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Employment trends can be a precursor to property market trends.
Having spent much of the last week analysing the latest employment data for locations right across Australia we’ve found some interesting discoveries which might shape property market performance over the next year or two.
At a base level knowledge of becoming an astute property investor is recognising that property is shelter. Wherever there is demand for a job there is demand for shelter. It is thereby logical to expect that wherever there is demand for more jobs in the future there will be demand for more shelter. This simple philosophy is something which is engrained in Propertyology’s research mindset and why we are full-time students of Australia’s economy.
Actual job numbers (as opposed to unemployment rates), drilling down to individual cities (as opposed to generic state data), and observing data trends over a time series provide us with interesting insight in to probable future performance of property markets.
There can often be a lag of 12-18 months before what’s occurring on the jobs front produces a material impact in real property data. In addition to economic development (jobs), the factors which have the biggest influence on property prices are affordability, sentiment, and supply.
At a national jobs level, the data paints a much rosier picture than what the doomsayers elect to report. After creating a meagre 12,849 extra jobs during 2013, a credible 389,518 jobs were created during the 2014 calendar year. This has been backed up this year with 239,765 new jobs for the eight months to August (annualised 359,647). There has been an increase in total Australian jobs over the two years to August 2015 of 3%.
Against this national benchmark, it would surprise few to learn that New South Wales has outperformed with a 4.0% increase in jobs over the last two years. On the back of a raft of positive economic news over the last couple of years, Tasmania was easily the best performed state with a 5.5% increase in jobs growth. Northern Territory (4.1%) was the other state / territory to bat above the average.
<a href="/images/2015/10/07/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-07%20at%208.42.10%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/10/07/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-07%20at%208.42.10%20PM.png" alt="">After a strong job recovery year in 2014, Brisbane had a sluggish start to 2015 however, figures from the last few months suggest that momentum might be back. Propertyology’s forward estimate for Brisbane is for a steady performance although there is nothing suggesting that a boom is on the immediate horizon.
Darwin produced the biggest jobs growth of Australia’s eight capital cities with an 8.3% increase over the last two years. It is worth noting that much of this growth occurred during first half of this period and Propertyology’s research suggests that the trend could be reversed in the next year or so when construction on the Ichthys LNG project finishes. Perth (2.4% growth) and Adelaide (0.8%) were both below the national benchmark while Canberra has 2.2% less jobs now than two years ago.
The truly astute property investors don’t have the blinkers on and they recognise that 8 million Australians elect to live and work in alternative locations to capital cities. There are some really interesting job numbers unfolding in regional cities. Oh, and for those who missed the memo, housing is much more affordable in these locations.
<a href="/images/2015/10/07/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-07%20at%208.45.22%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/10/07/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-07%20at%208.45.22%20PM.png" alt="">
In New South Wales, Coffs Harbour (13.8%), Central Coast (12%), Illawarra (8.7%), the Mid-North Coast (8.0%), and Richmond / Tweed (5.0%) have all been superior to the State’s capital. And if you think they are impressive numbers, the biggest jobs growth in all of Australia over the last two years was in the Orana region with a 32.6% increase.
<a href="/images/2015/10/07/new_gosford.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/10/07/new_gosford.jpg" alt="" width="942" height="610">
With 5.6% more jobs now than two years ago, the Hume region has been Victoria’s biggest improver. Most of regional Victoria is struggling though, with a decline in total job numbers over the last two years in the North West (19.2%), Bendigo (12.6%), Geelong (10.9%) and Ballarat (2.9%). In Tasmania’s North West zone, which includes Burnie and Devonport, there was a 16.7% increase in jobs while the North East (Launceston) has increased by 4.6%. Go Tassie!
Queensland has produced mixed results. As forecast by Propertyology at the start of this year, the Gold Coast economy is very strong – there’s been a 15% increase in jobs – boom! Ipswich (8.2%), Moreton Bay North and Wide Bay (both 7.7%) have also been solid improvers. A decline in total jobs has occurred in Mackay (9.7%), Logan (9.4%), and Townsville (7.1%).
It won’t surprise anyone that job losses have occurred in Western Australia’s Pilbara and Kimberly regions; Perth (where thousands of mining administration jobs are based) has also felt the brunt. But, WA is a big state and it’s not entirely about iron ore and gas. In the state’s south, tourism and agriculture have been drivers behind 13% jobs growth in Bunbury. 
SIMON PRESSLEY IS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF <a href="https://www.propertyology.com.au/" target="_blank">PROPERTYOLOGY</a>, AN REIA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE, PROPERTY MARKET ANALYST, ACCREDITED PROPERTY INVESTMENT ADVISER, AND BUYER’S AGENT. PROPERTYOLOGY WORKS EXCLUSIVELY WITH PROPERTY INVESTORS TO PURCHASE PROPERTIES IN STRATEGICALLY CHOSEN LOCATIONS ALL OVER AUSTRALIA.
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Employment trends a precursor to property market trends: Simon Pressley

