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Momentum is continuing to build in the Queensland market with sales activity and house prices strengthening. The REIQ June quarter median house price report, found the numbers of sales have increased significantly compared to the previous quarter and compared to last year.
The preliminary numbers of house sales across Queensland increased 22% in the June quarter compared to the March quarter and the improvement in the market is even more pronounced when you contrast it to the same period last year with sales numbers up some 40% compared to the June quarter in 2012.
It is the fourth consecutive quarter of positive news. The September quarter last year was a particularly strong one for the Queensland market and that momentum has been sustained throughout the following three quarters of sales activity.
The June quarter historically yields the lowest numbers of residential sales activity during the year but this data shows house sales are notably much higher compared to the same three months in 2012.
The September quarter and the upcoming spring selling season is typically a great period for the Queensland real estate market and with such good price and sales results for the June quarter, as well as historically low interest rates, it’s shaping up to be another strong period as our market continues to build momentum.
Over the June quarter, REIQ data shows the median house price in Brisbane increased 1.6% to $527,250 and increased 3% over the year ending June. The numbers of house sales in Brisbane also increased significantly compared to the previous quarter and last year – up 32% and 44% respectively. The median house prices in Logan City, Moreton Bay and Redland City all also increased over the June quarter.
Quarterly median house prices can fluctuate depending on the types of properties that are selling over that three-month period and this latest REIQ data does show some median price variations.
Over the year ending June, however, the majority of regions posted positive median results which provide a better benchmark for price movements than quarterly data-sets.
Toowoomba posted yearly median house price growth of 4.5%, the Gold Coast increased by 3.1%, and the Sunshine Coast median price grew by 2.3%. No doubt the influence of historically low interest rates and increased perceptions of housing affordability have seen more people move off the sidelines and back into the property market of late.
REIQ estimates of Queensland investor activity also shows that the numbers of investment dwellings financed is tracking at about the historical average. No doubt, investors have recognised the strong rental market, including low vacancy rates, and are taking the plunge while first home buyers remain relatively absent.
The numbers of first home buyers in Queensland remain well below historical averages at just 11% of dwellings financed in June – a decrease of 35% compared to June last year.


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Anton Kardash is CEO of the <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reiq.com/">Real Estate Institute of Queensland</a>.
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Queensland property market momentum builds: Anton Kardash

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Within a matter of the weeks, a new legislative landscape for Queensland real estate will hopefully be unveiled by the State Government.
The announcement of the draft new legislation, the Property Occupations Bill and the Agents Financial Administration Bill 2013, has been a long time coming with the REIQ lobbying for many years to have the laborious and overly-complex legislative real estate environment addressed.
The REIQ was extensively consulted by the State Government during this legislative review process and we look forward to again working closely with the government as this new much-improved legislation takes shape.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Jarrod Bleijie, for the open and collaborative nature in which he and his department have so far handled the review.
It is also very pleasing to note that the State Government shares the REIQ’s long-held view that professionalism must remain the number one tenet for our sector.
The REIQ sent a detailed submission into the split and review of the current Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 (PAMD Act) and made recommendations towards increasing the professionalism of the industry, reducing regulatory and administrative burden, and simplifying processes associated with real estate transactions.
Our recommendations included the proposed amendment to abolish the PAMD 30c warning statement to eliminate the administrative burden and risks associated with this document.
Multiple appointment PAMD appointment forms (regardless of the nature of the services to be performed) should also be abolished and replaced with a single simplified appointment form containing only key legislative criteria.
Also, appointment processes and procedures should be simplified. The current provisions about appointments are unreasonably onerous and put agents at risk of not being remunerated on the basis of technical and minor omissions.
The REIQ also recommended that a seller and landlord disclosure regime be implemented to establish required disclosures related to the sale and rental of property in Queensland. At minimum, we recommended the existing information and disclosure requirements relating to property sale contracts be incorporated into one single document.
Existing legislative provisions which apply to price representations and guides in relation to auction properties and properties to be sold without a price should be clarified in the new legislation. The REIQ expressed the view that no price guides or price representations should be permissible when marketing and/or promoting residential property that is to be sold by auction or with no price.
The Institute also recommended that the maximum 60 day statutory limit relating to sole and exclusive agency appointments be extended to 90 days.  The current limit is too short and reappointments are regularly required. This causes inconvenience for both the agent and consumer.  An extension of the limit to 90 days better reflects current market conditions.
 
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 Anton Kardash is CEO of the <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reiq.com/">Real Estate Institute of Queensland</a>.
 
