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

Surry Hills

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BridgeLane launched their residential Surry Hills warehouse development, Hutch &amp; Hutch with a strong result selling 14 out of 18 apartments on the long weekend Saturday morning. 
CBRE agent Tim Rees advised 13 buyers were owner occupiers from within a three km radius of Hutch &amp; Hutch.
"The majority of our purchasers today came from the inner city, with some moving from the eastern suburbs.
"We found a handful of buyers were downsizers looking to move closer to the city for a different lifestyle."
Designed by SJB, Hutch &amp; Hutch comprises luxury, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom warehouse residences as well as 12m wide penthouse apartments.  Construction is due to commence early 2017.
The prices are:
1 bedrooms from $900,000 
2 bedrooms from $1,125,000 
3 bedrooms from $2,450,000  
The display suite is at 26-34 Hutchinson Street. For more information, <a href="https://hutchandhutch.com.au/" target="_blank">click here</a>
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Hutch & Hutch sees 14 apartments sell on long weekend Saturday launch

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Sydney’s skinniest terrace on the market has finally found a new owner, after it sold after auction.
The Terry Street home stands at not quite three metres wide.
<div>
The property sold at an undisclosed price a few hours after passing in at weekend auction at just over $850,000. It last sold at $289,000 in 2001.
Wiseberry Enmore agent David Cradock sold the home at 31 Terry which is a two-storey terrace with a 2.85 metre width, a land size of 38 square metres and an internal size of 48 square metres.
<img src="/images/2016/09/29/Surryinterior.jpg" alt="" width="487" height="286">
</div>
It's neighbour, which is identical in size, sold for $965,000 to a Chinese investor mid last year.
The weekend price guide was $850,000 to $900,000.
The 31 Terry Street was listed mid last year too trying to match or better that $965,000 result but was passed in at $805,000.
 
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Skinny Surry Hills terrace sells

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A building with a history as a food and beverage destination in Sydney’s inner suburb of Surry Hills is up for lease through Ray White Commercial.
The 368 Crown Street property is a two-level commercial terrace building with a building area of nearly 150 sqm over both levels. The rent is $11,970 per month.
Leasing agent John Skufris of Ray White said 368 Crown Street was previously known as home of the original Maltese Cafe.
“Watt’s on Crown and more recently Master Dining had been trading from these premises. Master was hatted in the 2017 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards,” he said.
The property has a kitchen, grease trap, exhaust, amenities as well as a balcony and courtyard.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Restaurant/café in Sydney’s Surry Hills available on lease 

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The Alexandria-apartment bound Neale Whitaker, a judge on Channel 9’s The Block, has listed his Surry Hills terrace.
He and partner David Novak-Piper have the Riley Street terrace listed with a price guide of $1.575 million.
Neale Whitaker and Partner David Novak-Pipe renovated the terrace that spans three levels.
There's an open-plan kitchen and lounge room that flows out to a rear courtyard with a deck. There is also a separate dining and living room and a central sunroom that opens on to an atrium.
There are original fireplaces throughout the home including in the main bedroom.
It is listed for October 8 auction.
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The Block's Neale Whitaker lists in Surry Hills

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Two stylish office suites in Sydney’s inner city suburb of Surry Hills recently exchanged hands, one fetching more than $1.5 million and the other going for nearly $700,000.
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-surry+hills-501949502" target="_blank">Suite 517, 50 Holt Street</a> has a floor area of 142 sqm and fetched $1,565,300. The other, <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-surry+hills-501949514" target="_blank">Suite 512</a>, sold for $660,000. It spans 55 sqm.
Both were sold with vacant possession and are part of 19 suites in the building.
50 Holt Street is the epicentre of the Surry Hills business district with a community of more than 70 businesses, including Cue HQ, ASOS and Guzman &amp; Gomez.
The place is a stone’s throw from Central Station and Prince Alfred Park pool and home to restaurants Porteno, Muum Maam, Di Bella and 121 BC all on the ground floor.
The selling agents are David Brown and Nelson Ferreira of DB Property.
According to the ad listing, there is “a queue of tenants waiting to lease space”, so the suites are expected to be good investment. 
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Stylish office suites in Sydney's Surry Hills snapped up by investors

