Plans have been revealed for the third and final stage of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia</a>’s $3 billion Rhodes Central masterplan, bringing the iconic new town centre closer to completion.&nbsp;

The final tower, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cascade-23-25-marquet-street-rhodes-nsw-2138">Cascade</a>, at&nbsp;23-25 Marquet Street in Sydney’s inner west, will comprise 361 new dwellings, a mix of critically needed affordable housing and multi-generational apartments.&nbsp;

Vibrant retail, interactive public space, an upscale food and beverage offering and an alfresco dining plaza will also be delivered alongside Cascade tower as part of the final stage, which comes off the back of&nbsp;the masterplan’s successful first two stages.&nbsp;

Stage one saw 568 apartments delivered along with the national award-winning Rhodes Central shopping centre, while stage two has delivered a further 673 apartments atop the $85 million Rhodes Recreation Centre.&nbsp;

Officially opened in November 2025 by Mayor Michael Megna, the Recreation Centre was delivered under a Voluntary Planning Agreement with City of Canada Bay Council. It features essential community facilities including a gym, early childhood learning centre, indoor sports courts, and a gymnastics area as well as commercial tenancies and amenities.

Once complete, the five-tower Rhodes Central masterplan will deliver a combined total of over 1,600 new homes for about 3,500 people, along with community infrastructure, retail, dining, and an expansive new public domain and plaza along Marquet Street. A new basement and podium rooftop will connect all five buildings and allow residents to share amenities.

<img alt="$3 billion Rhodes Town Centre vision comes to life with final stage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="973ae3a2-58e6-4994-8965-ed9332a57e8a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Masterplanaerialimage.jpg?VersionId=Mj.mjUQyfh334xG71LQr7wCFu3mmDxnj" />

“We’re now a step closer to realising our vision for Rhodes Central,"&nbsp;said Saul Moran, Development Director – Planning and Design at Billbergia..

"With brand new retail and more public open space, this final stage embodies our commitment to creating connected communities and delivering housing diversity amid Sydney’s housing crisis. It also completes the landmark town centre precinct that has been almost 20 years in the making."

The project sets a benchmark for Transport Orientated Development. It brings life to Billbergia’s vision for a future-focused, liveable urban environment that prioritises amenity, not just density. &nbsp;Overall, it will deliver more than 25,000 sqm in publicly accessible amenity, including Rhodes Central Shopping Centre, Rhodes Recreation Centre, commercial office space and a further 1,200 square metres of retail space in stage three.

“Rhodes has evolved over two decades from a former industrial site into a connected, thriving community," said John Pradel, Partner and Master Plan Lead at SJB.

"Each stage has built on the last, adding not just housing, but the civic and social spaces that make a place truly liveable and allow the community to flourish."

<img alt="$3 billion Rhodes Town Centre vision comes to life with final stage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e96de93-e50a-424f-9de8-7b3d9c2c0f12" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/BLBG0900_RCSGIII_R02%20Retail%20Laneway%20copy.jpg?VersionId=3TksNisT5iwyBCGhGUvHDtR9aIca9_OQ" />

Ideally positioned adjacent to the 13,000 sqm Rhodes Central shopping centre, stage three will boast an additional 10 per cent of retail space, an upmarket restaurant offering, an open-air dining plaza and an expansive 2,000-square-metre addition to the public domain extending into the retail forecourt.&nbsp;

This new realm will enhance pedestrian connectivity while showcasing an interactive water feature and engaging public art. It has been designed as an active community space and will also feature pop-up civic infrastructure, including a community stage and kiosk for placemaking events.

The residential tower Cascade will comprise 361 apartments over 39-levels, including 72 affordable dwellings. Apartments will be available in a range of floorplans from one to four-bedroom configurations, with a luxe two-storey “skyhouse” spanning the top two levels. Communal viewing decks and gardens with BBQ facilities will crown Cascade’s rooftop, offering expansive views of the Blue Mountains to the West and Brays Bay and Sydney CBD to the East.&nbsp;

<img alt="$3 billion Rhodes Town Centre vision comes to life with final stage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="814da600-5368-49d3-8fec-025521a4d0e2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/BLBG0900_RCSGIII_IN01%20Apt%2037.04%20Livingy%20copy.jpg?VersionId=.xA6cpRQLx4kJiQayt3OrydVQ9ReGmXP" />

High-profile architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> will design the final stage after winning a design excellence competition in collaboration with Land and Form in September 2024. The Rhodes Central masterplan was originally conceived by SJB in 2005, with the firm subsequently delivering the design for Stages One and Two.&nbsp;

Cascade has a striking design with a slender tower grounded by a four-storey podium. The tower is divided into three forms, with a distinctive silhouette that resembles three fingers. The design optimises amenity and privacy while maximising views towards both Sydney CBD and Homebush Bay.&nbsp;

According to SJB, the project’s design aims to deliver a range of dwelling types, including multi-generational floorplans, catering to emerging needs of the growing population.

Emily Wombwell, Director and Design Lead at SJB, said their concept encompasses a broader site vision that integrates this site with Rhodes Town Centre through a new iconic building and generous public domain.

"Cascade’s design offers a variety of living typologies that cater to a diverse range of existing and emerging demographics. The proposal aims to improve social and environmental connections by creating a safe and welcoming landscape for existing and future communities of Rhodes."

Billbergia has filed a&nbsp;State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for the final stage. Demolition has been completed on site, early works including excavation will begin early 2026, with completion estimated in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135080]

Joel Robinson

Billbergia unveils new Cascade apartment tower with final stage of $3 billion Rhodes Town Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/veue-grand-at-the-orchards-norwest-15-19-spurway-drive-norwest-nsw-2153">Veue Grand</a>, one of the latest stages to launch within Sekisui House Australia’s $1 billion The Orchards masterplan, is uniquely positioned at the literal and conceptual centre of Norwest’s growing residential precinct.&nbsp;

Surrounded by the evolving green corridors, community amenities and transport links that define this landmark development, Veue Grand stands as a pivotal piece in the masterplan’s broader vision of lifestyle-driven urban renewal.

Comprising 217 apartments spread across two mid-rise buildings of 11 and 18 levels, Veue Grand is the final release in Stage 4 of The Orchards. This centrally located release offers direct access to the project’s expansive parklands, kilometres of cycling and walking paths, and a soon-to-be-thriving village ecosystem. Buyers will also benefit from proximity to Norwest Metro Station, which places Sydney’s Martin Place within a 45-minute journey.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149249 project_image_fid=333202]

Sales momentum has been immediate. Over $65 million in transactions were secured at launch, including a record-setting four-bedroom penthouse that sold for over $4 million, the highest recorded sale in Norwest to date.&nbsp;

According to David Lee, Sales Manager at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a>, this level of demand underscores both the trust in the developer and the appeal of the apartments’ design and positioning.&nbsp;

“We have witnessed strong demand across all apartment types… [and] achieved a record sale, which speaks volumes about both the quality of the product and confidence buyers have in the brand,” he said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149249 project_image_fid=333212]

At Veue Grand, layout diversity plays a central role in meeting buyer expectations. One, two, three and four-bedroom apartments have been designed with natural light and open-plan living in mind, with a notable focus on introducing efficient, entry-point two-bedroom, one-bathroom homes. This new typology accounted for nearly a quarter of all initial sales, a clear signal that the project is successfully addressing affordability pressures while maintaining quality standards.

Each residence benefits from full-height glazing, generous balconies, and the surrounding views of landscaped water features, parklands and bushland.&nbsp;

The buildings’ form, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/crone-architects">Crone Architects</a>, draws on organic geometry and a muted natural palette, aligning with The Orchards’ broader design language and sustainability goals.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149249 project_image_fid=333205]

Resident amenity is a key feature of the Veue Grand offering. A dedicated indoor pool, spa, gym, and communal function spaces will be complemented by access to The Orchards’ future community centre and outdoor cinema. These facilities are embedded within an expansive green setting that includes 1.4 hectares of landscaped public space, including a natural creek and dense native planting.

