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Fender House, a Mount Marth trophy home has been listed with $5 million hopes.
The six bedroom four bathroom abode is being marketed by Kristy Taylor of Taylor &amp; Co. Realty.
Situated at 109 Hopetoun Avenue, it was designed in 1973 by a young Karl Fender.
The modernist home been meticulously restored by the current owners.
It remains nestled with 3 acres of private bushland.
Features include a separate gym/studio has floor to ceiling glass with uninterrupted views of the garden and valley beyond.
Every room in the upper and lower areas of the main wing enjoy a north-west aspect of sweeping vistas over the restored mid-century, pool, across lush green fields bordered by gum and palm trees.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Fender House, Mt Martha listed with $5 million hopes

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122 new social and affordable homes are being developed in South Western Sydney.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the completion of BaptistCare’s Narralling Community in Elderslie is the latest milestone in the NSW Government’s $1.1 billion Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF).
“A strong pipeline of modern, fit-for-purpose new homes is helping reduce housing stress and is providing secure housing for people who need it most,” Mr Ward said.
“This project is an excellent example of the work the NSW Government is doing in collaboration with community housing providers, which is not only creating great social outcomes but also significant economic benefits in the form of local jobs.”
The project consists of 84 one-bedroom villas for seniors and 38 two-bedroom townhouses for single-parent families. The complex features landscaped gardens, a BBQ area, community centre, a veggie garden and playground
BaptistCare CEO Charles Moore said BaptistCare is delivering 500 homes as part of the SAHF, which will support people facing rental stress and homelessness. 
The SAHF is an initiative of <a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/6gTxCp818qh1M9gDfD02YM?domain=facs.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/6gTxCp818qh1M9gDfD02YM?domain%3Dfacs.nsw.gov.au&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1606869169026000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGhhe5mPjhY-TMbdxArJLKYmv7Hog">Future Directions of Social Housing in NSW</a>, the NSW Government’s plan to deliver more and better social housing across the state.
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New social housing for Sydney's South West

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A 150-year-old Bardon Colonial Queenslander is now under offer.
The former vice-regal property sits on a 1,707 sqm manicured block.
Situated at 15 Moonya Street, Baron, it is a five bedroom, three bathroom abode.
Boasting original windows, door joinery and Neo roman roofing profile, these are united with 3.8m ceilings and HJ walls, ornate fireplaces, classic arches and intricate fretwork.
Features include, study nook, pool, sprawling backyard and deck all easily observable from a central vantage point.
The house is separated into into three distinct zones and four of the five bedrooms open out onto the sprawling verandah via French doors to enhance the "Queenslander" feeling.
It last sold for $2.1 million in 2008.
 
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Former vice-regal Bardon Colonial Queenslander under offer

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A mix-used, freehold asset in Sydney’s Balmain has sold to a local investor.
Situated at 205 Darling Street, the 116sqm property offers views of the Sydney skyline and sold for $1.4 million.
The home was listed on the market for over 200 days, after being listed previously without sale in 2018.
Achieving a yield of 4.2 per cent, the site offers a diversified income stream with its ground-floor being let to an art school and a residential tenant occupying the upstairs space.
The one-bedroom apartment upstairs featured two balconies, a rooftop terrace, and private garden access via Queens Place.
Savills Australia’s Nick Lower, Selin Ince and Oliver Ridley negotiated the deal.
“With retail trading at sub 5 per cent, it is clear consumer sentiment is on the rise, and investors are taking advantage of current market conditions in order to secure premium property”, they said.
The property is located in close proximity to the Sydney CBD and is only moments to Darling Street’s retail precinct.
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Mixed-use freehold asset in Sydney's Balmain sells for $1.4 million

