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Logan Central is the Brisbane suburb with the greatest yields for units, according to RP Data figures.
With a median price of $150,000 and a median rent of $250, units in the suburb hav a median gross rental yield of 8.7%.
According to the 2011 census the suburb has a population of 6,172 up from 5,592 in 2006. The census shows 26.5% of <a target="_blank" href="/news">Logan Central</a>’s 2,308 dwellings are flats, units or apartments.
Logan Central is the central business district of Logan City, 20 kilometres south of the Brisbane CBD.
A search of real estate listings reveal no apartments priced below $165,000.
The cheapest unit currently available is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-qld-logan+central-111044487">3/10 Blackwood Road</a> with a negotiable asking price of $165,000. The two-bedroom townhouse is in a complex of six properties.
It comes with a second toilet and a single car park.
The property is being marketed by Meryl Woods from Run Property Springwood, who says it could earn $230 per week. If it sells for $165,000 this would give a gross yield of 7.25%.
It last sold for $105,000 in 2004.
According to RP Data median unit prices have dropped 42.7% over the last year. In September, REIQ figures showed prices had dropped 15% over the quarter but were up 10.9% for the year.
Local agents say the price fluctuations have been due in part to new developments in the area, but prices are down.
In September, local agent John Ahern from John Ahern Real Estate Slacks Creek told Property Observer prices were actually down around 15% for the year.
“The peak of the market was in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and then prices started trending slightly downwards during 2010, and by 2011 and 2012 prices tended to drop a little further,” Ahern says.
“They’ve dropped about 15% from their peak over the last 18 months or so.”
Agent Marian Grimsey from Professionals Logan Lifestyles Browns Plains and Marsden told Property Observer prices are desperately down from two years ago.
Apartment <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-logan+central-110123581" target="_blank">7 at 28 Defiance Road</a> is on the market looking for offers over $175,000. It’s being sold by Ioan Vancia also from Run Property, who says the unit is leased at $225 per week and could earn $260 per week plus. This would put the yield at around 7.7%.
It hasn’t sold since 1989, when it traded for $60,000. It was last on the market in 2009 listed at $199,000, discounted from $212,000.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-logan+central-111810583">Unit 4 at 13 Blackwood Road</a> is listed at $179,000 through Tracey Child from All Properties Group. It’s currently rented at $250 per week giving a gross yield of 7.3%.
It last traded for $140,000 in 2005. It was last on the market every year since then with an asking price of $220,000 in 2010.
The Brisbane suburb with the next highest yields for units was Brookwater at 8.4% and Goodna at 8.2%.
 
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<tr height="20">
<td width="107" height="20">Suburb</td>
<td width="64">Postcode</td>
<td width="93">Median Price</td>
<td width="102">Median Rent</td>
<td width="38">Yield</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Logan Central</a></td>
<td align="right">4114</td>
<td align="right">150000</td>
<td align="right">250</td>
<td align="right">8.7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Brookwater</a></td>
<td align="right">4300</td>
<td align="right">330000</td>
<td align="right">530</td>
<td align="right">8.4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Goodna</a></td>
<td align="right">4300</td>
<td align="right">175000</td>
<td align="right">275</td>
<td align="right">8.2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Woodridge</a></td>
<td align="right">4114</td>
<td align="right">180000</td>
<td align="right">250</td>
<td align="right">7.2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Waterford West</a></td>
<td align="right">4133</td>
<td align="right">191500</td>
<td align="right">260</td>
<td align="right">7.1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Slacks Creek</a></td>
<td align="right">4127</td>
<td align="right">200000</td>
<td align="right">270</td>
<td align="right">7.0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Brisbane City</a></td>
<td align="right">4000</td>
<td align="right">460000</td>
<td align="right">620</td>
<td align="right">7.0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Kuraby</a></td>
<td align="right">4112</td>
<td align="right">285000</td>
<td align="right">370</td>
<td align="right">6.8</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Spring Hill</a></td>
<td align="right">4000</td>
<td align="right">365000</td>
<td align="right">472.5</td>
<td align="right">6.7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Bellara</a></td>
<td align="right">4507</td>
<td align="right">214500</td>
<td align="right">277.5</td>
<td align="right">6.7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Logan Central tops list of Brisbane suburbs with top unit yields

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Queensland has simultaneously reached both the bottom and the top of the property market, according to managing director of National Property Research, Matthew Gross.

