Industry Issues
Committees commence for 2026
Over the past fortnight, the team has been busy engaging with the UDIA WA Council, and the Strategic and Operational Committees, for the first meeting round of the new year and new Committee term.
These meetings were future focussed, with Council engagement setting the direction for emerging UDIA WA’s Strategic Plan for the next three years and the operational and proactive advocacy priorities over 12 month and three-year time horizons. With a renewed overarching advocacy focus being on facilitating increased supply across the housing continuum, the priorities for the next 12 months include continuing to push our pre-Budget Submission asks with the State Government and identifying opportunities to address challenges with infrastructure planning, funding, and delivery; labour and skills shortages; and cutting red and green tape. The operational priorities include a focus on membership growth and retention, continuing to enhance our event and education offerings, and improving systems, all to deliver greater member value and for financial sustainability.
The Committee meetings focused on discussing the direction from Council and what could be done to drive progress on these priorities, including adding to the evidence base, supporting development of options and solutions for engagement with Government, etc.
The team is working to draft the UDIA WA’s Strategic Plan for 2026/27 to 2028/29 and a consolidated committee priorities plans and further information will be shared shortly.
Residential parks laws open for public comment
The Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (DLGIRS) is conducting a review of the Residential Parks (Long-stay Tenants) Act 2006 and have released a Discussion Paper for consultation.
The deadline for submissions is Friday 20 March.
In early 2024, UDIA WA formed a Land Lease Communities (LLC) Working Group to provide detailed advice and input around the evidence base and opportunities to support the planning, delivery, and operation of LLC in a Western Australian context.
Building off our Position Paper on Supporting Land Lease Communities, we are working with our LLC Working Group to review the State Government’s Discussion Paper and consider the implications for this important housing option and our response.
We welcome feedback from any interested members, and they can reach out to policy@udiawa.com.au.
Tim Lawless’ 2026 housing market update
Thank you to the over 520 guests who joined us on Friday 13 February for our first Industry lunch for 2026!
The audience heard from Cotality’s Research Director Tim Lawless, who provided a comprehensive overview on the latest housing market trends across Australia, and then drilled down to a WA context.
In the context of the likelihood of further interest rate rises potentially dampening demand, Mr Lawless outlined Perth’s increasing affordability challenges and ongoing housing supply shortages that continue to drive up housing prices, albeit at a slower rate to last year. He pointed out that Perth has experienced an 89% jump in the median dwelling value (around $550k) in the last five years alone. He also pointed to the lower quartile of the market, which is consistently showing a stronger growth trend due to competition from First Home Buyers, investors and mainstream demand. Reflected across Australia, housing on the outer regions of metro centres are experiencing the fastest growth as home buyers look to secure affordable housing.
While unit values have been consistently rising faster than house prices in Perth since 2024, the built form and apartment sector is still facing feasibility challenges due to high construction costs, skills shortages and a range of other factors.
Stepping away from city centres, Mr Lawless highlighted that the regions are experiencing a “second wind”, demonstrated by the continued elevation of net migration above pre-COVID levels. In line with Perth, regional values have jumped 89% over the past five years.
In good news, Mr Lawless did outline that the supply outlook has improved, with a solid upswing in approvals and a flow through to commencements.
Mr Lawless’s fantastic presentation was followed by a panel session featuring valued industry experts Louise Nazareth (Stockland) and David Cresp (Urbis). One of the key messages from the panel, was supply doesn’t happen quickly and the delivery of enabling infrastructure and greater consideration to new building methodologies is critical to bringing more of the homes we need to market.
A huge thank you to Industry Partners ATCO and DevelopmentWA; Event Sponsors CLE Town Planning + Design and Keystart; and Networking Partner Cotality for their support of this event.
Emerging Leaders reflect on their journey
Our current Emerging Leaders Mentoring Group gathered for mid-mentoring catch up on 13 Feb 2025 to reflect on the progress of their mentoring journey. Following the catch-up, participants attended the lunch event and networking drinks to connect with other industry professionals, providing an invaluable chance to exchange ideas and develop and build relationships across WA’s urban development sector.
