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Over the 10 years to January 2016, home values across the combined capital cities have increased by a total 72.0% which is well short of values doubling over the decade. 
If we look at the split between houses and units, house values are 73.1% higher compared to a 64.3% increase in unit values.
Although combined capital city home values haven’t doubled over the past decade, the previous decade was quite a different story. Between January 1996 and January 2006 combined capital city home values increased by 151.7% with house values up 159.6% and unit values 110.1% higher. Based on this data, the most recent decade of capital city home value growth has been half that of the previous decade. 
<a href="/images/2016/02/11/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-11%20at%201.14.30%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/11/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-11%20at%201.14.30%20PM.png" alt="">
At a combined capital city level, the index is weighted so it is therefore heavily influenced by the performance of the larger capital cities. Taking a look at value growth over the past decade across individual capital cities shows a diversity in results.
Melbourne is the only capital city housing market where home values doubled over the past decade. In fact, many cities are a long way from having doubled with values in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Canberra having all increased by less than 50% over the past decade. Home values in Sydney and Darwin have each recorded increases of more than 75% over the past decade however, they too fell well short of seeing values double over the decade.
Over the previous decade (10 years to January 2006) home values more than doubled across each capital city (note that Hobart values are for houses only and data is not available for Darwin). 
In fact, value growth over the previous decade was more than three times greater than over the most recent decade in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Canberra while nationally it was more than double the rate of value growth over the past 10 years. Even Sydney and Melbourne recorded much stronger home value growth over the previous decade compared to the past decade. 
Looking at value growth over the five years to January 2016, it looks unlikely that by the time January 2021 rolls around that home values would have doubled over the decade in any of the capital cities. Over the past five years, Sydney and Melbourne are the only capital cities in which home values have increased by more than 10% with values lower in Hobart and Darwin.
<a href="/images/2016/02/11/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-11%20at%201.15.41%20PM.png">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/11/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-11%20at%201.15.41%20PM.png" alt="">
While there was a time when home values doubled over a 10 year period the data suggests that the days of such rapid value rises are behind us. It’s important to remember that in recent times we have had record low mortgage rates yet that has failed to spark any substantial home value growth outside of Sydney and Melbourne. 
With little wage growth and ongoing economic uncertainty it is clear that in most areas of the country there are limits to what people can pay for housing. Subsequently there has been little impetus for any significant value growth outside of the two largest capital cities. Even in Sydney and Melbourne value growth has been substantially lower over the past decade than over the previous decade.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic RP Data. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Property values – do they double every decade? Cameron Kusher

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Rental yields across the combined capital cities have gradually trended lower over the past two decades and currently sit at record-low levels. 
The change in rental rates have also seen a slowdown in recent years which has culminated in no change in rents over the past year. This represents a historically weak market for rental growth. 
Looking at rental growth over the past decade, across the combined capital cities rental rates increased by 50.7 percent over the period, or 4.2 percent per annum. This is a lower level of increase than home values which have increased by 72.0 percent (5.6 percent per annum) over the same period. A split by property types, shows there hasn’t been a substantial difference in performance, with house rents increasing by 50.3 percent compared to a 53.7 percent rise in unit rents. 
By breaking out the results across the individual capital cities and looking at the total rental change over the past decade, these show that Sydney (+59.4 percent) and Perth (54.6 percent) have seen significantly greater increases in rents than all other capital cities. 
<a href="/images/2016/02/23/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-23%20at%204.18.39%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/23/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-23%20at%204.18.39%20PM.png" alt="" width="826" height="757">
Although rental growth has been strong in some cities, in most instances home value growth has outpaced rental growth over the past decade. The exceptions have been Hobart and Perth where rental increases have outstripped value growth, pushing yields higher over the decade, and Brisbane where value growth and rental growth have each been recorded at 44.0 percent over the decade.
The other side of the rental growth equation is of course gross rental yields which highlight the expected annual rental return on an investment property. There are a few points that should be highlighted, they are based on the home value so no consideration is given to borrowings nor are there allowances for costs. Furthermore, the calculation assumes that there is no vacancy, which in the current environment is becoming somewhat more difficult to achieve. 
Over the past 10 years there has been little overall change in gross rental yields across the capital cities. Although capital city rental yields are now at an historic low of 3.5 percent the shift from 4.0 percent 10 years ago has been relatively minimal. Perth and Hobart are the only cities in which yields are now higher than they were 10 years ago while in Brisbane they are unchanged over the period.
Melbourne and Darwin have seen the greatest softening in gross rental yields over the past decade. Melbourne, where gross yields are the lowest of any capital city, have slipped from 4.2 percent ten years ago to 2.9 percent currently. 
With rental rates falling and yields sitting at record low levels at a time when housing construction is at its highest level on record it is reasonable to expect that rents and yields will slip further over the coming years. 
Of course we have recently seen the Labor opposition propose changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. Were policies such as these to be implemented it could change the situation for investors. Whereas over recent years their focus has clearly been on value growth, attention could begin to become more balanced where investors place a higher degree importance on the yield profile and potential for positive cash flow.
<a href="/images/2016/02/23/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-23%20at%204.20.11%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/23/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-23%20at%204.20.11%20PM.png" alt="" width="823" height="377">
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic RP Data. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Housing rents slower to increase than home values: Cameron Kusher

