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ANZ are predicting the Reserve Bank (RBA) will cut interest rates at their meeting tomorrow to 2.0%.
"Although data released since the April meeting have been quite solid, we expect that the Board will consider all the data released since the Bank last updated its forecasts in the February Statement on Monetary Policy (SoMP)," ANZ's Australia Market Focus report read.
"In our view, taking all the data together suggests that the Bank is likely to downgrade its forecast trajectory for growth."
<img src="/images/2015/05/04/anz%20may%204%20one.png" alt="">
Source: ANZ Research
ANZ said that the RBA will primarily be influenced by the disappointing CAPEX report that was released in late February.
"The April minutes highlighted the risk that mining investment could be even lower than currently expected given lower commodity prices as well as the likelihood of lower resource export volumes, said the report.
"Post Tuesday, the question for markets will be: are there further cuts on the way?
"We expect that the RBA will maintain its easing bias to at least keep pressure on the currency.
"With the market now pricing a terminal cash rate of 1.8%, if the RBA does reduce the cash rate to 2% next Tuesday, we see potential for the market to move to price at least one full further 25bp cut."
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ANZ predicts rate cut at RBA meeting

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Changes to government grants are leading to first home buyers increasingly targeting new houses, research from QBE reveals.
The amount of first home buyers intending to buy a newly constructed home rose in February 2015 from June 2014 (from 44% to 50%), while the amount intending to purchase an existing house fell (from 60% to 56%), according to QBE’s Barometer Report 2015.
However, the proportion of first home buyers who ended up purchasing a newly constructed house increased to 28% from 18%, while existing home purchases fell from 56% to 41%.
<img src="/images/2015/04/28/trends-april-28-one.jpg" alt="">
The report posited changes to first home owner grants (FHOG) requirements were likely to be an influential factor. NSW, the NT and Queensland have all reported declines in loans to first home buyers, which QBE claims is linked to the loss of incentives to purchase existing homes in these states.
The report also noted that low interest rates “may have encouraged the idea first home buyers have increased borrowing capacity and can afford a new property”.
<img src="/images/2015/04/28/trends-april-28-two.jpg" alt="">
 
The survey covered 701 people intending to buy in the next five years, including 176 first home buyers, as well as an extra 656 mortgagors, of which 95 were first home buyers.
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Changes to FHOGs pushing buyers towards new houses: QBE

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CoreLogic RP Data have released a list of the most affordable capital city suburbs in Australia.
Unsurprisingly, given their respective placings at the bottom of capital city home values, Hobart and Adelaide suburbs make up the entire top 10 list.
Suburbs on the eastern shore of the Derwent River were the most affordable in Hobart, while Adelaide's northern Playford region hosts the city's cheapest suburbs for houses.
Top 10 most affordable capital city suburbs for houses
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Gagebrook</a>, Brighton, Greater Hobart, TAS Median Value: $136,649 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Herdsmans Cove</a>, Brighton, Greater Hobart, TAS Median Value: $139,664 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Clarendon Vale</a>, Clarence, Greater Hobart, TAS Median Value: $158,883 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Bridgewater</a>, Brighton, Greater Hobart, TAS Median Value: $169,691 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Risdon Vale</a>, Clarence, Greater Hobart, TAS Median Value: $173,468 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Elizabeth North</a>, Playford, Adelaide, SA Median Value: $174,191 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Davoren Park</a>, Playford, Adelaide, SA Median Value: $178,657 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Smithfield Plains</a>, Playford, Adelaide, SA Median Value: $184,904 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Elizabeth Downs</a>, Playford, Adelaide, SA Median Value: $193,780 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Elizabeth South</a>, Playford, Adelaide, SA Median Value: $196,362
</li>
</ol>
Source: CoreLogic RP Data
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No surprise: Australia's cheapest capital city suburbs

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Foreign investors were behind 32% of Australian office property purchases in the 12 months to December 2014, according to a new report.
<img src="/images/2015/02/11/chart-feb-11-one.png" alt="">
Savills' World Office Yield Spectrum report detailed who was behind Australian office property purchases in 2014.
The report also noted the return of institutional investors to the market.
"Having been sidelined for several years due to issues surrounding their balance sheet and their units trading at a discount to NTA, the A-REITS are back and buying again," the report stated.
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Foreign investors behind a third of 2014 Australian office purchases: Savills

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JLL have released a new report containing their outlook for Brisbane's near city market for the next 12 months in a chart (see below).
2014 was a challenging year for the Brisbane near city office market after a wave of subleasing flooded the market, according to JLL.
Due to further possible mining contractions, demand is likely to be subdued, the report states.
The most substantial addition will be Lend Lease's Kings Gate development, which currently has 40% commitment for its total 16,300 square metres of office space.
 <img src="/images/2015/02/04/jll-feb-4-two.jpg" alt="">
Source: JLL
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Brisbane's near city office market outlook for 2015: JLL

