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Marrickville, Gorokan and Toukley are among the busiest of Sydney's cheapest suburbs, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
For houses, Marsden Park is the cheapest Sydney suburb, with a median price of $119,310. However, the suburb only saw seven homes sold in the past year. Far busier was Gorokan, with 241 houses sold in 2014. With a median house price of $306,991, it is the fourth cheapest suburb in Sydney.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-gorokan-118545727" target="_blank">3 Bertha Street in Gorokan</a> sold for $310,000 last week.
<img src="/images/2015/02/09/1%20gorokan.jpg" alt="">
Above: 3 Bertha Street
The two bedroom house on a 550 square metre plot came with development approval for a duplex. The vendors paid $125,000 less when they purchased the home in 2007 for $185,000.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-gorokan-118696967" target="_blank">56 Gilbert Avenue</a>, which was marketed towards first home buyers, sold for $300,000 in mid-January (pictured below).
<img src="/images/2015/02/09/2%20gorokan.jpg" alt="">
Above: 56 Gilbert Avenue
The three bedroom villa has been recently renovated. The vendors, who paid $225,000 for the home in 2009, used it as an investment property. It was advertised to rent at $315 per week in 2013.
Marrickville has the fifth-lowest median price of any suburb within 10 kilometres of the Sydney CBD. With 213 homes sold over the last year, it is also the busiest of the 10 cheapest Sydney inner-city suburbs (see table below).
HOUSES: Greater Sydney
<img src="/images/2015/01/22/rp-jan-22-one.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2015/01/22/rp-jan-22-two.jpg" alt="">
HOUSES: &lt;10km from CBD
<img src="/images/2015/01/22/rp-jan-22-four.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic RP Data.
CoreLogic RP Data recorded Marrickville's 2014 median value as $892,297 for 2014.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-marrickville-118559543" target="_blank">167 Sydenham Road in Marrickville</a> sold for $890,000 last week. The full brick, three bedroom house had been held by the vendors for almost 28 years – they paid $74,500 in 1987.
<img src="/images/2015/02/09/3%20marrickville.jpg" alt="">
Above: 167 Sydenham Road
In November last year, buyers paid $900,000 for a corner block two bedroom brick home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-marrickville-118351459" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">39 Gladstone Street in Marrickville.</a> The house was purchased by the vendors for $615,000 in 2008, with the home appreciating 46% in six years. 
<img src="/images/2015/02/09/4%20marrickville.jpg" alt="">
Above: 39 Gladstone Street
For units, Toukley in the Central Coast was one of the busiest of the cheaper outer suburbs. Toukley had a median of $265,887, making it the sixth cheapest Sydney suburb for units. This one sold for $259,000 in September.
<img src="/images/2015/02/13/toukley%20feb%2013%20one.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-toukley-117752435" target="_blank">2/39 Victoria Avenue in Toukley</a> (pictured above) is a single storey two bedroom unit with an enclosed sun room and a courtyard.
UNITS: Greater Sydney
<img src="/images/2015/01/22/rp-jan-22-one.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2015/01/22/rp-jan-22-three.jpg" alt="">
UNITS: Under 10 kilometres from the CBD 
<img src="/images/2015/01/22/rp-jan-22-five.jpg" alt="">
For inner city units, the busiest of the 10 cheapest suburbs was again Marrickville, with 268 units sold last year. The suburb is the 10th cheapest in the Sydney inner-city for units, with a median sale price of $508,813.
For that price, a buyer might get an apartment like one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-marrickville-118620451" target="_blank">9 George Street</a> (pictured below), which sold for $509,000 last month.
<img src="/images/2015/02/13/marrickville%20feb%2013%20one.jpg" alt="">
The one bedroom offering was one of multiple renovated apartments at the 9 George Street complex offered.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-marrickville-117382003" target="_blank">14/416 Marrickville Road</a> (pictured below) was another one bedroom unit that sold around the median price, for $507,500.
<img src="/images/2015/02/13/marrickville-feb-13-two.jpg" alt="">
The apartment at the rear of its block last traded at $196,000 in 2005.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