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According to the CoreLogic RP Data Stratified Hedonic Index, the most affordable quarter of suburbs recorded annual value growth of 6.6 percent compared to a 6.4 percent rise across the middle market, and a 7.0 percent rise across the most expensive suburbs. 
While the annual figures show the most expensive suburbs recorded the strongest value growth over the past 3 months, value rises have been more uniform and with little difference between the broad value-based segments of the market. 
Across the most affordable suburbs, we’ve seen values move 1.8 percent higher over the March quarter followed by the most expensive suburbs move by 1.7 percent, and the middle market suburbs by 1.6 percent.
<a href="/images/2016/04/21/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-21%20at%201.40.49%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/21/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-21%20at%201.40.49%20PM.png" alt="">
 
Home values across the city increased by 7.4 percent over the past year after annual growth peaked at 18.4 percent in July 2015 Over the past year the most affordable suburbs have seen values rise by 8.0 percent. 
The middle market values are 6.6 percent higher and the most expensive suburbs have recorded value rises of 8.8 percent. 
The annual rate of value growth is slowing across each segment, however the premium end of the market continues to record higher rates of capital gain.
Sydney: Home values across the city increased by 7.4 percent over the past year after annual growth peaked at 18.4 percent in July 2015. Over the past year the most affordable suburbs have seen values rise by 8.0 percent. The middle market values are 6.6 percent higher and the most expensive suburbs have recorded value rises of 8.8 percent.
The annual rate of value growth is slowing across each segment, however the premium end of the market continues to record higher rates of capital gain.
 
Melbourne: Recorded home value growth of 9.8 percent over the past year, down from a recent peak of 14.2 percent in September 2015. 
The most affordable suburbs recorded value rises of 9.7 percent compared to 10.5 percent across the middle market and 10.0 percent across the most expensive suburbs. Growth is fairly steady across the affordable market but slowing across the middle and most expensive suburbs.
Brisbane: Home values increased by 4.5 percent over the past year with the rate of value growth higher than it was a year ago. The most expensive suburbs recorded value growth of 4.6 percent over the past year compared to a 5.1 percent rise across the middle of the market.
The most affordable suburbs saw a 5.7 percent rise. Annual rates of growth are generally trending higher across each segment.
Adelaide: Home value changes have been fairly steady having increased by 3.2 percent over the past year. The most expensive suburbs saw values rise by 3.2 percent compared to a 3.1 percent increase across the middle market and a 2.9 percent increase across the most affordable suburbs.
Across each segment growth is fairly steady with the rate of capital gain holding reasonably firm over the past twelve months.
Perth: The only major capital city to see value falls over the past year, however, the annual rate of decline has started to improve, easing from - 4.1 percent in November 2015 to the current annual decline of -2.0 percent. Across the broad valuation segments, home values have fallen -0.5 percent across the most affordable suburbs, and are -1.5 percent lower across the middle market and 2.1 percent lower across the most expensive suburbs.
Across each segment values are still falling but the rate of decline in values has slowed.
The CoreLogic RP Data Stratified Home Value Index highlights the importance of looking beneath the broad headline figures.
<a href="/images/2016/04/21/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-21%20at%201.42.39%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/21/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-21%20at%201.42.39%20PM.png" alt="">
 
Markets within a city can be performing quite differently to what the over-arching statistics for a capital city market shows, not only across valuation based segments of the market, but also across housing types and geographically.
 Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic RP Data. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.
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Home value growth strongest in most expensive suburbs: CoreLogic RP Data's Cameron Kusher

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Based on the CoreLogic May monthly rental review released today, while rents increased slightly by 0.1 percent in April, overall, capital city rental rates edged lower, falling 0.2percent over the past 12 months.
Rental rates are currently $490/week for houses and $467/week for units across combined capital cities;
Five of the eight capital cities saw a modest rise in rents over the past twelve months, including Sydney (1.4 percent), Melbourne (1.7 percent), Adelaide (0.5 percent), Hobart (1.1 percent) and Canberra (2.5 percent); 
Perth (-8.9 percent) and Darwin (-12.6 percent) experienced large drops in rents &amp; have collectively pulled the combined capital average lower; 
Brisbane rents dropped by -0.6 percent.
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<img src="/images/2016/05/11/2016-05-09--monthly-report-report.jpg" alt="">
 We anticipate that the weakness in the rental market will persist over the year and rents will continue to fall over the coming months. The annual change in rental rates continues to be at its slowest pace since before 1996.
At the same time last year, rental rates increased by 1.7 percent which indicates a sharp slowdown in rental growth over the past year.
Factors contributing to a slowing in rental growth include falling real wages, excess rental supply in certain areas and lower rates of population growth - all of which have impacted on demand for rental accommodation.
With dwelling approvals at recent record highs and construction activity set to peak over the next 24 months, accompanied by many new properties still to settle, we anticipate that the weak rental market conditions will persist with rental growth continuing to slow and, or, fall in most capital cities.
Based on current market conditions, landlords won’t be in a position to lift rental rates and may actually need to reduce rents in order to keep their tenants. We see renters as holding a stronger negotiation position and where they now have the potential to upgrade into higher grades of accommodation for a similar, or lower rents.
Canberra is the only capital city where the annual rental change is currently stronger than it was a year ago. Mr Kusher said this highlights the weakness in rental market conditions is being felt across all other capital city markets.
With rental rates increasing in some cities in April, rates in Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart are at record highs. In all remaining cities, rental rates are now below their highs with the declines recorded respectively in: -0.1 percent in Melbourne, -0.8 percent in Brisbane, -13.7 percent in Perth, -17.3 percent in Darwin and -5.4 percent in Canberra.
The results show that as rental changes outpace home value changes, gross rental yields have trended lower and have hit record lows of 3.3 percent for houses and 4.2 percent for units.
In our two largest capital cities, we’ve seen rental yields move to record lows of 3.1 percent for houses and 4.0 percent for units in Sydney and in Melbourne, rental yields are at a record low 2.9 percent for houses and 4.0 percent for units.
With home values continuing to grow and rental markets expected to soften further, don’t be surprised if we see a further compression of gross rental yields over the coming months.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic RP Data. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.
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Weekly rents have continued to fall over the past year: Cameron Kusher

