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A prime site in Melbourne's Box Hill site has sold under the hammer to a local investor for $3.15 million through Fitzroys.
The 607 Station Street property is zoned Commercial 1 and has a part-single and two-storey building with an area of 190 sqm.
The sale reflected a tight 3.6 percent yield.
The auction was handled by Fitzroys agents David Bourke, Martin Huang and Terence Yeh.
“This was one of the first retail investment marketing campaigns for 2016 and the result bodes well for retail investments with strong fundamentals,” Bourke said.
Bourke said there was demand from local and offshore buyers throughout the campaign, with a local investor eventually winning out.
The property was sold with a five-year lease with two further options of five years to the eatery China Bar, currently returning $117,945 per annum plus GST and outgoings.
Yeh said the property’s viability was further underpinned by its location adjacent to Box Hill Central Shopping Centre and Railway Station.
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Melbourne's Box Hill site fetches $3.15 million at auction

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Newcastle occupies the peak of market position on Herron Todd White's latest residential property clock and staying ahead of the gentrification curve can prove profitable to investors, according to the valuation firm.
Newcastle’s persona in recent times has moved from a blue collar, working class port city to a trendy, beach-loving metropolis flourishing with bars, cafes and hip warehouse conversions. 
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Newcastle is witnessing a period of substantial demographic and economic change as economic reliance is diversifying away from coal exports and moving into other economic drivers such as small business, education and professional services. With this change, the social fabric of Newcastle is seeking inner city, stylish living and services as offered in larger capital cities. 
Gentrification is on show in the once industrial parts of Newcastle. Suburbs such as Mayfield, Islington, Wickham, Carrington, Tighes Hill and Maryville are leading this revitalisation. All suburbs are within arm’s reach of Newcastle’s CBD and foreshore, while Newcastle’s world class beaches are not far away. 
Of the residential property under development, apartment living is driving much of the demand
as old industrial sites are reclaimed for trendy 1- to 3-bedroom apartments suitable for today’s working professional. Current anecdotal evidence shows that these are selling quickly. 
Subsequently Newcastle is currently in the midst of an apartment building boom with large numbers of apartments due for completion throughout 2016 to 2017. What prices do over the next 12 months will largely be determined by supply and demand forces. 
With a population of approximately 160,000, Newcastle will continue to witness gentrification first hand and leverage off its Sydney big brother’s appetite for city-based apartment living. After all, Newcastle is only a two-and-a-half hour train ride from Sydney and perfect for those keen to avoid Sydney’s higher living costs, but who still yearn for that trendy skinny latte and swanky city-based lifestyle.
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As an example, a beachside one-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-newcastle-121630738">503/67 Watt Street Newcastle NSW 2300</a> with harbour views was sold for $445,000 by Raine &amp; Horne recently.
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Newcastle in midst of apartment boom as gentrification continues: HTW property clock

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Townsville in the north-eastern coast of Queensland was at the bottom of the market in Herron Todd White’s latest property clock, a simple broad brush means to indicate where property prices are and where they are going.
The HTW report also discusses gentrification in the area, which can help investors stay curve can prove profitable to property investors, say HTW.
Traditionally, the suburbs of Oonoonba and Garbutt bring images of older style timber-framed homes on traditional lots generally of a modest to average quality. 
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In 2012, a new infill land estate known as The Village commenced development in Oonoonba with another new infill land estate known as Haven recently commencing construction in Garbutt. 
While these developments are not gentrification in its purest form, they are changing the landscape of these suburbs.
Both these estates are within four kilometres of the CBD, making them locationally desirable and have a high concentration of small lot sizes. Due to the higher density of these estates, construction includes a mix of single and double-storey masonry block homes. Within The Village there have also been some small complex unit developments. 
The appeal of these developments is very much price point driven with entry in the high $200,000s to low $300,000s. The major benefit of this style of development is the ability to have a unit-sized home on a small low maintenance allotment close to the City and The Strand without the costs associated with body corporate fees. 
Predominantly small lot, higher density land estates are a relatively new concept in the Townsville marketplace and how these estates present in the long term is yet to be tested.
The median unit price at the end of 2015 was $434,000, according to RP Data. There was no matching data for houses.
<img src="/images/2016/03/29/main.jpg" alt="">
As an illustration, a three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-townsville+city-121323246">41/51 Stanley Street Townsville City</a> sold for $349,000 recently.
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Queensland's Townsville appeal lies in entry price point of new developments: HTW 

