<html><body>
It takes an average of 231 days to sell a house in Riverheads, which tops the list of the slowest-selling localities in Queensland, according to RP Data. There were eight localities where houses were on the market for 200 days or more before they sold. Property Observer notes that there were only 13 sales in Riverheads last year, according to RP Data.
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="350"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="86">
Locality
</td>
<td width="263">
Average number of days on market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Riverheads
</td>
<td width="263">
231
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Holmview
</td>
<td width="263">
229
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Goombungee
</td>
<td width="263">
214
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Peachester
</td>
<td width="263">
213
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Kooralbyn
</td>
<td width="263">
210
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Flaxton
</td>
<td width="263">
205
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Wandoan
</td>
<td width="263">
201
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Babinda
</td>
<td width="263">
200
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Gilston
</td>
<td width="263">
197
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Mapleton
</td>
<td width="263">
197
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
Source: RP Data
 
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awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Riverheads tops list of slowest-selling localities in Queensland: RP Data

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The total land value of Boorowa region in NSW decreased 3.5% from 2008 to 2011, according to NSW Valuer-General Philip Western.
The combined value of the 1,957 properties in Boorowa dropped to $403 million in July 2011, down from $417 million in 2008.
Western found residential land generally had a slight increase in value, bolstered by increased interest from Canberra over the three years.
Commercial land values had a generally moderate increase in value, including smaller lots along Marsden Street.
Rural land values experienced a slight decrease, with mixed farming properties generally suffering a bigger fall.
Hobby farms had an overall slight decrease in land values, while the more remote areas of Taylors Flat, Reids Flat and Wyangala had a moderate decrease.
Year-on-year median rural land prices in Boorowa decreased 3.5% from $148,000 between 2010 and 2011.
Village land value in Boorowa increased slightly over the three years.
Landowners and rate-paying lessees received a notice of valuation this month.
The valuations are used to determine rates and land taxes on investment properties.
Typical residential land values were:
<ul>
<li>1,155 square metres at Campbell Street, Boorowa valued at $46,200</li>
<li>2,023 square metres at Marsden Street, Boorowa valued at $43,700 </li>
<li>1,024 square metres at Marsden Street, Boorowa valued at $27,500 </li>
<li>835 square metres at Pudman Street, Boorowa valued at $50,600</li>
</ul>
Typical commercial land values were:
<ul>
<li>866 square metres at Marsden Street, Boorowa valued at $15,700 </li>
<li>980 square metres at Pudman Street, Boorowa valued at $35,600 </li>
<li>1,024 square metres at Marsden Street, Boorowa valued at $27,500</li>
</ul>
Typical rural land values were:
<ul>
<li>404 hectares at Riverside Road, Mount Collins valued at $770,000 </li>
<li>457 hectares at Battery Road, Mount Collins valued at $525,000 </li>
<li>498 hectares at Kenyu Road, Boorowa valued at $502,000 </li>
<li>262 hectares at Rugby Road, Boorowa valued at $666,000 </li>
<li>291 hectares at Frogmore Road, Wyangala valued at $450,000 </li>
<li>204 hectares at Rye Park Road, Rye Park valued at $525,000 </li>
<li>362 hectares at Little Plains Road, Rye Park valued at $410,000 </li>
<li>319 hectares at Rossi Road, Godfreys Creek valued at $670,000</li>
</ul>
Typical rural residential land values were:
<ul>
<li>8.1 hectares at Boorowa valued at $102,000 </li>
<li>5,786 square metres at Parnell Street, Boorowa valued at $63,000</li>
</ul>
Typical hobby farm land values were:
<ul>
<li>36.3 hectares at Ironbark Lane, Frogmore valued at $75,000 </li>
<li>58.2 hectares at Grassy Creek Road, Rye Park valued at $120,000 </li>
<li>41 hectares at Old Wheeo Road, Taylors Flat valued at $99,900 </li>
<li>56.7 hectares at Rye Park valued at $114,000 </li>
<li>42.9 hectares at Frogmore Road, Hovells Creek valued at $99,800</li>
</ul>
Typical village land values were:
<ul>
<li>2,023 square matres at Britannia Street, Reids Flat valued at $7,300</li>
<li>3,884 square metres at Kershaw Street, Rye Park values at $24,200</li>
</ul>
 
 
<ul></ul>
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Land values fell 3.5% in NSW region of Boorowa in past three years: Valuer- General

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Houses in East Carnarvon spent an average of just 15 days on the market before being sold. This is less than half as long as the next quickest suburb in WA, Lynwood at 36 days. However, there were only 13 sales in East Carnarvon last year. 
<table width="303" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="162">
No. of days on market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">East Carnarvon</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="162">
15
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Lynwood</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="162">
36
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Tuart Hill</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="162">
39
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Craigie</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="162">
42
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Heathridge</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="162">
45
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Beckenham</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="162">
47
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Kingsley</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="162">
47
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Coolbellup</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="162">
49
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Leederville</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="162">
49
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Coolgardie</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="162">
50
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: RP Data
Property Observer readers can secure free tickets for the Perth Home Buyer and Property Investor Show by<a target="_blank" href="https://www.homebuyershow.com.au/special-offers/propertyobserver-ticket-offer/"> clicking here</a>.
 
