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The Sydney weekend auction market weakened a tad on Saturday from its record-breaking run of the past few months.
There was a preliminary 84.2% auction success rate today, the second last week of the Autumn selling season.
The peak was the all-time record clearance rate of 89.2% on May 9. It eased to a preliminary 84.4% result last weekend, May 16.
But the May 16 result was revised down to 81%, suggesting it won't be long before heading back into the still strong 70s.
Dr Andrew Wilson, senior economist for the Domain Group, noted the 84.2% preliminary result today was "strong but again below record levels of past month."
Despite the slight overall weakening, auctioneers reported suburbs of intensity.
"Property market has been red hot today," auctioneer Damien Cooley tweeted. His brother Andrew tweeted the #South#market is flying today! Everything selling #overreserve - buyers everywhere!!
This weekend Sydney was scheduled to host over 750 auctions, well ahead of the 556 auctioned last weekend but below the 809 auctioned over the same weekend last year.
CoreLogic RP Data reported the overall clearance rate over the entire week increased in Sydney to 86.9 per cent, based on preliminary results to May 24, signifying that Sydney’s clearance rate of 85.0 per cent last week was a "brief dip," after the four previous weeks where Sydney’s clearance rate was recorded above the 87 per cent mark. 
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The CoreLogic results were based on 770 Sydney auction results reported so far this week, with 950 homes taken to auction. 
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<div>"Volumes are higher than last week, when 885 residential auctions were held, and lower than last year, when there were 1,115 auctions," CoreLogic RP Data advised.
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"One year ago, Sydney’s auction clearance rate was 73.1 per cent, more than 10 percentage points lower than the current level." 
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Across Sydney’s individual sub-regions, the inner west region recorded the strongest result with a preliminary clearance rate of 94.7 per cent across 76 results. 
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<table style="width: 605px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"><tbody>
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<td colspan="2">
Most expensive
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<tr id="rpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_0">
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_0" align="left">Sydney</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_0" colspan="2">9 King Av, Balgowlah NSW 2093, 5 br House, Max Walls International</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_0">$6,000,000</td>
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<tr id="rpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_1">
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_1" align="left">Melbourne</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_1" colspan="2">46 Canberra Gr, Brighton East VIC 3187, 4 br House, Hocking Stuart Brighton</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_1">$4,010,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_2" align="left">Adelaide</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_2" colspan="2">41 Grandview Gr, Toorak Gardens SA 5065, 5 br House, Klemich Real Estate Henley Beach</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_2">$1,320,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_3" align="left">Brisbane</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_3" colspan="2">15 Abercrombie St, Newstead QLD 4006, 3 br House, RW - New Farm</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_3">$2,675,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_4" align="left">Canberra</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_4" colspan="2">57 MacAlister Cr, Curtin ACT 2605, 5 br House, Peter Blackshaw Real Estate Woden &amp;</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_4">$1,342,500</td>
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<td colspan="2">
Most affordable
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<tr id="rpMostAffordable_trMostAffordableRow_0">
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_0" align="left">Sydney</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_0" colspan="2">13/107 Broughton St, Campbelltown NSW 2560, 3 br Townhouse, R&amp;W Campbelltown</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_0">$310,000</td>
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<tr id="rpMostAffordable_trMostAffordableRow_1">
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_1" align="left">Melbourne</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_1" colspan="2">3/117 Anderson Rd, Albion VIC 3020, 1 br Unit, Douglas Kay Sunshine</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_1">$146,500</td>
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<tr id="rpMostAffordable_trMostAffordableRow_2">
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_2" align="left">Adelaide</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_2" colspan="2">144 Wills St, Peterhead SA 5016, 2 br House, LJH West Lakes</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_2">$250,000</td>
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<tr id="rpMostAffordable_trMostAffordableRow_3">
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_3" align="left">Brisbane</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_3" colspan="2">15 Woodburn St, Marsden QLD 4132, 3 br House, PRD Marsden</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_3">$275,500</td>
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<tr id="rpMostAffordable_trMostAffordableRow_4">
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_4" align="left">Canberra</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_4" colspan="2">99 Florey Dr, MacGregor ACT 2615, 3 br House, LJH Belconnen</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_4">$385,000</td>
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Source APM
Sydney’s south hosted the most number of auctions with 121 listing.
The upper north shore followed with 106, the inner west 100, the city and east 79, the lower north 66, south west 60, the north west 54, the west 53, the northern beaches 47, Canterbury Bankstown 39, central coast 18 and the Blue Mountains with 1 auction scheduled this weekend.
Randwick and Mosman were the most popular suburbs for auctions with 11 auctions each including 6 Dick Street, Randwick where Damien Cooley secured a $3.55 million sale through BHR Bickmore-Hutt Realty, a trophy family home for sale for the first time in 39 years. The three-bedroom house at 6 Dick Street had a reserve price of $3.25 million and five registered bidders. Cooley Auctions also secured the sale of 8 Coogee Street, Randwick at $1.85 million and 72 Canberra Street, Randwick at $1.69 million.
Strathfield foliowed with 10, including 25 Arthur Street (below) which fetched $1,783,000.
It sold with 11 registrations, auctioneer Ricky Briggs advised.
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Surry Hills, Eastwood and Baulkham Hills had nine each. 
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<div class="QuoteTweet-authorAndText u-alignTop">A narrow 1870s Surry Hills terrace fetched $965,000 at auction this afternoon, with its price reflecting recent 20% boomtime price growth.</div>
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It was a <a href="https://www.spencerservi.com.au/index.cfm?page=for_sale.property&amp;id=3588&amp;utm_content=bufferf1321&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=linkedin.com&amp;utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank">2.85 metre wide terrace on Terry Street, Surry Hills</a>.
It has been billed as possibly Sydney's skinniest terrace, located near Central Station between Foveaux Street and Kippax Street.
The Spencer &amp; Servi sale was of a two bedroom, one bathroom, two storey terrace on a 38 square metre block.
The weekend auctions resulted in a $1,273,000 median house price sale, which was reflected in a sale by Auctions Services auctioneer Rob Trovato at 10 Blackburn Street, North Rocks which fetched $1.271 million through (below) NNW Property.
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/c29e97d6c5b6ccc9be4b27cb6bfac37060aca08031692614c9058f3ab1e6902d/main.jpg" alt="10 Blackburn Avenue, North Rocks" title="10 Blackburn Avenue, North Rocks" data-index="0">
NNW Property has had 10 Hermington Street, Epping sell at $1.1 million, some $70,000 over reserve with 17 registered bidders, 11 of whom took part.
Some 60 plus bids were recorded by Rocky Bartolotto, auctioneer at Auction Services.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Still in the 80s, but Sydney auction success rate in decline as winter approaches

