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Record low interest rates and rising demand from investors could further compress yields in Brisbane’s industrial market, according to an analysis by commercial real estate firm CBRE.
The firm’s 2016 Q1 Industrial MarketView highlights improving conditions in Brisbane’s industrial market, with the decline in business investment tapering off and production levels forecast at 5.7 percent in 2016. 
Brisbane’s industrial sector continued to witness strong levels of transaction activity,  said Ed Bull, CBRE’s senior director, Queensland Industrial &amp; Logistics.
“The sheer weight of capital looking to enter the market, coupled with the favourable interest rate environment, will fuel demand for core assets backed by secure, national covenants,” Bull said. 
“In light of this, we’re likely to see some yield compression for the right type of assets.” 
Residential construction remains a strong driver of Brisbane’s industrial market, with dwelling approvals over the past 12 months growing by 15.6 percent, while container trade out of the Port of Brisbane also increasing 3.5 percent in 2015. 
In the first three months of 2016, yields for super prime industrial assets in Brisbane remained around 6.50 percent, while prime yields still sit at 7.43 percent and secondary yields at 8.73 percent, said the report.
The rental rates for Brisbane industrial property remained steady over the quarter, with super prime at $116 per square metre, prime at $114 per square metre and secondary at $93 per square metre.
CBRE senior research manager Kate Bailey said the supply pipeline would support continued value growth in the market. 
“Following two years of significant new industrial supply, the pipeline for 2016 is considerably lower – reducing the risk of oversupply and supporting rental growth in the medium term,” Bailey said.
In Melbourne and Brisbane, a respective decrease in supply of 55 percent and 11 percent is forecast, while in the undersupplied Sydney market, 765,000 sqm is due for completion in 2016.
“This reduction in total supply entering the market is expected to encourage rent growth as demand begins to be supported by an improved industrial economy,” Bailey added. 
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Low interest rates, investor demand compressing yields in Brisbane's industrial market: CBRE 

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A retail and potential residential/commercial property at Port Melbourne on Melbourne’s bayside fringe is up for auction on June 24 through Teska Carson with expectations of more than $1 million.
The 149 Bay Street property comprises a two-level, 300 square metre, solid brick building with ground floor retail and further improvements which are currently vacant and accessed via a side walkway and/or rear lane. 
The 136 square metre site is zoned Commercial 1.
According to marketing agents, Teska Carson’s Matthew Feld and Michael Ludski, the rear and first floor space allow for conversion to residential or further commercial use subject to council approval.
Feld said the property presented purchasers with the opportunity to invest in a retail asset with significant upside.
Ludski said the property would be sold subject to a lease to Tony Codespoti – Barber Shop at $27,000 per annum.
“The area has seen extensive residential and commercial development in recent times, driven by Melbourne’s strong population growth, and property owners in the area have been the beneficiaries,’’ Ludski said.
The site is closed to Melbourne’s CBD and public transport.
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Retail site with development potential up for auction in Port Melbourne 

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Melbourne-based Piccolo Developments has purchased a quarter acre site in Fitzroy from not-for-profit Australian Volunteers International for $7.8 million.
The 71-75 Argyle Street property comprises an office building and car parking on a 1,059 square metre corner site.
It sold well above the expectations of $6 million plus at a rate of $7,635 per square metre, according to selling agents Nick Peden, Clinton Baxter and James Lockwood of Savills Australia.
Peden said they received more than 130 enquiries from local and off-shore developers and investors. 
"We had a huge amount of interest, given the location as arguably one of the best precincts for multi-unit development in Melbourne, and that interest was reflected in what was one of the best land rates of any recent comparable sale,’’ Peden said.
He said Fitzroy, and particularly the Brunswick Street precinct, was one of the popular dining, entertainment and fashion precincts in inner Melbourne.   
The property is close to the CBD and has good access to public transport. It has frontage to Argyle and Fitzroy streets.
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Melbourne developer Piccolo buys Fitzroy site for $7.8 million