His two-way bet stems from his view of the two-speed economy in Queensland.
“Many of Queensland’s regional centres have experienced demand at record levels, most fuelled by investors that have chased the next big thing. Some will have done very well, many may be okay but unfortunately, those late to the scene are probably doing the equivalent of sticking their fingers in a dyke trying to stop the flow of leak,” Gross says in his latest newsletter.
“South-east Queensland, on the other hand, has had some of the most diabolical trading conditions in memory. Now this is where I stick my neck out… I believe the worst may well be behind us. This doesn’t mean that the recovery is going to be quick or uniform. It will be like dropping a stone in a bucket and watching the ripples move out.”
The improvement is partly being driven by increasing levels of migration, Gross says, but also by limited building approvals.
“Whilst this is not good for the construction industry in the short term, it is setting up the preconditions for a shortfall in the residential sector. Rental pressure remains firm in many locations, this is likely to increase over the next couple of years,” Gross says.
The bankruptcy rate has dropped to pre-2005 conditions, and the Reserve Bank is in a stimulatory frame of mind, with a possible extra 50 basis points in cuts to come, Gross says.
He says that the conditions for recovery are there, but not every region will experience the return.
“Areas like the western corridor that have significant supply are likely to experience a more modest improvement in the next two years, though the rail and improved amenity continue to make this a region with sound prospects into the future,” Gross says.
“The inner suburbs of Brisbane are experiencing higher demand. The Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast are starting to pick up, but this is often on the back of mortgagee sales which have set back new projects at least two years. As this stock is finally absorbed into the market, developers will again start to build again”
National Property Research is a Brisbane-based research firm established in 1999. Gross is a former state research manager for Stockland.
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The best of times and the worst of times simultaneously for Queensland property market

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A 1930s early Canberra residence that was recently renovated has sold for $1.45 million at its weekend auction.

It was built to a 1926 prototype, the most expensive of five housing styles that were permitted by the agency set up to build Canberra.

The Federal Capital Commission was set up to further construct Canberra from 1925 and prepare it for the arrival of civil servants. The FCC took over from the Federal Capital Advisory Committee, which took over from Walter Burley Griffin. The FCC was disbanded in 1930 with the onset of the Great Depression.
The <a href="https://www.luton.com.au/index.cfm?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=2175549&amp;realestate=17_Hann_Street_GRIFFITH_ACT_2603" target="_blank">Hann Street, Griffith, property</a> was originally built at a cost of £2000 and had been expected between $1.3 to $1.5 million.
The FCC had 26 approved house designs. Some, like the type 13 on Hann Street, were rarely built.
The two-storey house was built in 1938 with a sleep-out, a contemporary kitchen, large living room and front and back verandas.

The façade of the building revealed the trappings of a senior public servant lifestyle with its Dutch-gable roof line, overhanging eaves and stylish window treatments.

The property was sold by Luton Property agent Richard Keeley, REIA residential sales person of the year 2012.

Vendor Mark Stevens bought the property in 2002 for $720,000. Prior to that it traded for $410,000 in 1996 and $467,000 in 1993.

In 2008, Stevens unsuccessfully tried to sell the property for $1.66 million despite it being on the market for 288 days. Stevens had another crack at selling in 2011 with an initial asking price of $1.7 million.

Stevens bought the property in a run-down condition and has renovated over the last decade.

He bought the property from the New Zealand government.

The property sold to a family hoping to owner occupy.

Canberra was established in 1913 and built over various stages of central planning over the next century with an eight-year hiatus during the Great Depression.