Buyers are not only responding to architecture and amenity but to the promise of lifestyle continuity. Downsizers from within a 10-kilometre radius have shown strong interest in the larger apartments and penthouses, while first home buyers and investors are leveraging recent interest rate shifts to secure stock in one of the Hills District’s most connected neighbourhoods.

With construction already underway and tracking ahead of schedule, Veue Grand is slated for completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=49249]

Staff Writer

Veue Grand takes centre stage at The Orchards, Norwest masterplan

There are few property developers nationally that can boast a workbook like the ASX-listed developer Cedar Woods. With eight apartment buildings under construction across four states, Cedar Woods is well positioned to take advantage of what Managing Director Nathan Blackburne says is a “national shortage of apartments.”

Cedar Woods purposefully has a diversified portfolio of apartments, townhouses, commercial, and residential communities across the country, enabling the business to remain resilient through market cycles and respond to shifting buyer demand.

Blackburne says there is a great shortfall of housing of all typologies, none more so for apartments. He says that is the case particularly in Perth, where the lack of new apartment projects has been particularly acute.

“Perth has been more affected than Melbourne,” Blackburne explains, noting that over the past five years, “very few new apartment projects” have been launched in either city. Historically, apartments made up around 20 per cent of new housing nationally. Cedar Woods estimates that figure has fallen to around 10 per cent today, a gap they believe must close.

<h2>Apartment appeal rebounding as supply shrinks</h2>

There are signs the tide is turning however. Blackburne says buyer apartment sentiment really picked up in mid 2025. “In October we saw our strongest sales month for apartments in Perth.” The buyer demand has driven their Subiaco apartment development, Incontro, to nearly 70 per cent sold. The increased buyer sentiment has strengthened Cedar Woods’ confidence in bringing forward the next apartment project in Western Australia, a three tower development planned for the prime site on Upham Street in Subiaco, adjacent to Incontro.

Demand is being driven by several factors; the lack of new apartments coming to the market, the increased demand with migration far outstripping the aforementioned supply, and the appetite to live closer to the city.

“Over the past three years, Perth’s population has grown by around 250,000 people, while only around 50,000 dwellings have been delivered,” Blackburne says, adding that more than twice that number would be needed just to keep up.&nbsp;

He said that many buyers are being forced to the urban fringe because of the greater supply of land product, but that, Blackburne argues, is pushing the fringe further out and motivating a re-evaluation of the value of inner- and middle-suburb apartments.

Demographic shifts are helping drive this rethink. Cedar Woods is seeing more boomers downsizing, young professionals entering the market, and a rising number of single-person households. There’s also a growing trend of parents buying apartments for teenage children, motivated by fears that housing prices will become out of reach. “It’s not only a strong investment now, but it can serve as a first home when their children move out.”

<h2>National diversification strategy</h2>

Cedar Woods’ strategy is not limited to Perth. Blackburne outlines their aim to diversify by price point, product type, and geography, which “gives us a broad customer base and smoother earnings profile.” Throughout their markets, they’re combining apartments, townhouses, and masterplanned communities, allowing flexibility to pivot toward undersupplied segments as demand evolves.

In Victoria, Cedar Woods is pressing ahead with a major site in Fairfield, just northeast of Melbourne’s CBD, a site which Blackburne says the company has had its sights on for many years. They are planning to deliver three towers with over 300 apartments, with the plans likely to be submitted in early 2026.

Blackburne also expresses optimism about broader inner-Melbourne supply dynamics. 
 
“While Melbourne’s apartment market is better supplied than Perth’s, and population growth remains strong, Cedar Woods believes the current stock will be absorbed quickly,” Blackburne says, however he warns that policy disincentives remain. “In Victoria … there are quite a lot of obstacles for apartment buyers,” he says, adding that the industry is working with the state government to “remove those barriers” and avert prolonged undersupply.

Cedar Woods has plans on the desks of the VIC Government to develop a 20-storey tower in Southbank, in the heart of Melbourne’s arts precinct. Designed by Rothelowman, the proposed tower will deliver 180 apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, along with creative amenity space devoted to arts and digital industries, a food and drink tenancy at street level, and a 700sqm recreation deck with indoor lounge space will provide a resident amenity hub.

