<html><body>
Construction has now commenced on the first major commercial office development to be delivered in Beenleigh in a decade – the catalyst for a $40 million economic and jobs boom for the area. 
Logan City Council mayor, Darren Power and Beenleigh divisional councillor, Karen Murphy joined project partners investLogan and Alder Developments to break ground last week at 96-98 York Street. 
Mayor Darren Power says that during construction, ‘The York’ will generate more than 100 jobs and an estimated 140 new full-time jobs once complete.
“Working with investLogan, we are able to create 100 construction jobs at a time our local economy and local construction businesses needs them. A key priority for the new Council is driving local job creation and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
Mayor Power said the project follows Council’s Beenleigh Implementation Plan to guide the planning and delivery of priority projects and programs in Beenleigh.
The plan builds on the overall aims of the Beenleigh Town Centre Master Plan and includes outcomes from the Beenleigh Summit from 2017 – an initiative which focused on unlocking the economic potential of Beenleigh. 
Designed by Conrad Gargett, the development comprises a seven-storey commercial building, four SOHO (small office or home office) apartments, ground floor retail space and an underground carpark.
Conrad Gargett Director Tony Jemmott says The York draws upon and contributes to the character of Beenleigh and its historic rural environs while setting a new standard in design for the city. 
“The ground level integrates small scale commercial and retail spaces, linking York Street to John Lane via a pedestrian only laneway that connects directly to Beenleigh Town Square. As a laneway culture develops, The York will become a hub of activity and ultimately a visitor attraction. 
“Stacked wintergardens with a cascading array of greenery will drape from the building softening the façade, while additional living greenery will be planted to further enhance the streetscape.”
investLogan Chair Steve Greenwood says that investLogan is purpose-built to drive economic growth within Logan’s key business centres and the start of construction on The York signifies the next stage in the evolution of Beenleigh. 
“The design and delivery of catalytic projects like The York will contribute to the revitalisation of Beenleigh and encourage further private sector investment,” he said. 
“The revitalisation of Beenleigh is creating a range of opportunities for large commercial activities and small businesses to thrive. 
“The York is delivering more than 4000sqm of commercial space as well as the SOHO apartments which will provide a contemporary tenancy space for small businesses that are the engine room of the economy, to evolve and grow. 
"Long term, The York is set to return significant economic and social benefits to the broader Logan community, a key reason why Logan City Council established investLogan to deliver these catalytic projects.” 
Being built by Alder Constructions in partnership with investLogan and Alder Developments, The York is expected to reach completion by late 2021.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Construction kick-start ignites $40 million economic and jobs boom for Beenleigh 

