jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Commercial, industrial and retail all in slow upswing

<html><body>
The Australian Property Institute’s 33rd survey on Property Directions has seen international investment flagged as the main driver, of prices and demand in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
The results describe international investment as a "significant" to "very significant" factor in the cities' demand levels.
Surveying valuers, fund managers, property financiers and property analysts, the survey noted that while in Brisbane fewer participants than those in Sydney and Melbourne noted international investment, it still emerged as the main driver.
A similar trend was seen in Perth, where smaller numbers again suggested international investment.
In Melbourne, 95% put “Foreign Investment” in the "significant" or "very significant" category. While in Brisbane and Perth this fell to 68% and 55% respectively.
In Sydney, this figure sat at 96%. In May, it was recorded with 88% of respondents noting it as significant or very significant, and 75% of those in Melbourne putting it into this category..
Supply was the second most influential driver noted in Sydney and Melbourne, while recording a joint second with Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) negative gearing in Perth and Brisbane.
 
</body></html>

Foreign investment biggest price driver in main capitals: API's Property Directions

Brisbane to outshine with 17% growth over next three years: QBE

<html><body>
Negative gearing is regularly in the spotlight, and Aviate Group managing director Neil Smoli says there’s one simple way to address the concerns – make it only apply to off-the-plan or newly renovated property.
Smoli notes that negative gearing tax benefits recognise the role investors play in providing rental accommodation by alleviating tax burdens.
“However, when investors use a negative gearing strategy to finance the purchase of existing dwellings, this has very little impact on new supply in a market where rental vacancies are very low,” he says.
“On one hand, investors using negative gearing to support the purchase of new off-the-plan property have a positive impact by contributing to new rental accommodation. On the other hand, investors who use negative gearing to finance the purchase of existing properties do not.”
He said that buy encouraging demand for new properties it would help stimulate construction and unlock the economic benefits of new development.
“Perhaps the fairest way to enable an investor to utilise a negative gearing strategy to contribute to new supply is to make the practice accessible from an agreed timeframe after the initial lease term commences,” he says.
“It typically takes five to six years for an investment property to become neutral, that is, for the rent received to balance the interest payable. This is influenced by the interest rate of the day, the net rental income received after costs such as management fees, letting fees, body corporate fees and outgoings are taken into account, the investor’s marginal tax rate as well as depreciation allowances.”
{mijopolls 49}
</body></html>

Should negative gearing only apply to new property?

<html><body>
It can be hard to visualise exactly how different house prices vary from area to area.
Barney Stringer decided to take London's house prices and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/Michael_MBA/status/519387672800808960" target="_blank">present them a little differently</a>.
The 3D height on the graph is proportional to the density of value (£ per square inch). It provides a fascinating depiction of where the most expensive properties are most concentrated, and you can almost see the ripple effect of properties decreasing in price the further they get from these expensive areas.
<img src="/images/2014/10/9/Picture%2022.png" alt="">
You can read the full article about London's house price concentration and the creation of the graph at <a href="https://www.citymetric.com/skylines/mapping-uk-s-housing-wealth-362" target="_blank">City Metric.</a>
</body></html>

The concentration of pricey property in London: Tweet of the Day

<html><body>
Yesterday’s announcement from the Reserve Bank (RBA) that the overnight cash rate will remain at 2.5% for October came amid speculation that interest rates are likely to increase in mid-2015. Housing Institute of Australia (HIA) senior economist Shane Garrett said the decision was widely expected, and stable interest rates will be seen for a while. “This will provide a welcome degree of certainty to those engaged in the housing industry, as well as other areas of the economy,” said Garrett.   “The era of very low interest rates has provided a welcome boost to new home building, and is doing something to alleviate the shortage of dwelling accommodation suffered by Australia,” he said.
With all the factors the RBA has been considering, ANZ’s summary included the following important points of note:
<ul>
<li>The Bank remains concerned about the outlook for China, however noted it had been slowing in recent months. 
</li>
<li>Acknowledgement of the recent volatility in the labour market data. 
</li>
<li>They remain relaxed about inflation due to subdued wages growth, which will help to offset upside influence from the weaker currency. 
</li>
<li>The rhetoric on domestic housing has been lifted slightly, noting a “further pick-up in recent months in lending to investors in housing assets”. 
</li>
<li>A further decline in the Australian Dollar will be watched for. Although it remains high by historical standards it is offering “less assistance than would normally be expected in achieving balanced growth in the economy”. 
</li>
<li>The comment about a period of stability was repeated verbatim from last month.</li>
</ul>
Loan Market chairman Sam White said that in recent weeks there has been talk of macro prudential measures to be introduced to slow down the real estate market without raising rates. "Broadly we support this way forward. However, we'd urge the RBA not to penalise first home buyers from entering the market, as has happened recently in New Zealand," White said.
</body></html>