Canberra celebrates its 100th anniversary next year.
The following pictures on page 2 show most of the 26 house designs produced by FCC architects.
 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=4029313&amp;SE=1">Type 1</a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type1.jpg">
 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=4029316&amp;SE=1">Type 2 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type2.jpg">
 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3102033&amp;SE=1">Type 3 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type3.jpg">
 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=4029303&amp;SE=1">Type 4</a> 

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type4.jpg">
 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3131038&amp;SE=1">Type 5</a> 


<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type5.jpg">
 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=1964878&amp;SE=1">Type 7</a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type7.jpg">
 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.images.act.gov.au/duslibrary/imagesact.nsf/V01/9E9CF4A9B767CB104A256EA9001CEE1C?OpenDocument">Type 8</a> 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type8.jpg">
 
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<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=4029254&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 9</a> 

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type9.jpg">
 
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<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=4029311&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 10 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type10.jpg">
 
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<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=1964737&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 11 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type11.jpg">
 
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<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=1975298&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 15 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type15.jpg">
 
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<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=4029253&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 19 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type19.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3131036&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 20</a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type20.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3103044&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 21 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type21.jpg">
 
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<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3130900&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 22</a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type22.jpg">
 
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<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3130739&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 23 </a>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type24.jpg">
 
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<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3130901&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 24</a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type24.jpg">
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<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3098073&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 25 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type24.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3099939&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 26 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type26.jpg">
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A 1920s Canberra prototype home sells for $1.45 million

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A 1905-built St Kilda terrace with a rooftop garden deck has sold for nearly $1 million above its reserve price. 
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/Public/PropertyDetails.aspx?adid=2010010800" target="_blank">Gorphwysfa</a>, the 21 Mary Street property, sold for $3.3 million at its super Saturday auction, well above its reserve of $2.5 million. 

It was sold by Buxton agents Karl Gillon and Ranko Cvjeticanin.

The Edwardian terrace on 253 square metres had been in the same family for 30 years before selling.

The four-bedroom <a target="_blank" href="/news">St Kilda</a> home has coffered ceilings, a marble master bathroom, four bathrooms, an internal atrium garden and a glass wet bar.

Cvjeticanin  was pleased with the result.

“This was a pleasant surprise and just another example of how prices continue to exceed expectations,” Cvjeticanin  says.
But <a target="_blank" href="https://www.12crimeastreetstkilda.com/home">an 1880-built St Kilda terrace</a> (pictured below) listed by Leon Piterman, the vice-chancellor of Monash university and his consultant wife, Hannah, didn't get to weekend auction.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/crimeast1.jpg">
Enniscorthy, the 611-square-metre two-storey property had been expected to sell for more than $2.5 million at its October 27 auction before it was postponed to November 17th.

It comes with a broad tessellated tiled veranda, an imposing double arched entrance hall, 4.2-metre ceilings, Baltic pine floors and a Tuscan-inspired garden.


Marketing for the property describes it as one of the area's most admired homes, featuring hydronic and under-floor heating, an alarm system, a basement wine cellar, intercom, laundry, auto-gates and off-street parking for four cars.

Buyers' agent Guy Angwin from Mal James Buyers Advocates says the property is a classic but has some floorplan issues.

“This property has been updated over time, and whilst it is not a recent renovation it does provide some floorplan flexibility,” Angwin writes in his summary of the property.

“This is a significant property with good land content, and while it has some floorplan issues, with the right renovations it could become a fine large family home.”

It was last listed for sale in 1997.

It comes with five bedrooms, two bathrooms and four car spaces.

The house is surrounded by the Tuscan-style gardens, which give the property a second street frontage on Marlton Crescent.

The hall, sitting room, dining room and study all feature marble fireplaces.

Stone floors lead through to the kitchen living and dining areas.

It is being sold by Simon Gowling from Damian O'Sullivan.

Leon Piterman was given Queen's birthday honours in 2006 for service to family medicine through distance education for doctors in remote areas, to research and student training, and to international medical education.

The property mentioned in The Argus in 1956 going up for lease £4/16/9.

The property is being marketed with its own website.

