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A freestanding mortgagee home in Marsden Park has come onto the market.
Located at 59 Larkin street, the single-story residence is situated on a 250 square metre block and has 29 square metres of internal floorspace.
It features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and small grassed area, and a garage.
It was built in 2018, and sold that year for $628,900.
Marsden Park’s median house price is $799,500.
David Martignago, from Century 21 Hometown Realty, has the listing.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Marsden Park mortgagee home listed for sale

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A mortgagee apartment in Sydney Olympic Park remains listed at $575,000.
It is located on level nine of the Australia Towers complex, at 906/7 Australia Avenue.
It features a single bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, a balcony, and a secure car space.
There is 76 square metres of internal floorspace.
Sydney Harbor’s iconic skyline is visible from the unit’s balcony.
It last sold in 2012 for $540,000 – just $35,000 less than it is listed for currently.
Joe Bousimon, from Belle Property Strathfield, has the listing.
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Australia Towers mortgagee apartment listed at $575,000

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As we enter reduced restriction levels as our stages of lockdown change, this is a positive sign for the economy that we are starting to resume business activities, albeit in a new way.
During this time, Ray White Commercial has been active in listing, selling and leasing commercial assets with many investors, developers and business owners keen to continue to plan for the future. 
The way which we do business may have changed but it has also resulted in the advancement of technologies which will be now more accepted such as online auctions, virtual tours etc. 
With record low interest rates and banks now more mobilized to complete transactions, we continue to see high levels of enquiries and buyers with finance ready with the ability to transact.
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Sales activity for this week remains at a similar level to last week recording over $114 million across 32 transactions. 
This week we have seen the average sale price of over $3.5 million well ahead of last week which featured a higher volume of smaller sales with an average of just $2.2 million. 
Close to $50 million of these sales were transacted in Queensland, spread across all asset classes with retail and development site activity greater than traditional industrial assets while medical related properties also sold. 
We have seen a number of medical facilities change hands this year and a growing number of enquiries in this sector may see it a more favourable investment option in a post COVID-19 economy.
NSW sales were limited but development site activity together with a number of smaller regional assets, while WA featured prominently this week with a number of industrial sales.
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Over the last six weeks, Ray White Commercial has recorded over $1.17 billion in Australian commercial transactions in the sub $50 million asset class. 
The reduced sentiment due to the current COVID-19 crisis not significantly dampening activity for private investor and developer purchasers while a number of institutional buyers have also transacted. 
Over this short period the spread of assets which have sold highlight the ongoing demand for a range of stock suggesting future confidence across all asset classes despite the current economic uncertainty. 
Industrial assets contribute a quarter of all sales while development sites increase their foothold representing 22.13 per cent of turnover. The office and retail asset classes which were anticipated to be adversely affected by the pandemic has accounted close to 38 per cent of all turnover demonstrating longer term confidence of this class. Encouragingly, uses such as hotels, aged care, child care and student housing have all seen robust investment activity.
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Commercial property transaction volumes sub $50 million: Ray White

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The uptick in commercial leasing activity has continued this week with Ray White Commercial offices completing the highest volume of deals during this COVID-19 period.
The ongoing elevated level of enquiries translating into new leases being signed is an encouraging sign for the local economy. Industrial remains the asset class in greatest demand however we continue to see confidence levels improve with a growing number of retail and office transactions complete.
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As we move through the staged reductions of lockdown, many restrictions have been lifted allowing property inspections at a safe social distance. Subsequently, technology has been instrumental in keeping the real estate industry active, many deals completed over the past few weeks have involved virtual inspections and during this time of limited contact, assets which have professional photography and a quality online presence have yielded impressive and rapid results.
The top three leasing deals of the week demonstrate the importance of embracing technology as a key instrument in the industry. 
A 130 sqm office at <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/14-85-mt-derrimut-road-derrimut-vic-3026-9944622" target="_blank">Mt Derrimut Road, Deer Park</a> in Victoria was leased earlier this month by an immigration lawyer. Ray White Commercial Ferntree Gully agent Paul Waterhouse explains, "Leased in one week after using professional photography including aerial, floor plan and 3D walk through." 
An industrial property at <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/qld/stapylton/2289653/?lang=en" target="_blank">Maiella Street, Stayplton</a> in Queensland was leased last week through Ray White Commercial Springwood agent Adrian Hamilton. The 225 sqm property has now been leased to a metal fabrication workshop. Hamilton says, "During the COVID-19 lockdown we have continued to see strong demand for this size property in the area. The property was leased within two weeks of being on the market." 
A 203 sqm retail property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/leased/property-194-herries-street-toowoomba-city-qld-4350-503105086" target="_blank">Herries Street, Toowoomba</a> in Queensland was leased to a flooring retailer by Ray White Commercial Toowoomba agent, Mark Wynhoven. "It is encouraging to see retailers having confidence in the Toowoomba market despite the COVID-19 restrictions, the high exposure of this property [is] one of its greatest advantages," he says. 
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Commercial leasing activity continues to uptick: Ray White