On hold at the lowest rate on record: What the RBA’s thinking

Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane: Where they are on the property clock

<html><body>
Waitara’s latest apartment development, Park Rise, is set to launch over the weekend.
Marketed through Colliers International, the Winten Property Group developed <a href="https://parkrise.com.au/" target="_blank">Park Rise</a> has been designed by Bates Smart.
One bedroom apartments are priced from $450,000, two bedroom apartments from $560,000 and three bedroom apartments from $765,000.
<a href="/news">Waitara</a>’s median unit price currently sits at $520,000, according to RP Data, while houses are selling for a median price of $1,413,500.
Adjacent to Mark Taylor Oval, many of the apartments have balconies with an outlook across the north shore.
All have secure basement parking with lift access, and a landscaped communal courtyard for a village feel has been designed.
The development is two minutes from Waitara Train Station, 400 metres from the Westfield Shopping Centre and near high quality schools.
The display suite is at 39 Waitara Avenue.
</body></html>

Park Rise in Waitara to launch this weekend

<html><body>
Three Pillars has launched the final stage of Martha Cove, on the Mornington Peninsula.
The launch coincided with the completion of the first Harbourside homes, which include an offer of boat berths.
The Harbourside precinct of the  <a href="https://threepillars.com.au/portfolio-type/harbourside-martha-cove/" target="_blank">$650 million 94 hectare development in Safety Beach</a> has sold 175 homes since construction began in July 2013.
The development was previously brought out of receivership by Three Pillars, PPB Advisory and KordaMentha. Three Pillars have been in control of the Harbourside precinct, now launching this fifth stage.
Core Projects, the selling agents for the development, have already sold out the first three stages. A small number of lots remain in stage four, explains Three Pillars director Tom Hoogenbosch.
“The fifth and final stage is one of the last chances to secure a Harbourside Terraces address and a 15% saving on a berth at the estate’s safe boating harbour,” Hoogenbosch said.
“What’s great about this release is that, despite being the final stage, we’ve held onto some of the best floor plans and saved them until last.”
The properties released in this stage are 31 townhouses, ranging from 156 square metres to 187 square metres, over two- or three-storeys with three or more bedrooms. They include double garages and balconies.
Under an exclusive arrangement, they have been designed by Malcolm Elliott Architects and built by Edgepoint with six-star energy ratings, communal pools and barbecue areas, back to base security and landscape gardens.
They are priced from $449,000 to $519,000.
</body></html>

Final stage of Victoria's Martha Cove launched, including boat berths

<html><body>
A settlement agent in Perth's St Georges Terrace, Sydney James Chesson (trading as Master Settlements), has been cautioned by the State Administrative Tribunal.
The Tribunal notes there was misuse of a trust account for transactions that were not for the purpose of settlement, and was in breach of the Settlement Agents Act.
The caution was issued on 30 September instead of a fine, as the Tribunal acknowledged there had been no misappropriation of the funds from the trust account.
He did, however, have to pay costs of $8,828.
The business functions for both real estate and business settlements.
Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection, David Hillyard, said that the situation emphasizes the importance of licensed settlement agents using their trust accounts specifically for transactions related to settlements only.
</body></html>

Perth settlement agent cautioned for trust account misuse

Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]

Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3823]

Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3826]

The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<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/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=372542]

The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]

North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]

McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]

A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]

Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]

More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Jennifer Duke

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News