<html><body>
Over 2014, Sydney's median house price eclipsed $800,000, while Melbourne saw more modest growth.
Darwin's median house price is lower now than it was this time last year, and Hobart's has hardly moved at all.
CoreLogic RP Data has released its property price figures for the December 2014 quarter. Property Observer looks at how the close of 2014 compares with the corresponding period at the end of 2013.
<h3>Sydney </h3>
<ul>
<li>Houses</li>
</ul>
Median price in December 2014: $858,000 Median price in December 2013: $775,000
<ul>
<li>Units</li>
</ul>
Median price in December 2014: $615,000 Median price in December 2013: $557,000
<h3>Melbourne</h3>
<ul>
<li>Houses</li>
</ul>
Median price in December 2014: $660,000 Median price in December 2013: $625,000
<ul>
<li>Units</li>
</ul>
Median price in December 2014: $490,000 Median price in December 2013: $481,000
<h3>Brisbane-Gold Coast</h3>
<ul>
<li>Houses</li>
</ul>
Median price in December 2014: $505,000 Median price in December 2013: $479,000
<ul>
<li>Units</li>
</ul>
Median price in December 2014: $371,000 Median price in December 2013: $361,950
<h3>Adelaide</h3>
<ul>
<li>Houses</li>
</ul>
Median price in December 2014: $429,800 Median price in December 2013: $405,000
<ul>
<li>Units</li>
</ul>
Median price in December 2014: $342,000 Median price in December 2013: $325,000
<h3>Perth</h3>
<ul>
<li>Houses</li>
</ul>
Median price in December 2014: $550,000 Median price in December 2013: $537,250
<ul>
<li>Units</li>
</ul>
Median price in December 2014: $440,000 Median price in December 2013: $439,000
<h3>Hobart </h3>
<ul>
<li>Houses</li>
</ul>
Median price in December 2014: $350,000 Median price in December 2013: $350,000
<ul>
<li>Units</li>
</ul>
Median price in December 2014: $270,000 Median price in December 2013: $255,000
<h3>Darwin</h3>
<ul>
<li>Houses</li>
</ul>
Median price in December 2014: $562,000 Median price in December 2013: $595,000
<ul>
<li>Units</li>
</ul>
Median price in December 2014: $530,000 Median price in December 2013: $449,500
<h3>Canberra</h3>
<ul>
<li>Houses</li>
</ul>
Median price in December 2014: $575,000 Median price in December 2013: $570,000
<ul>
<li>Units</li>
</ul>
Median price in December 2014: $403,000 Median price in December 2013: $432,000
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Capital city property prices, one year on

<html><body>
A median priced house in Melbourne cost $660,000 in the December quarter, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
The city's median house price was up 1.8% from the previous month's result, and up 8.4% year-on-year. Melbourne houses are the second most expensive in the country, with Sydney's median house price clearing Melbourne's by almost $200,000, at $858,000.
Property Observer looks to recent sales to see just what $660,000 will buy you in Melbourne.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/121-purinuan-road-reservoir/Property-Details-sold-residential-7882336" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">121 Purinuan Road, Reservoir </a></li>
</ul>
 <img src="/images/2015/01/01/1.jpg" alt="">
This three bedroom, corner block home in Melbourne's northern suburbs sold for $659,000 in late November. The house has one bathroom with a spa bath, an open plan living and dining area and a separate lounge room, with hardwood floors throughout. The 847 square metre site includes outdoor entertaining areas and a sizeable backyard.
Price: $659,000
Bedrooms: Three
Drive to CBD: 26 minutes
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/4-ainslie-park-avenue-croydon/Property-Details-sold-residential-7676646" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">4 Ainslie Park Avenue, Croydon</a></li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2015/01/01/2.jpg" alt=""> 
A circa 1950s weatherboard house secured $660,000 when sold in October last year. There are three bedrooms, a study and one bathroom, with timber flooring. The house sits on a 836 square metre plot, around 27 kilometres from Melbourne's CBD.
Price: $660,000
Bedrooms: Three
Drive to CBD: 30 minutes
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/milano-court-bundoora/Property-Details-sold-residential-7951782" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">2 Milano Court, Bundoora</a></li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2015/01/01/3.jpg" alt="">
Buyers paid $660,000 for this double storey Bundoora home last month. The five bedroom, two bathroom house sits 671 square metres. It also includes a formal lounge and dining area, an open plan living and dining space, a study and an additional living area upstairs.
Price: $660,000
Bedrooms: Five
Drive to CBD: 28 minutes
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-sunshine-118260851" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">13 Tyler Street, Sunshine</a></li>
</ul>
 <img src="/images/2015/01/01/4.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom house sold for $660,000 in Melbourne's Western suburbs last November. The weatherboard house has polished timber floors, a garage with a separate workshop, and built in robes in each of the bedrooms. It's set on a 670 square metre block.
Price: $660,000
Bedrooms: Three
Drive to CBD: 26 minutes
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/melbourne/melbourne-east/mulgrave/houses-for-sale/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">35 Carson Street, Mulgrave</a></li>
</ul>
 <img src="/images/2015/01/01/5.jpg" alt="">
On the other side of town, this three bedroom house sold for $656,000. The home has three bathrooms, a timber kitchen and inbuilt cabinetry in the family room. The 680 square metre plot includes an outdoor entertaining space with a built in barbecue and a pool with a bungalow and pool storage room.
Price: $656,000
Bedrooms: Three
Drive to CBD: 680 square metres
</body></html>

