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Shepparton’s market is being driven by a splash of spending on public infrastructure as well as a flurry of construction activity for private businesses, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said.
The report notes many local manufacturing businesses are expanding to larger scale premises, which is having a flow through effect on the whole market. 
"As stated in previous Month in Review entries, the hospital expansion is bringing a wealth of jobs for both short term construction and ongoin medical staff, as is private sector allied health work, which is bringing population movements from outside the Goulburn Valley. This has been steady now for the past 12 to 18 months and will continue throughout 2020," the valuation firm said. 
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"The land situation in the area is tightening, with a number of larger estates being in their last stages.
"This will start to put upward pressure on land values, the likes of which we haven’t seen in over a decade. This will hit first home buyers the hardest as they make up a large chunk of the new home builder pool," the valuation firm added. 
"Investors are still in the area chasing the strong yields that we have to offer, but the intensity the out of town investors brought six to 12 months ago has cooled off. Unit prices have started to bounce back with a couple of good results recently." 
"Overall the market is still performing strongly with sustainable growth rates. Many agents are reporting sub 30 days on market and have been for an extended period." 
A five year old dormer display home in Shepparton was sold for $480,000 in April.
The three bedroom, two bathroom house is situated at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-shepparton-132632146" target="_blank"> 72 Canterbury Avenue</a> (pictured below).
It comes with two living areas, centrally located kitchen, study and large rear garden.
<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/2020/5/11/shepparton%202.jpg" alt="">
 
A current listing is a three bedroom house situated close to Shepparton CBD. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-vic-shepparton-133123538" target="_blank">1/19 Middleton Street</a> home (pictured below) has been listed with a price guide of $335,000.
It comes with open plan living, private patio area, kitchen, front courtyard and double garage. 
<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/2020/5/11/shepparton%203.jpg" alt="">
Note regards COVID-19
<div>
This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks. 
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<div>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</div>
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Shepparton property market performs strongly with sustainable growth rate: HTW residential 