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A record price was set for a Surry Hills, inner Sydney warehouse at weekend auction when purchased by North Shore buyers.
It fetched $7.95 million some $400,000 higher than the $7.45 million prior top price.
The weekend buyer secured a 780-square-metre four-bedroom three-level warehouse in Bennett Place, a mid-19th century building that had undergone a transformation by designers Hare &amp; Klein (above).
The space came with a four-car garage, artist’s studio, plus plenty of open-plan living areas with lofty ceiling and industrial throwbacks. 
The Bennett Place warehouse previously held the suburb record the last two times it traded, for $5.71 million in 2012 and then $3.1 million in 2009. Not sure it was a record price when it was sold at $350,000 in 1991.
Artist Melinda Marshman and medico husband, David sold the warehouse which sits on the Marshall Street corner having bought it for $5.71 million in 2012 when bought from sculptor Gaby Porter.
The 1870 building, first recorded in Sands Directory as being a carriage and livery stable, has 760 square metres of floor space.
The earlier record stood since last year at $7.55 million, when Mark Ainsworth bought the nearby one with a distinctive heart-shaped pool.
It ranks among the more authentic of the warehouses of Surry Hills that once housed the city’s rag-trade industry. 
The $7.55 million sale last year secured a heart-shaped pool as the centrepiece of 450-square-metre converted warehouse once owned by Stuart Membery. 
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Surry Hills warehouse among the weekend auction top sales

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Sydney publican Peter Calligeros has added The Trinity Bar in Surry Hills to his hotel group.
Calligeros, whose hotel group also owns North Sydney pubs the Rag &amp; Famish, Alberts Bar and the Mount Street Terrace Hotel, paid $8.5 million for the Crown St pub.
It was offered for sale publicly for the first time in 20 years through CBRE by vendor Ray Reilly.
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Trinity Bar, Surry Hills sells at $8.5 million

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The long-time Surry Hills terrace of the veteran art dealer Rex Irwin has been listed for sale.
It ties in with his intended late 2016 retirement, after having turned 75.
He remains until then at the Olsen Irwin gallery in Woollahra, with his business partner, Tim Olsen.
Irwin, who was born in India in 1941, studied in England where he went into the wine trade.
It was in the early 1960s that he turned to art.
The purchase of the three level Surry Hills terrace came in 1968 costing $10,000.
The three bedroom, two bathroom Mort Street property goes to auction on May 9 through John Knott at Laing &amp; Simmons Woollahra who has given $1.75 million price guidance.
It is likely to sell to a family who want proximity to the primary and secondary schools. 
"I want to find a cottage on the South Coast," he said.
"Something like a former school house where I can just read.
"There will be no book coming from me," he proclaims.
His lasting artist/gallery relationships have been with the local painter, Nicholas Harding and internationally with the German-born, British painter, Lucian Freud.
He laments modern art selling saying it had become far less personal.
"I've tried changing with it, but maybe I am of the past.
"The art buyers have seen the work on the website, they come in, say that it is marvellous and then pay with a card.
"In day past I'd make a pot of coffee and have a conversation."
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Art dealer Rex Irwin lists Surry Hills terrace