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The global pandemic has dramatically changed the way real estate agents do business but the role they play in helping buyers to find the right property and representing sellers in navigating the sale of their home for the best possible price has never been more important.
For varying circumstances, there are still buyers in the market that need to buy and sellers that need to sell. These people are looking to real estate agents for their expertise, local knowledge and importantly, to help them in a time which commands working together towards a common goal.
Agents have been forced to be more agile, get creative, leverage technology and go the extra mile in building client relationships. Former marketing strategies no longer work and determining how and where they spend their clients’ money to advertise their properties is reshaping how agents do business.
Proptechs like ListingLoop.com.au have become a lifeline in supporting agents to maximise their time, grow relationships with their buyer database, save their sellers thousands of dollars and help them earn an additional recurring revenue stream.
ListingLoop.com.au, which recently announced a partnership with the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV), and calls NBA and NBL basketball legend Andrew Bogut as an ambassador and investor, is Australia’s first buyer industry database. Agents can advertise their sellers’ properties for sale on ListingLoop.com.au under a no sale, no charge success-based advertising model where they pay for a result, not an advertising space. If there’s no buyer on ListingLoop.com.au, there’s no fee.
ListingLoop.com.au CEO Rhett Dallwitz said that “no sale no charge advertising provides an appealing, no risk solution during this current market. We understand that sellers don’t want to pay upfront advertising fees, while agents are not in a position to carry these fees on behalf of their sellers. Our model provides a safe digital solution that connects motivated buyers to the right properties faster than ever before”.
The ListingLoop.com.au platform saw a 23 per cent increase in buyer registrations last month demonstrating that there’s still serious buyers out there ready to take action. The company anticipates further buyer sign ups as people become more and more accustomed to our ‘new normal’ way of living.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Buyers receive superior and timely service by registering their homebuying criteria and receiving an alert in real time the moment there’s a just listed or exclusively listed property that matches their needs. It’s a fresh and efficient take on the traditional model of property ‘searching’, especially now that not all properties listed for sale are on the major real estate websites due to the upfront advertising fees.
A property listing and property photos taken from a smartphone can be uploaded to ListingLoop.com.au in less than 30 seconds, including immediately after an agent has got the job and signed the listing authority. Registered matching buyers are notified instantaneously.
For sellers that need to sell but don’t want everyone knowing, all property information such as the address and the sale price are protected behind a login. The property is only seen by registered matching buyers on ListingLoop.com.au and is not visible in search engines such as Google and Bing, shutting out the window shoppers.
Unlike markets such as the US, real estate agents in Australia typically generate revenue through their sellers. ListingLoop.com.au is the first industry platform to financially reward agents for the work they put into helping buyers find their home. Up to 50 per cent of ListingLoop.com.au’s advertising revenue is paid back to an agent when a buyer purchases a property from within the ListingLoop.com.au network and from outside of their agency. If that buyer purchases property through ListingLoop.com.au multiple times in their lifetime, the agent receives a recurring revenue stream.
If a buyer purchases a property that’s the agent’s own listing, or if the listing falls under the agency that the agent belongs to, there is no fee. ListingLoop.com.au’s ‘community over competition’ approach to real estate has never been more relevant.
Agents are working more closely than ever with buyers as we collectively recognise the value of home and how much our homes matter. ListingLoop.com.au provides agents with free buyer intelligence tools that helps them instantly identify the buyers within their database that are actively looking for properties and those that could also be potential sellers.
“Despite a substantial drop in transactions, the role of a real estate agent has never been more important. Home is where we are eating, sleeping, playing, working and home schooling right now. An agent can tap into new tools and technologies to help buyers find the place that’s right for them, while supporting their sellers with targeted and cost-effective solutions that generate sales,” Mr Dallwitz said.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Real estate industry needs agents to rise to the occasion: Listing Loop

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
When it comes to the outlook for employment, there’s good news and bad news.
