<html><body>
Queensland police have recruited real estate agents to crack down on illegal drug laboratories, as reported by the ABC.

Rental property managers will undergo a training program which will teach them how to spot illegal activity, and potentially collect evidence during property inspections.
A detective from Brisbane’s drug squad Senior Sergeant Geoff Marsh says investigators have uncovered a record number of backyard drug labs this year in Queensland alone.
The ABC report added that the number of small-scale drug manufacturers operating from rental properties is increasing, so as to avoid having their own homes seized if apprehended by authorities.
Police say real estate agents are able to inspect these properties on a regular basis and are therefore encouraged to carry out some detective work on their behalf.
However, real estate agents worry about the repercussions of reporting their tenants.
They have been assured at training sessions that the information they provide is anonymous and the police “follow through discreetly”.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:dleow@propertyobserver.com.au">dleow@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
</body></html>

dleow-BGaNPbHWyK

Queensland police work with real estate agents to uncover backyard drug labs

<html><body>
Flanked by beautiful beaches and a distinct suburban charm, the Mornington Peninsula property market has been doing well this year – possibly reaping the benefits of the Melbourne property market.
Australian Property Monitors senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson told Property Observer that Mornington is a “popular market”, as it is the gateway onto the Peninsula.
“It is a lifestyle market to a large degree, with many who choose to commute to the CBD,” he said.
He notes that the Mornington area’s individual characteristics are a draw. 
“It’s an old part of Victoria. Like Mornington Shopping Centre, it’s very quaint. There’s a charm about it that attracts particular buyers, and that sees healthy sales numbers,” he said.
Dr Wilson added that the Mornington area has seen some redevelopment projects.
“There are a lot of older properties there that have been redeveloped, and some medium density developments have gone into the area,” he said.
This unique old-meets-new mix has contributed to a “boutique wave” in Mornington, which has proven to be popular.
“The median house price is $500,000, and is at its peak level,” Dr Wilson said.
Barry Plant Mornington director John Karras told Property Observer the Mornington property market is “definitely improving”. Sales have increased since this time last year, and he notes that “spring has been very good”.
“There’s continued confidence in the marketplace, together with low interest rates, and prices of properties are at a good level. Buyers are more confident and prices are more acceptable,” he said.
He added that buyer activity is still primarily made up of private buyers, though there has been an increase in investor enquiries in the last 12 months. 
However, he disagrees with Dr Wilson’s assessment that the house market is at its peak.
“There’s definitely room for growth there, the demand will cause house prices to rise if anything,” he said.
Karras notes that the Mornington property market is usually synonymous with the Melbourne property market.
“Next year should be a good year – we should see an increase in prices. We’ll definitely see that in town, and it usually ripples down to Mornington,” he said.
“There’s going to be a good opportunity for both buyers and sellers. It’s a good market now. Consumer confidence is there, and more will take that next step to buy a nicer home,” he added.
As for suburbs to look out for, he believes Mornington has the infrastructure, medical facilities, and lifestyle that would attract buyers.
“With the Eastlink coming all the way down, it’s very accessible. Plus the cafes and restaurants in Mornington, it’s like a St Kilda down on the Peninsula,” he said.  
Next up on the list would be Mount Martha, as holidaymakers tend to purchase properties there. 
Stuart Cox of Jacobs and Lowe agrees that Mornington and Mount Martha are the suburbs to watch, though he thinks Safety Beach and Dromana are up next.
"Safety Beach and Dromana have a very high absentee ownership and we expect that these areas could become the next major growth areas as families who have held this land for generations realise the potential value," he said.
He also notes that the Mornington property market has picked up in the last two months, "particularly since the federal election". 
Cox added that there has been an excess of units on the market in Mornington, and not enough houses, causing unit prices to drop slightly on last year according to the <a target="_blank" href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>.
"We have had several homes which have recently sold with 1-2 days of reaching the market, and many of them with 2-3 competing buyers in a private sale situation," he said.
Cox also said that homes that reach 25-30 years of age are being knocked down for future development. 
"Land value in Mornington on the beachside of the highway averages approximately $1000 per square metre for developers to purchase and construct multiple units," he said.
According to the <a target="_blank" href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median sale price for houses in Mornington is $513,500, up 0.5% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house is 7%, while private treaty sales average 87 days on market.
The median asking rent for houses in Mornington is $395 a week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 4%. 
The median sale prices for units in Mornington is $398,500, down 2.6% on last year. The average discount required to sell a unit is 5.9%, while private treaty sales average 82 days on market. 
The median asking rent for units in Mornington is $320 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 4.2%.
dleow@propertyobserver.com.au
</body></html>

