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Buyers agent Melissa Opie says landlords should not have to offer incentives to rent their property unless they are trying to rent an off-the-plan apartment.
Landlords should be maintaining their property properly to keep it in demand by tenants who are getting increasingly fussy, Opie says.
“Ultimately they need to maintain their assets so they attract a higher quality tenant and that tenant will be prepared to pay a higher rental amount per week. If they don’t maintain they won’t maximise,” Opie says.
She says more and more investors, especially self-managed super fund investors want to buy 'set and forget' properties. Although the vacancy rate in Melbourne remains low purchasers like these are increasing the standard of homes tenants expect.
“As rents have risen, as they will continue to, tenants will go for the better quality property. They need a bit of a wow factor. Everybody has an ego and it doesn’t mean it has to be the Taj Mahal and have gold taps, it just needs to have been maintained so tenants can have a sense of pride.”
She recommends landlords complete regular cosmetic changes in their property to keep up with trends.
Opie also encourages people to build the cost of a gardener into the rent of a property. This means the property is maintained, increasing its value as a possible collateral for future purchases and it’s a cost that investors can claim on tax so they don’t have to charge tenants dollar for dollar.
Opie rebuked suggestions that landlords might offer gimmicks like shopping vouchers to prospective tenants, saying that with a decent property management agency they shouldn’t have to.
One of the few situations where landlords might have to use incentives to attract renters is when they are trying to rent a recently completed off-the-plan apartment.
Investors who bought off-the-plan often settle at the time and there could be as many as 70% of abodes in the same development hitting the rental market at the same time.
“That can be tough,” Opie says.
Options like one week’s free rent may entice renters in newer developments. Other options like a free pay TV subscription may help in certain demographics but it’s not something Opie says should be necessary.
Most of all she says the property needs to be marketed properly.
“You can’t sell a secret so they have be marketed correctly,” Opie says.
“It really needs good photographs and proper floor plans so tenants can visualise where they’re putting all their things.”
Image of Taj Mahal by Christian Haugen, courtesy of Flickr.
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awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Gimmicks unnecessary to rent Melbourne properties despite fussier tenants: Melissa Opie

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Moving into a new house can be stressful even for beloved pets.
For those who love to pamper their pets, perhaps to soothe their transition into a new house, we have found some of the best options for doggie doors that money can buy.
For those with industrial tastes or for those with a penchant for the French revolution, veterinary outfitters Therian can supply a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kennelsolutions.com.au">guillotine-style door</a> (pictured below). The industrial chic might appeal to dog-owners wanting to run their home like a zoo.
<img alt="dogsmay3one" height="492" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/05/dogsmay3one.jpg">
Those not quite ready to commit to cutting a hole in their wall or doors for their pooch can buy a door that slots into a sliding door (pictured below). Animalistic provide just such a <a href="https://www.temporarypetdoor.com.au/" target="_blank">solution</a> in a choice of seven colours.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/05/dogsmay3two.jpg" width="400" height="389" alt="dogsmay3two">
Or they can mount a pet-sensor on their sliding doors and have them slide open automatically when Fido starts pawing at the door.
<img alt="dogsmay3three" height="200" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/05/dogsmay3three.jpg">
There are other options for selective dog doors such as the electromagnetic offerings from Dog Mate.
<img alt="dogsmay3four" height="264" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/05/dogsmay3four.jpg">
While pet doors allow Spot in and out of the house, they can allow access to other dogs or fauna who aren’t quite so friendly. To stop this some pet doors now have microchip sensors in them to allow access to only Spot. Sureflap <a href="https://www.sureflap.com.au/products/details/17-microchip-pet-door" target="_blank">sells a door flap</a> which can recognise 32 different microchips.
People with glass windows need not worry as plenty of manufacturers offer glass solutions. Transcat offer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.luckypet.com.au/transcat-dog-and-cat-door-large">one solution</a> for smaller dogs like the hound-dog pictured. But many glaziers offer custom solutions to let Buster through the glass door.
<img alt="dogsmay3five" height="363" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/05/dogsmay3five.jpg">
But be careful. Dogs grow up faster than you might think and more importantly faster than they might think. Make sure you keep the door big enough or the following might happen:
<img alt="dogsmay3six" height="312" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/05/dogsmay3six.jpg">
<a target="_blank" href="https://i.imgur.com/p4eHP.jpg">Source: reddit.com</a>
<img alt="dogsmay3seven" height="445" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/05/dogsmay3seven.jpg"> 
<a target="_blank" href="https://i.imgur.com/jTEvI.jpg">Photo by TwentySeventh</a>
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Dog lovers show no bounds in latest dog flap gadgetry: six hi-tech dog flaps for your pooch

