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Smaller suites in secondary building assets are seeing solid demand, according to Ray White Commercial.
Noting the Sydney CBD strata market has been a strong performer in the total CBD office rental market, head of research for Ray White Commercial Vanessa Rader, said that Sydney CBD’s strata market is approximately 10% of the total market.
Gross face rents achieved for smaller office suites across the CBD averaged $579 per square metre as of March 2014. This is 2.65% up on 2013’s face rent achieved.
“This is a better result than the prime office market which currently averages $778 per square metre, a 1.89% increase on the previous 12 months,” said Rader.
The prime CBD office market has dramatically different incentive levels from the secondary market.
“The secondary market has a far more variable incentive structure which varies depending on lease size, term, quality and lease type,” she said.
THREE MUST KNOW FIGURES – VACANCY RATES
<ol>
<li>D-Grade stock: 6.7% 
</li>
<li>C-Grade stock: 7.8% 
</li>
<li>Average: 9.0%</li>
</ol>
Source: Ray White
“Incentives can range from as low as 5% to as high as more than 35% (for sublease space), shown as a combination of fit out and rent free periods,” she said.
“Quality small suites in attractive, modern assets continue to the highly sought after by small businesses and can be somewhat sheltered from high incentive levels offered in the prime market and achieve strong effective rental rates.”
Currently, D grade office assets are the best performing for occupancy in the CBD – with the vacancy rate at just 6.7%. The C grade assets are recorded a 7.8% vacancy rate. 
“This result when compared to the total Sydney CBD vacancy rate of 9.0% demonstrates the ongoing, solid demand for smaller suites in these secondary assets,” she said.
“These assets also showed the greatest six monthly absorption rate of all quality grades, with a total absorption of 10,873 square metre.”
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

 Secondary office market shows Sydney strength: The three numbers to know

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The Green Building Council of Australia’s 6 Star Green Star rating has been awarded to Barangaroo South’s Tower 2 commercial building. The Office Design c3 certified rating identifies sustainable building practices.
The 42-storey Tower 2 is the largest building to receive this rating, and it is currently under construction.
New South Wales Environment Minister Rob Stokes said that supporting the sustainability in the commercial office sector is something the state government is behind.
“It is great to see sustainability made a priority in this project, reinforcing NSW as a leader in the area of environmental innovation,” said Stokes.
Tower 2 is one of three buildings that collectively create the International Towers Sydney, and it includes Westpac and Gilbert + Tobin as anchor tenants.
Lend Lease chief executive officer, property, Australia, Tarun Gupta, said that the internationally-recognised rating helps benefit corporate tenants, residents, retailers and visitors, with a sustainable view across the entirety of Barangaroo.
“Lend Lease's aim is to make the precinct Australia's first carbon neutral community,” said Gupta.
“Energy-efficient design, on and offsite low carbon and renewable energy teamed with zero carbon waste treatment and commuter carbon emission offsets, will result in a net carbon neutral outcome for the precinct's operational energy use.”
An on-site blackwater treatment plant, which has the capacity to supply a million litres of recycled water to the precinct and local suburbs, is an initiative of the precinct.
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Green star certification awarded to Barangaroo South Tower 2

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Shell Australia have extended their lease by another 5,487 square metres at KS2, Kings Square, Perth, bringing their total leasing arrangement to 19,300 square metres of space, according to Leighton Properties and DEXUS Property Group. This covers the entire building.
The second office tower in masterplanned Kings Square Precinct, KS2 now has Shell across 11 floors of the building. The precinct is under construction in the $5.2 billion Perth City Link development, and is said to be one of the most significant commercial and retail projects nationally.
Leighton Properties national head of commercial Andrew Borger said that there is increasing confidence within the resources sector.
“We now have 100 per cent of the commercial space leased at KS2 - and with this we will see an increased occupancy at Kings Square and enormous flow on benefits for the precinct, particularly for its retail,” said Borger.
Shell Australia general manager – production Michael Schoch said that this move to Kings Square to occupy the entire KS2 building provides the flexibility required for growth and staff facilities.
“With our staff numbers doubling to 1,000 in support of Prelude FLNG, this investment in our new corporate headquarters reflects our commitment to Western Australia and Australia,” Schoch said.
Towers KS1, KS2 and KS3 are jointly owned, 50/50, by DEXUS Property Group and DEXUS Wholesale Property Fund. In total, the towers cover 52,033 square metres of office and retail.
DEXUS executive general manager, office and industrial Kevin George said that the total commitment across all three towers is now 55%.
“This is further evidence that quality, affordable stock is in demand in the Perth CBD and we expect to see continued interest from other potential high calibre tenants in the Kings Square precinct,” said George.
The precinct will include a childcare centre, 24 hour gym, retail and restaurants. The first four towers are currently being built, gearing up for a mid-2015 completion date.
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Shell Australia expands floor space in Perth’s KS2