The busiest of Sydney's affordable suburbs: CoreLogic

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Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens has acknowledged concerns that the Reserve Bank's influence on demand may be limited, given the official cash rate's record low level.
Speaking at the House of Representatives Economic Committee in Sydney, the Governor noted that the Reserve Bank (RBA) board is "very conscious of the possibility that monetary policy's power to summon up additional growth in demand could, at these levels of interest rates, be less than it was in the past".
"A decade ago, when there was, it seems, an underlying latent desire among households to borrow and spend, it was perhaps easier for a reduction in interest rates to spark additional demand in the economy," said Stevens.
"Today, such a channel may be less effective."
Stevens does, however, believe that cash rate adjustments still have some effect on growth.
"Nonetheless we do not think that monetary policy has reached the point where it has no ability at all to give additional support to demand. Our judgement is that it still has some ability to assist the transition the economy is making, and we regarded it as appropriate to provide that support."
In his speech on Australia's economic outlook, he noted that strong housing price growth was a factor of consideration in the RBA's decision to cut the cash rate by 25 basis points to 2.25%.
"Another factor in our consideration was dwelling prices, which have continued to increase. Price rises in Sydney are very strong, and they are pretty solid in Melbourne," he said.
However, Stevens noted that the performance of property markets Australia wide are "much more mixed".
"Excluding Sydney, the rise for Australia as a whole over the past year was about 5%.
"That is a healthy pace but not alarming, and some cities have seen price falls. Developments in the Sydney market remain concerning, but in the end we did not see these trends as overwhelming a case for a further easing in monetary policy that was made on more general grounds."
Following Stevens' remarks, the Commonwealth Bank commented: "The Governor sounds reasonably relaxed about house price trends and that any stimulus from rate cuts to housing activity can be contained.
"This is clearly an area that needs to be watched closely, particularly given the Governor’s comments about the changing effectiveness of interest rate changes. It probably also underlies remarks about the need to reload the fiscal cannon.
"The Governor believes that we should be on a better fiscal trajectory than we currently are." During his speech, Stevens reiterated the importance of supporting the non-mining economy, saying that "at this point non-mining business investment spending is still very subdued".
"While several key fundamentals are in place for stronger performance, clear signs of a near-term strengthening remain unconvincing at this stage. This is a weaker outcome than we had expected six months ago," he said.
Stevens noted that although growth in non-mining sectors had occurred, it remained below average.
"Our expectation had been that a further pick-up would occur in 2015," said Stevens.
"When we reviewed our forecasts in late January, we didn't feel that growth in the recent past had been materially different from what we had estimated a few months ago. But when we tried to look ahead, we concluded that there were fewer signs of a further pick-up in non-mining activity than we had hoped to see by now.
"As a result, the revised forecasts we took to the February Board meeting embodied a longer period of below-trend growth, and a higher peak in the rate of unemployment, than earlier forecasts."
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Is the Reserve Bank losing its influence? Governor Glenn Stevens' admission during economic outlook update

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Online lender loans.com.au has reported that the home loan applications they receive have doubled since it passed on the Reserve Bank's (RBA) full 25 basis point February cut.
The online lender now offers its variable rate loan at 4.23% per annum.
Kim Cannon, managing director of Firstmac, which funds loans.com.au, said in the past week, loan applications have increased by more than 100%.
According to comparison website Finder, loans.com.au offers the lowest standard variable rate of any lender in the market.
Cannon said the majority of borrowers are seeking variable rate loans, despite the official cash rate's record low.
"Some sectors of the market speculate that the RBA is not quite finished with cutting the cash rate, which would mean we could see another drop before the year is out," said Cannon.
"With variable rates being as low as they are, many borrowers feel they have nothing to lose by watching and waiting to see if they go any lower."
Loans.com.au reports that a "significant portion" of its customer base is on a rate-linked loan product, so automatically received some benefit from last week's cash rate cut.
"For those who didn't get the rate cut automatically, we are passing on the full rate cut to ensure we are still at the pointy end of the market," said Cannon.
Loans.com.au estimates that the rate cut drop would lower monthly repayments by around $44 per month on a $300,000 loan.
The lender notes that their rate is 1.42% per annum lower than the Commonwealth Bank's standard variable home loan rate.
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Loan applications double for lender after rate cut

