<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

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

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

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

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

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

Nicola Trotman

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