Industry body calls for government enquiry to address housing crisis
The housing affordability crisis demands attention now, as values are on the move again, REINSW says
The housing affordability crisis demands attention now, as values are on the move again, REINSW says
A leading real estate industry body has called for a government enquiry to address ‘skyrocketing housing demand’.
CEO of the Real Estate Institute of NSW, Tim McKibbin said the contrast between the demand for housing and the available stock is already at ‘critical’ levels – and is only set to get worse.
“REINSW is calling for an immediate and expeditious Inquiry into the inhibitors of supply and then a brutal action plan involving industry and Government to implement the recommendations,” Mr McKibbin said.
“The community is sick of all the talk on this issue. It’s time for action and this means government and industry working together now.”
Homebuyers unable to find a property at their price point have remained in the rental market, where a lack of supply is putting further pressure on rental prices, which have soared 10.2 percent in the past year.
Data from PropTrack has shown rental vacancy rates were at an historic low in March this year. As rental properties become available and have been quickly leased, landlords have had the opportunity to increase rent, further impacting households’ ability to save for a deposit.
In capital cities, rents have risen 13 percent year-on-year, while in regional areas, rents have gone up by 4.5 percent.
CoreLogic reported house values are also on the move, which Mr McKibbin said put the goal of buying a home further out of reach.
“Higher house prices and rents are an unavoidable market consequence of a housing shortfall, and without more social and affordable housing, increased homelessness is a catastrophic social consequence,” he said.
“There is already evidence of prices beginning to rebound and we need to remember that the bull-run through the pandemic typically pushed median prices up between 20 percent and 30 percent, depending on the area.
“The rebound in house prices is no surprise. The lack of supply is the primary enemy of affordability.”
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Mirvac’s 45-level Trielle has topped out at Yarra’s Edge, pairing riverfront apartments with wellness facilities, private dining and resident services.
Mirvac has topped out Trielle at Melbourne’s Yarra’s Edge, with more than 70 per cent of the riverfront development sold and approximately 80 per cent of purchasers intending to make their apartment a home.
The figures, released on September 22, point to an owner-occupier audience for one of the precinct’s final residential towers. Mirvac began developing Yarra’s Edge in 2003, and its latest addition occupies one of the remaining absolute riverfront sites.
Mirvac CEO of Development Stuart Penklis said existing residents were among those moving up within the neighbourhood.
“Many purchasers already have a connection to Yarra’s Edge,” Mr Penklis said, describing buyers whose changing needs were encouraging an upgrade within the precinct.
“As one of the final residential towers within Yarra’s Edge, Trielle represents the culmination of more than two decades of creating one of Melbourne’s most established and sought-after waterfront communities,” Penklis said.
“Positioned on the Collins Street axis with absolute river frontage, Trielle offers residents a rare opportunity to enjoy sweeping views across the Yarra River, Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay, while remaining seamlessly connected to the CBD. With Trielle now more than 70 per cent sold, we’re continuing to see strong demand from buyers seeking quality homes in established locations.”

The developer also flagged a penthouse and sub-penthouse collection with larger layouts, premium finishes and broad outlooks. The planned wellness centrepiece, The Oasis, encompasses a 900-square-metre elevated urban rainforest.
Mirvac General Manager Residential Development Victoria Elysa Anderson said Trielle had resonated strongly with buyers seeking a rare lifestyle offering in Melbourne.
“Opportunities to secure a new luxury residence on a riverfront site of this calibre are incredibly rare, particularly within a community like Yarra’s Edge,” Anderson said.
“What makes Trielle unique is the combination of exceptional views, world-class residential facilities and the lifestyle that already exists around it. Residents are buying into a mature waterfront community with parks, promenades, dining, wellness and strong community connections already in place.”
The 45-level tower brings a substantial new presence to that waterfront. Its residential offering spans one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, with Signature, Prestige and Sub-Penthouse collections accommodating different household sizes. The north-facing position connects the apartments visually to the river and city beyond.
Seven storeys above the promenade, the planned Oasis combines planting and a running stream with a Scandinavian-inspired wellness club developed with spa specialist Naomi Gregory. Facilities include a 25-metre lap pool, hot magnesium pool, sauna, hydrotherapy, a gym, yoga and Pilates room, and treatment spaces.

The amenity extends beyond exercise. Residents will have access to The Biblioteca library and workspaces, ground-floor work pods, and The Salone piano lounge. A private Chef’s Table dining room offers a setting for larger gatherings, while a cinema, games room and sports lounge broaden the entertaining options. Concierge services and a dog-wash area support everyday routines.
Trielle comprises a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences. Reflecting strong demand from owner occupiers, approximately 80 per cent of purchasers to date intend to live in their homes, highlighting the project’s appeal to those seeking a long-term waterfront lifestyle.
Mirvac has recently delivered The Albertine, a premium apartment development on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD, and is nearing completion of Prince & Parade in Brunswick, further strengthening its portfolio of thoughtfully designed apartment communities in some of Melbourne’s most sought-after urban locations.
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