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The first Zara Home store has opened in Australia.
The Spanish retailer launched its first Australian store at Highpoint Shopping Centre, in Melbourne's inner west.
The <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/property/zara-moves-home-to-highpoint-20150211-13c3wo" target="_blank">Sydney Morning Herald</a> suggests that more Zara Home stores may be coming, with Sydney's Macquarie Centre a likely spot for the first New South Wales store.
Zara Home sells furnishing and homewares, and will apparently offer two main branded collections per year. It follows the Australian arrival of the business's fashion arm, Zara, which has set up shop in Melbourne's Bourke Street arcade.
Zara is just one of many international "fast fashion" retailers (so-called because of their high turnover of new products) to hit Australia in hopes of expanding their global reach.
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/zara-gap-h-m-and-uniqlo-announced-for-macquarie-centre-north-ryde">H&amp;M, Zara, Gap and UNIQLO </a>have all expanded their Australian businesses or approached the Australian market for the first time in the last few years while J.Crew is <a href="/expert-insights/investing/american-retailer-j-crew-tipped-to-arrive-in-australia">rumoured to be launching here soon</a>. 
Highpoint Shopping Centre has undergone significant refurbishments in the past three years. The centre is partially owned by the Besen family.
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Zara Home opens at Melbourne's Highpoint

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The Port Hedland and South Hedland property market's fall from grace has been well documented.
In mid-2014, columnist Terry Ryder <a href="/expert-insights/port-hedland-and-karratha-the-best-places-to-buy-dont-get-roped-into-that-one">cautioned investors against buying</a> in the mining region, writing that although the Port Hedland and South Hedland markets were in "rapid decline", they "but remain outrageously overpriced".
Controversial research body Demographia ranked the Port Hedland market the 11th most affordable in Australia this year, with a median price of $780,000 and median annual income of $168,400 giving the region a "median multiple" of 4.6.
In the 2014's 10th annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey, Port Hedland's market was considered the 13th most affordable, with a median multiple of 5.0 (median housing price of $818,000; median income of $163,700). The year prior, it was named "severely unaffordable" by Demographia, its $980,000 median housing price and $153,800 median annual income giving it a median multiple of 6.4.
Port Hedland has seen vast amounts of iron ore moved out from the Pilbara's mines, stimulating its property markets. But as the local mining economy moves from the construction phase to operations, the transient labour population, many of whom were fly-in, fly-out workers, and tenants, has declined.
The region's dramatic property price struggles were brought into sharp focus over the weekend at the auction of a home at <a href="https://www.janfordrealestate.com.au/1928630/" target="_blank">18 Edgar Street in Port Hedland</a>. ABC reported that the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/sydneys-weekend-auction-clearance-rate-soars-to-82-but-port-hedland-highlights-how-the-mighty-can-fall">fibro cottage passed in at auction at $360,000</a>, with the highest offer reflecting 2006 price levels.
<img src="/images/2015/02/12/port%20hedland%20feb%2012%20one.jpg" alt="">
The house had traded just four years ago for $1.3 million. In 2009 it sold for $870,000 and at $350,000 in 2006.
The home's sales agent, Barry Walsh at Jan Ford Real Estate, tells Property Observer that at the peak of the mining boom, property prices in the Port Hedland and South Hedland regions were unsustainable.
"It was totally unsustainable where it was, and now that it's stabilising, it will bottom out, and is in the throes of doing that," says Walsh. He says 18 Edgar Street was advertised to rent at $2,400 per week at the market's peak," said Walsh.
"And now, you wouldn't rent it for $500 per week. That's a reflection of the rental market."
According to Walsh, the market is now in the process of returning to its fundamental value.
"The stabilisation of the market is a very good thing for Port/South Hedland and the Pilbura region," he says.
"It was unfortunate that the market went where it did, to unsustainable and disproportionate price levels."
He attributes some of the price escalation to the inability to release a sufficient amount of land for development to cope with the influx of residents who were attracted to the area's mining economy. The infrastructure required to house the expected 30,000 to 50,000 residents – everything from hospitals and schools to sewers and roads – wasn't available to facilitate the expansion of the region, making tenants compete for the existing properties.
"The rents got to about $2,800 a week – some of the dearest in the world."
He says 18 Edgar Street is currently advertised for $600,000 through private treaty, with a couple of potential buyers engaged. He says the property, as it exists now, would only be worth around $250,000 to investors as a residential building. "Everyone up here would want at least 10% gross return", Walsh explains.
Indeed, taking a look through Port Hedland's available listings, that appears to be the case. "GOVT LEASE 14.7% ROI", one agent writes. "INVESTORS DELIGHT WITH HIGH RETURN 10+%", another listing reads.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-port+hedland-119065507" target="_blank">58 Kingsmill Street in Port Hedland</a> is currently on the market, with a price guide of $780,000.
<img src="/images/2015/02/12/port%20hedland%20feb%2012%20two.jpg" alt="">
It last traded at $465,000 in 2006. If it secures its current asking price, it will have appreciated by 68% in nine years.
The four bedroom, two bathroom house is currently leased at $1,600 per week, yielding 10.6%.
However, while the lease isn't due for renewal until 21 January 2016, there is no guarantee that it will attract the same rate this time next year. In April 2013, it was advertised to rent at $2,900 per week. Less than six months later, the advertised rent had dropped by $800 per week, to $1,700 per week. It dropped $100 further before being picked up by the current tenants.
18 Edgar Street saw a similar descent. From its advertised $2,400 per week peak in 2011, it dropped to $1,800 in 2013. Within a year, diminishing tenant demand saw $1,000 per week lopped off its advertised rental rate, down to $800 per week.
Walsh cautions investors not to mistake a current rental rate for the property's current market potential rental returns, citing a property which had been leased at $1,800 per week for the last 12 months that is now struggling to secure at $700 per week.
"Over the last 12 months, investors have been very cautious and have been wanting very high returns," he says. Walsh believes investors will return to the market when it displays more stability, due to the fundamental demand drivers underpinning the market. After all, Port Hedland has the highest tonnage port in Australia, which services a number of industries, beyond iron ore.
As for 18 Elgar Street, Walsh believes it will ultimately offer the most value to developers, due to its position in the centre of Port Hedland, within the businessa nd commercial district, opposite developments and near the boat ramp, Marapikarrinya Park and the fishing wharf.
{mijopolls 89}
Photo of Port Hedland courtesy of Robyn Jay/<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/" target="_blank">C.C. BY 2.0</a>
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Port Hedland's price plummet: Can it recover?