Suburb spotlight: Mornington market on the improve

<html><body>
UDIA NSW's president and Urban Taskforce Australia have spoken out against proposed changes to New South Wales' Planning Bill.
At the UDIA NSW’s Annual Christmas Luncheon, UDIA NSW president Simon Basheer expressed his concern at the changes to the planning bill announced on Wednesday.
He believes the changes to the planning bill does not meet its original objectives, to benefit both the community and the industry.
“Once the strategic direction is set within the commmunity and local government…developments have the potential to be held up at the behest of local interest groups who lose sight of the bigger picture of responsible and balanced developments to support population growth and the economic prosperity of New South Wales,” he said. 
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) have projected that NSW will double its population in 50 years.
In response to the projected population growth, Basheer said, “For this to happen, managed and properly planned growth that provides certainty and delivery within an acceptable timeframes that brings all stakeholders along for the journey is required.”
He added that NSW has the most uncompetitive approval system nationally, directly affecting funding and infrastructure delivery as a result.
The UDIA is currently reviewing the changes “with a fine toothcomb” and will strive to work with all sides of the government to help achieve “the certainty of the community and industry”. 
Not-for-profit developer and equity financier peak body Urban Taskforce Australia said “an interim strategy is needed to keep the state’s housing supply increasing to match demand”.
“The frustration that all in the development and planning industry currently feel over the delay and possible shelving of the proposed Planning Bill must not let industry confidence collapse,” says Urban Taskforce’s chief executive Chris Johnson.
“An interim strategy is now needed to support approvals for new housing while the Government considers a new version of planning reform possibly after the next election in 2015,” he said.
In response, Urban Taskforce has proposed a seven-action strategy to retain confidence in new housing supply, and believe the actions can be achieved within the current planning framework.
Urban Taskforce notes that Sydney needs a pro-growth approach to planning so future generations need not worry about housing.
The interim strategy as produced by Urban Taskforce can be accessed <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/images/stories/UTF-NSWNo.1-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">online</a>.
</body></html>

UDIA NSW president and Urban Taskforce speak out against proposed changes to NSW Planning Bill

<html><body>
Farm and land managers will see amendments to two key areas in native vegetation clearing rules that will take effect tomorrow, following an announcement by Western Australian Environment Minister Albert Jacob today.
“Farmers and land managers will be able to increase the amount of clearing for what is known as limited clearing exemptions from one hectare to five hectares, per financial year,” Jacob said.
“This change reflects contemporary farming practices and the need for the removal of vegetation to accommodate larger machinery.  For example, existing vehicle tracks may need to be widened to allow for a larger combine harvester,” he said.
“The other change will mean farmers and land managers will have 20 years to maintain land previously cleared lawfully, without applying for a clearing permit. This is an increase from the current 10-year time frame,” he said.
“These changes are designed to make life easier for farmers and land managers, without resulting in any significant risk to the environment. They are intended to reduce regulatory burdens that prohibit future growth and success for land owners and managers, and help farmers get on with managing their land,” Jacob said.
It is expected that these changes will result in reduced administrative burdens for both farmers and land managers.
The amendments follow several reviews of the clearing provisions in the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
Jacob said he was confident the amendments would deliver improvements to the regulation of clearing without causing any significant risk to the environment.
“The State Government is also considering further amendments to the Act to streamline approvals and improve regulatory effectiveness, and is committed to a new biodiversity conservation act that will replace the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950,” Jacob said.
“The Department of Environment Regulation will ensure these changes are communicated to farmers and land managers via targeted education, compliance and enforcement programs,” he said.
</body></html>

