<html><body>
The five postcodes in South Australia with the highest number of mortgage arrears, by total number, according to Fitch Ratings, are: 
5108 PARALOWIE, SALISBURY, SALISBURY DOWNS, SALISBURY NORTH, SALISBURY NORTH WHITES ROAD
5169 MOANA, SEAFORD, SEAFORD HEIGHTS, SEAFORD MEADOWS, SEAFORD RISE
5114 ANDREWS FARM, BLAKEVIEW, CRAIGMORE, GOULD CREEK, HUMBUG SCRUB, ONE TREE HILL, SAMPSON FLAT, SMITHFIELD, SMITHFIELD PLAINS, SMITHFIELD WEST, ULEYBURY, YATTALUNGA
5109 BRAHMA LODGE, SALISBURY EAST, SALISBURY EAST NORTHBRI AVE, SALISBURY HEIGHTS, SALISBURY PARK, SALISBURY PLAIN
5092 MODBURY, MODBURY HEIGHTS, MODBURY NORTH, MODBURY NORTH
</body></html>

cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

The five worst postcodes in South Australia for the number of mortgage arrears: Fitch Ratings

<html><body>
The top 10 worst postcodes in Victoria for mortgage arrears, by total number, according to Fitch Ratings, are: 
3214 CORIO, NORLANE, NORTH SHORE
3024 MAMBOURIN, MOUNT COTTRELL, WYNDHAM VALE
3337 KURUNJANG, MELTON, MELTON WEST, TOOLERN VALE
3064 CRAIGIEBURN, DONNYBROOK, KALKALLO, MICKLEHAM, ROXBURGH PARK
3940 RYE, ST ANDREWS BEACH, TOOTGAROOK
3212 AVALON, LARA, POINT WILSON
3844 BLACKWARRY, CALLIGNEE, CALLIGNEE NORTH, CALLIGNEE SOUTH, CARRAJUNG, CARRAJUNG LOWER, CARRAJUNG SOUTH, FLYNN, FLYNNS CREEK, KOORNALLA, LOY YANG, MOUNT TASSIE, TRARALGON, TRARALGON EAST, TRARALGON SOUTH, TYERS
3023 BURNSIDE, BURNSIDE HEIGHTS, CAIRNLEA, CAROLINE SPRINGS, DEER PARK, DEER PARK NORTH, RAVENHALL
3047 BROADMEADOWS, DALLAS, JACANA
3806 BERWICK, HARKAWAY
</body></html>

The 10 worst postcodes in Victoria for number of mortgage arrears: Fitch Ratings

<html><body>
The worst 10 postcodes for mortgage delinquencies, by total number, according to Fitch Ratings, are: 
2262 BLUE HAVEN, BUDGEWOI, BUDGEWOI PENINSULA, BUFF POINT, COLONGRA, DOYALSON, DOYALSON NORTH, HALEKULANI, SAN REMO
2558 EAGLE VALE, ESCHOL PARK, KEARNS
2325 ABERDARE, ABERNETHY, BELLBIRD, BELLBIRD HEIGHTS, CEDAR CREEK, CESSNOCK, CESSNOCK WEST, CONGEWAI, CORRABARE, ELLALONG, ELRINGTON, GRETA MAIN, KEARSLEY, KITCHENER, LAGUNA, LOVEDALE, MILLFIELD, MORUBEN, MOUNT VIEW, NULKABA, OLNEY, PAXTON, PAYNES CROSSING,
2315 CORLETTE, FINGAL BAY, NELSON BAY, SHOAL BAY
2168 ASHCROFT, BUSBY, CARTWRIGHT, GREEN VALLEY, HECKENBERG, HINCHINBROOK, MILLER, SADLEIR
2171 CARNES HILL, CECIL HILLS, ELIZABETH HILLS, HORNINGSEA PARK, HOXTON PARK, LEN WATERS ESTATE, MIDDLETON GRANGE, WEST HOXTON
2749  CASTLEREAGH, CRANEBROOK
2564 GLENQUARIE, LONG POINT, MACQUARIE FIELDS
2322 BERESFIELD, BLACK HILL, CHISHOLM, HEXHAM, LENAGHAN, STOCKRINGTON, TARRO, THORNTON, TOMAGO, WOODBERRY
2766 EASTERN CREEK, ROOTY HILL
</body></html>