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Industry-owned property website realestateVIEW.com.au has launched a listing platform called propertyVIEWlive.
The platform allows agents to create customised personal applications, to upload listings for properties as soon as they hit the market, and directly edit or update the listings.
<img src="/images/2015/02/11/Screenshot_2015-02-10-15-35-0531.jpg" alt="">
Users can elect to receive push notifications if a particular property has been updated. They can also choose to receive notifications about agents according to their search criteria.
The application isn't just intended for buyers, but for tenants as well, with the platform capable of hosting rental applications.
According to realestateVIEW.com.au, at least 150 Australian real estate agencies have signed on for the application.
Petra Sprekos, the general manager of realestateVIEW.com.au, says the application offers an affordable mobile option for agents. The customisable applications are available to agents for a monthly subscription fee per office.
"We wanted to create a cost-effective platform that would drive leads and visitors back to the agents' own digital assets, which is fundamental in today's online world.
"More importantly, our product also allows agents to offer additional value to their customers by giving them the inside scoop on new properties the second they hit the market," says Sprekos.
<img src="/images/2015/02/11/Screenshot_2015-02-10-15-33-1422.jpg" alt="">
She says the period of time between when a listing is secured by an agent and when it is advertised online can be up to a week.
"It takes customer service to the next level as agents can update their database if there's been a price drop, keys have become available, an offer has been received or even to encourage applications following a busy open for inspection.
"There's no other platform available that gives agents the same direct access to clients as quickly, and the opportunity to acquire leads before their listing hits the market."
Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) chief executive Enzo Raimondo says the application "was created to further enhance and support the role of the agent in the property transaction". The REIV is the controlling shareholder of realestateVIEW.com.au.
Images supplied.
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Industry-owned property portal launches mobile property app