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Pet-friendly rental properties can command a higher rent for landlords, according to LJ Hooker.
A one bedroom property with an asking rent of $465 a week could only be worth $420 if listed as not pet-friendly.
LJ Hooker property manager Gabby Thomson says this can add $2,340 more in rent annually.
She says pet friendliness is also a great marketing headline to use when trying to find new tenants, either in houses or apartments.
Pet friendly rental properties are easily highlighted as there is a pet friendly tick box on both domain.com.au and realestate.com.au.
Pet-owning tenants also tend to stay longer.
“No-one wants to give away their pet,” Thomson says.
“And pet friendly landlords who recognise this will attract many more tenants, longer term ones and also enjoy a higher rental return.”
Some pet friendly properties available in Victoria include <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-richmond-410322323">78 Gardner Street Richmond</a>. It’s a four bedroom house marketed at $450 a week through Shanae Ratcliffe from Biggin &amp; Scott.
A four bedroom house at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-410235175">2 Cowper Street Brighton</a> is listed for rent at $600 per week through Simon Fung from R T Edgar.
A two bedroom terrace in Port Melbourne at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-port+melbourne-406930696">247 Princes Street</a> is listed at $685 per week by Divina Jamon from Ray White.
The one-bedroom <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-docklands-410316647">apartment 1152</a> at New Quay Promanade in Docklands is listed for rent at $470 per week.
Unit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Rent/Apartment-Unit-Flat/VIC/Fitzroy-North/?adid=8309822">13 at 4 Bik Lane in Fitzroy North</a> is listed for rent at $410 a week.
Unit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Rent/Apartment-Unit-Flat/VIC/Carnegie/?adid=8218726">1 at 11 Poplar Grove</a> is listed for rent at $440 a week.
And unit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Rent/Apartment-Unit-Flat/VIC/Docklands/?adid=8227168">1209 at 8 Marmion Place</a> in Docklands is listed for rent at $490 to $550 a week.
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Terriers and terraces: Melbourne pet friendly properties attracting dog loving renters

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Chinese buyers have returned to the Hunter Valley vineyard market after more than 18 months.
Fu Yip International Group, run by Chengye Xiao and Jiemei Xiao, last spent $1.7 million last month on Honeytree Estate, at Pokolbin.
It was marketed by Cain Beckett from Jurd’s Real Estate. Beckett has been the negotiating agent on many winery sales to Chinese investors since 2011.
<img alt="1" src="/images/stories/2013/05/honeytreemay2/1.jpg" width="470" height="250">
The 12.6 hectare property was sold by Robyn and Henk Strengers, from the Netherlands, who bought the property for $848,000 from Toronto businessman Kevin Leary in 1997.
Leary bought the property from a group of five Sydney families who used it as a weekend getaway.
The property has a two-bedroom and two-bathroom homestead, a cellar door, a separate guest cottage and views to the Brokenback Range.
<img alt="2" src="/images/stories/2013/05/honeytreemay2/2.jpg" width="470" height="281">
It was first planted in 1970 by the French born Sydney artist Maurice Schlesinger who planted one acre of Clairette. It now produces Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon and Clairette.
Henk, a former accountant, says the vineyard is one of the only Clairette producers in the region. The region is better known for its Shiraz and Semillion.
The vineyard reportedly takes its name from a honey tree which once grew on the property and was a landmark in the area.
The Strengers bought the property for a lifestyle change but at the time said the decision was also an investment one.
"We wanted to invest in something that was going to show a return ... that was quite important," Robyn told Fairfax in 1997.
Beckett says every winery sale over $1.5 million in the Hunter region over the last few years has been to Chinese buyers.
Most inquiries in the vineyard market come from buyers looking to buy for immigration purposes with strong looming potential from significant investor visa applicants.
Beckett says a lot tend to go to Chinese buyers with wine interests back in China, be they distributers, hotel owners or wine producers.
After a surge of Chinese buyers in 2011, the number of sales dropped off in 2012 with buyers having difficulty getting funds out of China. But Beckett says this problem seems to have passed with sales starting back up again.
Beckett says there are another five sales currently in negotiation with multiple bidders on many of them.
 