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Melbourne's weekend clearance rate of 82 per cent was well up on the 77 per cent last weekend and 71 per cent this weekend last year.
There were 925 auctions reported to the REIV, with Enzo Raimondo the CEO REIV noting 137 sold before.
Some 78 were passed in on a vendor's bid.
The Melbourne rate appears to be strengthening in auction success while Sydney appears to be weakening after its recent sustained peak, suggesting a baton change is nigh.
There was a $710 million Melbourne sales tally from the auctions with a $920,000 median house price and a $630,000 median apartment price.
The REIV reported the clearance as 86% for houses and 76% for aparments.
The top sale was an East Brighton mansion listed through hockingstuart Brighton marketed as blending spectacular indulgence with high tech edge.
The agents suggest it was bringing Boston Brownstone architecture to the bayside suburb over three levels with four bedrooms and four bathrooms.
The bespoke kitchen comes with fish tank, butlers pantry along with grand entry with Graham Geddes oak doors. 
There is an expansive six car basement garage at<a href="https://www.hockingstuart.com.au/46_CANBERRA_GROVE_BRIGHTON_EAST_VIC_3187" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;"> 46 Canberra Grove</a>.
It also has a “man cave” with surround sound, a games area, a gymnasium, bar and full kitchen.
The trophy home had been listed with $3.7 million plus hopes, and was sold at $4.01 million, having been passed in at $3.7 million.
Port Melbourne was Melbourne’s most popular suburb this weekend with 22 auctions followed by Richmond with 18, Brighton East 17, and South Yarra and Reservoir each with 16.
The cheapest sale at St Albans had been listed with adjusted $255,000 plus hopes -<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/4-dumosa-court-st-albans/Property-Details-buy-residential-8696710" target="_blank"> two</a><a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/4-dumosa-court-st-albans/Property-Details-buy-residential-8696710" target="_blank"> bedrooms</a> - through Barry Plant agents Alex (Chau) Tran and Quyen Tran, but sold for a tad under. It last sold at $32,000 in 1991.<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/4-dumosa-court-st-albans/Property-Details-buy-residential-8696710"> </a>
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REIV TOP 5 HOUSES
1. 46 Canberra Grove, Brighton East $4,010,000 2. 1 Russell Street, Toorak $3,960,000 3. 27 Donna Buang Street, Camberwell $3,370,000 4. 82 Maud Street, Balwyn North $3,083,000 5. 1 Pleasant View Crescent, Wheelers Hill $2,900,888 
REIV TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES 1. 4 Dumosa Court, St Albans $247,500 2. 17 Brighton Place, Craigieburn $295,000 3. 1 Moorhen Crescent, Carrum Downs $304,000 4. 1 Mitre Crescent, Frankston North $308,000 5. 43 Trafalgar Street, Albanvale $317,000
REIV TOP 5 APARTMENTS 1. 1001/115 Beach Street, Port Melbourne $2,350,000 2. 114/350 St Kilda Road, Melbourne $2,100,000 3. 2/29 Park Street, South Yarra $1,530,000 4. 4/55-57 Manningtree Road, Hawthorn $1,508,000 5. 9 Tregenna Court, Brighton East $1,420,000 
REIV TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS 1. 8/35 Stud Road, Dandenong $210,000 2. 2/66 Dundas Street, Thornbury $247,000 3. 7/210 Clarke Street, Northcote $270,000 4. 2/2 May Street, Altona North $280,000 5. 8/9 Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena $285,000
Source <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research" target="_blank">REIV</a>
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Melbourne weekend auctions head higher to 82% with Brighton brownstone the top seller