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Hotel Saville, in South Yarra, and its Punt Road vacant block used as parking, have hit the market as two separate purchasing opportunities.
The hotel site, 1-5 Commercial Road, South Yarra, has been trading since the early-1970s and is said to be “synonymous” with the South Yarra skyline. It has an octagonal-shaped façade and currently operates as a 3.5 star motel facility.
It has 34 rooms and 360 degree views.
The parking opportunity is at 270 Punt Road. Combined, the sites are expected to fetch circa $7 million.
There is the suggestion that the hotel could be redeveloped into a multi-storey site, and both are zoned Residential 1.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-south+yarra-501125927" target="_blank">1- </a><a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-south+yarra-501125927" target="_blank">5 Commercial Road</a> site is 940 square metres, while 270 Punt Road is 450 square metres.
 Colliers International selling agent Ben Baines said that it has a significant upside potential.
“We expect the properties to attract interest from residential developers as well as hotel/motel developers,” said Baines.
“There is also the flexibility for a purchaser to acquire the two sites and keep running them as a Hotel in the short to medium term while they obtain planning permits,” he said.
It has multiple street frontages, and is offered as a freehold and going concern.
Meanwhile, Ted Dwyer who is co-appointed to sell the offering, said that the apartment market in South Yarra is booming, which may be another attraction.
“The properties have great access to popular attractions and amenities such as the Prahran Market, Chapel Street, Fawkner Park, the Botanical Gardens and Albert Park Lake,” he said. “St Kilda Road, the Monash Freeway and public transport are all nearby, while The Alfred Hospital is just down the road,” he said.
Currently, standard Queen beds are from $105 per night with a minimum seven night stay, according to online booking details. It is also called the “affordable alternative” for accommodation in the area.
Expressions of interest for the site close on 12 June at 3pm.
Currently, an<a href="https://www.longreachaustralia.com.au/sentry/monument-pinnacle/Monument-Investment-Report.pdf" target="_blank"> investment report from Longreach Property</a> is available about the site, which suggested that an 84-apartment, 82-carpark development was the plan for the site, with a potential for 320 square metres of retail on the ground floor, with an entrance from Affleck Street. The DA was put before the City of Stonnington in 2010.
The development would have been known as <a href="https://www.longreachaustralia.com.au/sentry/monument-pinnacle/Monument-Investment-Report.pdf" target="_blank">Monument South Yarra</a>, designed with Bruce Henderson Architects. Other information from <a href="https://www.pinnacle-props.com/downloads/investorbrief/Monument%20-%20Investor%20Brochure.pdf" target="_blank">Pinnacle Property Investments</a> suggests that it may have been a plan for 90 apartments over 10 levels. Vogue on Chapel Street is identified as the closest example, bringing pricing of Monument to $503,500 for a level four two-bedroom apartment with parking and $453,750 for a one-bedroom level four apartment. This was several years ago.
The City of Stonnington received the application in late-2010 according to their date stamp on <a href="https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=7&amp;ved=0CFMQFjAG&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stonnington.vic.gov.au%2FDownloadDocument.ashx%3FDocumentID%3D4716&amp;ei=7FKFU9LDC8vNlAWxoID4Bg&amp;usg=AFQjCNHJ4SDmG5LOzcAvazYUwlAKaNlFLA&amp;sig2=hbtylruplw3YLXkX3ihP_Q&amp;bvm=bv.67720277,d.dGI" target="_blank">Urbis’ Planning and Urban Context Report (note: link is a PDF download of the report)</a>.  
Clearly, this never went ahead, leaving an opportunity for the next purchaser.
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On the market: Hotel Saville, a piece of the South Yarra skyline

