William Hames

DESPITE predictions by many of a slowdown in the residential property market in the near future, listed property developer Cedar Woods has forecast a 40 per cent increase in net profit for the 2004 financial year.

Equatorial Resources managing director John Welborn has exercised 1 million options to acquire shares at a cost of 25 cents each, raising his stake in the company to 3 million shares. With Equatorial shares currently trading at $2.74 each, his stake is valued at $8.2 million.

The value of shares held by some of the biggest names in mining have slumped along with the companies they lead, but there are pockets of good news in what has been a tough year on the markets.

Property executives were the big movers in this year’s Wealth Creators list, while the resources slowdown put the hurt on mining services directors’ fortunes.

Fortescue Metals Group chief financial officer Stephen Pearce has been appointed a non-executive director of Cedar Woods Properties.

Perth’s residential market is being dominated by house and land packages and apartments, leaving a gaping hole of medium-density housing despite public calls for more dwellings of that type, according to a panel of prominent property executives.

There's plenty of industry confidence in the growth in apartment living, despite some concerns about the short-term outlook.

Is our apartments boom a natural development, or something prompted by over-regulation?

Real Estate Institute of Western Australia president David Airey says local government authorities have lost sight of the big picture in planning and approvals reform, and amalgamation of councils will only exacerbate the issues.

FEATURE: Architecture and planning professionals have some innovative solutions to the challenges Perth faces in reaching the world's top five most liveable cities.

Two of Perth’s largest architecture and design firms, Hames Sharley and Cameron Chisholm Nicol, have expanded by recruiting the founders and staff of two smaller Perth practices.

Paul Sadleir has announced plans to retire as managing director of Cedar Woods Properties, with chief operating officer Nathan Blackburne to step into the role.