An entire early 1970s apartment complex with high-rise development approval in Surfers Paradise has been sold in one line.

The price was reported as $19 million by the local paper to Sydney developer Stoyan Kiceec.

The site is currently Anglesea Court, a six-level apartment building incorporating 18 strata title units. 

It currently has a potential gross return of over $380,000 per annum.

The address 9-11 Garfield Terrace comes with 1037 sqm land holding some 1.5 kms from Cavill Avenue.

It had been listed by Ray White special projects.

It is zoned High Density Residential with a development approval in place for a 16-level boutique hotel comprising 115 suites and three food and beverage tenancies.

The vendor consolidated ownership of the 18 apartments last year in a $16 million outlay.

The Gold Coast Bulletin reported the site was bought by Sydney interests.

One of the sellers had been in Anglesea Court since paying $78,000 in 1986.

The separate sale prices ranged from $609,000 to $1.4 million.

Other than the soon-to-be-completed $1.4 billion Jewel Residences, there has been no substantive opportunity for beachfront developments at Surfers Paradise in recent times.

Chevron One is the big project inland at Surfers Paradise.

Anglesea Court, a six-level apartment building incorporating 18 strata title units, has been sold in one line

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Anglesea Court, beachfront Gold Coast apartment block sold

Local owner occupiers and investors have a time-limited opportunity to use the advantage of closed borders to buy well, according to veteran agent John McGrath.

They can do so &quot;before life returns to normal and we see an anticipated uplift in both rental and capital values across our inner cities.&quot;

His annual McGrath report pinpointed the buying opportunity.&nbsp;

&quot;The east coast capital cities will inevitably rise again,&quot; McGrath said.

&quot;Sydney and Melbourne are established international cities and Brisbane will receive global attention as host of the 2032 Olympics.

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&quot;With the Federal Government&rsquo;s four-phase plan, Australia is working towards an 80% vaccination rate, an end to lockdowns and a reopened international border.

&quot;Business will come back to the CBD, nightlife will resume and people will once again want to live in the inner city, just as they are now in the reopened U.S., U.K. and Europe,&quot; he said.

The report advised Sydney&rsquo;s gross apartment yield is 3.1%, Melbourne 3.5% and Brisbane 5.1%.

&quot;Traditionally, inner city markets are considered blue chip and are usually in high demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102309 project_image_fid=163977]

&quot;Today, local buyers have little competition from overseas buyers and new immigrants, with Australia&rsquo;s international border currently expected to remain shut until 2022, so, savvy first movers are seizing the opportunity to snap up inner city apartments.

&quot;First home buyer activity is still above average but starting to decline due to affordability constraints and the end of extra government stimulus.&nbsp;

&quot;In their place are returning investors, who are looking past the short term issues of higher vacancies and lower yields to the future when the international border is reopened and massive tenant demand will return.&quot; he said.

He noted the pandemic&rsquo;s impact had extended beyond the CBDs to inner ring suburbs within a 10km radius.

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&quot;There is even better value available here.&nbsp;

&quot;Prices have either fallen or stayed much the same whilst values across the rest of the city have gone up.

&quot;Today&rsquo;s investors have a rare chance to buy positively geared or cash flow investments when the amount earned from a property exceeds the expenses.

&quot;It is typically achieved after years of paying down the loan to bring the ownership costs below the rental returns,&quot; McGrath said.

The east coast capital cities will inevitably rise again, John McGrath forecasts

Continued border closures allow local apartment buyers a time limited opportunity: John McGrath

The Concerto Apartments complex in Cooparoo has been sold in one line for $10.5 million.

The block at 17 to 19 Haig Street in Brisbane’s inner south east was bought by an interstate private investor.

It sold through Harry Borger, Tim Jones and Sam Byrne from the JLL Metro Sales & Investments team.
 
Completed in 2018, the apartments represent a modern, fully-leased residential development featuring 19 well-appointed apartments owned ‘in-one-line’ with the majority being spacious two-bedroom units with the top floor home to three-bedroom penthouses with city views.
 
JLL’s Harry Borger said Concerto attracted "immense market interest" given its investment fundamentals.  
 
The competitive EOI process resulted in 100 enquiries and eight offers.

The price represented an initial yield of 3.87% and "very little discount to the cumulative value of the unit if offered individually,” Borger said.
 
It came with a historically low vacancy in a precinct close to the CBD.

The result was very strong, representing an initial yield of 3.87%

19 unit Coorporoo apartment complex sold for $10.5m

A Melbourne investor has paid $8.3 million for a 685 sqm site in Richmond.

Selling agent George Takis said the property had attracted a strong field of suitors, including developers, investors and owner-occupiers, based on the location and the significant development potential.

The Commercial 1 zoned 703 square metre site has frontages of 20 metres to Bridge Road and 33 metres to Gleadell Street.