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Calls for infrastructure and health policy have been made by local and state government representatives and the housing and homelessness sector during today’s Preventing a Return to Homelessness – Government’s Perspective online forum.
Organised by the Australian Alliance to End Homelessness (AAEH), representatives from commonwealth, state and local government discussed practices and strategies that need to be implemented to end homelessness and rough sleeping in Australia. 
Chair of AAEH, Karyn Walsh called for a homelessness recovery plan that addresses Australia’s ongoing crisis of homelessness.
“Homeless populations are very vulnerable in community transmissions. People cannot abide by public health directives of social distancing, hand hygiene and staying home if they don’t have a home or place to stay,” said Ms Walsh.
“We need to make sure we are not leaving people behind as the recovery period starts. Moving forward it’s so critical that there is a vulnerable person and homelessness recovery plan that looks to long term goals and ensures that the curve is flattened and stays flattened.”
The Hon Luke Howarth MP, Assistant Minister for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services spoke about the Commonwealth’s focus on housing and homelessness in Australia.
“My key focus is reducing the incidence of homelessness and safe and secure housing; and Housing First because we know this leads to better health education and safety outcomes and workforce participant and choices in the bridge to recovery,” said Minister Howarth.
The government remains committed to working across the housing spectrum to improve outcomes, particularly to those most in need.”
Director of the Centre for Social Impact, University of Western Australia Professor Paul Flatau estimates that among homelessness agencies linked to the AAEH, there have been 2,260 people rough sleeping or at immediate risk of sleeping rough sleeping around Australia who have been provided with temporary accommodation in motels and hotels and other temporary lodgings under government supported programs since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. While precise estimates are not available, the total number of rough sleepers supported could well be close to 5,000. This represents one of the most significant homelessness responses Australia has seen.
While the focus remains on increasing the supply of social housing to meet the long-term permanent housing needs of those experiencing homelessness, Professor Paul Flatau estimates that a national program in the private rental market supported by head-leasing arrangements with community housing to end homelessness among around 2,050 homelessness people could be put in place in the immediate future at a rough cost $380 per week per person (comprised of housing rental subsidies and additional support dollars to community housing and homelessness services), or $40 million per year. He says that research indicates the benefits of ending homelessness outweighs its cost.
“All our research and evaluations show significant savings and improved lives, reduced mental health issues, improved quality of life and improved employment outcomes from effective Housing First programs. Those programs have resulted, in the main, in net savings to government,” Professor Flatau said.
“Homelessness is something we don’t need to accept as a normal thing. Rough sleeping should be rare, brief and non-recurring – that is the standard we must set for ourselves and achieve. If the COVID-19 pandemic has shown anything, it’s that rapid progress is possible on that goal in short periods of time,” said David Pearson, CEO of AAEH.
“We all know that Housing First and investment in social housing is absolutely needed as a very simple solution to a very complex problem. When we pair that with support services, then we can address the underlying issues of homelessness,” Lord Mayor of City of Adelaide and Chair of the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors, Sandy Verschoor said.
“It’s the right thing to do socially and economically. This post-COVID national response gives us the perfect opportunity to do what is right. It requires a shift in thinking and a shift in investment. The primary thing we need is a significant investment in the infrastructure itself which is housing outcomes.”
A number of state and territory representatives spoke during the forum as well, discussing actions proactively being taken to end homelessness across the country. Speakers included:
<ul>
<li>
Roger Jaensch MP, Minister for Housing, Tasmanian Government</li>
<li>
Karen Walsh, Acting Deputy CEO at Northern Territory Department of Local Government, Housing and Community Development</li>
<li>
Mark Wall, General Manager Strategy Policy and Programs, Housing, Homelessness and Sport, Department of Housing and Public Works, Queensland Government</li>
<li>
Tiffany Allen, Executive Director of Housing and Homelessness at Department of Communities, Western Australian Government</li>
<li>
Paul Vevers, Deputy Secretary of Disability, Housing and District Services and Emergency Management, Department of Communities and Justice, New South Wales Government</li>
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Paul Reardon, Executive Director, Customer and Services of South Australian Housing Authority</li>
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Infrastructure and health policy needed to end homelessness: AAEH