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A portfolio of commercial properties in Melbourne belonging to renowned architect Walter Pollock, a World War II survivor, are being offered for sale through a series of Fitzroys auctions.
The on-site auctions are as follows:
182-188 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne on May 5
- 341-345 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne (443 above) on May 6
- 59-61 Park Street, South Melbourne on May 12
The listing agents are James Gregson and Michael Ryan. 
The 182-188 Clarendon Street site is spread over nearly 420 sqm, features three street frontages and a 300 sqm retail freehold. It is being offered with significant short-term income. The Commercial 1-zoned property offers the potential to occupy, invest or development subject to councils approval (STCA).
“The site has a potential height limit of six stories or 23.5 metres with no set-backs, or up to 19.5 metres over circa five levels,” said Gregson.
The following day will see the corner site 341-345 Queensberry Street go under the hammer. On a land area of 370 sqm, it has three street frontages with improvements comprising a two-level freehold. 
“Offered with significant short-term income, the property is zoned Capital City and has excellent development upside (STCA) with a 40-metre height limit circa 13 levels, and located close to the University precinct,” Gregson said.
The 59-61 Park Street site is a 246 sqm corner retail/showroom investment on the corner of major arterial Kings Way and will be offered the following week.
It is on a lease term of three plus three years and returns $103,415 plus GST and outgoings, with potential for additional signage income (STCA).
Ryan said the property is zoned mixed use and has significant development upside (STCA), with an estimated 100,000-plus vehicles passing daily.
“The entire portfolio represents an ultra-rare opportunity to become part of Australia’s property and architecture history,” said Ryan.
Pollock was a revolutionary figure in Australia’s architecture industry throughout the 20th century. Born in Austria, Pollock and his brother were separated from their parents during World War II. Whilst en route to Canada, via ship, the vessel was struck by an enemy torpedo. Despite over 1,000 people drowning in the incident, Pollock survived and would eventually find himself in Australia in 1940.
In his final year as a student at Melbourne University he was chosen to join the nation’s architectural elite and collaborate on the design of Canberra’s Australian National University. Over time it would be two residential projects for his own family that would emerge as his best-known work, including his own hard-edged modernist family home at 193 Hawdon Street, Heidelberg and a decade later another for their own residence, at 1a Grong Grong Court. 
As his reputation for unique and ultra modern designs grew, Pollock’s clients, and subsequently his social circle, began to include industry and government elites and included the acting Prime Minister of Australia, the Governor General and government ministers. Later in life, Pollock turned his attention to environmental projects that led him to overseeing several large development projects in the Philippines. By the mid 1990s he was devoting much of his time to his hobbies, including designing and making jewellery.
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Architect Walter Pollock's commercial portfolio to go under the hammer