Land clearing changes in WA to reduce red tape

<html><body>
Sydney’s North Shore has seen increased buyer activity over the last few months, according to local real estate agents, developers, and industry leaders.
The North Shore suburbs include: Roseville, Lindfield, Killara, Gordon, Pymble, St Ives, Turramurra, Warrawee, and Wahroonga.
Australian Property Monitors’ senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson told Property Observer that New South Wales’ middle and upper North Shore is a growth area, and has recorded “around 10% growth generally”. 
“Areas around the St Ives’ vicinity are a solid middle-prestige market. It has residential infrastructure in place, like schools, and are considered leafy suburbs,” he said. 
He added that the nature of the locality has attracted “strong interest from Chinese buyers”. This is likely interest from offshore Chinese buyers. 
Moving into 2014, Dr Wilson believes the North Shore area will continue to “show quite reasonable growth”.
“There should be around 5 to 7% growth in most of those areas, moving into next year. Those suburbs have an underlying popularity to them because of the infrastructure and the prestige element,” he said.
New development The Uptown, located in Roseville, has been popular since its launch. Property Observer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/sydney-s-leafy-suburb-of-roseville-welcomes-technology-smart-the-uptown-development/2013100365492">reported</a> earlier this year that 80% of stage one apartments were snapped up at launch.
The Uptown’s developer Longton Property’s spokesperson told Property Observer that Roseville is an area that “not a lot of property comes up for sale”. 
“With limited real estate on the market, we’ve received quite a lot of enquiries. We get a good mix of enquiries across all nationalities, from Australian to European to Asian,” Longton’s spokesperson said. 
Andrew Taylor, co-CEO of international property portal Juwai.com, told Property Observer that the Ku-ring-gai area in particular is one of the really popular areas for Chinese buyers. 
“It’s got great schools, transport and services. It is wealthy, with about double Australia's median household income. And it offers a good mix of new construction apartments and existing single-family houses,” Taylor said.
“Ku-ring-gai is popular with both offshore Chinese buyers and Australians of Chinese descent. Already, Ku-ring-gai has a relatively big Chinese population, with 9% of its residents being of Chinese ancestry,” Taylor added.
Taylor also revealed that two Ku-ring-gai suburbs, Turramura and St Ives, are amongst the top ten most popular Sydney suburbs for Chinese buyers, according to activity on Juwai.com. 
“Chinese buyer interest in Ku-ring-gai is growing faster than in Sydney overall. Investor interest in Ku-ring-gai is up 579% so far this year, compared to a 266% increase for Sydney,” Taylor revealed.
Matthew Bourne from McConnell Bourne Lindfield said that while investor enquiries have increased especially from the Singaporean, Hong Kong and Chinese market, he has found only 24% of buyers are of an Asian background. 
"The majority is the market - 61% - is still made up of Australian buyers. The Australian market is upgrading into the local area. While there is an increased enquiry rate from Singapore, Hong Kong and Chinese-based market, when it comes to buying, only 1 in 4 of them do," he said. 
Bourne added that within the Ku-ring-gai area, he has found that 42% of buyers are either upgrading or downsizing their properties, and transaction values are up 30% compared to the previous calendar year, with increased activity in the last four months.
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median house price in Roseville is $1,472,500, down 7.1% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house in Roseville is 5.2%, while private treaty sales average 91 days on market. 
The median asking rent for houses in Roseville is $950 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 3.4%. 
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median unit price in Roseville is $692,500, up by 4.3% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house is 4%, while private treaty sales average 66 days on market. 
The median asking rent for units in Roseville is $660 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 4.5%. 
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median house price in North Turramurra is $970,000, up 0.4% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house is 5.5%, while private treaty sales average 121 days on market. 
The median asking rent for houses in North Turramurra is $840 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 4.5%. 
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median unit price in North Turramurra is $827,500, down 2.1% on last year. 
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median house price in South Turramurra is $865,000, up 2.4% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house is 3.1%, while private treaty sales average 42 days on market. 
The median asking rent for houses in South Turramurra is $780 a week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 4.7%. 
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median house price in St Ives is $1,120,000, up 6.7% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house is 6.1%, while private treaty sales average 85 days on market. 
The median asking rent for a house in St Ives is $1000 a week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 4.6%. 
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median unit price in St Ives is $647,000, up 7.8% on last year. The average discount required to sell a unit is 5.3%, while private treaty sales average 117 days on market.
The median asking rent for a unit in St Ives is $640 a week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 5.1%.  
dleow@propertyobserver.com.au 
</body></html>

