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The construction and tourism industries are set to be the biggest beneficiaries of the Gold Coast's successful bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, but the ICT, transport and services industries are all set to receive a boost as well.

Both the state government and business leaders welcomed the announcement on the weekend, which is expected to give the state an economic boost worth $2 billion and create 30,000 jobs over the next seven years.
Graham Cuthbert, executive director of the Queensland Master Builders' Association, says a large portion of the spending will be put to the construction industry with $500 million of investment expected over the next seven years.
"Certainly for the area it will be a huge benefit, there is a fair amount of construction to be done, both on venues on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane," he says.
The games will require new sporting venues on the Gold Coast, along with accommodation for athletes, along with upgrades to existing facilities in Brisbane as well, Cuthbert said.
"But I think the big key is the flow on it will have to accommodation for tourists, corner shops, corner little medical centres, all the infrastructure you get when construction boosts."
Cuthbert says tourism and construction are "absolutely linked", so the two industries will see benefits at the same time, but also says other industries such as information technology and retail will see bigger benefits as well.
"The light manufacturing stuff will be required, retail is there, there is a spin across the entire city. For every onsite job we do, we create more for other businesses."
Games consultant and entrepreneur Andrew Bell says those 30,000 jobs will appear across a number of industries, including in technology and retail.
"Across a very broad base, there will be a lot of required services. Even talking to universities, they are cranking up and doing a whole lot of work in terms of supporting new positions created within that."
"Areas that people wouldn't have imagined would get benefits. And not just limited, there is that knock on effect, so cab drivers and restaurants will see things start to build and as the state starts to focus on it over the years to come."
According to a report published by the Commonwealth Games Federation, budgets have been set aside for various elements of the games that may very well include the use of local firms and services businesses.
The games will see money spent on new information systems, telecommunications and other technologies, including the need for broadcasting equipment, installation of communication infrastructure and operating costs.
Money has also been set aside for various traffic management costs.
Other money has been set aside for medical services, catering and transport, while millions have been set aside for security costs as well. Money has also been set aside for merchandise costs.
Premier Anna Bligh said in a statement the bid would deliver up to $2 billion in benefits, saying the event would bring "superb tourism opportunities" to the Gold Coast.
"The Games will also act as a catalyst to fast track infrastructure development," Bligh said.
The Gold Coast has been suffering from low tourism numbers, due in part to the higher Australian dollar and low consumer sentiment.
"We have made a promise to the Commonwealth Games Federation and will deliver on this promise."
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/economy/20111114-construction-tourism-not-the-only-industries-to-see-benefits-from-gold-coast-commonwealth-games">SmartCompany</a>.
 
 
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Construction, tourism not the only industries to benefit from Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 

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Auction results finally improved slightly over the weekend, fuelling hopes the latest interest rate cute has spurred first home buyers back into the market and prices are once again on the rise. But experts have warned that any property recovery won't gain real momentum until 2012.

The improved auctions results came after a number of other pieces of positive data. The proportion of first home buyers in the market rose to its highest in nearly a year and a half, and recent RP Data figures showed prices only fell by 0.2% in September – the lowest fall since February.
APM economist Andrew Wilson says while the data is a good sign property markets are improving, it may be a few months until the recovery gains strength.
"The market closes down over January because the industry itself closes down. Certainly there are holiday sales and a few bits and pieces, but people who sell during that period tend to be people that are forced to do so."
"It's just a seasonal effect. Even in the boom period, you see a tapering off in prices growth, but that tends to be picked up in the following quarter. You're going to have a lot of build-up in January and February towards March."
The prospect of a delayed benefit comes as the spring selling season enters its final few weeks. Investors had hoped the season would see a rise in the number of buyers, but an increase in the number of listings has dampened any hopes of price rises.
Instead, new data showing a rise in construction activity and housing commitments has given investors hope. But as Wilson points out, the market is about to shut down and any benefit won't be seen until February or March – by which time another interest rate cut may have occurred, according to some commentators.
"A lot of people make a decision to sell in February, so you have that pre-Easter rush. There's an advertising campaign a month or so before that, so it's a fairly fertile decision period for those going into property."
The weekend's auction results gel with the prospect of a recovering market. Sydney recorded a 57% clearance rate, as buyers rushed in to take advantage of the state's expiring first home owner benefits.
Melbourne had a 54% clearance rate, with 713 auctions, while Brisbane and Adelaide recorded results of 47% and 38% respectively.
Wilson says the results show a good recovery in Sydney, raising prospects of higher activity in February-March 2012.
"There is no doubt that Sydney has improved, after being flat for the year. It's certainly showing signs of price growth and improvements in both sales and buying activity."
"Over the next few week as we get more listings, these will be the tests for the market. As we see higher numbers, we get an idea of where the market is."
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/property/20111114-auction-results-improve-but-experts-say-recovery-won-t-come-until-2012" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>. 
 