 


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Hit and miss with prestige St Kilda terrace offerings

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The number of economists expecting a cash rate cut to 3% at the Reserve Bank’s November 6 meeting has dropped in recent weeks.
This week, 21 out of 28 surveyed economists expect the rate cut, according to the Bloomberg survey.
Swaps traders are now pricing in a 55% chance of a cut on November 6.
Last week 23 out of 27 economists  expected it to drop with swaps traders then pricing in a 79% chance of a cut and the week prior it was 21 out of 26 economists with swaps traders then pricing in an 80% chance of a cut.
Almost all economists polled, 25 out of 28, expect the rate to be 3% after the December 4 decision.
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Fewer economists expecting a November Cup Day RBA rate cut: Bloomberg

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The receivership of developer Juniper Group's iconic Soul development is set to trigger a revision of prestige apartment prices in the Gold Coast.
The $17,000-plus per square metre typically sought for apartments in Soul is now likely to drop towards pricing in other unsold new high prestige developments in the Gold Coast.
The latest Midwood report noted the 77-storey Soul development was the priciest of the three ultra-high rise developments.
Of a total 288 units in the building, Midwood listed 92 remaining unsold while noting the developer was not officially participating in the survey.
The priciest apartments in Soul were the three-bedroom two-bathroom configurations, which were selling for $19,321 per square metre.
The cheapest were the two-bedroom, two-bathroom configurations, which were selling for $16,592 per square metre.
This is compared with the Oracle development, where prices range from $7,970 per square metre to $12,121 per square metre and the Hilton development, where prices ranged from $13,299 per square metre to $14,645.
The Midwood found sales for high-rise apartments in the Gold Coast totalled 54 for the August quarter, “excluding Soul and Hilton, each of which refuse to report sales because they are embarrassingly low”.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/trouble-in-surfers-paradise-as-unsold-and-unsettled-soul-in-receivership/2012102557436">The development has been placed in the hands of receivers at PricewaterhouseCoopers on Thursday</a>.
“The challenges facing the real estate market in the Gold Coast area are well known and have been impacting the major developers in the area for some time," receiver Michael Fung noted.
"These challenges, together with the slower than expected completion and delays in settlements on pre-sold stock, meant that the receivership of this world-class development was unsurprising,” says Fung.
Juniper Group had enlisted legal support from Norton Rose to pursue buyers who had been unable or unwilling to settle after committing to buy apartments.
“Many of the apartments have been pre-sold, and we will be working through the settlement process to deliver those apartments to purchasers,” Fung says.
Real Estate Institute of Queensland spokesman John Newlands told The ABC the economy had taken a turn for the worse shortly after construction on the tower began.
"The original purchase price of the land was when the market was at its height and obviously construction and labour costs were at their peak," he said.
"To put a product like that into the marketplace, it can come at a considerable cost.
"But the marketplace is saying something different now and unfortunately they're not able to achieve the prices they were previously sold for."
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Receivership of Gold Coast Soul development likely to trigger price revision

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Perth house prices have had the strongest gains over the last year and quarter.
And only Hobart was stronger during September among Australian capital cities.
Perth house prices have grown 6.63% over the year ending September, 6.7% over the last quarter and 2.44% over the last month, according to Residex data.
Hobart had gains of 3.62% over the last month.
The median price in Perth is now $498,000, with an average growth of 9.02% per year over the last 10 years.
Its average price growth is beaten only by Darwin where house prices have grown an average of 10.01% per year over the last 10 years.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/afford3.jpg">
There were 24,707 house sales in Perth last year, up 13.41% from the previous year.
House rents in the city are up 21.52% for the year to $480 per week. The increase is double anywhere else in the country.
For units the trend is similar, with Perth showing the greatest price growth over the last year (12.73%), quarter (2.23%) and month (2.21%) for any capital city. Unit prices have grown 9.29% per year over the last 10 years, beaten by 10.75% in Darwin.
The median unit price in Perth is now $430,000.
Unit rents are up 20.83% for the year to $435 per week. The next highest increase was 20% in Sydney, where unit rents are now $540 per week.
There were 11,808 unit sales in Perth over the last year, up 15.81% over the previous year.
Across Australia house prices are up 0.94% for the month and unit prices are unchanged.
Over the last month house prices fell in Darwin, Adelaide and Brisbane. Unit prices fell in every state capital except Sydney and Perth.
Sydney is still by far the most expensive place to buy a house or apartment. The median house price is $668,500, more than $100,000 more expensive than Melbourne, the next highest. Sydney unit prices are $498,000, more than $60,000 more than Melbourne.
Residex says its latest figures are good for home owners, putting the Reserve Bank in good stead for another rate cut.
“The potential rate cut comes on the back of an improving housing market Australia wide, and additional rate cuts should help ensure the market remains stable and leaves adjustment phases recently seen in many markets behind,” Residex chief John Edwards says.
Edwards says some people may see the conditions as the possible makings of a housing bubble but he says that is not the case.
“Affordability is still not terrific in the major capital cities, even with the interest rate reduction… The unit market is affordable, the house and land market in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Darwin are unaffordable, and some of the others are marginally affordable.”
He says consumer confidence is low and the unemployment rate is likely to rise which will be countered by increased building projects.
“Overall, if there is a housing bubble risk, the markets to watch are unit markets, in particular those where there is currently a stock shortage. In essence, the main risk is Perth and to a lesser extent, Brisbane.”
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Perth property experiences strongest gains in country: Residex