Blackburne frames the project as a response to Melbourne’s growing undersupply of signature inner-city living. “We saw a thematic: a looming undersupply in inner-Melbourne, particularly in high-quality apartments, and wanted to capitalise on that,” he says. The site’s proximity to the Melbourne Arts Precinct, key tram lines, and Southbank’s cultural fabric makes it especially appealing, Blackburne says.

<h2>Charting the course forward</h2>

On top of the apartment developments underway and planned in Perth and Melbourne, Cedar Woods has a multi-stage apartment development in Brisbane’s Woolloowin, and several years remaining on their masterplanned communities in Williams Landing in Melbourne and Glenside in Adelaide, both of which offer a mix of apartments and townhouses.

Blackburne says the developer has been able to mitigate some of the macro risks currently at play in the new development space, particularly in the construction sector.

“Cedar Woods has been able to make many apartment projects work because of good buying of the raw land in the first place, as well as its strong pipeline of apartment projects, enabling the company to attract builders to build deep, multi-year relationships.”&nbsp;

For Cedar Woods, 2026 is set to be significant, with anticipated approvals and submissions laying the groundwork for fresh apartment supply and multiple launches in 2027.

Cedar Woods ramps up apartment development amid Australia’s deepening housing shortfall

Rockdale has long been characterized as a suburb on the cusp. Well-located, well-connected, but historically underserved by modern apartment offerings.

It has everything going for it: outstanding connectivity to the Sydney CBD, just four train stops to Central Station, strong local amenity anchored by Roc​kdale Plaza and a growing main-street dining scene, and enviable proximity to Brighton-Le-Sands. The six-kilometre beachfront is lined with bayside restaurants, cafés, and walking paths, giving residents a lifestyle typically associated with much more expensive coastal suburbs.

What Rock​dale has lacked is high-quality contemporary apartments. Most existing developments date back several decades, with floorplans that no longer support modern living needs, and buildings constructed long before today’s standards in engineering, efficiency, and sustainability.

Lender, fund manager and apartment developer Princeton identified the gap early. Seeing all the right ingredients in Rockd​ale, transport, lifestyle, retail, and affordability, they set out to deliver what the suburb was missing. Their answer is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale-nsw-2216">Marque Rockdale</a>, a collection of 58 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments now nearing completion just a short walk from Ro​ckdale Plaza, home to over 50 specialist retailers and anchored by&nbsp;Woolworths, Big W and Aldi.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=355216]

Understanding they would be resetting the benchmark for the area, Princeton focused on ensuring buyers received best-in-class quality, longevity, and protection.

A major step was securing the sought-after Latent Defects Insurance policy from Resilience Insurance. This policy protects apartment buyers from structural or waterproofing defects for the first 10 years of the building’s lifecycle. Crucially, it is first-response insurance, meaning that if an issue arises, the insurer pays immediately for remediation—rather than waiting for lengthy investigations to determine fault before work can begin. For purchasers, it offers an unprecedented layer of security rarely seen in Sydney apartment projects.

During construction, independent building inspection firm SDSS has been providing Technical Inspection Services, bringing highly specialised construction experts on-site at key stages to ensure workmanship meets the highest standards. The project is being built by Coplex, an iCIRT-rated construction company, and throughout the build SDSS has frequently referred to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale-nsw-2216">Marque Rockdale</a> as one of the best projects currently on their books.

Princeton also doubled down on comfort, acoustics, and livability.&nbsp;As well as being the only building along Princes Highway with a landscaped buffer between the building and the road, Princeton has purposefully included double-glazed windows in all apartments to reduce noise.