What can you get for Melbourne's median house price?

<html><body>
According to the chief executive of real estate agency Raine &amp; Horne, a drop in interest rates would likely boost the performance of Perth's housing market.
In the agency's end of 2014 wrap, Angus Raine said: "The Perth market is highly correlated to the commodities sector, so any assistance from the Reserve Bank will help underpin real estate activity in 2015."
Raine &amp; Horne Rockingham Beach principal Paul Curran said the prospect of a rate change would particularly affect the south-western suburbs.
"Interest rate cuts will always make a difference in first home owner belt suburbs such as Rockingham, Safety Bay, Baldivis and Warnbro, where it's possible to secure a four bedroom, two bathroom home for between $380,000 and $450,000," said Curran.
In the city's northern region, the Rain &amp; Horne North Perth Principal Larry Gallagher said exposure to commodity prices has weakened conditions in the investment property market.
"However, there is cause for optimism with the falling Australian dollar sure to help attract more foreign interest in the Perth real estate market," Gallagher said.
"The falling dollar might also keep more Australians at home this Christmas holiday season, with Western Australia sure to be a major beneficiary. A spike in tourism numbers often translates to more interstate investors buying Perth real estate."
Meanwhile, the agency claims increased calls to review negative gearing policy have impacted interest in the investor-dominated Mandurah market. Petter Vetten, principal at Raine &amp; Horne Mandurah, called "ongoing attacks on negative gearing" "far from helpful".
"The Mandurah market was going gangbusters up until about three weeks ago when the calls for the government to review negative gearing hit a crescendo," said Vetten.
"Investor enquiries have since hit the wall following last week's release of the Financial System Inquiry Report, which recommended reducing the benefits of negative gearing."
However, he believes a potential rate cut could encourage more first time bud
</body></html>