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Warracknabeal in the Wimmera is Victoria’s most affordable suburb despite mooted plans for a giant topless statue of musician Nick Cave.
The median house price in the wheatbelt town is just $105,864, with 54 properties sold in the last 12 months, according to RP Data.
The town, the birthplace of Nick Cave, is nearly 300 kilometres north west of Melbourne.
According to the 2011 census the town has a population of 2,745, with 1,349 dwellings. This is up from 2,625 as indicated by the 2006 census.
Previous RP Data figures suggest the town has a median rent of $160 per week for houses. Median prices fell 8.8% last year.
Nick Cave has long harboured plans of building a giant golden statue of his likeness bare-chested on a rearing stallion. The plans have been discussed since at least 2001, but he says recent economic conditions might make constructing a giant gold statue of himself in the middle of the town seem in bad taste.
Cave is the legendary frontman  of Grinderman, The Bad Seeds and The Birthday Party.
Perhaps investors should buy now and wait for prices to no doubt skyrocket after Cave finally realises his plans.
A search on online real estate listing portals reveals more than 50 options.
A property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-warracknabeal-107575231">32 Gardiner Street</a> is listed for sale at $125,000, though a quick check reveals it has been on the market since August last year. It was originally listed at $137,000 before gradually dropping down. Prior to this it was listed for most of 2009 at $120,000 before being reduced to $115,000.
The three-bedroom property sits on 590 square metres and is listed through Rob Lehmann from North West Real Estate. It was listed for rent at $150 per week in January this year, giving a gross yield of around 6.25%.
The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-warracknabeal-111218187">111A Jamouneau Street</a> has a similar history. It’s a three-bedroom house on 1,000 square metres listed at $120,000. It was on the market for most of 2011 at $129,500 and was relisted in August this year for $120,000 through John Hadley, again from North West Real Estate.
And<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-warracknabeal-107497689"> 6 Kelsall Street</a> has been listed at $99,500 through Gerry Smith First National. Marketing for the cottage suggests the property could rent at $145 per week, giving a gross yield of around 7.5%. The 1930-built property has been on the market for 475 days.
Nearby Dimboola is the second most affordable suburb in Victoria, with a median house price of $107,470.
Coleraine in the Southern Grampians is the third most affordable suburb with a median house price of $117,263.
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<td width="63" height="53">National Rank</td>
<td width="122">Suburb</td>
<td width="86">Median Value</td>
<td width="87">Number sold (12 months)</td>
<td width="69">Distance from GPO</td>
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<td align="right" height="20">3</td>
<td><a href="/news">WARRACKNABEAL</a></td>
<td align="right">$105,864</td>
<td align="right">54</td>
<td align="right">286.7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">4</td>
<td><a href="/news">DIMBOOLA</a></td>
<td align="right">$107,470</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
<td align="right">301.4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">6</td>
<td><a href="/news">COLERAINE</a></td>
<td align="right">$117,263</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
<td align="right">289.4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">10</td>
<td><a href="/news">CASTERTON</a></td>
<td align="right">$123,359</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
<td align="right">315.7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">11</td>
<td><a href="/news">NHILL</a></td>
<td align="right">$125,876</td>
