On November 25, 2025, the RICS hosted a webinar on AI and sustainability featuring four industry experts. This is a summary of the discussion. Overview The panel described how AI is driving a rapid, values-based transformation in real estate, shifting focus to growth and sustainability by integrating financial and technical data to predict climate risk and automate retrofit planning. This requires humans to transition from knowledge workers to wisdom workers, applying judgme

The H2 2025 Charter Keck Cramer CBD office market commentary is now available. The commentary focuses on Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane. As a Melbourne resident, my primary interest is in my home city. The commentary highlights the growing divide between prime and secondary yields, with secondary yields softening as transaction volumes increase. The high-interest-rate environment is challenging cash flows and investment activity. Major infrastructure projects, like the Metro

There are many impressive surveyors in the RICS, and one standout is Joanne Williams , the winner of this year's MATRICS Surveyor of the Year Award. Joanne Williams MRICS (first on the right) & her fellow channel swimmers As a Conservation Accredited Building Surveyor , Joanne is part of the Historic Building Climate Change Adaptation team, where she specialises in adapting built heritage to meet the challenges posed by climate change. She also has valuable experience managin

In a recent presentation for the RICS, Wendy Clemmonson and Sandra Rhodes from KPMG's Real Estate Centre of Excellence discussed how valuers can effectively address auditor queries. I am not a valuer, but I do review and assess the adequacy of the valuations presented to me as part of my services. Therefore, I found it very useful to learn about the considerations auditors take into account while performing their roles, as well as their expectations for what constitutes best

Access to this CPD webinar about AI-driven and sustainable investment is free for those members with an active subscription to the RICS support pack. Overview The panel will explore how organisations can use intelligent tools to identify climate risks and prioritise retrofit opportunities to ultimately drive sustainable value. Learning outcomes Learn how data-driven decision-making is unlocking value, enhancing portfolio resilience, and aligning capital planning with sustain

The Australian construction industry continues to experience a split between a residential sector gaining momentum and a small-to-medium enterprise (SME) segment still battling severe financial stress. Here are the top four stories and major themes from the sector in October: 1. 🚀 Continued Surge in Residential Sales Momentum The positive trend established in September was sustained in October, giving the residential segment its highest activity levels in years. The Data:

Victoria has a once-in-a-generation chance to stamp out the 'un-Australian practice' of not paying construction contractors . In September Associate Professor Matthew Bell provided an overview of the Building Legislation Amendment (Fairer Payments on Jobsites and Other Matters) Bill 2025, which aims to reform Victoria's security of payment laws within the construction industry. The main issue this Bill addresses is the significant risk of non-payment for contractors and tr

The headlines in September were dominated by several persistent challenges and key policy developments aimed at boosting the housing supply. 1. 📈 Policy Changes Trigger Massive Spike in New Home Sales This was the biggest story of the month. A combination of recent government policy shifts and an easing in the cash rate led to a dramatic turnaround in new home buyer activity. Policy Catalyst:  Key drivers included the expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme  with unlimited

The headlines in August were dominated by several persistent challenges and key policy developments aimed at boosting the housing supply. 1. 🛑 Federal Government Pauses Residential National Construction Code (NCC) Changes In a significant policy move, the federal government announced a pause on most new residential changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) until mid-2029 , following the finalisation of the NCC 2025 edition. Context:  This was a direct response to ind

A ccess a high level of commercial management experience without the need for full-time in-house resources . Who we help: Investment funds. We support specialist advisory firms and in-house teams with their due diligence and compliance monitoring, ensuring that cash flow can cover both senior and mezzanine debt. We also provide technical support in the assessment and implementation of exit strategies, whether through sale or refinance. Developers We proactively mitigate ri

In this weeks Debuilt Debrief , Founder & Director of Housing All Australians Pradolin, straightforwardly addresses Australia’s housing crisis. I n his article "Let's Cut the Bullshit - True Housing Solutions Require Courage." Robert argues that the crisis primarily stems from supply issues rather than demand-side factors. The problem is rooted in restrictive planning regulations, NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard attitudes), and bureaucratic delays, rather than demand-side me

Completing your APC as a QS can be stressful, but it doesn't need to be. When you are eligible for your assessment, you will have a wealth of experience to share. So, ensure you are adequately prepared, relaxed, and ready to be yourself. The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) Assessment of Professional Competence interview (APC) is a significant milestone in the professional journey of a Quantity Surveyor. This rigorous assessment evaluates your technical com