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As commodity prices and mining investment has sunk, demand for housing in mining areas has also slowed. This week we take a look at the performance of some of the major mining towns.
Mining towns and regions across the country have been hard hit as investment and commodity prices have slumped.  This week we’re looking at how the housing market has performed in terms of the volume and median price of sales across these regions.  The results indicate that not all mining towns have recorded an equivalent slowdown.  The following analysis looks at annual median prices and annual sales volumes
Port Hedland – median prices peaked at $925,000 in June 2013 and sales volumes peaked at 402 in July 2006.  Current median prices are $390,000 (-58 percent lower than peak) and current sales are 128 (-68 percent below peak).  In what may be a positive sign for the market, annual sales are once again trending higher, although the median prices trend is yet to bottom out.
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Isaac – median prices peaked at $620,000 in November 2012 and sales volumes peaked at 661 in March 2012.  Current median prices are $138,390 (-78 percent lower than peak) and current sales are 117 (-28 percent below peak).  Transaction numbers have recently started to rise, however median price trends remain negative.
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<img src="/images/2016/11/09/2016-11-07--image2.jpg" alt="">
Karratha – median prices peaked at $815,000 in October 2010 and sales volumes peaked at 511 in March 2005.  Current median prices are $362,980 (-55 percent lower than peak) and current sales are 235 (-54 percent below peak).  Transaction numbers have been trending higher but the median sale price is still falling, albeit at a more moderate pace.
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Gladstone – median prices peaked at $475,000 in September 2012 and sales volumes peaked at 1,823 in July 2007.  Current median prices are $350,000 (-26 percent lower than peak) and current sales are 572 (-69 percent below peak).  Dwelling turnover is continuing along a downwards trend with no sign of an improvement in buyer demand just yet.
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<img src="/images/2016/11/09/2016-11-07--image4.jpg" alt="">
Kalgoorlie-Boulder – median prices peaked at $351,250 in June 2015 and sales volumes peaked at 1,656 in September 2006.  Current median prices are $312,000 (-11 percent lower than peak) and current sales are 345 (-79 percent below peak).  Transaction numbers appear to be levelling, however there is no sign of any upwards pressure on prices or turnover.
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<img src="/images/2016/11/09/2016-11-07--image5.jpg" alt="">
Mackay – median prices peaked at $435,000 in June 2013 and sales volumes peaked at 3,264 in April 2004.  Current median prices are $345,000 (-21 percent lower than peak) and current sales are 1,045 (-68 percent below peak).  Transaction numbers have recently levelled across the Mackay housing market but are yet to improve.
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<img src="/images/2016/11/09/2016-07-11--image6.jpg" alt="">
Roxby Downs – median prices peaked at $500,016 in November 2013 and sales volumes peaked at 187 in February 2004.  Current median prices are $250,000 (-50 percent lower than peak) and current sales are 23 (-88 percent below peak).  Transaction numbers have recently increased slightly across Roxby Downs.
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<img src="/images/2016/11/09/2016-11-07--image7.jpg" alt="">
The smaller mining townships which don’t act as major service centres have tended to see a much sharper fall in median selling prices than the larger townships.  The decline in sales and prices from the market peaks has been substantial across all of these regions, however the regions that have seen the most significant downturn were those that also recorded a significant upswing in prices and turnover rates prior to the peak in commodity prices.
Recently, most of these mining towns have experienced a stabilisation in sales with some regions having seen an increase in sales volumes.  Although sales may have broken the declining trend in a number of areas, median selling prices are generally continuing to trend lower across each of the regions highlighted.
The improvement in transactional activity could potentially be due to larger numbers of distressed sales moving through these markets, but may also be attributable to a cautious return of buyers seeking out a bargain.
The challenge for many of these regions remains that despite a recent uptick in commodity prices, investment in large infrastructure projects (new mines, processing facilities, transport etc) has dried up and subsequently few additional jobs are being created. 
Although commodity prices have recently surged, particular iron ore, coking coal and thermal coal, it is not yet leading to a substantial increase in exploration activity or employment, subsequently housing demand remains weak and continues to have a dampening effect on housing prices. 
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.
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The lowdown on the mining town slowdown from Gladstone to Karratha

