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The Blackstone Group is reportedly moving to publicly list its Hilton Worldwide hotel chain.
Hilton has hired four banks — Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley to underwrite the anticipated initial public offering and help refinance around US$13 billion in debt.
Chris Snow, an analyst at CreditSights Inc., told the Wall Street Journal that an IPO could be a "multibillion-dollar" transaction.
It reports the IPO could happen in the early months of next year.
Founded in 1919, Hilton has recovered after a difficult financial crisis for commercial property.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Blackstone once had an on-paper loss of two-thirds of its US$6 billion investment in Hilton.
But its forecast earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation for 2013 are reportedly 58% higher than in 2009.
Blackstone bought Hilton six years ago for US$26.7 billion - one of the largest leveraged buyouts preceding the 2008 global financial crisis, according to Reuters.
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Hilton Worldwide moves to welcome guests via IPO

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The biochemist Shane Charter, embroiled in the Essendon Football Club imbroglio, has revised his house listing.
He had been looking to sell his stronghold home in Sunbury for $3.5 million but has knocked the price down to $2.7 million after receiving an offer to purchase five acres of the block separately.
He and estate agent Christian Lonzi are now selling the house on just 10 acres.
The five-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-vic-sunbury-113604239">150a Vineyard Road</a> is a heavily fortified den that has reinforced concrete walls, steel bars on the windows and a sophisticated security system.
It comes with a private gym, a swimming pool, a tennis court and a home theatre room.
He is reportedly selling the house to raise money for legal matters.
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Shane Charter revises Sunbury house listing

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Land tax in Western Australia will increase 12.5% as the Barnett government delivers a budget that attempts to reign in debt.
Treasurer Troy Buswell said most home owners’ land tax bill would not increase by more than $70, due to a forecasted decrease in property value growth, but the increase has been attacked by the peak real estate body in WA.
“The majority of taxpayers will only experience a modest increase in their land tax bill. Around 80% of taxpayers are estimated to have an increase of $70 or less (excluding the impact of any land valuation changes),” budget documents say.
“Even after this increase, Western Australia’s land tax rates will remain significantly below those of other jurisdictions.”
The tax increase is set to raise an additional $338 million over the next four financial years.
<img alt="landtax-aug-9" height="274" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/08/landtax-aug-9.gif">
Real Estate Institute of WA president David Airey said the tax increase was unwelcome news for property investors.
“This is a kick in the shins for property investors who supply two thirds of rental stock in WA. It will suck an extra $73 million out of their pockets as a punishment for being an investor,” he said.
“These owners already pay rates to local government for the provision of services yet get nothing from the state directly and subsidise government services which benefit the entire community.
“It's a great concern that the government remains so dependent on property taxes to run the state despite the enormous revenue earnings from resources.”
The tax is paid by 112,000 WA business and investment property owners.
A property in Cottesloe worth $500,000 would currently pay $180 per year in land tax plus a metropolitan region improvement tax of $280. Under the new conditions, the owner would pay $200 a year in land tax and the same amount of metropolitan region improvement tax.
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WA homeowners hit with land tax increase