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The REIQ's recommendations for the state's new real estate legislation: Anton Kardash

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The decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia to reduce the cash rate by 25 basis points to 2.5% on Tuesday is more good news for the Queensland market.
The rate announcement adds to positive data also released today which shows that the Queensland property market is on the road to recovery.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) house price index, the Brisbane index grew 1.9% in the three months to June.
ABS housing and lending finance data also shows that the numbers of owner-occupiers and investors in the market continues to increase.
Tuesday’s rate cut adds to a growing number of indicators that show our property market is well and truly heading into positive territory.
We have been witnessing improving sales activity and confidence levels for about six to 12 months now, so Tuesday’s rate cut will continue to provide more good news for our market.
All of the signs signal that this year’s spring selling season will be one of the best for quite some time especially once the Federal Election is behind us.
We all hope that the election produces a clear majority which will have a positive and stabilising effect on our economy and correspondingly on our property market.
Anton Kardash is CEO of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reiq.com">Real Estate Institute of Queensland</a>.
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Rate cuts show property market heading to positive territory

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The Queensland property market recorded its strongest numbers of house sales in nearly two years, according to the latest Real Estate Institute of Queensland data.
The REIQ September quarter median house price report the numbers of house sales increased over the quarter. The numbers of sales were also up 5% compared with the same period last year.
Many buyers had been waiting on the sidelines for economic and buying conditions to improve.
We always expected a sharp increase in activity in the September quarter, as many of our REIQ members had reported that buyers were waiting for interest rates to reduce further and for the return of stamp duty concessions on July 1 this year.
Historically, of course, the September quarter is the spring selling season, so activity is usually higher than during winter, but it is very heartening to see that the numbers of sales is even up on the same period last year.
There was a mix of median price increases and some reductions for major regions over the September quarter, but this can partly be attributed to different compositions of sales occurring over the period. For example, if more affordable properties sell, the median house price will also be lower.
In Brisbane, the median house price increased 1.6% to $508,000. The numbers of house sales was also up more than 35% compared with the June quarter.
Brisbane’s market continues to improve as buyers turn their attention to our affordable capital city property prices, as well as the continued strong demand for rental properties, which is attracting investors.
The mining areas of Queensland appear to have come off the boil a little, perhaps due to sharp property price increases over the past 12 months in Gladstone and <a href="/news">Mackay </a>in particular, however sales in these regions remain strong.
The top performer of all major regions over the quarter was Mackay, which posted a median house price increase of 4.7% to $445,000. Over the year, its median house price increased 4.9%.
Next was Redland City, which recorded a median house price increase of 2.7% to $450,000.
Anton Kardash is CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland. This article first appeared on the <a href="https://reiqblog.com/" target="_blank">REIQ blog.</a>
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Queensland property sales up, but mining towns off the boil

Sydney developer Deicorp is set to officially open its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Showground Village</a> precinct in Castle Hill.

NSW Premier Chris Minns will attend the opening on Sunday August 31, alongside&nbsp;Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, The Hills Shire Council Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne, Landcom CEO Alex Wendler, and Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri.

Located just moments from Hills Showground Metro Station, the centre spans 9,500 sqm across four levels and features 26 specialty retailers as well as a 1,400 sqm public plaza, creating a new community meeting point for shopping, dining, fitness, and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Showground Village forms part of the Hills Showground Station Precinct, an urban renewal initiative led by Landcom and Sydney Metro that will provide for around 2,300 new jobs over the next 20 years and around 9,000 new homes.&nbsp;

Deicorp was recently approved for another new development next door to Showground Village.

The new five residential buildings in the East Showgrounds Precinct, will see another 873 dwellings delivered, as well as&nbsp;3,500 sqm of open public space in the form of landscaped courtyards, a public park and communal outdoor recreational space including a playground, barbeque area, and outdoor seating.

“This approval will allow us to start construction on a range of beautifully designed, conveniently located apartments and create another vibrant, walkable and well-connected community,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp" target="">Deicorp</a>&nbsp;Founder Fouad Deiri.

“These new homes will provide their residents with a seamless connection to jobs and services along Metro North West, and the new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill" target="">Hills Showground Village</a>&nbsp;retail precinct currently under construction."

Deicorp has several thousand apartments in planning and under construction across Sydney, from Zetland and Five Dock to Crows Nest and Macquarie Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=133881]

Joel Robinson

Deicorp, NSW Premier officially open Showground Village, new retail and hospitality hub in Castle Hill

ASX-listed developer Cedar Woods is progressing its plans for its Southbank arts precinct site.&nbsp;

The developer has filed plans, which are now with the&nbsp;Department of Transport and Planning, for a new 20-level tower at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/141-151-sturt-street-southbank-vic-3006">141–151 Sturt Street</a>, a 2,718 sqm block opposite the Habitat Filter sculpture.

The proposal seeks to demolish the two-level&nbsp;commercial building, including a small supermarket and medical tenancies, and create a new building with 180 apartments and a focus on an&nbsp;active public realm and arts integration.