Sydney's North Shore spotlight: Increased Asian interest

<html><body>
A two-bedroom villa in Liverpool was Sydney’s most affordable auction over the past weekend, according to Australian Property Monitors.
Located at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-villa-nsw-liverpool-114933223">4/8 Reilly Street</a>, it sold for $320,000 through Century 21 Fairfield.
Prior to this sale, it last sold in 2009 for $235,000, according to RP Data records. It also sold in 2001 for $145,000, in 1999 for $126,000, and in 1998 for $118,000, according to RP Data records.
Listing agent Nickolas Dilles told Property Observer it was a “very good” auction, with about 25 people in attendance and six registered bidders. The auction saw “very spirited bidding”. 
Dilles revealed that the reserve price was $290,000, and the successful bidder was an owner-occupier.
He added that most of the registered bidders were investors, but “owner-occupiers will pay a premium”.
Dilles also said that the property market in the Liverpool, Fairfield and Cabramatta areas is “extremely busy” at the moment.
“It’s very very vibrant. Anything on the market’s sold in around 10 days,” he said.
He added that a shortage of stock and good returns were contributing factors to the areas’ popularity.
Dilles noted that there is a lot of investor activity in the area at the moment, and believes there is a “50/50” split between investors and owner-occupiers.
In the next six to 12 months, Dilles thinks the property market in Liverpool and its surrounds will continue to grow.
“It’s continuing to escalate, primarily because there’s no stock around. There are many properties being sold at their first open house,” he said.
According to Century 21 Fairfield’s estimated asking rent of $345 per week, the price reflects a 5.61% yield.
According to the <a target="_blank" href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median sale price for units in Liverpool is $278,500, up 5.1% on last year. The average discount required to sell a unit is 6%, while private treaty sales average 64 days on market.
The median asking rent for units is $325 per week, and gross rental yield currently stands at 6.1%.
dleow@propertyobserver.com.au
</body></html>

