<html><body>
Houses in Adelaide took an average of just 16 days to sell last year, topping the list of fastest-selling localities in South Australia, according to RP Data. This was followed by Beverley in Adelaide’s north at 19 days. Property Observer notes there were 27 sales in Adelaide last year.
<table width="210" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="107">
Locality
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Days on Market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="107">
Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
16
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="107">
Beverley
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
19
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="107">
Melrose Park
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
20
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="107">
Bedford Park
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
21
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="107">
Clarence Gardens
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
21
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="107">
Exeter
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
22
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="107">
O'Sullivan Beach
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
25
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="107">
Richmond
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
25
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="107">
Torrensville
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
26
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="107">
Nailsworth
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
27
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="107">
Netley
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
27
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: RP Data
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Adelaide fastest-selling locality in South Australia: RP Data

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Seven Mile Beach, near Hobart International Airport, is Tasmania’s fastest-selling locality, with houses taking an average of just 26 days to sell last year, according to RP Data. This was closely followed by Cooee at 30 days and then by Mount Stuart at 40. Property Observer notes there were 18 sales in Seven Mile Beach last year.
<table width="220" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="117">
Locality
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Days on Market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="117">
Seven Mile Beach
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
26
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="117">
Cooee
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
30
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="117">
Mount Stuart
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
42
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="117">
Brooklyn
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
44
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="117">
Lutana
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
47
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="117">
Parklands
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
52
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="117">
West Hobart
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
53
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="117">
Battery Point
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
54
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="117">
Mornington
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
55
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="117">
Forcett
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
60
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 Source: RP Data
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Seven Mile Beach leads fastest-selling localities in Tasmania: RP Data

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Scottsdale, in Tasmania’s north east, is the state’s slowest-selling locality, with houses taking more than six months to sell, according to RP Data. Scottsdale has recently suffered from job losses. Property Observer notes there were 18 sales in Scottsdale last year.
<table width="211" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="108">
Locality
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Days on Market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="108">
Scottsdale
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
194
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="108">
Huonville
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
164
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="108">
Scamander
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
163
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="108">
St Helens
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
162
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="108">
Shearwater
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
161
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="108">
Turners Beach
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
159
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="108">
Triabunna
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
155
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="108">
Eaglehawk Neck
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
152
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="108">
Miandetta
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
152
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="108">
Westbury
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
150
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 Source: RP Data
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Scottsdale slowest-selling locality in Tasmania: RP Data

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Houses took an average of268 days to sell in Church Point last year, the slowest-selling locality in NSW, according to RP Data. This was more than a month more sluggish than the next slowest-selling locality, Jamberoo, which took an average of 235 days. There were just 14 sales in Church Point last year.
<table width="205" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Locality
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Days on Market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Church Point
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
268
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Jamberoo
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
235
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Barooga
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
225
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Sapphire Beach
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
224
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Manyana
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
217
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Dangar Island
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
216
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Harden
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
213
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Moruya
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
213
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Green Point
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
209
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Terranora
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
202
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 Source: RP Data
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Church Point slowest-selling locality in NSW: RP Data

