<html><body>
 Gold Coast jeweller John Calleija – known for his pink diamonds and Aston Martin collection – has listed his <a target="_blank" href="/news">Sanctuary Cove</a> home with price hopes over $3 million.

The architecturally designed home with feng shui influences has been listed for a February 14 auction.

The four-bedroom home boasts three-metre ceilings, bluegum floors and a designer kitchen.

Located in Marina Drive East, the 1,137-square metre block offers a 20-metre water frontage – big enough to moor a large yacht.

The property also features an outdoor heated pool and a pontoon overlooking the water.

Calleija has lived at the property since 1999 and has recently built a new home nearby.

Last year, Calleija attended the world’s most exclusive diamond sale at Kensington Palace, the home of the duke and duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate.

<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sanctuary+cove-112693359" target="_blank">The property is listed by Katrina Walsh from Ray White Broadbeach</a>.
 
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Gold Coast jeweller John Calleija lists his Sanctuary Cove feng shui gem

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A charming<a target="_blank" href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/TAS/Bellerive/?adid=2009999769"> Hobart house </a>that was home to the same family for 112 years has been listed for sale with an asking price of over $495,000.

Located on York Street Bellerive, the 1,246-square-metre heritage listed Radnor house comprises of original heritage features throughout.
Boasting 12-foot high ceilings and period features, the home also contains a servant’s bell.
It has five bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The outbuilding contains the original servants quarters with a wood stove and a horse stable and outhouse surround a courtyard.
The home was built in 1900 and last sold in February last year for $1.2 million.
The property was originally 3,659 square metres but the current owners subdivided the block into three lots.
The owners have plans to build four units on one of the blocks and the other lot – 686 square metres in size - is being sold separately for $250,000.
Real estate agent Neville Howlett of Signature Property says Radnor needs a few hundred thousand dollar to be spent on doing it up.
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Hobart heritage charmer listed for $495,000

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 The NSW property market is expected to rebound in 2013 due to buyer confidence gradually returning, after it reportedly reaches the bottom of the property cycle, according to the First National 2013 property market outlook.
The improvement will come as a result of buyer confidence gradually returning, affordability improving and ongoing supply charges.
“Just over three-quarters of NSW First National members say that the market has bottomed or will do so in the coming six months,” says Mark Millington, First National's NSW chairman.
Millington is also the principal of First National Real Estate Lakeshores in Mannering Park.
However Millington warns that "while the market is on the rebound, it is considered to be precarious, subject to the slightest negative action or sentiment”.
Millington says that the soft market is mainly a result of consumer confidence and some buyers believe it will fall further as a result of ongoing uncertainty and job insecurity.
Key influencing factors that will affect the property market include the current housing shortage, affordability, new land releases and reducing interest rates.
“The NSW government has to release more land and lower head work costs to cement the recovery and ensure it takes root,” says Millington.
“The state government’s lack of funds to complete any major infrastructure work is restricting the amount of land available.”
The average number of days a property is on the market is expected to hold at current levels or fall.
Sales activity is expected to increase along with property listings, but property prices are expected to remain flat or increase.
Improved affordability and better buying conditions are expected to underpin home buying activity growth in 2013.
“More stock is coming onto the market and turnover is getting faster, indicating there is strong market activity on the way for 2013,” says Millington.
The most active sector of the market in 2013 is forecast to be at entry level.
 
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NSW precarious property market rebound expected after bottoming out: First National

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An oceanfront estate with more than 250 metres of direct beachfront has been listed for sale in Rocky Point, Queensland, with offers in excess of $2.9 million being sought.  
Set on 1.15 hectares of land, the two large residences on separate titles were designed by local architect Gary Hunt for veteran developer John Morris.
The L-shaped single-level main residence means all living areas and bedrooms face over water features.
The main residence boats four bedrooms, four bathrooms, shell stone tiled floors throughout and bi-fold doors that fold away to open onto the freshwater pool. 
The newly renovated guest residence includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms. There's bamboo flooring.
The location offers one of the best deep-water frontages from Cairns to Cooktown, allowing the mooring of sizable vessels less than 100 metres from their home.
The estate has been listed by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbbr.com.au/buying/QLD/Cairns-and-Region/PORT-DOUGLAS/House/16P0236">Josh Mezger from Coldwell Banker Barrier Reef Cairns City</a>.
Located on Mossman-Daintree Road <a href="/news">Rocky Point</a>, the property was last traded when bought in 2009 for $2.2 million from the Morris family.
Eric and Conny Visser have decided to move back to The Netherlands to be closer to family.
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Rocky Point oceanfront estate listed with $2.9 million-plus hopes