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Commercial properties in NSW’s Port Macquarie are attracting self-managed super funds (SMSF) because of the Mid North Coast’s affordability and healthy yields.
“It’s a bit like Sydney in towns such as Port Macquarie, with SMSFs driving the sales of quality investment assets,” said Graeme Garrett, co-principal of Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Port Macquarie. 
SMSFs leasing a commercial property back to a related business is becoming a common trend in the sub-$500,000 market in Port Macquarie, added Garrett.
Several small business owners too are buying properties through SMSFs and then leasing them back to the business, which the current superannuation laws allow, he said.
In many cases, professionals such as accountants, lawyers, engineers, architects and real estate agents are buying commercial properties through a related DIY fund. Properties around the range $400,000-$500,000 are in particularly in demand.
“The trouble is that there’s a shortage of industrial stock in this price range to meet demand,” said Garrett.
Investors operating outside a super fund are also active in the Port Macquarie market because of the low interest rates and the fact that commercial properties are viewed as an investment safe haven, he added.
“Sydney investors seeking solid yields are also starting to make their presence felt in Port Macquarie.”
Yields for industrial stock priced below $500,000 range from 8%, while it’s 6.75-7% for retail and 8% for office space, according to Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Port Macquarie. 
“We auctioned a retail property to a Sydney investor, who purchased it through a self-managed super fund, and who intends on retiring to Port Macquarie down the track,” said Garrett. The property located at 5/56 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie sold under the hammer for $622,500.
Garrett said members of SMSFs would be best served considering a commercial asset that will appeal to future tenants.
“If you occupy it yourself now and then retire, you need to consider what appeal that property will have to future tenants and whether it will be easily let out if it’s part of your future retirement plans.
“Our proximity to Sydney and Newcastle is attracting investors from those cities through a combination of our healthy yields and commercial real estate affordability. 
“When you can buy two or three assets in Port Macquarie for the equivalent of a single-tenant property in Sydney, investors see this as value.”
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DIY super funds driving Port Macquarie commercial markets: Raine & Horne

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The Queensland city of Mackay is approaching the bottom of the market for houses while remaining in decline for units, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's recent property clock.
Mackay was at the same stages in the April clock as well, which looked at its fringe suburbs.
There are quite a number of fringe suburbs and rural townships scattered in most directions from Mackay. These fringe areas all received good solid market gains through the period 2010 to 2013 on the back of a very strong Mackay residential market. The main attraction was affordability, with a lot more bang for your buck in these areas. Towns such as Sarina and its surrounding beach towns to the south and Marian and Mirani in the Pioneer Valley were good performers as the market moved out of Mackay. 
However, since 2014, the Mackay market has fallen significantly on the back of a weakened resource sector and the heavy reliance the Mackay residential market has on the mining industry. The market in Mackay generally has fallen between 20% and 30% with weakening demand for both sale and rental properties and rising vacancy rates. While this downturn has seen values fall, it has presented some great buying opportunities in terms of value levels not seen in Mackay for more than 10 years. 
This fall in property values in Mackay has had a huge influence on sale numbers and values in the fringe areas. The big wave that rode out of Mackay in the boom times has definitely receded. The relative affordability now experienced in Mackay has meant these fringe areas had to reposition price points to compete. Towns such as Marian and Sarina have seen significant price falls sometimes greater in percentage terms than seen in Mackay City. 
Property Observer looked up a few recent property sales in some of the fringe suburbs of Mackay such as Sarina and Marian, from www.realestate.com.au:
The median price of houses in Sarina is $299,600, according to CoreLogic RP Data. There was no recent data for units.
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The four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sarina-121472326" target="_blank">95 West Street Sarina Qld 4737</a> last traded at $292,000.
<img src="/images/2016/06/09/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-09%20at%208.25.21%20AM.png" alt=""> 
The median house price in Marian was $420,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data. There was no recent data for units.
A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-marian-122061830" target="_blank">25 West Street Marian Qld 4753</a> traded for $386,000. 
 <img src="/images/2016/06/09/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-09%20at%208.31.33%20AM.png" alt="" width="550" height="349">
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Resources boom over, fringes around Queensland's Mackay seeing price falls: HTW

