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realestate.com.au· Just nowProperty

Can modular apartments save Australia’s housing pipeline?

Apartments.com.au chief executive Mike Bird says factory-built modular homes could help revive Australia's stalled apartment pipeline. National apartment approvals fell almost 25 per cent in August, to 3,268. Mr Bird says many approved projects have not moved because the numbers do not work. He says building modules in a factory alongside site works can save months and reduce costs. The Commonwealth Productivity Commission estimates such homes can cost up to 20 per cent less and take up to 50 per cent less time to build.

Can modular apartments save Australia’s housing pipeline?
realestate.com.au· Few hours agoProperty

‘You’re old’: 1980s party pad sparks retro divide

A 1980s acreage home at Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast has hit the market for the first time in 43 years. Its green stone bathrooms, red vinyl bar and tiki-style outdoor area have divided members of a vintage property group. Some members argue the 1990s is retro and the 1980s is marginal, while others say the era has become the new 70s. The 4,106 square metre creekside property is being marketed through an expressions of interest campaign with Karen McDonald of Coastal.

‘You’re old’: 1980s party pad sparks retro divide
Kendra News Australia· TodayTechnology

NASA, Partners Accelerate Lander Development for 2028 Moon Missions

NASA and its commercial partners Blue Origin and SpaceX have streamlined lander designs and changed how their crewed landers will operate for Moon missions. NASA plans to return astronauts to the lunar surface in 2028 and establish a Moon base. Under the revised plan, the landers and the Orion spacecraft will meet in different orbits, and both companies must complete uncrewed demonstration missions first. Artemis III has been redefined as a test of rendezvous and docking in low Earth orbit next year. NASA has also added development milestones to increase its oversight of lander work.

NASA, Partners Accelerate Lander Development for 2028 Moon Missions
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MyCity Logan· YesterdayProperty

Businesses on hold for a $4.8m labour of love

Volunteers from across Australia and overseas are working unpaid on a $4.8 million expansion of the Brisbane Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on Green Road in Park Ridge. More than 1000 are expected to contribute. Project coordinator Neil Ahles said 131 volunteers helped complete internal demolition in the first two weeks. Some have taken up to three months away from work or put their businesses on hold. The project includes a Bible Education Centre and accommodation, with completion expected in September 2027.

Businesses on hold for a $4.8m labour of love
WAtoday· This weekProperty

First home buyer pays $1.3m for inner south warehouse conversion

A first home buyer paid $1,305,000 for a two-bedroom apartment in Alexandria on Saturday, $55,000 above the reserve. The converted warehouse unit at 2/145 Belmont Street drew five active bidders. The new owner, who has been renting locally, said cooling market conditions gave him confidence to wait before buying. In Mosman, a five-bedroom home in Beauty Point passed in at $9.85 million after a vendor bid. In Huntleys Cove, a ground floor apartment sold for $1.97 million, $20,000 above its reserve.

First home buyer pays $1.3m for inner south warehouse conversion
Guardian AU· This weekLifestyle

Complex issues: how to get your apartment block off gas – before it’s too late

Apartment blocks face more hurdles than houses when switching from gas to electric appliances, experts say. Replacing shared gas systems requires the owners corporation to act, and getting every owner to agree can be difficult. One Brunswick block of 18 flats replaced its failing gas hot water system with heat pumps backed by solar panels. The work took four days and eliminated the building's $19,000 annual gas bill. Experts recommend long-term maintenance plans that include gas equipment replacement, so costs can be spread out and emergency repairs avoided.

Complex issues: how to get your apartment block off gas – before it’s too late
realestate.com.au· This weekBusiness

John McGrath singles out waterfront pockets as top suburbs to watch

John McGrath has named Geelong's North Shore among its regional Victorian markets set for growth in the year ahead, according to its annual McGrath Report. The suburb's median house price is $770,000, and waterfront homes on The Esplanade have sold for a median of more than $1.3 million. Agents say the suburb is quieter than other Geelong waterfront areas and has a relatively low number of homes. McGrath also picked Jan Juc on the Surf Coast, where the median house price is $1.35 million after 8 per cent growth over the past year.

John McGrath singles out waterfront pockets as top suburbs to watch
Ars Technica· This weekTechnology

Everybody panic: A Valve developer said "HLX" in public

A Valve sound designer, David Feise, was seen in a panel video appearing to joke about a colleague saying the HLX codename aloud. The slip is being read as a hint that the Half-Life series may continue beyond Half-Life Alyx. However, no official announcement has been made. Valve watcher Tyler McVicker said he no longer believes HLX will be announced this calendar year, but pointed to increased internal coding activity that he said could signal something big soon.

Everybody panic: A Valve developer said "HLX" in public
realestate.com.au· This weekProperty

‘Worth the wait’: Family’s off-market find after four-year hunt

Catherine and Aaron McArlein bought their first home in Springfield Lakes, south of Brisbane, for $1.28 million after a four-year search. The couple waited for prices to level off rather than stretch their budget, and found an off-market property through a local real estate agent after five rejected offers. The four-bedroom home has a pool, spa and a backyard for their dog. Mortgage broker Mark Winter urged buyers to keep saving and to ensure repayments remain manageable if interest rates rise further. The Reserve Bank of Australia recently lifted rates to a 15-year high of 4.6 per cent.

‘Worth the wait’: Family’s off-market find after four-year hunt
realestate.com.au· This weekPolitics

$5bn homes gone: Foreign buyers flood Aus

Foreign investment in Australian residential real estate totalled $4.7 billion in 2025-26, down from $4.9 billion a year earlier, according to new figures released by Treasury. Chinese buyers led with $900 million across 785 approvals, more than the next two biggest source countries combined. The number of approvals fell to 2979. The ban on foreign buyers purchasing established homes has been extended to 30 June 2029. Juwai IQI co-founder Daniel Ho said many Chinese buyers now wait for permanent residency before purchasing, and that the data does not capture overseas-born buyers who have become residents or citizens.