To begin with the good news: with a bit of luck, the next few months will see the fastest expansion of employment in Australia’s history.
The bad news? Well, there’s virtually no chance it will be enough to get employment to where it was in March, before the COVID-19 shutdown.
In fact, even on a best-case scenario it’s likely by the end of September we will only be back to the worst points of the 1980s and 1990s recessions.
The best-case scenario
Other Bureau of Statistics data suggests that between mid-March and mid-April employment fell <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EEze6-rwkdcKgJ0iLWD7PfmWoMz8ob6Q/view">1.3 to 1.6 million</a>.
<a href="https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/prime-minister-scott-morrison-hopes-850-000-back-at-work-by-july-20200508-p54r12">Treasury</a> estimates that the planned reopening of the economy will result in a bounceback of 850,000 jobs.
Suppose that a decrease of 1.3 million turns out to be the trough and recovery is uninterrupted.
Employment at the end of September would then be 440,000 below where it was in March, 3.4% lower.
The turnaround would be a considerable achievement.
But even if it happens, we will have only recovered to around the worst points of the 1980s and 1990s recessions, where employment decreased by about 4 per cent.
Employment won’t recover fully in this best-case scenario because some parts of the economy will still be shut down (including international travel) and COVID-19 will continue to cause many consumers to spend less than usual.
That best case is unlikely
There are several reasons to worry about whether the best-case can be achieved.
First, job gains from reopening businesses are likely to be offset by losses in employment in other industries suffering from reduced consumer demand and business investment.
While cafes and restaurants may start up again, Bureau of Statistics data shows that employment has <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/6160.0.55.001Main%20Features5Week%20ending%202%20May%202020?opendocument&amp;tabname=Summary&amp;prodno=6160.0.55.001&amp;issue=Week%20ending%202%20May%202020&amp;num=&amp;">begun to decline</a> in large industries such as construction and professional services.
Second, the effects of reopening may not be all we expect. Labour hoarding – where businesses retain more workers than needed during an economic downturn - might mean that reopening doesn’t translate into as many new jobs as expected.
This is likely to be particularly acute given that JobKeeper has effectively paid employers to subsidise labour.
Third, impacts from longer-run structural changes in the economy might begin to cause employment losses, especially as JobKeeper is partially unwound.
So what are we to do?
Even under the best-case scenario employment will be substantially lower than before COVID-19 well into the future. And we can’t presume the best-case will happen. A compelling case exists for substantial ongoing economic stimulus post-September 2020.
The labour market will not have fully recovered by then. To remove stimulus would only set back recovery. The question therefore should not be: is stimulus needed, but rather, what size and type of stimulus is needed.
Continuing JobKeeper beyond September 2020 could have an important role in providing income security to affected workers and macroeconomic stimulus.
It is a known policy, it operates effectively, and it appears to have community support. Replacing it with an alternative type of stimulus could risk harming confidence and the recovery.
We can’t simply end JobKeeper
An extra (and considerable) advantage of continuing JobKeeper is allowing time for a staged transition away from it. Stopping it will inevitably push up unemployment.
A staged transition would spread out that adjustment rather than creating a shock in September.
A transition from JobKeeper could be done via stepped decreases in the size of payment or progressively restricting eligibility as industries or businesses recover. The transition could begin at the end of September, or earlier if it is judged that employment is likely to have already recovered substantially before then.
An objection to retaining JobKeeper is that it is preventing adjustment in the labour market, and disrupting the normal process of businesses starting up and failing.
There are two responses.
First, the question is not about whether JobKeeper should be permanent, but about the timing of its removal.
Whenever it is (or starts to be) removed, labour mobility will return and any firms on life support will disappear. Having this happen via a staged transition is better than having it happen all at once.
Second, the potential economic losses from unemployment in a depressed economy swamp the potential losses from having inefficient firms operating for longer.
Our number one priority has to be maintaining and restoring employment.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/139648/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jeff-borland-1079">Jeff Borland</a>, Professor of Economics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-melbourne-722">University of Melbourne</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-even-the-best-case-for-jobs-isnt-good-well-need-more-jobkeeper-139648">original article</a>.
</body></html>