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The Sydney rental market eased in December with a monthly increase of 0.1% to an overall vacancy rate of 1.9%, according to the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.
The December 2012 REINSW vacancy rate survey saw an increase in rental accommodation right across the Sydney metro area with the inner suburbs – 0 to 10-kilometres from CBD - increasing 0.1% to 1.8%.
The middle suburbs - 10 to 25-kilometres from the CBD – experienced an increase of 0.2% to 2.3% and the outer suburbs – more than 25 kilometres from the CBD – was up 0.4% to 2.1%.
According to the data, there was a solid increase in availability in the Hunter region with an increase of 0.4% to 2.1%.
“The Hunter has not seen vacancy rates at 2.1% in almost 2 years, since a rate of 2.2% in January 2011,” says REINSW president Christian Payne
The vacancy rate for Newcastle was up 0.4% on November to 1.6% in December and Illawarra remained steady with a fall of just 0.1% to 2.1%.
Coffs harbour continues to have the highest vacancy rate in the state of 3.7%, an increase of 0.3% on November.
Wollongong remained the same at 2.5% and the availability in Albury jumped 0.5% to 1.9% - a level last seen in January 2012 when the vacancy rate was 2.0%.
Payne says these increases in vacancy rates are unlikely to last as traditionally, January and February are peak periods for change over the state as school leavers, university students and people moving jobs settle into new properties.
“In 2013 we expect the vacancy rate to quickly reduce back to the tight levels seen in 2012, due to the rising population and lack of new housing developments,” says Payne.
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Sydney rental market eases to 1.9%: REINSW

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The median Perth house price grew by around 3% in the December quarter, increasing from $480,000 in the September quarter to $495,000 by December – according to a preliminary report by the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA).
Overall sales activity increased by 4% in the December quarter with increased sales volumes in the higher price ranges.
Strong activity was recorded in Perth's western suburbs, where sales activity increased by 57% on the September quarter.
The southern part of the City of Joondalup was up 9% volumes wise on the September quarter and the western part of the City of Stirling experienced an increase in activity of 6%.
The REIWA president David Airey says the lift in median price could be attributed to a significant increase in higher priced properties that changed hands through-trade-ups.
“We have recorded more activity in the $600,00 to $700,00 range, as well as with homes over $800,000,” says Airey.
Turnover for dwellings under $350,000 dropped off in the December quarter but there was an increase in sales within the $350,000 to $400,000 range.
Only 55% of sellers discounted their house in the December quarter compared to 60% in the September quarter.
“However, now that buyers have more confidence and sellers are meeting the market with better pricing, the number of selling days has dropped from 71 to 62 for the quarter and this figure has been trending down for a while,” says Airey.
The number of listings continued to fall, down 32% on the same time last year.
By years end there were 9,200 properties on the market including 1,800 blocks of land.
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Perth house prices up in December quarter

