From the CEO
Spring has sprung and as the weather heats up, so does the political debate about housing.
To allow one to negatively gear or not negatively gear, that is the question. Not a new question mind you but nevertheless still an important one given the mess we found ourselves in today. As our pollies continue to kick the political football around and debate tinkering with property investment taxation settings, they avoid the kind of bold systemic taxation reform agenda that could really move the dial for future generations.
Even our WA Treasurer has left the door open to reviewing stamp duty settings, albeit not full-blown reform. That’s the most encouraging indication I’ve seen in years so we really must be in a spot of bother. After years of beating the drum about the lack of infrastructure coordination and planning, the proof is now in the pudding as the implications are now on show for everyone to see.
There are 1,000 less properties listed for sale today than there were in the same week last year. 4,005. The average selling days have lengthened by a measly day, to nine days. Not the kind of relief those needing a home need to see. Yet.
To avoid the pendulum swinging wildly in the other direction, as we have seen historically in our ‘boom/bust’ cyclical property market here in WA, we need to focus on solutions that ensure sufficient housing supply is sustained, and greater housing diversity is gained. That cannot happen without a workforce to deliver it and as it stands, we are going to have to make some tough choices about prioritising roofs over roads.
So let the election campaigns begin and we will see whether making the hard decisions now for a better longer term future make an appearance. It hasn’t worked for the West Coast Eagles yet but hey, 2025 could be our year.
Tanya Steinbeck
UDIA WA Chief Executive Officer
New bushfire policy and map for Western Australia
This week the State Government has released the revised State Planning Policy 3.7 Bushfire and the associated Planning for Bushfire Guidelines, which will become operational on 18 November 2024.
The revised policy and set of guidelines conclude the final stage of the 2019 Action Plan for Bushfire Framework Review, resulting in 4,500 urban properties being declassified as bushfire prone.
“In the past four years, we’ve considered extensive feedback from industry and the community to overcome previous inconsistencies around bushfire risk and make major improvements so that application of the Policy is more in line with the level of bushfire risk”, said Planning Minister John Carey.
The guidelines have been reworked after consultation from industry and community stakeholders and aims to streamline the approval of developments across urban areas within bushfire prone regions. Promising a practical and flexible approach to planning, the revised policy brings clarity, consistency and certainty to the development process.
UDIA was engaged on the Policy and Guidelines during the consultation phase last year and provided input on behalf of the development industry. The implementation of the revised Policy, Guidelines and Maps should provide greater consistency in planning for bushfire risk. UDIA is also pleased to see acknowledgement that areas of the Perth metropolitan region as well as certain regional centres are of a significantly lower risk of bushfire simply due to urban buildup and the natural environment within a given region and, as such, should be considered differently when planning for bushfire risk. UDIA will continue to work with members during the implementation phase to ensure any initial issues can be rectified and do not unnecessarily prevent the delivery of housing.
More information on planning and building requirements in bushfire prone areas is available at www.wa.gov.au/bushfire and http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-and-energy.
The gazetted Map of Bushfire Prone Areas is available at www.dfes.wa.gov.au/hazard-information/bushfire/bushfire-prone-areas.
Housing Affordability event – new speakers locked in!
Damian Collins, Chairman of Westbrigde Funds Management, is joining Andrew Wallis (Stockland) and Kath Snell (Shelter WA) as a speaker at our October industry breakfast that is focused on delivering innovative and affordable housing models in Western Australia. With over 30 years of experience in property investment, Damian will provide insight into the different financial models available to purchasers that may assist with affordable home loan options.
Andrew will discuss Stockland’s experience nationally with land lease models and Kath will provide an overview of how private industry can effectively partner with the Community Housing sector and opportunities in that space.
Other topics for discussion will include key worker accommodation, build to rent and mandates for minimum affordable housing allocations.
Brad Bairstow from Summit Modular & Tiny Homes will also be joining us as a panel member – bringing with him a passion for construction and innovation in delivering affordable housing, including bringing ‘tiny homes’ to the local market
This event will be an important opportunity to explore how private industry can get more actively involved with alternative models for affordable housing delivery.
To find out more, and to register, visit here.
EOI for Contaminated Sites Committee
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is seeking expressions of interest for the panel of names which will be used to fill the Contaminated Sites Committee. Expressions of interest must be in by 11 October 2024. Appointed by the Minister for Environment, the committee is comprised of five members for terms of three years. Four positions will be vacant in April 2025, and the fifth in December 2025.
Senior professionals with experience in environmental or contaminated site management, auditing and legal practitioners with environmental and property law experience are encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit www.wa.gov.au/organisation/contaminated-sites-committee.
Get your early bird ticket to our EOY party!
The countdown to the end of the year is on! October is almost here, and with it the end of the early bird registration that is currently on offer for our End of Year celebration! Register before COB Monday 30 September to secure early bird pricing and lock in your party plans to wrap up the calendar year.
Bring the entire team and join us at Stories Rooftop to party under the stars in Yagan Square. Inspired by WA’s coastal beauty with vibrant aesthetics and panoramic views of the city, Stories is the perfect place to celebrate another busy year and to look ahead to what 2025 has in store.
Registration and more details here
Cost of living top of mind across nation
SEC Newgate have released their latest findings from their Mood of the Nation survey. Canvasing Australians across the country, the report provides insights into community attitudes and priorities.
Among 36 issues, cost of living continues to be front of mind with survey participants concerned about increases to the price of household essentials and bills in addition to the continued elevated cost of mortgages and rent. 76% of Australians want reductions to these cost increases.
Coming down from 52% in April and 47% in July, 43% of participants reported feeling worried or anxious about additional financial concerns. Rising from July’s 32%, 34% of participants raised concerns around housing affordability. Similarly, among Western Australians, 43% of respondents are seeking increased opportunities to own their own home and 77% of West Australians want reductions to the increases in the cost of living. 82% of Australians with a mortgage surveyed are concerned about the ongoing cost of their mortgage repayments and 88% of Australians paying rent continue to be concerned about the cost of rent.
The electricity bill continues to be a large concern for 76% of Australians, unsurprisingly 84% of those surveyed are in support of rooftop solar as part of the Government’s transition to renewable energy sources.
Navigating around the country remains a low priority for respondents with only 31% of those surveyed considering investment into public transport or into road infrastructure to be an important issue.
Stable from the last survey, 19% of Australians believe that large companies are “behaving ethically and doing the right thing” with 47% in disagreement.
Many of the issues raised in this report reinforce UDIA WA’s State Election campaign that focuses on delivering the homes we need, faster. You can read our campaign here.
You can read the SEC Newgate Mood of the Nation Report here.
Join the City of Nedlands Design Review Panel!
The City of Nedlands is seeking qualified expressions of interest from design professionals to join the City’s Design Review Panel. Successful applicants will sit on the panel for two years, commencing March 2025.
Consisting of up to six built form and design professionals alongside two specialists, the Panel acts in an advisory capacity to the City and will play a role in shaping new developments within the City of Nedlands. The panel is expected to provide expert advice across a range of design elements including, but not limited to architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, and sustainability.
Professionals with demonstrated experience in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, sustainability, heritage, or other specialist built form areas are encouraged to nominate.
Nominations close Friday 22 November.
For more information, and to nominate for the Design Review Panel, visit the City of Nedlands website.