Potential rate cut will boost commodity-driven Perth market: Raine & Horne

<html><body>
Lakemba is located 15 kilometres south-west of Sydney's CBD, in the Canterbury local council area.
It's bordered by Wiley Park to the west and Belmore to the east. Lakemba railway station, in the centre of the suburb, is serviced by the Bankstown line. The 450 bus also delivers residents to Burwood, through Roselands and Strathfield and to Hurstville, via Roselands.
This year, as buyers increasingly focussed on Sydney's middle ring western suburbs to find affordable properties, Domain Group senior economist Andrew Wilson says Lakemba saw strong results.
"The numbers look very good for Lakemba," says Wilson. Australian Property Monitors recorded a median house price of $750,000 in Lakemba for the six months to November, up from $645,000 in the previous period.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-lakemba-118155211" target="_blank">three bedroom house</a> below sold for $750,000 in late November. The brick house on a 534 square metre plot had been held by the vendors for 23 years. They paid $149,000 for the house in 1991.
<img src="/images/2014/12/19/house.jpg" alt="">
In the six months to November 2014, median unit values increased from $337,750 to $360,000, according to Australian Property Monitors.
"That's very strong growth," he says. Wilson predicts the strong growth will continue next year, but will eventually slow.
"Sydney's still set to be the best performer of all the capitals next year. There's still a lot of energy in the market.
"Generally, Sydney house price growth is declining, from double figures over the last two years, per year.  It's gone from around 15% per year to 11%, and next year will probably see around 7% growth.
"Most suburbs will move in line with that. Lakemba, particularly in units, still has a close to double figure growth left in it," he explains.
According to Wilson, units in Lakemba are still in a range generally considered to be affordable, particularly given the suburb's location and local amenities.
A <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-lakemba-117981363" target="_blank">two bedroom apartment</a> in the eight-unit complex pictured below sold for $358,000 in early December. The elevated ground floor unit with a registered car space was bought by the vendor just a year and a half ago, for $260,000. In that time, after receiving fresh floorboards and new carpet in the bedrooms, its value has increased by 37.7%.
<img src="/images/2014/12/19/unit.jpg" alt="">
"Inner middle ring suburbs in Sydney always attract buyers, and it's all part of that search for more affordable options," says Wilson.
"The area is well serviced by transport and infrastructure, and of course, the NSW economy is doing very well.
The area's main retail strip is along Haldon Street, with a variety of stores and restaurants. There are a number of schools in the area, including Lakemba Public School, Hampden Park Public School and Holy Spirit College.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Lakemba - Wiley Park area had a population of 27,228 as of 2012. 76% of Lakemba - Wiley Park residents spoke a language other than english at home in 2011.
In 2011, labourers made up the largest proportion of wage earners in the Lakemba and Wiley Park area, accounting for 19.5% of the area's paid workers. 15.0% of the area's wage earners described themselves as professionals, and technicians and trades workers made up 12.7% of wages earners.
Wilson explains that those who cannot afford Sydney's inner western suburbs are increasingly considering properties in Canterbury, Bankstown or Croydon Park. He expects the majority of buyers in the area are and will continue to be owner occupiers, given its affordability.
After a strong 2014, Wilson predicts that in 2015, Lakemba is "still set to be a popular suburb in a moderating market".
You might also want to read: Why I wouldn't buy an old home Sydney's western suburbs. 
Photo of Halden Street, Lakemba courtesy of Blu3d/<a class="mw-mmv-license" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>.
 
</body></html>

Suburb spotlight: Lakemba presents affordable options for owner occupiers

<html><body>
A new warehouse conversion is set to bring 10 residences to the market in Petersham.
<a href="https://www.theribbonfactory.com.au/" target="_blank">The Ribbon Factory</a>, developed by Orbis and designed by Orbis and Grennan Architecture, is expected to finish in 2016.
The warehouse was constructed in 1910. It was most recently the home of Curry Ribbons, which from 1947 made custom ribbons at the site.
The three level building will comprise six loft apartments and four single level apartments, featuring vaulted ceilings and timber trusses. The oregon trusses, timber joists and ironbark beams are intended to echo the warehouse's heritage.
Bathrooms will feature a combination of gloss subway and hexagonal mosaic tiles and matte grey floor tiles.
The two one level, one bedroom apartments, with 40-54 square metres of internal floor space, will be priced from $550,000. The six one bedroom loft residences start from $620,000, or $695,000 with parking. They have 57-61 square metres of internal space and are all north facing.
The two bedroom apartments, with 83-90 square metres of internal space, are priced from $910,000. Strata levies range from $540 per quarter to $940 per quarter.
</body></html>