Apartments feature double-glazed, noise-reducing windows and ducted air conditioning in every residence.&nbsp;In addition to the project’s transport convenience, Princeton has partnered with GoGet Car Share to provide a dedicated GoGet vehicle housed permanently within the building. Residents will receive a free annual GoGet membership, paying only usage fees, offering a flexible alternative to owning a second car and enhancing the project’s sustainability credentials.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=277075]

Residents will enjoy an exclusive rooftop oasis, purpose-designed as an extension of their living space. The communal rooftop includes BBQ facilities and outdoor entertaining areas, a&nbsp;pergola-shaded dining zone, a dedicated children’s play space, and a landscaped herb garden.

Princeton and Coplex is approaching completion of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale-nsw-2216">Marque Rockdale</a>, and are expecting residents to move in early in the new year. The mix of apartment configurations and price points have been a hit with young professionals, those who need to commute to the CBD, and families who appreciate doorstep amenity.

“Marque is a place where residents will be proud to call it home," Princeton Head of Development George Young says.

"We’ve worked really hard with Coplex and our design team to deliver an incredible building for the future home owners to make their own. The homes are all designed to allow the residents to make it their own, a place to belong and live a stylish urban life."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136442]

Marque Rockdale sets a new standard of apartment living in Sydney's south

Plans to revitalize the&nbsp;long-established Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre into a mixed-use community combining living, shopping, dining, health and wellbeing facilities, have been proposed to the Gold Coast City Council.

The Benowa Gardens Urban Village proposal by Benowa Gardens Holdings seeks to transform the 17,660 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/203-ashmore-road-benowa-qld-4217">203 Ashmore Road</a> into a contemporary, sustainable destination that reflects global trends in modern community design while retaining the familiar local character residents value.

The site is bordered by Ashmore and Benowa Roads and Carrara, with ready access to Pindara private hospital, four schools, TAFE, sports fields and the nearby Botanic Gardens.

Benowa Gardens Holdings is seeking a preliminary Council approval only for its proposed masterplan and variations to the site’s Neighbourhood Centre zoning.&nbsp; 
Formal Public Exhibition commenced Friday and also marks the start of comprehensive community consultation with surroundings residents, schools, P&amp;Cs, existing retailers, nearby sporting clubs, arts groups and Botanic Gardens volunteers.

Designed by Neylan Architecture, the masterplan envisions around 413 new apartments, complemented by upgraded retail, dining, and wellness amenities as part of 10,000 sqm of retail, and 9,630 sqm of office space/medical suites.

The development will feature green open spaces, shaded promenades, landscaped terraces, pedestrian walkways, and expanded healthcare and lifestyle services in synergy with the neighbouring Pindara Private Hospital and local schools.

<img alt="Benowa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="244f4d54-2e67-4141-92b8-78d5735f47c2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-26%20at%2012.47.34%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=FmF5lzhpwVZc7POsdB770TJ_Bf2c0od8" />

“This concept embraces the way people increasingly want to live - safely, conveniently, and within strong local communities,” said Patrick Lu, Director of Benowa Gardens Holding.

“Benowa Gardens will set a new benchmark for integrated living on the Gold Coast. It’s a thoughtful, community-minded evolution that brings global best practice in urban design to one of the city’s most established areas.”

Lu said this isn’t just a redevelopment, it’s a renewal with purpose.

“Benowa Gardens has served the community for decades. Our goal is to ensure it continues to do so for generations to come, as a lively, connected Urban Village where people can truly live, work and thrive. We’re already talking to school leaders and the community to seek their feedback on our proposal, and have taken on board their ideas to improve student safety with additional “traffic calming” measures on Carrara Street. We’re conducting meaningful and sincere consultations and want to play our role in preserving and enhancing the local community."

The proposed redevelopment aims to deliver tangible benefits across the Benowa and wider Gold Coast community, including:

<ul>
	<li>Improvement of retail amenity, to capture the under-served local market demand and keep the local business at their local shopping centre.</li>
	<li>Housing diversity; offering a range of apartment types for key workers, downsizers, and local families who wish to remain in the area.</li>
	<li>Enhanced shopping and dining; revitalised retail spaces designed to support local businesses and attract more visitors.</li>
	<li>Health and wellbeing access; additional medical and wellness amenities to complement existing local facilities.</li>
	<li>Improved traffic flow and access; two new access points, upgraded intersections, upgrade pedestrian pathway’s signal and proposed upgrade of pedestrian and cycle connections/space to improve safety and convenience, especially for school children.</li>
	<li>Environmental sustainability; energy-efficient design, green rooftops, and water-sensitive landscaping to reduce emissions and enhance comfort.</li>
	<li>Local jobs and investment; supporting hundreds of construction and long-term roles while stimulating local economic growth.</li>
</ul>