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Illawarra in NSW has seen reasonable growth in the past 12 to 18 months in all sectors and there is a sense in the market that it will continue, particularly in the below $600,000 section of the market, according to recent sales and agents’ advice, say Herron Todd White in their March property clock.
Affordable housing has had a blip from the lows of late 2011 to 2012 but there are few suburbs in the general Illawarra area where it is possible to get something in the sub $400,000 range.
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In the south, across the Shellharbour LGA there are some older houses under $450,000 but these are getting harder to come by as well. This is a big change from three years back when properties could be purchased for under $300,000. The postcode to look for here is 2529.
As usual it is always the lower end of the market that moves first and sees the better percentage increase in value. Never forget the low end of a market in the better located suburbs. You will generally be a clear winner when the whole market moves.
The mid range has remained strong during the past year and the $700,000 to $850,000 range has a bit more strength, depending on the suburb of course. This is the second home buyer’s sector and those who bought four years ago have seen some genuine increases, particularly around the northern beaches. Suburbs such as Figtree, Keiraville, Balgownie, Fairy Meadow, Corrimal, Woonona and Towradgi have experienced some good growth in values in this time. The postcode to look for here is 2519.
Above $900,000, the depth of buyers drops off, but there is still reasonable activity and some good strength. Over $1 million there are some good sales but it is generally thinly traded and tending to be harder to find bargains. The major influences in this sector are interstate investors and Sydney buyers looking for an upmarket house close to the beach but within commuting distance of Sydney. Bulli, Thirroul, Austinmer, Coledale and Stanwell Park are all attractive to this buyer sector.
Kiama and Minnamurra are also included in the southern parts of the region, with a good deal of holiday house buying pushing the market.
Let’s look at some of the good long term growth sectors in the Illawarra market.
In our view this lies in the lower ranges, affordable ($600,000 to 700,000) in a desirable location i.e. north or close to Wollongong CBD.
For units, we see CBD units close to the beach, university or hospital in the range of $350,000 to $450,000 as being a good bet for the future.
What offers the average buyer the best chance of growth over the medium term?
Pick up an older home in a good location....(close to Wollongong, Shellharbour or the beach) where the majority of the value is in the land... worst house in the best street etc. Don’t go for the new project home in a fringe location - remember that only the land increases over time, not the improvements – a tried and true adage in real estate. Forget about having all the mod cons when buying your first house – buy a shack on the best land you can. It will serve you well in the long term. Remember the 60/40 rule.
If someone called our office looking to spend a reasonable amount of money but didn’t want to sit on the property forever, we would direct them to inner suburbs close to employment centres, whether Wollongong, Shellharbour or Kiama LGAs.
The average buyer profile in this sector is mixed and includes investors and first home buyers, but increasingly we see small builders and amateur developers invading the market. 
Overall, the Illawarra property market has remained quite buoyant especially in the low and mid ranges, with the prestige markets tapering off. The outlook for the Illawarra property market appears to be in a steady but not spectacular growth mode. If interest rates rise there will be some fallout and values may ease. 
As an illustration, Property Observer found two examples of recent sales in the region:
 
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1. A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-berry-121385030" target="_blank">4 Womack Close Berry NSW 2535</a> (above) sold for $710,000 recently.
<img src="/images/2016/03/23/main-3.jpg" alt="" width="677" height="508">
2. A two-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-fairy+meadow-121939174" target="_blank">3/138 Carters Lane Fairy Meadow NSW 2519</a> sold recently for $345,000.
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Illawarra likely to see growth in below $600,000 properties: HTW