Why even the best case for jobs isn't good, we'll need more JobKeeper

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The REIA Housing Affordability Report is out for the March quarter and shows a marginal improvement across the country to housing affordability.
The proportion of income required to meet loan repayments decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 34.7 per cent over the quarter, according to the report.
In his introduction to the report REIA president, Adrian Kelly outlined the highlights of the findings.
“With the exception of Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia, housing affordability improved across the states and territories with the Australian Capital Territory having the largest improvement 1.1 percentage points,” said Mr Kelly.
“Rental affordability improved in the March quarter with the proportion of income required to meet rent payments decreasing to 23.5 per cent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter.
“Rental affordability improved in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, but declined in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.”
When it comes to loans the total number has declined compared to the December quarter of the previous year.
“This is not unusual for the first quarter of the calendar year, however there was a 4.2 per cent increase on the number of new loans from the same quarter of 2019,” said Mr Kelly.
“The number of first home buyers decreased to 27,082, a decrease of 10.7 per cent during the quarter but an increase of 23.1 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
“With the introduction of the First Home Buyer Deposit scheme on 1 January we expect that share of first home buyers will continue to grow.”
The report shows the number of first home buyers decreased in all states and territories over the March quarter.
The largest decrease was in the Australian Capital Territory (-22.2 per cent).
Compared to the corresponding quarter 2019, the number of first home buyers increased in all states and territories, with the largest increase in the Australian Capital Territory (57.6 per cent).
The next edition of the report will reflect the impact the current COVID19 pandemic has had on affordability.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<h2>State by State</h2>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/6/3/21_20201HarMap%20002%20copy.jpg" alt="">
NSW
Over the March quarter, housing affordability in New South Wales improved with the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments decreasing to 42.5 per cent, a decrease of 0.4 percentage points over the quarter but an increase of 4.5 percentage points compared with the corresponding quarter 2019.
With the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments 7.8 percentage points higher than the nation’s average, New South Wales remained the least affordable state or territory in which to buy a home.
Over the March quarter, rental affordability in New South Wales declined marginally with the proportion of income required to meet median rents increasing to 27.5 per cent, an increase of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter but a decrease of 0.7 percentage points compared with the corresponding quarter 2019.
In New South Wales, the number of loans to first home buyers decreased to 6,622 a decrease of 11.0 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 33.3 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
Of the total number of first home buyers that purchased during the March quarter, 24.5 per cent were from New South Wales while first home buyers make up 32.9 per cent of the state’s owner-occupier market.
The average loan to first home buyers increased to $502,552, an increase of 2.4 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 19.8 per cent compared to the same quarter last year.
The number of dwelling loans in New South Wales decreased to 20,105, a decrease of 17.5 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 8.5 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size increased to $595,315, an increase of 0.4 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 22.2 per cent compared to the corresponding quarter of 2019. New South Wales has the largest average loan size across the country, 22.4 per cent higher than the national average.
Victoria
Over the March quarter, housing affordability declined in Victoria with proportion of family income devoted to meeting average loan repayments increasing to 37.5 per cent, an increase of 1.0 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 2.9 per cent when compared to the corresponding quarter in the previous year.
Rental affordability in Victoria declined over the quarter with the proportion of income required to meet median rent increasing to 23.0 per cent, an increase of 0.4 percentage points over the quarter but a decrease of 0.1 percentage points over the previous year.
The number of loans to first home buyers in Victoria decreased to 8,624, a decrease of 16.0 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 24.4 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 3">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Of the total number of first home buyers that purchased during the March quarter, 31.8 per cent were from Victoria while first home buyers make up 40.3 per cent of the state’s owner-occupier market.
In the March quarter 2020, the average loan to first home buyers was $437,871, an increase of 2.3 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 14.0 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019. In Victoria, the total number of loans decreased to 21,396, a decrease of 15.8 per cent during the quarter but an increase of 4.3 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size was $514,741 over the quarter, an increase of 4.1 per cent and an increase of 18.8 per cent when compared to the corresponding quarter 2019. Victoria’s average loan size is 5.9 per cent higher than the national average.
Queensland
Housing affordability improved in Queensland over the March quarter with the proportion of income required to meet home loan repayments decreasing to 30.4 per cent, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points over the quarter but an increase of 0.8 percentage points when compared to the March quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in Queensland improved over the quarter with the proportion of the median family income required to meet the median rent decreasing to 22.0 per cent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter but remained stable compared with the same quarter 2019.
Over the March quarter, the number of loans to first home buyers in Queensland decreased to 5,419, a decrease of 5.9 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 20.8 per cent compared to the same quarter of 2019.
Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 20.0 per cent were from Queensland while the proportion of first home buyers in the state’s owner-occupier market was 34.1 per cent.
The average loan size to first home buyers increased to $374,036, an increase of 3.4 per cent during the quarter and an increase of 12.9 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The number of loans decreased in Queensland to 15,911, a decrease of 11.1 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 5.4 per cent compared to the March quarter of the previous year.
The average loan size increased to $414,154, an increase of 0.4 per cent during the quarter and an increase of 12.0 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019. Queensland’s average loan size is 14.8 per cent lower than the national average.
South Australia
Over the March quarter, housing affordability in South Australia improved with the proportion of income required to meet monthly loan repayments decreasing to 27.9 per cent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter but an increase of 0.2 percentage points compared to the March quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in South Australia declined over the quarter with the proportion of income required to meet rent payments increasing to 22.5 per cent, an increase of 0.2 percentage points over the quarter but a decrease of 0.3 percentage points compared to the March quarter 2019.