The group behind the project boasts extensive experience in the property development industry, both in Australia and international markets. Over the past 23 years, the group has been involved in the development and management of a diverse portfolio of assets including residential dwellings, shopping centres, bulky-goods stores, community and medical facilities, childcare centres, offices, hotels, and taverns, across Brisbane, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast.

Benowa Gardens to become new mixed-use urban village

Tradespeople

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Australia is in the midst of a tradie shortage in years with many home owners unable to find anyone qualified to complete their home improvement jobs, according to ServiceSeeking.com.au
On average, jobs listed on ServiceSeeking.com.au receive four quotes, however, there are a number of specific categories that aren't getting filled.
The website noted apprenticeships are now at their lowest since 2004, according to figures released by the Mitchell Institute. 
"This gap in the market offers a great opportunity for tradies looking to grow their business," Jeremy Levitt, CEO of ServiceSeeking said.
"The few tradies that do work in these industries are never short of work and charge premium prices as customers grow desperate to get them done."
The percentage of niche jobs in FY17 with no tradies:
<ol>
<li>Bathtub resurfacing (69%)</li>
<li>Glass installation (64%)</li>
<li>Staircase jobs (64%)</li>
<li>Garage, shed and carport installation (60%)</li>
<li>Stonework and masonry jobs (56%)</li>
</ol>
  
<table style="width: 712px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Niche Category
</td>
<td>
Missed revenue (FY17)
</td>
<td>
Average value per job
</td>
<td>
% of jobs with no tradies
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Stonework and Masonry
</td>
<td>
$996,875
</td>
<td>
$3,438
</td>
<td>
56%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Cabinetmaking
</td>
<td>
$898,149
</td>
<td>
$1,576
</td>
<td>
39%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Garages, sheds and carports
</td>
<td>
$717,723
</td>
<td>
$643
</td>
<td>
60%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Insulation Installation
</td>
<td>
$645,641
</td>
<td>
$1,416
</td>
<td>
55%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Staircases
</td>
<td>
$504,000
</td>
<td>
$2,400
</td>
<td>
63%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Carpet laying and Installation
</td>
<td>
$404,172
</td>
<td>
$1,199
</td>
<td>
41%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Bathtub Resurfacing
</td>
<td>
$236,000
</td>
<td>
$500
</td>
<td>
69%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Tinting and films
</td>
<td>
$122,563
</td>
<td>
$360
</td>
<td>
46%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Fridge repair
</td>
<td>
$68,969
</td>
<td>
$146
</td>
<td>
55%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Glass Installation
</td>
<td>
$30,800
</td>
<td>
$560
</td>
<td>
64%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Total missed revenue:
</td>
<td colspan="3">
$4,970,038
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
This data was derived from over 52,000 quotes submitted by customers to <a href="https://serviceseeking.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=serviceseeking&amp;m=s_205f66db-c70a-4d91-bce6-8c33e656d58d&amp;u=e1jq4wvfdtfkeh9r890m4dht5n138hht5mu36d9j5mwkaha25mu34chq8cw3echh6ct48&amp;r2=d1u78w1u5wqn6tbjetmp6takcnjppubecwq66vvd5tgqa&amp;n=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ServiceSeeking.com.au</a> over FY17.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Tradie shortage means some jobs go wanting