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GUEST OBSERVER
Recognised for its wilderness, tourism, and mining, the local government authority (LGA) of West Coast has officially produced the best total property investment return of all Tasmanian LGA’s over the last fifteen years.
The population of West Coast has declined over the last ten years and, according to 2014 Census, is a mere 4,527 people. When combined with its high unemployment and rather remote location it’s unlikely that even the most astute property investor would even bother typing ‘West Coast’ in to their search engine. But, the actual returns on investment have been absolutely spectacular.
$21,750 is what one would have paid for a typical house at the start of 2000 and, even though properties declined by 34% over the last 6 years, it would now be worth $70,000.  As they say, small fish taste sweeter!
West Coast’s average annual capital growth of 9.4% is well above the 8.0% national average for the same period. An 11.1% rental yield means that its total return of 20.5% has it ranked number four in Australia over the last 15 years. Yes, 4th out of 550.
Propertyology conducted a study to compare the historical property market performance of each of Australia’s 550 local government authorities between 2000 and 2014. Given that some property markets have higher rates of growth and others have higher rental yields, Propertyology calculated the ‘total return’ (average annual growth rate plus rental yield) and we then ranked the LGA’s from 1 to 550 based on this performance.
Of the seven LGAs which make up the Greater-Hobart capital city, Derwent Valley was the highest ranked LGA at 24th – impressive stuff! Hobart City was ranked a very respectable 147th (ahead of every LGA in Sydney and Melbourne). Sorell (55th) and Glenorchy (58th) were ranked in the best 10% in Australia over the last 15 years.
29 of the total 550 Australian LGA’s are in Tasmania. Twelve of those LGA’s featured in Australia’s Top 100 (the best 20%). Australia’s smallest state bats well above its weight in respect to property market performers over the last 15 years.
These results are further proof that, in isolation, population growth is not a magic potion for property price growth. Data from ABS confirms that Tasmania’s population grew by an average of 0.8% per annum, the lowest of all states and well below the national average of 1.7% per annum.
Tasmania’s north performed particularly well. Kentish (32nd), Burnie (59th), Devenport (113th), Launceston (87Th), and West Tamar (153rd) were strong performers. 
<a href="/images/2015/10/02/StateScorecard_Tas.1.JPG" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/10/02/StateScorecard_Tas.1.JPG" alt="">
SIMON PRESSLEY IS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF <a href="https://www.propertyology.com.au/" target="_blank">PROPERTYOLOGY</a>, AN REIA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE, PROPERTY MARKET ANALYST, ACCREDITED PROPERTY INVESTMENT ADVISER, AND BUYER’S AGENT. PROPERTYOLOGY WORKS EXCLUSIVELY WITH PROPERTY INVESTORS TO PURCHASE PROPERTIES IN STRATEGICALLY CHOSEN LOCATIONS ALL OVER AUSTRALIA.
 
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Tasmania’s property market scorecard: Simon Pressley