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Australia climbed to number four while New Zealand was at second place in the latest global house price index for the last quarter of 2015 compiled by property consultancy Knight Frank, even as global outlook for 2016 remained muted in contrast to the previous year. 
The Global House Price Index monitors and compares the performance – rate of capital growth – of mainstream residential markets in 55 countries. The index rose by 3% in 2015, up from 2.3% in 2014. Concerns over the global economy in 2015 failed to dent buyer confidence; instead the lingering low interest rate environment influenced sentiment, it said.
The index, established in 2006, is compiled on a quarterly basis using official government statistics or central bank data where available. The index’s overall performance is weighted by GDP on a Purchasing Power Parity basis and the latest quarter’s data is provisional pending the release of all the countries’ results.
It allows investors and developers to monitor and compare the performance of mainstream residential markets around the world.
Australasia was the strongest-performing global region in 2015 at 12.4%, buoyed by the strong performance of New Zealand and Australia, both of which saw annual price growth in excess of 10%, said Knight Frank’s director, Residential Research, Australia, Michelle Ciesielski.
“Australia was ranked number four on the Global House Price Index for the fourth quarter of 2015, up from seventh in the previous quarter, with an annual growth rate of 10.7%. Turkey led the Global House Price Index, with growth of 18.4%," said Ciesielski.
“New Zealand followed directly behind Turkey, with an annual price growth of 14.2% as of the fourth quarter of 2015, bringing it to second place from third in the previous quarter."
“Housing affordability, or the lack of it, is rising up policymakers’ agendas worldwide. According to the latest data from the OECD, which measures house prices against incomes for 24 of its 34 members, Belgium, New Zealand and Canada are currently the world’s least affordable markets, whilst home ownership is most accessible in South Korea and Japan."
Australia is ranked at four among the least affordable, at 29% over-valued relative to the long-term average held, according to the OECD. 
“Our global outlook for 2016 is muted. We expect the index’s overall rate of growth to be weaker in 2016 than in 2015. The global economy is experiencing a potentially dangerous cocktail of low oil prices, a strong dollar and a continued slowdown in China,” said Kate Everett-Allen, partner, International Residential Research, Knight Frank.
Results for Q4 2015
* Forty-three of the 55 housing markets tracked in our Global House Price Index saw prices rise, up from 10 countries in the aftermath of the Lehman’s collapse in September 2008 (please see Figure 1 which compares the shift in global house prices starting from Q2 2008, the latest global house price index available at the time of Lehman’s collapse).
<a href="/images/2016/03/23/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-23%20at%209.34.53%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge.</a>
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* Turkey leads the rankings with prices rising 18% during 2015. Increasingly viewed as a safe haven for Middle Eastern investors, Turkey is bridging East and West whilst also seeing strong population growth.
* Belgium and New Zealand are the least affordable countries when house prices are compared to incomes.
* Ukraine and Greece were the weakest housing markets in 2015, recording price falls of 12% and 5% respectively.
“2015 saw Asian mainstream residential markets record only 1.9% annual price growth, lower than the global average of 3%. While a number of markets experienced positive growth, Taiwan and Singapore, which have seen negative growth for a number of quarters, were joined by Hong Kong this quarter, which saw its residential market decline by 3.7% in Q4 2015," said Nicholas Holt, head of Research for Asia Pacific.
“While long-term growth prospects remain positive, the continued economic uncertainty in the region is likely to weigh on housing market sentiment in the near term.”
Added Everett-Allen, “Although house prices in Hong Kong increased in 2015, the rate of growth has slowed significantly from 17% in the year to September to 7% in the year to December 2015. The slower rate of growth is attributable to rising supply (more than 11,200 homes were completed in 2015), as well as China’s financial market volatility and the expectation of increasing interest rates.”
Data from China’s National Bureau of Statistics showed house prices rose marginally in 2015 (0.4%), having reached their peak in the first quarter of 2014. Cities such as Shenzhen and Shanghai continue to outperform the national average due in part to favourable government policies and strong demand in first-tier cities.
 
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Australasia is strongest-performing region in Knight Frank's Global House Price Index