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<img alt="Southbank site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76a72db6-91ef-43ae-827d-a9cfa72893d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Site.png?VersionId=DZgtB4K6BswVh0QtCs3iLjXaLp0CbcEb" />

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There will be a full mix of apartment configurations, including 28 studio apartments, 16 one-bedroom, 104 two-bedroom, and 32 three-bedroom units.

Retail, creative arts, and residential amenity functions are integrated across the lower levels. A food and drink tenancy is planned to front Dodds Street, while a retail tenancy fronting Sturt Street will be accessed via an elevated walkway. The first floor includes a substantial 734 sqm creative arts space, envisioned to support Melbourne’s growing cultural and digital industries.

Architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has put together the plans. In their&nbsp;Urban Design Report they highlighted the project’s ambition to embed itself within Southbank’s evolving cultural fabric.

A central feature of the design is a through-block link connecting Sturt and Dodds Streets, landscaped with native plantings and embedded with universal access ramps.

“The ramp has been thoughtfully integrated as the primary access point, ensuring universal accessibility for all users,” the report noted, with the link offering “a direct response to the urban planning scheme of creating more green spaces within our communities”.

<img alt="Southbank podium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d24b1b2-d69c-4a11-a11d-ec6df432221c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium.png?VersionId=geWoJyZDmPSLODZ_.PNJ0LvpOmyyCdpo" />

The building’s podium form responds to the mandatory height limits along Dodds Street and maintains a fine-grain interface to adjoining developments. Above the podium, the tower is articulated with recessed balconies and a focus on views toward the CBD and surrounding arts institutions. A communal rooftop recreation deck and indoor lounge are positioned on level four, adjoining seven apartments and providing over 900 sqm of resident amenity space.

Vehicle access and loading will be provided via Dodds Street, with 155 resident car spaces located across two basement levels and the first three above-ground floors. Bicycle storage is more generous, with 226 spaces distributed across resident, staff and visitor needs.

Rothelowman describes the architecture as “humanist,” with ground-level interfaces designed to encourage social interaction and provide a dignified entry for both residents and passers-by. “All street interfaces are crafted to invite and nurture human connections,” the design report states. “The façade transitions to a human scale, providing an approachable and engaging streetscape”.

Cedar Woods, while well-known for its large communities it develops outside of Australia's capital cities, they have recently developed in Melbourne's inner-ring before. They are approaching completion at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/88-leveson-north-melbourne-88-leveson-street-north-melbourne-vic-3051">88 Leveson</a>, just 15 townhouses in the heart of North Melbourne.

Cedar Woods progresses with new apartment plans in Southbank arts precinct

Brisbane developers Core Property Partners and Vector Property Australia has teamed up for Brisbane's newest apartment development.

The duo identified <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as their preferred suburb, on the fringe of the Gabba Precinct, where they've just revealed BANKSII, 72 apartments opposite Raymond Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5481]

The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will sit in a glass-wrapped building that will also feature a rooftop with an&nbsp;infinity-edge pool, a BBQ area and alfresco dining spaces, sun lounges, and a sauna, as well as a resident-only gym and a ground-floor cafe.

Rhett Williams, Director of Vector Property Australia, said the project will lift the quality of the East Brisbane community and set a new benchmark.

"In Brisbane’s current property landscape, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/banksii-east-brisbane-169-wellington-road-east-brisbane-qld-4169">BANKSII</a> stands out through its emphasis on lifestyle-oriented living, connectivity and sophisticated design," Williams says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5479]

The 10-level building has been designed by MAS Architecture. Their designs were inspired by the native Banksia flower, with the architecture and interiors reflecting the organic symmetry of its namesake flora. MAS has interpreted this throughout the building’s curved form, façade detailing and interior palette.&nbsp;

The building’s flowing geometry and natural tones are complemented by large balconies and floor-to-ceiling glazing, maximising cross-breezes, daylight and views over the city, parklands and river.

“Having a strong narrative for a building helps us architecturally,” MAS noted. "We can choose colours that come off that species of flowers. The trunk and the trees and the flower elements all are now visible in our joinery on the inside and in our architectural finishes on the outside."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5485]

Apartments will feature timber floors, soft porcelain tiles, brushed bronze fittings, and stone benchtops with warm veining.&nbsp;

Kitchens feature premium SMEG appliances and generous storage, while bathrooms have been designed as calming retreats with curved cabinetry and twin sinks in the master ensuites.

The building will feature a suite of rooftop and wellness amenities. Residents will have access to an infinity-edge pool, BBQ and alfresco dining areas, sun lounges and a rooftop sauna.&nbsp;

A residents-only gym will be located on the podium level, while a ground-floor café and landscaped laneway will further activate the site and improve neighbourhood connectivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5488]

BANKSII will rise from a prime Wellington Road site, with the building oriented to overlook the adjacent Raymond Park and take in extensive city views. It is also on the doorstep of key&nbsp;lifestyle infrastructure, including the future Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, The Gabba stadium, and the planned Brisbane Live arena.&nbsp;

Public transport options, including ferry, bus and rail - including the future Cross River Rail Woolloongabba station - are all nearby, supporting a car-optional lifestyle just minutes from the CBD.