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The total land value of the 51,694 properties in the City of Liverpool was $17.940 billion in July 2011, according NSW Valuer-General Philip Western.
That figure is up 1% from the July 2008 valuation of $17.462 billion.
In the three years since the last valuation residential land generally experienced a slight increase in value.
From 2010 to 2011, the median residential land price increased 1.8% from $226,000 to $230,000.
Commercial and industrial land in the city both had a slight decrease in value over the three years.
The median industrial land price stayed constant from 2010 to 2011 at $1.23 million. The median commercial price dropped slightly from $600,000 to $598,000 over the same period.
Rural-residential land values generally had a slight decrease, with the exception of rural- residential land marked for future residential development in the south west growth centre, which generally had a moderate increase in value.
From 2010 to 2011, the median rural land price increased 1% from $659,000 to $665,000.
Landowners and rate-paying-lessees received a notice of valuation last month.
The valuations are used to determine rates and land taxes on investment properties.
Typical residential land values were:
<ul>
<li>451 square metres at Alexandrina Court, Wattle Grove valued at $249,000 </li>
<li>428 square metres at Barnwell Place, Cecil Hills valued at $244,000 </li>
<li>467 square metres at Braidwood Drive, Prestons valued at $218,000 </li>
<li>556 square metres at Coonong Street, Busby valued at $196,000 </li>
<li>482 square metres at Forcett Close, West Hoxton valued at $228,000 </li>
<li>573 square metres at Geebung Court, Voyager Point valued at $316,000 </li>
<li>664 square metres at Longstaff Avenue, Chipping Norton valued at $340,000 </li>
<li>563 square metres at Weir Crescent, Lurnea valued at $216,000 </li>
</ul>
Typical commercial land values were:
<ul>
<li>1.3 hectares at Camden Valley Way, Casula valued at $3,000,000 </li>
<li>1,442 square metres at Elizabeth Drive, Liverpool valued at $800,000 </li>
<li>575 square metres at George Street, Liverpool valued at $796,000 </li>
<li>1,625 square metres at Cowpasture Road, Carnes Hill valued at $742,000</li>
</ul>
Typical industrial land values were:
<ul>
<li>9,194 square metres at Alfred Road, Chipping Norton valued at $2,750,000 </li>
<li>2,490 square metres at Heathcote Road, Moorebank valued at $754,000 </li>
<li>9,896 square metres at Riverside Road, Chipping Norton valued at $3,050,000 </li>
<li>1,859 square metres at Seton Road, Moorebank valued at $672,000 </li>
<li>1.5 hectares at Lyn Parade, Prestons valued at $3,450,000 </li>
<li>2,750 square metres at Avalli Road, Prestons valued at $897,000</li>
</ul>
Typical rural residential land values were:
<ul>
<li>2 hectares at Denham Court Road, Denham Court valued at $758,000 </li>
<li>2 hectares at Derwent Road, Bringelly valued at $550,000 </li>
<li>1.6 hectares at Overett Avenue, Kemps Creek valued at $60,600 </li>
<li>1.9 hectares at Rossmore Avenue, Rossmore valued at $611,000 </li>
<li>1.2 hectares at Sixth Avenue, Austral valued at $752,000</li>
</ul>
Typical hobby farm land values were:
<ul>
<li>40.5 hectares at Greendale Road, Wallacia valued at $1,780,000 </li>
<li>10.2 hectares at Greendale Road, Greendale valued at $675,000</li>
</ul>
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Liverpool in Sydney land values up 1% in three years: NSW Valuer-General

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Houses took an average of just 18 days to sell in Chippendale – the fastest-selling locality in NSW, according to RP Data. This is seven days quicker than the next fastest-selling locality, Beverley Park, where it took 25 days to sell a house. Property Observer notes there were just 17 houses sold in Chippendale last year.
<table width="213" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="133">
Locality
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="80">
Days on Market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="133">
Chippendale
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="80">
18
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="133">
Beverley Park
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="80">
25
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="133">
Edgecliff
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="80">
28
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="133">
Regentville
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="80">
28
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="133">
Old Toongabbie
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="80">
31
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="133">
Bangor
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="80">
32
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="133">
Lane Cove North
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="80">
34
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="133">
Revesby Heights
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="80">
34
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="133">
Padstow
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="80">
35
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="133">
Waitara
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="80">
35
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
Source: RP Data
 
 
 
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Chippendale fastest-selling locality in NSW: RP Data

