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The small coastal town Binalong Bay – with a median house price of $318,500 – is Tasmania’s slowest selling suburb with an average of 209 days on the market before a sale.
Coles Bay - the main entrance point to the Freycinet National Park - comes in second place with a median house price of $300,00 and 190 days on the market.
Located on the western side of the Huon River, Glen Huon is third on the list with an average of 187 days on the market and a median house price of $265,000.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Postcode
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Media Price
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Time on market (days)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Binalong Bay</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7216
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$318,500
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
209
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Coles Bay</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7215
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$300,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
190
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Glen Huon</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7109
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$265,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
187
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Huonville</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7109
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$299,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
183
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">St Helens</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7216
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$240,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
182
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Cygnet</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7112
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$255,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
177
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Scamander</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7215
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$280,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
175
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Geeveston</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7116
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$265,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
174
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Rosebery
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7470
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$60,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
169
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Bicheno</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7215
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$267,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
164
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Lenah Valley is Tasmania’s fastest selling suburb with an average of 43 days on the market.
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rpdata.com/">RP Data </a>
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Binalong Bay tops Tasmania's 10 slowest selling suburbs

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Situated in the foothills of Mount Wellington, Lenah Valley – with a median house price of $367,500 – is Tasmania’s quickest selling suburb with an average of 43 days on the market.
 Lying on the ride of Knocklofty, Mount Stuart is second on the list with an average of 46 days on the market and a median house price of $403,750.
Home to the Cascades Female Factory historic site, South Hobart is in third place with an average of 53 days on the market and a median house price of $390,300.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Median Price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Time on market (days)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">Lenah Valley</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7008
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$367,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
43
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">Mount Stuart</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$403,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
46
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">South Hobart</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7004
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$390,300
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
53
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">Moonah</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7009
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$275,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
54
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">Havenview</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7320
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$229,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
58
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">Seven Mile Beach</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7170
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$413,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
62
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">Dynnyrne</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7005
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$415,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
66
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">North Hobart</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7007
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$407,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
67
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">Park Grove</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7320
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$291,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
67
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">Brooklyn</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7320
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$157,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
68
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Bingalong Bay is Tasmania’s slowest selling suburb with an average of 209 days on the market.
Source: <a style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;" href="https://www.rpdata.com/" target="_blank">RP Data</a>
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Lenah Valley tops Tasmania's 10 fastest-selling suburbs

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Holidaymakers in Western Australia can watch Eagle Bay whales cavort while sprawled out on a sundeck at Inspiration on Wedgetail.
Located on 3,264 square metres of property on Wedgetail View Eagle Bay, the residence is surrounded by vineyards, hinterlands and coastland.
With seven bedrooms, a 20-metre indoor/outdoor pool, a 12-person spa and a gym, you can practice relaxation at its finest.
Also included is a two-lane bowling alley, a squash court and a private cinema.
The property is available to rent from December 12 to December 27, with a minimum seven-night stay of $18,000.
Any extra days from Sunday to Thursday will cost you $3,000 a night and $6,000 for a Friday or Saturday night.
It is also available to rent from January 24 onwards.
Inspiration on Wedgetail is currently listed for sale by Andrew Hopkins from Jhy Realty Dunsborough for $10.5 million
It was first listed in June this year.
It last sold in 2007 for $2.3 million.
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Countdown to summer: Inspiration on Wedgetail 