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The debate around 'bad development' in Brisbane just got a new counterpoint. 
#yimbyqld – Yes, in my back yard Queensland – has been created to highlight the many benefits that good, innovative and well-planned developments bring to modern cities.
Brisbane property consultancy Wolter Consulting Group is spearheading the initiative, to bring back some balance to the development debate, after concerns that “good development” was being unfairly tarnished.
Wolter's director and planning manager, Natalie Rayment, said Brisbane had a track record of outstanding developments from successive Brisbane City Council administrations, including the Gasworks precinct at Newstead, the Urban renewal precinct at New Farm and Teneriffe and Waterline at Bulimba.
“Development is anything but adhoc. It is driven by the City Plan, a document prepared in conjunction with the people of Brisbane,” Rayment said.
“Residents were given double the usual period of time to comment on the City Plan to ensure the best outcome was achieved. The City Plan sets the direction of development in Brisbane for the next decade.
“It is misinformed to say that developers get to do what they like unchecked. The fact of the matter is there is an extremely rigorous system in place that takes into account every aspect of development as well as future planning."
She added that Brisbane City Council is one of the toughest to deal with for development, with anywhere from three to 12 months needed for an approval. Even a basic code assessable application involves detailed assessment against multiple land use, development and constraint codes examining anything from land use to landscaping, design to acoustics, traffic to engineering and much much more.
The debate around development -- always a political topic -- has gathered steam ahead of the Council elections on March 19.
The “yimby” concept has its origins from New York City as an initiative to discuss, document and promote good development against the negative “nimby” (not in my back yard) viewpoint often encountered by developers in big cities.
Rayment said we had not only come to enjoy but expect the benefits of good development, including exciting lifestyle precincts with vibrant public spaces.
“Residents want good interactive public spaces, public artworks, green spaces, environmental excellence, contemporary and innovative design and the housing options and jobs they create,” Rayment said.
“Unfortunately new developments are quite often faced with negativity and the ‘not in my back yard’ brigade. We want to create #yimbyqld to get factual information out there on cutting edge, good developments to encourage debate with an open mind.”
Rayment said recent and proposed developments including the Howard Smith Wharves, Queen’s Wharf, South City Square at Woolloongabba and West Village in West End were examples of good development the people of Brisbane could be excited by.
“Let’s not forget the places we live and play in have been produced by good development,” she said.
“There are many benefits that have flowed from that – including cycle ways, parks, footpath dining and even the recent focus on vibrant laneways and roof-top spaces.
“Our aim is to generate balance in the development debate and start an intelligent, grown-up discussion on what makes a good development,” she concluded.
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Why development in Queensland is a great thing: a property consultant's take

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Port Macquarie (postcode 2444), the coastal town north of Sydney, saw median rent drop more than 5.13% to $370 per week for all rental properties advertised in the 30 days up to the first week of February, according to rent.com.au.
The coastal town still made it to the top five of the most-searched regional locations list compiled by <a href="https://rent.com.au" target="_blank">rent.com.au</a>, and was also more affordable in terms of renting compared with surrounding suburbs. 
The median rent of surrounding suburbs Fernbank Creek, North Shore, Riverside, Thruster and Lake Innes was $395 per week for the quarter ended September, though there was no data available for the previous 90 days.
The lowest rental for the 30 days was $190 per week for a one-bedroom dwelling, while the maximum was $800 for a five-bedroom place.
The average days on market for all rental properties advertised in Port Macquarie in 90 days till February 8 was 29 days, five days less than the previous quarter. 
There were a total of 130 rental properties advertised in Port Macquarie within the above-mentioned 30 days, up 39 from the previous 30 days. Of the 130, there were 77 houses and 53 apartments.
There are a total of 4,949 rental properties in Port Macquarie, which is 30% of all properties there (ABS, Census Data, 2011). 
Houses make up an overwhelming majority (84.9%) of Port Macquarie, with only 15.1% apartments, according to ABS data. 
Property Observer found a couple of dwellings as examples around the median price range:
<img src="/images/2016/03/23/w640-h393-8875477_1_pi_160302_044341.jpeg" alt="">
A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/property-house-port+macquarie-2444-1694744" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">96 Koala Street</a> (above) has a rent of $400 pw.
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A three-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/property-unit-port+macquarie-2444-1686644" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">4/131 Bridge Street</a> (above) is available for $380 pw.
The ASX-listed Rent.com.au Ltd achieved a record 615,405 unique visitors to its website in January, followed by more than 610,000 unique visitors in February.
Landlords are able to list their property for free in a limited time offer on <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/" target="_blank">rent.com.au</a>. 
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Port Macquarie median rent down five percent in 30 days, among the top five most searched suburbs: rent.com.au