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A five bedroom house in Doncaster East sold at auction last weekend for almost 40% more than the published price guide leading into the auction.
After being advertised at $800,000 to $880,000, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-doncaster+east-114256359">45 Beverley Street</a> (pictured below) sold for $1.22 million – a price improvement of 39.5%.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/08/aug9donc]}
Ray White agent George Papadopoulos told Property Observer he didn’t know what the comparable sales in the area were, saying “I don’t care”.
He says there were eight bidders at the auction which pushed the price far beyond its reserve of $900,000.
Despite the enormous price discrepancy between the price guide and the actual sale price he insisted there were no angry bidders at the auction.
“I’m not a mind reader. You’re asking stupid questions,” Papadopoulos said.
“I wouldn’t be angry [if I was bidding at an auction which sold for 40% above the price guide].”
The two storey house comes on 722 square metres. It has three bathrooms, a two-car garage and open space for more cars, multiple living spaces, a large kitchen with a walk-in pantry and, walk-in robes in all bedrooms and a backyard shed.
Papadopoulos told Property Observer that the owners wanted $900,000 so he set the price guide accordingly.
On the morning of the August 3 auction he said there was interest in the property at $1.1 million.
Bidding came from local families and overseas buyers.
“I’m still on cloud 9,” he told Property Observer.
But he’s not alone on cloud nine in Doncaster East.
A nearby three bedroom house at <a href="https://fletchers.net.au/3766915/44-Landscape-Drive-Doncaster-East" target="_blank">44 Landscape Drive</a> (pictured below) sold the same day for $820,000 – 24% above the price guide of $600,000 to $660,000 leading into the auction.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/08/aug9donc2]}
The single level home on 644 square metres was sold by Fletchers agents Jason Salan and Ebony Driscoll.  It comes with a study, a double garage and two bathrooms.
A Property Observer survey found <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/melbourne-auction-homes-selling-10-over-advertised-price/2013080863977" target="_blank">Melbourne auction properties sell for 11% above their price guide</a>.
A search by Property Observer returned 31 recent house sales in Doncaster East between $800,000 and $1.2 million so far this year, which most estate agents would suggest offer comparables sales advice, even taking into account out--of0line sales.
The recent sales in Doncaster East were.
34 Abelia Street, $900,000
24 Ascot Street, $840,000
32 Baratta Street, $800,000
17 Beresford Close, $1,135,000
3 Camira Close, $830,000
35 Churchill Street, $900,000
2 Correa Court, $920,000
6 Cosmos Court, $900,000
7 Diamond Court, $800,000
2A Franklin Road, $935,000
40 Gaudion Road, $950,000
38 Ireland Avenue, $835,000
4 Kris Court, $840,000
14 Larnoo Drive, $994,000
1 Leroy Place, $802,000
19 Monomeath Close, $1,068,000
3 Mont Close, $850,000
3 Murphy Road, $830,000
18A Norman Street, $968,500
8 Pine Way, $880,000
1 Regency Place, $950,000
3 Regency Place, $950,000
16 Rosamond Crescent, $1,050,000
68 Saxonwood Drive, $920,000
41 Schafter Drive, $800,000
5 Teringa Court, $805,000
14 Thorncombe Walk, $852,000
5 Treevalley Drive, $1,152,000
10 Viewmont Court, $800,000
4 Yates Wynd, $930,000
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Doncaster East house sells for 40% above price guide

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Melbourne auction properties are selling for well above their advertised price estimates in the lead-up to the spring auction season.
A Property Observer analysis of 68 auction sales since the end of the July school holidays found more than 90% have sold for above the advertised price guidance bracket.
Those 62 auctions sold, on average, for 11% above the published upper price guidance leading into the auction.
This figure is higher than previous analyses by Property Observer. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/melbourne-autumn-residential-auction-prices-fetching-well-above-price-guides/2013041160327/Page-1" target="_blank">In April this year</a>, Property Observer noted homes were selling at 9.55% above the upper advertised price bracket.
In <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/sale-prices-edge-87-above-estimates-of-melbourne-agents-underquoting-at-october-auctions/2012102957500/Page-1" target="_blank">October last year</a> it was 8.7%. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/underquoting-still-rife-in-melbourne/2012100456988" target="_blank">In September</a> it was 6.5% and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/auctions/melbourne-auction-listings-typically-selling-at-5-above-upper-end-estimate/2012090956435" target="_blank">in July</a> it was 5%.
Of the recent 68 auctions researched between July 20 to August 3, 25 sold for more than 10% over the upper bracket of the advertised price range leaving many intending buyers with futile costly time, money and emotional commitments in their wake.
The most extreme example was a five bedroom house in Doncaster East at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-doncaster+east-114256359" target="_blank">45 Beverley Street</a> (pictured below) which sold for $1.22 million after being advertised at $800,000 to $880,000 – a discrepancy of almost 40%.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/08/doncaster-east-aug-9-onw.jpg" width="470" height="307" alt="doncaster-east-aug-9-onw">
A three bedroom house in Glen Iris at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/51-maitland-street-glen-iris/Property-Details-sold-residential-5755815" target="_blank">51 Maitland Street</a> (pictured below) sold for $1.55 million after being advertised for sale at $1.05 and $1.15 million – 35% above the upper bracket.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/08/glen-iris-aug-9.jpg" width="470" height="274" alt="glen-iris-aug-9">
The next biggest divergence was a two bedroom unit in Surrey Hills at <a href="https://fletchers.net.au/3761630/2-16-Kent-Road-Surrey-Hills" target="_blank">2/16 Kent Road</a> which sold for $692,000 after being advertised at $500,000 to $550,000 – a 26% discrepancy.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/08/surrey-hills-aug-9.jpg" width="470" height="275" alt="surrey-hills-aug-9">
Homes selling for more than $1 million were the most likely to sell above the advertised price range – of the 13 auction sales analysed none fell between the advertised range.
On average, homes in that price bracket went for 13% over.
For the 30 properties under $600,000, 26 sold above the advertised price bracket, selling for an average of 10% over the upper price bracket.
For the 25 properties in the $600,000 to $1 million price bracket, 23 sold above the advertised price range – going for an average of 10.5% above the advertised price.
Of the 68 auction results analysed, none sold for beneath the advertised price bracket.
The properties analysed come from auctions attended and reported on by the Melbourne buyers advocacy group <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nationalpropertybuyers.com.au/">National Property Buyers</a>. They represent properties identified as sound investments or cream of the crop properties.
The price quotes are received as close as possible to the auction date to avoid step quoting practices, the buyers agency notes.
Meanwhile a survey <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/sydney-auctions-selling-well-above-price-guides/2013081964121">in Sydney found 12% of auctions there are selling above price guides.</a>
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Melbourne auction homes selling 11% over advertised price