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In spite of Sydney’s recent boom, property markets in the central western New South Wales region of Orana have performed better than its big brothers in metropolitan Sydney.
Propertyology recently completed a 3-month study to compare the historical property market performance of each of Australia’s 550 local government authorities between 2000 and 2014. Given that some property markets have higher rates of growth and others have higher rental yields, Propertyology calculated the ‘total return’ (average annual growth rate plus rental yield) and we then ranked the LGA’s from 1 to 550 based on this performance.
Four of the LGA’s from the Orana region featured in Australia’s Top 40% for property market performance over the last fifteen years. None of the forty-three LGA’s from Greater-Sydney claimed such status.
Cobar was the region’s best performed property market, ranked a very impressive 15th out of 550 LGA’s in Australia. The median house value of $227,500 as at December 2014 has increased by an average of 10% per annum from $45,000 at the state of 2000. Average rental yields as at December 2014 were 6.8%. 
Cobar’s economy is heavily influenced by mining, specifically the diverse range of metals such as gold, copper, zinc, silver and lead. The average age of 35 is below the 37 national average. It’s a worker’s town and the $1,259 per week average household income is better than the $1,234 national average, and housing is significantly more affordable than big cities.
The LGA of Wellington produced an equally impressive result, ranking 30th overall. Narromine (154th) and Dubbo (217th) also featured in the best 40% of Australian property markets over the fifteen year period 2000 to 2014. 
The Orana region covers more than one quarter of NSW’s total land mass. Fertile soils, plentiful water supply, and natural resources are in the region’s economic DNA of agriculture, mining, and tourism.
With quality infrastructure including tertiary education campuses, high class health facilities, and a large retail sector, Dubbo is the primary service centre for the 120,000 population region. For the price of a typical house in Greater-Sydney one could today buy three houses in Dubbo where the median house price grew from $115,000 to $312,130 over the last fifteen years and the average rental yield was 5.7%.
Dubbo also won the battle of regional rivalry with Orange, which ranked 351st (amongst Australia’s middle 20%). 
Greater-Sydney’s best performing LGA over the last fifteen years was Blacktown, ranked 276th.
<a href="/images/2015/09/22/Dubbo1-2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/09/22/Dubbo1-2.jpg" alt="">
Simon Pressley is Managing Director of <a href="https://www.propertyology.com.au/" target="_blank">Propertyology</a>, REIA Hall of Fame Inductee, property market analyst, accredited property investment adviser, and Buyer’s Agent.
 
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 Central western NSW Property Scorecard: Simon Pressley

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GUEST OBSERVER
The property markets of ten out of the thirteen local government authorities (LGAs) which make up the New South Wales region of Northern Inland are ranked in Australia’s Top 30% property markets over the last fifteen years.
Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains were the equal best performing markets in the region with a national ranking of 38th out of the 550 LGA’s in Australia. 
<a href="/images/2015/08/24/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-24%20at%203.14.32%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/24/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-24%20at%203.14.32%20PM.png" alt="" width="545" height="495">
The median house price in Gunnedah increased from $80,000 at the start of 2000 to $290,000 by the end of 2014. The average annual growth rate of 9.6% plus the 5.8% rental yield equates to a total annual return of 15.4%.
Liverpool Plains’ median house price increased by an average of 7.9% per annum and its average rental yield is 7.5%.
Propertyology conducted a study to compare the historical property market performance of each of Australia’s 550 local government authorities between 2000 and 2014. Given that some property markets have higher rates of growth and others have higher rental yields, Propertyology calculated the ‘total return’ (average annual growth rate plus rental yield) and we then ranked the LGA’s from 1 to 550 based on this performance.
Glen Innes (ranked 70th), Narrabri (49th), Moree Plains (81st), Guyra and Inverall (equal 92nd) all featured in Australia’s Top 100.
Tamworth had the highest population growth rate in the region – 1.1% per annum for the last ten years compared to the 1.6% national average. Propertyology regards Tamworth as an exceptional strong regional service centre with an economy which is comparable to capital cities in regards to industry diversity. Tamworth’s property market was equal 163rd (with Uralla), making it amongst the best 30% based on overall historical performance for the last 15 years.
Tenterfield (107th) and Armidale (173rd) out of 550 also performed exceptionally well.
Propertyology’s study concluded that population growth doesn’t have the big influence on overall return as many think. The historical evidence shows numerous locations performed strongly in spite of modest, or even no, population growth. For example, Moree Plains’ population declined by an average of 0.6% per annum and both Narrabri and Liverpool Plains had zero population growth, yet they all performed better than each of the 43 LGA’s in Greater-Sydney. Affordability and lifestyle are the common denominators.
The Northern Inland region contains locations which tick a lot the boxes that Propertyology looks for when helping mum-and-dad investors to take advantage of the many opportunities that Australian property markets have to offer.
Gwydir was the region’s worst performing property market, ranked 417th.
Simon Pressley is Managing Director of <a href="https://www.propertyology.com.au/" target="_blank">Propertyology</a>, REIA Hall of Fame Inductee, property market analyst, accredited property investment adviser, and Buyer’s Agent.
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Northern inland NSW property scorecard: Simon Pressley 

