From the CEO
So this is Christmas. And what have you done? Another year over, a new one just begun.
We’ve all done a lot, perhaps too much for some. Here’s what I’ve learnt rather than what I’ve done.
A good reputation is more valuable than money.
Or remaining in Parliament, if you’re David Honey.
You can be bitter or better from what life throws at you.
Or throw it right back, like most politicians do.
Forgiveness benefits two people – the giver and the receiver.
As Libby also learnt, when challenged as leader.
Good things don’t come easy.
Especially when your name ends with Albanese.
We are judged by what we repeatedly do.
Like using every lever in John Carey’s view.
You are defined by what comes out of your mouth.
So choose your words carefully or Cabinet will pout.
And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun. Here’s to a new year, an even better one.
Tanya Steinbeck
UDIA WA Chief Executive Officer
Urban Intelligence
UDIA WA’s economic and residential property market update for December 2024 is now available exclusively to UDIA WA members.
In the latest edition of Urban Intelligence, UDIA’s Head of Research Toby Adams examines the intersection of WA’s population growth and new dwelling supply. While the supply of new dwellings continues to lag the population growth of the state, an uptick in total dwelling approvals shows positive signs for improvement in FY25.
Download the latest edition including:
- UDIA Land Snapshot data
- Residential Property Market & Residential Construction data
- Broader Economic Trends including Population, Employment and Retail Trade data
Keystart reforms to boost housing:
UDIA WA has welcomed the announcement today by Premier Roger Cook and Housing Minister John Carey that Keystart property price caps have been lifted to $730,000 for the Keystart Low Deposit Home Loan.
The cap has also been increased to $615,000 for the Shared Home Ownership Home Loan, and Income limits have also been raised to reflect the income required to service the new property price caps.
Effective 19 December 2025, the new property price and income limits are:
UDIA WA has long advocated for this change, which includes that Keystart’s property price limits will be regularly revised against annualised median house prices sourced from REIWA.
Premier Roger Cook said of the reforms, “Keystart plays an important role in the WA housing market and is unique as a transitional lender in its commitment to providing more opportunities for people to become homeowners.”
Given the median house price in Perth has been steadily increasing, particularly in light of current housing shortages, we congratulate the State Government on making the right move for many West Australians seeking to get their foot in the home ownership door.
Housing Minister John Carey said, “Keystart is a crucial and unique lender, providing the opportunity the major banks do not with low-deposit homes loans, providing more Western Australians the chance to achieve home ownership while supporting them transition to another lender.”
Keystart is a fantastic West Aussie initiative that UDIA whole heartedly supports, and these recent property price reforms, along with the move to make Keystart a Government Trading Enterprise (GTE) are positive steps forward that will allow more people to benefit from Keystart.
Examining Leadership:
The latest edition of UDIA WA’s thought leadership magazine, The Urbanist, is now available to our members!
Explore every angle of leadership through a range of articles including a sit down with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he reflects on his journey leading Australia; the importance of reputation and accountability with ABN Group’s Dale Alcock; authentic leadership with Housing Supply Unit Director Emma Colombera; and how to think outside the box with Parcel Property’s Gia Barrington – recipient of the UDIA WA 2024 Young Leader’s Award.
Read the latest The Urbanist.
Navigating Australia’s Economic & Political Landscape
Join UDA WA for a lunch of both geopolitical and economic importance. Taking place in the week after the West Australian state election, and ahead of the federal election, this lunch is the perfect opportunity to hear from Jon Berry (Associate Director Australia Geopolitics Hub, KPMG) and Cassandra Winzar (Chief Economist, CEDA) who will help us navigate the shifting geopolitical and economic landscapes.
Utilising over 20 years of experience in international trade, geopolitical analysis and investment Jon will provide expert insight into the global economic and political developments that may impact Australia’s foreign policy, national security, and economic stability.
Following Jon, Cassandra will focus the conversation within the specifics of WA’s economic context, providing her insights into what the development industry can expect off the back of both the State and Federal elections. With a diverse portfolio of research into identifying practical solutions to deliver better human services for Australian’s her input isn’t one to miss!
Guests will then have the opportunity to join the conversation for the Q&A session.
Register here.
UDIA WA Welcomes Memorandum of Understanding between DPLH and DWER
UDIA WA has welcomed yesterday’s release of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation; and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage which has been supported and endorsed by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC).
The MoU is intended to ensure mutual agreement on the agency’s interactions with each other to ensure timely, efficient, effective and consistent advice. This will also facilitate DWER’s early engagement in a WAPC-led strategic planning process.
The MoU contains Schedules setting out both the arrangements for DWER’s involvement in strategic planning and the communication protocols for advice with respect to Part IV EPA assessments. This will remain in place indefinitely and will be subject to review every five years or when a change in policy affecting the MoU is implemented by the Government.
UDIA WA has strongly advocated for the delivery of a more strategic and efficient environmental approvals framework, including for greater integration and cooperation between DWER and DPLH to ensure strategic planning is undertaken in a united manner to ensure consistent outcomes for industry. We will continue to work with DWER and DPLH to ensure the implementation of the MoU occurs in a manner that delivers a positive outcome for the delivery of housing to the market. The MoU can be viewed here.
Secure Early Bird rates for the Foundations of Property Development Course
Before the lights are turned off, and the office locked for the holidays, take advantage of early bird pricing and secure your seat at our Foundations of Property Development Course returning in May of 2025!
Our six-week course is the perfect introduction to the areas of knowledge required to operate in WA’s unique urban development industry. Guided by industry professionals in a small classroom environment cement your understanding of the ins and outs of site acquisition, planning, landscaping, environmental considerations, how to position a development for success, construction, project management and project financing.
Immensely practical, each module is packed with real-world examples and scenarios empowering you to work effectively within the West Australian development industry.
Not only will you walk away with the tools to operate effectively in WA, but this course is also REBA certified, attracting up to 26 REBA CPD points across all six modules.
Register today and take advantage of Early Bird prices!
Building a Culture of Collaboration: Facilitating Housing Supply for the Future
Join us for breakfast in April and hear directly from Emma Cole and Darren Walsh. Newly appointed as Chairs of the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) respectively, they oversea two key organisations with oversight of planning and environmental policy in WA.
The discussion will focus on the continued collaboration between industry and government that will be critical to deliver much needed housing supply across the state. As part of the conversation, both Ms. Cole and Mr. Walsh will outline their visions for their respective agencies – outlining priorities, opportunities, and initiatives unfolding through 2025 and beyond.
Don’t miss the chance to be a part of the conversation. Register today!