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"All these computers and digital gadgets are no good. They just fill your head with numbers and that can't be good for you," said the artist formerly and once again known as Prince.<a href="https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/p/prince" title="view author" style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </a>
And while the 'Purple One' sure knows how to play funky guitar, his estimation of numerical knowledge by digital distribution is questionable.
Here are but a few of the numbers rumbling through property investor zeitgeist this week.
<ul>
<li>28%</li>
</ul>
<a href="/news/qld/miles-queensland-the-limping-surat-basin-hotspot"><img src="/images/2014/11/13/miles-nov-13-breakout.jpg" alt="Miles, Queensland: The limping Surat Basin hotspot"></a>
Photo of Miles main street courtesy of <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Mattinbgn" title="User:Mattinbgn">Mattinbgn</a>/<a class="mw-mmv-license cc-license" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0" target="_blank">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>.
Miles, in the Surat Basin Western Downs area of Queensland, is the state's highest yielding suburb, according to RP Data.
But does the <a href="/news/qld/miles-queensland-the-limping-surat-basin-hotspot">11.17% yield figure really stack up?</a>
Over the past year, Miles' median price movement has dropped 8.16%. But that's not the scary figure for anyone considering investing in the regional mining town.
Miles has a vacancy rate of 28%, according to SQM Research. Enough to deter any investor thinking it could represent a sure-fire cash flow hit.
 
<ul>
<li>$450 million</li>
</ul>
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/sydney-hilton-for-sale-with-price-expectations-in-excess-of-450-million"><img src="/images/2014/11/12/hilton-nov-12-breakout.jpg" alt="Sydney Hilton for sale with price expectations in excess of $450 million"></a>
The newly refurbished <a href="/expert-insights/investing/sydney-hilton-for-sale-with-price-expectations-in-excess-of-450-million">Sydney Hilton Hotel is set to hit the market</a>. With offshore investors circling, price expectations for the 579-room hotel are well over $450 million.
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/sydney-hilton-for-sale-with-price-expectations-in-excess-of-450-million"> </a>
<ul>
<li>10.35%</li>
</ul>
<a href="/news/qld/can-you-really-get-a-double-digit-rental-return-in-queenslands-mount-morgan"><img src="/images/2014/11/12/mouhnt-morgan-nov-12-breakout.jpg" alt="Can you really get a double-digit rental return in Queensland's Mount Morgan?"></a>
With a yield of 10.35%, according to RP Data, Queensland's Mount Morgan appears to offer be an attractive target for investors. 
But is this yield really achievable? 
Property Observer crunched the numbers and found that in this small town, <a href="https://propertyobserver.com.au/finding/location/qld/37719-can-you-really-get-a-double-digit-rental-return-in-queensland-s-mount-morgan" target="_blank">not everything is quite as it appears...</a>
 
<ul>
<li>14%</li>
</ul>
<a href="/expert-insights/add-14-to-sydney-spring-auction-price-guidance-intelligent-property-services"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/housing-always-up-july-4.jpg" alt="Add 14% to Sydney spring auction price guidance: Intelligent Property Services"></a>
Like the strange smell at the back of my fridge, the issue of underquoting just doesn't seem to go away.
Intelligent Property Services' Ramon Mitchell browsed a selection of Sydney auction results throughout the month of October to find that the selling price is, on average, <a href="/expert-insights/add-14-to-sydney-spring-auction-price-guidance-intelligent-property-services">14% higher than the initial price guidance</a>.
One Newtown property sold for nearly a quarter more than its guidance, while a Homebush house fetched $950,000 more than its guide.
 
<ul>
<li>17</li>
</ul>
<a href="/news/firb-issued-just-17-divestment-orders-to-foreign-buyers-over-past-decade"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/china-keys1-breakout-new.jpg" alt="FIRB issued just 17 divestment orders to foreign buyers over past decade"></a>
According to evidence presented to The House of Representatives economics committee’s inquiry into foreign investment in residential real estate, since 2003, the Foriegn Investment Review Board has issued <a href="/news/firb-issued-just-17-divestment-orders-to-foreign-buyers-over-past-decade">just 17 divestment orders to foreign buyers</a>.
In this time period they have also failed to prosecute a single matter for illegally acquiring property in Australia.
The inquiry heard evidence that the current laws are routinely flouted, with foreigners happy to take the risk of not being caught.
 