 
 
 
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East Carnarvon heads the top 10 fastest-selling localities in Western Australia: RP Data

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More than one-fifth of Australians scrapped plans to buy a home this year following interest rate rises by the big four banks last month and buyer confidence remains low, according to a survey by Real Estate View.
The Appetite to Buy Survey found buyers remain cautious, with just 32% of Australians now looking to buy a home this year, down from 43% in 2011.
Despite 22% of respondents reporting cancelled plans due to bank rate rises, 65% of respondents were not encouraged to buy following the November and December interest rate cuts.
More than 40% of respondents expected further interest rate rises would keep buyers out of the market this year.
The survey also found more than half of consumers are now considering borrowing from or refinancing with smaller lenders after banks raised their rates independently of the RBA in February.
There are more factors than interest rate rises affecting consumer confidence, says Real Estate View general manager Petra Sprekos.
“Our survey shows that while interest rates are a key concern for buyers, there are other factors such as household expenses and job security influencing their ability to purchase,” says Sprekos.
“Consequently, we’re finding most are adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach. We definitely don’t see this changing anytime soon, especially if the big four break ranks with the RBA again and raise mortgage rates this month.”
Australians are being more conservative with their money, with a rising trend for consumers to hoard money. One-fifth of respondents had saved a deposit of more than 40%, while one-quarter had saved a deposit between 11% to 20%.
Almost 80% of respondents say they would prefer to buy a house over a townhouse, apartment or unit.
“Three-bedroom homes remain the clear front-runner for buyers (44%), followed by two-bedroom properties (27%) and four-bedroom houses (27%),” the survey found.
There was also a rise in people looking to buy properties worth more than $1 million. The figure is up significantly from 2011, rising from 1% to 4%.
“[This suggests] buyers are keen to capitalise on cooling prices at the top end of the market.”
The number of people looking to buy properties worth $400,000 to $600,000 remain stable at 34%, up slightly from 31% in 2011, “indicating competition will stay strong in this market segment”.
For advice about refinancing your mortgage, <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-12-tips-for-refinancing-your-mortgage" target="_blank">download our free eBook.</a>
{module What do you intend to do given the current interest rate fluctuations?}
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Recent bank rate rises cause one-fifth of Aussies to cancel home buying plans: Survey

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After 150 years of ownership by the same family, a 322-hectare Hunter Valley property is up for sale.
Rockview has been run by five generations of the Deasy family.
It’s now the largest grazing property in the Pokolbin area.
It’s the first time the Deasys Road land has been marketed since Jeremiah Deasy hopped off a boat from Ireland and took ownership of the property in the days of selection in the 1860s.
In subsequent years the property was used as a fruit bottling company called Lighting, which was run from the back sheds of the property by indentured, orphaned labourers. The remnants of this bottling plant still remain.
At one point a school was built on the property.
The bodies of children who died at the property over the years are buried in the property in an area called The Cultivation.
The property is a cattle grazing property but given its location in the Hunter Valley it does come with a vineyard.
In a grove of fig trees sits the original timber homestead, which is currently used as a weekend getaway for the Malouf and Quinn families – descendants of the Deasy family.
The well-grassed rolling hills of Rockview are only interrupted by a patch of eucalyptus trees.
The farm is equipped with cattle yards and water from a number of dams. An allocation is available from the Lower Hunter Wine Country Private Irrigation district.
The property is being marketed to investors and developers with council approval to subdivide into eight 40-hectare lots.
The property’s zoning allows for resorts, wineries and restaurants.
Agent Alan Jurd from Jurd's Real Estate Cessnock has hopes of more than $5 million, with expressions of interest due April.
 