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Step-by-step guidelines to help identify asbestos in domestic properties has been released by the Asbestos Education Committee in partnership with the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute.
The guides, ‘Asbestos Awareness Healthy House Checklist – A Homeowners Guide To Identifying Asbestos-Containing Materials’ and the ‘Residential Checklist For Tradies – A Tradespersons Guide To Asbestos Containing Materials In Domestic Properties’ is available from <a href="https://www.asbestosawareness.com.au" target="_blank">www.asbestosawareness.com.au</a>.
The checklists include product images and lists each possible location where asbestos-containing materials might be found both inside and outside homes as well as simple step-by-step instructions.
Cherie Barber, Asbestos Awareness Campaign Ambassador said the health risks to anyone working on domestic properties when asbestos materials are disturbed is something every Australian needs to take seriously because asbestos doesn’t discriminate.
“The Healthy House Checklist provides a practical guide for homeowners enabling them to conduct a simple step-by-step easy to follow visual inspection of their property," she said.
“In doing so, homeowners will improve their understanding of the sorts of products to look for, the locations where asbestos might be found and how to manage these products safely. 
"The checklist also enables homeowners to maintain a record of possible asbestos locations should work or renovations be anticipated in the future and monitor asbestos-containing materials to ensure they remain sealed,” she said.
</div>
</div>
</div>
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“Until now, the only information available to homeowners wishing to conduct visual inspections of residential properties has often been cumbersome, complex, extensive documents that can be difficult to access."
Peter Dunphy, Founding Chair of the Asbestos Education Committee said, tradespersons are particularly at risk because all too often they’ve come from a culture where asbestos risks have been ignored.” 
“While tradies may have worked with asbestos in the past and ignored the warnings, they need to be aware that the more a person is exposed to fibres, the greater the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases so it’s vital that they conduct visual inspections of properties to look for the potential dangers to ensure they’re managed safely," he said.
“The ‘Residential Checklist For Tradies – A Tradespersons Guide To Asbestos Containing Materials In Domestic Properties’ will increase Tradies’ understanding of the various products they need to be wary of when working on residential properties and ensure they engage suitably qualified professionals to conduct asbestos-related work or remove asbestos-containing materials safely."
</div>
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</div>
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Property 101: Asbestos healthy house checklists for homeowners and tradies launched

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Hipages, Australia’s website for finding and hiring trusted tradies, has partnered with the Housing Industry Association (HIA), whose membership builds over 85 percent of all new residential detached, medium density and high rise construction work and undertakes over 80 percent of renovations in Australia.  
The new partnership will see HIA members having their membership visible on their hipages profile, indicating to customers which qualified trade and building professionals are registered with the HIA, as well as access to over 90,000 hipages’ monthly job requests.
“We’re thrilled to start working closely with the HIA team,” said Gideon Kline, Chief Commercial Officer of hipages. 
With over $1.35 billion worth of jobs processed annually, hipages has helped over 1.1 million Australians get projects done around the home, helping homeowners find professionals that are ready and available to do the job while providing tradies with tools to easily manage their workflow and grow their business.
Customers have access to more than 80,000 trade and building professionals, providing a simple platform to see reviews, contact businesses directly and get quotes within minutes.
“Technology is shaping the industry and with thousands of local recommendations and real time information at your fingertips, getting help and finding work has never been easier,” said Kline.
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Property 101: hipages partners with the HIA

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Uncertainty around the housing market has affected the cost of renovating in NSW with costs rising by just 0.8 per cent in the past year.
According to data released by ServiceSeeking.com.au, NSW costs have fallen below the national Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the same time period.
The state average for a tradie has stabilised at $60.25 an hour, 2.3 percent less than the national average of $61.65
It’s a great time to get stuck into your renovation plans, says ServiceSeeking.com.au.
 “If you’ve been dreaming of a new kitchen, bathroom, entertaining area or applying a new coat of paint to your house, then now is the time to take advantage of a slowing down in home renovation prices," said ServiceSeeking.com.au CEO Jeremy Levitt
It is cheaper to renovate in NSW than Western Australia ($67.34 up 1.8 per cent) and Queensland ($63.14 up 4.4 per cent).
Victoria is the cheapest and the only state to record a drop in prices by 2.2 per cent to $57.28.
The trades which bucked the trend in NSW were carpentry (up 11.3 per cent on the national average at $62.83 an hour) and painting (where prices were 10 per cent higher).
Other big price changes affected electricians - who were 9.4 per cent cheaper in NSW than the national average - and plumbing at 4.2 per cent cheaper.
The prices were derived by comparing 52,000 quotes submitted through the online services marketplace during the FY16 Q4.
To view price changes across 10 popular renovation services around the country, including major capital cities, see <a href="https://ib3.bislr.net/m?s=serviceseeking&amp;m=s_4e868d04-e38e-4d68-9756-a7b45fffcc78&amp;u=e1jq4wvfdtfm2e2174w3ee1k5n346ga45mu30ha25mw3ehhj5muk4dhr8cu4ad2568v46&amp;r2=d1u78w1u5wqqexvq5ttpawkpd5hpawv5cnnpjvk75thpyvkd5tgqabvjcnq6yxk1ehmpyvkk&amp;n=1" target="_blank">www.serviceseeking.com.au/renovations</a>
 