 
 
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Auction results improve but experts say recovery won’t come until 2012

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november14schwimmer]}
Actor David Schwimmer has joined at his Friends co-stars on the real estate merry-go-round, listing his nine-bedroom, six-bathroom Los Angeles home for US$10.7 million.
He bought the property in May 2001 for US$5.6 million, according to the<a target="_blank" href="https://realestalker.blogspot.com/"> Realestalker blog</a>. It includes a separate three-bedroom guest house, screening room, library and the obligatory pool. 
It is being marketed by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.weahomes.com/1_1_propertyDetails.asp?RN=19&amp;PID=1176&amp;PS=20#MAP">Westside Estate Agency</a> agent Magali Bergher.
Schwimmer is the third Friends cast member to buy or list property in recent months, with Matthew Perry <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/international/friends-star-matthew-perry-lists-in-malibu/2011100551814">listing two</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/international/matthew-perry-lists-a-second-hollywood-home/2011101951995">Hollywood homes</a> and Courtney Cox <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/international/courtney-cox-buys-in-matthew-perry-s-former-building/2011110252177">buying a Beverly Hills condo.</a> We have also heard whispers that Jennifer Anniston is on the verge of buying a condo in New York, but they are as yet unconfirmed. We will keep a sharp eye out for Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow's real estate comings and goings.  
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David Schwimmer the latest Friends star on the move

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Following an extensive career in the real estate industry, Lauren Staley realised there was an opportunity to launch a new sort of property service. 
In 2008, she launched <a title="Infolio" href="https://www.infolio.com.au/" target="_blank">Infolio</a>, a Melbourne-based buyers advocacy and property management company that also specialises in auction bidding, property negotiation and renovation guidance. 
What gave you the idea for the business?
I’d worked in the real estate industry and saw so many flaws with it. I realised there was a gap in the market for a true end-to-end property service that would help everyone involved in the process. 
We had to set strict criteria though – no property more than 15km from the CBD. We cap the development size we work with at 18 plots as it’s not a great yield. I’d seen how it could all be improved, over the years. 
<h2>There’s a lot of competition in this area, isn’t there?</h2>
Yes, but the thing was that I didn’t even think about the competition to start with, which was probably a big mistake. 
We started with a real machine gun approach as to who and what we targeted, which brought us to pretty much a zero bank balance. 
We mainly thought the service would be good for single or double income professionals. We tried radio advertising for a whole month and didn’t get a bite from the market. It just wasn’t targeted enough. 
<h2>So, what was your cash situation?</h2>
We were literally out of cash. The business had $150,000 to start-up with and, perhaps because we got a private investor on board, we didn’t quite value it. It wasn’t our money, so we didn’t try to make it count as much. 
I think it’s better to start from humble beginnings. It gives you more focus. When the GFC hit, it was a humbling experience. We prospered because we had to be resilient and not spend money that didn’t make us money. 
Our investor is no longer a shareholder as the business didn’t provide him a fast enough return. I suppose it seems silly to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I’m not sure if we’d be here now if we hadn’t learned how to do it the hard way. 
<h2>What did you do to turn things around?</h2>
We spent about four weeks talking to real estate agents and realised it would work best if they referred clients to us. 
It’s a reciprocal arrangement so that buyers don’t have to fight against estate agents. They work with them. 
A lot of people are time poor and realise that we can help out. 
<h2>What was it like launching just before the GFC?</h2>
It was absolutely frightening. Everything was doom and gloom, but we just had to be strong and resilient. 
I thought it would be easier, but the stress, the bills, the rent – it’s just 24/7. But we used it in a positive way. When you are fighting to sell your service, you are committed on another level.
When the market is hot, you don’t have to negotiate and it’s almost too easy. 
It’s strange, no one really asked how old the business was when we started. We were experienced in real estate, which helped, I think. 
We identified the main competition and looked at the main differences we could offer. We decided to charge a flat fee, rather than charge a percentage of the purchase price, like others do. 
Now, we get 80 to 90% of our business through referrals. 
 