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Rents drive values in the retail sector, valuers Herron Todd White has noted.
"If your investment remains vacant, or is tied up under an unrealistic lease, the value of the asset is under threat.
"Understanding what’s driving rents, and where your holding sits within this market, becomes imperative to ensuring you’ve got your portfolio heading in the right direction.
NSW has two regions -- Central Coast and South East NSW -- that are at the peak of market in valuation firm Herron Todd White's retail clock for last month, May -- a simple broad means of suggesting where property prices are and which direction they are headed. 
<a href="/images/2016/06/08/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-08%20at%2012.48.53%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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The report give a location-by-location analysis of rental markets, as well as some predictions on where they’re set to head.
Sydney
The retail market in Sydney has been strong over the past 12 months with increased demand from investors, increases in rental rates and lower vacancy rates.
Generally rents look likely to remain stable this year with evidence that increases in prime locations are probable.
The Sydney CBD continues to experience strong demand from local and international fashion retailers. The lack of available space has resulted in some rental growth. Smaller retail premises such as those suitable for cafes are also in demand, with rental rates showing signs of upward pressure. Recent examples indicate some small retail shops are now paying over $4,000 per square metre gross. Average rates tend to sit around $2,000 per square metre for conventional space. The demand is in part driven by increased tourism due to the low Australian dollar. Tourism generally increases demand for prime retail space.
Suburban strips have undergone a revival to some extent with increased demand driving up rental rates, particularly in areas renowned for food and beverage outlets, cafes and restaurants. Some pockets of fashion remain popular in suburban areas although retailers generally favour shopping centres. Suburban rental rates along prime strips such as Newtown, Balmain and Surry Hills are generally above $1,000 per square metre gross for well positioned, well exposed retail premises.
Discounting or decline of retail rental rates seems to be restricted to suburban strata lots. The increase in mixed use development across the Sydney metro area has increased supply. Rates here are typically negotiated on a weekly basis with incentives used to attract tenants.
The outlook for retail rental rates is positive with 2016 looking to be a year of further growth in rental values, particularly among prime locations where supply is limited.
Overall, the retail market in Sydney looks set to continue its pattern of growth for the rest of year. Demand continues, supply is limited and with low interest rates, investors are keen to secure properties with strong lease covenants. All these factors are likely to contribute to another steady year for the retail sector. 
Illawarra
Rents within the local retail property market continue to remain flat with little upward pressure due to the amount of supply and an evolving industry that continues to be impacted by online retailing and rapidly changing consumer demands.
In the Wollongong CBD, demand is mostly from local food and beverage retailers with the emergence of numerous cafes, small bars and restaurants over the years as part of a push by Wollongong City Council to activate the CBD and encourage the evening and night time economy. The number of residential unit developments taking place in the CBD should improve trading conditions for these retailers once these projects are completed. Crown Street Mall is yet to fully recover from the opening of GPT’s West Keira shopping centre and refurbishment works with a medium level of vacancies and softening rents. This precinct has seen a number of service and commercial businesses take space replacing traditional clothing and fashion retailers.
The variation in rents between prime and secondary retail tenancies remains high and this is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. Incentives remain common (10% to 20%) and letting up periods (three months to 12 months) have remained relatively consistent. In broader terms, market conditions are still skewed in favour of tenants.
Newcastle
Retail rents in the inner city of Newcastle are hot in a few localities around the city. The Boardwalk within the Honeysuckle precinct remains the most highly sought after retail precinct and consequently, the rental rates are the highest in the city on average on a rate per square metre basis. The older, more established eat street precincts along Darby Street, Cooks Hill and Beaumont Street, Hamilton are slightly secondary to Honeysuckle and while still very popular and with very low levels of vacancy, rental rates are lower on average than The Boardwalk. We should note that the Hunter Street Mall continues to reflect poor market fundamentals and high vacancy rates. Rental rates along this strip are low and have been falling for many years, though the decline in rents has slowed in recent years.
Suburban retail precincts that are secondary to these three primary retail localities obviously will show lower rental figures. There are a number of factors at play here, including local trade and demographic features and proximity to schools and regional shopping centres.
A strong secondary retail trade area is the Warners Bay precinct along The Esplanade which is adjacent to Lake Macquarie.
Our research indicates a nominal discount of 25% to 30% in the Lakeside Warners Bay retail precinct from the prime retail harbour side Honeysuckle precinct. This discount is considered typical in the market place for a strong secondary retail precinct. These rental rates are far stronger than say the Hunter Street Mall in the CBD for example.
Generally retail rents have been stagnant or even declining in secondary retail localities, while the prime spots are showing moderate rental growth due primarily to consistently low vacancy rates. This trend is expected to continue in the short term. 
NSW North Coast
Anecdotal evidence is that the retail sector remains in a state of flux with reduced sales and strong competition between retailers within market segments. The broader market is inconsistent with premium locations being well held with limited vacancies and static rents. Secondary locations are harder to lease with downward pressure on rents and lease incentives prevalent.
Ballina
Ballina CBD has experienced falls in retail rents from previous levels of $275 to $350 per square metre. Some recent leases have resulted in rents in the vicinity of $190 to $275 per square metre.
Lismore
Prime retail locations of Lismore previously would have achieved $290 to $350 per square metre. More recent evidence indicates $240 to $325 per square metre.
An example of this is 146 Molesworth Street, Lismore which was leased for $287 per square metre in 2010 and achieved $241 per square metre in 2015.
In secondary locations in Lismore, the fall has been less dramatic with rents expected to range from $90 to $175 per square metre.
Byron Bay
The exception to these broader observations is Byron Bay. Agents are reporting strong market interest from potential tenants with limited supply and upward pressure on rents. Agents are even reporting key money being paid to secure superior retail locations. At times this comes in the form of buying an existing business to secure the site. Byron Bay retail rents tend to be within the vicinity of $1,000 to $1,500 per square metre in premium locations, $700 to $1,000 per square metre for good locations and $400 to $600 per square metre for secondary locations. 
 