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A narrow 1870s Sydney terrace fetched $965,000 at auction this afternoon, with its price reflecting recent 20% boomtime price growth.
It was a <a href="https://www.spencerservi.com.au/index.cfm?page=for_sale.property&amp;id=3588&amp;utm_content=bufferf1321&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=linkedin.com&amp;utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank">2.85 metre wide terrace on Terry Street, Surry Hills</a>. The winning bidder was the buyer's agent Raymond Hung bidding on behalf of his client in China.
It has been billed as possibly Sydney's skinniest terrace, located near Central Station between Foveaux Street and Kippax Street.
The Spencer &amp; Servi sale was of a two bedroom, one bathroom, two storey terrace on a 38 square metre block.
First National Spencer &amp; Servi’s selling agent Annie Hodgson, who had issued more than six contracts, was quoting $750,000 plus.
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It had 48 square metre space.
The property was last sold in March 1981 for $54,000, reflecting 8.75% annual growth over the 34 years.
A renovated 38 square metre terrace three doors away sold at $633,000 in May two years ago, so the annual price growth sits at around 22% over the past two years.
<img src="https://images-2.domain.com.au/2015/05/20/6546581/Article%20Lead%20-%20narrow996273431gh5liyimage.related.articleLeadNarrow.353x0.gh5lhz.png1432103860898.jpg-300x0.jpg" alt="29 Terry Street, Surry Hills.">
 
 
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Narrow Surry Hills terrace fetches $965,000

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The historic Newspaper House, at 247 Collins Street, Melbourne has been sold at around $23 million, with the $12,000 a square metre a new record for Collins Street.
It comes with mosaic mural on its front facade designed by Napier Waller in 1932.
Mervyn Napier Waller's "I'll put a girdle about the earth" features heroic human figures appear among scenes of commerce, construction and communication.
There's lots of gold, an echo of the Byzantine era, in the 1933 commission by Sir Keith Murdoch from the Herald &amp; Weekly Times who needed more than their empire on Flinders Street.
<img class="img-responsive" src="/images/2015/05/08/700_mural.jpg" alt="Newspaper House, Collins Street under offer">
<div class="row article-content">It was the former WH Rocke Ltd building on a 478 square metre holding.</div>
There had been around 12 expressions of interest <a href="/expert-insights/investing/newspaper-house-collins-street-under-offer">before it went under offer through CBRE last month</a>.
Eu Ming Lim, of Thomson Geer solicitors, represented the purchaser from Singapore, who told the Australian Financial Review his client was considering both leasing and subdivision plans for the building.
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-melbourne-501464323" target="_blank">Set near Swanston Street with a 2084 square metre floor area</a>, it was marketed as an irreplaceable seven level sandstone retail and office building, fully refurnished and upgraded.
Agents suggested it was a genuine “blank canvas” providing strategic opportunity for multi-level retail and/or residential/hotel conversion.
In 2010 Savills Australia had brokered a five-year lease deal for 250 square metres to Nespresso, who have now departed.
Its latest sale price has not been revealed but the former Herald and Weekly Times building sold for $11.08 million to a private investor, Melbourne horse-racing identity Ken Biddick in 2006 through Knight Frank, fully leased for $403,600 a year, reflecting a yield of 3.6%.
The then vendor, Desmond Oppenheimer had bought the building for $7.55 million in 2002.
The ground floor of 247 Collins Street had been previously leased to the House of Cashmere, and the upper levels to Sydney International College.  
HIDDEN TREASURES OF NAPIER WALLER
1926-27 MURALS Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Street.
1927 MURAL Menzies Hotel, cnr Bourke and William streets (building demolished in 1969, mural sold privately).
1928 MURAL Better Than to Squander Life's Gifts Is to Conserve Them and Ensure a Fearless Future T&amp;G Life Building entry foyer, cnr Collins and Russell streets.
1928 MURAL Peace After Victory State Library of Victoria, first-floor landing near La Trobe Reading Room, cnr, Swanston and La Trobe street.
1933 MOSAIC I'll Put a Girdle Round the Earth Newspaper House facade, 247 Collins Street.
1934 FLORENTINE MURALS Florentino Restaurant, now Grossi Florentino, first floor, 80 Bourke Street.
1935 STAINED GLASS WINDOW Wesley Church, Pioneers window, upper gallery, north wall, 148 Lonsdale Street.
1935 STAINED GLASS WINDOW Ian Potter Museum foyer, Swanston Street on university campus. (Designed for Wilson Hall, University of Melbourne, which was destroyed by fire in 1951. Window was retrieved from the ruins.)
1935 MUIRALS Myer Melbourne Mural Hall dining room, sixth floor, 314 Bourke Street.
1937 STAINED GLASS Orchid Window University of Melbourne Botany School.
1940 MURAL Australian Symbolic Figures University of Melbourne Achitecture, Building and Planning Library (Orginally on display at Royal Insurance Company, 414-418 Collins Street, but donated to university after building was demolished in 1969.)
1963 MOSAIC The Eight Aboriginal Tribal Headmen Temple Court foyer, 422 Collins Street.
1967 MOSAIC Prometheus Monash House foyer, 15 William Street.
List Source: Fairfax Media
 