<td align="right">39</td>
<td align="right">337.3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">19</td>
<td><a href="/news">ST ARNAUD</a></td>
<td align="right">$145,827</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
<td align="right">201.7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">23</td>
<td><a href="/news">MERBEIN</a></td>
<td align="right">$152,548</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
<td align="right">469.8</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">25</td>
<td><a href="/news">MORWELL</a></td>
<td align="right">$153,087</td>
<td align="right">205</td>
<td align="right">134.9</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">27</td>
<td><a href="/news">TONGALA</a></td>
<td align="right">$157,724</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td align="right">173.6</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">28</td>
<td><a href="/news">RED CLIFFS</a></td>
<td align="right">$157,819</td>
<td align="right">69</td>
<td align="right">462.2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">37</td>
<td><a href="/news">COHUNA</a></td>
<td align="right">$165,281</td>
<td align="right">37</td>
<td align="right">232.3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">45</td>
<td><a href="/news">STAWELL</a></td>
<td align="right">$169,912</td>
<td align="right">83</td>
<td align="right">208.3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">50</td>
<td><a href="/news">CHURCHILL</a></td>
<td align="right">$172,177</td>
<td align="right">70</td>
<td align="right">138.3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">53</td>
<td><a href="/news">MOUNT BEAUTY</a></td>
<td align="right">$175,686</td>
<td align="right">24</td>
<td align="right">229</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">54</td>
<td><a href="/news">GOLDEN BEACH</a></td>
<td align="right">$176,096</td>
<td align="right">27</td>
<td align="right">217</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">55</td>
<td><a href="/news">ARARAT</a></td>
<td align="right">$176,575</td>
<td align="right">146</td>
<td align="right">187.9</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">56</td>
<td><a href="/news">MOE</a></td>
<td align="right">$176,809</td>
<td align="right">152</td>
<td align="right">120.3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">61</td>
<td><a href="/news">ORBOST</a></td>
<td align="right">$178,426</td>
<td align="right">29</td>
<td align="right">307.1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">65</td>
<td><a href="/news">KERANG</a></td>
<td align="right">$180,070</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
<td align="right">249</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">68</td>
<td><a href="/news">LOCH SPORT</a></td>
<td align="right">$181,507</td>
<td align="right">57</td>
<td align="right">231.3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">73</td>
<td><a href="/news">MARYBOROUGH</a></td>
<td align="right">$182,870</td>
<td align="right">165</td>
<td align="right">132.8</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">76</td>
<td><a href="/news">AVOCA</a></td>
<td align="right">$185,411</td>
<td align="right">23</td>
<td align="right">147.7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">78</td>
<td><a href="/news">TERANG</a></td>
<td align="right">$186,938</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td align="right">185.9</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">85</td>
<td><a href="/news">NUMURKAH</a></td>
<td align="right">$189,415</td>
<td align="right">49</td>
<td align="right">192</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">94</td>
<td><a href="/news">TALLANGATTA</a></td>
<td align="right">$192,312</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td align="right">264.4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Source: <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" target="_blank">RP Data</a>
</body></html>