Cheap Liverpool, NSW villa sells for $320,000, reflects 5.61% yield

<html><body>
Sitting on Sydney Harbour, Rushcutters Bay was home to the sailing events in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Located 3km from the Sydney CBD, it was previously referred to as “Rush Cutting Bay” in the 1800s because the swampy land was covered in tall rushes used by early settlers for thatching houses.
Fast-forward 200 years and Rushcutters Bay has been transformed into a prime waterfront site. According to the <a target="_blank" href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, unit prices in the area have increased by 27.6% on last year, while rental yield currently stands at 5.6%.
Australian Property Monitors senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson told Property Observer that there are “continuing levels of demand” for the unit market in Rushcutters Bay, and “demand levels will continue in the area”.
“I believe there will be price growth again next year of around 5%. There’s a strong unit market there,” he said.
James Peach of Bresic Whitney Real Estate told Property Observer Rushcutters Bay is currently seeing a “big jump in buyers” especially for properties along Bayswater Road.
“Properties in the $500,000 range, and the studio and one-bedroom range, we’ve been seeing an increase in numbers and an increase in sale prices,” he said.
He noted that buyers were starting to move away from nearby suburbs such as Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay, and have been turning to properties in Rushcutters Bay. 
“With prices going so high in Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay, people are starting to look at the surrounding suburbs. There’s a lot of older people here, it’s one of the older suburbs, so it’s not really young and trendy,” he said.
However that is changing with the new Advanx East development that has brought an additional 132 units and a younger demographic to the area.
“Lots of restaurants have come in, and it’s brought a lot more people to the area,” Peach said. 
Peach has also noticed a jump in demand for art deco properties in Rushcutters Bay.
“A year ago, numbers were quieter. But it’s been much hotter in the last six to nine months,” he said.
He believes Rushcutters Bay will continue to grow in popularity, citing growth in Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay as examples.
“What we’re seeing in Rushcutters Bay now is more of a price correction; prices will go even higher, I think,” he said.
Richardson &amp; Wrench Elizabeth Bay/Potts Point property manager Leanna Levitt told Property Observer Rushcutters Bay is “doing very well”. 
She agrees that the Advanx East development has added a lot of apartment space to the area. As a result, there is a growing number of restaurants and cafes.
“It’s becoming like a small village,” she said.
She noted that the Advanx East property has likely influenced the median unit price in Rushcutters Bay.
“Generally with new developments, prices will go up, and that will be reflected in the next 12-18 months as properties are sold and resold,” she said.
Levitt has also noticed that tenants are considering purchasing their own properties as a result of the current low interest rates.
“With interest rates so low, renters are asking if they should be paying someone else’s mortgage. We can’t increase rent by 25 to 30% now, unlike two and a half or three years ago. It’s quite an interesting time,” she said. 
“Vacancy rates are quite low at the moment, though I think it’s more on the supply side than the demand side,” she added.
She expects that the property market in Rushcutters Bay will continue to do “very well”, as with suburbs within a five-kilometre range from the Sydney CBD.
According to the <a target="_blank" href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median unit price is $472,000, up 27.6% on last year as mentioned earlier. The average discount required to sell a unit is 7.6%, while private treaty sales average 54 days on market.
The median asking rent for units in Rushcutters Bay is $510 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 5.6%.
dleow@propertyobserver.com.au 
 
</body></html>

Suburb spotlight: Rushcutters Bay sees strong unit price growth

<html><body>
Affordability and the outlook for commercial properties in 2014 were discussed at a panel at the Urban Development Institute of Australia (NSW)’s annual Christmas lunch this year.
The event followed proposed changes to the NSW Planning Bill. Industry leaders Tony Perich AM, managing director of Greenfields Development Company, Garry Rothwell, founder and principal of Winten Property Group as well as Lang Walker, executive chairman of Walker Corporation shared their insight and commentary on the effect the changes will have on the industry and the future of New South Wales.
Perich started the panel discussion by saying developers should resist putting prices up in order to maintain a stable market.
“We need to maintain a price everyone can afford – if you don’t do that, the market will crash again,” he said.
Walker agrees that affordability is one of the “big questions” that needs to be tackled. He believes Sydney has been “understocked for the last ten years”, and is of the view that the injection of overseas investors are making it “impossible” for first home buyers to enter the medium density market, though he acknowledges that this is not necessarily the case for the suburban areas.
Rothwell notes that apartment prices have gone up “dramatically”, and cited demand in North Sydney as an example.
“We built in North Sydney, off-the-plan apartments were $500,000 18 months ago, they’re now close to $600,000. That’s a major increase,” he said.
He attributes this increase to an influx of investors, where previously the industry relied on homebuyers or first home buyers. He also noted that the demand from Asia is now greater than the supply available.
Rothwell added that Sydney is now one of the world’s major cities, such as London, where young people cannot afford to purchase their own homes. As a result, affordability is now a “critical” issue.
A key issue for affordability is infrastructure and government costs that developers have to fork out. When government costs remain high, infrastructure is not present, and approvals take a long time, there is little competition in the property development industry, which will worsen the issue of affordability.
Rothwell noted that the issue with competition is urban planning in New South Wales, and the government needs to release more land in order to create competition. This has worked in Victoria and Western Australia.
Infrastructure is also a key concern for Perich.
“In the growth centres, you’re looking at about 300,000 going to be there. Even if you’ve released enormous amounts of land, we can only service so much. You’ve got to get services, infrastructure, roads and electricity in. It’s very hard to release more land if the government isn’t putting in infrastructure,” he said.
The panel discussion included a call for solutions to these issues that were raised.
The panel agreed that the main solution would be planning – including employment plans, and planning the infrastructure to encourage employment in growth centres such as Wilton.
Infrastructure costs were also raised. According to the panel, developers currently need to pay an infrastructure levy of $10,000 per block of land.
Rothwell also noted that a very small percentage of first homebuyers make up the buyer’s market at the moment. Investors make up the bulk of buyers, and within these, half are local investors while the other half are offshore investors.
“Again, this raises the question: Are we seeing the end of the first homebuyer?” he asked.
He added that first homebuyers are likely to move to outer west areas as a result of affordability, especially as first homebuyers tend to be families who want a bigger house.
Another solution to affordability that was raised was house size. Where two-bedroom, one-bathroom brick houses were popular in the past, the panel noted that large houses with extra fixtures such as cinemas were gaining popularity of late – adding to the problem of unaffordability.
The panel then moved to discuss the future of commercial property for 2014 and 2015.
Walker brought up the popularity of activity-based work models with large companies, and its effect on commercial properties.
“For a big user, they will need a 2000 square metre floor plate,” he said.
He added that he is claims of soaring vacancy rates as there are certain older buildings that should not have been included.
“By the time their time as a commercial building is finished, they will either be torn down for a development or (used for) a residential conversion. To compare vacancy rates with these buildings that are completely redundant is a complete misnomer,” Walker said.
In Sydney, Rothwell noted that the recovery in the commercial market has fallen short of expectations.
“Tenants are far and few between, they are all cautious about committing. There is still a shortage of space in Sydney long-term. It will recover, yields are coming down, and that’s a positive,” he said.
He reiterated the importance of getting good tenants and added that they are “not easy to get” in Sydney.
Overseas developers are competing for sites in Sydney, according to Perich.
“The medium density side in Sydney is going nuts. The market is generally very brittle,” he said.
</body></html>

