0%). This is faster than the increase in debt of 78.6% over the same period. As a result net wealth is now 98.7% higher in 2019 than it was in 2007. 
</li>
<li>Average per capita net wealth in real terms (adjusted for inflation), is 28.0% higher than it was in 2007 just before the onset of the global financial crisis. 
</li>
<li>Median net worth per capita in 2007 was only $124,000, rising to $135,900, up 8.8% after allowing for inflation. The median value is a more representative metric in such a highly skewed market, as 50% are above it and 50% below, it is the central value. 
</li>
<li>Women have improved their average net wealth position relative to men, with males now holding an average of 12.3% more wealth than women, while in 2007, they had a much higher 27.4% advantage. 
</li>
<li>Roughly half Australia’s personal wealth continues to be held in the form of owner occupied housing (49.8%), down slightly from 51.6% in 2007, while superannuation assets make up an increasingly higher portion, rising from 19.2% to 24.4% of our wealth since 2007. 
</li>
<li>The following chart shows that the average personal assets are now worth 8.1 times average debts, compared with 7.4 times debts in 2007. </li>
</ul>
Assets have grown faster than debt
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/7/11/roy%20morgan.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/11/roy%20morgan.png" alt="">
 
Source: Roy Morgan Single Source (Australia) 12 months to March 2019, n = 51,362; 12 months to December 2007, n = 54,212. Base: Australians 14+.
"We see daily headlines about the risks posed by high levels of debt and falling property values, but when we drill down into the data, a more balanced long term picture emerges," said Michele Levine, the CEO of Roy Morgan.
"Although the last 12 months has seen a marginal decline in household net worth, it is important to understand it in the context of the long term trend. What we have seen here is a very positive long term trend.
"Housing debt has grown considerably since 2007, but not uniformly - Roy Morgan’s data shows wealthier cohorts have shown a much greater propensity to take on debt and those investors have more ability to handle downturns than more marginal borrowers in lower-wealth segments.
"A more detailed understanding of how debt and personal wealth are distributed can help dispel some of the more simplistic fears over debt, and give a more balanced view of its relationship to wealth creation in Australia over the long term."
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Australians’ net wealth has nearly doubled since GFC: Roy Morgan Wealth Report 

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Consumer satisfaction at the four major banks increased marginally during April, taking the current levels well above the long-term average.
The latest Roy Morgan research polled more than 50,000 consumers and found that consumer satisfaction with the big four was at 80.1% in the six months prior to April.
The small increase of 0.3% from the same period in 2016.
It sits above the long-term average of 74.9% recorded since 2005.
However, home loan customers are less satisfied with levels sitting at 78% compared to 80.5% for other types of customers.
Home loan customers at CBA experienced the highest satisfaction levels at 78.8%. This was followed by Westpac (78.5%), NAB (77.3%) and ANZ (77.0%). The biggest improvement in this area was for ANZ (up 1.0%) and NAB (up 0.9%).
Over the past year, the big banks have closed this gap marginally, researchers found.
Amongst the big four banks, consumer satisfaction levels are as follows:
<ul>
<li>Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA): 81.4%</li>
<li>National Australia Bank (NAB): 80.2%</li>
<li>Australia &amp; New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ): 78.7%</li>
<li>Westpac: 78.1%</li>
</ul>
Westpac experienced the largest improvement in April, Australian Broker noted, moving up 0.7% as a result of increases in scores for both home loan and non-home loan customers.
For non-home loan customers, CBA again leads at 81.9%. This is followed by NAB (81.0%), ANZ (79.1%) and Westpac (78.0%).
“Roy Morgan data shows that customer satisfaction with the big four banks remains well above their long term average and after trending up strongly for more than a decade, for the last two years it has plateaued rather than showing any real signs of declining,” said Norman Morris, industry communications director at Roy Morgan Research.
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