Petersham's Ribbon Factory conversion coming to market

<html><body>
A Hills District home on five acres has secured the highest sale of last week, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
Petalinda, selling for $9 million, is more than double the price of the next most expensive house of the week, a $4,065,000 Brighton home. The home also set a<a href="/news/glenhavens-petalinda-sets-9-million-hills-district-record"> new record price for the suburb</a>.
The week's list was dominated by Sydney homes, with just two Melbourne offerings making the top 10.
CoreLogic RP Data's top 10 sales of the week ending 14 December
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-glenhaven-118430299" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-one.jpg" alt="">6 Gilmour Close, Glenhaven, NSW</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/16/1.jpg" alt="">
Petalinda is a six bedroom house set on five acres in the Hills District, sold through Merc Real Estate Castle Hill.
The estate includes a wine tasting cellar, a commercial grade bar, an indoor pool, a 14 person sauna, a spa, gymnasium, and a tennis court. It's not just humans who are well taken care of at Petalinda – the estate includes an aviary and a Koi Carp fish pond.
The vendors paid $5.3 million for Petalinda just three years ago.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-118510583" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-two.jpg" alt="">11a Dendy Street Brighton Vic 3186</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/16/2.jpg" alt="">
This three level Brighton home sold for $4,065,000 through Hodges Real Estate Brighton. The five bedroom, three bathroom house has a six car garage basement. T
he house includes formal living and dining areas, a north facing family area and a lounge area. There is also a heated pool and spa on the 706 square metre plot. The vendors have held the home for 14 years, paying $1,775,000 in 2000.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-moonee+ponds-117594311" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-three.jpg" alt="">38 Ardmillan Road, Moonee Ponds, Vic</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/16/3.jpg" alt="">
Nelson Alexander Essendon sold this six bedroom, four bathroom house for $3.95 million. The brick Victorian house sits on 2,060 square metres, with an in-ground pool and a tennis court.
Vendors paid $2.6 million for the house in February 2005.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-glebe-118492811" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-four.jpg" alt="">16/501 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, NSW</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/16/4.jpg" alt="">
Buyers paid $3.66 million for this 263 square metre apartment in the Pavillions on the Bay complex. The residence was designed by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer architects (who are behind the award winning National Arboretum Canberra).
The apartment has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The master suite includes a custom-designed dressing room and an en suite with bath.
In four years, the property's price has increased by $660,000.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-woollahra-104930631" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-five.jpg" alt="">2/333 Edgecliff Road, Woollahra, NSW</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/16/5.jpg" alt="">
This whole floor apartment sold for $3.56 million through Ray White Double Bay. The apartment is located in Cullen House, a two-apartment art deco building designed in 1936 by a protégé of Professor Leslie Wilkinson. It has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with a northeast facing colonnaded terrace.
The property was last traded in June 2008 for $2.9 million.
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/sold/apartment-unit-flat/nsw/millers-point/?adid=2011581948" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-six.jpg" alt="">19/155 Kent Street, Millers Point, NSW</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/16/6.jpg" alt="">
Another Sydney whole-floor apartment, this home sold for a substantial sum. While the price remains undisclosed, Property Observer is advised that it makes sixth place on our list.
The residence in The Georgia, designed by Ercole Palazzetti has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with views to the harbour and westward to the Blue Mountains. With a radial floorplan, the apartment has a private entertaining terrace and a loggia.
It last sold in 2007 for $3.4 million.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-queens+park-118249395" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-seven.jpg" alt="">142 Denison Street, Queens Park, NSW</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/16/7.jpg" alt="">
This six bedroom, four bathroom house sold for $3.5 million through Di Jones Real Estate. The home, near Bondi Junction, is set over two levels.
It has underfloor heating, with Bendonia tiled floors throughout the multiple living and dining areas. The vendors purchased the property 10 years ago for $1.58 million.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-double+bay-118217687" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-eight.jpg" alt="">14 Pearce Street, Double Bay, NSW</a>
 <img src="/images/2014/12/16/8.jpg" alt="">
A newly completed house designed by Tribe Studio sold last week for $3.41 million through BradfieldCleary Double Bay. The four bedroom, two bathroom house has an open plan interior that opens to the outdoor living space. Upstairs, the master suite has a balcony overlooking the backyard.
Tribe Studio's work has been largely published. Vendors purchased the property, prior to the construction of the current house, for $2.13 million.
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/sold/house/nsw/north-bondi/?adid=2011581929" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-nine.jpg" alt="">60 Brighton Boulevard, North Bondi, NSW</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/16/9.jpg" alt="">
Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay secured $3.28 million for vendors at the sale of this North Bondi home. All five bedrooms have built in robes, while the master bedroom also has a private balcony and en suite.
The open plan living area opens to the rear north facing courtyard through bi-fold doors. Vendors paid $3.1 million for the house in March 2011.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-st+ives-118547479" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-ten.jpg" alt="">39 Bundabah Avenue, St Ives, NSW</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/16/10.jpg" alt="">
The 10th most expensive home to sell last week was a four bedroom, four bathroom house in St Ives. It sold for $2.9 million through Chadwick Real Estate St Ives.
The two storey brick residence, situated on 1,609 square metres, has a formal lounge with gas log fire, a separate dining room, an informal meals area and living room, and outdoor entertaining area. There is also an in-ground saltwater pool with spa.
</body></html>