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Newspaper House, Collins Street sold to subdividing Singaporean investor

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Toowoomba vendors secured a profit in 98% of all houses sales in the year ending March 2015, according to the latest REIQ release.
And Cairns has been a standout performer over the past 12 months, with profit-making sales rising from 78% of transactions making a profit to 90%.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the data confirmed the REIQ’s position that Queensland was in "the grip of steady, sustainable growth."
<img src="/images/2015/05/25/woomba_av_days.jpg" alt="">
But those areas that are struggling to recover from the resources downturn are still endeavouring to stabilise, she said.
Brisbane (LGA) median house values have risen by 1.6% over the quarter, and, along with Toowoomba, this was the highest quarterly increase.
<img src="/images/2015/05/25/woomba_an_Sales.jpg" alt="">
 
 
<img src="/images/2015/05/25/woombasales.jpg" alt="">
 
Brisbane (LGA) proportion of profit-making sales increased three percentage points to 96%, compared with a year ago.
Toowoomba is the fastest selling region, with days on market at 63 days, and what they call the Garden City continues to hold the lowest vendor discounting rate of 4.7%.
<img src="/images/2015/05/25/woomba_vendor.png" alt="">
Five of the major regions throughout Queensland are experiencing steady improvements in median house values.
Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Cairns, all showed rising annual median house values of approximately 1.5 to 1.9% on average each quarter over the past year.
Gladstone’s median house values increased by 0.8%, which, although small, is significant because it is the city’s first move into positive territory in five quarters.
The rate of decline in Mackay’s median values appears to be slowing, with a drop of just one per cent to its annual median value in the March quarter.
Townsville’s median house values rose 0.7%, which reflects the small improvements that that have been seen in other economic indicators. 
Townsville’s proportion of profit-making sales continues to remain stable at 74% since August last year.
 
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Toowoomba tops Queensland's 2015 property market recovery

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Art collector John Schaeffer has listed his modernist, Harry Seidler-designed property in Dover Heights for June 1 auction.
More than $3 million is tipped for Kalowski House, which was bought in 2008 for $2,505,000 from Dr Steven Kalowski.
Seidler's design included pioneering floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors along the full width of the northern facade.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/photogallery_new.ds?id=119743035&amp;theme=rea.buy" rel="photos" data-id="119743035"><img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/d5f983c63a972522ebd110e0b09e3e750b4857bb7cc1a130de1221d0dcd034e2/main.jpg" alt="14 Lyons Street, Dover Heights" title="14 Lyons Street, Dover Heights" data-index="0"></a>
The 1958 home was up-graded in 2008 by architect Colin Griffiths, who actually worked on the original layout. It was photographed by Max Dupain in November 1958.
It is now set in Myles Baldwin designed gardens surrounding the single-level home on Lyons Street.
Michael Pallier of Sotheby's International has the listing following Schaeffer's recent purchase on nearby Kippara Street of the classic, expanded art deco 1930s residence of locksmith Jason Carr and Haley Carr for about $4.5 million.
It was formerly the<a href="/news/dover-heights-former-chinese-embassy-home-sold"> single storey Chinese embassy until World War II</a>.
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1958 Harry Seidler-designed Dover Heights Kalowski residence listed