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GUEST OBSERVER
Despite repeated warnings around apartment oversupply and settlement risk, the number of dwellings being approved for construction across the capital cities remains unquestionably strong.
In July 2016, there were 17,380 capital city dwelling approvals which was the highest number of approvals since October 2015.  It was also the third highest monthly number of capital city dwelling approvals on record.  Despite a recent slowdown in capital city dwelling approvals there was a substantial rebound in July 2016.
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<h3>Monthly and 6 month average number of capital city house and unit approvals</h3>
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<img src="/images/2016/10/04/2016-09-26--image1.png" alt="">
<h3>6 month average number of capital city dwelling approvals</h3>
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<img src="/images/2016/10/04/2016-09-26--image2.png" alt="">
Looking at the split between houses and units over the month, there were 6,482 houses and 10,898 units approved for construction across the combined capital cities.  There have now been more units approved for construction than houses across the combined capital cities for 22 consecutive months.  Over the 12 months to July 2016, 57.9% of all capital city dwelling approvals were for units.
<h3>6 month average number of capital city house approvals</h3>
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<img src="/images/2016/10/04/2016-09-26--image3.png" alt="">
<h3>6 month average number of capital city unit approvals</h3>
<a href="/images/2016/10/04/2016-09-26--image4.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/04/2016-09-26--image4.png" alt="">
Over the past year, there have been 76,356 capital city houses and 104,835 capital city units approved for construction.  In each of: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra there have been more units than houses approved for construction over the past year.
Sydney - there were 54,667 dwelling approvals over the past year which is 7.3% higher than the previous year.  This figure comprised of 16,360 house approvals (+3.2% yoy) and 38,307 unit approvals (+9.1% yoy).
Melbourne – over the year to July 2016 there were 57,428 dwellings approvals which was -0.2% lower over the year.  25,880 of these approvals were for houses and 31,548 were units, with the year-on-year changes recorded at +11.2% and  -7.9% respectively.
Brisbane – The 30,901 dwelling approvals over the past year consisted of 11,210 houses and 19,691 units.  Overall approvals are 4.0% higher over the year with house approvals -1.4% lower and unit approvals 7.4% higher. 
Adelaide – there were 6,119 houses and 3,899 units approved over the past year resulting in 10,018 total approvals.  Over the past year, dwelling approvals are 10.9% higher with house approvals up 9.3% and unit approvals 13.5% higher.
Perth – the number of annual dwellings approvals fell by -24.3% over the year to 20,963.  Over the year, the 14,202 house approvals were -26.7% fewer than the previous year and the 6,761 unit approvals were -18.6% less than a year ago.
Hobart – there were only 989 new dwellings approved for construction over the year, 799 of which were houses and 190 units.  House approvals were -22.7% lower year-on-year and unit approvals were down -10.8%.
Darwin – there were 1,304 dwelling approvals over the past year which was -12.7% lower year-on-year.  Over the year, the 657 house approvals was -22.8% lower than the previous year and the 647 unit approvals were 0.6% higher than the previous year.
Canberra – there were 1,129 houses and 3,792 units approved for construction over the past 12 months.  There were -8.1% fewer house approvals than over the previous year while unit approvals were 24.7% higher over the year.
Despite policy makers and analysts (including CoreLogic) voicing concerns about the level of housing construction currently underway, particularly for units, approvals in capital cities generally remain unquestionably strong.  From here it will be interesting to see how many of these approvals immediately progress to commencement and ultimately through to a completion.  Tighter lending conditions for both developers and purchasers for off-the-plan units is likely to result in a larger proportion of approvals that don’t proceed through to a finished product.  The data also reiterates why purchasers of off-the-plan units in major capital city housing markets should be very selective with regard to the types of units they purchase.
Importantly, oversupply concerns are most visible across specific and well defined geographic areas and product types. CoreLogic’s Settlement Risk Report identifies the Melbourne inner city and Brisbane inner city as the two markets where the largest amount of unit supply is likely to be delivered over the next 24 months.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.
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Capital city dwelling approvals rebounding: Cameron Kusher