 
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Hunter Valley farm Rockview for sale after 150 years in one family

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The total land value of Ballina Shire decreased 1% from 2008 to 2011, according to the latest report by NSW Valuer-General Philip Western.
Western found the total land value of the shire was $5.44 billion in July 2011, down from his 2008 valuation of $5.496 billion
In that time residential land values generally had a slight decrease, although some waterfront properties and properties with good water views showed slight to moderate decreases in land value.
M<a href=""></a>uch of decline was from 2010 to 2011, with the median residential land price decreasing 3.5% from $236,000 to $228,000.
Commercial land values in Ballina decreased slightly over the three years, while secondary commercial and commercial properties fronting the highway experienced moderate decreases in land value.
Year-on-year the median commercial land value decreased 5% from $472,000 to $448,000.
Industrial land values decreased slightly, with the exception of industrial land in Alstonville, which had a slight increase in value.
From 2010 to 2011 overall the mean industrial land price increased 1% from $350,000 to $354,000.
Rural land values had a slight increase, though some areas in the western part of Ballina experienced a slight decrease.
Rural residential and hobby farm land values generally increased slightly, with the rise more significant in the northern part of the municipality due to the influence of Byron Bay.
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.
The median rural land price increased 1% from $347,000 in 2010 to $350,000 in 2011.
Typical residential land values were:
<ul>
<li>672 square metres at Crane Street, Ballina valued at $285,000 </li>
<li>735 square metres at Tea Tree Place, East Ballina valued at $227,000 </li>
<li>953 square metres at Amber Drive, Lennox Head valued at $396,000 </li>
<li>765 square metres at Ashland Street, Alstonville valued at $190,000.</li>
<li>Typical commercial land values were: </li>
<li>1,092 square metres at River Street, Ballina valued at $490,000 </li>
<li>303 square metres at River Street, Ballina valued at $390,000</li>
</ul>
Typical industrial land values were:
<ul>
<li>1,498 square metres at Southern Cross Drive, Ballina valued at $448,000 </li>
<li>1,078 square metres at Northcott Crescent, Alstonville valued at $182,000.</li>
</ul>
Typical rural land values were:
<ul>
<li>24.9 hectares at Bagotville Road, Bagotville valued at $445,000 </li>
<li>33.3 hectares at Meaneys Lane, East Wardell valued at $385,000.</li>
</ul>
Typical rural residential land values were:
<ul>
<li>4,140 square metres at Hillcrest Drive, Tintenbar valued at $395,000 </li>
<li>4,326 square metres at Teven Road, Teven valued at $266,000 </li>
<li>5,539 square metres at Wenga Drive, Alstonvale valued at $281,000.</li>
</ul>
Typical hobby farm land value was:
<ul>
<li>14.6 hectares at Fernleigh Road, Fernleigh valued at $550,000</li>
</ul>
 
 
<ul></ul>
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Waterfront land losing value in Ballina

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The total land value of Leichhardt municipality increased 30% from 2008 to 2011, according to NSW Valuer-General Philip Western.
He found the total land value increased from $10.891 billion in 2008 to $14.177 billion in July 2011.
Residential land values generally increased strongly, while properties on main roads had just moderate increases in value and waterfront property generally remained steady or had slight decreases in value.
From 2010 to 2011, the median residential land price in Leichhardt increased 8.5% from $563,000 to $611,000.
Western found commercial land values in most main centres in Leichhardt had moderate to strong increases, with the exception of commercial land on Parramatta Road and Marion Street, which generally showed just a slight increase.
Year-on-year, the median commercial land price in Leichhardt increased 5% from $572,000 in 2010 to $603,000 in 2011.
Small industrial sites and industrial land on Parramatta Road had slight increases in value over the three years, while the value of medium-sized industrial sites and industrial sites larger than 4,000 square metres remained steady.
From 2010 to 2011, the median industrial land price increased 7% from $486,000 to $520,000.
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>793 square metres at Allen Street, Leichhardt valued at $1,800,000 </li>
<li>196 square metres at Annesley Street, Leichhardt valued at $546,000 </li>
<li>209 square metres at Llewellyn Street, Balmain valued at $721,000 </li>
<li>271 square metres at Louisa Road, Birchgrove valued at $2,510,000 </li>
<li>210 square metres at Marion Street, Leichhardt valued at $430,000 </li>
<li>183 square metres at Norman Street, Rozelle valued at $615,000 </li>
<li>183 square metres at Young Street, Annandale valued at $565,000</li>
</ul>
Typical commercial land values were:
<ul>
<li>164 square metres at Darling Street, Balmain valued at $900,000 </li>
<li>190 square metres at Darling Street, Rozelle valued at $719,000 </li>
<li>247 square metres at Marion Street, Leichhardt valued at $525,000 </li>
<li>164 square metres at Norton Street, Leichhardt valued at $667,000 </li>
<li>158 square metres at Parramatta Road, Leichhardt valued at $299,000</li>
</ul>
Typical industrial land values were:
<ul>
<li>7,143 square metres at Allen Street, Leichhardt valued at $3,750,000 </li>
<li>414 square metres at Moore Street, Leichhardt valued at $520,000</li>
<li>669 square metres at Parramatta Road, Leichhardt valued at $859,000 </li>
<li>1,745 square metres at George Street, Leichhardt valued at $1,520,000</li>
</ul>
 