 
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NSW prime retail sites to grow, tough for rest in 2016: HTW retail clock

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Victoria's regional city of Mildura sits in fifth position on CoreLogic RP Data's latest list for median gross yields with a gross yield at 6.4 percent.
Its yield sits considerably higher than the national average of 4.63 percent.
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Property Observer profiles Mildura from a rental perspective.
The median sale price of a unit in Mildura was $175,000 compared with a national average of $438,000, over the last 12 months, according to the data. 
The median price change over one year was 6.30 percent, beating the national average of 2.1 percent handsomely.
Median rent for units was $215 pw against a national average of $390.
Property Observer looked up a few units around the median range available for renting around the median for Mildura on www.realestate.com.au.
1. A two-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-mildura-418489190" target="_blank">4/209 Ninth St Mildura Vic 3500</a> is asking for $230 per week. No information was available on its last traded price on RP Data.
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2. A two-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-mildura-418474494" target="_blank">3/276 Ninth Street Mildura Vic 3500</a> is up for rent at $200 per week. The house was recently bought for $136,000, the sale date being 27 April 2016.
<img src="/images/2016/06/03/main-1.jpg" alt="">
3. A two-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-mildura-418397754">3/223 Walnut Avenue Mildura Vic 3500</a> is available for $230 per week. No data was available on its last traded price on RP Data.
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Mildura at fifth on Victoria's top suburbs for yields on units