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Utilising quarterly household income data from the Australian National University, CoreLogic has developed quarterly measurements of the ratio of property prices to annual household income.
This data is extremely valuable when looking to measure housing affordability.  The measure is available at a number of different geographies from SA2 regions (generally about the size of a suburb or group of suburbs) all the way up to GCCSA (capital city and rest of state) regions.  When looking at the analysis it is important to note that a higher ratio means housing is less affordable and a lower ratio indicates better affordability.
Note that CoreLogic will be releasing a range of affordability indicators over the coming months, including rental price to income ratio’s and the proportion of household income required to service a mortgage.
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<img src="/images/2016/07/08/Chart-1-3-527x580.jpg" alt="">
With property prices varying greatly between each of the capital cities it is interesting to note that the variation in household incomes in nowhere near as large.  In March 2016, Hobart had the lowest median dwelling price at $337,250 and Sydney had the highest median price at $775,000.  Meanwhile, household incomes range from as low as $1,175/week in Hobart to $2,118/week in Darwin.  Obviously the differences in property prices and incomes impact on housing affordability, so let’s take a look at each of the capital cities and the ratio of prices to income over time.
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<img src="/images/2016/07/08/Chart-2-3-580x210.jpg" alt="">
In March 2016 the ratio of house prices to annual household income in Sydney was 9.8 and for units it was 7.2.  Both property types are currently recording a record-high ratio. 12 months ago these ratios were recorded at 8.9 for houses and 6.8 for units. Note that the data goes as far back as September 2001 and at that time the ratios were recorded at: 6.0 for houses and 5.7 for units.
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<img src="/images/2016/07/08/Chart-3-3-580x206.jpg" alt="">
The ratio of property prices to annual household income in March 2016 for Melbourne were recorded at: 7.7 for houses and 6.1 for units.  The ratio for houses is currently at a record high while for units it peaked at 6.6 in December 2010 and March 2011 indicating an improvement in affordability for units since that time. 
In March 2015, these ratios were recorded at 7.2 for houses and 6.0 for units. Affordability has deteriorated over the year for each property type however, detached housing affordability has deteriorated much more rapidly than units. In September 2001 the ratios were recorded at: 4.6 for houses and 4.8 for units.
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<img src="/images/2016/07/08/Chart-4-3-580x207.jpg" alt="">
Unlike Sydney and Melbourne, the ratio of property prices to household income is falling in Brisbane, indicating improving housing affordability.  In March 2016, the ratios were recorded at 6.1 for houses and 4.9 for units.  12 months earlier the ratios were recorded at 6.1 for houses and 5.1 for units.  Brisbane housing was at its least affordable in September 2008 when the ratio of prices to household income were recorded at: 6.7 for houses and 5.7 for units.  In September 2001 the ratios for Brisbane were recorded at: 3.7 for houses and 3.8 for units.
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<img src="/images/2016/07/08/Chart-5-3-580x206.jpg" alt="">
The ratio of property prices to household income for Adelaide peaked in December 2010 at 7.1 for houses and 5.9 for units.  In March 2016 the ratios were recorded at 6.5 for houses and 5.1 for units.  Affordability changed little over the year with the ratios recorded at 6.5 for houses and 5.3 for units in March 2015.  In September 2001, the ratios were recorded at 3.9 for houses and 2.9 for units.
<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Chart-6-1-580x206.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7066" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Chart-6-1-580x206.jpg" alt="Chart 6" width="580" height="206">
With Perth property prices falling, the ratio of prices to household income is also improving.  In March 2016, the ratio of prices to income was recorded at 6.0 for houses and 4.7 for units and a year earlier the ratios were 6.3 for houses and 5.1 for units.  At its peak in June 2007 the ratio of house prices to household income was 7.4 and for units the peak of 6.3 was recorded in December 2007.  In September 2011 the ratios of property prices to household income were recorded at 3.7 for houses and 3.3 for units.
<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Chart-7-580x207.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7067" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Chart-7-580x207.jpg" alt="Chart 7" width="580" height="207">
Although Hobart has the cheapest capital city property prices it is not the most affordable capital city housing market.  In March 2016, the ratio of property prices to household income was recorded at 5.8 for houses and 4.7 for units compared to 5.9 and 4.4 respectively a year earlier.  At its least affordable the ratio of prices to income was recorded at 6.5 for houses in September 2010 and 5.2 for units in March 2011.  In September 2011 the ratios were recorded at 3.1 for houses and 2.5 for units.
<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7068" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Chart-8-580x206.jpg" alt="Chart 8" width="580" height="206">
Based on a ratio of property prices and household incomes Darwin is currently the most affordable capital city housing markets with ratios of 5.2 for houses and 4.2 for units.  Affordability is improving in the city as property prices fall with these ratios recorded at 5.5 for houses and 4.3 for units a year earlier in March 2015.  At their peak over the September and December quarters of 2010 the ratio of house prices to income was 6.0 and the ratio for units was 4.7.  In September 2001 these ratios were recorded at 3.2 for houses and 2.7 for units.
<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7069" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Chart-9-580x205.jpg" alt="Chart 9" width="580" height="205">
In Canberra there is a divergence in results with houses becoming less affordable while affordability for units is remaining unchanged.  In March 2016, the ratios of prices to income were recorded at 5.8 for houses and 4.0 for units compared to 5.5 for houses and 4.0 for units a year earlier.  Canberra houses are at their least affordable level on record while units were their least affordable in December 2010 when they had a ratio of 4.4.  In September 2001 the ratios for Canberra were recorded at 3.6 for houses and 2.7 for units.
Outside of Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra housing affordability is improving with each capital city having a current ratio which indicates affordability has been worst in the past.
The problem is that almost 2 out of every 5 Australians live in either Sydney or Melbourne and these two cities have also been the epicentres of employment and economic growth over recent years. Deteriorating housing affordability in Sydney and Melbourne impacts on significantly more people than deteriorating housing affordability elsewhere around the country.
This measure of affordability provides a high level overview of the relative housing affordability across the capital cities, but it is important to remember that geographically across each city the affordability story can be dramatically different. 
Furthermore, this analysis does not take into consideration interest rates which can make housing affordability more affordable.  While interest rates are undoubtedly a consideration for buyers, they must also consider that interest rates can fluctuate dramatically over the life of a mortgage.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic RP Data. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.
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Property price to income ratio is rising in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra but flat or falling elsewhere: CoreLogic 