A proposed subdivision had been prepared but not lodged with the local council while a preliminary scheme for a 14 level apartment building had been provided by Rbi Architects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95458 project_image_fid=169942]

But an investor &nbsp;with the intention to occupy the premises at the conclusion of the current leases secured the offering paying what is believed to be a record low passing yield of just 1.22 per cent.

According to Teska Carson agents George Takis and Larry Takis, the property sold on a massive land rate of $11,806 a square metre.

The property comprises a two storey, 685 square metre, retail building which has been refurbished and internally subdivided to provide two self-contained tenancies which are occupied on a five year lease from October 2018 by Australia Post and on a monthly lease basis to NAB for a combined annual return of circa $285,000.&nbsp;

A Melbourne investor has paid $8.3 million for the Bridge Road site

Apartment developers miss out on $8.3m Richmond offering

The largest numbers of capital-city dwellers moving into regional Australia continue to head for the high population coastal centres close to capital cities.

The Gold Coast continues to be the most popular destination among people moving from their capitals to the regions. The next most popular destinations were the Sunshine Coast, Greater Geelong, Wollongong and Newcastle, the report from Commonwealth Bank and the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) noted.

Victoria&rsquo;s Greater Geelong area &ndash; located one hour outside of Melbourne&rsquo;s CBD &ndash; was among the standout localities that saw an influx in capital city movers, with an increase of 26 per cent during the full year to June 2021.

The LGA of Wyndham (which neighbours Geelong) was the largest source of this migration, at 18 per cent followed by other Melbourne LGAs: Brimbank, Moreland, Melbourne and Moonee Valley municipalities.

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Approvals for new housing in Geelong were 48 per cent higher in 2020/21 in comparison to the previous year, the report noted.

The evolution of Geelong gained momentum with the launch of Franz&eacute; Developments&rsquo; $150 million Geelong Quarter precinct in 2018.

It was described as the most significant mixed-use project on the Bellarine Peninsula in two decades.

Designed by Architectus, Geelong Quarter will be an active hub for 1,500 residents, workers and visitors each day on its 2022 completion.

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The former Trans Otway bus depot at 44 Ryrie Street will see a $200 million transformation with the project within walking distance to Geelong train station, connecting Melbourne in about an hour..

The largest tower will contain a Holiday Inn &amp; Suites hotel and luxury owner-occupier apartments above, known as Ryrie Residences.

Marketing is currently underway on another offering, Ryrie Home, the residential apartment complex where many of the 109 one, two and three-bedroom apartments have views of Corio Bay.

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Recently Stockland enhanced its residential pipeline in Victoria with the purchase of 502-580 Boundary Road, Armstrong Creek for $43 million. 
&nbsp; 
It is located in the Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Area, 10 kilometres south of the Geelong CBD, Victoria&rsquo;s second largest city.

The 30.6 hectare site will see Stockland build around 500 homes in a new masterplanned community.

The national CommBank report confirmed a continued surge in the number of Australians moving from capital cities to regional centres.

According to the June quarter Regional Movers Index, there was an 11 per cent rise in the number of people moving from capital cities to regional areas compared with the June 2020 quarter.

The Victorian local government areas recording strong growth in metro-movers over the year to June included Moorabool, Mansfield and Corangamite.

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Commonwealth Bank&rsquo;s Executive General Manager for Regional and Agribusiness Banking, Grant Cairns noted with house prices rising and flexible work options now more commonplace, the decision to make a lifestyle shift and move to a regional area has become a realistic option.

&ldquo;The experience of lockdowns is front of mind for Victorians, so the desire to seek a tree change is rapidly growing. It is positive to see the development of infrastructure - particularly in regional areas &ndash; is growing to meet the increased demand.&rdquo;

Melbourne saw its share of net capital city outflows increase to 47 per cent, from 39 per cent a year earlier while Sydney had the highest share of net capital city outflows at 49 per cent and regional NSW picked up the largest share of net migration into regional Australia.

Perth was the only capital to see more people moving into the city than leaving.

Melbourne saw its share of net capital city outflows increase to 47 per cent, from 39 per cent a year earlier

Greater Geelong attracting Melbourne departees

The sharpest annual decline in resident population has occurred in Victoria, according to the latest data from the ABS.

The population growth in Victoria declined by -0.64%.

The number of people departing Victoria for other states and overseas is more than double the natural population growth over the past year. 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;All other jurisdictions maintained positive population growth, albeit at just a fraction of their pre-COVID rate of growth,&quot; noted Nick Ward, HIA&rsquo;s senior economist.

Population growth has fallen significantly, but remained positive: Qld (+0.85 per cent), WA (+0.57 per cent), NT (+0.48 per cent), ACT (+0.39 per cent), TAS (+0.39 per cent), SA (+15 per cent), NSW (+0.14%).&nbsp;

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&nbsp; 
The ABS data is the compilation of the natural rate of population growth, overseas migration and interstate migration.