$5bn homes gone: Foreign buyers flood Aus
Now To Love· This weekProperty

The Block judge Marty Fox reveals which house has caught his eye ahead of auction day

The Block judge Marty Fox has said he leans towards Adam and Jolene's home as the one most likely to succeed at auction. He pointed to the kitchen and its connection to the living and dining spaces. All five homes carry a $3.45 million reserve and a price guide of $3.6 million to $3.9 million. Fox said buyers want luxury they can live in, and that storage, privacy and natural light matter. The Block airs Sunday at 7pm on 9Now and the Nine Network.

The Block judge Marty Fox reveals which house has caught his eye ahead of auction day
realestate.com.au· This weekLifestyle

Block 2025 winners Britt and Taz discuss returning to The Block

Block 2025 winners Britt and Taz Etto are renovating a $1.41m property near Mandurah in Western Australia, though they have not ruled out returning to the reality show. Taz said he preferred to end on a high after their Daylesford win, but suggested his wife might persuade him to take part in the new all-stars spin-off in Sunbury. The couple bought a six-bedroom Tudor-style house on 2.24 hectares at North Yunderup in February. Taz said asbestos found throughout the 1981 home was the biggest challenge, though he understood it was non-friable and expected removal to be manageable.

Block 2025 winners Britt and Taz discuss returning to The Block
realestate.com.au· This weekLifestyle

Where newly single Aussies can move for under $4000

Tasmania is the cheapest Australian state for newly single people to set up a new home, with average moving costs of $3922. South Australia and the Northern Territory ranked as the second and third most affordable places to rebuild after a split. The ACT is the most expensive, with upfront costs of $5255, while NSW has the highest income burden, requiring 6.16 weeks of average wages to cover moving expenses. Rising interest rates may further strain household budgets.

Where newly single Aussies can move for under $4000
Better Homes & Gardens Australia· This weekLifestyle

We expect huge discounts from Myer’s Black Friday sale — these are the home finds to watch

Myer's Black Friday sale, held on Friday, November 27 2026, is expected to offer steep discounts on home goods. Shoppers may find deals on appliances, kitchenware, bedding, tech and outdoor items. Last year's sale included a Dyson V8 vacuum for 53 per cent off and 55 per cent off a Sealy mattress. Household appliances are predicted to sell out quickly, so shoppers are advised to buy any wanted items early. Further discounts on fashion, shoes, personal care, travel and children's products are also expected.

We expect huge discounts from Myer’s Black Friday sale — these are the home finds to watch
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realestate.com.au· This weekProperty

‘We can do more together’: Jellis Craig donates $25k to help end homelessness

Real estate group Jellis Craig has donated $25,000 to A Home For All Foundation to help people experiencing homelessness due to domestic and family violence. The donation was made by the group's charity arm during its first foundation month. Jellis Craig general manager Elizabeth Morello said the group wants to raise awareness across the property industry, as no single organisation can solve the issue alone. According to 2021 Census figures, about 122,000 Australians experience homelessness on any given night.

‘We can do more together’: Jellis Craig donates $25k to help end homelessness
Michael West Media· This weekBusiness

Housing downturn forecast to run up to 15 per cent

Morgan Stanley now expects national house prices to fall 10 to 15 per cent from their peak, with a trough in the second half of 2027. The bank said this would be Australia's largest nominal housing downturn in over 40 years. Dwelling prices have already dropped 5.2 per cent since March, according to Cotality. Higher construction costs, rising unemployment risks and a slower building pace are also weighing on the sector. Construction costs rose 3.2 per cent in the 12 months to September, with plastics prices driven up by fuel costs.

Housing downturn forecast to run up to 15 per cent
realestate.com.au· This weekBusiness

The suburbs where home prices have grown most since interest rates were this high

Home prices in many Australian suburbs have grown sharply since 2011, when interest rates were last this high. Analysis of realestate.com.au data shows the largest gains, with New South Wales and Queensland accounting for eight of the top ten house-price performers. The median sale price in Pokolbin, in the NSW Hunter Valley, is up 417% on 2011. Realestate.com.au senior economist Anne Flaherty says households now spend a much larger share of their income on housing. The Reserve Bank has raised the cash rate to 4.6%, and home prices are now 3.3% below their March 2026 peak.

The suburbs where home prices have grown most since interest rates were this high
realestate.com.au· This weekProperty

‘Up 417%’: The suburbs where home prices have grown most since rates were this high

Property prices in many Australian suburbs have grown strongly since 2011, when interest rates were last at this level. Analysis of realestate.com.au data found the Hunter Valley suburb of Pokolbin had the largest rise in house sale prices, up 417%. Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast suburbs featured widely among the top performers. Economist Anne Flaherty said average new home loans have risen from about $282,400 in November 2011 to $731,000 by June 2026, making housing costs a larger share of household incomes.

‘Up 417%’: The suburbs where home prices have grown most since rates were this high
realestate.com.au· This weekLifestyle

‘Really cheap’: Aus couple buys $16k Japan ski home

An Australian couple, Kate and Andrew Buchan, have bought a home in Japan's Myoko Kogen ski region for $16,000. The price is about 1.8 per cent of Australia's median dwelling value. Japan's regional housing market has many empty homes, as younger residents move to cities and populations shrink. The couple plan to turn the property into a family snow retreat for their two young children. They have spent about $10,000 on repairs so far, and the clean-out uncovered mould, pests and rotten flooring. Buyers also face language barriers and ongoing costs.

‘Really cheap’: Aus couple buys $16k Japan ski home

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