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At the end of 2016, 7.6 percent of suburbs nationally had a median house value under $200,000 and 5.9 percent of suburbs had a median unit value below $200,000.
To put these figures into some perspective, 11.4 percent of suburbs had a median house value of at least $1 million and 3.0 percent of suburbs had a median unit value of at least $1 million.
Mr Kusher found that over the five years to the end of 2016, a substantial decline occurred in the proportion of suburbs with a median value below $400,000.
As a comparison, at the end of 2011, 53.5 percent of suburbs had a median house value of less than $400,000 and 69.8 percent of suburbs had a median unit value of less than $400,000. By the end of 2016, the proportion of suburbs with a median value of less than $400,000 fell to 41.0 percent for houses, and 55.3 percent for units.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-16%20at%2011.20.39%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-16%20at%2011.20.39%20am.jpg" alt=""> 
Looking back at the individual capital cities over the past five years highlights a significant shift in the proportion of suburbs with a median value under $400,000, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.
Today’s analysis revealed that five years ago, with the exception of Darwin and Canberra, every capital city had at least 20 percent of its suburbs with a median house value of less than $400,000.
At the end of last year, it was virtually impossible to find houses for less than $400,000 in Sydney, Darwin and Canberra while less than 7% of suburbs had a median house value below $400,000 in Melbourne.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-16%20at%2011.20.46%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-16%20at%2011.20.46%20am.jpg" alt="">
We noted that across each city there has been a substantial decline in affordable housing over the past year despite the fact that outside of Sydney and Melbourne there has been only moderate value growth over the period.
Even units recorded a fairly substantial decline in the proportion of suburbs with a median value of less than $400,000 over the past five years.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-16%20at%2011.20.54%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-16%20at%2011.20.54%20am.jpg" alt="">
For those earning a relatively low income in Sydney and looking to buy a house or unit, they are competing for a rapidly declining pool of housing stock across the city.
The pool is also declining across the remaining capitals, albeit not at the same pace of decline as in Sydney.
Key Findings:
• At the end of 2016, looking at both houses and units, 20.5 percent of Sydney suburbs had a median value of less than $600,000 compared to 38.5 percent of suburbs having a median value of at least $1 million. To further highlight deteriorating housing affordability in Sydney, 34.6 percent of suburbs had a median unit value of less than $600,000 at the end of 2016. In each other capital city, a higher proportion of suburbs had a median house value of less than $600,000 than the proportion of suburbs with a median unit value of less than $600,000.
• In 2011, the proportion of total suburbs with a median house value below $400,000 across each capital city was: 21.2 percent in Sydney, 28.9 percent in Melbourne, 40.9 percent in Brisbane, 40.5 percent in Adelaide, 31.1 percent in Perth, 69.2 percent in Hobart, 2.1 percent in Darwin and 1.1 percent in Canberra.
• Units offered a more affordable option highlighted by the proportions of suburbs values below $400,000 at: 38.8 percent in Sydney, 48.2 percent in Melbourne, 81.7 percent in Brisbane, 94.3 percent in Adelaide, 59.8 percent in Perth, 92.7 percent in Hobart, 53.3 percent in Darwin and 44.6 percent in Canberra.
• The proportion of suburbs with a median house value of less than $400,000 at the end of 2016 was recorded at: 0.1 percent in Sydney, 6.3 percent in Melbourne, 29.2 percent in Brisbane, 28.0 percent in Adelaide, 18.9 percent in Perth, 52.1 percent in Hobart and 0.0 percent in Darwin and Canberra. For units the proportions were recorded at: 6.5 percent in Sydney, 31.8 percent in Melbourne, 62.7 percent in Brisbane, 85.1 percent in Adelaide, 46.4 percent in Perth, 88.4 percent in Hobart, 57.6 percent in Darwin and 45.8 percent in Canberra.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-16%20at%2011.21.01%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-16%20at%2011.21.01%20am.jpg" alt="">
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.
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The heightened decline in suburbs under the $400,000 median: Cameron Kusher