<ul>
<li>$136 million</li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="/expert-insights/investing/victorian-politicians-136-million-of-property-what-hope-is-there-of-housing-policy-reform"><img src="/images/2014/11/10/melbourne-aerial-nov-10-breakout.jpg" alt="Victorian politicians' $136 million of property: What hope is there of housing policy reform?"></a></h3>
In the leadup to the Victorian state election there are few issues that unite the jostling parties. But it appears property investment may be one of them.
With Victoria's pollies owning an <a href="https://propertyobserver.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=24bd0766a834290948593f5aa&amp;id=a919f349b0&amp;e=035e81ff9a" target="_blank">estimated $136 million of property between them</a>, three academics asked the question: What hope does Victoria have of meaningful housing policy reform?
 
<ul>
<li>64,000</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="timeline-header"><a href="/news/vic/over-64-000-melbourne-properties-sit-vacant-prosper-australia"><img src="/images/2014/11/13/docklands-nov-13-breakout.jpg" alt="Over 64,000 Melbourne properties sit vacant: Propser Australia"></a></h3>
According to a new report from Prosper Australia, authored by Property Observer's regular columnist Catherine Cashmore,<a href="/news/vic/over-64-000-melbourne-properties-sit-vacant-prosper-australia"> there are over 64,000 vacant properties throughout Melbourne</a>.
According to the report, the Docklands area has the highest proportion of properties that are likely to be vacant based on water consumption.
 
<ul>
<li>$1 million plus</li>
</ul>
<a href="/news/nsw/sydney-s-median-asking-price-tips-over-1-million-mark-sqm-research"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/sydney-aeiral-sept-10-breakout.jpg" alt="Sydney’s median asking price tips over $1 million mark: SQM Research"></a>
Earlier this week, <a href="https://propertyobserver.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=24bd0766a834290948593f5aa&amp;id=7b7e17db65&amp;e=035e81ff9a" target="_blank">Sydney’s median asking price tipped over the $1 million mark</a>, according to SQM Research.
The research house said that it is impossible to purchase a freestanding house in Sydney’s inner ring for less than seven figures.
 
<ul>
<li>$25,000</li>
</ul>
<a href="/news/wa/busselton-the-market-leader-in-regional-western-australia"><img src="/images/2014/11/11/busselton-nov-11-breakout.jpg" alt="Busselton the market leader in regional Western Australia"></a>
Picture courtesy of  <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Gobeirne" target="_blank" title="User:Gobeirne">Greg O'Beirne</a>/<a class="mw-mmv-license cc-license" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5" target="_blank">CC BY 2.5</a>.
<a href="/news/wa/busselton-the-market-leader-in-regional-western-australia">Busselton was Western Australia's top performing regional market</a> over the past 12 months, according to REIWA.
Over this time period, 500 house sales lifted the area's median house price $25,000 to $450,000.
Earlier this week, Terry Ryder explained why he had tipped the town to take off in 2014 and which of the western state's markets to approach more cautiously. 
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The top property investment numbers of the week

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A view of the Harbour Bridge is a valuable commodity. Its worth has been confirmed in the latest set of data revealing Australia's top 10 most expensive suburbs for units.
Dawes Point, situated in the westerly shadow of the coathanger, has taken top place on RP Data's list of suburbs for unit median prices.
Clocking in with a median of $2,415,280, more than half a million more than its closest competitor Point Piper, the residents of Dawes Point can no doubt justify the substantial outlay with the grandest of elevated views of the famous landmark.
It’s no surprise the list is dominated by Sydney's prestige harbourside suburbs, with only Tennyson, Queensland managing to crack the monopoly.
Tennyson, located 7 kilometres along the Brisbane River from the CDB, has a median unit price of $1,024,147.
The prestige Sydney apartment market is seeing some heat at the moment. Just last week the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/manar-potts-point-apartment-sets-new-record-price">Potts Point apartment Manar</a> (pictured below) was the most expensive sale, according to RP Data, fetching $3.75 million pre-auction.
<img src="/images/2014/10/21/pots%20point_0003_image4.jpg.jpg" alt="Manar, Potts Point apartment sets new record price">
Earlier this year, Property Observer's contrarian commentators Jonathan Chancellor and Margie Blok rounded up <a href="/news/its-still-crowded-atop-sydneys-penthouse-market-offerings">the top penthouse apartments gracing the market at the time</a>.
Chief among them was the trophy penthouse listing at 1 Macquarie Street (pictured below), overlooking Circular Quay.
<img src="/images/2014/03/21/sydney%20march%2021%20one.jpg">
AUSTRALIA'S TOP 10 MOST EXPENSIVE SUBURBS FOR UNIT MEDIAN PRICE:
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Dawes Point</a>, NSW - $2,415,280 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Point Piper</a>, NSW - $1,895,370
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Darling Point</a>, NSW - $1,421,921
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Millers Point,</a> NSW - $1,226,920
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Cabarita</a>, NSW - $1,191,102
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Milsons Point</a>, NSW - $1,128,607
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">The Rocks</a>, NSW - $1,079,725
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Cremorne Point</a>, NSW - $1,029,538
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Tennyson</a>, QLD - $1,024,147
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Huntleys Cove</a>, NSW - $1,013,153
</li>
</ol>
Source: RP Data (click on the suburb name to view more suburb data).
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Australia’s 10 most expensive unit suburbs