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ABS Building Approvals data for October continues to show the positive impact of HomeBuilder on the detached house market with the highest number of approvals since early 2000, according to HIA Economist, Angela Lillicrap.
“HomeBuilder was the catalyst for improving consumer confidence in the housing market. The strength of building approvals is due to several factors including low interest rates and changes in consumer preferences."
“HIA New Home Sales data suggests that detached house building approvals will continue to be strong over the coming months. The extension of HomeBuilder will see these strong results carry on well into 2021," added Ms Lillicrap.
Detached house approvals increased by 18.6 per cent in the three months to October 2020 compared to the preceding three months and are 23.2 per cent higher than the same time last year.
Western Australia has seen the largest improvement in the last three months with detached housing approvals 62.8 per cent higher than the same time last year. This is due to the pent up demand for new housing in the state, as well as other state government stimulus measures.
Queensland and the Northern Territory have also experienced strong increases in detached housing approvals, up by 33.0 per cent and 30.6 per cent respectively, on the preceding three months.
Multi-unit approvals remain 12.5 per cent lower than the same time last year.
"The small number of multi-unit projects that gained approval in October are likely to have commenced the planning and building approval process years ago. These are not a good indicator of prospective commencements in this part of the market."
"Slower population growth, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, and an increased preference for detached houses, will likely see demand for apartments constrained going into 2021,” concluded Ms Lillicrap.
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Detached dwelling approvals soar in WA followed by Victoria, Queensland and NSW

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In the month of November, Australian dwelling values (ie, houses and apartments) climbed a solid 0.8% across all metro and non-metro markets according to CoreLogic's hedonic index (specifically, 0.7% in the capital cities and 1.4% across the non-metro regional areas), which we had foreshadowed. If you cannot see the charts below, you can read this note via Livewire here.
With the COVID-19 induced peak-to-trough fall across the nation now officially recorded at 2.1% (revised up from a previously estimated 1.7%), Aussie home values are still 0.9% below the high watermark set at the end of April (on a monthly basis) notwithstanding increases recorded in October (0.4%) and November (0.8%).
Somewhat more remarkably, Australian dwelling values are still 0.5% lower than they were almost 4 years ago. That is to say, there has been no net increase in national house prices since May 2017.
In November, the Melbourne market registered its first full month of capital gains with dwelling values rising by 0.7%, notably outpacing Sydney (0.4%) and Brisbane (0.6%). Healthier house price increases were registered in Perth (1.1%), Adelaide (1.3%), Hobart (1.4%), and Darwin (1.9%) and Canberra (1.9%).
Over the three months to November 2020, capital city dwelling values have increased 0.7%, underperforming regional areas (2.8%) and the combined national market (1.1%).
In all cities, gross rental yields remain above the cost of servicing mortgage debt, which has opened the door to positive (as opposed to negative) gearing. The best rental yields are in Darwin (7.0%), Canberra (5.5%), Adelaide (5.3%), Perth (5.3%), and Brisbane (5.1%). Yields are comparatively low in Sydney (3.3%) and Melbourne (3.7%).
The recovery in the housing market is a crucial plank in the broader national rebound from the 1-in-100 year global pandemic, and a key demonstration of the fact that the RBA's monetary policy transmission mechanism is working. This is especially important with second and third COVID-19 waves cresting around the world, and at a time when Australia faces downside risks from China's assault on our economy.
With housing credit growth running at just 3.3% on an annual basis according to the latest RBA data, and lending standards the toughest they have been in modern banking history, there are scant financial stability risks for regulators to worry about at this juncture.
Clients will recall that Coolabah forecast a tiny 0% to 5% correction in national house prices in March, predicting they would start rising again in September and October (as they did) with total capital gains over the next few years expected to be at least 10% to 20%.
Coolabah has also been consistently very bearish on relations between China and the West.
Christopher Joye is the portfolio manager at <a href="https://coolabahcapital.com" target="_blank">Coolabah Capital Investments</a>
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Australian house prices increase 0.8% in November, but still below May 2017 levels: Coolabah's Christopher Joye