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The venture capitalist John Grant has finally sold his Queens Avenue, Vaucluse residence, with eight person lift.
It fetched $12.85 million when bought by Point Piper's Julina Lim.
It was the dress circle avenue's first sale since 2010. Julina Lim is from the<a href="https://oceaniaproperty.com.au/about-us.php" target="_blank"> </a>Oceania Property Corporation.
<a class="cboxelement" href="https://images3.multiarray.com/ViewImage.aspx?id=36e6333d-54a1-4d6e-acd3-167c4ffe33d8&amp;width=800&amp;height=600&amp;db=RealEstateManager2&amp;resize=" rel="urlSlideshow"><img src="https://images3.multiarray.com/ViewImage.aspx?id=36e6333d-54a1-4d6e-acd3-167c4ffe33d8&amp;width=740&amp;height=555&amp;db=RealEstateManager2&amp;resize=crop" alt=""></a>
<div class="thumbs">John Grant downsized to the nearby Rose Bay Wintergarden waterfront complex from the cul de sac location that houses just 16 homes.</div>
The home was initially listed in 2013 with $16 million hopes, indicating despite the SMH headlines that there is still a big gap between expectation and recovery among trophy home offerings.
Lim sold her knock-down-rebuild on Point Piper's Wolseley Road earlier this year for $28 million to Qinglin Wang.
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Queens Avenue, Vaucluse dress circle sale to Lim family

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Over 1.3 million Australians 14+ (6.8%) intend to buy or build property in the next year — equivalent to over half a million homes trading hands or being built, new intention data from Roy Morgan Research shows. 
Interestingly only a quarter of all property intenders nationally live outside the seven capital cities. 
<h3>Intention to buy or build property in the next 12 months</h3>
<img src="/images/2015/05/22/Screen%20Shot%202015-05-22%20at%202.17.43%20PM.png" alt="">
Source: Roy Morgan <a href="https://www.roymorgan.com/products/single-source" target="_blank">Single Source</a>, April 2014 –March 2015. 
Between them, Sydney and Melbourne are home to just under half of all Australia’s property intenders.
Perth is the next largest market (165,790), with more intenders than Brisbane (124,670) despite being a smaller city overall.
However there are distinct differences between exactly what sort of property these three cities’ intenders want to buy, which may be key to predicting actual sales outcomes in 2015 and beyond. 
The bulk of Sydney property intenders (71%) are planning to buy an established house or apartment, while almost half as many (38%) want to buy or build a brand new property. This desire for established property could signal a continued pricing boom in 2015, with house-hunters battling over the set field of existing properties. In Melbourne, the ratio is close to the national norm with 67% of intenders after an established home and 43% seeking something new. 
However in Perth, half of intenders (50%) want to buy a newly built house or apartment— or to build it themselves— while only 55% have their eyes on an established property. 
<h3>Proportion of intenders seeking established or new property </h3>
<img src="/images/2015/05/22/Screen%20Shot%202015-05-22%20at%202.19.08%20PM.png" alt="">Michele Levine, CEO Roy Morgan Research, says around 220,000 Sydneysiders and 206,000 Melburnians will keep prices high and auctioneers and agents busy this year, while developers, builders and architects will be most in demand in Perth. 
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Strong buying property intent to continue throughout 2015: Roy Morgan

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<div>GUEST OBSERVER</div>
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<div>So what's going on with APRA currently?</div>
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<div>Firstly, the changes are not targetted at homeloans taken to purchase your homes. Rather, there is pressure on the lenders to tighten their policies for lending against, and to buy, investment properties.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Lending to property investors is way past the speed limit, particularly in Sydney &amp; Melbourne. APRA have made it clear that the banks need to be more careful.</div>
<div>The capital aqequacy ratio's for the banks will also increase. What this effectively does it make it more expensive for banks to lend to investors.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>NAB, CBA &amp; Westpac have already announced to us that investors will not be offered discounts better that is what is published. As you know, us brokers often get discounts 30 or 40 points better than what the banks advertise. Thankfully, we expect our capacity to get much better-than-published rates will still apply to home loans for places you will live in.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>St George is one of my favorite banks, in large part due to their flexibility for investors. They have pre-warned iChoice of forthcoming changes too. For those of you wanting to land a better rate on your investment loan, or perhaps to unlock some equity, these are probably things you should be considering to do immediately, like right now. And the $1,250 Refinance Rebate is still alive. The mortgage industry is ready for a few busy weeks ahead.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Once all the changes have been implemented, we will see stricter servicing calculations and pressure to reduce interest-only loans and 'cash-out' (equity unlocking). Also, several lenders have already ceased exceeding 80% LVR for investment property loans. On that note, it is important for anyone you know that may have a pre-approval in place for an investment property. Pre-approvals arent always what they seem to be.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It's being branded a 'mini-GFC' but at the end of the day, it seems like we are simply going back to the old days, where speculative investment loans are harder to get and are not priced the same as your owner-occupied home loan.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>At the end of the day, the concerns held by APRA are to protect our system should we in fact be at 12 o'clock on the property cycle. You can be assured that we at iChoice are on our front foot with all changes and will kep you posted, and are more than happy to advise based on your individual goals and circumstances.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Jason Khoury is the principal at iChoice. He can be contacted <a href="mailto:jason@ichoice.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Concerned over getting an investment property loan?: iChoice's Jason Khoury