<h2>What is the growth of the business now?</h2>
We are growing at a good rate now. We have eight people but the biggest issue is getting staff. It’s hard to get the right people who can do the job you need them to do.
We’re dealing with around 12 to 15 properties a month. We handled 100 properties last year, 90% of which were new clients. 
<h2>Do you have any particular ambitions for the business?</h2>
We want to continue to build a strong portfolio, which we’ll do by targeting online and social media. The dream is to open another office in Sydney, as lots of our clients are there. 
Our rent roll is what will provide us with our super. We have 250 at the moment – we want 1,000.
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/" target="_blank">StartupSmart</a>.
 
 
 
 
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Lauren Staley: A new kind of property service

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1/41 Alamein Street, Noble Park, VIC, 3174
<img src="/images/stories/alamein.jpg">
This tenanted two-bedroom unit in Noble Park is currently leased at $520 per fortnight. The tenant is on an expired lease but is keen to stay, and this property could be a good investment. <a href="https://www.hallfn.com.au/index.cfm?pagecall=property&amp;propertyid=1868221" target="_blank">Hall and Partners First National </a>agent Ian Kerezovic is marketing the property with price hopes of $240,000 plus. If it sells for $240,000 that would be a gross rental yield of 5.6%, higher than the indicative gross rental yield of 4.8% for Noble Park 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. The property is within walking distance of the train station. <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 $3,000 and over five years to be $8,000. The property was passed in at auction on a vendor bid of $220,000 on Saturday, November 12.
For more information about price and yields in Noble Park, see the RP Data suburb page.
For more investment prospects going to auction this weekend, see pages 2 and 3.
 
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6/7 Reynolds Street, Cremorne, NSW, 2090
<img src="/images/stories/reynoldsst.jpg"> 
A short walk from shops and transport, this one-bedroom unit comes with a rare car space. It is currently leased to tenants paying $380, and although the lease is expired, the tenants would like to stay on. <a href="https://www.totalrealty.com.au/?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=1887332" target="_blank">Total Realty First National Crows Nest</a> agent Greg Lambert was marketing the property with price hopes in the "early $400,000s", according to the agency. If it sold for $410,000 that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 4.8%, higher than the indicative gross rental yield for Cremorne units of 4.2%, 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 unit includes a balcony and a car space. <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 $9,000. The property was sold for an undisclosed price.
For more information about prices and yields in Cremorne, see the <a href="/news">RP Data suburb page</a>.
 