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/rp1819/Quick_Guides/OverseasStudents">about two in every five</a> international students enrolled in Australian higher education institutions were from mainland China. Across the education sector, Chinese students brought in <a href="https://www.austrade.gov.au/news/economic-analysis/chinese-education-exports-reach-10-billion">more than $A10 billion a year</a>. During the pandemic, <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-coronavirus-outbreak-is-the-biggest-crisis-ever-to-hit-international-education-131138">Australian universities have struggled</a> to retain and recruit international students.
The <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/international-students-from-only-these-countries-will-be-returning-to-australia-in-2020">first returning students</a> are due to fly out under a pilot scheme this weekend, <a href="https://www.cdu.edu.au/international/cdu-charter-flight">arriving in Darwin on Monday</a>. But numbers are very limited due to quarantine requirements.
It’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/our-unis-do-need-international-students-and-must-choose-between-the-high-and-low-roads-149973">essential to recruit and retain</a> international students to sustain and develop Australian higher education. The <a href="https://theconversation.com/covid-19-what-australian-universities-can-do-to-recover-from-the-loss-of-international-student-fees-139759">loss of international student fee revenue</a> has prompted universities to make <a href="https://theconversation.com/as-universities-face-losing-1-in-10-staff-covid-driven-cuts-create-4-key-risks-147007">large job cuts</a>. Many are expected to <a href="https://theconversation.com/without-international-students-australias-universities-will-downsize-and-some-might-collapse-altogether-132869">downsize. Some might collapse</a>.
Competition calls for proactive measures
Pilot schemes to bring back small numbers of international students to <a href="https://www.cdu.edu.au/news/cdu-first-university-australasia-welcome-back-international-students">Darwin</a>, <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/south-australia-s-covid-cluster-casts-shadow-on-pilot-plan-to-fly-back-international-students">Adelaide</a> and <a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6881882/international-students-unlikely-to-return-to-act-this-year-as-uc-vice-chancellor-officially-welcomed/">Canberra</a> were announced months ago. However, with <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/australia-to-delay-return-of-more-international-students-pm-scott-morrison">priority being given to quarantining returning Australians</a>, the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-14/nt-howard-springs-australian-repatriation-plans-coronavirus/12766352">students’ return was delayed</a>.
Australian universities also have other challenges to overcome.
The <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-the-australia-china-relationship-is-unravelling-faster-than-we-could-have-imagined-145836">unravelling relations</a> between Australia and China, if not managed well, may cast a dark shadow over educational exchanges.
Besides, Australia’s pilot plans are small in scale and slow in pace compared to its competitors. British universities such as Queens University Belfast and the University of Manchester have <a href="https://monitor.icef.com/2020/09/uk-universities-charter-flights-to-bring-international-students-back-to-campus/">chartered flights</a> to bring students from China back to campus. Canada <a href="https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/international-students-travel-canada-covid-19">re-opened its border</a> to all international students on October 20.
The Australian government and higher education sector must be more proactive to remain competitive in international education. Based on my experience as a teacher and researcher of Chinese international students, five approaches are worth considering.
Treat those who are here better
Perhaps somewhat counter-intuitively, <a href="https://theconversation.com/4-out-of-5-international-students-are-still-in-australia-how-we-treat-them-will-have-consequences-145099">a majority</a> of Australia’s international students remain onshore. The most direct and probably most efficient measure to attract more of these students is to treat those who are already here better.
Universities also have professional and moral obligations to look after students who could not return home to their loved ones. Many are far away from their support networks and unfamiliar with support arrangements in Australia.
Australia is very different from their home country in language, culture, values, governance and politics. COVID amplified the culture shocks and psychological pressures.
Despite being unable to travel due to border closures, international students know and <a href="https://theconversation.com/4-out-of-5-international-students-are-still-in-australia-how-we-treat-them-will-have-consequences-145099">often compare</a> how different countries are treating them. Their opinions, based on first-hand experience, can influence decisions on studying abroad by friends and relatives back home as well as members of their social networks.
According to my Chinese international students onshore, fee reductions, personalised care, Chinese-language support services and internship and work opportunities are among the best ways to win them over.
Integrate all students in virtual communities
It’s unlikely students now in China will be allowed to enter Australia en masse any time soon. Many universities continue educating these students through remote teaching and learning activities. However, as one Chinese international student said, her friend in China who attends classes on Zoom “<a href="https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/the-international-students-trying-to-understand-australia-from-afar">constantly feels lost</a>” due to the “lack of personal experiences [of Australia]”.
Universities need to do much more than providing extra study materials to download. To keep offshore students engaged, universities must ensure they remain full members of the class despite their physical absence. Ways to do this include deliberately mixing them with onshore students for peer mentoring and collective assignments.
<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0092055X16631126">Research</a> shows local students are much more likely to engage with international students when they can learn from them. And creating opportunities for international students to share their knowledge can empower them.
Help with cross-border travel
Remote education, if well designed, can keep some offshore students enrolled. However, as Monash University vice-chancellor <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/deadline-looms-for-universities-foreign-students-20200915-p55vwi">Margaret Gardner points out</a>, teaching online is “a stopgap, not a solution”, because students don’t “have the full experience”.
And students’ inability to travel is a source of <a href="https://theconversation.com/covid-19-increases-risk-to-international-students-mental-health-australia-urgently-needs-to-step-up-137596">pressure and anxiety</a>.
Considering that both Australia and China have largely <a href="https://covid19.who.int/table">controlled the virus</a>, the time is ripe for planning a “travel bubble”. Making travel between the countries easier could win the favour of many Chinese students.
Send the right signals
Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s “<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-03/coronavirus-pm-tells-international-students-time-to-go-to-home/12119568">go home</a>” message to international students in early April was widely regarded as selfish and unsympathetic in Chinese social media. The damaging effect of such remarks can outweigh other <a href="https://ministers.dese.gov.au/tehan/message-international-students">messages of solidarity</a> with these students.
The government’s decision in August to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-09/chinese-scholars-have-visas-revoked-as-diplomatic-crisis-grows/12644022">revoke the visas</a> of two leading Australian studies experts from China also <a href="https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3101055/chinese-academics-australia-shocked-fear-chilling-effect-after">shocked</a> many Chinese-born academics and students in Australia. The lack of information, beyond citing security concerns, left room for <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/backgroundbriefing/scholars-australia-china-espionage-spies-visas-threat/12744392">speculation</a> about whether broader anti-China politics was involved.
Chinese students will only enrol in Australian universities if they and their parents consider the country safe and comfortable to study and live. For Australia to remain a desired study destination, the government needs to send clear and consistent signals.
Embrace Australia’s multiculturalism
Multiculturalism is one of Australia’s finest achievements. Unfortunately, the pandemic has surfaced a degree of <a href="https://theconversation.com/garbage-and-cash-cows-temporary-migrants-describe-anguish-of-exclusion-and-racism-during-covid-19-146098">exclusion and racism towards temporary visa holders</a>, including international students. Anti-Chinese incidents prompted the Chinese government <a href="https://theconversation.com/students-in-china-heed-their-governments-warnings-against-studying-in-australia-141871">to warn</a> in June against studying in Australia.
Some Chinese students defended Australia as <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-love-australia-3-things-international-students-want-australians-to-know-139857">a safe and desirable study destination</a>. Still, many reported they <a href="https://theconversation.com/students-in-china-heed-their-governments-warnings-against-studying-in-australia-141871">would consider their government’s warning</a>.
Chinese-born communities, including international students, have greatly enriched the diversity of Australian society. Yet many policymakers and educators have long framed the need to engage with Asia and China along utilitarian lines such as creating jobs or bringing in money.
These discourses may unintentionally create a <a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au/news/article/2020/september/ppi---multiculturalism-is-the-ultimate-case-for-teaching-and-learning-asian-languages-in-australia">status of otherness</a> for Australia’s Chinese-born communities. Many of my students have told me they believe the universities see them as cash cows. They, in turn, consider themselves more as customers than learners.
To get ahead in the increasingly competitive global education market, Australia should integrate international students more meaningfully into its society. Ultimately, making these students feel proud of their contribution to Australian multiculturalism is probably the most sustainable way to strengthen their bonds with their host country.
<hr>
This article has been edited to clarify that the $10 billion contribution to the economy of Chinese international students is across the education sector.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/148444/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/yu-tao-325871">Yu Tao</a>, Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-western-australia-1067">University of Western Australia</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/5-ways-australia-can-get-ahead-in-attracting-and-retaining-chinese-international-students-148444">original article</a>.
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5 ways Australia can get ahead in attracting Chinese international students