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Mining heiress Sarah Louise Fudge has sold Spicer House, Woollahra for $5.5 million.
Her landmark home in Woollahra was listed $5 million plus hopes given her relocation to Hollywood. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-woollahra-119554003" target="_blank">The 1886-era residence Spicer House</a> was bought in May 2011 for $5.5 million from Kate Turner of the Heartland Motor Group.
The renovated house - done by Paul King - was offered through Di Jones agents Gary Sands and Jane Schumann.
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Spicer House, Woollahra sold

Sydney developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-element">Central Element</a>&nbsp;is doubling down in Drummoyne, lodging plans for a boutique apartment development on St Georges Crescent, only one-kilometre down the road from its first Drummoyne development, Bianca.

The new project at 15A-21 St Georges Crescent,&nbsp;a&nbsp;1,701sqm north-facing site overlooking Iron Cove, will have 45 apartmnts across 10 levels. Eight of the units will be dedicated to affordable housing.

The site sits within walking distance of Drummoyne Village, Birkenhead Point, ferry services and the Bay Run, and offers harbour views towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge and CBD skyline.

Designed by MHN Design Union, the development will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside resident amenity including a gym, landscaped communal open space and three levels of basement parking.

The project has been lodged under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, with Drummoyne Village identified as a town centre capable of accommodating additional housing supply.

Central Element acquired the site earlier this year as part of its continued expansion across Sydney's eastern suburbs, lower north shore and inner west.

The developer's current pipeline includes luxury apartment projects Pearl Bondi and a separate development on Lamrock Avenue in Bondi, a residential project in Barry Street, Neutral Bay, and a mixed-use seniors living community in Greenwich.

Central Element Managing Director Nathan Chivas said the project would address a shortage of new owner-occupier housing opportunities in Drummoyne.

"While we're seeing a significant shift across Canada Bay as major infrastructure investment, population growth and planning reform drive a new chapter for the region, in suburbs like Drummoyne there remains a genuine shortage of new boutique luxury housing opportunities for owner occupiers," Chivas said.

"Sites of this nature are increasingly difficult to secure, particularly those that combine a north-facing aspect with direct water outlook. Our St Georges Crescent project responds directly to the market demand, offering a level of exclusivity, outlook and lifestyle in the highly sought after suburb."

The development application has been lodged with the City of Canada Bay Council, with the project expected to launch to market in early 2027.

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Central Element seeks second Drummoyne apartment development

The NSW Government has unveiled plans that could deliver around 1,300 new homes across Nowra and Kiama, continuing its push to unlock housing in well-located regional centres along the South Coast.

The proposals, now on public exhibition, would pave the way for around 830 homes in Nowra and a further 450 homes in Kiama, while also introducing affordable housing requirements and increased building heights in key locations.

The larger of the two proposals is centred on Nowra, where the NSW Government is seeking to rezone land within the Mandalay and Riverfront precincts.

The Mandalay sub-precinct, located close to Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital, Nowra Library and the city's aquatic centre, could accommodate around 530 new homes. Around 30 per cent of housing delivered on Homes NSW-owned land would be dedicated to social and affordable housing, equating to roughly 100 homes. Building heights would increase from the current two-storey limit to between three and six storeys.

A separate rezoning proposal for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct would unlock a further 377 homes while creating stronger connections between the Shoalhaven River and the CBD. The plans include building heights ranging from five to 12 storeys, floor space ratios of up to 2:1 and a requirement for two per cent affordable housing.

Together, the two proposals would deliver more than 900 homes across the broader Nowra area, reinforcing the city's role as one of regional NSW's key growth centres.

The housing push builds on previous infrastructure commitments in the Shoalhaven, including government funding aimed at supporting thousands of future homes in West Nowra through upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure.

Further north, the NSW Government is also progressing plans for the former Kiama Depot site, a two-hectare parcel near Kiama's town centre.

The rezoning proposal would transform the former industrial site into a residential community capable of delivering up to 450 homes. Buildings would range between six and eight storeys, with at least 10 per cent of homes allocated as affordable housing. The proposal also includes approximately 600 parking spaces and improved walking and cycling connections.

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the proposals are designed to increase housing supply in locations close to jobs, transport and services.

"For too long, families have struggled to find somewhere to live, and activating underutilised sites allows us to deliver the new homes these families need," Scully said.

"The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of unlocking well-located sites close to transport, jobs, and town centres and building the homes our communities need.

"These rezonings are about removing barriers to housing delivery and making sure land is put to better use so more people can find a place to call home within the communities they choose."

The latest rezonings form part of the Minns Government's broader strategy to accelerate housing delivery across NSW, particularly in established centres where existing infrastructure can support additional population growth.