ABS demography director Beidar Cho said: Australia&rsquo;s population grew by just over 0.1 per cent (35,700 people) to 25.7 million, in contrast to a growth of 1.5 per cent in the 2019 calendar year.&nbsp;

&quot;This is the first full year of data reflecting the impacts of COVID-19 on Australia&rsquo;s population,&ldquo; he advised, resulting from the Australian Government closure of the international border from 20 March 2020. 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;Population growth has slowed as net overseas migration, previously a source of growth, has reversed and turned negative,&rdquo; added Mr Ward.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102309 project_image_fid=163977]

Australia&rsquo;s population growth has slowed to just 0.14% over the past year, the slowest rate of growth for more than 100 years,&rdquo; Ward said. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&ldquo;The loss of population growth is a concern for a number of reasons. Population growth is a key driver of economic growth.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;The loss of overseas students and skilled migration has almost certainly seen the average age of migrants increase and accelerated the ageing of the Australian population.

The number of people departing Victoria for other states and overseas is more than double the natural population growth over the past year

Queensland sees biggest rise in resident population

Melbourne real estate agency, Tomassi &amp; Co achieved a record square metre rate for an off the plan apartment at The Hamilton Bentleigh.&nbsp;

The 115sqm apartment sold for $1.41 million, equating to $12,260 per sqm, a record in the tightly held Bentleigh market.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The Hamilton Bentleigh is a collection of 36 residences in Melbourne&#39;s South East designed by the architecture firm, Peddle Thorp and to be set with gardens by landscape architects, John Patrick.

It is the largest multi residential project by apartment number that Tomassi &amp; Co have spear headed.&nbsp;

The development features 2 x 1 bedroom, 22 x 2 bedroom and 12 x 3 bedroom layouts, ranging in size from 60sqm to 115sqm.

They are priced between $579,000 - $1,300,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5478 project_image_fid=23440] 
&nbsp; 
The Hamilton Bentleigh will also include 1000sqm of commercial office space and two 750sqm ground floor retails spaces.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The developer, Momentum Global took over the project from Steller.

Wolf Construction Australia have been appointed to build the project at 277-279 Centre Road, Bentleigh.

This record also comes off the back of a recent Brighton square metre record rate at 3 &ndash; 7 Adamson Street, Brighton with Tomassi &amp; Co coordinating three separate vendors to sell in one line to enable a premier development site.&nbsp;

The coordinated approach saw the agency achieve a record rate of $6,478 per square metre, equating to a total of $12,050,000 for 1860sqm.&nbsp;

The site was purchased by Martello Property Group, with the $48,500,000 project expected to launch in Q3 of 2022.

The Hamilton Bentleigh is a collection of 36 residences launched to market by Tomassi & Co last month

Record $12,000 per square metre off the plan Bentleigh apartment sale

Housing prices are 19 per cent higher than they were before the pandemic and Australian equity prices are around 10 per cent higher, the RBA governor Dr Phillip Lowe has noted.

&quot;This lift in the net wealth of the household sector is one of the things that suggest that once the restrictions are eased, households will be well placed to start spending again,&quot; he said.

He noted monetary policy was contributing to higher house prices at the moment.

But the governor said the central banks won&#39;t lift the cash rate to cool the property market.

&quot;I want to be clear that this is not on our agenda,&quot; he said.

&quot;While it is true that higher interest rates would, all else equal, see lower housing prices, they would also mean fewer jobs and lower wages growth.&nbsp;

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&quot;This is a poor trade-off in the current circumstances.

&quot;That is not to say that there aren&#39;t public policy issues to be addressed here.&nbsp;

&quot;On the financial side, the issue is the sustainability of trends in household borrowing.&nbsp;

&quot;We are continuing to watch this closely, with the Council of Financial Regulators discussing possible regulatory steps if lending standards deteriorate or credit growth accelerates too much.&quot;

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He said society-wide concerns about the level of housing prices were &quot;not best addressed through increasing interest rates and curbs on lending.&quot;

&quot;While monetary policy is contributing to higher housing prices at the moment, the way to address these concerns is through the structural factors that influence the value of the land upon which our dwellings are built.&nbsp;

&quot;The factors include: the design of our taxation and social security systems; planning and zoning restrictions; the type of dwellings that are built; and the nature of our transportation networks. These are all obviously areas outside the domain of monetary policy and the central bank.

&quot;Our job is to achieve the inflation target and support the return to full employment in Australia.&nbsp;

&quot;The package of policy measures we have put in place has us on a path to do that.&nbsp;

&quot;Delta is delaying progress, but it is not expected to derail our resilient economy,&quot; Dr Lowe said in a speech supporting the Anika Foundation

The RBA governor noted the lift in the net wealth of the household sector makes households well placed to start spending again after lockdown

RBA won't lift cash rate to slow property price gains

Diversified property company Jinding has secured two adjoining sites in the township of Kilmore in Melbourne&rsquo;s north, as it grows its project pipeline.