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A shopping centre in Sandstone Point, 45 kilometres north of Brisbane, has sold for $8 million to a private investment syndicate.
The Village Shopping Centre, at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-qld-sandstone+point-500614383">204-208 Bestmann Road</a>, was sold by vendors POD Developments Pty Ltd.
Jones Lang LaSalle agent Sam Hatcher said the listing attracted strong interest.
“We received excellent interest from local and interstate investors and syndicators, attracted to the security of income, given 80% of the income for the centre is generated by three large and secure tenants,” Hatcher says.
“At the close of the expressions of interest campaign we had five strong offers and promptly agreed terms.”
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-qld-sandstone+point-500614383">The centre</a> has an IGA supermarket and seven retail tenancies with a gross lettable area of 2,287 square metres.
There are 158 car-parks a medical centre, a newsagency and a hair salon.
“A strong attraction to the offering was the secure lease covenants with a mix of national and local retailers,” Hatcher says.
The centre is located between the Pebble Beach recreation reserve and the Pebble Beach retirement community village.
The centre has a weighted average lease expiry of more than of nine years.
The deal was negotiated by Sam Hatcher and Jacob Swan.
Hatcher says the side has a future expansion potential of 500 square metres of net lettable area.
The property earns $753,465 per year when fully leased.
The vendor bought the site in 2005 for $1.1 million and then built the centre in 2006.
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Caboolture shopping centre sells for $8 million

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The Indaily independent news group and the Adelaide Advertiser today speculated that ousted prime minister Julia Gillard has dropped $1.8 million on a home in the Brighton beachside suburb of her native Adelaide. 
It comes with four bedrooms and a 12-person spa.
Local estate agent Phil Harris was coy on whether he sold the house to Gillard, telling the Advertiser he was unable to speak.
The Indaily contacted Gillard's office yesterday but they declined to comment.
The Advertiser have tweeted their intriguing conversation with Harris.
"I've heard rumours but I can't talk about it," he told the Adelaide Advertiser's property editor Tom Bowden.
"I know she's looking around at some properties down there, absolutely.
"I do know she's seriously looking along the coastline, but specifically that property I can't say.
"Has she approached us? I won't make a comment on that."
The paper was told by the home's agent that a contract had been signed on the property but Gillard's name doesn't appear.
"I don't know where that information has come from but it's definitely not Julia Gillard who has purchased the property."
Maybe it's in her mum's name, they speculate.
Last month <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/julia-gillard-set-to-move-back-to-adelaide-but-not-leave-altona-imminently/2013071763394">Property Observer </a>noted the rumours that the former PM was heading back to Adelaide from her Melbourne base of Altona.
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Local papers tweet that Julia Gillard spends $1.8 million in hometown Adelaide

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Renowned vineyard South Burloo, home of the Trickey family’s Warrumbungle Wines, has been listed for sale.
Established in 1998 the organic 10 hectare vineyard, on a 200 hectare freehold in Coonabarabran NSW, is being auctioned by Ray White agent Chris Korff.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-viticulture-nsw-coonabarabran-7568051" target="_blank">The lifestyle property</a>, which looks over the Warrumbungle mountain rage, grows chambourcin, merlot, petit verdot and shiraz varieties.
It comes with a brick homestead, a swimming pool, a courtyard gazebo and a tennis court.
There is a bore, a large dam and large tank water storage. Other improvements include a cottage, a two level barn, a vehicle storage shed and cattle yards.
The vineyard is at an altitude of 600 metres, ensuring cold conditions for the grapes which are reportedly hand-picked at night.
The vineyard is managed by Gareth Trickey, a former real estate investor in Hong Kong, and his brother Cameron.
Korff says the property has had interest from Sydney and Melbourne buyers as well inquiry from neighbours. 
The property is being marketed as having potential as a bed and breakfast  as well as a function venue.  
Korff says prices are quite hard to gauge on properties like and have a large amount of price variation this but he expects it to sell for more than $500,000. 
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The 1998 Warrumbungle winery listed for sale