Over the March quarter, the number of loans to first home buyers in South Australia decreased to 1,493, a decrease of 10.5 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 8.7 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 4">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 5.5 per cent were from South Australia while the proportion of first home buyers in the state’s owner-occupier market was 25.9 per cent.
The average loan size to first home buyers increased to $334,226, an increase of 1.4 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 8.2 per cent when compared to a year earlier.
In South Australia, the total number of loans decreased to 5,764, a decrease of 11.5 per cent over the quarter and a decrease of 4.5 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size increased to $358,171, an increase of 0.8 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 10.3 per cent compared to the same time last year.
South Australia’s average loan size is 26.3 per cent lower than the national average.
Western Australia
Over the March quarter, housing affordability in Western Australia declined with the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments increasing to 25.0 per cent, an increase of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter and an increase of 0.2 percentage points compared to the March quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in Western Australia improved during the March quarter with the proportion of family income required to meet the median rent decreasing to 16.6 per cent, a marginal decrease of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter and a marginal increase of 0.1 percentage points compared to the year before.
The number of first home buyers in Western Australia decreased to 3,547 in the March quarter, a decrease of 2.3 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 12.0 per cent compared to the same time last year.
Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 13.1 per cent were from Western Australia while the proportion of first home buyers in the state’s owner-occupier market was 45.9 per cent.
The average loan to first home buyers increased to $353,115, an increase of 2.2 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 9.1 per cent when compared to the March quarter 2019.
The total number of loans in Western Australia decreased to 7,733, a decrease of 6.7 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 4.3 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size increased to $406,246, an increase of 2.0 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 10.3 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
Western Australia’s average loan size is 16.4 per cent lower than the national average.
Tasmania
Housing affordability in Tasmania declined over the March quarter with the proportion of income required to meet home loan repayments increasing to 29.6 per cent, an increase of 0.4 percentage points over the quarter and an increase of 2.8 percentage points from the March quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in Tasmania also declined over the quarter with the proportion of income required to meet median rents increasing to 30.5 per cent, an increase of 0.5 percentage points over the quarter and an increase of 1.2 percentage points compared with the March quarter 2019.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 5">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The number of first home buyers in Tasmania decreased to 564, a decrease of 0.5 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 11.9 per cent compared to the same quarter of the previous year.
Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 2.1 per cent were from Tasmania while the proportion of first home buyers in the state’s owner-occupier market was 32.6 per cent.
The average loan to first home buyers increased to $302,128, an increase of 3.6 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 6.2 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The total number of new loans for dwellings in Tasmania decreased to 1,732, a decrease of 8.3 per cent over the quarter and a decrease of 16.0 per cent compared to the corresponding quarter 2019.
The average loan size increased to $343,649, an increase of 2.8 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 21.0 per cent compared to the same time last year.
Tasmania continues to have the lowest average loan size across the country. Tasmania’s average loan size is 29.3 per cent lower than the national average.
Northern Territory
Housing affordability in the Northern Territory improved with the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments decreasing to 20.2 per cent in the March quarter, a decrease of 0.8 percentage points over the quarter and a decrease of 1.5 percentage points when compared to the March quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in the Northern Territory improved over the quarter with the proportion of income required to meet the median rent decreasing to 20.6 per cent, a decrease of 0.6 percentage points over the quarter and a decrease of 0.3 percentage points compared to the March quarter 2019.
The number of loans to first home buyers in the Northern Territory decreased to 200, a decrease of 8.7 per cent over the March quarter but an increase of 10.5 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 0.7 per cent were from the Northern Territory while the proportion of first home buyers in the Territory’s owner-occupier market was 44.9 per cent.
The average loan size to first home buyers increased to $366,500, an increase of 7.3 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 5.0 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The number of new loans in the Northern Territory decreased to 445, a decrease of 15.1 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 6.7 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size decreased to $346,517, a decrease of 2.6 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 1.8 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019. The Northern Territory’s average loan size is 28.7 per cent lower than the national average.
Australian Capital Territory
Housing affordability in the Australian Capital Territory improved over the March quarter with the proportion of income required to meet home loan repayments decreasing to 21.2 per cent, a decrease of 1.1
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 6">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
percentage points over the quarter and a decrease of 0.5 percentage points compared to the corresponding quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in the Australian Capital Territory declined over the March quarter with the proportion of income required to meet the median rent increasing to 19.0 per cent, an increase of 0.2 percentage points over the quarter but remained stable compared to the March quarter 2019.
The number of loans to first home buyers in the Australian Capital Territory decreased to 613, a decrease of 22.2 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 57.6 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 2.3 per cent were from the Australian Capital Territory while the proportion of first home buyers in the Territory’s owner-occupier market was 32.6 per cent.
The average loan for first home buyers increased to $446,330, an increase of 4.8 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 14.8 per cent compared to the corresponding quarter 2019.
The number of loans in the Australian Capital Territory decreased to 1,883, a decrease of 20.9 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 20.9 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size decreased to $458,471, a decrease of 3.8 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 6.8 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The Australian Capital Territory’s average loan size is 5.7 per cent lower than the national average.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Housing affordability improves marginally in the March Quarter: REIA