Sydney's prestige market finishes the year on a high: Top 10 sales of the week

<html><body>
At $825,000, a median priced Sydney house is almost $200,000 more expensive than one in Melbourne, according to CoreLogic.
It’s more than double the median price of a Hobart home, and almost $300,000 more than a typical house in Perth.
Property Observer looks at recent sales to see just how far $825,000 will go in some of Australia’s other capital cities. 
<h3>Sydney:</h3>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-the+ponds-118298403" target="_blank">69 Mosaic Avenue, The Ponds, NSW</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/15/1.jpg" alt="">
This four bedroom single level home sold for $820,000. The house with a backyard and double garage and ducted air conditioning is located in The Ponds, 40 kilometres north-west of the Sydney CBD.
<ul>
<li>Price: $820,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Four</li>
<li>Land size: 450 square metres</li>
<li>Drive to CBD: 40 minutes</li>
</ul>
<h3>Melbourne:</h3>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-heidelberg-118217635" target="_blank">5 Halifax Avenue, Heidelberg, Vic</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/15/2.jpg" alt="">
A four bedroom house located in the north-eastern Melbourne suburb of Heidelberg sold for $825,000 last month. However, this one’s much closer to the city than The Ponds’ offering around 11 kilometres from the CBD. 
<ul>
<li>Price: $825,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Four</li>
<li>Land size: 613 square metres</li>
<li>Drive to CBD: 30 minutes</li>
</ul>
<h3>Brisbane:</h3>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-taringa-118083059" target="_blank">46 Swann Road, Taringa, Qld</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/15/3.jpg" alt="">
This Queenslander has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. One bedroom and one bathroom are located downstairs, which has separate access and can act as a granny flat. The home sold for $24,000 less than Sydney’s house price, and is situated around 7 kilometres from the CBD.
<ul>
<li>Price: $801,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Four</li>
<li>Land size: 511 square metres</li>
<li>Drive to CBD: 12 minutes</li>
</ul>
<h3>Hobart:</h3>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-sandy+bay-116898179" target="_blank">5 Duke Street, Sandy Bay, Tas</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/15/4.jpg" alt="">
A five bedroom house in Australia’s cheapest capital city sold for $820,000 earlier this year. The circa 1920 house has two levels and is located just outside of Hobart’s CBD.
<ul>
<li>Price: $820,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Five</li>
<li>Land size: 734 square metres</li>
<li>Drive to CBD: Seven minutes</li>
</ul>
<h3>Perth:</h3>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-lesmurdie-117846895" target="_blank">27 Rootes Road, Lesmurdie, WA</a>
<img src="/images/2014/12/15/5.jpg" alt="">
Buyers paid $825,000 for this four bedroom, two bathroom house in Lesmurdie. The house is set on a 1,803 square metre block, with a large patio and in ground pool. It’s located in Perth’s eastern suburbs, around 26 kilometres from the CBD.
<ul>
<li>Price: $825,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Four</li>
<li>Land size: 1,803 square metres</li>
<li>Drive to CBD: 35 minutes</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

What will Sydney’s median house price buy you around the country?