Warracknabeal and Dimboola most affordable housing locations in Victoria

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A beachside motel on Bribie Island has been listed for auction by a prominent Brisbane Liberal National Party activist.
The Surfside Shacks in Woorim reportedly started life as the Kin Kin hospital before it was carted to its current site by bullock dray and across the Pumicestone Passage by barge.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/rickman.jpg">
Ray White Bribie Island agent Shane Richards says the site is rich in history.
"The building was also used as a returned soldiers' respite hospital at the end of World War Two before becoming the Surfside Flats in the late 1950s, and it's been holiday accommodation ever since,” Richards told Caboolture News.
"It's been on the island for many years, and that makes it iconic because of how long it has been here, how many people would have stayed there and how close it is to the ocean."
Richards says generations of Bribie Island holiday makers from Queensland and interstate will have fond memories of their times spent at Woorim beach, on the doorstep of the property.
Bribie Island is in Moreton Bay near Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island.
Even he himself remembers holidaying here and says he has received interest from buyers overcome with nostalgia.
He says its proximity to the beach would be impossible under current planning laws.
"You could never build that close to the ocean again."
"Literally when you're on the top floor on the veranda, you can jump off onto the sand dune and roll down into the surf.
"If you took the building down you would have to have a six-metre setback for any new building, so essentially six metres back from the road.
"That's one thing that makes this property special, and the other aspect is its full-time return, so the money it's making."
The property is a two-storey building on 640 square metres with four units on the ground floor on residential leases and a three-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse upstairs available for short-term accommodation or as a retreat for potential buyers.
Current rates for the penthouse start at $500 per week during off peak and up to $1,000 per week during the main season.
The downstairs units earn a gross income of around $56,000 per year.
The property has views over the recently weeded sand dunes through to the ocean.
It last sold for $950,000 in 2004. The vendor recently spent $700,000 renovating the place.
Richards was unwilling to give a price indication but said it would be unlikely to sell for less than $1.6 million.
It goes to auction on November 3.
The property is being sold by Brisbane-based property developer Daryl Fennell, who was a key figure in the creation of the merged Liberal National Party.
Fennell owns a number of properties in Queensland.
</body></html>

Nostalgia-inducing Bribie Island beachside motel listed

<html><body>
Moora, in Midland WA is the state’s most affordable location, according to RP Data figures.
Median houses prices in the suburb, two hours north of Perth, is $193,637.
In the last 12 months there have been 25 sales in the town. There are currently a number of properties up for grabs.
A two-bedroom cedarwood bungalow at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-moora-111616783">11 Gardiner Street</a> is listed for sale at $159,950. Agent Laurie Armstrong bills the property as an “investor's delight”.
The house comes on 506 square metres and has two street frontages. It is in the southern edges of the town.
A little bit closer to the centre of town at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-moora-111181143">80 Gardiner Street</a> is a two-bedroom timber bungalow with an iron roof listed at $145,000 by the same agent.
Armstrong bills the property as being “right on for the first home buyer”. It comes on 1,012 square metres with a shed.
In a higher price bracket, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-moora-111297195">lot 205 Riley Road</a> is listed at more than $390,000. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home comes on two hectares.
Agent Jason Greay lists the property as being in a quiet area of town close to the Moora Race Club, the local horse racing area.
The property comes with numerous horse related extras.
The wheatbelt town suffered from significant floods in 1999 when cyclone Elaine caused the Moore River to break its banks. This was followed by heavy rainfalls later in the year, which caused a second flood.
At last count the population of the town was 4,642 people, according the 2011 ABS census. There are 2,264 private dwellings. The population is slightly older than the rest of WA, and relatively few are university educated.
The second most affordable suburb in WA is Katanning, 250 kilometres south-east of Perth and then Kambalda West, in Coolgardie.
Just two Perth suburbs feature on the list, Brookdale and Orelia, both on the outer fringes. 
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<col>
<col>
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<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td width="104" height="20">Suburb</td>
<td width="94">Median Value</td>
<td width="167">Number sold (12 months)</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Moora</a></td>
<td align="right">193637</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Katanning</a></td>
<td align="right">196507</td>
<td align="right">44</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Kambalda West</a></td>
<td align="right">204895</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Narrogin</a></td>
<td align="right">216212</td>
<td align="right">34</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Utakarra</a></td>
<td align="right">232003</td>
<td align="right">23</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Collie</a></td>
<td align="right">238225</td>
<td align="right">53</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Manjimup</a></td>
<td align="right">238851</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Withers</a></td>
<td align="right">254321</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Brookdale</a></td>
<td align="right">264527</td>
<td align="right">49</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Double</a></td>
<td align="right">266667</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Orelia</a></td>
<td align="right">267647</td>
<td align="right">95</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Spalding</a></td>
<td align="right">268025</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/">RP Data</a>
</body></html>

Moora tops list of 12 most affordable WA locations

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.

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Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

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Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

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

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