Community consultation on the proposals is now underway, with feedback set to inform the final planning controls before the rezonings are determined.

Around 1,300 new homes earmarked for Nowra and Kiama as NSW Government pushes housing supply

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mrcb">MRCB International</a> has commenced construction on its latest Gold Coast apartment development, Maris, on the site of the former Sundale Motel in Southport.

The start of construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">Binah</a> follows an exceptionally strong sales campaign, with more than 90 per cent of apartments sold since launch. Every purchaser has been local, an&nbsp;indicator of confidence in both the development and Southport's evolution into a thriving CBD.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maris-southport-20-queen-street-southport-qld-4215">Maris</a> will deliver 192 residences across 20 levels. The project forms part of MRCB's Australian and New Zealand development pipeline now exceeding $1.6 billion in gross development value, alongside a growing portfolio of projects globally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350663]

The company also commenced construction on its $600 million 26 Vista residences in Surfers Paradise last year, following strong sales momentum, with over 70 per cent of residences sold.

Maris has been designed to meet evolving buyer demand, offering architecturally designed layouts suited to long-term liveability. The approach reflects a growing preference for quality and adaptability among Gold Coast buyers.

Positioned next to the Broadwater in the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southport-qld-4215">Southport</a> CBD, Maris sits directly opposite the Broadwater Parklands light rail station and within easy reach of retail, dining and lifestyle precincts, placing residents at the centre of one of the Gold Coast's most connected and rapidly maturing urban centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372756]

Maris will offer a full suite of resort-style residential amenities, including a pool, gym and sauna, along with a rooftop level featuring decks, lounges and dining and yoga areas that command sweeping views across the Broadwater and out to the ocean.

Binah, a New South Wales headquartered company co-founded by Amen Zoabi and Khalil Hafza in 2008, has expressed its excitement at establishing its first partnership with MRCB.

Binah's Managing Director Khalil Hafza said partnering with MRCB on Maris is a significant moment for Binah.

"MRCB's financial strength and a track record that speaks for itself give this project a solid foundation, and this marks the beginning of what will be a long and successful relationship.

"With the right people, systems and partnerships behind it, Maris is set to become a significant addition to the Gold Coast's premium residential market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350664]

MRCB International CEO Ravi Krishnan said the project's progression to construction reflects both sustained demand and tightening conditions across the apartment sector, as well as MRCB's continued confidence in the Gold Coast market.

"Commencing construction at Maris is a significant step and reflects the depth of demand for quality apartments in well-connected urban locations," said Krishnan.

"Across Southeast Queensland, new apartment supply remains constrained, particularly in established precincts with infrastructure and amenity already in place. Projects like Maris are increasingly critical in meeting that demand, especially on the Gold Coast and in the city's CBD precinct."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372761]

Krishnan said Southport's ongoing transformation, supported by infrastructure investment and long-term planning, was underpinning renewed buyer confidence.

"We're seeing a clear shift back towards well-located urban centres where infrastructure, connectivity and amenity are already established," said Mr Krishnan. "Southport is evolving into a more mature CBD environment, and that is being reflected in buyer behaviour."

Construction at Maris is anticipated to be completed in 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134403]

Construction commences on MRCB’s $200m Maris Residences in Southport

Moonee Valley Park’s latest residential release <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveline-at-moonee-valley-park-moonee-ponds-100-thomas-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">The Eveline</a>, has achieved a new benchmark for off-the-plan apartment sales in the suburb, with the sale of The Alexandra penthouse selling for $5,435,000.

Positioned on the top floor of a 16-level residential building, the three-bedroom, three and-a-half-bathroom penthouse features uninterrupted city skyline views across the future Valley racetrack.&nbsp;

The landmark sale comes as momentum at the precinct continues to build, with the Moonee Valley Racing Club progressing works on its new racetrack ahead of the 2027 Cox Plate. The transformative development will see MVRC reimagine the beloved Valley as a vibrant year-round entertainment and lifestyle destination.

Alongside a world-class racing experience, the historic precinct will be activated with events, hospitality and public green spaces designed to attract broader audiences, while breathing new life into one of Melbourne’s most iconic destinations.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372786]

Development partners <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton Property Group</a> and Hostplus have delivered five residential stages over the past four years, the most recent in November 2025 with Trackside House and Stonepine House. The flourishing community is now home to almost 500 families.&nbsp;

The latest residential release, The Eveline, has recorded strong demand since launching publicly last July, securing more than $200 million in sales to date, satisfying its pre sales hurdle for construction to commence.&nbsp;

Hamton Founder and Executive Chairman, Paul Hameister OAM said, the sales&nbsp;team have been overwhelmed by demand for these unique homes in this unique project.