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The quick progress of COVID-19 has brought swift ramifications for the real estate industry, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
<div>The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said.</div>
"No open homes, no in-room auctions. In short, professionals are having to adapt quickly to ensure the economic wheels keep turning.
"It would come as no surprise that the overriding element at present is the medical, social and economic fallout from virus control measures," the valuation firm said. 
"In Brisbane, the full effect is still to play out, but we can at least take some comfort in not having to deal with population densities like Sydney and Melbourne. A small blessing for the Sunshine State," the valuation firm commented. 
"For the sake of this month’s submission, let’s look beyond COVID-19 and set aside the economic downturn and recovery period to some degree (as we’re not certain as yet how long this challenging time will last)."
"So, what are the elements that traditionally drive the Brisbane market and how might they look in the future?
"The metrics and measures we’ve customarily watched as Brisbane property indicators have included the general economic outlook (nationally and locally), employment numbers and job security, interstate migration, wage growth, interest rate movements, local, state and national elections and the availability of finance," the valuation firm said. 
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It’s a complex dance of interaction between these components that sets the level in terms of activity and price growth potential.
"To give some perspective, 2019 saw a somewhat challenging start in the first half of the year with a number of headwinds. These included the banking royal commission that led to a redefining of lending policies by financiers. There were mid-year elections plus a feel that southern markets had overheated as well.
"We were also struggling to get our Queensland unemployment rate lower. All these elements contributed to our unimpressive residential market performance and general confidence," the valuation firm said. 
Then, the second half of 2019 saw a market back on the rise.
 There was an increase in confidence as lending restrictions were loosened, Brisbane’s major infrastructure projects got underway in earnest and interstate migration numbers continued to improve.
It was, for all intents and purposes, looking like a very promising 2020 before the handbrake was applied by the pandemic, the report said. 
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"Of course, once we pass through this time of uncertainty, Brisbane property operators will be looking overall for leading indicators such as employment and wages growth," the valuation firm said. 
The report suggests there will no doubt be an appetite for infrastructure projects to be back on track and, as mentioned, that all important net interstate migration number.
For those interested in some nuances, there are different drivers for different buyer types.
For example, first home buyers in Brisbane are traditionally stimulated by affordability, the level of competition from investors, first home buyer’s grant and stamp duty incentives, interest rate reductions and the ability to save for deposits and get finance. 
Some of these measures won’t be applicable in the immediate wake of COVID-19, e.g. interest rate falls. That said, when markets return to normalcy, this list of drivers will be applicable.
For upgraders, interest rate reductions have been a keen driver of markets. The ability to draw on built up equity and borrow at a competitive rate has prompted many to act in the past. Of course, with rates being used as a lever to stimulate the economy at the moment, their ability to substantially drive the upgrader sector post- COVID-19 will be some time off, the report noted.
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Empty nesters who’d been looking to downsize and move closer to the city were, in the past, driven by the improvement of lifestyle factors. This would include the development or upgrade of community- centric hubs such as cafés and restaurants. 
Those who are self-funded can also be prompted to move in response to available property types – in particular high-end apartment accommodation – where they can enjoy a comfortable, low- maintenance lifestyle with the ability to lock-and- leave for travel. Again, elements that may be some way off after the crisis passes and we’re on the road to recovery.
"Local drivers by property type aren’t particular to Brisbane. What traditionally applies here could well apply to most capitals on the eastern seaboard," the valuation firm said. 
For units, the influence of oversupply and undersupply is paramount. Brisbane saw the fallout of new build oversupply during 2017 to 2019 as off-the-plan product came to completion.
 Many revaluations were coming in below the original purchase price. 
"During 2019, we were seeing a pick- up in absorption of this oversupply, but the post- 2020 market is more uncertain at this stage," the valuation firm said. 
The thing to keep in mind regarding apartments is that good quality stock which appeals to owner- occupiers is often well received, the report added. 
It’s this type of unit that will receive increased buyer interest post-2020. This includes units of good size and with a practical floorplan within close proximity of desirable hot spots. 
In comparison, typical investor style apartments in secondary locations will have less growth potential.
A two bedroom apartment situated in the Brisbane CBD was sold for $477,000 in April.
The 145sqm apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-qld-brisbane+city-127595854" target="_blank">405/108 Albert Street </a>(pictured below) features a large fully enclosed courtyard with lush surroundings. 
The home comprises two bedrooms, two bathrooms, modern kitchen, secure car park and storage cage. 
<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/2020/5/11/brisbane%20.jpg" alt="">
Similarly, townhouses within the inner city have performed well in comparison to those positioned in outer-lying suburbs. That said, performance can be project specific.
Broadly speaking, well located, quality townhouse projects catering to the owner-occupier market have performed better, with stronger demand and value levels that are more resilient.
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A current listing is a Paddington townhouse priced over $699,000.
The three bedroom, two bathroom townhouse is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-qld-paddington-133105886" target="_blank">1/23 Royal Street </a>(pictured below).
It features open plan dining, modern kitchen, living room, private courtyard and garden area. 
<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/2020/5/11/paddo.jpg" alt="">
And of course, detached housing is the stalwart sector. Houses closer to the city tend to retain and grow in value better than those located further on the fringe. High demand and limited stock is the equation that’s driven this traditionally, the report noted. 
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<div>Note regards COVID-19</div>
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This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks. 
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<div>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</div>
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Brisbane unit market remains uncertain during COVID-19 pandemic: HTW residential 