The 10 worst NSW postcodes by number of mortgage arrears: Fitch Ratings

<html><body>
The seven postcodes in Western Australia with the highest number of mortgage arrears, according to Fitch Ratings, are:
6168 COOLOONGUP, EAST ROCKINGHAM, GARDEN ISLAND, HILLMAN, PERON, ROCKINGHAM, ROCKINGHAM BEACH, ROCKINGHAM DC
6064 ALEXANDER HEIGHTS, GIRRAWHEEN, KOONDOOLA, MARANGAROO
6167 ANKETELL, BERTRAM, CALISTA, CASUARINA, KWINANA BEACH, KWINANA TOWN CENTRE, MANDOGALUP, MEDINA, ORELIA, PARMELIA, POSTANS, THE SPECTACLES, WANDI
6210 COODANUP, DUDLEY PARK, ERSKINE, FALCON, GREENFIELDS, HALLS HEAD, MADORA BAY, MANDURAH, MANDURAH DC, MANDURAH EAST, MANDURAH NORTH, MEADOW SPRINGS, SAN REMO, SILVER SANDS, WANNANUP
6059 DIANELLA
6110 GOSNELLS, HUNTINGDALE, MARTIN, SOUTHERN RIVER
6169 SAFETY BAY, SHOALWATER, WAIKIKI, WARNBRO
</body></html>

The seven worst postcodes for number of mortgage arrears in WA: Fitch Ratings

<html><body>
The worst 10 postcodes in Queensland for the number of mortgage delinquencies, according to Fitch Ratings, are: 
4217 BENOWA, BUNDALL, BUNDALL BC, BUNDALL DC, CHEVRON ISLAND, GOLD COAST MC, ISLE OF CAPRI, MAIN BEACH, SURFERS PARADISE
4132 CRESTMEAD, MARSDEN
4285 ALLENVIEW, BEAUDESERT, BIRNAM, BROMELTON, CAINBABLE, CEDAR GROVE, CEDAR VALE, CHINGHEE CREEK, CHRISTMAS CREEK, CRYNA, DARLINGTON, GLENEAGLE, HILLVIEW, INNISPLAIN, JOSEPHVILLE, KAGARU, KERRY, KNAPP CREEK, KOORALBYN, LAMINGTON, LARAVALE, MOUNT GIPPS, MUNDOO
4212 HELENSVALE, HELENSVALE TOWN CENTRE, HOPE ISLAND, SANCTUARY COVE
4301 COLLINGWOOD PARK, REDBANK, REDBANK PLAINS
4815 CONDON, GRANITE VALE, GUMLOW, KELSO, PINNACLES, RASMUSSEN
4280 JIMBOOMBA, NORTH MACLEAN, SOUTH MACLEAN, STOCKLEIGH
4505 BURPENGARY, BURPENGARY DC, BURPENGARY EAST
4300 AUGUSTINE HEIGHTS, BELLBIRD PARK, BROOKWATER, CAMIRA, CAROLE PARK, GAILES, GOODNA, SPRINGFIELD, SPRINGFIELD CENTRAL, SPRINGFIELD LAKES
4127 DAISY HILL, PRIESTDALE, SLACKS CREEK, SPRINGWOOD
</body></html>

The top 10 postcodes in Queensland by total number of mortgage arrears: Fitch Ratings

<html><body>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/6point01percent.gif">
The median rental yield for units in Darwin, according to Residex. The median unit rental is $470 a week, which is up 8.05% on a year ago.
 
<hr>
 
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/5point94percent.gif">
The median rental yield for units in Canberra, according to Residex. The median unit rental is $485 a week, which is up 10.23% on a year ago. 
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/5point92percent.gif">
The median rental yield for units in Hobart, according to Residex. The median unit rental is $295 a week, which is up 11.32% on a year ago.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/5point56percent.gif">
The median rental yield for units in Brisbane, according to Residex. The median unit rental is $375 a week, which is up 7.14% on a year ago.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/5point51percent.gif">
The median rental yield for units in Sydney, according to Residex. The median unit rental is $515 a week, which is up 13.19% on a year ago.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/5point42percent.gif">
The median rental yield for units in Perth, according to Residex. The median unit rental is $445 a week, which is up 20.27% on a year ago.
 
<hr>
 
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/5point22percent.gif">
The median rental yield for units in Adelaide, according to Residex. The median unit rental is $300 a week, which is up 3.45% on a year ago.
 
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/4point79percent.gif">
The median rental yield for units in Melbourne, according to Residex. The median unit rental is $395 a week, which is up 9.72% on a year ago.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/5point40percent.gif">
 
The median rental yield for units across Australia, according to Residex. The median unit rental is $415 a week, which is up 15.28% on a year ago.
</body></html>

Darwin providing the highest rental returns for unit investors: Residex state-by-state analysis