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New South Wales and Victoria now account for a historically high proportion of national mortgage demand which continues to drive dwelling values much higher across these two cities compared with other regions.
The current housing market growth phase has really been all about Sydney and Melbourne.
When you look at dwelling value growth, increases have been substantially higher in Sydney and Melbourne than in all other capital cities.
At the same time, demand for mortgages has surged across NSW and Vic (both of which are proxies for Sydney and Melbourne) while it has barely increased across the remaining states and territories.
The first chart highlights the change in capital city dwelling values over the current growth phase.
The growth phase broadly began in June 2012 and over the period, only Sydney and Melbourne have recorded value rises greater than 21%.
The rise in values has been supported by low interest rates and availability of mortgage finance however, other factors such as localised economic performance, population growth and foreign demand have driven the much stronger growth in Sydney and Melbourne than across the other capital cities.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-27%20at%206.53.06%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-27%20at%206.53.06%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Looking at mortgage finance across the states and territories, in December 2016 the value of mortgage lending across each state and territory was recorded at: $14.5 billion in NSW, $9.6 billion in Vic, $5.1 billion in Qld, $1.6 billion in SA, $2.7 billion in WA, $0.3 billion in Tas, $0.2 billion in NT and $0.7 billion in ACT.
Over the month, NSW (41.8%) and Vic (27.7%) accounted for a combined 69.5% of the value of all housing finance commitments which was an historic high.
In June 2012 when the current growth phase commenced, 33.6% of housing finance commitments were in NSW and 27.1% were in Vic.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-27%20at%206.53.19%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-27%20at%206.53.19%20pm.jpg" alt="">
The value of housing finance commitments for owner occupier housing in December 2016 across the states and territories were recorded at: $7.7 billion in NSW, $6.0 billion in Vic, $3.5 billion in Qld, $1.1 billion in SA, $2.0 billion in WA, $0.3 billion in Tas, $0.1 billion NT and $0.4 billion in ACT.
Since the current value growth phase commenced in June 2012, monthly mortgage lending to owner occupiers has increased from $4.3 billion in NSW and $3.9 billion in Vic.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-27%20at%206.53.29%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-27%20at%206.53.29%20pm.jpg" alt="">
In December 2016, the value of mortgage lending to investors across the states and territories was recorded at: $6.8 billion in NSW, $3.7 billion in Vic, $1.7 billion in Qld, $0.5 billion in SA, $0.7 billion in WA, $0.1 billion in Tas, $0.1 billion in NT and $0.2 billion in ACT.
More than three quarters (76.3%) of investor mortgage finance nationally in December 2016 was in NSW (49.6%) or Vic (26.7%).
While the proportion of lending to investors has previously been higher in each state, combined they make up the largest share on record.
At the beginning of the current growth phase, 37.3% of national investor finance commitments were in NSW and 25.1% was in NSW.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-27%20at%206.53.42%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-27%20at%206.53.42%20pm.jpg" alt="">
The data shows just how concentrated mortgage demand nationally is currently in NSW and Vic.
With the demand focused so much on those two states, it’s no wonder values in Sydney and Melbourne have increased so much more than in the other capital cities.
While steps have been made to cool mortgage demand, particularly from investors in Sydney and Melbourne, the data points to the fact that demand remains unquestionably strong.
With interest rates remaining at close to historic lows, it is clear that further changes will be required in order to slow mortgage demand and dampen the increases in dwelling values being experienced in Sydney and Melbourne.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.
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Mortgage demand has surged in New South Wales and Victoria: Cameron Kusher

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The Sydney housing market is starting to slow following more than five years of strong increases in dwelling values.
As the Sydney market slows there could be some upside for other housing markets where capital gains have been more sustainable and rental yields are higher.
Australia’s third largest city, Brisbane, has recently garnered more attention as a candidate for improved housing market conditions.
In this week’s blog we look at the historic relationship between housing market growth in Sydney and Brisbane in order to determine whether the slowdown in Sydney could translate into an acceleration in Brisbane.
 