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
Reducing the emphasis on cars and making more room for people to walk and cycle are just some of the ways streets could change for the better in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. 
According to UNSW Built Environment lecturer Dr Mike Harris, the coronavirus is exposing problems with our vehicle-dominated street designs that existed long before the pandemic. 
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“It’s showing the disproportionate amount of street space dedicated to cars, because all that space set aside for cars is now sitting idle, while our footpaths aren’t wide enough for people walking, especially under social distancing guidelines,” the landscape architect and urban designer says.
“People are also using their local streets more because they’re working from home. So we’re living more locally, and recognising more the need for better quality streets for our quality of life.”
The need for wider footpaths
The pandemic is highlighting the importance of immediately accessible open space and walking and cycling facilities that many parts of Sydney lack. 
One of the arguments behind widening footpaths is so you can have space to pass people more easily, and with social distancing, it's really shown just how narrow common footpath widths are. Even in our densest areas, many are about one and half metres wide, next to an expanse of asphalt for cars. 
Footpaths should arguably be at least double that width, and that's before we add planting, trees, seating and bike lanes. 
There is so much that streets can do but are often so limited from all the space excised to move and store cars. It's remarkably short-sighted when you think about it. 
In addition to widening footpaths, separated bicycle lanes and closing streets to cars are some of the other short-term streetscape measures cities around the world have taken to adjust to increased street activity. 
Most cities were already installing separated bicycle lanes, better pedestrian amenity. Like many trends, COVID-19 is increasing the speed of how these things get implemented. 
Everyone is getting a forced test run to trial these pop-up things, so it means that all of a sudden, everyone's getting exposed to what our streets could be like. 
Cities around the world are readily adopting temporary measures, with local councils in Sydney like to follow suit. 
I'm surprised though that we haven't been as quick, there is such a clear demand, although Centennial Park has closed to cars on the weekend because it is much busier than usual. 
This 'forced experiment' could be the catalyst for transitioning towards pedestrian-friendly streets on a more permanent basis. 
I think people are showing that they're super keen to get out there and experience the public space in a much stronger way than what they did previously, so the public is ready to go. 
More cycleways, fewer cars 
Bike sales have also increased dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic. While overall transport usage in the City of Sydney is down to 13 per cent cycling is only down to 60 to 90 per cent of prior rates. 
Surveys are showing that the majority of people think things are better with fewer cars; less pollution, quieter and safer streets, for example. 
In the travel behaviour shifts too during the pandemic, most car commuters do not miss commuting at all, but the vast amount of walking and cycling commuters miss their commuting time. 
There will likely be a trend of more people using private forms of transportation in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic. But whether that leans towards the car or the bike is up to policymakers. 
A message that has explicitly come from governments in bigger cities overseas is that if you can do anything right now, ride a bike. If all those people who would usually take the New York or London subway decide to drive when they go back to work, the city will be gridlocked, similarly with Sydney. 
It’s an opportunity for a lot of people to consider riding a bike, at least for some trips or part of their trip, and a portion of them will want to keep doing it ... but as is the case now most of those people will claim they want to, but can’t because there are not enough facilities.
We should invest in a greater number of smaller, easily delivered projects like cycleways, which have more local job creation and less financial and environmental costs. 
It’s definitely time, as the Committee for Sydney is now urging. Less than $10 per person, per year, is spent on cycling infrastructure in Sydney, compared to $41 in London and $50 for Vancouver.
Investing for the next crisis
While reverting back to the vehicle-dominated streets would be easy, the rare opportunity to make our streets more liveable shouldn't be squandered. 
Just a few weeks ago, Beijing and Shenzhen reported heavier peak-hour congestion than the same period last year, and the images of blue skies without air pollution may become a memory. 
What will need to happen is for the government to take the opportunity, while it's there, to make some real changes. If nothing much happens, with the passing of time, and if structural changes haven't occurred in our streets, then slowly things will probably just go back to normal. 
In doing so will have lasting impacts that could better prepare the built environment to endure a future crisis. 
There's a long history of open space being used and transformed in response to public health crises. Planning for New York's Central Park began in the immediate aftermath of New York's second Cholera outbreak in the mid-1800s, along with wider urban boulevards. 
One of the reasons cities in the Netherlands or Denmark are so pedestrian-friendly, cycling-friendly cities today is because the government made concerted decisions to rely less on cars after the 1970s oil crisis. They recognised it was a vulnerable and costly transport mode and made a series of policy decisions and planning changes, that a couple of decades later, you see these profound results of very health, engaging, prosperous, people-friendly cities. 
What smart cities will do is make use of this opportunity and enact intelligent decisions that in 20 years will make their cities better-quality places to live and work. 
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How streets could become more liveable post-coronavirus: UNSW