Williams said the team spent over a year searching for the ideal site before securing this location.

"We were attracted to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as it is a vibrant and growing community that offers a perfect balance of urban convenience and natural beauty with the parklands and river on our doorstep.”

The project is part of the broader Woolloongabba Games precinct, which is undergoing significant investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This urban renewal, coupled with infrastructure upgrades, is expected to enhance long-term liveability and capital growth in the area.

Given the wide max of configurations, BANKSII is expected to suit everyone from first home buyers and investors to families and downsizers.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136432]

BANKSII sales launch in booming East Brisbane apartment market

The Minns Labor Government will deliver Sydney’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade – enabling up to 10,000 new homes by rezoning land around Woollahra and Edgecliff stations, right next to the CBD, to tackle the housing crisis and rebalance growth across the city.

Recent reports by the NSW Productivity Commission have warned that Sydney is losing twice as many young people as it is gaining, while also finding that Woollahra is the most feasible Local Government Area (LGA) in New South Wales to build new housing.

Despite this, housing approvals in Woollahra consistently lag well behind other LGAs, and the population has declined by 11 per cent over the past 50 years while Greater Sydney as a whole has grown by 74 per cent.

The new station that will be an eight-minute trip from Sydney CBD, will be located on the Eastern Suburbs train line in Woollahra, where a station build was started in the 1970s but never completed.

To enable the delivery of new homes the NSW Government will lead a rezoning of Woollahra and Edgecliff stations similar to other state led rezonings to allow additional homes to be built around the stations.

Affordable housing will also make up a proportion of development on the site with the final amount of affordable housing required, to be determined as part of the rezoning process.

The area surrounding the new station is within walking distance of major green and recreational space including Cooper, Trumper, Rushcutters Bay and Centennial Parks.

The Eastern Suburbs train line between Bondi Junction and Sydney CBD also has the lowest passenger usage rates during the AM peak of any line on the Sydney network, with only 43 per cent of operating capacity during the AM peak currently being utilised by passengers.

Sydney Water and Infrastructure NSW have confirmed there is capacity in the water and wastewater systems to accommodate the proposed 10,000 dwellings without major upgrades.

The rezoning is expected to take around two years and will further support the Government’s housing targets that rebalance the delivery of new homes around existing infrastructure.

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Next stop Woollahra train station - delivering up to 10,000 new homes in the heart of Sydney

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Fresh off completing its mixed-use Malvern project Malvern Collective, Kokoda Property Group has acquired a prime site on Richmond's Bridge Road.

They are planning a mid-rise residential development with&nbsp;integrated wellness amenities and a vibrant ground-floor retail and dining offering.

The site, at&nbsp;487–495 Bridge Road, spans&nbsp;1,650 sqm with 50 metres of dual frontage across Bridge Road and Palmer Street. It is currently leased to Adairs, and has a large retail building and 20 onsite car parks.
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Kokoda Property Group’s acquisition forms part of a broader phase of growth in Melbourne, building on momentum from the completion of Malvern Collective and the recent purchase of a Burnley Street site for the developer’s first commercial project.&nbsp;

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating.

“Melbourne is regaining momentum,"&nbsp;Stevens said.

"After a cautious period post-COVID, we’re seeing buyer sentiment stabilise and capital leaning back into well-located, quality projects. Victoria now benefits from deep builder capacity and competitive delivery pricing, creating a rare opportunity to bring design-led inner-city developments to market without compromising on craftsmanship.

“Richmond ticks all the boxes for us – connectivity, culture and everyday amenity – making Bridge Road the perfect address for an amenity-rich, multi-use development."

<img alt="Kokoda" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a8de51d-8092-480a-8b7e-e081816692c2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-29%20at%208.54.27%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VRHpV5.6beOu2cieKHWrw3ErMPuVOAuj" />

Envisioned as an “urban lantern” the building will bring a distinctive new presence to Bridge Road with a sculptural retail frontage, designed to honour the street’s heritage character while contributing to its renewal.

Stevens said the acquisition reflects the developer’s commitment to design-led addresses in Melbourne’s inner city.

“Drawing on Richmond’s rich heritage and dynamic character, we’ve envisioned a contemporary building that respects the past while elevating the way people live today. With dual frontages, curated ground-floor spaces, and a focus on wellness, this project will contribute to the neighbourhood’s evolution, appealing to both downsizers and a new generation of professionals.”

Kokoda Property will now progress concept design ahead of a future planning process.
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Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating

Anton Kardash

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