<img alt="8" src="/images/stories/2013/05/honeytreemay2/8.jpg" width="470" height="294">
Beckett says Chinese buyers of vineyards tend to run them as successful Australian businesses.
“The majority of purchasers try and operate a successful Australian business that has an export arm. The export arm is obviously the strongest but they see a strong need to operate a successful business here that operate as a show piece,” Beckett says.
“They have their investors come here and their friends and business partners come out and see the property. But there are others that have completely closed sales channels are.”
Fu Yip International Group will run the estate in conjuction with Australian wine company Molly’s Cradle.
In August 2011 the Capercaillie vineyard sold to buyers from China. It had been listed at $1.89 million by Alan Jurd and Cain Beckett from Jurd’s Real Estate.
And in September 2011 the Golden Grape Estate winery sold for $2.8 million to businessman Genghua Lin.
And in July 2011 a Chinese investor spent about $2.7 million on Windsor’s Edge.
And in August 2011 Brycefield estate sold for $2.8 million.
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Chinese winery investors return to Hunter Valley after 18-month hiatus

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The number of personal bankruptcies in Victoria fell 6.6% from 2010-11 to 2011-12, according to new data from the federal government’s Insolvency and Trustee Service Australia.
ITSA’s personal insolvency activity by postcode report found the number of bankruptcies in Greater Melbourne fell 4.3% from 3,165 to 3,029 while the rest of Victoria fell 11.4%, from 1,472 to 1,304.
Despite the overall downwards trend, many postcodes increased the number of bankruptcies over the period.
Cranbourne and surrounding suburbs still top the list suburbs with the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/cranbourne-tops-victorian-bankruptcies-in-last-financial-year/2013050160900?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news" target="_blank">most number of personal bankruptcies</a> after increasing 10.2% to 108 bankruptcies.
Frankston and Karingal still come in second despite dropping 3.4% to 84 bankruptcies.
Ballarat and surrounding suburbs have replaced Hoppers Crossing to take in third place. Ballarat and surrounding suburbs had 60 bankruptcies over the period, up 13.2%.
The list was first published last year.
Inspector-General in bankruptcy, Veronique Ingram, says the information facilitates informed decision making.
“We received an overwhelmingly positive response on the usefulness of this information, so we will produce this publication annually. We have listened to the community and enhanced the publication this year,” Ingram says.
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<colgroup>
<col width="64">
<col>
<col width="509">
<col>
<col span="2" width="64">
<col>
<col width="67">
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="5" width="768" height="20">Bankruptcies (Parts IV and XI)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20">Postcode</td>
<td>Suburbs/localities</td>
<td>2011-2012</td>
<td>2010-2011</td>
<td>% Change</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3977</a></td>
<td>
Cannons Creek/Cranbourne/Devon Meadows
/Junction Village/Sandhurst/Skye
</td>
<td>108</td>
<td>98</td>
<td>10.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3199</a></td>
<td>Frankston/Karingal</td>
<td>84</td>
<td>87</td>
<td>-3.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="61"><a href="/news">3350</a></td>
<td width="509">
Alfredton/Bakery Hill/Ballarat/Black Hill/Brown Hill/Canadian/Eureka/Golden Point/Invermay Park/Lake Wendouree/Mount Clear/Mount Helen/
Mount Pleasant/Nerrina/Newington/Redan/Soldiers Hill/Sovereign Hill
</td>
<td>60</td>
<td>53</td>
<td>13.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3690</a></td>
<td>Wodonga</td>
<td>58</td>
<td>50</td>
<td>16.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3175</a></td>
<td>Bangholme/Dandenong/Dunearn</td>
<td>55</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>31.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3500</a></td>
<td>Mildura/Paringi</td>
<td>55</td>
<td>52</td>
<td>5.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3810</a></td>
<td>Pakenham/Rythdale</td>
<td>53</td>
<td>51</td>
<td>3.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3029</a></td>
<td>Hoppers Crossing/Tarneit/Truganina</td>
<td>51</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>-23.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3630</a></td>
<td>
Branditt/Caniambo/Colliver/Dunkirk/
Shepparton
</td>
<td>51</td>
<td>45</td>