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46 Greenacre Road, Greenacre, NSW, 2190
<img src="/images/stories/greenacre.jpg"> 
This two-bedroom house was recently rented at $470 per week. Ian McGuire of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.professionalsgreenacre.com.au/details/?pid=507591">The Professionals Greenacre</a> marketed the property pre-auction with price hopes of $470,000 plus, and if it were to sell at that price it would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 5.2%, higher than the indicative gross rental yield for Greenacre houses of 4.8%, 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. It includes a sunroom or potential third bedroom. <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 $3,000 and over five years to be $7,000. The house was passed in at auction for $470,000 on Saturday, November 12.
For more about prices and yields in Greenacre, see the <a target="_blank" href="/news">RP Data suburb page</a>.
 
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Weekend Yield Watch: Yields of up to 5.6% in Noble Park

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The number of companies entering insolvency or external administration has continued to rise, in one of the worst years for corporate collapses in decades as the ATO continues to crack down on its debtors.

The data comes just days after the ATO itself released its annual report in which it revealed the number of ATO-initiated wind-up notices has also continued to rise.
The data shows for the three months to September 30, there were 2,961 externally appointed administrations, up by 11.5% from the previous quarter, and up by a massive 18.3% from the same point in 2010.
There has now been two consecutive quarters where appointments have been over 2,600. The only other time this has happened was in the quarter ending December 2008, and for the calendar year, the number of companies entering external administration was up 9.6% from last year.
Creditor-initiated court liquidations were up 33.7%, with receivership appoints up 12.7% – ASIC says this gels with evidence from practitioners that the ATO is continuing to strike down on its debt recovery plans.
Cliff Sanderson of Dissolve says this is the case, but is struck by the sheer breadth of the numbers.
"The numbers are a little down on last month, but it's the highest September ever. And six of the nine months of this year have been at their highest level ever."
"If you go back to September 2007, there were only 557 collapses. That really puts everything into perspective."
Sanderson says the figures are clear evidence the GFC hit SMEs hard, "and we're continuing to witness it", noting that the ATO is a major catalyst here.
"We know that 59% of corporate insolvencies are director-initiated. And only 11% of court liquidations are initiated by the ATO – so a large chunk of that 59% will be where the ATO has acted as the catalyst."
"This is really the ATO reaching the end of its tether, and going through the process of recovering its debt."
ASIC senior executive leader of insolvency practitioners Adrian Brown said in a statement the figures show both Queensland and Western Australia are seeing collapses driven by property-related appointments.
"We understand that certain secured lenders are crystallising long-standing problem loan positions or taking control of an underlying security where other creditors initiated an external administration," he said.
The figures show appointments of receivers and controllers increased in New South Wales by 21.5%, and remained high in Queensland. Receivership and controller appointments were also up 52.3% in Western Australia for the calendar year to date.
Court liquidations rose the most in New South Wales, up by 42%, and in Victoria, up by 34%.
And while the effects of the financial crisis may be petering out, Sanderson says insolvencies may remain high for awhile.
"If I had to take a guess, I'd say the ATO still has some work to do and needs to get through a backlog. And even then, when that process finishes, we may be facing another financial crisis."
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/economy/20111110-collapses-soar-18-to-near-gfc-levels-as-ato-pushes-hard-on-debt" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
 
 
 
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Collapses soar 18% to near GFC levels as ATO pushes hard on debt

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Book franchises Dymocks and Collins have expressed their disappointment in a long-awaited report into the future of the book industry that did not recommend the abolition of parallel importation rules.