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The Gold Coast summer auction seasons is kicking off this weekend. If sold, the properties will total tens of millions of dollars.  
Much of the activity is at the strip's northern end, but Hedges Avenue gets its look-in, too.
Of course most agents are anticipating, or more likely hoping, the Gold Coast property market could be in a state of recovery.
But the last five years has been typically tough for property, with many halving in value.
“Apart from Cairns, no market was affected more than here,” Ray White Surfers Paradise CEO Andrew Bell recently suggested.
While prices are still bouncing off the bottom, sales inquiry and activity has been climbing back.
Bell's numbers indicated a 32% rise in sales volume in November 2012 compared with November 2011.
“In our residential resale markets in just the fortnight since Christmas, we have recorded over 2,300 people through our open homes and inquiries,” says Bell.
“That is up over 41.5% on the corresponding period last year,” he told Fairfax Media.
Bell has sold 14 properties since Boxing Day, with a list of forthcoming auction dates coming up.
“There is no doubt in my mind anyone buying a property in 12 months' time will be paying more than they would at this point in time,” says Bell.
Ray White Surfers Paradise is preparing for its 20th annual summer auction, dubbed The Event – which is now spread over three days, January 27, 30 and 31.
As one of Australia’s largest auctions, The Event will bring more than 100 residential, prestige, industrial and commercial properties as well as land sites and even boats go to auction.
Included in the auctions will be a luxury architectally designed Hedges Avenue home of troubled Gold Coast developer Bruce Tilley. The Gold Coast Bulletin says searches show the Bank of Queensland is owed $7.843 million on the beachfront house, which will be offered on January 31. Property Observer<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/no-expenses-spared-mermaid-beach-property-hits-the-market/2012052254803" target="_blank"> reported the listing in May last year. </a> Tilley held the house through Hedges Avenue Pty Ltd, and receivers Andrew Fielding and David Whyte were appointed to take control of the company in October last year.
The house was built two years ago after Tilley paid $1.4 million for the 405-square-metre landholding in 2000. The replacement cost of the property, which has just two bedrooms and a study, has been estimated to be as high as $10 million. “In two decades The Event has grown to unrivalled heights and is now seen as a litmus test for the regional and national markets for the year ahead,” says Bell.
“The Event acts to spur the market into action, as a result we often see substantial sales activity in the weeks following the auctions.”
Bell says there has been a huge boost in sales to the international market this year, particularly Asian buyers.
He added that growing activity in the prestige sector and the record sale of a $12 million Sanctuary Cove mansion is helping drive buyer confidence.
““It gives the rest of us confidence when Australia’s highest wealth citizens back their intuition that now is the time to get into the market, and as a result we’ve seen steady activity across the residential market following the string of high-priced sales,” says Bell.
The selling season kicks off on January 20 with Lucy Cole Prestige Properties.
Following are Professionals Broadbeach, Ray White Broadbeach and Professionals Paradise Point, with auctions on January 24.
The Event by Ray White kicks off on January 27 as well as another auction by Southern Ray White offices.
Ray White Runway Bay Group and Harcourts Gold Coast Central will have hammers in their hands on January 29 and Ray White Robina/Varsity on January 30.
Three auctions will take place on January 31 by Ray White Surfers Paradise Group Prestige, Professionals Surfers Paradise and LJ Hooker Labrador.
Harcourts Broadbeach-Mermaid Waters and PRDnationwide Surfer Paradise will both have auctions on February 2.
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Gold Coast auctioneers seek to climb out of five-year chasm

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With a potential savings of up to $400,000, a new Suncorp report suggests it is little wonder more Australians are moving to regional cities such as Burnie, Tasmania, with its $230,000 median house price.

The Suncorp Family Friendly City report notes buying a family home in Burnie costs almost a third of what you will pay to live in a major capital like Sydney, which is unsurprisingly the most expensive place on the list to own a house.

Rounding out the most expensive places to live with Sydney are the resource boom hotspot Darwin and home of the national public service sector Canberra.

Located on the north-west coast of Tasmania, Burnie was also ranked as Australia’s healthiest city, according to the report.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6876]

Burnie has been labeled the healthiest city due to each resident only visiting their doctor on average 1.3 times over the course of the year.

Surprisingly, they were also ranked among the nation’s unhealthiest when residents were asked how they feel about their own health.

Other positives of Burnie include a low crime rate of 3,769 crimes per 100,000 of the population – making Burnie the fifth safest city in the report.

But the bad comes with the good, and Burnie recorded the highest unemployment rate – equal 29th place with Victoria’s Ballarat – at 8%.

Burnie also recorded the lowest median weekly disposable income of $595 – equal 28th place with its neighbours Launceston and Hobart.

Burnie also came last in the connectivity category, with only 59.8% of households having broadband internet.

