Property

INDUSTRY groups in Western Australia have welcomed an Auditor General's report critical of the government's approvals process, saying the issues raised highlight an urgent need for change.

WESTERN Australian pearl jeweller Kailis is preparing to move to premises in King Street, having leased the long-vacant site at number 29 between luxury international labels Gucci and Bally.

INCREASED requirements on energy efficiency and water use are expected to fuel the growth in green buildings for commercial and residential developments.

The former Western Australian government's $37 million investment into streamlining the state's resource approval process has largely failed, according to a report by the Auditor General.

A joint venture including Macquarie Bank Ltd have purchased 7500 square metres of office space and retail arcade on Hay Street known as 160 Central for some $40 million.

OFFICE fit-outs using energy-efficient designs and quirky layouts were recognised at this year's Design Institute of Australia WA design awards.

APARTMENT developers in the Perth CBD are preparing for the first wave of settlements on new projects, at a time when softening market conditions have left some projects unsold and others facing defaults on contracts.

THE downturn in Western Australia's property sector has produced an increase in property repossessions and home loan arrears in the state, according to a report from the Reserve Bank of Australia.

House values in Perth have suffered the largest drop compared to national figures, falling almost 6 per cent in the past year, according to latest statistics from the RP Data/Rismark International index.

Western Australia's residential market has been hit with the biggest drop in new homes sales in the country, according to a survey from the HIA.

FIVE years after the first plans were drafted, the Town of Claremont has released its vision for a redevelopment of Claremont Oval and its surrounds.

DESPITE tightening global credit markets, property analysts remain optimistic that the residential sector in Western Australia is headed for a growth phase in the near future.

IT took less than 18 months for the state government's shared equity scheme - a lifeline for the first homebuyer market - to exhaust its three-year, $300 million budget.

A streamlined and efficient public service is what new treasurer Troy Buswell wants to see.

Major independent Western Australian winemaker Stella Bella has raised rural property rights as a key issue in a battle with the Augusta-Margaret River Shire over a diversion road that could cut through one of its vineyards.

URBAN infill was a key policy of the Carpenter government, outlined in the 'Network City' plan for a series of transit-oriented, high-density developments in Perth.

CHIDLOW-BASED property developer Greenedge Projects Pty Ltd is seeking to raise $12 million through an ASX-listing for its sustainable development vehicle, Greenedge Ethical Investments Ltd.

Calling the bottom of the market is fraught with danger for real estate agents and developers, but many in the industry are hopeful that the tide is beginning to turn.

Premier-elect Colin Barnett has unveiled an expanded 17 member cabinet featuring three Nationals MPs and plans to split three government departments.

The Australian Transport Council has appointed Greg Martin as chairman of the National Transport Commission (NTC). Mr Martin became deputy chairman in April 2008 and acting chairman last July.

WESTERN Australia will lead the nation in population growth over the next 50 years, according to projections from the latest RP Data Property Pulse.

THE development approvals process in Western Australia is beset by a number of challenges, but none is likely to have a wider impact than the Carnaby's cockatoo.

Premier-elect Colin Barnett will no doubt make a number of key decisions during his first 100 days in office, but there's one that should be fairly high on the priority list - where his own department will be housed.

PROPERTY executive Shane Kempton has joined Satterley Property Group as land sales director, responsible for the company’s residential land sales, project marketing and community development programs.

THE City of Cockburn has approved the construction of what will be the tallest building in the new transit-oriented Cockburn Central development - a 17-level apartment tower with ground floor retail space.

THE head of Western Australia's peak adult medical research group has warned that the state's potentially world-leading research industry will falter unless academics embrace commercialisation.

WOULD-BE uranium miners might have been first out of the starting gate to capitalise on the surprise election of a conservative government in Western Australia, but there are many other regional businesses set to benefit from Labor's fall and a sustained

Perth-based property developer Peet Ltd said it remains "deeply concerned" over gas emissions from a disused landfill site neighbouring one of its estates in Victoria.

WEST Perth's office building spree has secured another major tenant, with engineering company TWP Australia Pty Ltd signing on to lease the entire A-grade building being constructed at 100 Havelock Street.

Providence can mean different things in the resources industry, but to a junior miner looking for a start-up project, it can be a very important first step on the ladder to success.

North Fremantle's days as a light industrial hub, providing a buffer between the port city of Fremantle and the upmarket suburbs of Cottesloe and Mosman Park, are well and truly numbered, with long-term plans to build about 3,000 new apartments and a reti

Property developer Cedar Woods and sustainable housing consulting firm Evoke Design Group have announced a joint venture to develop an affordable grouped housing site in Canning Vale which will achieve eight stars out of ten for thermal efficiency.