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_570w_/public/2017-10/2017-10-09-blogimage1.png" alt="2017-10-09--annualchangeindwellingvalues" width="570" height="198">
The 30 year annual change chart above tends to indicate that after a surge in Sydney dwelling values Brisbane has followed suit thereafter.  
Following Sydney dwelling value growth peaking at 61.7% p.a. in August 1988, Brisbane dwelling value growth peaked at an annual rate of 35.3% in February 1989.  
Annual growth in Sydney dwelling values also peaked in January 2002 at 20.8% with Brisbane’s rate of growth not peaking until December 2003 at 30.7%.  
Keep in mind that outside of these two clear examples, a rise in Sydney value growth has not necessarily been met with a rise in Brisbane (or vice versa).
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_570w_/public/2017-10/2017-10-09-blogimage2.png" alt="2017-10-09--sydneydwellingvaluepremiumrelativetobrisbane" width="570" height="198">
  What the growth of Sydney values in 1988 and 2001 did have in common is that they resulted in a significant gap opening between values in Sydney and Brisbane.  
At its peak in August 1988, Sydney dwelling values were typically 104% more than Brisbane dwellings.  
At its height in September 2001, Sydney dwelling values were 107% higher than Brisbane dwelling prices.  
Recently the chart shows that the gap between values in Sydney and Brisbane has increased and at September 2017 the differential was 86%.  
The long-term average premium for Sydney dwellings over Brisbane is 55% indicating that the gap remains above the long-term average.  Interestingly, even taking a shorter time-frame the average gap has been 56% over the past 20 years and a lower 41% over the past decade.
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_570w_/public/2017-10/2017-10-09-blogimage3.png" alt="2017-10-09--quarterlyinterstatemigrationfromnswtoqld" width="570" height="198">
  Queensland has historically been a popular migration destination for people choosing to leave New South Wales.  
The above chart highlights that following the surge in value growth and the widening of dwelling prices between Sydney and Brisbane, migration from New South Wales to Queensland has typically increased.  
Over the long-term, the average quarterly number of persons migrating from New South Wales to Queensland has been recorded at 12,376 persons.  
Migration from New South Wales to Queensland peaked over the March 1989 quarter at 18,259 persons and then averaged 14,461 persons per quarter from March 1989 to December 1991.  
Migration from New South Wales to Queensland peaked again in December 2002 at 18,129 persons and then averaged 15,392 persons per quarter from December 2002 to September 2004.
As migration from New South Wales to Queensland has recently picked-up, so far it has peaked at a much lower 13,487 persons over the December 2016 quarter which is only 9.0% above the long-term average.  
By comparison the 1989 peak saw migration to Queensland peak at 47.5% above the long-run average and the 2002 peak saw migration peak at 46.5% above the long-run average.
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_570w_/public/2017-10/2017-10-09-blogimage4.png" alt="2017-10-09--annualchangeinemployment" width="570" height="198">
  Unless those people migrating from New South Wales to Queensland are retirees, employment opportunities must be a key consideration.  
Post the 1987 boom in Sydney, New South Wales employment growth was slowing while it accelerated in Queensland.  
Similarly in the early 2000’s employment growth had been greater in New South Wales than in Queensland however, by June 2001 Queensland’s employment was growing at a faster annual rate than New South Wales’ with Queensland employment growth consistently stronger than New South Wales all the way until January 2008.  
Over this period, dwelling value growth in Brisbane had consistently been stronger than growth in Sydney.  
Looking more recently, New South Wales has consistently recorded stronger annual employment growth than Queensland between September 2014 and March 2017.  Since April 2017, annual employment growth in Queensland has been greater than in New South Wales.
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_570w_/public/2017-10/20174-10-09-blogimage5.png" alt="2017-10-09--unemploymentratetrend" width="570" height="198">
  Although employment growth is important, the unemployment rate is also a consideration.  
Although job creation picked up in Queensland after 1987, Queensland’s unemployment rate was consistently higher than New South Wales’ until October 1991 when it was fairly similar to that of New South Wales.  
By August 1992 Queensland’s unemployment rate fell below New South Wales’ and remained lower until December 1994.  
The New South Wales unemployment rate was then consistently lower than Queensland’s until July 2004 with Queensland’s unemployment rate remaining lower than News South Wales’ from July 2004 until late 2009 (thankyou mining boom!).  
From February 2010 onwards, Queensland is yet to chalk up one month in which its unemployment rate is lower than New South Wales’.  Interestingly though, the gap between the New South Wales and Queensland unemployment rate is currently lower (1.1 basis points) than it was as the Sydney housing market was peaking in August 1988 (1.5 basis points) and January 2002 (1.9 basis points).
The trends presented here would generally suggest that Brisbane could be well positioned for a pick-up in value growth as the Sydney housing market slows.  
Keep in mind though that there have been instances in the past where value growth has surged in Sydney and it hasn’t been followed by a surge in Brisbane, so a lift in Brisbane growth is no certainty.  
A significant gap in the cost of housing between the two cities was evident in both 1989 and 2002 and it also evident currently.  As value growth rose in Brisbane, interstate migration from New South Wales hit levels significantly above the long-term average and although interstate migration is increasing it is yet to hit anything close to those previous highs.  Employment growth is accelerating in Queensland which may encourage an increasing number of people from New South Wales to Queensland and the differential in unemployment rate is smaller than it was in 1989 and 2002.
One other consideration is whether the same magnitude of people leaving New South Wales for Queensland will actually settle in Brisbane.  
Both the Gold and Sunshine Coasts are much bigger cities in their own right than they were in 1989 and 2002 plus connectivity with Brisbane is much better than it was previously, so perhaps these migrants will be more inclined to settle on one of the Coasts rather than Brisbane.  
Over the 12 months to September 2017, Brisbane dwelling values have increased by 2.9% while values on the Gold Coast are 5.4% higher over the year and Sunshine Coast values are 6.6%. 
In my opinion, before we can call a coming surge in Brisbane dwelling values we are going to need to see both more evidence that migrants are settling in Brisbane rather than the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.  Migration from New South Wales to Queensland is going to have to lift by a lot more than it has to-date.  Finally, Queensland will also need to see a sustained improvement in employment growth to lure more people across the border.
 
Cameron Kusher is head of research for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.
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Sydney housing market starting to slow: will Brisbane benefit?

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Joel Robinson

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 52-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 52-storey tower, which has just shy of 250 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <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> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

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The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

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Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

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While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

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Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

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The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

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What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

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After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

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Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

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Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Cameron Kusher

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