Located one hour&rsquo;s drive north of Melbourne, the land parcels in Kilmore&rsquo;s south-east, comprise a total of 60-hectares.

They will create 550 new lots averaging 550 square metres each.

Jinding secured the twin lots just prior to their rezoning from farming to residential land.&nbsp;

One site was bought off-market.

&ldquo;Developing in Kilmore was a deliberate choice for us, with the trend towards regional living growing significantly in the past 18 months,&quot; Jinding CEO Luke Guthrie said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24752 project_image_fid=159038]

&quot;Our aim is to meet this growing demand in Victoria, with best-in-class developments, championing premium living that is underpinned by a strong mix of amenity for all our customers.&rdquo;

The managing director of Jinding&rsquo;s development division Liz Ronson noted there had been a flurry of urbanisation in the Wallan and Beverage growth areas in Melbourne&rsquo;s north, however, Kilmore has remained relatively untapped.&nbsp;

&quot;The recent rezoning is a very strong proposition from a development- perspective, as the land is relatively affordable and well connected to established social infrastructure, with a leafy rural backdrop.&quot;

The purchases are part of strategic plans by the business&rsquo;s development arm to restock its pipeline, which currently comprises more than 4000 homes, while its Octave Junction Village and Harriot Armstrong Creek projects simultaneously move into their settlement stages.

Finding will launch the Kilmore lots for sale in 2022, with construction anticipated to commence late next year, ahead of welcoming residents in 2023.

&nbsp;Founded in Melbourne in 2016, Jinding&rsquo;s integrated business structure comprises five in-house divisions including: Development, Real Estate, Investments, Funds Management and Services.

Established in 2016, Jinding is an Australian-owned and operated property company, whose current development portfolio consists of over 4,000 homes, with an end value in excess of $1.8bn.

Jinding secures two Kilmore house and land development sites

The national residential property rental vacancy rate has fallen to just 1.6% in August, &nbsp;the lowest rental vacancy rate since March 2011.

SQM Research calculated the total number of vacancies Australia-wide now stands at 58,856 residential properties, down from 61,313 in July.&nbsp;

But while there were new falls in rental vacancy rates across many regions, CBD rental vacancy rates have surged again over August.&nbsp;

Vacancy rates rose in the Sydney CBD to 7.8%. Melbourne CBD also recorded a rise in rental vacancies to 8.3%.&nbsp;

Overall Melbourne&rsquo;s vacancy rate fell to 3.5% in August from 3.6% in July, while in Sydney vacancy rates dropped to 2.6% from 2.7%.&nbsp;

In a sign that harsher capital city lockdowns are affecting the rental market, many regions in NSW recorded falls in rental vacancy rates such as the Blue Mountains and NSW North Coast &nbsp;which recorded falls in vacancies over August to 0.6% and 0.7% respectively. &nbsp;

In Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Canberra and Hobart the vacancy rate remained below 1%, while Brisbane&rsquo;s rate remained constant.&nbsp;

Over the month to 12 September 2021, national asking rents rose 1.3% for houses to $533 per week and units rose by 0.2% to $402 a week.&nbsp;

The national rise was driven by larger regional increases over and above the capital cities.&nbsp;

SQM Research believes the lockdowns may have triggered another wave of interest in regional living as many of the community seek freedom away from harsh Covid measures.&nbsp;

Capital city rents remained steady for houses over the past 30 days and are up by 9.1% over the past 12 months.&nbsp;

Rents for units rose by 0.2% over the past 30 days and up by just 1.9% for the past 12 months.

Rents rose for most regions around Australia. Rents for houses in North Coast NSW rose by 4.2% for the month. Rents rose by 6.7% for the month in Sydney&rsquo;s Blue Mountains. Rents also rose by 4.8% for houses in the Mornington Peninsula and rents rose a stunning 8.2% for houses in Toowoomba.

Louis Christopher said there are strong signs the current lockdowns are creating another wave on interest in regional property.&nbsp;

&quot;While it is true that a number of regional areas have been in lockdown, it has been perceived that the regional lockdowns have not been as harsh or as widespread compared to the city-wide restrictions. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;Going forward, we anticipate that vacancy rates will fall again over the month of September.

&quot;Weekly listing updates through to the 12th of September suggest a further tightening of conditions and so it is reasonable to expect another surge in rents in most areas except for the CBD locations.&rdquo;

Louis Christopher, managing director of SQM Research, forecasts vacancy rates will fall again in September

Spike in lockdown CBD rental vacancies as national vacancy rate falls to decade lows: SQM

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

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Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

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Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

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Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

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Jonathan Chancellor

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