"Buyers continue to be predominantly hyperlocal and attracted by the 40 hectare botanic masterplan in Melbourne’s inner north west," Hameister said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372788]

Hamton’s Sales and Marketing Director Fergus Humphries said the team has achieved more than 70 sales over the past eight weeks, including the penthouse purchase by a local buyer.

"These results reinforce that, even in a challenging market, purchasers continue to be drawn to quality projects that offer more than just a home, they offer a lifestyle.”

Designed by Cera Stribley, the penthouse has been created with entertaining in mind, spanning close to 400 sqm of indoor and outdoor living space, including multiple terraces designed to capture sweeping views across Melbourne’s skyline, the new Valley racecourse and sunset views over Moonee Ponds.

Moonee Valley Park is one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects, transforming the iconic racecourse site into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood integrating homes, parklands, retail, racing and community amenities.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142519]

Moonee Valley Park penthouse sets suburb record as sales surge clears construction benchmark

A company linked to one of Australia's largest privately owned cattle businesses has lodged plans for a new residential tower in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newstead-qld-4006">Newstead</a>, continuing the rapid transformation of one of Brisbane's most sought-after, inner-city precincts.

Bottletree Holdings, an entity associated with Stanbroke Managing Director Brendan Menegazzo, has submitted a development application for a 28-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/9-longland-street-newstead-qld-4006">9 Longland Street</a>, a site that made headlines last year when it changed hands in an off-market transaction that reportedly set a benchmark land rate for the suburb.

The proposal would replace an existing two-storey commercial building on the 1,510 sqm corner site with a Bureau Proberts-designed tower comprising 76 apartments, ground-floor retail, office space and a suite of resident wellness amenities.

<img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c710a836-568e-4382-bc91-3c34b8e80a8b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Vy.mQWBc7GA_a.vIBdxKqRC9XGjWalo2" />

According to planning documents lodged with Brisbane City Council, the development would comprise a mix of 36 two-bedroom apartments, 24 three-bedroom apartments and 16 four-bedroom residences, positioning the project firmly at the premium end of the market. The apartments would sit above a podium containing retail and commercial space, with three levels of communal recreation facilities spread throughout the tower. The proposal also includes 198 car spaces and 95 bicycle spaces.

Bureau Proberts has drawn heavily on Newstead's industrial heritage in developing the architectural response.

"Occupying a prominent corner in the heart of Newstead, the proposal draws from the area's industrial lineage of robust brick warehouses to deliver a distinctly contemporary response," the architects said in the design statement.

"It is conceived as a subtropical sanctuary and elevated private retreat embedded within one of Brisbane's most vibrant lifestyle precincts."

The design seeks to reinterpret the traditional Queensland vernacular through wraparound verandahs, deep shading elements and permeable facades that respond to Brisbane's subtropical climate.

<img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25524f59-395c-4825-8fad-9b639822fa8a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.09%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=dlWlbpCc_g3Y6yTLGqRVKvGJvO2ubMJ3" />

Planning documents describe the building as embodying the principles of "buildings that breathe", a design approach increasingly favoured in Brisbane's apartment market as developers focus on natural ventilation and outdoor living spaces.

The tower itself would rise above a heavily landscaped podium designed to reference the woolstore architecture that helped define Newstead and neighbouring Teneriffe for generations. At ground level, fine-grain retail tenancies would activate Longland Street, Wyandra Street and the existing Wyatt Street laneway, further extending the pedestrian network that has become a hallmark of the Gasworks precinct.

The application notes that more than 54 per cent of the site would be dedicated to landscaping and deep planting, while approximately 1,750 sqm of communal recreation space would be delivered across multiple levels.

<img alt="Planning" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fed3b189-1054-4b68-af5f-b0befc4a66e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.19%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=gqeE3cjsbnLAfeTUKA1HtPZfqDs6S4Xa" />

Bottletree paid $22 million for the 1,510 sqm development site, equating to more than $14,500 per sqm, a reflection of the strong demand for development opportunities in Newstead. The suburb continues to attract both developers and buyers, underpinned by the ongoing evolution of the Gasworks and Teneriffe precincts into some of Brisbane's most sought-after lifestyle destinations.

Brisbane City Council's Sustainable Growth Strategy and Inner City Strategy both identify Newstead as a priority growth precinct capable of accommodating additional housing density due to its proximity to employment hubs, public transport and lifestyle infrastructure.

The proposed tower joins a growing pipeline of high-end apartment developments in the suburb. Fortis recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a>, a 65-apartment owner-occupier-focused development on Kyabra Street, while Consolidated Properties Group is preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a 227-apartment waterfront project on Skyring Terrace.

Meanwhile, builder-developer BPG is planning its own Newstead project on Maud Street, comprising just over 100 apartments and more than 1,380 sqm of dedicated wellness and resident amenity spaces, further highlighting the shift towards lifestyle-driven apartment developments in Brisbane's inner-city market.

Jonathan Chancellor

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