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The total land value of Moree Plains Shire increased 35% from 2008 to 2011, driven up by strong growth in rural land values, according to NSW Valuer-General Philip Western.
The combined land value of the 6962 properties in the shire was $3.368 billion in July 2011, up from $2.499 billion in 2007.
Larger cropping land and mixed farming and grazing land values had a moderate increase over the four years, with irrigation lands experiencing a slight increase in value.
Former grazing properties west of Moree, which were recently converted to cultivation land, had a strong increase in land values.
Hobby farms had a slight increase in land values, with sites smaller than one hectare surrounding the villages experiencing strong increases.
The village areas of Mungindi and Pallamallawa had a moderate increase in land values, while village land in Boggabilla experienced strong increases.
<img src="/images/stories/moreeplainsmap.gif">
These overall increases in rural prices came despite a 0.5% drop in median rural land prices from 2010 to 2011 from $603,000 to $600,000.
The land value of residential, commercial and industrial land has generally in the shire remained steady.
From 2010 to 2011 median business land prices increased 1% from $96,100 to $96,900 while median residential land prices stayed at $30,800 and median industrial land prices at $102,000.
Landowners and rate-paying-lessees received a notice of valuation last month.
The valuations are used to determine rates and land taxes on investment properties.
Typical residential land values were:
<ul>
<li>664 square metres at Barwon Avenue, Moree valued at $5,000 </li>
<li>646 square metres at Brigalow Drive, Moree valued at $38,500 </li>
<li>1,370 square metres at Callaille Avenue, Moree valued at $115,000 </li>
<li>767 square metres at Oak Street, Moree valued at $10,500 </li>
<li>974 square metres at Queen Street, Moree valued at $65,000</li>
</ul>
Typical commercial land values were:
<ul>
<li>396 square metres at Balo Street, Moree valued at $187,000 </li>
<li>891 square metres at Frome Street, Moree valued at $98,000 </li>
<li>1,012 square metres at St George Street, Mungindi valued at $4,340</li>
</ul>
Typical industrial land values were:
<ul>
<li>2,574 square metres at Greenbah Road, Moree valued at $152,000 </li>
<li>5,489 square metres at Industrial Drive, Moree valued at $102,000</li>
</ul>
Typical rural land values were:
<ul>
<li>571 hectares at Terry Hie Hie Road, Moree valued at $1,860,000 </li>
<li>1,056 hectares at Ulinga Road, Garah valued at $1,540,000</li>
<li>394 hectares at Terry Hie Hie Road, Terry Hie Hie valued at $1,420,000 </li>
<li>1,297 hectares at Talmoi Road, Garah valued at $2,590,000</li>
</ul>
Typical rural residential land values were:
<ul>
<li>2.7 hectares at Tranquility Road, Moree valued at $110,000 </li>
<li>41.5 hectares at Burrington Road, Moree valued at $147,000 </li>
<li>5,066 square metres at Myora Street, Moree valued at $15,000</li>
</ul>
Typical hobby farm land value was:
<ul>
<li>57.4 hectares at Mosquito Creek Road, Pallamallawa valued at $208,000</li>
</ul>
Typical village land values were:
<ul>
<li>2,023 square metres at Bucknell Street, Mungindi valued at $1,970 </li>
<li>2,011 square metres at Yeoman Street, Boggabilla valued at $5,500 </li>
<li>2,023 square metres at Bingera Street, Pallamallawa valued at $16,900</li>
</ul>
 
 
 
<ul></ul>
</body></html>

Mooree Plains land values increased 35% in three years, driven by strong rural growth

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Houses in the Darwin suburb of Nakara took just 24 days to sell last year, according to RP Data. This was closely followed by Larapinta in Alice Spring’s West at 25 days and neighbouring Araluen at 28. There were 22 sales in Nakara last year.
<table style="width: 201px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="99">
Locality
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Days on Market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="99">
Nakara
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
24
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="99">
Larapinta
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
25
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="99">
Araluen
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
28
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="99">
Tiwi
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
37
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="99">
Gillen
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
42
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="99">
Sadadeen
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
52
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="99">
Tennant Creek
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
52
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="99">
Katherine
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
54
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="99">
Millner
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
54
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="99">
Braitling
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
56
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: RP Data
</body></html>