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Up until the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, it appeared that there was a sense of confidence in the central Gold Coast local property market from both investors and owner-occupiers, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
<div>The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said.</div>
The report notes local agents had been reporting good levels of buyer enquiry for a broad range of residential property in the first couple months of 2020 which has been positive.
This level of optimism can be attributed to the low interest rate environment and to some extent, the latest upturn in the Sydney and Melbourne housing markets.
With some signs indicating these capital cities being on the bounce again, many buyers have been turning their attention to the central Gold Coast area due to the attractive price points.
"The key local drivers for this region include a wide array of lifestyle options, with good accessibility to amenities and greater job opportunities (compared with the quieter coastal and rural districts)," the valuation firm said. 
"In light of recent events (Coronavirus and the subsequent stock market falls) it will become more apparent that buyers will be paying greater attention to national economic indicators but these buyers will also need to focus on local concerns," the valuation firm said. 
The central Gold Coast region is heavily reliant on the construction and tourism industries, the report noted. 
These industries support a huge amount of the population for the area in terms of providing jobs and stability for the local economy.
"It will be interesting to see how these industries fare in the next few months and what impact it will bring on the local property market if the recent events continue to escalate," the valuation firm said. 
A two bedroom townhouse in Gold Coast's inner city suburb Bundall has recently been sold for $526,000.
The<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-qld-bundall-132988766" target="_blank"> 6/9 Freyburg Street</a> home (pictured below) comprises open plan living and dining, two bedrooms with a shared balcony, courtyard and two car accommodation. 
It's situated within walking distance to shops and restaurants. 
<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/2020/5/11/bundall%20.jpg" alt="">
A current listing is a Surfers Paradise beachside apartment priced at $399,000.
The two bedroom, two bathroom home is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-surfers+paradise-133328706" target="_blank">10 Vista Street </a>(pictured below). 
It features north facing balcony, sliding doors and windows, open plan living and skyline views. 
<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/2020/5/11/gold%20coast%202.jpg" alt="">
<div>Note regards COVID-19</div>
<div>
This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks. 
</div>
<div>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</div>
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Key drivers for Central Gold Coast property market to be impacted by COVID-19 pandemic: HTW residential 

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Most investors appear to be acutely aware of the current interest rate and predictions of it being on the decline, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The HTW report suggests this has put a positive slant on the Gold Coast Central North local market. Another positive is the general optimism in the national economy, however this is now very fluid due to the Coronavirus pandemic, with some local agents reporting a fall in enquiries.
<div>The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said.</div>
"A major factor on the Gold Coast is the perceived low values of properties compared to the capital cities such as Melbourne and Sydney and overseas markets," the valuation firm said. 
A major local influence on the Gold Coast has always been proximity to water, whether beach, broadwater, river, lake or canal. 
Secondary location factors are proximity to the perceived better schools, commercial precincts and public transport corridors such as proximity to the new light rail or access to M1 motorway, the report noted. 
First home buyers are most influenced by budget and need for compromise. Many are buying small lowrise units in the older areas such as Southport or driven to the north-west corridor developing area. Upgraders are driven more by location (i.e. water locations).
A first floor apartment situated in the heart of Southport has recently been sold for $240,000. 
The<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-southport-132891778" target="_blank"> 9/14 Rose Street</a> home (pictured below) was last sold in 2013 for $299,000.
It comes with one bedroom, one bathroom, modern kitchen and outdoor balcony. 
<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/2020/5/11/southport.jpg" alt="">
Empty nesters are usually seeking smaller dwellings in locations with good proximity to health services and established commercial precincts.
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"A major factor has been the oversupply of medium to high density housing such as modern medium rise apartments and townhouses. We have seen a dramatic decrease in demand for this type of property," the valuation firm said.
A three bedroom townhouse in Southport is currently on the market with a price guide of over $449,000.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-qld-southport-133020038" target="_blank">15/2 Bronberg Court</a> townhouse (pictured below) features large kitchen, lounge with ceiling fan, and undercover alfresco. 
It is located within easy access to public transport, schools, restaurants and shops. 
<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/2020/5/11/southport%203.jpg" alt="">
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<div>Note regards COVID-19</div>
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This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks. 
</div>
<div>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</div>
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Gold Coast Central North property market sees dramatic decrease in demand for medium rise apartments: HTW residential 

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Wollogorang and Wentworth stations, the renowned 705,000 hectare cattle station on the Northern Territory/Queensland border has been sold. 
The McMillan family from Queensland bought the cattle station for $53 million from Chinese Billionaire Xingfa Ma. 
Bordering the Gulf of Carpentaria, the property comprises 576,000 hectare Wollogorang Station and 129,000 hectare Wentworth Station. 
The property can be reached by air from Cloncurry or Mt Isa, as well as accessed via the road network.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/5/4/Wollogorang%20and%20Wentworth%20Stations%202.jpeg" alt="">
The properties’ natural attributes include reliable rainfall, with additional water sources including large creeks and seasonal lagoons.
There has been upgrades to the property's infrastructure including the installation of Lorentz solar bore pumps.
The main homestead comes with five bedrooms with contemporary features such as a cinema room.
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Mr Ma is one of the richest businessmen in China. He paid around $47 million in 2017 for the cattle station.  
The McMillan Pastoral Company is run by the large McMillan clan, which manages cattle across several properties in North West Queensland.
The property was sold by Bruce Douglas from Ray White Rural Queensland. 
 