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After hitting the bottom of the market during 2020, REIWA’s 2021 outlook indicates the Western Australian property market should experience steady growth in both the rental and sales market - something not seen since the strong conditions in 2013.
REIWA President Damian Collins said 2020 has been an unusual year for property, however despite the lull experienced during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, WA is showing extremely positive signs.
Perth sales market
“Sales activity in Perth at the start of the year was sitting at approximately 2,900 transactions per month followed by an uptick where we are now seeing nearly 4,200 transactions,” Mr Collins said.
“Listings for sale have reached a 13- year low with just over 10,000 listings for sale on reiwa.com, putting upwards pressure on prices.”
Agents on the ground have reported that recently it is not uncommon for sellers to be receiving multiple offers, including being offered thousands more than the advertised price, something which has not been seen since 2013.
“With record low interest rates looking like they will be around for a while, many buyers are finding it cheaper to buy than rent. This is one of the reasons why we can expect sales activity in 2021 to continue gaining momentum,” Mr Collins said.
“In 2020, Perth was the lowest median house value of any capital city in Australia and with the increase in population growth due to people returning to WA from overseas and interstate, this could change in 2021.
“While house prices were largely stable over the last 12 months, it is expected that prices will increase between six and 10 per cent over the next 12 months.”
Perth rental market
After an unexpected 2020, Perth’s rental market has reached crisis levels with the vacancy rate reducing to below one per cent due to the flow on effects of COVID-19.
“Population growth increased 1.5 per cent during the 12 months to March 2020 and with more than 1,000 international arrivals expected per week, plus the domestic borders opening, the rental market could get more competitive for renters at the start of the year before it gets any better due to the low levels of available rental properties,” Mr Collins said.
The limited stock of rentals available has resulted in an upward pressure on rents with the median rent increasing from $350 to currently sit at $380 per week in the last few months, which is an 8.5 per cent increase.
“We can expect rents to grow an additional 10 to 15 per cent throughout 2021, however even with this increase, WA is still the most affordable capital city to rent in across all Australian states and territories” Mr Collins said.
The positive outlook for the Perth rental market, will hopefully attract an increase in investors looking to take advantage of the favourable market conditions. This will help boost the available supply of rental properties thereby keeping rent increases to reasonable levels.
Regional WA
REIWA expects the overall market conditions to improve in regional WA during 2021 as a direct result of population growth and change in lifestyle preference due to the COVID-19 pandemic and general market conditions.
Mr Collins said we have already seen significant improvements in Karratha, Port Hedland and Kalgoorlie Boulder during the latter half of 2020 with increased rental demand and sales activity.
“Increases in certain mining areas are due to companies moving their staff closer to the mining sites to live while the borders are closed. While this has put upward pressure on the rental and sales market, other regional centres are also experiencing lowered vacancy rates, limited rental stock and an increase in median rents,” Mr Collins said.
According to reiwa.com data, at the latter end of 2020, Albany’s vacancy rate dropped from 0.9 per cent to 0.4 per cent, Bunbury was down from 3.1 per cent to 0.7 per cent and Geraldton was 5.1 per cent to now sit at 1.5 per cent.
“While decreases in rental stock can be explained by higher population growth and low investor activity, it will be interesting to see how working from home impacts lifestyle choices and if we see an increase in demand for regional properties in 2021 due to people opting for an alternative lifestyle while working from home,” Mr Collins said.
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Strong property conditions expected in WA 2021: REIWA