Dymocks CEO Don Grover warns that independent booksellers will suffer from the recommendation to reduce to 14 days - rather than scrap altogether - the time a local publisher can decide on whether it will publish an overseas book before it can be imported.
"Booksellers having to wait 14 days from the release of a product overseas is 14 days too late," Grover says, noting customers can see a book online on an American and European site and buy it immediately.
"It's taken two years to find out we're not going to be more efficient in getting books to customers," Grover says.
"The report is dealing with the issues, but not the one that would make the biggest difference – removing parallel importation restrictions."
He says the delays in getting new releases to market and the price differential between Australia stores and online offerings will continue to pressure booksellers, estimating that annual sales for the industry are down 20% year on year.
The industry was rocked in February by the collapse of REDgroup Retail, which owned Borders and Angus &amp; Robertson. Both Dymocks and franchise book chain Collins Booksellers picked up some stores from that collapse.
The report by the Book Industry Strategy Group, chaired by Barry Jones, has 21 recommendations, including:
<ul>
<li>The creation of a book industry collaboration council to provide advice to the industry.</li>
<li>For universities and the Federal Government to invest $16 million between them to establish a national university press network.</li>
<li>Dropping the goods and services tax on books, and if not applying the GST on online purchases.</li>
<li>Making online packages within Australia more affordable.</li>
<li>Ensuring that an Australian publication is released within 14 days of publication elsewhere in the world, rather than current timeframe of 30 days.</li>
<li>Funding of $5 million for the development of digital infrastructure to help local suppliers compete internationally.</li>
<li>All literature prizes funded by government, such as the Prime Minister's award, be made tax-free, as is the case with the science prize.</li>
</ul>
Speaking yesterday, publisher Louise Adler said $2.3 billion worth of books were sold in Australia in 2010, and $35 million worth of eBooks were sold.
"What we predict is that will rise to a total of sales of anywhere between 6% and 25% by 2014," Adler said, according to a transcript.
"In 2010 over 25,000 people were employed in our industry, 10,000 as content creators, 5,000 in publishing and distribution, 2,000 in printing, and over eight and a half thousand in retail."
Book Industry Strategy Group chair Barry Jones noted that although Australians were typically slow to adapt to technological innovation, once they adopt, their take-up rate is rapid.
"The proportion of eBooks bought is currently about 5% of the total market, but in three years, our best estimate was that the proportion is likely to increase to 25%. And that may be a gross understatement."
Innovation Minister Kim Carr yesterday kept an open mind on the recommendations when being interviewed by the ABC, saying the industry would need to face up to challenges and he would consult with other relevant minister about the recommendations.
Daniel Jordon, who heads Collins Booksellers, says elements of the report are very good, including the move towards 14-14 for parallel importation and the book industry website Title Page.
But Jordon noted:
<ul>
<li>The lack of dates for the implementation of recommendations.</li>
<li>The report was overly focused on the publishing and print side which employs 2,000 people, rather than the book-selling side, which employs 8,000.</li>
<li>There is unlikely to be government support for either removing the GST on books sold here or introducing it to online sales.</li>
</ul>
This article originally appeared on<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/retail/20111110-dymocks-collins-says-independent-bookshops-will-be-hurt-by-decision-not-to-abolish-parallel-import-rules" target="_blank"> SmartCompany</a>.
 
 
 
 
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Dymocks says independent bookshops will be hurt by decision not to abolish parallel import rules

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A leasing expert predicts next year could produce more retail collapses than this year if Christmas trading disappoints, amid calls from a retail body to halt retail rent hikes.