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Rio Developments Pty Ltd has sold two new 278sqm industrial units in Seven Hills for a combined total of $2,350,000 +GST. 
Separate private investors purchased Units 1 and 10 on Brumby Street, as part of a 10-unit industrial estate.
The fully-secure premises offer quality, high-spec office accommodation, ample parking and an onsite sub-station that provides each unit with 80 amps of three phase power.
The units can be accessed via one container height roller door with an internal clearance of up to 7.5 metres.
CBRE’s Matthew Alessi negotiated the deals, noting it was the estate’s easy access to major arterial roads and the M7 and M2 motorways that attracted the buyers.
“Both purchasers were attracted to these buildings as they are located near major roads at the front of the estate, offering a balcony and exposure to passing traffic on the street,” said Mr Alessi.
“The estate is now complete and has three brand new units remaining for sale,” he concluded
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Investors snap up new industrial units in Seven Hills: CBRE

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A number of recent deals have highlighted that project tenants have been active in securing office accommodation in Sydney, according to Ray White.
Hutchinson Builders was one of the latest tenants to lease project space, having secured an office of approximately 171.5 sqm in ‘as is’ condition at Level Six, 104 Bathurst Street.
The building near Hyde Park was known as International House.
The initial lease term was 18 months and typical gross effective rents for similar unrenovated suites were circa. $500psqm p.a. to $600psqm p.a.
The tenant was to provide an internal fit-out including offices and plumbed kitchenette to accommodate an administrative team for a nearby project.
The deal was negotiated by Ray White Commercial South Sydney's John Skufris - on behalf of a private owner.
“Stowe Electrical and Fredon Air both also leased offices at 75 King Street, just north of Town Hall to use as project space, and we've been contacted directly by two other project tenants with immediate short-term leasing requirements,” Mr Skufris said.
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Demand for project space on the rise during Covid-19 in Sydney: Ray White

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Western Sydney is set for a further construction boom, with two more projects getting the green light today through the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program. 
Planning approval has been given to a new recycling facility in Penrith and a major upgrade to a brick production facility in Horsley Park that, combined, will inject an additional $27.8 million into the economy and support more than 130 local jobs. 
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Western Sydney has been a big winner in the first tranche of projects that have had their assessments fast-tracked to create jobs and investment in response to COVID-19.  
“Western Sydney is undergoing significant growth, which is why we’ve fast-tracked the assessment of projects in the region over the past three weeks to create opportunities for more than 16,000 local jobs and $1.8 billion in investment,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The housing and construction industries will be vital to supporting our State’s economy through the pandemic and so we’re doing what we can to keep the industry moving.” 
The latest projects approved in Western Sydney include:
<ul>
<li>A $26 million upgrade to the 1960’s Austral Bricks facility at Horsley Park. The state-of-the-art facility will be one of the most technologically advanced of its kind in the world and produce enough bricks to build five homes every hour. The facility’s upgrade will support 60 construction jobs and 35 ongoing operational roles.</li>
<li>A new $1.8 million recycling and transfer facility in Penrith, operated by NSW Waste Recycling, that will support a significant increase to waste recycling in Western Sydney. The project will support 25 construction jobs and 12 operational roles once complete.</li>
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Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the Planning System Acceleration Program was a vital lever in the State’s economic recovery. 
“We have re-prioritised projects in the State’s planning system so projects are assessed more quickly to keep people in jobs and the NSW economy moving during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Stokes said. 
“We’ll have another tranche of shovel-ready projects ready to announce shortly, which will also have their assessments finalised within four weeks.” 
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Project
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<td valign="top" width="146">
Investment value
</td>
<td valign="top" width="79">
Jobs
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Austral Bricks facility upgrade
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<td valign="top" width="146">
$26 million
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<td valign="top" width="79">
95
</td>
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Penrith Resource Recovery Facility
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$1.8 million
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<td valign="top" width="79">
37
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Bunnings Warehouse at Bringelly Business Park
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<td valign="top" width="146">
$22 million
</td>
<td valign="top" width="79">
400
</td>
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Mt Druitt CBD rezoning
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$1.49 billion
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<td valign="top" width="79">
15,000
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Rezoning land at Glenlee to create a 60 hectare jobs hub
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$94.2 million
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<td valign="top" width="79">
188
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Rezoning the Bankstown CBD to allow more retail, residential and public space
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$166 million
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<td valign="top" width="79">
332
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TOTAL
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$1.81 billion
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<td valign="top" width="79">
16,052
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To be considered for accelerated assessment, a project must already be progressed in the planning system, deliver a public benefit, demonstrate an ability to create jobs during construction and once complete, and be able to commence construction or lodge a development application within six months. 
Western Sydney projects approved in Tranche 1 of the Planning System Acceleration Program include:
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Construction boom fast-tracked for Western Sydney 