Developers urged to resist putting up prices: UDIA

<html><body>
Located in New South Wales’ Hunter region, Cessnock is about 52km west of Newcastle and about 150km north of the Sydney CBD. Originally a wine region, it has progressed to a popular mining town.
Australian Property Monitors’ senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson told Property Observer Cessnock has recorded 4% growth in the last year, even though it has seen a softening in price growth over the last few weeks.
“Given that there’s some dollar recovery in the resources sector, Cessnock will continue to be a reasonable performer into 2014,” he said.
Dr Wilson added that the “strength of the local community” adds to Cessnock’s popularity.
Jurd Real Estate principal Alan Jurd told Property Observer Cessnock’s property market was “very good until about six weeks ago”.
“The mining downturn, the rationalisation in the mining industry has taken the zing off it a little. It is still fine, but it was very very strong up until six weeks ago,” he said.
He added that investors were fueling buyer activity in Cessnock at the moment, as opposed to homebuyers.
With the mining region winding down, Jurd notes that tenant demand remains if landlords have “realistic” expectations.
“Vacancies are now higher than they were a few months ago. A few months ago there were houses going for $600 per week that should be getting $450 per week. Now they’re getting $450,” he said.
Jurd mentioned that Cessnock would be a good place for investors with a long-term view.
“There was a property purchased in 1987 that resold recently that saw 600% capital growth. That’s the average over 25 years, with a 4% rental return over that period,” he said.
“Anybody looking to buy now and sell in two years and make a profit, I don’t recommend that. If you’ve got a ten-year view, I think Cessnock is as good as anywhere (for investments),” he said.
For investors looking to buy in Cessnock, he recommends purchasing house and land packages.
“You’re looking at typically 650 to 1000 square metres. You not only get rental return, but can also redevelop it in the future,” he said.
As for Cessnock’s future, Jurd noted that areas that have experienced the most amount of growth in the last decade have often seen population growth and major infrastructure projects.
“The Hunter Expressway extension will open in January. That’s a major infrastructure project that will reduce driving time from Sydney and Newcastle by 15 to 20 minutes. That may drive population growth too, but not immediately.”
“There are also a couple of large land releases that are coming closer, increasing the amount of product available and building activity – that will increase population. Even though there’s a downturn in mining, there’s a lot of major projects going on,” he said.
</body></html>