<td>13.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3805</a></td>
<td>Fountain Gate/Narre Warren</td>
<td>47</td>
<td>56</td>
<td>-16.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3337</a></td>
<td>Kurunjang/Melton/Toolern Vale</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3030</a></td>
<td>Cocoroc/Derrimut/Point Cook/Quandong/Werribee</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>57</td>
<td>-26.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3550</a></td>
<td>Bendigo/Diamond Hill/Flora Hill/Ironbark/Kennington/Long Gully/Quarry Hill/Sandhurst East/Spring Gully/Strathdale/Tysons Reef/White Hills</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>-2.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3806</a></td>
<td>Berwick/Harkaway</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>48</td>
<td>-12.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3023</a></td>
<td>Burnside/Cairnlea/Caroline Springs/Deer Park/Ravenhall</td>
<td>41</td>
<td>36</td>
<td>13.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3136</a></td>
<td>Croydon</td>
<td>41</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>-2.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3037</a></td>
<td>Delahey/Hillside/Sydenham/Taylors Hill</td>
<td>39</td>
<td>36</td>
<td>8.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3073</a></td>
<td>Keon Park/Reservoir</td>
<td>37</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>-14.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3064</a></td>
<td>
Craigieburn/Donnybrook/Kalkallo/Mickleham/
Roxburgh Park
</td>
<td>36</td>
<td>53</td>
<td>-32.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"><a href="/news">3201</a></td>
<td>Carrum Downs</td>
<td>36</td>
<td>36</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 
 
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Victorian bankruptcies down 6.6% with Cranbourne harbouring the most bankrupts

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The highest earning postcodes in Queensland are dominated  by coal mining towns and affluent Brisbane suburbs. 
A Property Observer review of the Australian Tax Office's taxation statistics report has revealed the ten Queensland postcodes with the highest mean income.
Half of the postcodes featured on the list are towns servicing coal and coal-seam gas mining areas. The rest are wealthy Brisbane suburbs and the postcode covering Royal Brisbane Hospital.
 
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" style="width: 470px;">
<colgroup>
<col width="64">
<col width="262">
<col width="64">
<col width="145">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td width="64" height="20"></td>
<td width="262">Suburbs/Localities</td>
<td width="64">Postcode</td>
<td width="145">Mean taxable income ($)</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">1</td>
<td>Ascot/Hamilton/Hamilton Central</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="/news">4007</a></td>
<td align="right">92,662</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">2</td>
<td>Tieri</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="/news">4709</a></td>
<td align="right">86,941</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">3</td>
<td>Muckadilla</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="/news">4461</a></td>
<td align="right">85,618</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">4</td>
<td>Royal Brisbane Hospital</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="/news">4029</a></td>
<td align="right">81,367</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">5</td>
<td>Moranbah</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="/news">4744</a></td>
<td align="right">79,500</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">6</td>
<td>Chandler</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="/news">4155</a></td>
<td align="right">78,385</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">7</td>
<td>Bardon</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="/news">4065</a></td>
<td align="right">78,283</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">8</td>
<td>Glenden/Suttor</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="/news">4743</a></td>
<td align="right">77,255</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">9</td>
<td>Balmoral/Bulimba/Hawthorne</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="/news">4171</a></td>
<td align="right">76,921</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">10</td>
<td>Dysart</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="/news">4745</a></td>
<td align="right">76,508</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</body></html>