Russell Zimmerman, executive director of the Australian Retailers Association, says the rule of thumb used by Westfield in determining rent increases – CPI plus 2% – is out of touch, given the number of retail collapses this year, poor sales in clothing and footwear, and warnings by retail giant Premier Investments that shopping centre landlords risked losing brands if they did not lower rents.
"Look, I don't believe the model can be sustained," Zimmerman says. He says while that model might have worked when retail sales were up by 6%, in the current climate rent rises of CPI are more appropriate.
"You only have to look at the recent closures and restructures," Zimmerman says, pointing to the collapse of REDgroup Retail, Colorado and Brown Sugar. He says it's been difficult for retail over the past 18 months, but particularly so since May.
Zimmerman says with CPI running at 3%, the price increase over a five-year rent can reach as high as 28%, including compound interest.
He adds that although Westfield says its Australian and NZ shopping centres are almost full, many tenants are "not temporary tenants" – that is, a company with a business in one Westfield centre is offered a lease in another at reduced terms – therefore "there are a whole lot of tenants supporting that 3.8% increase".
"Landlords should be more realistic in their negotiations. It's just unsustainable."
In its update this week, shopping mall giant Westfield reported that average specialty store rent grew by 3.8% year on year to $1,460 per square metre.
By contrast, retail sales are up to 2.3% year or year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics says retail sales lifted by 0.4% in November, the third consecutive month of gains.
Westfield – which has 43 centres in Australia and 11,792 retail outlets – said 99.5% of its Australian and New Zealand portfolio was leased.
But Simon Fonteyn, managing director of Leasing Information Services, has played down the prospect of Westfield or other landlords reviewing their lease structures, and says this Christmas will be key for the viability of many retailers.
"There are a lot of tenants, especially in fashion industry, that are really hoping for a decent Christmas," Fonteyn says.
"If that doesn't happen, we'll see an even tougher year than this one."
Fonteyn says Westfied's rent rises are usually CPI plus 2-2.5%, CFS uses fixed increases of 5%, and some landlords use between 4-5% per year.
"The question is not fixed increases; it's more about whether rents are sustainable long-term," he says.
"And at the moment, it depends on what category you're talking about, because certain sectors are more susceptible to the downturn, such as fashion, footwear, jewellery, whereas others – telephones, entertainment, food and coffee – are more resilient."
But there is some wriggle room: Fonteyn says there's a push for independent retailers to be treated differently to chains because they add a point of difference, and other retailers might look at reducing their rents when they expire or do a short deal for a few years.
The comments follow the announcement by the Franchise Council that it was writing a Retail Tenancy Code of Conduct – now with help with the competition regulator – to help prevent excessive rent rises and conflicts between landlords and tenants.
Zimmerman of the ARA adds that retailers should not be forced to hand over their turnover figures to landlords, and there should be lease registeries across the country.
"It's akin to giving them the pin to your bank account," Zimmerman says. He proposes the sales figures be handed to a third party, such as a Government department, and collated, to ensure they are not being used by the landlord to justify excessive price hikes.
"I understand centres needs to know how the stores are trading, but I've had retailers tell me they've been told that, 'ah you can afford this,'" Zimmerman says.
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/retail/20111110-retail-body-calls-for-halt-to-rent-hikes-as-leasing-expert-says-christmas-holds-the-key-to-a-better-2012" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
 
 
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Retail body calls for halt to rent hikes 

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Early signs the property market is beginning to improve and that first-home buyers are returning has boosted sentiment among industry analysts, but some experts are warning the market still has a long way to go before it starts reversing its decline.

The positive sentiment was sparked by new home financing figures released by the ABS yesterday that show the number of dwelling commitments for owner occupied housing rose by a seasonally adjusted 2.2%.
In a sign that has some property experts excited, the number of first-home buyer commitments as a percentage of total commitments rose to 16% – the highest level in just under a year and a half. At this time last year, commitments were at 15.9%
But while SQM managing director Louis Christopher says the data is encouraging, he warns it's also prudent to consider the total number of buyers rather than the percentage.
"There are first-home buyers in the market," he says, "but it's only the percentage of the absolute number of buyers. You can see a situation where the total number of buyers is actually falling, even though the proportion increases."
"I do think it's fair to say that housing finance approvals as a measure of demand have picked up, but I strongly believe the market is still watchful about what's happening in Europe."
Yet it's hard to deny the string of positive data that has been released in the past two weeks. Price data from RP Data showed the lowest decline in several months, while SQM's own stock on hand data shows the number of new listings remained flat in October.
Such a result suggests sellers may be starting to draw back from the market, while the ABS figures suggest buyers are coming back. But Christopher warns prospective buyers and sellers need to be wary.
"There is a recovery in housing demand happening at this time, from very low levels, but it is occurring," he says. "Things have improved since the middle of this year, and with the interest rate cut, that is only going to be more encouraging."
"But we still need to be wary about what's happening overseas. We are definitely seeing some changes, but if the market blows up in Europe, there are going to be huge problems for our banks and then any recovery will be off."
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/property/20111110-first-home-buyers-returning-to-property-market-but-experts-warn-european-crisis-weighing-heavily-on-buyers">SmartCompany</a>.
 