Suburb spotlight: Cessnock over 2014

<html><body>
If you are a wine connoisseur in the making, or if your wine collection is outgrowing your kitchen cabinet, it’s time to look at other wine storage options.
While wines are ideally stored in an underground cellar, Australia does not necessarily have the ideal climate for wine to mature. As temperatures vary too much between winter and summer, the likelihood of high humidity rotting wine corks and affecting wine quality is high.
Adding a wine cellar to your home could also increase its value. James Malone from Classic Cellars says if a prospective buyer is a wine collector, having a wine cellar could be a plus. 
However, Herron Todd White Melbourne director Craig Veljkovic warns that wine cellars do not necessarily increase the value of your property. 
"A wine cellar doesn't really tend to add value to a property. What it can do is add a feature that causes a purchaser to choose that property rather than another one," he said.
Here are our five favourite wine storage solutions – cellars or not – available in Australia and around the world. 
Eurocave
Eurocave has been offering wine storage solutions since 1976, first by inventing the wine cabinet. Since then, they have expanded to over 70 countries with some 350,000 wine enthusiasts entrusting their wine collection with Eurocave’s storage solutions.
Choose from standalone wine cabinets to compact solutions that will fit just under your countertop. You can even <a href="https://www.eurocave.com.au/wine-cabinets/furniture-range/">encase your wine fridge within furniture</a>, and install sliding shelves to properly manage your wine list.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/11/28/furniture-slider-nov-28-one.jpg" width="470" height="401" alt="furniture-slider-nov-28-one"> 
Photo courtesy of Eurocave. 
 
<a href="https://www.spiralcellars.co.uk" target="_blank">Spiral Cellars</a>
Imagine the floor opening up to a beautiful spiral staircase leading to your wine collection. Spiral Cellars has made that a reality.
Your very own Spiral Cellar can be installed anywhere you can dig a hole. Made from concrete, it is cylindrical and has a spiral staircase for access, as its name suggests. Choose from seven options – be it an all-white cellar that can store up to 1890 bottles, a weatherproof cellar in your garden, or a mini-version that uses a step-ladder rather than a spiral staircase, which still packs a punch at a capacity of 770 bottles.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/11/28/1378-original-sc-3.jpg" width="470" height="366" alt="1378-original-sc-3">
Photo courtesy of Spiral Cellars.
 
<a href="https://www.vintec.com.au/index.php?section=products&amp;id=63" target="_blank">Vintec</a>
 Vintec’s product range spans from equipment preserving the integrity of two bottles of wine to walk-in wine cellars that have a 4,140-bottle capacity. The walk-in cellars are temperature-controlled, are lockable for optimum safety, and have an alarm to alert you of high temperatures.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/11/28/linterieur-du-cavispace.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="linterieur-du-cavispace" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">Photo courtesy of Vintec.
 
Bookcase-turned-wine-cellar
Have cabinets that are not adding much to your space? Victoria-based <a href="https://www.classiccellars.com.au/custom-made-wine-cellars.php" target="_blank">Classic Cellars</a> can turn that into your very own wine cellar/cabinet, making the most of your available wall space. Classic Cellars’ wine cabinets are temperature and humidity controlled, ensuring the wine is optimally preserved.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/11/28/After-bookcase-wine.jpg" width="470" height="266" alt="After-bookcase-wine">
Photo courteys of Classic Cellars.
 
Wine cabinets
While not yet available commercially in Australia, <a href="https://www.vinotemp.com/View.aspx/2930/700-Monaco-B-Wine-Cellar-with-Bookshelves" target="_blank">Vinotemp’s wine cabinets</a> brings the best of both worlds – storing your wine at the right temperature and humidity, while offering extra space for clothes, books, or ornaments.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/11/28/bookshelf-wine.jpg" width="470" height="401" alt="bookshelf-wine">
Photo courtesy of Vinotemp.
<a href="mailto:dleow@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">dleow@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
 
</body></html>

Five great wine storage solutions

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Palmera Residences fly out the door as sales pass $400 million

National property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has appointed BINAH as its construction partner for Quartet, its new Brisbane apartment development in the undersupplied suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>.