<html><body>
A Bundamba, Queensland mortgagee home has been sold for $160,000.
The sale marks a loss of $20,000 since the home last sold for $180,000 in 2012.
Gai Flynn of First National Real Estate marketed the house.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-bundamba-133497846" target="_blank">16 Bergins Hill Road</a>, the abode is comprised of three bedrooms and one bathroom.
Set on 728 sqm, the house was previously marketed in 2014 when the vendors sought $199,000.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median house price in Bundambah is $308,000.
</body></html>

Bundamba, Queensland mortgagee home sold for a minor loss

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
Australia’s response to the coronavirus outbreak so far has been among the most successful in the world. From a peak of <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-current-situation-and-case-numbers#at-a-glance">more than 400 cases a day, the rate has fallen to fewer than 20 new cases a day</a>.
Australia has avoided the worst of the pandemic, at least for now. Comparable (albeit larger and more densely populated) countries, such as the United Kingdom and United States, are mourning many thousands of lives lost and are still struggling to bring the pandemic under control.
The reasons for Australia’s success story are complex, and success may yet be temporary, but four factors have been important.
Success 1: listening to experts
The formation of a <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/national-cabinet-update">National Cabinet</a>, comprising the prime minister and the leaders of each state and territory government, was a key part of Australia’s successful policy response to COVID-19.
States and territories have primary responsibility for public hospitals, public health and emergency management, including the imposition of lockdowns and spatial distancing restrictions. The Commonwealth has primary responsibility for income and business support programs. Coordination of these responsibilities was crucial.
The National Cabinet was <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/advice-coronavirus">created</a> quite late – in mid-March 2020 when cases were beginning to increase exponentially – but has proved an effective mechanism to resolve most differences as Australia’s dramatic and far-reaching measures were put in place.
Within a week of the National Cabinet being formed, Australia began to place restrictions on social gatherings. On <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-22/coronavirus-nsw-victoria-act-shutdown-non-essential-services/12079124">March 22</a>, ahead of a National Cabinet meeting that evening, Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory announced they were proceeding in the next 48 hours to shut down non-essential services. This helped push all other governments into widespread business shutdowns announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison that night, to take effect the following day.
National cooperation was further enhanced by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (<a href="https://www.health.gov.au/committees-and-groups/australian-health-protection-principal-committee-ahppc">AHPPC</a>), comprising Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy and his state and territory counterparts. From the start of the crisis, this forum helped underpin Australia’s policy decisions with public health expertise, particularly with regard to spatial distancing measures. Murphy has frequently flanked Morrison at national press briefings.
Success 2: international border closures and quarantine
Australia’s <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/update-coronavirus-measures-0">decision to close its borders</a> to all foreigners on March 20, to “align international travel restrictions to the risks” was a turning point. The overwhelming number of new cases during the peak of the crisis were directly linked to overseas travel, and overseas sources account for nearly <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/australian-covid-19-cases-by-source-of-infection">two-thirds of Australia’s total infections</a>.
A week after closing the borders, Australia instituted mandatory two-week quarantine for all international arrivals. Together, these measures gave Australia <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31016-3">much more control over the spread of the virus</a>.
 