Hamilton tops Queensland's highest earning postcodes with list dominated by coal mining towns

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WA's lowest earning postcodes are almost all within 250 kilometres inland from Perth, according to a Property Observer review of the Australian Tax Office's taxation statistics report 2010-2011.
We reveal the 10 post codes in WA with the lowest median income.
 
<table style="width: 470px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="64">
<col width="456">
<col width="64">
<col width="145">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" width="64"></td>
<td width="456">Suburbs/Localities</td>
<td width="64">Postcode</td>
<td width="145">Mean taxable income ($)</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="right">1</td>
<td>Pantapin</td>
<td><a href="/news">6384</a></td>
<td align="right">7,679</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="right">2</td>
<td>Maya</td>
<td><a href="/news">6614</a></td>
<td align="right">10,956</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="right">3</td>
<td>Kulja</td>
<td><a href="/news">6470</a></td>
<td align="right">12,084</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="right">4</td>
<td>Karlgarin</td>
<td><a href="/news">6358</a></td>
<td align="right">22,748</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="right">5</td>
<td>Duranillin/Moodiarrup</td>
<td><a href="/news">6393</a></td>
<td align="right">26,266</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="right">6</td>
<td>Buraminya/Cape Arid/Israelite Bay</td>
<td><a href="/news">6452</a></td>
<td align="right">27,645</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="right">7</td>
<td>Cundeelee/Forrest/Parkeston/Rawlinna/Zanthus</td>
<td><a href="/news">6434</a></td>
<td align="right">27,671</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="right">8</td>
<td>Hines Hill</td>
<td><a href="/news">6413</a></td>
<td align="right">28,933</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="right">9</td>
<td>Kukerin/Merilup/North Kukerin/South Kukerin</td>
<td><a href="/news">6352</a></td>
<td align="right">29,404</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="right">10</td>
<td>Canna</td>
<td><a href="/news">6627</a></td>
<td align="right">30,105</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</body></html>

Pantapin tops WA's lowest earning postcodes with most clustered inland from Perth

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The lowest earning postcodes in Queensland are dominated by small inland towns towards the south of the state.
A Property Observer review of the Australian Tax Office's taxation statistics report has revealed the 10 lowest earning suburbs in Queensland.
<table style="width: 470px;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="64">
<col width="332">
<col width="64">
<col width="145">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td width="64" height="20"></td>
<td width="332">
Suburbs/Localities
</td>
<td width="64">Postcode</td>
<td width="145">Mean taxable income ($)</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">1</td>
<td>Limevale</td>
<td><a href="/news">4384</a></td>
<td align="right">11,377</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">2</td>
<td>Claverton/Nardoo Siding</td>
<td><a href="/news">4471</a></td>
<td align="right">17,693</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">3</td>
<td>Cooladdi</td>
<td><a href="/news">4479</a></td>
<td align="right">18,494</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">4</td>
<td>Marshlands/Mondure</td>
<td><a href="/news">4611</a></td>
<td align="right">21,424</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">5</td>
<td>Jackson/Jackson North/Jackson South</td>
<td><a href="/news">4426</a></td>
<td align="right">23,595</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">6</td>
<td>Mungallala/Redford/Tyrconnel</td>
<td><a href="/news">4467</a></td>
<td align="right">24,033</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">7</td>
<td>Guluguba</td>
<td><a href="/news">4418</a></td>
<td align="right">24,171</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">8</td>
<td>Drillham/Drillham South/Glenaubyn</td>
<td><a href="/news">4424</a></td>
<td align="right">24,473</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">9</td>
<td>Glenmorgan/Teelba</td>
<td><a href="/news">4423</a></td>
<td align="right">24,494</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">10</td>
<td>Hivesville/Kawl Kawl/Keysland/Stonelands/Wigton</td>
<td><a href="/news">4612</a></td>
<td align="right">25,013</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</body></html>