<html><body>
A new project from a network of organisations wants to help Australians cut their energy bills - to $0.
The Energy Freedom alliance provides home owners with information about how to achieve net zero energy emissions.
A number of the partner businesses, which include Cherry LED and Energy Matters Solar, are also offering discounts and rewards as part of the Energy Freedom project. The venture is headed by Beyond Zero Emissions, a subscriber funded not-for-profit which works with the University of Melbourne's Energy Research Institute.
The organisation developed the Zero Carbon Australia Buildings Plan, a nationwide plan to retrofit Australia's homes and, which demonstrates how existing buildings can reach zero emissions within 10 years.
Dr Stephen Bygrave, Beyond Zero Emissions chief executive said: "Energy Freedom is providing information to householders who want a smart renovation that will save them money on energy bills, and can achieve a high performing home that everyone wants to have."
Energy Freedom estimates the average Australian home owner spends about $2,250 per year on household energy costs.
</body></html>

Partnership promises to help Australian households move to zero emissions

<html><body>
A real estate agency in Gosnells landed in court after employing a sales representative with a lapsed registration.
Attree Real Estate was fined $2,500 for employing and paying commissions to the unregistered employee, even though they had been informed that the sales representative's registration was not current.
For 10 months, between August 2012 and May 2013, the employee received commissions continued to work as a sales representative at Atree Real Estate. The agency was ordered by the court to pay $1,500 for employing an unregistered sales representative and $1,100 for the payment of sales commissions.
In a separate case in late November, the same employee was fined $500 and ordered to pay costs of $588 for acting as a real estate sales representative without being registered. The employee admitted that they had been reminded multiple times by Consumer Protection to renew their registration.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll said real estate agents are legally obliged to ensure their sales representatives were registered.
"The licensing and registration system is designed to maintain high standards of conduct within the WA real estate industry and provide protection for consumers who place a great deal of trust in agents and their sales representatives to handle one of their biggest assets," said Driscoll.
"Agents who employ unregistered sales representatives and sales representatives who fail to renew their registrations but continue to operate are breaking the law and will face prosecution with the risk of being fined as well as having their professional reputation tarnished."
Last week, a different Western Australian agency and its employee were also fined after Consumer Protection investigations. Sand Dollar WA Pty Ltd, trading as Harcourts Rockingham, was fined $500 after employing a sales representative for 22 months after their registration had lapsed.
The employee was also fined $500.
</body></html>

Western Australian agency fined for unregistered employee

<html><body>
Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory are buyer's markets, while Victorian sellers hold the balance of power, according to the latest Commonwealth Bank and CoreLogic RP Data Home Buyers Index.
Overall, the report showed property market conditions across Australia are moving into balance, favouring buyers and sellers equally. However, within each state, city or region, there are pronounced variances.
The Home Buyers Index compares the ratio of properties for sale with the Commonwealth Bank's housing loans.
The results from the quarter to October 2014 show that Victoria was the only state that moved from a balanced market in July 2014 to a seller's market in October 2014.
Of the capital cities, Melbourne and Sydney's property markets favour sellers. However, national research director of CoreLogic RP Data Tim Lawless said the quarterly results showed that Australia's property markets were largely balanced.
"Conditions over the past three months have generally become more balanced between buyers and sellers, and the October report shows that even Sydney has started to balance out, although it remains a seller's market," Lawless said.
For those seeking a property in a capital city, Brisbane and Hobart's markets are tipped in buyers' favour.
According to Lyn Cobley, executive general manager, retail products and third party banking, at Commonwealth Bank, in the three months to October, capital city markets were either balanced or seller's markets. She cautioned metropolitan home buyers to "ensure they make rational purchasing decisions in line with their budget".
"There are more promising opportunities for home buyers looking to purchase a property in the regional and coastal areas of Queensland, the Northern Territory and Tasmania. Buyers in these regions may be able to drive a better deal on sale negotiations," said Cobley.
The top five buyer's markets
<ol>
<li>Eyre, SA</li>
<li>Wide Bay-Burnett, QLD</li>
<li>Lower Great Southern, WA</li>
<li>Central West, QLD</li>
<li>Far West, NSW</li>
</ol>
The top five seller's markets
<ol>
<li>Central Highlands, VIC</li>
<li>Sydney, NSW</li>
<li>Melbourne, VIC</li>
<li>Loddon, VIC</li>
<li>Ovens-Murray, VIC</li>
</ol>
Source: Commonwealth Bank and CoreLogic RP Data Home Buyers Index
</body></html>

The top five buyer's and seller's markets in Australia: Commonwealth Bank/CoreLogic

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

<main data-perf-region="main">
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]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

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

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News