https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/finding/location/rural/103879-wollogorang-and-wentworth-nt-cattle-stations-for-sale.html
https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2020-05-01/queensland-mcmillan-family-buys-wollogorang-and-wentworth-$53m/12102478
 
A Queensland family has bought a large cattle station on the Northern Territory/Queensland border from a Chinese billionaire for $53 million.
On Tuesday, the McMillan Pastoral Company settled a deal to buy Wollogorang and Wentworth Stations — which are run as one property straddling the border on the Gulf of Carpentaria — according to documents from the NT Land Titles Office.
The 700,000 hectare aggregation, which includes around 80 kilometres of coastline, was sold walk-in-walk out with around 27,000 head of cattle.
The properties were bought from one of the richest businessmen in China, Xingfa Ma, who owns a ball bearing manufacturing company, alongside beef and wine properties in Western Australia.
Mr Ma's company TBG Agri Holdings had owned Wollogorang and Wentworth since 2015, <a class="_2HoMm _31PBK _34Pu4" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2015-07-16/chinese-billionaire-xingfa-ma-buys-nt-wollogorang-station/6623806" data-component="ContentLink">for which he paid around $47 million.</a>
The McMillan Pastoral Company is run by the large McMillan clan, which manages cattle across several properties in the Cloncurry region of North West Queensland.
Calvert Hills Station, which borders Wollogorang on its eastern boundary, was bought by the <a class="_2HoMm _31PBK _34Pu4" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/rural-news/2013-07-08/calvert-hills-sale/4808906" data-component="ContentLink">McMillans in 2013 for $15 million.</a>
<h2 class="_1LI2A _3_H8z SelAj _1t9H3 ZPXNE lxkD- mSYxO age8P" data-component="Heading">Properties suited to domestic and live export trade</h2>
Herron Todd White land valuer, Frank Peacocke, said Wollogorang and Wentworth would fit in well with the McMillans' other properties.
"They will likely use Wollogorang as a big breeder joint and they will be turning off their younger cattle down to Cloncurry to grow them out and fatten them up," he said.
"The cattle could go into the domestic market or onto the boats through Townsville.
"It's actually closer to Darwin, so they could [send cattle] that way also. They've got a few options."
The quick turnaround in ownership for such a large property is quite rare for the Northern Territory pastoral industry.
Mr Peacocke said the growth in pastoral value since 2015 was not reflected in the sale price.
"It was only four years, but in those four years there has been very strong growth in the pastoral asset space, [of] easily 30 per cent growth over that period," he said.
"[The previous owner] spent over $7 million on Wollogorang and Wentworth over that period, so add that onto the sale price [of $47 million], and if you did expect 30 per cent growth, this sale certainly doesn't show it.
"I think the McMillans have bought reasonably well."
<h2 class="_1LI2A _3_H8z SelAj _1t9H3 ZPXNE lxkD- mSYxO age8P" data-component="Heading">Chinese billionaire 'refocusing' investments</h2>
Speaking to ABC Rural in August last year after the station was put on the market, managing director of TBG Agri Holdings, Andrew Blythe, said the station had been "a great property" for the company, but it was looking to "refocus" its investments.
"We're focussing back on our investments in Western Australia," he said.
"We've got Emu Downs north of Perth and Balfour in the Pilbara.
"So we're focussing on those operations and developing a boxed-meat product for China for our shareholders."
Mr Blythe said the company had invested around $7 million into the property, including a major fencing project, upgrades to the homestead area and watering points.
"And we spent a lot of money on genetics for the property," he said.
"A lot of the herd was a mix when we bought it, but it's now pretty much 100 per cent Brahman bloodline."
The McMillan family declined to comment on the sale.
 
