As Australia enters a pivotal decade, three leading urban thinkers - Ethos Urban’s Lee Cikuts, Sean Stephens and Chris McNeil - share their insights on the game-changing trends set to reshape the property landscape.
Speaking ahead of The Urban Developer’s Future2034 series, they aren’t just talking trends; they’re pinpointing the challenges and opportunities that will make or break developers in the years to come.
Ageing population: A demographic tsunami
Sean Stephens, Ethos Urban’s group director of economics, doesn’t mince words when it comes to the most significant demographic shift on the horizon.
“By 2034, nearly 20 per cent of Australians will be [aged] over 65,” Stephens points out, underlining the urgent need for developers to rethink how they cater to this ageing cohort.
“The baby boomer generation isn’t just growing older—they’re demanding more in terms of lifestyle and amenity. Developers who can’t meet these expectations will quickly find themselves left behind.”
Economic resilience: Navigating a fragile global landscape
Stephens also highlights growing geopolitical tensions as an economic wildcard that developers need to watch closely.
“We’re in an era where globalisation is stalling, and the global economic environment is more fragile than ever. Developers can’t afford to ignore these risks,” he warns.
In response, Stephens suggests a focus on building resilience—whether it’s by strengthening onshore manufacturing, shoring up supply chains, or leveraging new technologies.
“The shift from ‘Just in Time’ to ‘Just in Case’ inventory management is a clear sign that the industry is already adapting,” he said.
Planning evolution: The rise of mixed-use precincts
Chris McNeill, Melbourne’s planning leader at Ethos Urban, is calling for nothing short of a revolution in how we plan our cities.
“The days of rigid zoning and height restrictions are over. Our planning systems need to catch up with the reality of modern urban living, where mixed-use development and densification are not just trends—they’re necessities,” McNeill said.
But with government alignment often slowed by short-term political cycles, McNeill believes the onus is on developers to lead the charge.
“It’s up to us to demonstrate the benefits of these concepts by delivering high-quality projects that resonate with communities and contribute to economic growth,” he said.
City-shaping transport projects
The next decade is set to be defined by unprecedented investment in transport infrastructure across the Eastern Seaboard, with more than $70 billion being poured into projects such as Sydney’s Metro and Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop.
Lee Cikuts, Sydney director at Ethos Urban, sees these projects as nothing short of transformative.
“These aren’t just transport projects—they’re city-shapers,” Cikuts said.
“They’ll enhance connectivity and amenity, providing the foundation for growth and development that could position Australia’s cities among the world’s best.”
Leading the renewable energy charge
Chris McNeill is equally passionate about Australia’s transition to renewable energy, which he views as the defining infrastructure challenge of the decade.
“Australia is at a crossroads. We’ve relied heavily on natural resources, but the future is renewable—and we have the potential to be global leaders,” McNeill said.
However, this shift will require more than just ambition; it will demand close collaboration between government and developers to build the infrastructure necessary for a sustainable future.
Automation: The next tech frontier
Finally, Lee Cikuts highlights automation as the next big technological leap for developers.
“Automation is already changing the game in retail and logistics but the real impact is still on the horizon—especially with the rise of autonomous vehicles and 3D construction,” Cikuts said.
For developers, staying ahead of these trends means designing with flexibility in mind, ensuring that projects can adapt to the technological advancements that are just around the corner.
Future2034 | The Next Decade for Developers: Infrastructure, Precincts and Projects
Don’t miss the chance to hear directly from Ethos Urban’s leading thinkers, and a supporting panel of developers, at the upcoming Future2034 event series in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
This article originally appeared in The Urban Developer – the leading online source of news and information for the property and urban development industry in Australia – republished with permission. For more information, visit: www.theurbandeveloper.com
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