Nakara fastest-selling locality in Northern Territory: RP Data

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Houses in Darwin’s Stuart Park took an average of 148 days to sell last year, the longest of any locality in the Northern Territory, according to RP Data. This was closely tailed by Humpty Doo near Darwin, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/hotspots/humpty-doo-home-of-the-big-boxing-crocodile-among-eclectic-mix-of-25-post-gfc-hot-spot-kings/2012032253977">home of the Giant Boxing Crocodile</a>, where it took 131 days to sell. There were just 26 sales in Darwin last year.
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="187"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="84" nowrap valign="bottom">
Locality
</td>
<td width="103" nowrap valign="bottom">
Days on Market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="84" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Stuart Park</a>
</td>
<td width="103" nowrap valign="bottom">
148
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="84" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Humpty Doo</a>
</td>
<td width="103" nowrap valign="bottom">
131
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="84" nowrap valign="bottom">
Herbert
</td>
<td width="103" nowrap valign="bottom">
123
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="84" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Gray</a>
</td>
<td width="103" nowrap valign="bottom">
116
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="84" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Lyons</a>
</td>
<td width="103" nowrap valign="bottom">
109
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="84" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Ludmilla</a>
</td>
<td width="103" nowrap valign="bottom">
105
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="84" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Rapid Creek</a>
</td>
<td width="103" nowrap valign="bottom">
105
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="84" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Moil</a>
</td>
<td width="103" nowrap valign="bottom">
100
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="84" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Wagaman</a>
</td>
<td width="103" nowrap valign="bottom">
98
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="84" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Rosebery</a>
</td>
<td width="103" nowrap valign="bottom">
94
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: RP Data
</body></html>

Stuart Park slowest-selling locality in Northern Territory: RP Data

<html><body>
Pop-up shops helped plug rental gaps in 2011 as Melbourne experienced historically low retail vacancy rates in 2011, according to a report by CBRE.
Melbourne’s retail vacancies hit record lows as short-term spontaneous shops filled vacancies.
Pop-up shops are shops that exist for just a short period of time, usually weeks or months.
Vacancies across Melbourne’s top 10 retail strips fell to 3.5% over the second half of 2011, found CBRE’S Melbourne Retail MarketView.
Bridge Road experienced the greatest drop in vacancies, falling to 2.7% after the leasing of 10 shops, four of which were tenanted by pop-up stores such as Spring Clean Shop, run by the Brazillian Melko boutique.
Pop-up stores also appeared on Acland Street and Chapel Street in the second half of the year, helping to drive down vacancies in both precincts.
They give the retailer the opportunity to test the waters without the overhead of a longer-term lease and give landlords the opportunity to fill a gap in vacancy.
“The benefit for retailers is they can trade in an established shopping precinct for a low upfront cost while testing the market or clearing excess stock,” says CBRE associate director of retail services Max Cookes.
“At the same time landlords benefit by avoiding vacancy while letting tenants try before they buy or while waiting for the right long-term lease deal or concept. The concept has also be embraced by the likes of Celine Victoria, which pops up in the Melbourne CBD in the lead-up to Spring Carnival to sell its sought-after range of hats and fascinators.”
The report finds pop-ups have enjoyed increasing popularity as retailers and landlords focus on new marketing and brand initiatives in a challenging retail landscape.
Cookes says the concept is targeted towards the youth market, as young people like the spontaneous nature of a retail “event”.
Retail analysts have dubbed the shoppers who flock to pop-up shops as “transumers”.
The report looked at the Melbourne shopping strips of Acland Street, St Kilda; Bridge Road, Richmond; Burke Road, Camberwell; Chapel Street, South Yarra; Church Street, Brighton; Clarendon Street, South Melbourne; Fitzroy Street, St Kilda; Glenferrie road, Hawthorn; Glenferrie Road, Malvern; Puckle Street, South Yarra and Toorak Road, South Yarra.
The occurance isn't new as Ksubi set up its pop-up store - picture from the website, record/preserve/share - back in late 2008.
</body></html>

Pop-up shops on the rise as Melbourne retail vacancy rate falls: CBRE

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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