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The city of Gladstone in Queensland was approaching the bottom of market cycle for houses for both April and May but it was one notch better for units, being at the declining market stage, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's latest property clock.
The property clock is a simple broad brush means of suggesting where property prices are and what direction they are headed. 
Calliope is considered a fringe residential suburb in the current market, being located on the Bruce Highway, approximately 20 minutes from Gladstone. During the boom, Calliope expanded rapidly to help ease the accommodation demands on Gladstone. Unfortunately, as with Gladstone, development continued well past the peak of the market and supply in Calliope now heavily outweighs demand. Vacancy rates are high and this has forced rental and capital values down.
Most of the oversupply is of modern housing in new estates and there are also significant vacant land stocks available. New infrastructure is planned for the location with the local shopping centre undergoing an expansion to double the size of the IGA and provide more specialty stores. A new tavern is also planned. While this infrastructure will be good for the township, it is unlikely to curb the downward trend of values in the area. 
The median price of houses in Calliope was $377,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data. Property Observer looked up a few recent sales in the area on www.realestate.com.au:
1. A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-calliope-121201866" target="_blank">4 Elliot Drive Calliope Qld 4680</a> sold for $369,000.
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2. A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-calliope-121839802" target="_blank">14 Trudy Avenue, Calliope, Qld 4680</a> sold for $335,000.
 
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Oversupply hurting property values in fringes of Queensland's Gladstone: HTW

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Queensland's Rockhampton has stayed at the approaching the bottom of market cycle for several months now, according to Herron Todd White's property clock -- a simple broad brush means of suggesting where property prices are and the direction they're headed in.
Its April report discusses fringe suburbs. 
Fringe suburbs within the Rockhampton region would include Gracemere to the south, Parkhurst to the north and Lakes Creek to the east. These areas are typically much more affordable largely due to the cheaper parcels of land on offer. For example a spacious brand new four-bedroom, two-bathroom brick home in Gracemere can be anywhere from $100,000 to $150,000 cheaper then Norman Gardens yet can potentially provide the same level of accommodation and comfort, with location and distance to the CBD being the key factor in value.
Rental values are also significantly cheaper in these fringe locations, in some cases up to 40 percent cheaper for similar quality homes. Future prospects see the north and eastern sides of Rockhampton as potential areas for investment, however, Gracemere appears to have an oversupply issue which makes current prices appear good buying, however it must be said that a recovery in this particular market appears to be some time in the making. 
Property Observer looked up a few recent sales in some of the fringe suburbs of Rockhampton.
The median house price in Gracemere was $329,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data. There was no recent data for units. 
A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-gracemere-120863057" target="_blank">3 Koolamarra Drive Gracemere Qld 4702</a> sold for $325,000.
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In Parkhurst, the median house price was $355,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data. No data was available for units.
A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-parkhurst-119948709" target="_blank">38 Bean Avenue Parkhurst Qld 4702</a> exchanged hands at the median price.
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Queensland's Rockhampton fringes are affordable, but market recovery may take long: HTW

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Queensland's Whitsundays property market was at the start of recovery cycle for houses while it was approaching the bottom of the market for units, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's latest property clock.
It occupied the same position in April too, which also covered the fringe areas of Whitsundays.
Whitsundays has a few fringe suburbs and rural townships scattered mostly to the south and west of Whitsundays. The properties in these areas are small residential lifestyle and these continue to show a stable market.
However to the south, the areas of Midge Point and Bloomsbury are showing a downturn in the market and seem to be more affected by the Mackay market as when times were good, people where looking for their beach hut or fishing weekender and most buyers were from Mackay.
Now that the market in Mackay has had a large downturn and with the continuation of job losses there, fewer buyers are heading into this area. Laguna Quays was once a thriving golf course resort with unit and townhouse style accommodation.
"Since the golf course and all the amenities were closed, parts of the complex are now extremely run down with the exception of the units which the body corporate ensures are presented in a good condition," it noted.
These are currently selling at a fraction of the price they once were, however, maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel for this area as there is a new owner so we will wait with interest to see any resulting changes. 
Property Observer went looking for recent sales in the fringe areas of Whitsundays and found two recent ones in Midge Point. There was no recent data for median sales for Midge Point on CoreLogic RP Data.
A three-bedroom holiday home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-midge+point-120079325">8 Peters Avenue Midge Point Qld 4799</a> traded for $245,500.
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A one-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-qld-midge+point-118427623">33 Nielsen Pde. Midge Point Qld 4799</a> sold for $270,000, according to RP Data.
 
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Fringes of Queensland's Whitsundays impacted by Mackay, in downturn: HTW

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

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The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

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The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

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Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

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“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

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Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

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Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Prateek Chatterjee

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