However it could be the place for you if childcare is important – it is third for the least crowded childcare, with 65 children per childcare centre.

Overall, <a href="/news">Burnie </a>ranked equal 11th in terms of family friendliness, sharing the spot with <a href="/news">Mackay </a>in Queensland.

Burnie topped the list as the most affordable city with a median house price of $230,000.

<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-burnie-110671113" target="_blank">A three-bedroom property located on Elizabeth Street</a> offering sea and port views (pictured below) comes with an asking price of $254,000

<img alt="eliz" height="342" src="/images/stories/2013/01/eliz.jpg" width="456">

Almost $400,000 above the median house price, a<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-burnie-110612285" target="_blank"> four-bedroom home located on Lorrie Place, Burnie (pictured below), </a>can be yours from $665,600.

<img alt="lorrie" height="342" src="/images/stories/2013/01/lorrie.jpg" width="456">

The property boasts three bathrooms, a grand foyer, a stacker stone feature wall and offers expansive sea views.

On the expensive end of the spectrum<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-burnie-111660767" target="_blank"> is a five-bedroom home on Ridgley Highway acreage</a> (pictured below) with an asking price of $1,595,000.

<img alt="ridgley" height="342" src="/images/stories/2013/01/ridgley.jpg" width="456">

There's a modern, recently renovated two-bedroom cottage also included on the 146-hectare property.

<table border="1" cellpadding="7" cellspacing="0" dir="ltr" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td height="12" valign="top" width="33%">
			Rank
			</td>
			<td height="12" valign="top" width="33%">
			City (State/Territory)
			</td>
			<td height="12" valign="top" width="33%">
			Average cost of a house
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			1st
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Burnie (TAS)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$230,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			2nd
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			LaTrobe Valley (VIC)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$232,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			3rd
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Albury/Wodonga (NSW)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$267,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Equal 4th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Launceston (TAS)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$280,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Equal 4th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Bundaberg (QLD)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$280,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			6th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Toowoomba (QLD)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$286,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			7th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Ballarat (VIC)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$300,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			8th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Wagga Wagga (NSW)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$305,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			9th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Bendigo (VIC)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$311,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			10th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Rockhampton (QLD)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$320,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Equal 11th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Hobart (TAS)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$330,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Equal 11th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Hervey Bay (QLD)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$330,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			13th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Coffs Harbour (NSW)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$335,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			14th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Bunbury (WA)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$340,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			15th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Cairns (QLD)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$345,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="12" valign="top" width="33%">
			Rank
			</td>
			<td height="12" valign="top" width="33%">
			City (State/Territory)
			</td>
			<td height="12" valign="top" width="33%">
			Average cost of a house
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			16th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Townsville (QLD)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$365,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			17th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Mandurah (WA)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$373,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			18th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Geelong (VIC)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$386,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			19th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Wollongong (NSW)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$397,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			20th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Adelaide (SA)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$405,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			21th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Mackay (QLD)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$420,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			22th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Sunshine Coast (QLD)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$430,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Equal 23rd
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Perth (WA)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$467,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Equal 23rd
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Gold Coast (QLD)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$467,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			25th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Newcastle (NSW)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$474,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			26th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Brisbane (QLD)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$505,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			27th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Melbourne (VIC)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$530,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			28th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Canberra (ACT)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$545,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			29th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Darwin (NT)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$609,000
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			30th
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			Sydney (NSW)
			</td>
			<td height="5" valign="top" width="33%">
			$642,000
			</td>
		</tr>
</tbody></table>
 

The full Suncorp report can be read <a href="https://www.suncorpbank.com.au/sites/default/files/Suncorp_Bank_Family_Friendly_City_Report_FINAL.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Burnie most affordable family-friendly city in Australia: Suncorp