<img src="/images/2016/08/03/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-03%20at%209.28.37%20AM.png" alt="">
 
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How much to pay your tradie? NSW cheaper than national average for renovations

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The upkeep and maintenance of rental properties by tradespeople and maintenance workers is directly related to the tax offset of "Other Rental Deductions" according to Nicholas Proud, principal, Property and Construction Analytics Australia.
He said the most recent ATO Taxation data saw Other Rental Deductions soar to $18.376 billion for 2013-14 which via negative gearing drives repairs and maintenance activity in such a way that should see tradies taking more than a casual interest in the result of the July 2 election.
“Outside of council rates, water charges , travel and insurances there are a lot of plumbers, sparkies, chippies and other asset maintenance workers such as cleaners, gardeners and handymen whose work makes up this Other Rental Deductions figure that can be claimed by property owners at tax time," he said.
“Unlike any election before the value of this type of work assisted by negative gearing concessions is at record levels.
“In contrast to other elections, annual Other Rental Deductions in 1996 sat at $4.55 billion at the time of the election of the Howard Government, it has risen by $13.83 billion per annum since then. Even more recently, since the 2007 election of the Rudd Government the annual value of Other Rental Deductions declared has increased by $6.82 billion.
“What hasn’t been factored into account really is the impact on those smaller handy trades that comprise a significant part of the property and construction workforce if the negative gearing concession is changed or quarantined to new dwellings only.
 
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="156">
Taxable Income
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100">
Other Rental Deductions
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
Other Rental Deductions No.
</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
Average Deduction
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="156">
Less than or equal to $18,200
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100">
$2,253,074,560
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
277,693
</td>
<td width="63">
$8,114
</td>
<td width="64">
14%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="156">
$18,201 to $37,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100">
$2,325,522,579
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
314,028
</td>
<td width="63">
$7,405
</td>
<td width="64">
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="156">
$37,001 to $80,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100">
$5,632,316,431
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
702,735
</td>
<td width="63">
$8,015
</td>
<td width="64">
35%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="156">
$80,001 to $180,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100">
$5,686,914,423
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
575,554
</td>
<td width="63">
$9,881
</td>
<td width="64">
29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="156">
$180,000 or more
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100">
$2,479,123,491
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
149,268
</td>
<td width="63">
$16,609
</td>
<td width="64">
7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="156">
Total
</td>
<td width="100">
$18,376,951,484
</td>
<td width="89">
2,019,278.00
</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
“By income, those on a taxable income under $180,000 are likely to declare an Other Rental Deduction under $10,000.
“Across the electorates, 126 out of the 150 lower house seats on average declared an Other Rental Deduction under $10,000.
“If negative gearing was quarantined to new homes only there would be no concession for  the upkeep of existing homes, which are the homes that most need the reinvestment.
“With no offset it is likely that only those repairs and maintenance that are most fundamental to the upkeep of the property will be made which not only will reduce activity and also have the potential to reduce the quality of rental stocks in the lower yield suburbs which would be detrimental to tenants.
“Exactly how many entry-level handy jobs and low-level trades maintenance workers would go is difficult to say, but the growth in this deduction since 1995-96 shows a reasonable baseline to consider the scale of any such decline."
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