Success 3: public acceptance of spatial distancing
Australia’s rapid adoption of spatial distancing measures reduced the risk of community transmission.
Perhaps galvanised by images of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(20)30074-8">Italy’s health system on the brink of collapse</a>, Australians quickly complied with shutdown laws. In fact, many people had already <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/we-kept-our-distance-before-the-covid-decrees-phone-data-reveals-australians-goodwill-20200430-p54oho">begun reducing their activity</a> before the restrictions were imposed.
Australians’ compliance is demonstrated by the low number of community transmissions, despite having less strict lockdown laws than some other countries such as France and New Zealand.
Success 4: telehealth
One of the federal government’s early moves was to radically expand Australians’ access to telehealth. This allows patients to consult health professionals via videoconference or telephone, rather than in person.
Australians have <a href="https://www.greghunt.com.au/australians-embrace-telehealth-to-save-lives-during-covid-19/">enthusiastically embraced telehealth</a>, with more than 4.3 million medical and health services delivered to three million patients in the first five weeks. A <a href="https://www.racgp.org.au/gp-news/media-releases/2020-media-releases/may-2020/racgp-survey-reveals-strong-take-up-of-telehealth">survey of more than 1,000 GPs</a> found 99% of GP practices now offer telehealth services, alongside 97% offering face-to-face consultations.
Unfortunately, Australia has also had failings, and it might have been in an even better position today if it had acted more decisively. Although it eventually “went hard”, the federal government spent the early weeks of the crisis mired in uncertainty.
Failure 1: the Ruby Princess
About 2,700 passengers from the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/may/10/anatomy-of-a-cruise-how-the-ruby-princess-came-to-dock-and-disembark-with-coronavirus">Ruby Princess cruise ship</a> were allowed to disembark freely in Sydney on March 19, despite some showing COVID-19 symptoms. The ship has become Australia’s largest single source of infection. About <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-23/coronavirus-across-australia-if-ruby-princess-never-docked/12172314">700 cases (10% of Australia’s total)</a> and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-13/australia-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-ruby-princess-fatality/12239626">22 deaths</a> (about 20% of Australia’s deaths) are linked to the ship.
Failure 2: too slow to close borders
While Australia was comparatively quick to ban foreign nationals coming from China, it was slow to introduce further travel restrictions as the virus began to spread throughout the rest of the world.
It took more than six weeks after Australia’s first confirmed case for the federal government to introduce universal travel restrictions. Before this, restrictions were targeted at specific countries, such as Iran, South Korea and, belatedly, Italy – despite other countries such as the US posing similar or even greater risks.
Failure 3: too slow to prepare the health system
Australia was too slow to ready its health system for the prospect of the virus spreading rapidly. When cases began to rise exponentially, Australia was ill-prepared for a pandemic-scale response.
This was particularly evident in the testing regime. At first, some people with symptoms went to community GP clinics and hospitals, without calling ahead, putting others at risk. On March 11 the federal government <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/24-billion-health-plan-fight-covid-19">announced</a> 100 testing clinics would be established, but this was <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/opening-of-100th-covid-19-gp-led-respiratory-clinic">only completed two months later</a>, once the peak of the crisis had passed.
The result was that as cases began to increase in mid-March 2020, Australia suffered <a href="https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/professional/chief-medical-officer-update-on-coronavirus-testin">supply shortages for testing</a>.
Australia also struggled to meet the rising demand for personal protective equipment (PPE). Australia’s <a href="https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22committees%2Fcommsen%2F75585d2b-2ea4-429c-bc62-d82fe6ee120d%2F0000%22">stockpile of 12 million P2/N85 masks and 9 million surgical masks</a> was not sufficient, and neither had it stockpiled enough <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/no-gowns-visors-gloves-national-medical-stockpile-to-be-reviewed-20200424-p54mxk">gowns, visors and goggles</a> to cope with the crisis. GPs complained of inadequate supplies hampering their work.
Eventually, on <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/national-cabinet-update">March 26</a>, elective surgeries were curtailed so PPE could be diverted to the pandemic frontline.
Failure 4: shifting strategies and mixed messages
The lack of a clear, overarching crisis strategy has resulted in a reactive policy approach, featuring confusing messages.
At first there was confusion about exactly which businesses or events (such as the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/mar/09/no-chance-of-australian-grand-prix-going-behind-closed-doors-organisers">on-again</a> then <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/australian-formula-1-grand-prix-cancelled-over-coronavirus/12052142">off-again</a> Melbourne Grand Prix) should be shut down. There were also inconsistencies between the Commonwealth’s position and the states’. For example, most states closed or partially closed their public schools around Easter and began reopening them when cases went down more than a month later. Despite concerns raised by some state governments, Prime Minister Morrison repeatedly insisted there was no risk in sending children to school. Childcare centres remained officially open throughout.
The mixed messages have been particularly pronounced on Australia’s approach to the virus itself. The federal government initially talked about “slowing the spread”, but some states argued for a “stop the spread” strategy. This tension increased confusion about how far Australia’s lockdown restrictions should go. <a href="https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/why-australia-s-corona-wars-have-only-just-begun-20200430-p54oo1">Debate raged</a> between people who argued that “herd immunity” was Australia’s only realistic option, and those who pushed for “elimination” of COVID-19 in Australia.
Confusion reigned for too long. Even an <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/update-coronavirus-measures-160420">April 16 statement</a> from Morrison, designed to clarify the long-term strategy, conflated two different strategies by declaring Australia was continuing to “progress a successful suppression/elimination strategy for the virus”.
In the end, the case count provided its own answer. Several states began to record multiple days and weeks with no new cases, showing that elimination may indeed be possible.
As restrictions unwind, a new norm will set in. The risk of COVID-19 emerging again means Australians’ way of life will have to fundamentally change. Significant risks remain, particularly for states that ease restrictions too fast. Continual monitoring will be required to prevent further outbreaks or a second wave.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/139845/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stephen-duckett-10730">Stephen Duckett</a>, Director, Health Program, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/grattan-institute-1168">Grattan Institute</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/anika-stobart-1014358">Anika Stobart</a>, Associate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/grattan-institute-1168">Grattan Institute</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/4-ways-australias-coronavirus-response-was-a-triumph-and-4-ways-it-fell-short-139845">original article</a>.
</body></html>

