Battle over density: in Sydney’s east, a rash of developments are housing fewer, richer people

Relatively affordable apartment buildings are being demolished to make way for ultra-luxurious' homes amid state's housing crisis

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Sydney property developers are buying blocks of units, knocking them down and replacing them with fewer luxury apartments or homes, a trend that is reducing dwelling numbers amid a statewide housing crisis.

Numerous developments across inner Sydney and the eastern suburbs have been approved, with more in the planning stage. In most cases interwar low-rise apartment buildings will be demolished to make way for ultra-luxurious" homes for many fewer residents.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup