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Couples and families are increasingly upgrading in the eastern Melbourne municipality of Manningham, according to Jellis Craig.
Jellis Craig Doncaster director Andrew Keleher says open for inspections at houses favoured by this demographic have been very well attended, pointing towards a strong market in 2012.
“Going forward we have identified two particularly strong markets. Three- to four-bedroom houses in the range of $650,000 to $750,000, for young couples moving to the area,” Keleher says in Jellis Craig’s Annual Property Review.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/manninghamcomment1.jpg"><img src="/images/stories/manninghamcomment1thumb.jpg"></a>
Source: <a href="https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/" target="_blank">Jellis Craig</a> Annual Property Review
“At a recent opening we saw 96 groups in just 30 minutes, the most intense traffic at a single viewing in two years.
“We have also found a very strong resurgence back to the acre homes through the Donvale and  Templestowe area. Many of these buyers are looking to relocate from the inner city and recognise the family lifestyle benefits of these areas, which offer great value without a big mortgage.”
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/manninghamcomment2.jpg"><img src="/images/stories/manninghamcomment2thumb.jpg"></a>
Source: <a href="https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/" target="_blank">Jellis Craig</a> Annual Property Review
Keleher says prices dropped in Manningham in 2011, but he says this increased affordability and the area remains popular.
“Buyer sentiment in the Manningham market has remained particularly positive, buoyed by talk of a new rail link, great schools and very affordable housing.
“In 2011 we saw some decline in value, but this in turn generated a perception of affordability and introduced many new buyers to the area."
 
 
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Upgrader market set to be strong in Melbourne’s leafy north-eastern suburbs in 2012: Jellis Craig

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Western Australian properties are lingering on the market despite deep discounts designed to entice buyers, according to SQM Research.
SQM Research has released a list of the top 10 most discounted properties in WA, and the property at number 10 on the list, 115 Plover Drive, Yangebup, is now offered with a 27% price reduction on its original $450 price hopes. 
In contrast, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/most-discounted-properties-in-victoria-all-in-melbourne-sqm/2012031353814">the most discounted property in Melbourne,</a> 1365 Ballan Road, Wyndham Vale, only has a 25% discount on its original $2.4 million price hopes.
SQM Research director Louis Christopher points out that the most discounted property in Western Australia, 290 Viveash Road, in the Perth suburb of Swan View, has been on the market for almost four years and has been unable to entice a buyer despite a 41% discount on its original $2,290,000 price hopes.
"The number one property on this list, which has been referred to many times in the past by SQM Research, has spent years on the market – sitting on a current tally of 1,376 days," Christopher notes.
"A quick scan of the Perth top 10 will reveal that the majority of the other homes are way up there as well, and this is definitely a factor in play when it comes to substantial house price discounting. Properties that are going stale – in other words, have been on the market for extended periods of time are commonly discounted as the vendors become increasingly eager to sell.
"This is often when potential buyers do have the opportunity to bag a possible bargain – given that there are no issues pertaining to the quality of the property, as the vendors may be willing to sell properties at a lower price than their market value in a bid to make a speedy sale," Christopher says.
However, Christopher says the Perth market could be bottoming out and heading into a recovery.
"Listings have actually been falling in Perth, and second to this, loan approvals have also been rising in recent months," Christopher says. "So it is quite possible that even right now as the market is weak, it may well also be bottoming out. In future, we expect that when we revisist the most discounted properties in the city of Perth, a number of the current homes may well have exited the list."
 
1
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2007193295">290 Viveash Road, Swan View, WA, 6056</a>
On the market since: June 5, 2008
Initial asking price: $2.29 million
Current asking price: $1.35 million
Reduction: 41%
Days on market: 1,376
 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"></h2>
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">2</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106211228" target="_blank">15 Gretel, Two Rocks, WA, 6037</a>
On the market since: December 26, 2009
Initial asking price: $1.1 million
Current asking price: $699,000
Reduction: 36%
Days on market: 756
 
3
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106289694">309 Scarborough Beach Road, Woodlands, WA, 6018</a>
On the market since: February 7, 2010
Initial asking price: $1.1 million
Current asking price: $750,000
Reduction: 32%
Days on market: 713
 
 
4
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"></h2>
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D105695921">61 The Strand, Applecross, WA, 6153</a> (pictured)
On the market since: September 13, 2009
Initial asking price: $7.9 million
Current asking price: $5.45 million
Reduction: 31%
Days on market: 860
 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">5</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D108335651" target="_blank">124/580 Hay Street, Perth, WA, 6000</a>
On the market since: October  23, 2011
Initial asking price: $1,385,000
Current asking price: $975,000
Reduction: 30%
Days on market: 90
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">6</h2>
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106243474">4/19 Broome Street, Cottesloe, WA, 6011</a>
On the market since: January 10, 2010
Initial asking price: $1.2 million
Current asking price: $850,000
Reduction: 29%
Days on market: 740
 
7
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106544887" target="_blank">1/43 Preston Point Road, East Fremantle, WA, 6158</a>
On the market since: May 23, 2010
Initial asking price: $1.1 million
Current asking price: $800,000
Reduction: 27%
Days on market: 608
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">8</h2>
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107455436">1806/96 Bow River Crescent, Burswood, WA, 6100</a>
On the market since: June 18, 2011
Initial asking price: $969,000
Current asking price: $705,000
Reduction: 27%
Days on market: 217
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"></h2>
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"></h2>
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">9</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2008749778" target="_blank">227 Franklin Road, Wanneroo, WA, 6065</a>
On the market since: December 27, 2010
Initial asking price: $1.5 million
Current asking price: $1,095,000
Reduction: 27%
Days on market: 392
 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">10</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D108521836" target="_blank">115 Plover Drive, Yangebup, WA, 6164</a>
On the market since: May 5, 2011
Initial asking price: $450,000
Current asking price: $380,000
Reduction: 27%
Days on market: 77
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"></h2>
 
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SQM Research also offers a list of the <a target="_blank" title="SQM Research" href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/top100bargains.php">Top 100 Biggest Bargains in Australia</a> for sale.
 
 
 
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Perth vendors offering deeper discounts than Melbourne but market could be bottoming out: SQM

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There were 822 sales in Perth for the week ending March 21, according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia. This is fewer than the 887 last week but still up 24% on the 664 for the same week last year.
<img src="/images/stories/reiwamarch21.gif">
 
 
 
 
 
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Perth sales up 24% on same week last year: REIWA

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More New South Wales borrowers (14.6%) owe more than $300,000 on their mortgages than borrowers in any other state, ABS data has revealed.
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<a href="/images/stories/mortgage1.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/mortgage1thumb.gif"></a>
Source: ABS
Tasmanian borrowers on average owe the least on their mortgages, with 12.9% of borrowers owing $100,000 or less.
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<a href="/images/stories/mortgage2.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/mortgage2thumb.gif"></a>
Source: ABS
The state with the next-smallest average mortgage size is Victoria, with just 4.7% of borrowers owing more than $300,000.
The ABS data also reveals the <a target="_blank" href="/news">amount of equity home owners have in their properties</a>.
 
 
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Mortgage size: The official ABS state-by-state data

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The plurality of home owners in all six state capitals cities have between $200,000 and $399,999 equity in their homes, but in ACT and NT the plurality of home owners have between $400,000 and $599,999, ABS figures show.
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<a href="/images/stories/equity2.jpg" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/equity2thumb.jpg"></a>
Source: ABS
The data also shows that more Tasmanian home owners (about 32%) have between $200,000 and $399,999 equity in their homes than home owners in any other state.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/equity3.jpg" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/equity3thumb.jpg"></a>
Source: ABS
More home owners in Western Australia (13%) have $800,000 or more in their homes than owners in any other state.
The ABS data also shows the size of mortgages in each state.
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Dwelling equity: The official ABS state-by-state data

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Prices in most suburbs in the Melbourne inner-east municipality of Boroondara fell during 2011, but Jellis Craig says vendors who were willing to meet the market found buyers.
Boroondara includes the pricey Melbourne suburbs of Ashburton, Hawthorn, Balwyn, Kew and Camberwell, and house prices fell between 3.4% in Camberwell and 22.9%in Balwyn during 2011. The only three suburbs in the municipality to record price increases were Kew(2.5%), Mont Albert (9.3%) and Surrey Hills (up 7.3%).
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/boroondaracomment1.jpg"><img src="/images/stories/boroondaracomment1thumb.jpg"></a>
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/">Jellis Craig</a> Annual Property Review
“Throughout 2011, the property market remained balanced, performing consistently across all price ranges,” Jellis Craig says in its Annual Property Review.
“Vendors who recognised these conditions and positioned their expectations accordingly, consistently achieved satisfying results. Properties with the potential to provide increased family accommodation, effective renovation opportunities or enticing rebuild possibilities were particularly attractive to the market.”
Jellis Craig says “flipping”, or renovating property in order to sell it quickly at a profit, is not feasible in the area given current market conditions.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/boroondaracomment2.jpg"><img src="/images/stories/boroondaracomment2thumb.jpg"></a>
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/">Jellis Craig</a> Annual Property Review
“The long-held pursuit of immediate returns through quick, cosmetic updates is, for now, not an avenue we will be recommending and the expectation of double-digit market growth in the current economic climate is unrealistic,” it says.
“Embracing the medium- to long-term view is the most sensible and secure approach for purchasers to adopt in 2012 as we once again witness the strong demand for Boroondara real estate.”
 
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Prices fell in Melbourne municipality of Boroondara in 2011, but well-priced properties found buyers: Jellis Craig

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Buyers have shown strong interest in the R Corporation’s new Central Park development in the Melbourne suburb of Cheltenham, with just over half of the 52 townhouses sold just three days after the first stage of the development officially launched on Saturday, March 17.
About 120 groups went through the display centre during the weekend of the project’s launch. Ten of the townhouses were sold over the weekend. Pre-sales began for the development in November last year but ceased during the Christmas period. Pre-sales began again in February 2012.
<img src="/images/stories/cheltcentralpark1.jpg">
Central Park will offer six styles of townhouse, all named after flowers. They range from the two-bedroom, 121-square-metre Jasmine, which is priced from $530,000, to the three-bedroom, 170-square-metre Orchid, priced from $825,000. All styles come with carports or garages, with the Orchid including a double garage. The first stage of the development offers five styles, with Jasmine the only two-bedroom model available. All models have two bathrooms.
There will be four stages of 52 townhouses each.
<img src="/images/stories/cheltcentralpark2.jpg">
“For us it’s about delivering a design-focused townhouse that truly caters to the modern lifestyle our customers lead,” says R Corporation marketing manager Rohan Ames.
“We take our knowledge and heritage of the designer apartment market and apply this approach and ability to design efficient living spaces for the townhouses. The benefit now is that with townhouses we have more room to play with and there isn’t a need to compromise on space. Bathrooms can be more spacious and accommodate double showers and dual basins, living spaces are large, bright and open, and bedrooms feature walk-in robes,” Ames says.
<img src="/images/stories/cheltcentralpark3.jpg">
Central Park is aimed at upgraders who are buying their second or third homes.
“R. Corporation has recognised there is a largely ignored market that have outgrown their small apartment, but are not at the stage in life where they are considering, or can afford a large detached family home on a quarter-acre block,” Ames says.
The development’s target demographic is younger buyers who want the convenience of an inner-city lifestyle without being forced to live in tiny units.
<img src="/images/stories/cheltcentralpark4.jpg">
“The modern home buyer wants the design aesthetic of an inner city apartment, but with more space for entertaining and relaxing, and which also gives them more options for the next phase of their life,” says Ames.
“In many suburbs the only alternative to an apartment in their price range is a dated existing home. These often require renovations to cater to a modern lifestyle, and they’ll find themselves spending their weekends maintaining the garden, mowing the lawn or worrying about whether the roof will leak. Instead they want a modern home that they can enjoy with friends and family but is also easy to maintain.”
 
 
 
 
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Upgraders showing strong interest in Cheltenham townhouse development Central Park

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Jellis Craig Glen Iris director Paul Williamson says investor activity dropped off in the inner-Melbourne suburb during the year, particularly for units.
Williamson also says buyers became choosier in the second half of the year, and a property had to offer great value in order to secure interest.
“We saw less investor activity for apartments and flats, which was no doubt a result of the softening of the broader economy. Towards the latter part of the year auctions were very price-sensitive, however properties that ‘ticked all the boxes’ saw multiple bidders vying to secure them,” Williamson says.
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<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/gleniriscomment1.jpg"><img src="/images/stories/gleniriscomment1thumb.jpg"></a>
The median house price in the Melbourne suburb of Glen Iris fell 12.3% during 2011, but Williamson says property sold briskly when vendors were willing to meet the market.
“In 2011, against some challenging economic conditions, demand remained strong for quality period and modern homes in Glen Iris and its surrounds,” he says.
“We found that vendors who listened to the market were often rewarded with a better-than-expected result. “
“This outcome in a year of some uncertainty demonstrated that a well presented property in a desirable location, with strategic marketing will continue to perform beyond market expectation.”
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<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/gleniriscomment2.jpg"><img src="/images/stories/gleniriscomment2thumb.jpg"></a>
Williamson expects 2012 to be better for the suburb’s property market.
“As we now look ahead, we see renewed vigour in the market in just the opening weeks with significantly more buyers inspecting homes. A number of early 2012 marketing campaigns have seen up to 50 groups coming through scheduled opens with serious interest expressed prior to auction. These are indeed very positive signs that 2012 is a market on the rebound.”
 
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Investor market fell in Glen Iris in 2011: Jellis Craig

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1/102 David Street, Dandenong, VIC, 3175
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; max-width: 480px;" src="/images/stories/davidst.jpg"> 
This two-bedroom unit is currently rented until November this year at $1,227 per month, meaning it could be a good prospect for investors. It has been recently renovated and has hardwood floors and a carport. 
It was passed in at its weekend auction on a vendor's bid of $240,000. There were three bidders at the auction.
McDonald Real Estate agent Trevor Mendis <a target="_blank" href="https://mcdonaldre.co/details/?pid=531205">is markeing the property</a> with price hopes of $260,000. Before auction Mendis provided a price guide of $240,000 plus. If it sells for $260,000, that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 5.7%, far higher than the indicative gross rental yield of 4.8% for Dandenong units, 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.
<a target="_blank" href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $4,000 and over five years to be $8,000.
The median unit price for Dandenong fell by 1.4% in the past year, according to RP Data.
For more about prices and yields in Dandenong, see the RP Data suburb page.
 
 
 
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Investor form guide wrap: Yields of up to 5.7% in Dandenong

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There's now a tipping website, <a style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess auction results in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.
This week most properties in the competition sold under the hammer or just after auction, with two of five Brisbane properties passed in and all five in Melbourne and Sydney finding buyers.
<img src="/images/stories/bastings.jpg">
The Melbourne property featured on Property Observer, 32 Bastings Street, Northcote (pictured above) sold just after auction. 
"In Melbourne a huge crowd came out to see the auction of 32 Bastings Street, Northcote. Initially no one wanted to be the first to bid but eventually two bidders came out from behind the trees, literally," says Mark Armstrong of Property Tycoon.
"The property was passed in for $1.5 million and sold shortly after for $1.6 million. A great result for the owner given they purchased the property for just under $1 million six years ago."
<img src="/images/stories/boyce.jpg">
The Sydney property featured on Property Observer, 7 Boyce Street, Glebe (pictured above), "enticed three bidders into the auction, and the property sold under the hammer for $1.65 million," says Armstrong.


"While this price is $150,000 more than the owner paid in 2008 it represents an annual growth rate of under 3% and illustrates the downside of holding property for a short period of time."
But unusually, it was the Brisbane property, 17 Pauline Street, Tarragindi (pictured below) that had the most interest. 
<img src="/images/stories/pauline.jpg">
"Brisbane's market continues to show pockets of strength, with a massive auction for the large seven-bedroom home at 17 Pauline Street, Tarragindi," Armstrong says.
"Ten parties were keen to call this place home, but only one was prepared to pay the $1.32 million that was required."
 
 
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Strong results for weekend auction tipping, with most properties selling at or after auction

A mix of Gold Coast locals, fly-in, fly-out purchasers from Sydney and Melbourne, and Brisbane-based families has driven early sales success at Broadbeach's newest apartment tower, Lumara.

The 26-level project, a joint venture between builder-developer 5Point Projects and Bourke Projects, comprises just 37 luxury residences and is attracting a buyer profile that is looking for exclusivity, above the most amenity-rich suburb on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=364156]

Jamie Bourke, Director of Bourke Projects, says every buyer secured so far intends to use Lumara as a lock-up-and-leave residence, combining holiday use with the ability to work remotely when required.

“The size of the apartments, both half- and full-floor options, and the different zones within the floorplans, lends itself perfectly to dedicated home office setups and multi-generational family holidays,” Bourke says.

That flexibility has become a key drawcard for affluent buyers seeking a second residence on the Gold Coast without sacrificing the ability to conduct business away from their primary home base.

The absence of holiday letting within the building has also resonated strongly with purchasers.

“This type of buyer doesn't need to generate holiday rental income,” Bourke says. “They're paying for exclusivity, privacy and certainty around who their neighbours are.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=366491]

The strong demand comes amid broader shifts in the high-end apartment market following the Federal Budget announcements in May.

“We were already seeing strong enquiry from high-net-worth buyers, but that has only accelerated since the policy changes,” Bourke says.

“A lot of those buyers are looking to place more capital into premium lifestyle assets rather than investment-grade stock that has been targeted by the Federal Government.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=366486]

Designed by Cottee Parker, Lumara adopts a slender, sculpted form with an emphasis on natural materials suited to its beachfront setting. The architectural approach draws on coastal influences, with a palette of stone, timber and concrete selected for durability and the ability to weather over time.

Apartments are limited to three and four-bedroom configurations, with a maximum of two residences per floor through the mid-levels and a selection of full-floor and dual-level homes in the upper levels. All apartments are oriented to the north to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and views across the ocean, city skyline and hinterland.

A two-level amenity offering is positioned high within the building on levels 20 and 21, conceived as a sky wellness retreat. Facilities include a magnesium pool, spa, sauna and steam rooms, alongside more social spaces such as a private dining room, resident lounge, workspaces and outdoor barbecue areas integrated with landscaped greenery.

The uppermost levels are reserved for larger-format residences, including several full-floor homes and a dual-level penthouse with its own private wellness features and recreational spaces.

&nbsp;

To give buyers confidence, 5Point and Bourke commenced construction ahead of the apartments launching to the market, a sure-fire way to prove they mean business, and the building will be delivered. They are targeting a 2028 completion date.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150454]

Joel Robinson

Locals, interstate holiday makers, drive early sales at Lumara, Broadbeach's newest luxury apartment tower

Often when it comes to purchasing property, the biggest barrier to entry is the deposit. Buyers of established homes typically aim for a 20 per cent deposit to avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance, while most property transactions require around a 10 per cent deposit when contracts are exchanged.

The off-the-plan market works differently, with buyers typically paying a deposit during construction and settling the balance upon completion. As completion approaches at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/fabbrica-fitzroy-369-gore-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">Fabbrica Fitzroy</a>, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pace-development-group">Pace</a> is making it easier for buyers to secure a residence through a deposit-matching incentive. Purchasers need only contribute a five per cent deposit*, with Pace matching the remaining five per cent.

The offer comes as Pace unveils a completed display apartment and townhouse, now available for inspection by appointment ahead of the project's Spring completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371009]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/winwood-mckenzie-architecture">Winwood Mckenzie</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/acre">Acre</a>, Fabbrica draws on Fitzroy’s industrial and manufacturing history, incorporating references to the former Argyle Shirt Factory and Life Savers Confectionery Company that once occupied the site.

The development comprises 85 residences, spanning low-maintenance apartments through to larger-format townhouses with private street access and double lock-up garages, a relatively uncommon offering in Fitzroy’s higher-density apartment market.

Pace says the project has been designed to appeal to buyers seeking inner-city convenience without sacrificing space, flexibility, or amenity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371016]

Inside the residences, Winwood Mckenzie has focused on adaptable layouts and integrated detailing, with features including custom joinery, and concealed storage solutions. The material palette leans into warm, tactile finishes intended to complement the building’s industrial architectural language.

Fabbrica’s rooftop amenity is a key part of the project offering. Spanning around 800 sqm, the communal rooftop includes a private dining room, communal kitchen, lounge spaces, work-from-home zones, and outdoor dining areas overlooking the Melbourne CBD skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371017]

Landscape architecture studio Acre has introduced a layered rooftop garden designed to soften the urban setting while creating a more communal environment for residents.

The Fitzroy location also positions residents within walking distance of Brunswick Street, Smith Street, parks, cafés, galleries, and public transport, while remaining only minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. The project has an enviable Walk Score of 96.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371025]

Pace, which is also delivering the project as builder, has developed more than 100 projects across Melbourne over the past three decades. The vertically integrated approach has become increasingly common among developers seeking greater control over construction delivery amid broader market pressures affecting the apartment sector.

The strikingly contemporary Gore Street development is now around 70 per cent complete, with purchasers expected to move into their new homes in Spring 2026. A limited number of residences remain available under the current deposit match offer.

*Conditions apply in relation to the deposit match offer.

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Pace offers five per cent deposit match at Fabbrica Fitzroy ahead of Spring completion

Sydney developer Hyecorp's roots on the Lower North Shore stretch back three generations, and that deep understanding of the market continues to shape where and how it develops today.

From high-rise towers to boutique apartment projects, the family-run developer has built its reputation by focusing on a part of Sydney it knows intimately. Founded by Michael Abolakian in the early 1990s, Hyecorp is now led by his sons Stephen, Troy and Patrick.

Stephen Abolakian, joint managing director alongside Troy, has spent more than two decades in the business, overseeing development, planning, finance, marketing and sales.

Abolakian says the developer's disciplined focus on where it chooses to operate has been, and continues to be, one of Hyecorp's greatest strengths.

“We know the buyer profile exceptionally well,” Abolakian says.

“The demographics between places like Willoughby, Chatswood, St Leonards and Roseville are very similar. There are nuances between suburbs and projects, but culturally and from a buyer perspective, there’s a strong overlap.”

That buyer has historically been overwhelmingly owner-occupier driven.

Unlike many Sydney apartment developers that have traditionally relied heavily on investor demand, Hyecorp’s projects have typically attracted downsizers, upsizers, rightsizers and family owner-occupiers seeking long-term homes rather than short-term investments.

“Historically, investors have been a much smaller portion of our demand profile,” Abolakian says.

“We design for owner-occupiers. We don’t design for yield, we design for comfort, amenity, family living and long-term usability.”

That philosophy extends well beyond apartment layouts.

From landscaping and communal gardens to shared amenities and circulation spaces, Hyecorp’s developments are designed around how people actually live, something Abolakian believes has become increasingly important in Sydney’s apartment market.

“There was probably a period where having an approved project in market was enough,” he says.

“There wasn’t as much competition and if you built it, buyers would come. That’s no longer the case.”

“There’s more supply in the pipeline now, particularly with TOD precincts and low and mid-rise reforms opening up opportunities across Sydney. Buyers have more choice, so if you get the product wrong, they’ll simply go elsewhere.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=311393]

The shift has forced developers to become more sophisticated in how they approach apartment design, particularly as owner-occupier expectations continue to rise.

For Hyecorp, that means thinking beyond who the buyer is today and designing for who they may become in five or 10 years' time.

“People buying now often aren’t moving in for several years,” Abolakian says.

“You might have a young couple buying today, but by the time they move in they may have children, older children, or changing lifestyle needs. You’ve got to think about how families evolve.”

That thinking also shapes Hyecorp’s approach to amenity, which positions wellness at the forefront.

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While resort-style facilities have become increasingly common marketing tools across Sydney apartment developments, Abolakian says the challenge is ensuring amenities are genuinely usable and appropriate for the scale of the project.

“If amenities are done right, they can materially improve the living experience,” he says, adding however that if you&nbsp;overdo it or get it wrong, you can end up with facilities nobody uses that simply create ongoing strata costs.”

That balance is something Hyecorp is aiming to strike with projects like Roseville Avenue, one of the group's upcoming Lower North Shore developments, which Abolakian describes as bringing a resort-style living experience into a metropolitan setting.

“It’s about creating something that feels special without being excessive,” he says.

“Good gardens, quality apartments, thoughtful amenity. Creating that resort feeling in a metro location.”

<img alt="Hyecorp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13c4c0f3-b1b7-44cf-9344-0b3d1d07797a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-02%20at%2012.14.57%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=9OLWjyj2bYkDV35F78WJnyMSPfc2bJ2z" />

The focus on owner-occupier product comes as Sydney’s apartment market continues to navigate a difficult development environment.&nbsp;For Hyecorp, maintaining an in-house operating model across construction, sales, marketing and development management has become increasingly important in navigating that environment.

“We’ve always believed in keeping a lot of the process in-house,” Abolakian says.

“It creates efficiencies, but it also creates quality control. You can make faster decisions and ensure the end product stays aligned with the original vision.”

Despite the challenges, Abolakian believes demand for quality owner-occupier apartments across Sydney remains strong beneath the surface, particularly across established Lower North Shore suburbs where downsizers continue to seek new housing options close to existing communities.

“There are definitely people waiting,” he says.

“Once some of the broader uncertainty settles, whether that’s the global environment or some of the local economic noise, I think the right projects will perform very strongly.”

Hyecorp currently has three residential developments on the market across Sydney’s Lower North Shore.&nbsp;Audrey, St Leonards, positioned opposite Newlands Park, is nearing completion and preparing to welcome its first residents, with the project now almost sold out.

Hyecorp has also recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celine-chatswood-37-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Celine Chatswood</a>, an architectural tower, while continuing to deliver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet Roseville</a>, a more boutique scale of development with just 34 apartments.

Why Hyecorp continues to back Sydney's Lower North Shore apartment market

South East Queensland’s apartment market is entering a new phase defined by rising prices, constrained affordability, and mounting pressure on the construction pipeline, according to RPM Group’s latest SEQ Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report.

The May 2026 report highlights a widening divide between what buyers can afford and what developers can viably deliver, with detached house prices continuing to push more buyers toward apartments across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

RPM says Brisbane’s median house price has reached around $1.5 million, accelerating the shift toward higher-density housing as buyers are increasingly priced out of the detached market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=356540]

Median unit prices rose across all three major SEQ markets in the March quarter. Brisbane City recorded the strongest annual growth, with median unit prices climbing 21 per cent to $862,000, while the Gold Coast reached the highest overall median at $950,000, up 17 per cent year-on-year. The Sunshine Coast followed at $870,000, representing annual growth of nine per cent.

RPM noted the affordability gap between houses and units remains significant, with detached homes commanding premiums of 67 per cent in Brisbane and 68 per cent on the Gold Coast relative to apartments.

The report suggests this price disparity is increasingly consolidating buyer demand within the apartment market, particularly among downsizers and owner-occupiers.

“Demand is real. Supply is moving. But they’re operating on different timelines and the gap between what’s being built and what buyers can afford is the defining tension in this market right now,” RPM Queensland and NSW Managing Directors Peter Neale and Clinton Trezise said in the report.

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While approvals and commencements are strengthening, RPM argues the delivery pipeline remains constrained by construction costs, labour shortages, and extended build timelines.

Apartment approvals across Queensland increased 86 per cent over the year to February 2026, reaching 12,682 approvals, the highest level recorded since 2016. Brisbane overtook the Gold Coast as the state’s most active apartment approval market, with nearly 5,000 apartments approved over the past 12 months.

Unit commencements also strengthened considerably, rising 48 per cent year-on-year to 5,453 commencements in the December 2025 quarter, the highest level since 2018.

However, RPM’s research found apartment delivery timeframes have expanded sharply compared to the previous cycle. Projects are now averaging around 30 months from approval to completion, compared to roughly 20 months a decade ago.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367515]

The number of units under construction has climbed to approximately 31,530 dwellings, nearing the previous 2016 peak, though projects are remaining in the pipeline for considerably longer.

Construction costs continue to weigh heavily on feasibility. RPM found the average apartment construction cost in Greater Brisbane reached $630,000 per dwelling in 2025, exceeding both Sydney and Melbourne. Coastal Queensland markets, including the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, were even higher at an average of $817,418 per apartment due to the prevalence of larger premium product.

The report also points to increasing pressure from Olympic-related infrastructure spending ahead of Brisbane 2032, with labour competition expected to intensify over the next several years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370960]

ANZ Associate Director of Property Daniel Gradwell said the underlying demand drivers across South East Queensland remain strong, supported by interstate migration, downsizers, and population growth.

“The challenge is bringing enough supply to market to meet that demand, and nothing on the horizon makes that straightforward,” Gradwell said.

RPM’s analysis found the affordability challenge is becoming more pronounced in the new apartment market itself, with only three per cent of surveyed new apartments priced below $1 million.

Instead, the market is increasingly concentrated in higher price brackets, with the most common new apartment price band across SEQ sitting between $1.5 million and $1.75 million. Around half of all new apartment stock surveyed is priced below $2 million.

The report suggests developers are not necessarily avoiding lower price points by choice, but because current construction economics make delivering affordable apartments increasingly difficult at scale.

Rental conditions also remain tight across the region. Median rents for one-bedroom apartments rose 12 per cent in Brisbane over the past year to $580 per week, while Gold Coast one-bedroom rents increased nine per cent to $630.

Despite rising rents, RPM noted bond lodgements have generally trended downward over the past five years, indicating more apartments are being absorbed by owner-occupiers rather than retained as investor-held rental stock.

Looking ahead, RPM expects projects targeting the mid-market owner-occupier segment between $1.25 million and $2 million to remain the most viable part of the market, while premium projects in highly constrained coastal or riverfront locations continue to attract demand.

“Construction costs are rewriting the feasibility rulebook across Greater Brisbane, and with little relief in sight, only projects in the right price band, right location, and with presales secured early will make it through,” the report concludes.

SEQ apartment demand outpacing affordable supply as construction timelines stretch: RPM

Camberwell Junction has long been the epicentre of amenity in Melbourne’s Boroondara region.