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McMillan family buys Wollogorang and Wentworth Stations 

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The long-standing Tewantin Market Garden on the Sunshine Coast has been snapped up for $1,025,000.
The 142sqm property at Shop <a href="https://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=OEliUjcxeWE1ZEs2R3BZaUU4MjFYTFMzUWNUeUVSUVRzYlJqamhlUkd0Z1UrTkh0T2JQYy9wMGZuVUhVano0UzFCZkZoZXJucy9NUFVacFZLaE4rcWVBVFJXTjhhYTUxZW5oU2VlbXg0RVFxYUhQZDVxcitXZ1hKZTJKWlRYUE1FbVp4STQxOXJhd3BOcXkrNVM4TE1jMXc5M3hpZ3BkSTFseFNRMG1tZ1BOTTJIbkVUUDF1M3M1OFYreC9sNGI3&amp;rh=ff00611b95e6ae1e74f00323784ab13e69fb5d9d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">2/93 Poinciana Avenue</a> was completed in 2016 and formed part of the ‘Tewantin Place’ strata complex.
It was sold by David Brinkley and Tracey Ryan from Ray White Commercial Noosa and Sunshine Coast North to an interstate investor. 
Tewantin Market Garden relocated from a below street level position within Tewantin Plaza further up the street. 
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“The tenants had made the decision to relocate to this site on the Poinciana street front to enhanced their business and benefited their customers," Brinkley said.
The property was first for sale as an off-market proposition until final agreement was reached five months later.    "Tewantin is a busy retail centre which is undergoing a revitalisation as the demographic in the area moves away from retirees to young families investing in the large blocks at prices slightly below neighbouring Noosa," Brinkley said. 
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Tewantin Market Garden freehold sells for $1 million

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The market throughout Gold Coast North West, Scenic Rim and Lower Logan region covers a wide range, from older housing to brand new estates, according to a recent Herron Todd White residential report. 
The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said.
The report suggests investors traditionally forming a large proportion of purchasers in this region across all categories.
"The record low interest rates have influenced buyers in this region, keeping purchasing activity steady. Record low rates inevitably correlates to higher debt levels as money gets cheaper," the valuation firm said. 
Some home owners have been unable to sustain payments at the higher debt levels and as a result, there have been more mortgagee in possession sales occurring in recent months.
Price point has always been the big lure to investors in this region with Sydney and Melbourne buyers able to buy several houses here for the same price as only one in their home towns, the report noted. 
A current offering in the Scenic Rim Region's Beaudesert is a three bedroom house priced at over $299,000.
The three bedroom, one bathroom house is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-beaudesert-133447382" target="_blank">5 James Street </a>(pictured below).
It features modern kitchen, air-conditioned living area, undercover deck and garden shed.
<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/2020/5/18/beaudesert%202.jpg" alt=""> 
"Rental returns have always been top of the list of attributes for interstate buyers with many older style properties achieving rental returns that are positively geared or very close to it. We have also seen a large rise in the dual occupancy market in new housing estates," the valuation firm said. 
Buyers can build a dual occupancy dwelling on a site larger than 400 square metres with most construction and land packages costing between $500,000 and $560,000 and achieving between $630 and $680 per week rent.
"When combining the calculation of these returns with the benefit to the investor in potential capital gains, they become quite an attractive offer.
"We are also seeing an oversupply of townhouses and low rise units in and around Beenleigh with new products seeing very large discounts on resale and some developers advising that it is difficult to build product and maintain profit." 
A Beenleigh two bedroom Unit within a small secure complex has recently been sold for $255,000.
The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-beenleigh-132990970" target="_blank">7/35 Solar Street </a>(pictured below) was last sold in 2008 for $250,000.
It comprises two bedrooms, two bathrooms, open plan living and outdoor entertainment area. 
<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/2020/5/18/beenleigh.jpg" alt="">
<div>Note regards COVID-19</div>
<div>
This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks. 
</div>
<div>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</div>
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Purchasing activity keeps steady in Gold Coast North West property market: HTW residential 