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One of Gold Coast's most exclusive residential offerings – the riverfront Southport mansion Alston – has been listed for sale.
But rather than its past $20 million-plus asking price, the home of bankrupt developer Graham Spottiswood and his wife, Suzanne, has been ordered by Commonwealth Bank-appointed receivers, who have more subdued expectations.
The Gold Coast Bulletin suggests the likely price benchmark was set two doors away, when $9.5 million was paid for the former Quinlivan home at June auction when sold to the semi-retired cotton farmer Ted Hadley.
Alston, an European-style house, will go to auction on January 27 through John Natoli and James Ledgerwood of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-southport-qld-4215/168449" target="_blank">McGrath Broadbeach</a> under instructions by Grant Sparks and Craig Ticehurst of PPB Advisory
The 3,442 square metres of land Alston sits on was bought from split-cycle engine inventor Rick Mayne for $2.35 million in 1998, where a house on the site was demolished to make way for Alston.
Completed in 2010, Alston boats six bedrooms, seven bathrooms and seven fireplaces spaced over 2,225-square metres of floor area.
Also included is a 15-metre indoor heated pool, gymnasium, basement cinema, a bar of five-star hotel quality with a six-metre-long marble bar top and a two-level library with a spiral staircase.
“The second you step into this property it is more than obvious that the quality of design, inclusions and meticulous attention to detail positions this very special home as one of world-class standing,” says Natoli.
Alston is fenced with exclusive mansions of Riverina Marine founder Bill Barry-Cotter to the south and former V8 supercar executive chairman Tony Cochrane to the north.
“This dress circle riverfront address is one of the Gold Coast’s premier enclaves and has been tightly held and rarely available,” says Ledgerwood.
In July 2011 Spottiswood listed Alston without success with $20 million price expectations through Christies International.
In February this year Spottiswood was sill holding out for a buyer happy to splash out more than $20 million for his Southport mansion.
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Southport mansion Alston listed for receivers' sale

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Adelaide’s inner-northern industrial markets continue to be the most popular those business seeking warehouse space, accounting for almost 80% of the more than 200,000 square metres of industrial floor space leased in the first nine months of 2012 in the South Australian capital, according to Colliers International.
Prime net rents in this market currently range between $100 and $145 per square metre and secondary net rents between $65 and $90 per square metre.
Prime inner-northern industrial yields currently range between 7.75% and 8.5%, and secondary market yields between 8.5% and 9.5%
Major leasing deals include Interlloy signing a long-term lease for 1 William Circuit at Pooraka in Februrary. The 4,385-square-metre property had formerly been occupied by Bohler Uddeholm (Bohler Steel), which sold it late last year and July. ACI Glass leased a 32,000-square-metre warehouse at 15-23 Whicker Road, Gillman. 
Australand has secured a pre-commitment to lease a new purpose-built 25,500-square-metre facility after acquiring the Electrolux 84,000-square-metre site at 19 Pope Street, Beverley, in an off-market transaction at the end of 2011. The lease is for 12 years at an estimated net rent of $87 per square metre. The building is expected to be completed next year. 
According to Colliers International, there is around 45,000 square metres of industrial floor space currently under construction within Adelaide's industrial precincts, with expected completion dates ranging from the last quarter of 2012 to through 2013.
The report also reveals that rents are stable and prime market yields have stabilised between 8% to 8.5%.
The pre-lease market has remained active with close to 50,000 square metres pre-leased this year.
Recent pre-lease commitments include Cameron Interstate, Electrolux, Global Pumps Inc., Spotless Group and Australian Independent Glass.
The report reveals that year to date, the total value of Adelaide transactions was estimated to be $180 million, with almost 45% of the transactions occurring in the inner-northern precinct.
Predominant sales activity included the sale of a property at 404-450 Findon Road, Kidman Park, for $35.1 million. The sale price reflects an initial yield of 15.46% and is fully leased to Metcash Trading Limited.
In June, 16-20 Johansson Road, Wingfield, sold for $9.5 million on an initial yield of 11.6%.
A property at 9-13 Caribou Drive, Direk, sold for $9.2 million. The property is leased to Kimberly-Clark and has a market yield of 8.63%.
The report forecasts that Adelaide’s overall industrial performance will continue to climb over the next six months and tenant demand will also increase.
Incentives are forecast to remain stable, as are land values, but yields are forecast to either remain stable or decline.
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Adelaide inner-north industrial market is leasing hotspot: Colliers International