 
 
 
<ul></ul>
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Leichhardt land values up 30% in three years

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The total land value of the 55,907 properties in Shoalhaven was put at $13.512 billion for July 2011 by NSW Valuer-General Philip Western.
The figure was down 3.3% from $13.977 billion in 2008.
Western says land values generally remained steady over the three years.
Year on year median business land values decreased 0.5% from $302,000 in 2010.
Median industrial land prices decreased 5% from $260,000 in 2010.
Median residential land values increased 1.3% from $150,000 in 2010.
Median rural prices also increased, up 1% from $297,000 in 2010.
Landowners and rate-paying-lessees received a notice of valuation earlier this month.
The valuations are used to determine rates and land taxes on investment properties.
Typical residential land values were:
<ul>
<li>1,334 square metres at Addison Road, Culburra Beach valued at $239,000</li>
<li>1,008 square metres at Admiralty Crescent, Huskisson valued at $1,390,000</li>
<li>740 square metres at Albert Street, Berry valued at $281,000</li>
<li>816 square metres at Government Road, Sussex Inlet valued at $135,000</li>
<li>1,012 square metres at Karowa Street, Bomaderry valued at $118,000</li>
<li>544 square metres at Knapp Avenue, Nowra valued at $80,000</li>
<li>683 square metres at Martin Avenue, Ulladulla valued at $182,000</li>
<li>930 square metres at Quay Road, Callala Beach valued at $1,000,000 </li>
</ul>
Typical commercial land values were:
<ul>
<li>821 square metres at Boree Street, Ulladulla valued at $391,000</li>
<li>468 square metres at Island Point Road, St Georges Basin valued at $150,000</li>
<li>462 square metres at Kinghorne Street, Nowra valued at $450,000</li>
<li>190 square metres at Owen Street, Huskisson valued at $670,000</li>
<li>251 square metres at Queen Street, Berry valued at $517,000</li>
<li>645 square metres at Weston Street, Culburra Beach valued at $160,000 </li>
</ul>
Typical industrial land values were:
<ul>
<li>4,330 square metres at Aroo Road, Ulladulla valued at $284,000</li>
<li>2,077 square metres at Concorde Way, Bomaderry valued at $160,000</li>
<li>4,936 square metres at Cumberland Avenue, South Nowra valued at $288,000</li>
<li>2,100 square metres at Erina Road, Huskisson valued at $181,000 </li>
</ul>
Typical rural land values were:
<ul>
<li>70.2 hectares at Bundewallah Road, Bundewallah valued at $1,250,000</li>
<li>40 hectares at Croobyar Road, Croobyar valued at $760,000</li>
<li>40.7 hectares at Princes Highway, Broughton valued at $1,290,000</li>
<li>55.2 hectares at Mount Scanzi Road, Kangaroo Valley valued at $1,060,000</li>
<li>42.8 hectares at Turpentine Road, Tomerong valued at $508,000</li>
<li>58.6 hectares at Jack Reid Road, Termeil valued at $500,000 </li>
</ul>
Typical rural residential land values were:
<ul>
<li>2.7 hectares at Culburra Road, Wollumboola valued at $390,000</li>
<li>2 hectares at McArthur Drive, Falls Creek valued at $246,000</li>
<li>2 hectares at Pointer Road, Yatte Yattah valued at $327,000</li>
<li>1 hectare at Scotts Road, Upper Kangaroo River valued at $412,000</li>
<li>2 hectares at Stringybark Road, Nowra Hill valued at $293,000</li>
<li>1 hectare at Beach Road, Berry valued at $500,000 </li>
</ul>
Typical hobby farm land values were:
<ul>
<li>10 hectares at Coolangatta Road, Coolangatta valued at $701,000</li>
<li>27.6 hectares at Devitts Lane, Meroo Meadow valued at $782,000</li>
<li>16.2 hectares at Jacks Corner Road, Kangaroo Valley valued at $574,000</li>
<li>16.2 hectares at Princes Highway, Termeil valued at $418,000</li>
<li>16.2 hectares at Bayly Road, Tomerong valued at $399,000 </li>
</ul>
Typical village land values were:
<ul>
<li>911 square metres at Cullen Crescent, Kangaroo Valley valued at $226,000</li>
<li>607 square metres at Cyrus Street, Hyams Beach valued at $1,000,000</li>
<li>613 square metres at Edwin Avenue, Lake Conjola valued at $799,000</li>
<li>607 square metres at Surf Tide Avenue, Bawley Point valued at $270,000</li>
<li>699 square metres at Torquay Drive, Lake Tabourie valued at $140,000</li>
<li>2,390 square metres at Bellfield Place, Tomerong valued at $174,000</li>
</ul>
 