<html><body>
This week's top sale was a four-bedroom Castle Cove house that sold for $4,075,000 at its weekend auction.
The Marston Architects-designed property was the subject of a hotly contested bidding war between two bidders, who pushed the price up from $3.6 million to its sale price.
The 2010-built house was sold by Adam First National agent Neil Adam in conjunction with LJ Hooker agent Heidi King. Adam describes it in its marketing as a "symphony of style and creative design". 
1. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/115-neerim-road-castle-cove-nsw-2069/myrp-490?propertyId=1774742">115 Neerim Road, Castle Cove, NSW, 2069</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on August 18 by Adam First National for $4.075 million
2. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/7-davidson-avenue-warrawee-nsw-2074/myrp-490?propertyId=7311958">7 Davidson Avenue, Warrawee, NSW, 2074</a>, five-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on August 16 by L J Hooker Wahroonga for $3 million
3. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/26-bangalla-street-warrawee-nsw-2074/myrp-490?propertyId=7311244">26 Bangalla Street, Warrawee, NSW, 2074</a>, six-bedroom house, sold at auction on August 16 by L J Hooker Wahroonga for $2.5 million
4. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/5a-fortescue-street-chiswick-nsw-2046/myrp-490?propertyId=1854960">5A Fortescue Street, Chiswick, NSW, 2046</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on August 18 by McGrath Estate Agents for $2.25 million
5. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/3-pine-avenue-camberwell-vic-3124/myrp-490?propertyId=10224553">3 Pine Avenue, Camberwell, VIC, 3124</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on August 18 by Marshall White &amp; Co for $2.01 million
6. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/28-jackson-street-balgowlah-nsw-2093/myrp-490?propertyId=1222684">28 Jackson Street, Balgowlah, NSW, 2093</a>, five-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on August 17 by Belle Property Manly for $1.785 million
7. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/7-mooramie-avenue-kensington-nsw-2033/myrp-490?propertyId=3291921">7 Mooramie Avenue, Kensington, NSW, 2033</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on August 18 by N G Farah for $1.782 million
8. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/7-sandpiper-place-kenthurst-nsw-2156/myrp-490?propertyId=14194683">7 Sandpiper Place, Kenthurst, NSW, 2156</a>, five-bedroom house, sold on August 14 by Rance Blamey Real Estate for $1.74 million
9. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/8-stirgess-avenue-curl-curl-nsw-2096/myrp-490?propertyId=2045057">8 Stirgess Avenue, Curl Curl, NSW, 2096</a>, four-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on August 18 by McGrath Estate Agents for $1.7 million
10. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/11-vears-road-ashburton-vic-3147/myrp-490?propertyId=9363102">11 Vears Road, Ashburton, VIC, 3147</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on August 18 by Marshall White &amp; Co for $1.64 million
</body></html>

Castle Cove pips two Warrawee homes to claim week's top sale: RP Data

<html><body>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/3point95percent.gif">
 
The rental yield for houses in Melbourne, according to Residex. The median house rent is $420 per week, and this is up 10.53% from the same time last year.


<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/4point36percent.gif">
The rental yield for houses in Sydney, according to Residex. The median house rent is $555 per week, and this is up 5.71% from the same time last year.


<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/4point66percent.gif">
The rental yield for houses in Adelaide, according to Residex. The median house rent is $350 per week, and this is up 4.48% from the same time last year.


<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/4point92percent.gif">
The rental yield for houses in Perth, according to Residex. The median house rent is $450 per week, and this is up 15.38% from the same time last year.


<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/5point15percent.gif">
 
The rental yield for houses in Canberra, according to Residex. The median house rent is $525 per week, and this is up 9.38% from the same time last year.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/5point19percent.gif">
The rental yield for houses in Hobart, according to Residex. The median house rent is $340 per week, and this is down 2.86% from the same time last year.
 


<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/5point21percent.gif">
 
The rental yield for houses in Brisbane, according to Residex. The median house rent is $425per week, and this is up 10.39% from the same time last year.


<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/5point65percent.gif">
The rental yield for houses in Darwin, according to Residex. The median house rent is $560 per week, and this is up 7.69% from the same time last year.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/4point9percent.gif">
The rental yield for houses Australia-wide, according to Residex. The median house rent is $405 per week, and this is up 8% from the same time last year.
</body></html>

Melbourne's 3.95% is lowest of capital city house rental yields: Residex state-by-state analysis

<html><body>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/one-of-harry-m-miller-s-hand-me-downs-%E2%80%93-a-1920s-f-glynn-gilling-woollahra-manor-home-%E2%80%93-listed-for-sale/2012081355939"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/6mplus.gif"></a>
The<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/one-of-harry-m-miller-s-hand-me-downs-%E2%80%93-a-1920s-f-glynn-gilling-woollahra-manor-home-%E2%80%93-listed-for-sale/2012081355939"> price hopes for a 1927 Woollahra manor home </a>last sold in 1968 by the entreprenuer Harry M Miller. The F. Glynn Gilling-designed house, which sits on 1,365 square metres, was built for Justice Allen Maxwell and his wife, Sadie.
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/top-10-cheapest-studios-apartments-in-the-melbourne-cbd-starting-frrom-%24145000/2012081255753" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/145k.gif"></a>
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/top-10-cheapest-studios-apartments-in-the-melbourne-cbd-starting-frrom-%24145000/2012081255753" target="_blank">price of the cheapest studio apartment in the Melbourne CBD</a> recently for sale. The Flinders Street studio sold to an investor in the last couple of weeks.
 