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Despite rental affordability across Sydney improving in the past year the NSW capital remains critically unaffordable to significant proportions of the renting population, especially very low and low-income households, the latest release of the Rental Affordability Index (RAI) has found.
Greater Sydney’s affordability is the highest recorded over the past eight years, improving by 5.7 per cent in the past 12 months – which has almost entirely been driven by the decline in rents caused by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the only city which has shifted from moderately unaffordable to acceptable rents, despite affordability improving across most metropolitan regions.
Despite the lower rental rates, the difference for very low-income households is negligible, as they still face severely unaffordable rents across Sydney.
The RAI is an indicator of the price of rents relative to household incomes based on new rental agreements. It is released annually by National Shelter, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, SGS Economics &amp; Planning and the Brotherhood of St Laurence. The report provides an indication on the impact of early COVID-19 responses and supplement payments, measuring rental affordability for households until the June quarter 2020.
A score of 100 on the RAI indicates that households are spending 30 per cent of their income on rent, which would cause low-income households to be in rental stress. They may have to forgo necessities including food, power and medical care to make ends meet. A score of 100-120 shows that households are facing moderately unaffordable rents.
With a score 126 in the June quarter of 2020, rents have shifted from moderately unaffordable to acceptable, on average, in Sydney. The average rental household in Greater Sydney spends about 24 per cent of its total income on rent – which is the same in regional NSW, which has an RAI score of 124.
However, lower-income households have to fork out a much higher proportion of their income to afford a roof over their heads in Greater Sydney:
<ul>
<li>Single person on JobSeeker: 69 per cent of income (extremely unaffordable)</li>
<li>Single pensioner: 79 per cent of income (extremely unaffordable)</li>
<li>Pensioner couple: 53 per cent of income (severely unaffordable)</li>
<li>Single part-time worker parent on benefits: 47 per cent of income (severely unaffordable)</li>
<li>Full-time hospitality worker: 35 per cent of income (unaffordable)</li>
</ul>
Regional NSW is the second least affordable rest of state areas with an RAI score of 124, behind regional Tasmania (114). The average household seeking to rent in regional NSW would face rent levels at 24 per cent of its total income, which means rents remain acceptable to affordable across regional NSW. As households move from the city to regional centres, this may impact affordability.
In Victoria, there is a massive need for government investment in social and affordable housing – and now is the time for it since borrowing costs are so low in Australia. Without investment in this space, we are ignoring our responsibility to help people be decently housed.
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Low income households face unaffordable rents: RAI