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Since the winding back of the federal government’s post-GFC stimulus package, Australian property markets have broadly produced underwhelming returns.
Over the last two years, Sydney and Melbourne have been strong. Conversely, Perth and Darwin markets are receding and it is likely to be some time before the clouds lift.
Approximately 70% of properties throughout Australia are worth much the same today as they were five years ago.
Recent jobs data for Sydney and Melbourne has been impressive an I believe that there will be further growth in to the New Year, albeit at more moderate levels than we’ve recently seen.
First home buyers who are concerned about being squeezed out of Sydney and Melbourne markets might reconsider what they are wishing for.
We’ve observed a refreshing trend wherein more people are realising that rent-money isn’t necessarily dead-money.
Deposit monies can be made to work harder through investing it in one of the (strategically-chosen) 9.6 million properties across the country as opposed to limiting the potential return on investment by choosing a property that must meet the specific personal requirements of a family home.  
While our research provides us with great confidence about the outlook for Sydney’s economy, the lack of housing affordability will result in lower rates of growth over the medium term compared to many other locations.
Melbourne is a different story; I have consistently stated we have considerable concerns about the impact which the closure of three car manufacturing plants will have on Melbourne’s market from late-2016 onwards.
Record low interest rates combined with the FOMO (fear-of-missing-out) effect amongst Sydney and Melbourne residents has resulted in heightened investor activity.
A large majority of client enquiries received over the last six months have been from southern-based investors looking to invest in Brisbane.
While we believe Brisbane’s outlook is sound, its economy is not as robust as Sydney and Melbourne.
We have done some investing in Brisbane however, Propertyology has been actively helping investors to get in to alternative markets around Australia that we believe have better potential.
Generally speaking, market fundamentals across the country are sound although the missing ingredient continues to be confidence.
Building approval data from the last couple of years have been at record levels and most of the new supply is focused on capital cities. This, combined with APRA enforced tighter credit conditions, is likely to result in moderated rates of price growth. 
An eventual reduction in property transaction volumes will mean lower taxation revenues for all levels of government. Regulators appear to have over-reacted by applying across the board policy changes in attempt to de-stimulate markets in 30% of the country (Sydney and Melbourne) whereas the other 70% of the country would actually benefit from stimulus.
With the level of investor stock expected to rise in Australia’s biggest cities pressure on rents is likely to ease and rental yields will soften.
Four of the six cities which Propertyology is currently investing in are strong regional locations which have a diverse mix of industry drivers, very affordable housing, and controlled rates of supply.
Whilst Propertyology does not publicly disclose exactly where we are investing, we believe that the stronger markets over the medium term will contain specific industries within their economic profile. These include agriculture, international students, tourism, manufacturing of premium goods, health, and professional services.
 
Simon Pressley is Managing Director of Propertyology, a REIA Hall Of Fame Inductee, property market analyst, accredited property investment adviser, and Buyer’s Agent. <a href="https://www.propertyology.com.au/more-than-a-buyers-agent/" target="_blank">Propertyology works exclusively with property investors</a> to purchase properties in strategically chosen locations all over Australia.
 
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Fear-of-missing-out investor activity driving Spring outlook: Simon Pressley

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Western Australia contains Australia’s two best performed property markets and four in the top ten. Since the year 2000, the property markets of the local government authority of East Pilbara (Newman) and Port Hedland have performed better than any other market in Australia, while Capel and Kwinana ranked ninth and tenth.
Propertyology conducted a study to compare the historical property market performance of each of Australia’s 550 local government authorities between 2000 and 2014. Given that some property markets have higher rates of growth and others have higher rental yields, Propertyology calculated the ‘total return’ (average annual growth rate plus rental yield) and we then ranked the LGA’s from 1 to 550 based on this performance.
132 of the total 550 Australian LGA’s are in Western Australia. Eleven capital city LGA’s and 19 regional LGA’s were ranked in Australia’s Top 100. The regional LGA’s include Derby (17th), Roebourne / Karratha (18th), Collie (23rd), Wyndham (30th), Carnarvon (43rd), Murray (64th), and York (92nd). Geraldton (135th), Broome (123rd), and Mandurah (117th) also ranked amongst Australia’s best 25%.
Whilst there will always be a segment of Australia’s population who frown upon investing in mining communities the indisputable facts are that a large proportion of Australia’s best performed property markets over the last 15 years have a mining flavour within their economy. WA’s iron ore and gas sectors were the prominent growth drivers, especially during the period 2004 to 2012.
In spite of 16.6% and 13.9% declines in median house values in Newman and Port Hedland, respectively, during 2014 they are still streets ahead of the rest of the country. Double digit price growth occurred in nine of the last fifteen years. Over the nine year period to December 2012, median house values increased by 9.1 and 5.5 times, respectively. And, even though there has been a spike in vacancy rates of late, rental yields remain well above average.
Kwinana is the highest ranked capital city LGA in Australia for total return over the period 2000 to 2014. The affluent Peppermint Grove ranked 184th.
Perth was the second best performing capital city over the 15-year period (behind Darwin). The median house value for Greater-Perth has increased from $248,583 as at the start of 2000 to $898,844 by December 2014. Over the 6 year period to December 2007, Greater-Perth’s median house value increased 2.89 times. 
You can view an infographic for the entire Western Australian Scorecard here.
<a href="/images/2015/08/13/StateScorecard_WA.1.JPG" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/13/StateScorecard_WA.1.JPG" alt="" width="559" height="551">
 