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The biggest driver for people buying in the Tweed region is lifestyle choice, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said. 
"Most buyers we are seeing across the shire are owner-occupiers or people purchasing a weekender," the valuation firm said. 
The region does not have a lot of local employment or major industry and it is becoming more common that people are relocating from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast and working from home or flying or driving during the week if need be to work in the cities.
There are also people relocating from the Byron Shire to the Tweed Shire as affordability in the Byron Shire is at record high levels. This is particularly the case for the towns along the coast or rural residential properties east of Murwillumbah, the report noted. 
"Price points are particularly strong in the coastal towns due to lack of stock available. This in turn is pushing up property prices and even with all the doom and gloom of the Coronavirus, agents are advising that demand is quite strong," the valuation firm said. 
It doesn’t seem to matter what type of property buyers are purchasing in the coastal towns; location is more important to buyers, the report noted. 
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"Price points in Murwillumbah are strong for older dwellings as buyers want character dwellings close to town. The modern dwellings located in the estates on the outskirts of town are becoming a harder sell for agents and the market is seeing a flood of this property type with little movement," the valuation firm said. 
A five bedroom family home in Murwillumbah has been recently sold for $520,500. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-murwillumbah-133292342" target="_blank">11 Thompson Street </a>house (pictured below) was offered for sale for the first time in 52 years. 
It features light filled kitchen area, enclosed sunroom, utility room workshop area and fully-fenced backyard. 
<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/2020/5/18/murwillumbah%20.jpg" alt="">
"First home buyers are looking to duplexes in Banora Point or go further inland to Murwillumbah to get a foot in the market since these dwelling types are at the cheaper end of the market and still priced under $500,000." 
A current listing is a Banora Point three bedroom duplex priced at $500,000.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-duplex+semi-detached-nsw-banora+point-133233234" target="_blank">2/3 Grassmere Court </a>home (pictured below) comes with renovated kitchen, light-filled living areas, and double garage. 
It also features ceiling fans, timber-look laminate flooring and outdoor entertaining area. 
<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/2020/5/18/banora%20point.jpg" alt="">
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<div>Note regards COVID-19</div>
<div>
This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks. 
</div>
<div>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</div>
 
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Demand for Tweed Shire properties remain strong in the time of coronavirus pandemic: HTW residential 

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When most people think of the Central Queensland economy, they think of the resource sector, particularly coal and gas, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential repot. 
The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said. 
"Yes, it is true that Rockhampton itself is heavily influenced by these two mega industries however in addition to this, the Rockhampton region is considered to be one of the most diverse economies within central and regional Queensland," the valuation firm said. 
The region thrives on a range of other industries including acting as a regional government hub, being one of the top two regional Queensland towns for education services and facilities, a huge agriculture basis and it has always been a long term hub for the railway, construction and defence industries. It is also seen as an emerging tourism destination.
The report suggests this diverse range of employment industries has seen Rockhampton minimise its volatility over the past decade with limited numbers of swings in the property market compared to neighbours such as Gladstone to the south, Emerald to the west and Mackay to the north.
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"After a slowly declining six year period from late 2013 to mid 2019, we have finally started to see the property market respond in a positive way with growth recorded in both sales activity and sale prices across many sectors of the market in the past six to nine months.
"So what’s driving this change, you may ask. Well in hindsight, the catalyst that turned the ship around was the largely unexpected federal election result in May 2019 when unprecedented swings across regional Queensland resulted in a massive boost in confidence to the resource sector," the valuation firm said. 
Production increased during the back half of 2019, creating a wave of new jobs and increased confidence.
"Initially we saw a tightening of the vacancy rates for rental properties which quickly resulted in increased rents. Sales followed suit shortly afterwards," the valuation firm added. 
In more recent times, government infrastructure spending is at an all time high with multi million dollar projects currently underway including the duplication of the Capricorn Highway between Rockhampton and Gracemere, the Parkhurst Highway upgrade, a billion dollar Rockhampton Ring Road project and ongoing Defence Force projects to name a few.
"Of course as I write this the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting the world and Australia. Unprecedented times and its impact is already having a disastrous effect on all levels of the economic front. The extent of its impact locally on the property market is still largely unknown.
"Hopefully the powers at be are making the right decisions in managing this crisis and we all get through this together sooner rather than later." 
A riverside apartment in Rockhampton City was sold for $485,0000 in April.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-rockhampton+city-133093578" target="_blank">505/2-4 Victoria Parade </a>home (pictured below) comprises three bedroom, two bathrooms, open plan kitchen, dining and living area, and two parking spaces.
It features separate laundry, storage space, full-length balcony and views of Fitzroy River and mountains. 
<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/2020/5/18/rockhampton%202.jpg" alt="">
A current listing is a Rockhampton brick home priced at $249,000.
The three bedroom, one bathroom house is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-rockhampton+city-133307910" target="_blank">54 Denison Street </a>(pictured below).
It is situated close to hospital buses and shopping centres. 
<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/2020/5/18/rockhampton%203.jpg" alt="">
<div>Note regards COVID-19</div>
<div>
This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks. 
</div>
<div>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Rockhampton property market remains unknown: HTW residential 