4 ways Australia's coronavirus response was a triumph, and 4 ways it fell short: Grattan Institute

<html><body>
A mortgagee home in Bligh Park, that is listed for $470,000, has sold.
<div class="listing-details__address-left-column">
located at 121 Porpoise Crescent, the property features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a fully attached brick carport.
It is not currently in a liveable condition, with the listing describing the sale as a great opportunity "for a builder or experienced home renovator."
The total block comprises 711 square metres, and has a large grassed back yard area. 
The home last sold in 2002, for $285,000.
Brian Speechley, from Speechley Property, has the listing.
</div>
</body></html>

Mortgagee home in Bligh Park sold

<html><body>
A mortgagee home in Perth's Helena Valley has been listed for sale for $455,000.
Located at 17 Prunus Place, in a cul de sac, the house features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a double garage.
There also an in ground pool, and turfed back yard area.
the total block comprises a 1008 square metre block.
It last sold in 1998, for $172,500.
It was built in 1996.
Richard Lowenhoff and Jessica Macarthur, from LJ Hooker Midland, have the listing.
 
 
 
</body></html>

Helena Valley mortgagee home listed for sale

<html><body>
The first week of winter is set to see 618 capital city homes taken to auction, down on the 856 auctions scheduled last week, according to CoreLogic data.
Due to the Queen’s birthday public holiday this Monday, all states and territories except Queensland and WA are welcoming a long weekend, which usually contributes to lower activity over this weekend each year.
There are 143 Melbourne homes scheduled for auction this week, down on the 261 held last week and lower than the 215 one year ago.
Sydney is expected to be the busiest auction market for the seventh consecutive week, with 377 scheduled auctions this week, down on the 452 held last week and higher than the 313 held last year.
Across the smaller cities, scheduled volumes are set to be lower across all cities except Canberra where activity is expected to remain steady.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/6/4/CL%20MAY%2031%20Final.JPG" alt="">
The capital city final auction clearance rate came in at 61.3% last week, slightly lower than the week prior when 62.7% of properties sold at auction.
The lower clearance rate was across a higher volume of auctions with 856 held, up on the 612 held over the week prior.
Of the 738 results collected, 12% were withdrawn which was much lower than the 50% seen a few weeks ago.
37.2% of sold results this week reportedly sold prior to the scheduled auction date, well below the results from early April when more than 80% of successful auctions were sold before the event.
An example of the upcoming weekend auctions in Sydney, which has been the busiest auction market for yet another week, is 68 Richmond Avenue, St Ives (picture in title).
The five bedroom, three bathroom house, is set for auction with a price guide of $1,550,000 - $1,700,000. 
</body></html>

Winter residential auction season to start off slow

<html><body>
An elegant family home in Cremorne Point with harbour views sold for $4.8 million. 
The 7 Green Street residence is situated at the end of a cul-de-sac just 200 metres to the ferry. 
Built in 2012, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom property showcases a plunge pool, formal living and dining room with a fireplace, poolside alfresco entertaining, and level manicured lawn.
The kitchen features a thick stone island breakfast bar, gas cook top, Miele appliances and a butler's pantry. 
The Victorian design inspired home has a vast top floor bedroom, master suite with walk-in, ensuite and veranda, and powder room. 
The property last sold for $4,008,000 in 2015 and $3,550,000 in 2013. 
 
</body></html>

Elegant Cremorne Point home with harbour views sold for $4.8 million

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

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

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

<main data-perf-region="main">
Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Staff reporter

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News