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The number of residential properties listed for sale across Australia increased by 4.9% during the month of November but remain unchanged year-on-year according to SQM Research.
The overall listings totalled 363,436 nationally but there is only the difference of 10 listing when compared to November 2011.
SQM Research says Darwin is showing signs of severe under supply with a decrease of 21.7% in listings compared to this time last year. However, during November the Northern Territory capital city experienced a 3.3% increase in stock, bringing total listings to 1,188.
Perth experienced the highest increase of listings this month with a 10.4% change - bringing the total listings to 18,737 – but dropped 3.5% when compared to November last year.
Sydney experienced a 7.7% increase on last month but is 9.0% lower than last year, with a total of 31,863 listings.
Melbourne has increased by a modest 2,345 listings compared to last month – a total of 5.3% - but isstill down on last year by 0.4%.
Brisbane listings also increased compared to last month by 3.1% - a total of 27,331 – but is down 1.2% on November 2011.
Canberra listings increased by 9.2% compared to last month and 4.4% year-on-year, with listings totaling 4,103.
Hobart also increased significantly by 6.4% to 4,615 listings during the month of November. Hobart experienced the biggest year-on-year change with a 6.6% increase.
“It seems the spring selling season did come late for the property market, with the November results being the first spring month to record a meaningful increase in listings,” says managing director of SQM Research Louis Christopher.
SQM Research predicts closer to Christmas, the level of stock will stagnate or decrease slightly as the property market slows down for the end of the year.
“In line with seasonality, I expect the December and January results to records falls,” says Louis Christopher.
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Residential listings rise 4.9% in November to bloom late in the last month of spring: SQM Research

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If you’re dreaming of cocktails in a swimming pool overlooking the Whitsunday Islands, the Round House on Hamilton Island is the vacation rental for you. 
Perched high on the eastern side of One Tree Hill and overlooking Catseye Bay, the Round House boasts a distinct circular design.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/roundhouse2.jpg">
Designed by Peter Conley and Associates, the Round House offers 12 hours of tropical sunshine “around the house”.
With four bedrooms and five bathrooms, the property can sleep a maximum of eight adults and six children.
Located on Melaleuca Drive, the property has a 12-metre salt-water solar heated infinity pool that wraps itself around the exterior.
Its 3.6-metre-high glass bi-fold doors encase the whole lower floor, and double-storey ceilings offer spacious living. 
The Round House is seemingly only available to rent from January 17 to January 21 within the 2012-2013 summer vacation season.
A minimum of four nights applies at a total of $6,000, or $7,000 for the five-night stay.
During the Audi Hamilton race week in August, a nine night block applies for $14,850.
A separate cottage is available to rent on the property for $300 a night and can accommodate four adults.
The beachfront home also offer two four-seater buggies a means for transport around the tropical island.
Yesterday we featured Kym Illman's beach house <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/countdown-to-summer-kym-illman-s-nautica-at-palm-beach-on-the-gold-coast/2012120958347" target="_blank">Nautica</a>, located at Palm Beach in Queensland.
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Countdown to summer: Round House on Hamilton Island

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Allans Music and Billy Hyde’s Sydney flagship stores will continue trading in their current locations after being leased by Australian Musical Imports.
The three sites are located in the Sydney CBD, Parramatta and Alexandria.
Managing director Peter Karam from Ray White Commercial Parramatta negotiated the deal.
Australian Musical Imports (AMI) successfully purchased the bulk of Allans Music and Billy Hyde’s failed assets earlier this month.
These include the trading names Allans Music and Billy Hyde, Allans Billy Hyde, Australian Music Group, Musiclink and Intermusic.
“AMI confirmed when it successfully purchased Allans Music and Billy Hyde that their flagship stores would continue trading,” says Karam.
The 1,200-square metre outlet at 108 Botany Road Alexandria has been leased for three years with an annual rent of $190,000.
The 1,300-square metre Sydney CBD site at 228 Pitt Street - located in a character building close to The Hilton - secured a five-year lease.
And the 1,500-square metre outlet at 1/197 Church Street Parramatta has been leased for three years.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/receivers-of-music-chain-allans-billy-hyde-to-close-all-27-stores/2012101757234">company collapsed earlier this year</a>, after an injection of capital failed to save the business and investors called in receivers.
Allans Music and Billy Hyde closed a total of 27 stores nationally.
“It’s another positive for these businesses that the new owners have secured new leases from their Sydney premises,” Karam says.
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Allans Music and Billy Hyde's Sydney outlets leased