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Australia Bureau of Statistics data has confirmed the massive economic hit from the COVID-19 pandemic, with total hours worked across the economy officially falling 9% between early March and early April 2020.
Our analysis, using data from the quarterly <a href="https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/research/publications/hardship-distress-and-resilience-initial-impacts-covid-19-australia" target="_blank">ANUpoll</a>, suggests the self-employed have been hit harder, with average weekly hours dropping by almost a third between February and April 2020. More than eight out of 10 self-employed Australians say their profits have taken a significant hit.
Decline in hours worked for the self employed
The ANUpoll is an important economic and social barometer in Australia because it is a longitudinal survey – polling the same group of people multiple times throughout the year. This enables a more accurate snapshot of how individuals are being affected.
The <a href="https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/research/surveys/anupoll" target="_blank">data we are releasing today</a> was collected from 3,155 Australians between April 14 and April 27.
It shows the 32% drop in hours worked by the self-employed (from 35.2 to 23.8 hours) was about double that of all employees, whose hours declined by 16% (from 35.5 to 29.7 hours).
The following infographic illustrates the degree of decline for all the self-employed in the poll (about 240 people). The blue dots above the red line show those working more hours in April; those below the line show those working less. Note the number at or near zero.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/335284/original/file-20200515-138620-1no37fw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/335284/original/file-20200515-138620-1no37fw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
 Comparing weekly hours worked by the self-employed in February to April 2020. ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods, Author provided
Almost a third said their business would be unviable if financial trends continued for two months. If trends persisted for six months, 40% doubted they could survive.
The impact on savings and wellbeing
The proportion of self-employed saying they were finding it difficult or very difficult to survive on their current income increased from 29% to 36%.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/335327/original/file-20200515-138654-8u4t3i.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/335327/original/file-20200515-138654-8u4t3i.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
 Proportion of people finding it difficult or very difficult on their current income, by employment type. ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods
This contrasts with an aggregate improvement among employees, most likely due to higher payments for those on lower incomes, such as the A$750 given to social security recipients.
21% of self-employed respondents said they had accessed retirement savings or superannuation early, compared with 7% of employees.
Among those thinking their business was unviable, 69% reported feeling anxious and worried, compared with 59% of those thinking their business was viable. Life satisfaction was also lower (5.6 out 10 compared to 7.0).
What does this mean for the self-employed in 2020?
Current policies includes a large amount of targeted assistance for the self-employed. Without that assistance, the outcomes summarised above would be far worse.
As physical distancing restrictions are eased, it will be important to continue to monitor how the self-employed are faring to ensure the level of government support is sufficient and well-targeted.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/138718/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/matthew-gray-229834" target="_blank">Matthew Gray</a>, Director, ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877" target="_blank">Australian National University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicholas-biddle-10171" target="_blank">Nicholas Biddle</a>, Professor of Economics and Public Policy, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877" target="_blank">Australian National University</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/self-employed-australians-hours-have-fallen-32-since-coronavirus-hit-double-the-impact-on-all-employees-138718" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Self-employed Australians’ hours have fallen 32% since coronavirus hit double the average

<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.

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[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.

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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.

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[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.

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[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

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[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.

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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

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