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Caravan parks appear to be attracting a lot of attention in New South Wales’ far north coast area of Tweed Head.
Ray White Commercial notes that Tweet Heritage Caravan Park at Chinderah (pictured above) sold for $6.08 million.
Sam Johnson of Ray White Commercial said that it was a once in a lifetime option to acquire the fully operational business set up on a substantial parcel of land.
“We had 76 enquiries during the marketing campaign and 15 offers to purchase were received. Caravan parks and manufactured housing estates are playing an increasingly important role in meeting the housing requirements of the ageing population in Australia,” he said.
Institutional investors and “cashed up private investors” are looking at this sector of the market, he said.
This most recent sale followed two other similar sales totaling more than $12 million. One of these sales was the adjoining Chinderah Lakes Caravan Park at 182-184 Chinderah Bay Drive, Chinderah. This site cost just under $4 million and sold to the same Sydney-based private fund.
The Royal Pacific Tourist Retreat and Caravan Park in Chinderah was also recently bought for $2.5 million.
THE PROPERTY
<ul>
<li>Vendor: Tweed Heritage Park Pty Ltd</li>
<li>Type: Caravan park</li>
<li>Details: 147 caravan sites, two large four-bedroom residences, manager’s office.</li>
<li>Income potential (gross): $1 million</li>
<li>Offers: 76 enquiries, 15 offers to purchase</li>
<li>Size: 40,100 square metres</li>
<li>Address: 186-202 Chinderah Bay Drive, Chinderah</li>
<li>Bought by: Sydney-based private fund</li>
</ul>
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Three caravan parks sold in Tweed Heads region

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Australian fashion label Gorman has taken up a nine year deal for leasing 135 Swanston Street, at the corner of Little Collins Street in Melbourne.
Fitzroys City Retail Team’s Charles Emmett and Michael Rainey were those behind the deal in the CBD.
The shop, covering 100 square metres, has a suggested rent from $3,500 to $5,000 per square metre based on similar sized opportunities along the strip.
Leasing executive for Fitzroys, Michael Rainey, said that it’s a watershed deal for Swanston Street, and expects it will attract quality fashion on this side of Melbourne.
However, the suggestion is that this isn't a standalone for the street.
“The deal follows Platypus opening nearby a month ago and there are now a number of quality fashion tenants circling 123 Swanston Street, which Fitzroys is currently leasing,” he said.
The new leasing opportunity is on the Western side of the street, and is near Politix, Virgin Mobile, Tesltra, Footlover, Uniglo, Quicksilver and Optus. It likely expects more rent, at 111 square metres and with a 96 square metre basement.
Last week Property Observer reported on <a href="/expert-insights/investing/fashion-houses-look-to-secure-base-level-spaces-in-melbourne-offices">a surge in fashion houses looking to rent spaces at the base of CBD office towers</a>.
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Aussie fashion label Gorman snaps up Swanston Street lease