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Brisbane's inner city rental market has been termed "weak" by the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).
The REIQ recorded a 3.8% vacancy rate in Brisbane's inner ring (0 to 5 kilometres from the city centre) in December 2014.
Any vacancy rate figure above 3.5% is categorised as "weak", while a market is considered "tight" if it has a vacancy rate below 2.5%, and healthy with a vacancy rate between 2.5% and 3.5%.
The other "weak" Queensland markets in December were in Bundaberg, Gladstone, Rockhampton,  Mackay and Townsville, with Mackay topping vacancy rates at 10.3%.
The Brisbane inner market is the only greater Brisbane region with a "weak" market. The REIQ notes that vacancy rates are trending upwards.
In a release, REIQ chief executive Antonia Mercorella said: "Residential vacancy rates are prone to seasonal fluctuations over the Christmas/New Year period and 2014 was no different."
"Many REIQ agents reported softer tenant demand in December, with many leases expiring as students finish up their studies and others also take up employment opportunities in new locations."
However, Brisbane's inner market is experiencing weaker conditions than in previous years: In December 2012, the REIQ recorded a vacancy rate of 2%. In the same month of 2011, Brisbane had an inner city vacancy rate of 1.9%.
According to the REIQ, the median price of a unit in Brisbane was $420,000 in the September Quarter. In the latest HSBC Downunder Digest report, HSBC forecasts 6% to 7% price growth for Brisbane homes in 2015, with 4% to 7% forecast for 2016.
Click to open in new window:
<a href="/images/2015/02/10/forecasts.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/02/10/forecasts.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-west+end-405055971" target="_blank">201/9 Kurilpa Street in West End</a> will be available to rent in March at $540 per week. The two bedroom "near new" apartment was advertised to rent in September at $550 per week, with the asking rent lowered last month.
At its current advertised rent, investors who paid $510,000 in May 2013 will be receiving a yield of 5.6%.
<img src="/images/2015/02/12/west%20end%20feb%2012%20tqwo.jpg" alt="">
Buyers paid $465,000 for this National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) unit in July 2014. It was listed to rent late last month for $397 per week - slightly less than the $400 per week the previous owners were expecting this time last year.
According to Domain Group, vacancy rates for units in the greater Brisbane area were higher for units than houses in January, which is normal across all the capital city markets (see graph below).
<img src="/images/2015/02/12/Picture%2044.png" alt="">
Source: Domain Group
The unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-kangaroo+point-415036059" target="_blank">1401/67 Linton Street, Kangaroo Point,</a> has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Its current advertised rental rate reflects a 4.4% yield.
<img src="/images/2015/02/12/west%20end%20feb%2012%20three.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/graph_yield.php?sfx=&amp;region=qld%3A%3AInner+Brisbane&amp;t=1" target="_blank">SQM Research</a> data shows that asking rents for units in the Brisbane inner region have remained relatively stable over the past five years.
Click to open in new window:
<a href="/images/2015/02/12/sqm-feb-12-one.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/02/12/sqm-feb-12-one.jpg" alt=""></a>
However, there have been recent warnings, including <a href="/expert-insights/buying/brisbane-on-the-slippery-slope-to-oversupply">one from columnist Terry Ryder</a>, about the threat of oversupply in the Brisbane inner market, while in September <a href="/expert-insights/buying/brisbanes-inner-city-apartment-market-q-a-with-urbis-jon-rivera">Urbis' Jon Riviera told Property Observer </a>he had heard reports of rents softening, with rents previously "quite inflated". 
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Brisbane's "weak" inner city vacancy rates climbing