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La Belle and Welltree stations in the Northern Territory have been listed for sale after owner RM Williams Agricultural Holdings was placed into receivership in late July.
The stations, near Litchfield National Park, are being sold by receivers PPB Advisory through real estate agency Colliers.
PPB Advisory spokesman Greg Quinn said the company paid the price for diversifying its business too quickly.
"It's expanded too quickly and lost its way," he told ABC News in July.
"When you do that, trying to maintain that functionality and priorities of where your investors want to go becomes extremely difficult.
"This puts a spotlight on corporate agribusiness, how that might work in the future.
“In contrast, it also highlights how well the family-run business model is working: family farmers who are very passionate about what they do, know the business and have the skin in the game.”
The hasty listing is being sold through an expressions of interest campaign ending August 23.
The stations total 92,500 hectares and have a carrying capacity of 20,000 to 25,000 cattle.
They are 180 kilometres south south west of Darwin and 82 kilometres east of Batchelor.
The floodplain properties come with two sets of covered steel cattle yards, a homestead, an airstrip and a hangar.
The properties were bought in 2009 for a reported $72 million from controversial cattleman Peter Camm.
The Northern Territory News reported at the time the two stations were being bought to be used as carbon emission trade-offs for industrial projects.
Camm bought the properties in 2005 for a reported $13.5 million.
They have been used as a cattle agistment centre with previous cattle holdings being sold off some time ago.
According to PPB Advisory the stations are in good condition having being understocked for some time.
Its Queensland station Mirage Plains was also placed into receivership and was being marketed by Landmark Harcourts Sydney.
Its Inglewood Farms organic chicken business was also placed into receivership in early July.
 
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La Belle and Welltree Stations listed after receivership

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Rural real estate firm Landmark Harcourts will be embarking on a 10 day tour of mainland China and Hong Kong to encourage Chinese investors to buy rural Australian property.
The September tour will take chief executive Darren Cole and colleagues to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong to showcase a selection of around 40 properties in the Landmark Harcourts network.
Cole says the tour will let the firm market rural properties directly to Chinese buyers as they build in-roads into the Chinese market.
"We're really testing the market. If we had massive expectations of coming back and having all of the properties sold that would be completely unrealistic. We’re looking at trying to build relationships for the long term," Cole says.
“This is our chance to market the benefits of owning property in Australia by speaking and marketing directly to the prospective customer."
The list of properties is a wide selection of regional sites that Cole hopes will give an indication of where the interest lies for Chinese buyers.
The diverse list includes a cane farm, a lobster farm in South Australia, a gypsum mine in Central Northern Queensland and a motel from Echuca as well as a number of wineries.
There a number of properties over the $5 million mark which Cole will use to explore of the option of significant investor visa buyers.
"A broad cross section is what we’re trying to select and then we'll narrow down which are the most appropriate. We might get there and find there’s a more of  an apptiete for four bedroom double lockups in Wangaratta but that’s why we have the cross section," Cole says.
The group will hold information sessions supported by one-0n-one meetings with interested buyers, accompanied by translators.
They will attend meetings with bankers, corporate buyers, and goernment delegates and will also attend the Beijing Overseas Property and Investment Expo, expected to attract up to 40,000 visitors and possibly a property expo in Shanghai. 
The firm has had their e-magazine including property listings translated in Manadarin and distributed to one million suscribers across China.
Cole says China is an important emerging market in the rural property industry, one that he's keen to be involved in.
"We’ve transacted with many different internationals, including the Chinese. I’d hate to sway the perception that that’s our main international buyer. We have importantant American, English and Middle East buyers."
"So I’d hate to sway the market’s thinking that it’s all about China but it’s certainly an emerging economy. The middle class has an emerging need from an investment perspective. And a faster growing high net worth part of the market."
Cole says all the properties are available to Australian buyers and they are not exclusively marketing them to Chinese buyers.
 
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Landmark Harcourt rural to market properties direct to Chinese

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

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Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

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Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

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Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

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Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

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Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

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Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

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La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

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Alistair Walsh

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