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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.
</body></html>

New home sales increase in March after a drop in February

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

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>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

Alistair Walsh

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