SIMON PRESSLEY is managing director of <a href="https://www.propertyology.com.au/" target="_blank">Propertyology</a>, a full-time property market analyst, accredited property investment adviser, and Australia’s (REIA) Buyer’s Agent of the Year (2012+2013+2014).
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Western Australia’s property market scorecard 2000-2014: Simon Pressley

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While some of Adelaide’s fundamentals are solid, a big question mark hangs over an important industry sector. A distinct lack of economic drive continues to underwhelm. All things being equal, Adelaide’s property market is likely to follow a steady-as-she-goes path.
Greater-Adelaide’s average annual growth in median property values of 8.1% (houses) and 8.3% (apartments) for the last fifteen (15) years compares to Australia’s capital city average of 8.4% and 7.6%, respectively. The best performing Adelaide local government authorities over the last fifteen years were Port Adelaide Enfield (9.2%), Salisbury (9.0%), Campbelltown (8.8%), Marion (8.8%), Onkaparinga and Playford (both 8.5%).
With median house and apartment values of $533,000 and $333,000 respectively accommodation in Adelaide is the second most affordable of all Australian capital cities (after Hobart). This low entry price and the controlled rates of new housing supply meet two important investment fundamentals.
As strange as this may sound, the opening of the redeveloped Adelaide Oval in early 2014 played a significant role in creating an ‘energy’ which has improved Adelaide’s general sentiment.
Fundamentals like these plus a low interest rate environment has been the catalyst for growth in 2014 median property values of 6.1% (houses) and 4.0% (apartments). 
Adelaide’s 1.22 million people represents 72% of the entire state’s population. There are approximately 530,000 dwellings in Greater-Adelaide.
The future for Adelaide’s property market rests in the fate of its economy. South Australia’s key industries are manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and tourism. It also has a significant representation of defence force personnel.
Significant concerns beckon for manufacturing in the state. According to a report produced by University of Adelaide, 24,000 jobs will be lost in South Australia as a result of closures of car manufacturing plants by Ford (2016), Holden and Toyota (both 2017). A cloud also hangs over the careers of thousands of employees at Defence Material Organisation (DMO) and Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) which play a major role in the manufacturing and maintenance of Australia’s military fleet.
A federal government white paper on Australia’s defence force published in 2011 flagged unprecedented levels of investment in military fleet expansion plus an increase in personnel; Adelaide was to be the primary beneficiary. Subsequent federal budget pressures and Australia’s obvious inability to compete on price with international manufacturers of equipment such as submarines means that neither of these bold targets would come close to being realised.
A significant economic boost is needed to increase demand for goods and services in South Australia. While there is an abundance of opportunities to leverage its agriculture and tourism industries off the Asian Century there is nothing tangible at present to suggest that prosperity is just around the corner.
South Australia’s unemployment figures have consistently been trending above the national average for some time. The job creation data for Greater-Adelaide contrasts the impressive 246,121 jobs created in 2011 to a net jobs loss of 71,813 in 2014. The north and west of Adelaide have the highest unemployment rates. 
Adelaide’s largest infrastructure project is the $2.1 billion Royal Adelaide Hospital. Once completed in 2016, an estimated 14,000 people will occupy the new medical precinct and adjoining university in the north-west corner of the CBD.
The $1.5 billion Adelaide Riverbank project is likely to commence in 2016. This major urban renewal project will further position the inner-north as a world class entertainment precinct with an expanded Festival Centre, an upgrade of Adelaide’s casino, new hotel, restaurants, and parking.