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GUEST OBSERVATION
It is well-established that recessions hit young people the hardest.
We saw it in our early 1980s recession, our early 1990s recession, and in the one we are now entering.
The latest <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/6160.0.55.001Main%20Features4Week%20ending%202%20May%202020" target="_blank">payroll data</a> shows that for most age groups, employment fell 5% to 6% between mid-March and May. For workers in their 20s, it fell 10.7%
The most dramatic divergence in the fortunes of young and older Australians came in the mid 1970s recession when the unemployment rate for those aged 15-19 shot up from 4% to 10% in the space of one year. A year later it was 12%, and 15% a year after that.
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Unemployment rates 1971-1977
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/336271/original/file-20200520-152288-16b5n6o.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/336271/original/file-20200520-152288-16b5n6o.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> <a class="source" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/6203.0">ABS 6203.0</a>
<hr>
At the time, 15 to 19 years of age was when young people got jobs. Only one third completed Year 12.
What is less well known is how long the effects lasted. They seem to be present more than 40 years later.
The Australians who were 15 to 19 years old at the time of the mid-1970s recession were born in the early 1960s.
In almost every recent <a href="http://positivepsychology.org.uk/subjective-well-being/" target="_blank">subjective well-being</a> survey they have performed worse that those born before or after that period.
Subjective well-being is determined by asking respondents how satisified they are with their lives on a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is totally dissatisfied and 10 is totally satisfied.
Australia’s Household, Income and Labour Dynamics survey (<a href="https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/hilda" target="_blank">HILDA</a>) has been asking the question since 2001.
In order to fairly compare the life satisfaction of different generations it is necessary to adjust the findings to compensate for other things known to affect satisfaction including income, gender, marital status, education and employment status.
Doing that and selecting the 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016 surveys to examine how children born at the start of the 1960s have fared relative to those born earlier and later, shows that regardless of their age at the time of the survey, they are less satisfied than those born at other times.
<hr>
Subjective wellbeing by birth cohort over four HILDA surveys
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/336287/original/file-20200520-152311-h03y48.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/336287/original/file-20200520-152311-h03y48.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Subjective well-being on a scale of 0 to 10 where 0 is totally dissatisfied and 10 is totally satisfied. <a class="source" href="https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/hilda" target="_blank">Regressions available upon request</a>
The consistency of lower levels of subjective well-being reported by the 1961-1965 birth cohort suggests something has had a lasting effect.
An obvious candidate is the dramatic increase in the rate of youth unemployment in at the time many of this age group were trying to get a job.
Over time, labour markets can recover but the scars of entering the labour market during a time of sudden high unemployment can be permanent.
The impacts of the early 1980s and early 1990s recessions on young people were alleviated somewhat by the doubling of the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4220.0" target="_blank">Year 12 retention rate</a> and later by the doubling of <a href="https://www.education.gov.au/student-data" target="_blank">university enrolments</a>.
But the education sector is maxed out and might not be able to perform the same trick for the third recession in a row.
Reinvigorating apprenticeships and providing cadetships for non-trade occupations might help. Otherwise the effects of the 2020 recession on an unlucky group of Australians might stay with us for a very long time.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/137236/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/jenny-chesters-869325" target="_blank">Jenny Chesters</a>, Senior Lecturer/ Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-melbourne-722" target="_blank">University of Melbourne</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/recessions-scar-young-people-their-entire-lives-even-into-retirement-137236" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Recessions scar young people their entire lives, even into retirement

Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]

Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3823]

Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3826]

The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=372542]

The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]

North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]

McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]

A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]

Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]

More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Staff reporter

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