<html><body>
While Australia swelters through its usually hot summer, Property Observer sought out five infinity pools.
They are scattered across Queensland. 
Located on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-jollys+lookout-111164659" target="_blank">Mt Nebo Road Jollys Lookout</a> (pictured below), this home offers 52 acres (21 hectares) of Brisbane hinterland, accompanied with an infinity pool with a separate pavilion housing a sauna, spa and bathroom.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/jollys.jpg" width="470" height="353" alt="jollys">
With five bedrooms and three bathrooms, this property is listed with price hopes above $4 million.
Another home offering spectacular hinterland views is located on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-tallai-111769659" target="_blank">The Panorama Tallai</a> (pictured below).
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/tallai.jpg" width="470" height="353" alt="tallai">
The infinity-edge pool and spa is protected by frameless glass and is accompanied with a waterfall feature and LED lights.
Boasting five bedrooms and seven bathrooms, this 975-square-metre home can be yours from $2,175,000.
In the same suburb, a four-bedroom home on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-tallai-112464627" target="_blank">Eagle Court, Tallai</a>, (pictured below) has a 15-metre resort inspired infinity-edge pool.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/tallai2.jpg" width="470" height="353" alt="tallai2">
Surrounded by patios with a built-in out-door kitchen, this home is designed for year-round entertaining.
The property is currently listed with an asking price between $1.75 million and $1.95 million.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-woodwark-112708503" target="_blank">Located within the premium-gated community of the Botanica Estate, a six-bedroom home on Botanica Drive, Woodwark</a> (pictured below), is situated on the edge of the tropical Coral Sea.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/botanica.jpg" width="470" height="353" alt="botanica">
This infinity pool overlooks the waters of pioneer bay and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Never before lived in – this tropical paradise is being sold fully furnished.
In the foothills of<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mount+samson-112708391" target="_blank"> Mount Samson</a>, the Samson Manor (pictured below) boasts a resort-style infinity pool and outdoor entertaining pavilion.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/samson.jpg" width="470" height="353" alt="samson">
The 9.3-hectare estate has six bedrooms and four bathrooms.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-yeppoon-112627623"></a>
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Cool off with Queensland's hottest infinity pools

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Tasmania's Launceston has beaten Canberra as Australia’s most family-friendly city, according to a Suncorp Bank study.
Suncorp listed the nation’s 30 most family-friendly cities, with the three mainland east coast capitals failing to rate highly.
On worldwide surveys, Melbourne has been ranked as the most livable city in the world two years in a row but was ranked 14th on the Suncorp family-friendly survey.
Sydney was further down the ladder – ranked 23rd – and Brisbane was ranked 24th.
<img alt="top30" src="/images/stories/2013/01/top30.gif" width="470" height="658">
Although <a href="/news">Launceston</a> has a low average income, it trumped the three major cities with its low crime rate, less crowded schools and its lower average cost of housing.
The median house price is $335,000, according to RP Data, and the median unit price is $305,000.
The quiet town of Launceston is rich with historical buildings but there are prices to suit all.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-launceston-112482823" target="_blank">In the middle range, a five-bedroom, two-bathroom home </a>(pictured below) located on Brisbane Street comes with an asking price of $620,000.
<img alt="brisbstreet" src="/images/stories/2013/01/brisbstreet.jpg" width="470" height="353">
Tara built circa 1890 for Richard Gee, who went onto be the 39th mayor of Launceston in 1914.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-launceston-112558683" target="_blank">On the higher end of the scale, a five-bedroom, three-bathroom home </a>(pictured below) on French Street is listed with offers over $1.75 million.
<img alt="frenchst" src="/images/stories/2013/01/frenchst.jpg" width="470" height="353">
Offering views across Launceston City and down to the Tamar River, this home offers a self contained one-bedroom apartment downstairs, accessible from a private entrance or internal lift.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-launceston-112362383" target="_blank">On the cheaper end of the spectrum is a classic cottage on Balfour</a> Street (pictured below) with an asking price of $270,000.
<img alt="balfourst" src="/images/stories/2013/01/balfourst.jpg" width="470" height="353">
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home boasts tin lining, high ceilings and multi-paned windows.
The full Suncorp report can be read <a href="https://www.suncorpbank.com.au/sites/default/files/Suncorp_Bank_Family_Friendly_City_Report_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.
Launceston picture courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a>.
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Launceston smiles as the most family-friendly city in Australia

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Nicola Trotman

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