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A new masterplanned community in Botany, <a href="https://www.frasersproperty.com.au/SMP/NSW/Tailors-Walk/Botany" target="_blank">Tailor’s Walk</a>, which was launched in December, has drawn good response showing robust demand for terrace homes.
Developed by Frasers Property Australia, 48 of the 173 properties offered in the first release were snapped up quickly, with seven of the initial 18 terrace homes offered sold at prices ranging from $1,600,000 to $1,660,000.
Prices at Tailor’s Walk start at $600,000 for the one-bedroom apartments, $790,000 for the two-bedroom apartments, $1,065,000 for the three-bedroom apartments, and $1,600,000 for the four-bedroom terrace homes.
The terraces within this release all span three levels, in four-bedroom configurations, and all have open-plan layouts.
“Each terrace home has been designed to maximise space and capture natural light via the two storey light well. This was definitely a strong selling point among the many interested buyers,” said Dino Carulli, sales and marketing director, Frasers Property Australia.
Designed by GroupGSA, the terrace homes include storage and basement parking, two bathrooms plus powder room, a second living area with double height ceilings, range in size from 232 – 237sqm and have direct access to private landscaped gardens.
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Botany development Tailor's Walk draws good response

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The coastal city of Hervey Bay in Queensland is a rising market and expected to deliver steady market conditions for residential property in 2016, according to Herron Todd White's property clock for March, which also discusses gentrification. 
Staying ahead of the gentrification curve can prove profitable to property investors, say HTW.  
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The year ahead will see stable supply and demand across the region. Sub $300,000 stock is predicted to firm with the lack of housing in this price range and improved rental returns driving prices slightly higher. The move towards smaller lots sizes (in the range of 350 square metres to 500 square metres) is now encouraged by Council with many new estates currently being developed adopting this higher density format.
Unit development is considered to be imminent in the short to medium term, with very little new stock being offered to the market after absorption of an oversupply of units. The most popular unit style which has shown to be well received by buyers in recent times is the villa and townhouse unit, as opposed to high rise development.
Building activity has significantly increased over the past six to twelve months in Hervey Bay. There are currently over eight new estates being developed, mainly next stages of existing estates, with some new estates. 
Suburbs of Urangan, Wondunna, Kawungan, Urraween and Pialba have absorbed most of this activity, with many developers selling their proposed turn-key dwellings off the plan to southern interstate investors. Prices range between $330,000 and $400,000 for most properties, with the majority of lot sizes between 350 and 700 square metres. 
Features typically encompass an above average standard and include stone bench tops, split system air-conditioning and landscaping. Higher density living with smaller lot sizes (up to 500 square metres) is now accepted (and perhaps encouraged) by local council and has been well received by the market. 
The Hervey Bay Housing Affordability Project is an initiative by Council and Federal Government which offers $12,000 grants for new land or new house and land packages. The incentive is reported to expire on June 30, 2016 which could result in a slowing of sales to first buyers. It is hoped the project may be extended to stimulate economic growth and support local employment in the construction industry.
The prestige property market has improved over the past 12 months with more sales in the higher price range (above $700,000) than previous years. While property prices are not considered to rise in this market in the short term, sales are expected to continue at this rate with more medical staff moving to the area due to a new private hospital and supporting medical industries. There is currently an abundance of higher priced stock on the market and vendors have to be flexible in order to finalise a sale.  
The steady rise in rental return over the past eighteen months has been stimulated by the ongoing influx of personnel for the new medical facilities in Urraween. A tenant can now expect to pay between $360 and $440 for a new four-bedroom, two-bathroom dwelling with double lock-up garage.
To date, there has been no significant rise in values for older existing stock, however, higher priced property up to $700,000 has been selling within shorter selling periods. The absorption of excess unit stock has now concluded, with new unit development foreseeable and welcomed in the near future.  
To illustrate the point, here's an example picked by Property Observer.
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A three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-urangan-120379417" target="_blank">506/569 Charlton Esplanade Urangan</a> sold recently for $470,000.
 
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Hervey Bay is a rising market: HTW

Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Joel Robinson

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]

Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

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&nbsp;

Prateek Chatterjee

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