 
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Shoalhaven land values down 3.3% in three years

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Melburnians will be protesting tomorrow against the slated demolition of the 1928-built Scots Church Hall and associated buildings on the corner of Collins Street and Russell Street.
Melbourne Heritage Action will march against the approved development by Scots Church Properties Trust, arguing that planning authorities have ignored regulations in approving the project.
Spokesperson for Melbourne Heritage Action Rupert Mann says approval should never have been given to demolish the building.
“It’s supposed to have the highest level of heritage protection in Australia. Despite that, it’s being left as a wafer thin façade of one wall,” he says.
In 2007 then planning minister Justin Madden ignored Heritage Victoria recommendations and issued permits for the destruction of Scots Church Hall, the former Victorian car park and a former showroom.
Heritage Victoria opposed the demolition of the car park because of its historical and cultural significance – it was the first multi-level car park in Melbourne.
“That it was pushed through by Justin Madden is appalling. How can the peak heritage body of this state be overridden by one man?” Mann says
In 2006 trustees of the church signed a 99-year lease agreement with Grocon and APN Property Group to develop the site.
Grocon, in partnership with APN, plans to build a $220 million, 12-storey office block on the site, with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/office/westpac-takes-paris-end-of-collins-leaves-docklands-to-other-banks/2011092251651">Westpac as the anchor tenants</a> in the Peddle Thorp-designed building.
The current plans incorporate just nine metres of the car park building.
Mann says it’s a poorly designed project that will detract from the character of the area.
“It’s a highly disrespectful incursion – they’ve made no attempt to preserve the heritage of the buildings. The whole streetscape will be destroyed,” he says.
“You begin to lose what makes Melbourne a great city. Life here is centred about these small-scale heritage precincts.”
Mann hopes to pressure APN into redesigning the project to further incorporate the older buildings.
In Victoria, any applications for a project in excess 25,000 square metres is automatically referred to the state planning minister and skips the council decision.
Mann says this is another point of contention that he hopes to raise with the protest.
“We want that threshold raised way up to 60,000, 70,000, even 80,000. We believe the City of Melbourne should have much more of a say on what goes on in Melbourne’s CBD.”
APN was unavailable for comment.
 
 
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Heritage group to protest against demolition of Scots Church Hall in Melbourne CBD

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David Hyde Pierce, better known as Dr Niles Crane from Frasier, has listed his 1929-built Los Angeles mansion for US$7.5 million.
The Emmy Award winner and his sitcom writer-producer husband Brian Hargrove originally paid US$3.625 million for the property in 2003.
The gated seven-bedroom home, originally built for transportation industry executive O.R. Fuller, was heavily restored by in 2004 with all renovations incorporating the 1920s design.
The Spanish Colonial Revival home opens through a huge rotunda entrance with Mexican paver tiles into the “gracious” living room replete with a baronial fireplace which leads into the banquet sized formal dining room with a hand stencilled wood ceiling and French doors that open to city views.
On the main floor is a butler’s pantry, an elongated octagonal breakfast room with wood beamed ceiling and an enormous kitchen with intricate roof tiling.
The original grand staircase remains intact, sweeping up with a wrought iron balustrade. It leads up to the library with floor to ceiling bookshelves, three bedrooms and marble bathrooms.
Pierce enjoyed a healthy lifestyle here with the lower level including a large private gym, a sauna, a lengthy pool and an outdoor spa.
The 760 square metre home has eight bathrooms and comes with a wine vault and a cozy home theatre perfect for watching Frasier reruns.
The property also includes a separate guest house on the 3700 square metre block of land.
The couple might be poised to move to New York City where they own a penthouse apartment they bought in 2005 for US$2.5 million. After buying that they spent US$772,000 in 2006 on a 3.5 room apartment on the floor below.
They recently bought an ocean front house in Amagansett  for US$6.3 million in 2010.
 
 
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David Hyde Pierce of Frasier fame lists in LA

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Alistair Walsh

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