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Comparison website Finder claims that banks have held onto an estimated $7 billion in the past three years by not passing on full Reserve Bank cash rate cuts.
According to Finder, since November 2011, ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac have been able to keep the sum from borrowers by failing to pass along full rate cuts on their variable rate loans.
Finder arrived at the sum by taking the average of the four banks' total home loans financed per month since November 2011, and the difference between the interest earned per month based on their average standard variable rates and how much they would have earned if they passed on the full rate cuts. Finder then subtracted 30% from that sum as an estimate for the proportion of fixed home loans, using its research that estimates 70% of Australian mortgage holders have a variable loan.
NAB has failed to pass along rate drops more than any of the other three banks in that period, Finder claims. According to their research, NAB held back 0.46 percentage points of the 2.50 percentage points cut by the Reserve Bank since November 2011.
Westpac, though it's held back only 0.34 percentage points in that time, has the highest standard variable rate of the big four banks, at 5.70% from 20 February.
Commonwealth will offer 5.65% on its equivalent product from the same date, while ANZ and NAB will have the lowest rates of the big four at 5.63%, which will be offered from 12 February and 20 February respectively.
According to Michelle Hutchison, Finder money expert, the big four banks' actions will affect most Australian mortgage holders.
"The big four banks hold 84% of home loan market share of all banks monitored by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)," says Hutchison.
"For a $300,000 home loan, borrowers could be missing out on $70 per month, $840 per year or over $25,000 over 30 years, based on the average 0.37 percentage points that the big four banks have kept from their customers."
"The big banks are making record profits from their customers because many borrowers are not bothering to compare their home loan to other lenders. While some prefer to pay more for to bank with the one organisation, it's a hefty cost for a little convenience."
Of the four banks, Commonwealth Bank has the largest market share in terms of value of loans.
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Borrowers miss out on $7 billion from Big Four: Finder

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NAB's Commercial Property Index has fallen four points to -2 in the fourth quarter of 2014.
<img src="/images/2015/02/11/nab-feb-11-one.jpg" alt="">
Source: NAB
The weakest sentiment among the four sectors monitored: office, retail, industrial and CBD hotels, was recorded in the office sector, where the index has slipped from -8 to -10 between quarter three of 2014 and quarter four. However, respondents did expect some improvement next quarter while remaining in the negative, with sentiment regarding the next quarter at -3.
But the biggest drop in sentiment was seen for CBD hotels, where sentiment dropped from 45 in quarter three to -8 points in quarter four.
NAB noted that forward expectations have been reduced in all sectors except for industrial. For the next 12 months, confidence is highest for retail sectors and industrial, with "office clearly lagging". However, positive returns are expected in all four commercial markets in the next one to two years, despite reduced capital growth expectations.
Rents fell in all four markets in quarter four, according to NAB, with industrial and retail rents falling at the slowest rate. Oversupply was seen to be hurting the office sector, where high vacancies were seen and rents decreased to -1.3%.
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NAB commercial property index in negative as confidence falls

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NAME: Matthew Barr<img src="/images/2015/02/11/barr-feb-11-profiel.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: General manager - Queensland
COMPANY: Oliver Hume
OFFICE LOCATION: Brisbane
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?</li>
</ul>
Coming up to 20 years in Victoria and Queensland.
<ul>
<li>What's happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
We're currently seeing an increase in the supply of land that's resulting in stronger enquiries and sales rates. We're also seeing some price growth as a result of that.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting property you have worked on?</li>
</ul>
I've worked across a number of large masterplanned communities in Queensland and Victoria. Probably the most interesting is Providence, South Ripley, which I'm working on now. Once it's complete, it'll be about 7,000 homes for a population of about 20,000 residents.
It's a true masterplanned community. Open park space for sports and recreation, health and wellbeing; barbecues, al fresco dining and community; education, with two planned primary schools and two secondary centre. It'll have a main street with supermarkets, commercial spaces, retailers and the like. A lot of projects call themselves master-planned, but this is a true masterplanned community.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?</li>
</ul>
I think developing long-term relationships in both good and bad markets is the key. Obviously, honesty and integrity go a long way.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?</li>
</ul>
I enjoy the variety of projects and obviously the challenges that come from that. Of course, the diversified group of clients we work with makes it a very enjoyable job.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?</li>
</ul>
I think I'd be looking at a residential property within a 5 kilometre radius of Brisbane CBD, with access to plenty of amenities and infrastructure. I think that's a pretty good bet at the moment.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
Given the fact I'm ex-Victorian, Collingwood.
<ul>
<li>What's your favourite app or techno gadget?</li>
</ul>
It'd be Card Munch, which allows me to enter business cards straight into my contacts by taking a picture.
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media?</li>
</ul>
I guess LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook are the main ones I use, mostly to keep on top of what's going on and maintain a professional profile.
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In profile: Oliver Hume Queensland's general manager, Matthew Barr

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.

Joel Robinson

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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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Jessie Richardson

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