Located just two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and moments from key 2032 Olympic precincts, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet</a> will deliver 131 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments priced from $1 million to $4.2 million, combining elevated design with a wellness-focused lifestyle offering.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Goldfields’ Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan Thompson, said the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">BINAH</a> marked an important milestone for the project.&nbsp;

“Bringing BINAH on board as our construction partner will allow us to bring our vision for Quartet forward with a team that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality residential projects,” Thompson said.&nbsp;

“We’ve taken a considered approach to progressing the site because we wanted to deliver the whole package. Buyers ultimately back great developers, great projects and great builders, and with Quartet, we’ve made sure all three line up.

“People want certainty, they want to know the project will be built, that the homes will be delivered as promised, and that the developer stands behind the quality of what they create. That’s something Goldfields has built its reputation on over many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

BINAH’s Managing Director, Khalil Hafza, said the company was proud to be partnering with Goldfields to deliver Quartet.&nbsp;

“Quartet is an exciting project to bring to life, particularly given the level of detail in the residences and the extensive rooftop amenity planned for the building,” Mr Hafza said.&nbsp;

“Our focus is on delivering a high-quality build that brings that design vision to life and creates homes residents will enjoy for many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

The facilities at Quartet have been feared towards the roof, with a&nbsp;25 metre lap pool, spa, sauna and cold plunge, and a communal barbecue area and alfresco.

Town planning was designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by Melbourne-based architecture firm Cera Stribley.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/cera-stribley">Cera Stribley</a> Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Dom Cerantonio, said the project responds to both its riverside setting and Brisbane’s evolving urban character.&nbsp;

“Quartet has been designed to sit comfortably within its riverside context, offering a refined take on urban living through well-planned, generously proportioned residences that will stand the test of time,” Mr Cerantonio said.&nbsp;

“An emphasis on natural light, natural textures and carefully selected finishes from timber and marble to premium appliances, creates calm, considered interiors designed for comfort and long-term liveability.”&nbsp;

Construction of Quartet will commence in July 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Construction to commence on 131-residence tower designed around wellness-focused living

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

The first partnership between national developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> and Adelaide-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> has made a strong start, with the pair securing $21 million in unconditional sales at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-four-four-hutt-adelaide-144-hutt-street-adelaide-sa-5000">One Four Four Hutt</a>&nbsp;on the edge of the Adelaide CBD.

Over a third of apartments have been snapped up in the boutique 44-apartment project on the corner of Hutt Stret and Wakefield Road. Local downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in Adelaide's tightly-held southeast quarter have been the most prominent purchasers.

The DKO-designed, mixed-use development is one of the few new apartment projects in the precinct, an area where new housing supply has remained limited despite continued demand from buyers wanting to stay close to the CBD, Victoria Park and Adelaide's established east-end amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375378]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

"The level of early commitment reflects the confidence local buyers have in the Hutt Street precinct," Dendrinos said.

"Many purchasers are long-term east-end residents who love the area and want to stay connected to the neighbourhood. They recognise the value of a well-designed, well-located development.

"Our partnership with Otello has been central to this success, and the number of unconditional sales at this stage only strengthens our confidence in the South Australian market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375379]

Otello Director Daniel Harris said the sales result also highlighted the lack of new apartment opportunities within the Hutt Street precinct.

"One Four Four Hutt has clearly resonated with buyers, with strong early sales reflecting both the appeal of the Hutt Street corridor and the lifestyle on offer," Harris said.

"The activated ground-floor retail has also been a key drawcard, with purchasers responding to the vision of a more vibrant and connected streetscape, not just the residences themselves."

One Four Four Hutt will deliver 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of penthouses, above a ground-floor retail offering designed to further activate the Hutt Street precinct.

Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year, with completion anticipated in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151233]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

Diane Leow

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News