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Sydney may have forgotten Natalie Jean Wood. But Real Estate Agents haven’t forgotten to underquote; when it comes to auctioning a property.
I definitely have something to say about what I perceived may well be, blatant underquoting strategies used in the marketing of the Surry Hills property: 139 Kippax Street, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/surry-hills-terrace-listing-of-the-woman-sydney-forgot">the home once owned by Natalie Wood</a>.
It will take more than a coffee to calm me down, particularly after my client spent $4,000 doing Due Diligence (DD) prior to the auction.
The price guide that was given to me and other interested parties I spoke with at the time, was: $550,000-$650,000.
First cab off the rank, and to immediately dispel any misconceptions you may have. Misconceptions about me being a disgruntled buyer’s agent and particularly since I didn’t purchase the property, on behalf of my client.
<ol start="1">
<li>Part of the DD we undertook revealed that land in the area was worth approximately $10,000-$11,000/sqm.</li>
<li>There was some value in the building regardless of what the refurbishment works would cost, and</li>
<li>We were under no illusion that we would obtain the home for the lower end of the price guide which was given.</li>
</ol>
It’s not rocket science
It’s not rocket science to work out property (price-guide) values that are closer to true market values. To ascertain these we look at the following:
<ol start="1">
<li>Land value as compared to other sales in the local area.</li>
<li>Value of existing structure/building (taking into account what is required or not required to be altered, changed or fixed) and integrity of existing structure.</li>
<li>Aesthetic values including but not limited to: visual appeal, location, heritage, charm or story behind the property, views and surrounding landscape and demographics.</li>
<li>Calculate costs to repair/refurbish/build and compare with current properties on the market and recent property sales. properties that would be of similar ilk.</li>
<li>If still in doubt? call a professional valuer for their opinion.</li>
</ol>
Therefore, for an agent or agency to hide behind the worn and dated argument of “no comparable sales” is just sheer ignorance or intentional use of sleight of hand tactics. I have written about these issues previously.
1) The what-if test. 
2) Dumb to underquote and dumber not to know property values.
Dialogue with agency
Correspondence and conversations with the agent, all led us to believe that the agent truly didn’t know the value of the property. On the alternative, we also thought that there may be an underlying driver to draw a crowd. We know the latter to be under-quoting.
If other buyers were going to be persuaded by either one of the above premises, we believed that this would work in our favor.
The low-ball price-guide may actually keep the value of the property low, this is what we presumed anyway. We felt that the low price-guide coupled with the added features of the home; the circumstance of the deceased owner and the dilapidated condition of the property, was a mix that would work in our favor.
Nonetheless, our limit was set at $900,000 and this took into account our estimated land value as well as the intrinsic and heritage value of the property. Yes, and the history that came with the home.
Again, we knew that the agent was off the mark completely. However, the agent insisted that the “buyer’s feedback” was $550,000-$650,000 and with the interest obtained, it may reach the $700,000 mark. I beg to differ.
A professional agent would have done and assessed the value more along the lines of $850,000-$900,000 and thus presenting a correct price-guide. A guide that is not reliant on; “buyer’s feedback” nor left to ignorance. But, I was not engaged to teach them how to do their job.
Don't you just hate it, when you call an agent and ask for the 'price-guide' and they respond with: don't know at this point in time, once we hold a few opens we will gauge the "buyer's feedback". Get real !!! and moving on...
The outcome
Well, my buyer was not successful; as much as I tried to slow things down, there were others that wanted the property at all costs. The home sold for $1,105,000.
One may well say, ‘market forces’ were at play once the auction reached and went beyond the $950,000 mark. 
Warning to agents
Now, if you really want to accept the argument that: any so called out-of-line sale price is influenced by the lack of comparable sales to go by and play the ignorance card, or even take ill advice from vendors? Perhaps it’s time a Professional Valuer was called in, to assist you.
Obtaining and contracting the services of a valuer, is a better option to support and protect you as you. After all, you are the professional real estate agent. Don't hang your hat on statements such as: "market forces" nor "the vendor made me do it" in the belief that these will protect you from prosecution.
EDWIN ALMEIDA is licensee in charge of <a href="https://www.just-think.com.au/" target="_blank">Just Think Real Estate</a>.<a href="https://www.just-thin.com.au/"> </a>
He is also the creator of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JustThinkProperty" target="_blank">Oz Real Estate.TV</a> and a presenter for <a href="https://propertyinvestingvault.com/" target="_blank">propertyinvestingvault.com</a>.
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Sydney may have forgotten Natalie Jean Wood, but real estate agents haven’t forgotten to underquote: Edwin Almeida 

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The Surry Hills home of “the woman Sydney forgot” Natalie Jean Wood, whose remains were undiscovered for eight years after her death, has been put up for February 24 offsite auction.
Ms Wood was last confirmed seen in 2003 and not seen again until 2011.
Her decomposed body was found in the front bedroom of the Kippax Street terrace just short of what would have been her 87th birthday.
“That the death of a life long resident of a high density housing area should remain undiscovered until after all the flesh had rotted from her frail bones caused public disquiet,” the Coroner’s Report said.
The Kippax Street home was listed after the Supreme Court ruled Ms Wood’s sister-in-law Enid Davis would inherit the assets. 
The home, advertised as a dilapidated deceased estate, is a two-bedroom on 75 sqm at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-surry+hills-121704902" target="_blank"> 139 Kippax Street, Surry Hills</a> that has an external bathroom and laundry.
Selling agent PRDnationwide Perez Real Estate’s Corrinne Olsen has noted buyer interest up to $700,000.
The history of the property is fully disclosed to buyers in the contract of sale.
Property records indicate 139 Kippax Street was initially purchased by her father.
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