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An ASIC investigation and subsequent District Court conviction has found New South Wales-based former mortgage broker, Moustafa “Muzi” Dandachli, of Georges Hall, guilty of falsifying loan application documents.
These documents were in applications for 10 people that included loans ranging from $196,000 to $640,000, and saw home loans totalling almost $3.8 million over a six month period.
Dandachli pleaded guilty in 2013.
Income and employment documents were those that contained false or misleading documents, and he admitted to submitting these knowing that they were untrue.
A number of penalties were handed down by the District Court, including a nine month sentence in jail and then a two year good behaviour bond.
His remorse for acting dishonestly, cooperation with ASIC, and good prospects for rehabilitation were considered by the court.
He had been authorised to provide credit services from 23 December 2010 until 27 February 2012, <a href="/news/former-bankstown-mortgage-broker-pleads-guilty-to-submitting-false-loan-applications-worth-3-8-million">upon which time his employer terminated his authorisation, Property Observer previously reported</a>. He supplied the false applications to two banks from July 2011 to January 2012. The maximum penalty he could have been given would have been two years imprisonment, or $11,000, for each charge, or both.
Deputy chairman for ASIC Peter Kell said that loan fraud is unacceptable. “ASIC’s campaign to identify and crackdown on loan fraud is continuing,” he said. ASIC has banned Dandachli from providing credit activities in the future.
Dandachli operated under Prolink Finance Solutions as Senior Finance Executive, as well as working as a finance consultant with The Finance group in 2012. He was a 2011 finalist for Vow Financial's Altitude Award Broker Partner of the Year (Rising Star). In December 2011, Broker News reported that he was looking to recruit loan writers in a particularly busy market, even putting off his holidays until January due to the rush, with the RBA having chopped rates.
The MFAA had expelled Dandachli from membership in 27 August 2012, having been suspended on 6 July 2012 pending further investigations.
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Former NSW broker convicted of falsifying loan applications

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An off the market sale from Barney Dear of Ray White Commercial Perth saw a warehouse/showroom snapped up in the industrial suburb of Bayswater for $875,000.
At 10 Durham Street, Bayswater, the warehouse is 565 square metres, made of brick and concrete panel, on 1,214 square metres of land.
“We were engaged to sell the property in April of this year. Prior to taking the property to the market we identified a number of possible buyers on our database and notified them that we were listing the property for sale," said Dear.
“Following an inspection with one of the buyers, an offer was received and after a period of negotiation was accepted by the owners."
The sale occurred within five days of the property being listed for sale and saw the contract go unconditional a week later.
It will settle in July - the seller's preference.
Interested parties can look to lease the warehouse from early-July 2014, for $60,000 per annum plus GST and outgoings.
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Perth warehouse/showroom snapped up for $875,000

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The Tenterfield Tavern and Motor Inn, renovated in 2008 and built in 1872, has been listed for sale through Ray White Hotels Australia with spectacularly colourful photos.
The 378 Rouse Street, Tenterfield opportunity was originally built as the Aireys Grant Hotel, explained Leon Alaban, who is selling the property, along with Blake Edwards. Tenterfield is a farming town in New South Wales, 699 kilometres north of Sydney and 275 kilometres south-west of Brisbane.
An expressions of interest campaign is underway for those looking to purchase the right-bedroom AAA-tourism accredited four-star motel. It has five double rooms and three family rooms, all with adjoining ensuites, kitchenettes, TVs, internet and undercover carports.
The two-storey hotel, occupying a 3,105 square metre site, is being sold as a freehold going concern.
“It has been modernised and is now very well equipped with a public bar, gaming room with 12 PMEs and Keno monitor, TAB, dining area, children’s play area, rear deck/beer garden, kitchen, bottleshop, storage, motel accommodation and manager’s residence,” said Alaban.
It has rear lane access, and is on a prime main street site.
“The main street position provides the venue with excellent traffic exposure as well as providing easy access to the walk-in bottleshop,” he said. Despite being on a main street, the design has apparently minimised the road noise by putting the sleeping quarters to the back of the property.
Despite the 2008 renovation, there are likely still opportunities to add value, said Edwards, as well as to attract visitors on route between Sydney and Brisbane.
“Tenterfield is the main service centre for the surrounding regions where agriculture, viticulture and wine production industries are located, so trade is consistent and on-going,” he said.
An additional three gaming machines could be installed, trade operation systems could be improved or adjacent land could be purchased and developed.
Expressions of interest are closing on 10 June, 2014 and can be made via the Ray White listing here.
At present, the Motor Inn is pet-friendly for some rooms, offers seven days a week cooked breakfast and offers dinner to the rooms from Monday to Thursday. Visit New South Wales suggests that a room can be snapped up for $79 to $109 per night.
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Investment opportunity: New South Wales’ Tenterfield Tavern and Motor Inn

Sydney sublease market tide turns as office space availability halved

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

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Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

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Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

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Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

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Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

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La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

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Jennifer Duke

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