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Kingsbury, a suburb 12-kilometres north east of the CBD – and with a median house price of $435,000 – is Victoria’s fastest selling suburb with an average of 30 days on the market.
Then the home to the world famous Melbourne Cup, Flemington comes in a close second with an average of 31 days on the market and a median house price of $640,000.
Third place is a draw between Croydon South and Tullamarine with an average of 33 days on the market.
Croydon South - 30 kilometres east of the CBD - has a median house price of $435,500
With hundreds of planes coming and going everyday at Victoria's main airport, Tullamarine has a median house price of $387,500, in fourth fatest selling location.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Postcode
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Media Price
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Time on Market (days)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Kingsbury</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3083
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$435,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
30
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a href="/news">Flemington</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3031
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$640,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
31
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Croydon South</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3136
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$435,500
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
33
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Tullamarine</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3043
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$387,500
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
33
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a href="/news">Caulfield North</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3161
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$1,264,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
35
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Croydon Hills</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3136
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$530,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
36
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Meredith</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3333
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$230,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
39
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Wantirna South</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3152
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$530,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
41
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Bayswater</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3153
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$419,975
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
44
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Malvern East</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3145
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$994,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
45
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A three-bedroom house at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-kingsbury-110806983">50 Flag Street Kingsbury</a> was first listed for sale on June 19 2012.
It snappily sold 16 days later for $411,000 on July 4.
A property located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-kingsbury-111543879">10 Club Avenue Kingsbury</a> was first listed for sale on September 10 2012.
The listing ended on October 31 – a total of 52 days on the market - after securing a $400,000 sale.
And a property at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-kingsbury-110745021">105 Fairway Kingsbury</a> sold after 35 days on the market.
It was first listed on June 10 2012 and secured a $402,000 sale on July 14.
However, located in Victoria's high country, Mount Beauty – with a median house price of $155,000 – is Victoria’s slowest selling suburb with a whopping average of 232 days on the market
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rpdata.com/">RPData</a>
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Kingsbury top Victoria's 10 fastest selling suburbs: RP Data

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An Avalon property has been listed for sale with price expectations over $2.8 million.
Designed by architect Laurence Eastwood following his $90,000 land purchase in 1983, the still strikingly modern home, which almost appears suspended over the Pittwater bushland, it features a suspended fireplace in the open-plan living and dining room.
Located at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-avalon-112119855">38 Chisholm Avenue,</a> the four-bedroom, four-bathroom home offers twin views over Pittwater and the ocean.
Eastwood, who worked on the design in a number of films, including Crocodile Dundee 2, has his own architecturally designed home located on the western foreshores of Pittwater.
The <a target="_blank" href="/news">Avalon </a>house has a wine cellar, a home cinema, and an infinity-edge pool.
Located on 1,909 square metres, the property last sold in 2009 for $1,542,500 and before that in 2007 for $1,525,000.
Bill James from LJ Hooker Avalon has listed the listing.
It was around 2007 when Eastwood returned to architecture after a career designing for theatre, film and television.
Eastwood had studied architecture in London before taking up theatre design and production, migrating to Australia in 1970 where he joined John Bell, Ken Horler and Richard Wherrett in the formation of the Nimrod Theatre Company.
He later worked at Belvoir Theatre and the Sydney Theatre Company before then moving into the world of film and television.

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Laurence Eastwood-designed Avalon house listed for $2.8 million sale

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."

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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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