Australians okay with high-rise developments if far from where they live, plus other news

For PropertyGuru’s news roundup, new research shows more than 40 percent of Australians support high-rise apartment development, so long as it is not in their neighbourhood. In other headlines, Bangkok’s skyline is a vibrant architectural showcase, a testament to both innovation and cultural heritage. Lastly, the Philippines’ Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development seeks the help of its private partners to fulfil the government’s commitment to addressing the 6.5 million housing backlog.

Australians largely support high-rise apartment development but not near where they live

More than 40 percent of Australians support high-rise apartment development, so long as it is not in their neighbourhood, new research shows.

The REA Property Seeker Survey for 2024 asked almost 5000 people questions about their housing preferences – including their attitudes to high-rise development.

The results seem quite pertinent given the Housing Accord’s goal of building 1.2 million new homes over the next five years and the recent announcements on housing from the Victorian government.

A lot of the focus of delivering new housing is going to be in in-fill locations, and to date, a lot of proposals focus on more high-rise development. However, the responses in this survey suggest that garnering support for such a shift is going to be a challenge.

The survey was independent ­research conducted by Starburst Insights on behalf of realestate.com.au, realcommercial.com.au reports.

Discover Thailand’s fascinating architectural styles through these exciting new projects

Throughout Thailand, there’s a dazzling array of gleaming wats, majestic palaces, and a blend of both classical and modern residences. Bangkok, in particular, is not just a thriving business district but also a vibrant architectural showcase. From malls adorned with flickering lights to residential complexes that push the boundaries of traditional design, the city’s skyline is a testament to both innovation and cultural heritage.

But there’s far more to Thai architecture than what’s immediately visible. DDproperty by PropertyGuru offers a look at some of the country’s most stunning projects, all of which were winners and highly commended at the 19th PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards.

Philippines Human Settlements Dept. seeks private partners’ help to address housing backlog

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is seeking the help of its private partners to fulfil the government’s commitment to addressing the 6.5 million housing backlog.

“The government cannot do it alone. We need the support of all stakeholders. We need private partners including CREBA (Chamber of Real Estate Builders’ Association Inc.) and other developers’ groups,” DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said during CREBA’s annual convention in Clark, Pampanga on 18th October. “Now more than ever, we need to work together, we need to unite, collaborate and continuously engage to ensure we complement each other’s efforts,” he added.

PNA reports that Acuzar acknowledged the key role of the private sector in ensuring the effective implementation of the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH), the flagship housing program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration. The DHSUD’s 4PH Program aims to prioritize informal settler families and individuals earning between PHP16,000 and PHP17,000 per month only.

The agency’s original plan was to build six million housing units by 2028, but later on, slashed by half its target for the 4PH Program to just three million units.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].