<hr>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/landlords/low-yields-for-bondi-beach-house-investors-in-the-top-50-rp-data-suburbs-list/2012081255933" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/3point7percent.gif"></a>
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/landlords/low-yields-for-bondi-beach-house-investors-in-the-top-50-rp-data-suburbs-list/2012081255933" target="_blank">average rental yield for houses  in Bondi Beach,</a> according to RP Data. Bondi Beach has the highest median price – and one of the lowest yields for houses – among the most active rental suburbs across Australia.
 
<hr>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trends/australian-mining-project-investment-to-peak-in-2014-anz/2012081255962" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/75percent.gif"></a>
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trends/australian-mining-project-investment-to-peak-in-2014-anz/2012081255962" target="_blank">percentage of investment in mining infrastructure in the next two years that will be invested in Queensland and Western Australia</a>, according to ANZ.  ANZ forecasts mining projects to peak at around $37 billion in 2014 in its August Major Projects report.
 
<hr>
<a href="/news"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/5point5m.gif"></a>
The <a href="/news">sale price for a brand-new Nicholas Day-designed property</a> on Cole Court, Toorak, which was the highest sale of the week.
 
<hr>
 
<a target="_blank" href="/news"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/67percent.gif"></a>
<a target="_blank" href="/news">The fall in profits in the past 12 months for listed office and industrial property developer Dexus.</a> Dexus reported annual statutory profits of $181.1 million for the 12 months to June 30, compared with profits for the previous period of $553 million.
 
<hr>
 
<a href="/news"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/19percent.gif"></a>
The <a href="/news">fall in mortgage enquiries from first-home buyers in July compared with June</a>, according to mortgage broker Loan Market. This decline may confirm what some market commentators have suggested: that the ending of generous first-home buyer schemes in four states and territories artificially pulled forward demand and could result in a  decline in first-home buyer numbers in the months that follow.
</body></html>

The 7 must-know numbers of the week, starting with the price hopes for Harry M Miller's former Woollahra manor home

<html><body>
9 Cooloola Avenue, Lennox Head, NSW 2478
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/lennox.jpg">
The tenants of this four-bedroom Lennox Head house are paying $490 per week and are on a month-to-month lease. Listing agent Lois Buckett of Lois Buckett Real Estate says they are keen to stay on, but that the property could possibly rent for as much as $510 per week. The property is 664 square metres and is close to schools, the town cente, the beach and a lake.
Buckett<a href="https://www.ljhooker.com.au/JN5F8B" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.loisbuckett.com.au/buying/NSW/Northern-Rivers/Lennox-Head/House/1P0340" target="_blank">is marketing the property</a> with price hopes in the mid-$500,000s, and if it sells for $550,000, that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 4.6% at its current rent, just above the gross rental yield for Lennox Head houses of 4.2%, according to RP Data. If it were rented at $510, that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 4.8%. The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees.
The median house price in Lennox Head fell 10.3% in the past year but rose 13% in the past five years, according to RP Data.
<a href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT" target="_blank">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $10,000 and over five years to be $31,000.
The property will be open for inspection Saturday, August 18 at 11am and will go to auction Wednesday, September 12 at 5pm.
For more information about prices and yields in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Lennox Head, see the RP Data suburb page.</a>
For another investment prospect going to auction this weekend, see page 2.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
677 Warrigal Road, Bentleigh East, Vic 3165
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/warrigalrd.jpg">
On a 600-square-metre block, this tenanted three-bedroom house has polished floorboards throughout, air-conditioning and a big backyard. The current tenants are paying $375 a week and are on a lease until January 2013. The Links Shopping Centre is across the road, and there are primary and secondary schools nearby. 
Century 21 listing agent Ben Quigley is marketing the property with price hopes of $460,000 plus, and if it sells for that price it would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 4.2%, well above the gross rental yield for Dandenong North houses of 3.3%, according to RP Data. The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees.
The median house price in Bentleigh East fell 7.4% in the past year but rose 52.6% in the past five years, according to RP Data.
<a href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT" target="_blank">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $5,000 and over five years to be $8,000.
The property will go to auction Saturday, August 18 at 1pm.
For more information about prices and yields in <a href="/news">Bentleigh East, see the RP Data suburb page.</a>
</body></html>

Friday form guide: Yields of up to 4.6% in Lennox Head

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

Cassidy Knowlton

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News