Limevale tops lowest earning postcodes in Queensland with list dominated by inland rural towns

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Affluent Perth suburbs topped the list of the highest earning Perth postcodes, according to a Property Observer review of the Australian Tax Office's taxation statistics report.
The top ten highest earning suburbs is topped by Peppermint Grove and Cottosloe but a few rural mining towns made it onto the list.
 
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" style="width: 470px;">
<colgroup>
<col width="64">
<col width="456">
<col width="64">
<col width="145">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td width="64" height="20"></td>
<td width="456">Suburbs/Localities</td>
<td width="64">Postcode</td>
<td width="145">Mean taxable income ($)</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">1</td>
<td>Cottesloe/Peppermint Grove</td>
<td align="right"><a target="_blank" href="/news">6011</a></td>
<td align="right">128,252</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">2</td>
<td>Mosman Park</td>
<td align="right"><a target="_blank" href="/news">6012</a></td>
<td align="right">117,397</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">3</td>
<td>Broadway Nedlands/Crawley/Dalkeith/Nedlands</td>
<td align="right"><a target="_blank" href="/news">6009</a></td>
<td align="right">116,819</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">4</td>
<td>City Beach</td>
<td align="right"><a target="_blank" href="/news">6015</a></td>
<td align="right">114,873</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">5</td>
<td>Manmanning</td>
<td align="right"><a target="_blank" href="/news">6465</a></td>
<td align="right">114,191</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">6</td>
<td>Claremont/Claremont North/Karrakatta/Mount Claremont/Swanbourne</td>
<td align="right"><a target="_blank" href="/news">6010</a></td>
<td align="right">98,694</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">7</td>
<td>Pindar</td>
<td align="right"><a target="_blank" href="/news">6631</a></td>
<td align="right">97,342</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">8</td>
<td>Dampier</td>
<td align="right"><a target="_blank" href="/news">6713</a></td>
<td align="right">91,051</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">9</td>
<td>Buntine</td>
<td align="right"><a target="_blank" href="/news">6613</a></td>
<td align="right">87,553</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">10</td>
<td>Daglish/Shenton Park/Subiaco/Subiaco East</td>
<td align="right"><a target="_blank" href="/news">6008</a></td>
<td align="right">85,994</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</body></html>

At $120,000-plus, Peppermint Grove and Cottosloe top highest earning WA postcodes

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New home sales have bounced back in March after a strong decline in February, according to the Housing Industry Association.
The HIA New Home Sales report shows a 4.2% increase in seasonally adjusted new home sales in March bringing sales figures back to what they were 12 months ago.
<img alt="hiamay1one" height="292" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/hiamay1one.jpg">
There was a strong decline in new home sales in February – a 4% decline for new detached house sales and an 11% decline for sales of multi-units. They both increased by 3.9% and 5.6% respectively.
“A bounce back in March after a disappointing result for February is a good result to see," says HIA Chief Economist, Harley Dale. "It was important we saw a rise, even one that didn't completely eradicate the February decline."
“However, the overall trend of recovery since November last year means sales volumes are now at low rather than record low levels.”
During March detached house sales increased by 16.3% in New South Wales, 7.3% in Victoria, 3.2% in Queensland, and 5.7% in South Australia.
Detached house sales fell by 5.6% in Western Australia following three consecutive rises.
Dale used the results to call for economic reform by the federal government to boost new housing supply.
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New home sales increase in March after a drop in February

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

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Alistair Walsh

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