For nearly a century, it has drawn both locals and visitors, anchored by the Camberwell Sunday Market, which first operated in 1929 and quickly became a fixture of the suburb’s identity. Over time, the Junction evolved into one of Melbourne’s most established retail and lifestyle precincts, now comprising more than 400 stores and over 300 commercial businesses.

Despite that depth of amenity, one thing has remained notably limited: the supply of new apartments.

In a suburb defined by its heritage streetscapes and tightly held residential stock, new development opportunities have been scarce, particularly within the core of the Junction itself. That lack of supply has left a gap in the market for larger, design-led apartments suited to downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in the area.

Boutique developer Above Zero identified that gap when it secured a prime site on Burke Road, in the heart of Camberwell Junction.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368543]

The site has a long planning history. Various proposals have been put forward over more than a decade, many of which were knocked back by the City of Boroondara, with initial applications dating back to 2015. Above Zero acquired the site in 2022 and returned with a revised scheme, refining both the building’s height and its ground-level interface to better align with Council expectations.

That process has culminated in approval for Camberwell House.

The Cera Stribley-designed development will deliver 57 residences on a 1,950 sqm site within the Camberwell Activity Centre, placing it directly within one of Melbourne’s most established retail and transport hubs.

It is expected to be one of the only new apartment developments to launch in the Junction in recent years, reinforcing the rarity of new supply in the precinct. Currently, there are just a handful of projects on the market in Camberwell, underscoring the significance of a development of this scale and positioning.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368544]

Camberwell House has been conceived with a clear focus on larger-format apartments. The project will offer a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, alongside a limited number of penthouses, targeting owner-occupiers seeking scale rather than volume-driven product.

The building’s vertical presence will also set it apart.

Positioned on Burke Road, the development is set to become one of the taller buildings in its immediate context, allowing for elevated outlooks across Melbourne’s CBD skyline and toward the Dandenong Ranges. In a precinct characterised by lower-scale built form, that height provides a point of differentiation, particularly for buyers seeking outlook and natural light.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368568]

Architecture has been led by Cera Stribley, with interiors by GOLDEN and landscape design by Florian Wild. The design approach centres on material consistency and restraint, with residences oriented to maximise light, ventilation and connection to outdoor spaces.

Full-height glazing and generous terraces form a key part of that strategy, allowing apartments to extend beyond their internal footprint and engage with the surrounding environment.

Beyond the private residences, a significant component of the project is its amenity offering.

Above Zero has positioned Camberwell House as a “complete living environment”, incorporating a full floor dedicated to resident facilities. At the centre of that is a wellness zone, including a 12.5-metre lap pool, spa, sauna and treatment spaces, alongside a gym and recovery-focused amenities.

This level of amenity is more commonly associated with inner-city developments, rather than established middle-ring suburbs like Camberwell.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368588]

Additional shared spaces include a private library lounge, dining and entertaining areas, and an indoor golf simulator. A self-contained guest suite has also been incorporated, allowing residents to accommodate visiting family or friends without impacting their primary living space.

The inclusion of these facilities reflects a broader shift in buyer expectations.

As more downsizers look to transition from larger family homes into apartments, there is increasing demand for developments that offer not just a residence, but a lifestyle. That includes access to wellness, social and entertaining spaces within the building itself, reducing the reliance on external amenity while still maintaining proximity to established precincts.

Camberwell House is positioned to benefit from both.

Its location places it within immediate walking distance of Camberwell Junction’s retail and dining offering, as well as public transport connections, including tram and train services. That combination of internal amenity and external convenience is central to its appeal.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-150" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:55d7c6ac-8e6d-4881-ad49-0ed9bf66d1cc-74" dir="auto">
Jellis Craig Projects Director Stephen Bowtell is handling sales for the project and says Camberwell House offers a rare entry point into one of Melbourne’s most tightly held markets.

“Buyers are recognising that Camberwell House offers something they simply haven’t seen before in Boroondara,”&nbsp;Bowtell&nbsp;says.

“It combines a level of resident amenity and service typically associated with Melbourne’s premium inner-city developments, while being positioned right in the heart of Camberwell Junction.

“The response to the concierge offering has been particularly strong. Buyers appreciate not only the convenience, but also the sense of security and peace of mind that comes from having a dedicated presence in the building every day.

“When you combine that with the wellness facilities, the exceptional arrival experience, and panoramic views across both the CBD skyline and the Dandenong Ranges, it creates a lifestyle proposition that is genuinely unique within the local market.”
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4896]

Cassidy Knowlton

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