Construction on the new $900 million 3-lane super highway along South Road will commence this year. The project will reduce congestion along the southern corridor once completed late-2018.
The only other large project is the $1 billion expansion of the Adelaide Airport. In January 2015, the federal government signed off on funding for the project which includes increased terminal capacity, a 250-room hotel, and office complexes. 8,500 people already work in the airport precinct (the state’s largest employer); the expansion is expected to increase this to 17,500 by 2020.
Aside from these major infrastructure projects, the only thing currently on the horizon to stimulate Adelaide’s economy is the possible expansion of the Olympic Dam mine. Only time will tell whether BHP, the world’s biggest mining company, will finally bite the bullet after 30 years of planning and give the green light to the Olympic Dam mining expansion to create the World’s biggest mine. If this ever did occur there is potential for more than 10,000 new jobs to be based in Adelaide, directly working for BHP and indirectly providing support services.
The long term subdued nature of Adelaide’s economy is directly reflected in South Australia’s modest population growth figures – an average of 1.0 % per annum over the last decade compared to a 1.7% national average. 
When Propertyology zoomed the microscope in for a closer look at population figures of the eighteen (18) individual LGA’s which make up Greater-Adelaide, it became apparent that the highest growth is in the LGA of Adelaide City (3.8%). 
Building approval data also shows that the extra demand for accommodation in Adelaide City is being adequately supplied by a big spike in apartments (1,306 apartments approved during the eight months from July 2014 to February 2015). Hindmarsh and Woodville are two other locations with a notable increase in apartment approvals.
The next biggest increases in population growth have been further out in Playford LGA (2.2%), Port Adelaide (1.7%), Gawler (1.7%), and Salisbury (1.6%). 
Population growth is one thing however, employment opportunities is the biggest piece of the property investment puzzle. 9,000 of the job losses from the car manufacturing sector will be to residents of the northern Adelaide LGAs of Salisbury, Playford, Tee Tree Gully, and Port Adelaide Enfield. Residents of the Onkaparinga LGA in the south of Adelaide are also expected to lose 3,000 jobs from the demise of the car manufacturing industry. The DMO and ASC defence force factories are located in the suburb of Osborne. 
While Adelaide’s uninspiring economy is likely to continue to limit housing demand, building approval data shows that housing supply has been kept in check. There are approximately 530,000 existing dwellings in Greater-Adelaide. Generally speaking, between 6,000 and 8,000 new dwellings are approved each year. The highest volume of new housing stock are in Paradise, Gawler South, Craigmore, Davoren, Angle Vale, Enfield, Northgate, Windsor Gardens, Parafield Gardens, Salisbury North, Aldinga, and Seaford.
With housing affordability as the pillar of Adelaide’s property market, and provided housing supply remains in check, Propertyology expects the Adelaide market to produce steady growth again in 2015. 
Unfortunately, the Adelaide market beyond 2016 looks somewhat gloomy. The pending challenges with Adelaide’s manufacturing sector are significant; government intervention is required. Propertyology’s current expectations is that employment opportunities are likely to significantly diminish and pressure on property values will go with it. 
<a href="/images/2015/08/10/Adelaide_CarManufacturing_LGAs.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/10/Adelaide_CarManufacturing_LGAs.jpg" alt="">
 
Simon Pressley is Managing Director of <a href="https://www.propertyology.com.au" target="_blank">Propertyology</a>, a REIA Hall Of fame Inductee, property market analyst, accredited property investment adviser and Buyer’s Agent.
 
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Adelaide property market just steady as she goes: Simon Pressley