The cohort will next progress to a one-on-one check-in session with UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck as an — a unique opportunity to gain strategic insights and discuss leadership pathways within the industry.
With each session, the Emerging Leaders Program continues to empower the next generation of industry leaders — building capability, confidence and meaningful connections that extend well beyond the program itself. To know more about and register for the next Emerging Leaders Program commencing on 24 March 2026 please visit https://www.udiawa.com.au/event/udia-wa-emerging-leaders-program/.
Now open: Expressions of Interest for the 2026 UDIA WA Awards for Excellence
Prestigious and highly sought after by the Western Australian development industry, Expressions of Interest for UDIA WA’s 2026 Award Excellence program are open!
If you are thinking about entering a project, team or individual into this year’s awards program, optional Expressions of Interest (EOI) close March 12, with formal nominations opening on that date.
Any EOI that later translate into a formal nomination will receive a 10% discount on their nomination fee.
Download the Expression of Interest form.
Key dates:
- EOI Open until 12 March
- Nominations Open: Thursday 12 March
- Submissions Close: Friday 19 June
- Judging/Site visits: 21 July – 14 August
- Awards Gala Dinner: Saturday 12 September
View more information about the 2026 Awards for Excellence.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors for their support of the UDIA WA Awards for Excellence program; Platinum Sponsor Western Australian Planning Commission; Gold Sponsors Lavan and Stantec; Category Sponsors ATCO, Densford Civil, Longreach Recruitment, Origin Energy, Purple, SLICK, Stockland, Structerre Consulting, TBB Planning and Wormall Civil Pty Ltd; Photobooth Sponsor Skyfields by Perth Airport; and Event Partner Lux Events.
Latest Urban Development Index figures released
UDIA WA are pleased to release the latest edition of our Urban Development Index (UDI) covering the performance of the Western Australian greenfield residential land market for December 2025, exclusively for our members.
The UDI provides our members with up-to-date information on the new land market in Western Australia.
Key insights from this quarter:
- The moderation of lot sales for Greater Perth after record-high sales volumes in the September quarter.
- A two-decade low volume of lots on the market at the close of the December quarter.
- The growth of median lot pricing, reflecting 60% growth in two years.
Available exclusively to members, the Urban Development Index features an executive summary from Urbis Partner David Cresp that examines how the tension between record low lots, increased construction activity and tightening monetary policy is impacting Perth’s housing market.
Read the latest Urban Development Index.
Expressions of Interest open to development Midland Workshops
Open until 30 April 2026, DevelopmentWA are calling for proposals from developers to transform Workshops 1 and 2 within the Midland Health and Knowledge Precinct.
Located close to the Midland train station, the urban regeneration precinct is designed to support Midland’s growing community and commercial expansion. The sites offer opportunities for mixed-use offerings, performing arts, creative industries, hospitality, and potential residential uses.
For more information, visit DevelopmentWA’s website.
National Updates
UDIA National Congress 2026 is almost here
UDIA National Congress is right around the corner and presents a fantastic opportunity to learn from one another, gain valuable insights from respected and trusted professionals, and receive important updates across the industry as we work together to address the housing challenges across Australia.
From insightful keynote sessions to practical discussions shaping the future of the development industry, the program is designed to ensure delegates come away inspired and well-resourced to tackle the year. Highlights from the program include:
- The launch of the 2026 State of the Land Report, featuring presentations from National President Oscar Stanley, Colin Kean (Research4) and Tim Lawless (Cotality)
- An Economic Update from respected financial journalist and business commentator, Alan Kolher AM
- Case Study: Sunshine Coast Town Centre Joint Venture Development with Peter Saba (Walker Corporation) and Debra Robinson (Sunshine Coast Council)
- International Case Study: Rendeavour – Africa’s New City Builder – Dean Landy (Head of Urban Planning & Design at Rendeavour)
- An inspirational closing keynote address from Grand Slam Champion Ash Barty
Held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 16-18 March, there will be plenty to talk about. Visit udiacongress.com for more information and to secure your seat at National Congress 2026.