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The new project from Salta Properties, Essence, in South Yarra will be launched to the public this weekend.
The site at 35 Wilson Street, South Yarra is located close to the famous Chapel Street retail strip. It will include a public thoroughfare parallel to the private lobby that will connect Wilson Street and Garden Lane.
<img src="/images/2014/09/04/south-yarra-sept-4-one.jpg" alt="">
Designed by <a href="https://www.rothelowman.com.au/" target="_blank">Rothelowman</a>, the development will contain a total 92 one and two bedroom apartments across eight floors. Prices start from $379,000, with construction set to begin later this year.
Sam Tarascio, managing director of Salta Properties, said that the company was focussed on providing a sustainable contribution to the area which captured the style of the area.
<img src="/images/2014/09/04/south-yarra-sept-4-two.jpg" alt="">
“As developers, it is important to create urban buildings that can strengthen and enrich people’s lives. Essence is a timeless and unique addition to the neighbourhood,” said Tarascio.
Speaking at a launch gala last night, Tarascio said that design features, such as moving the study into the bedroom and a floating kitchen bench, were designed to maximise space inside the units, while other building utilities will be hidden inside the walls.
<img src="/images/2014/09/04/south-yarra-sept-4-three.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.essencesouthyarra.com.au/" target="_blank">Essence</a> will also include a rooftop terrace for communal entertaining and vertical gardens.
The display suite on Chapel Street (pictured in the gallery above) will be open to the public from Saturday.
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Salta Properties' Essence, South Yarra to be launched this weekend

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It’s fair to say that the name Baz Luhrmann is not exactly synonymous with restraint.
The Australian director best known for pulling off meticulous and extravagant displays of debauchery in films such as The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge and Romeo + Juliet, brought his trademark touch to the grand opening of Melbourne’s Emporium shopping centre last night.
The $1.2 billion centre in the shell of the former Lonsdale Street Myer building was looking suitably glamourous for the event's 1,500 attendees.
The opening came at a great time for the centre’s owners, CFS Retail Property Group, who just announced a $400 million net profit for the 2014 financial year.
International retailers Top Shop and Uniqlo are among the tenants who have been welcoming customers for a few months preceding the launch. Though a few of centre's tenants are still waiting to open, the 225 retail spaces at Emporium are fully leased.
Luhrmann's vision for the opening was a "reimagined" Melbourne. While the opening event's giant tennis ball, beneath a cavorting acrobat, was a nod to the Australian Open, and a pink and purple horse sculpture a tip of the fascinator towards the spring racing carnival, other features of the launch had more tenuous links to the city.
<img src="/images/2014/08/21/26.jpeg" alt="">
Choreographed dancers wearing soldier and nurse costumes? A stretch.
<img src="/images/2014/08/21/3.jpeg" alt="">
A slick band seemingly swimming amongst a sea of gladioli? Not so sure…
<img src="/images/2014/08/21/2.jpeg" alt="">
Roller skating waiters eager to top up your glass of champers? I’ll roll with it.
The efforts certainly impressed attendees, including swimmer Michael Klim, singer Natalie Bassingthwaite and pyjama designer Peter Alexander. Property Observer also noted the attendance of The Block Glasshouse’s Darren and Dee.
However, Luhrmann was undoubtedly the star of the show. On a tour of the party, the director was mobbed by attendees, who had no doubt forgotten the nearly three hour ordeal that was Australia.
<img src="/images/2014/08/21/10625049_10152411629248640_3586282144434533793_n.jpg" alt="">
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Baz Luhrmann opens Melbourne's Emporium in a riotous glitzy affair

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Super Retail Group, owner of brands including Rebel Sport and Supercheap Auto, has reported a 5.6% jump in profits for 2014.
The retail group’s net profit after tax rose to $108.4 million, while revenue lifted by 4.6% to $2.11 billion.
Super Retail Group managing director and chief executive Peter Birtles said in a statement the result, while in-line with forecasts, reflected mixed performance across the group.
Birtles said the auto retailing division was an outstanding performer with around 10% growth, but the company’s leisure and sports retailing arms had lagged.
“In the leisure retailing division, the BCF business was impacted by a slowdown in sales in stores that had previously benefited from investment in the mining industry,” said Birtles.
“The sports retailing division had a solid start to the year but performance was impacted by inventory supply challenges resulting from the implementation of new merchandise and supply management systems in October and from a slowdown in customer demand following the federal budget and a warmer start to winter.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Super Retail Group reports 5.6% jump in profits

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

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Jacob Robinson

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