 
 
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First-home buyers returning to property market but experts warn European crisis weighing heavily on buyers

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Vendors in the Northern Territory have not been forced to offer discounts as deep as those in other states and territories, according to SQM Research. 
The most discounted property in Tasmania, 588 White Beach Road, White Beach, has had its price expectations dropped a whopping 49%, and the vendors of the most  discounted property in WA, 146 Maddington Road, Maddington, have dropped their price hopes by 36%. In contrast, the most discounted property in the Northern Territory, 35 Flinders Drive, Stuart Park, has been discounted by a more modest 20%.
"Upon quick glance, it is evident that the discounting for this particular capital city appears somewhat muted in comparison to other capital cities that we have examined," SQM director Louis Christopher says.
However, he is quick to point out that the pecentage of discounting is not necessarily the best indicator of a state's market.
"As stated many times by SQM Research, our top 10 most discounted properties list is not necessarily an accurate representation of the property market overall, however this minimal level of discounting can be explained due to the number of mining towns in the NT where a property boom is still occurring, preventing the market from suffering substantial declines," he says.
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">1</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106984366" target="_blank">35 Flinders Drive, Stuart Park, NT, 0820</a> (pictured)
On the market since: November 13, 2010
Initial asking price: $1.15 million
Current asking price: $925,000
Reduction: 20%
Days on market: 350
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"></h2>
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">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%3D107082335" target="_blank">1/26 Lakeside Drive, Alawa, NT, 0810</a>
On the market since: January 1, 2011
Initial asking price: $395,000
Current asking price: $325,000
Reduction: 18%
Days on market: 301
 
3
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2008926190" target="_blank">5/78 Kurrajong Crescent, Nightcliff, NT, 0810</a>
On the market since: April 9, 2011
Initial asking price: $380,000
Current asking price: $319,000
Reduction: 16%
Days on market: 203
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">4</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107302548" target="_blank">29 Bayview Boulevard, Bayview, NT, 0820</a>
On the market since: April 9, 2011
Initial asking price: $1.9 million
Current asking price: $1.6 million
Reduction: 16%
Days on market: 203
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">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%3D106271967" target="_blank">365 Lot 3731 Launceston Road, Dundee Beach, NT, 0840</a>
On the market since: January 30, 2010
Initial asking price: $389,000
Current asking price: $329,000
Reduction: 15%
Days on market: 637
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">6</h2>
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2008877486">38 Dwyer Circuit, Driver, NT, 0830</a>
On the market since: March 19, 2011
Initial asking price: $555,000
Current asking price: $470,000
Reduction: 15%
Days on market: 224
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">7</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%3D106704843">33/184 Forrest Parade, Rosebery, NT, 0832</a>
On the market since: July 24, 2010
Initial asking price: $430,000
Current asking price: $365,000
Reduction: 15%
Days on market: 462
 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">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%3D107167249">1/66 Stuart Highway, Stuart Park, NT, 0820</a>
On the market since: February 12, 2011
Initial asking price: $346,000
Current asking price: $300,000
Reduction: 13%
Days on market: 259
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">9</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%3D106295188">273/8 Gardiner, Darwin, NT, 0800</a>
On the market since: February 6, 2010
Initial asking price: $1.25 million
Current asking price: $1,086,195
Reduction: 13%
Days on market: 630
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">10</h2>
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2008822194">8 Costello Court, Farrar, NT, 0830</a>
On the market since: February 19, 2011
Initial asking price: $538,000
Current asking price: $470,000
Reduction: 13%
Days on market: 252
 
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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Darwin house price discounts muted in comparison with other capitals: SQM

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139552]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362634]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366230]

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.”
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4896]

Cassidy Knowlton

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