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Australia has recorded a ten-year high for first homes buyers in the last quarter, according to the latest REIA’s "The Housing Affordability Report (HAR)”.
The report revealed a ten-year high for first home ownership and an overall improvement in housing affordability across Australia.
A combination of factors meant that housing affordability has faced a bright spot for those who entered the market during the September 2020 quarter.
Market entry has experienced its largest year on year increase since 2009 and largest quarterly increase since 2010.
With a September quarter increase of 36.1%, first home buyers now make up 40.8% of the owner-occupied dwelling market. This is particularly good news given the large challenges faced by tenants at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The average loan size to first home buyers decreased to $406,223, a decrease of 5.4% over the quarter, but an increase of 0.8% over the past 12 months.
Mr Kelly said that first home buyers are responding to the stable market and historically low interest rates.
Banks could do more to further improve affordability by passing on in full interest cuts and help even more Australian’s buy homes.
HAR shows us that Australian families experienced a small income increase of 0.5 % while the average loan repayment decreased by 2.5 %.
For homeowners, affordability improved with income to loan repayments decreasing 1.1 percentage points to 33.9% over the quarter.
For renters, affordability declined in the September quarter and over the past year with the proportion of income required to meet rent payments increasing by 0.4 percentage points to 23.7%. This is mainly attributed to the increase in rents in a number of capital cities.
The next HAR will be released on 3 March 2021 showing the full impact of CV-19 on housing affordability for 2020.
ADRIAN KELLY is the REIA President 
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First home buyer's dominate the market: REIA's Adrian Kelly

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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

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