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$224,387 – that was the price of a typical house in Greater-Melbourne at the start of this Century. Scary, isn’t it? So, how has Melbourne’s property market performed since then and which have been Victoria’s best performers over the last fifteen years?
With a population of 4,085,849, Greater-Melbourne is fast catching up to Sydney. The 2.0% average annual population growth rate is above the 1.7% national average.
Melbourne’s median house value has increased from $224,387 to $683,599 during the fifteen year period. 2000-2014, 2001-2003, 2007 and 2010 all produced double-digit price growth.
As impressive as this data sounds, the average annual growth rate of 8.3% per annum is just below Australia’s combined capital city rate of 8.4% over the period.
Propertyology has recently completed an extensive study of the performance of property markets for each of Australia’s 550 local government authorities (LGAs). Given that some locations have higher growth and others have better yields, we’ve ranked the LGA’s from 1 to 550 based on their total return (average annual growth rate plus rental yield).
The regional town of Ararat (median house value $190,000) was Victoria’s best performing LGA and ranked an impressive 27th across all of Australia. And, if that surprises you, you’ll probably be shocked to hear that Ararat’s population actually declined from 11,510 to 11,184 over the last decade. Corangmite and Southern Grampians were equally surprising.
In stark contrast, the highly desirable location of Richmond (LGA of Yarra, median house value $934,000) experienced population growth above the national average yet was ranked 318th in Australia for total property return. ‘Affordability’ trumps ‘population growth’!
The best performing Victorian capital city LGA was Greater-Dandenong which ranked just scraped in to Australia’s Top 20% (98th out of 550 LGAs). The LGA of Knox was next best at 246th.
<img src="/images/2015/06/22/StateScorecard_Vic.1.jpg" alt="">
 
Every one of Victoria’s Top 10 performing LGA’s are regional locations. 
SIMON PRESSLEY is managing director of Propertyology, a REIA Hall Of fame Inductee, property market analyst, accredited property investment adviser, and buyer’s agent.
<a href="https://www.propertyology.com.au/more-than-a-buyers-agent/" target="_blank">Propertyology works exclusively with property investors</a> to purchase properties in strategically chosen locations all over Australia.
 
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Victoria’s 15 year property market scorecard: Simon Pressley's hits and misses

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Here is a fact which will play with the minds of many property investors: the northern inland New South Wales rural township of Narrabri experienced zero population growth over the last ten years yet its property market performed significantly better than the Melbourne local government authority (LGA) of Wyndham, which had the fifth highest population growth in Australia. 
There is a plethora of ill-informed claims which so-called property gurus make to justify their reasoning for investing in a particular location; investing where population growth is highest is one such claim. And, I’m here to tell you that this claim is flawed!
Now, before you start questioning my sanity, let me first say that historical evidence – facts – back up my statement!
Propertyology has recently concluded a comprehensive study of the historical property market performance of each of Australia’s 550 local government authorities (LGAs) since the turn of the century. 
Someone who purchased a typical 3-bedroom house in Narrabri in 2000 would have paid $96,250. That property would have subsequently grown in value by an average of 8.1% per annum over the last 15 years and today would be worth $287,500. When adding the current rental yield of 6.9%, the total return of Narrabri is a handsome 15.0%. The latest data from ABS shows that Narrabri’s 2014 population of 13,764 was 20 people fewer than 10 years earlier. Yet, in spite of the completely stagnant population, Narrabri is officially ranked the 51st best performer out all LGAs in Australia (top 10% in the country).
Population Growth Rate : Property Return (growth + yield)
Ararat (Vic)-0.3%15.0%
Central Goldfields (Vic)0% 14.1%
Corangmite (Vic)-0.6% 13.7%
Hinchinbrook (Qld)-0.3% 13.9%
Moree Plains (NSW)-0.6% 14.4%
Narrabri (NSW)0% 15.0%
North Burnett (Qld)-0.1% 15.9%
Southern Grampians (Vic)-0.6% 14.5%
York Peninsula (SA) -0.4% 14.1%
Population Growth Rate : Property Return (growth + yield)
Ararat (Vic)-0.3% 15.0%
Central Goldfields (Vic)0% 14.1%
Corangmite (Vic)-0.6% 13.7%
Hinchinbrook (Qld)-0.3% 13.9%
Moree Plains (NSW)-0.6% 14.4%
Narrabri (NSW)0% 15.0%
North Burnett (Qld)-0.1% 15.9%
Southern Grampians (Vic)-0.6% 14.5%
York Peninsula (SA) -0.4% 14.1%
Narrabri’s performance is no fluke. There are in fact 9 locations in the Top 100 (Australia’s best 20%) which have experienced zero (or even negative) population growth over the last decade.
But wait. Here’s some further facts to challenge the credibility of those property gurus. 
Did you hear the one about capital cities being better investments than regions? The facts say that 69 of Australia’s Top 100 property markets over the last 15 years have a population of LESS than 100,000 people.
11 of Australia’s Top 20 property markets (and 42 of the Top 100) had a population growth rate which was LESS than the Australian average.
11 of Australia’s Top 20 property markets have a population of less than 25,000 people.
Average annual population for the City of Hobart over the last decade of 0.4% was well below the capital city average of 1.8%. In contrast, Hobart’s average annual price growth of 9.2% is superior to the capital city average of 8.5%.
Don’t get me wrong, population volume and population growth are considerations for selecting a sustainable location to invest in; an increase in population means higher demand for housing. However, if supply is equally matched through broad acre land release and / or higher density then price growth will be constrained. LGA’s such as Melton VIC (6.3%), Boddington WA (6.2%), Melbourne City (5.5%), Whittlesea VIC (4.2%), Adelaide City (3.8%), and Canada Bay NSW (3.0%) all have very high population growth rates yet their total property returns relative to the national average is underwhelming.
Population growth is not the only driver. Affordability is a significantly bigger driver of property price growth than increasing population. The policemen and hairdressers in regional towns like Ararat and Gayndah probably earn just as much as the same workers in capital cities; yet the cost of accommodation is vastly different.
Population is one of over 30 factors which astute property investors will consider when selecting a location to invest in. It is the sum of all these factors which is important.
Propertyology periodically conduct studies like this to uncover the common-denominators of good and bad market performance. Propertyology then uses the findings from these studies to refine our selection criteria for suitable towns and cities across Australia.
Simon Pressley is Managing Director of <a href="https://www.propertyology.com.au/" target="_blank">Propertyology</a>, REIA Hall of Fame Inductee, property market analyst, accredited property investment adviser, and Buyer’s Agent. 
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Australia’s population over-achievers: Simon Pressley

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Improvements to Cairns’ economic mix has resulted in increased employment opportunities and improved confidence in the region. This has directly contributed towards a 31% increase in the number of property transactions over the last two calendar years. 
In the past, Cairns’ economy had been a one-trick-pony, riding the wave of tourism’s booms and busts. While tourism still plays a very important role today, the economy now offers diversity through agriculture, education, health care, and mining.
With a population of 160,000 people and 66,000 dwellings, Cairns is Australia’s eleventh biggest city. Over the last ten years, Cairns’ population has grown by 2.6% per annum compared to Brisbane’s 1.9% and Australia’s 1.7%.
There are a number of major projects which will improve infrastructure, amenities, and employment opportunities:
<ul>
<li>Rio Tinto South of Embley Project (Weipa) – $1.45 billion development of alumina mine, involves a new mine and processing plant. 950 jobs are expected to be created one Rio Tinto give the green light on construction jobs. A further 1275 direct jobs, and even more indirect jobs, are expected upon completion of the three year project. Most of the goods and services will be supplied by Cairns.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Cairns Airport - $1 billion redevelopment plan was approved March 2013 with a 20-year implementation.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Bruce Highway - $300 million major upgrades to improve access, including flood proofing. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Sheraton Mirage Resort - $200 million major refurbishment (a new six-star guest resort plus a new golf course).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Cairns Aquarium – $35 million new tourist attraction in Cairns CBD, set to open in July 2016.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Aquis Casino Resort - $8.15 billion integrated resort at Yorkeys Knob. Preliminary approvals are held however there are still a couple of hoops for Hong Kong billionaire, Tony Fung, and his team to jump through. Direct jobs during construction are anticipated to be 9,300; 10,000 jobs will be created upon completion</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Aspial Corporation - $400 million CBD apartment complex consisting of six towers. The Singaporean developer will start construction mid-2015.</li>
</ul>
Too much new housing supply in 2005-2007, especially apartments, had an adverse impact on Cairn’s property market. 
The onset of the GFC proved to be the wake-up call that the construction industry needed. Supply has since been more controlled.
Vacancy rates have consistently been at or below 2% for a few years. There is a seasonal component to vacancy and unemployment rates which is directly linked to peak tourism seasons. 
Rental yields are currently 5.2% and 6.8% for houses and apartments, respectively.
Simon Pressley is Managing Director of <a href="https://www.propertyology.com.au" target="_blank">Propertyology</a>, a REIA Hall Of fame Inductee, property market analyst, accredited property investment adviser, and Buyer’s Agent. Propertyology works exclusively with property investors to purchase properties in strategically chosen locations all over Australia.
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Cairns not a one-trick-pony: Simon Pressley

The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

Simon Pressley

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