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A luxury Mosman estate with unobstructed harbour views has been sold at auction.
The property's price guide last year was $23 million.
The residence was designed by architect, Susan Rothwell, while the interiors were designed by Leanne Smeallie and Siobhan Rothwell.
The impressive 1,792 sqm block has unobstructed views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, and is home to a range of resort-style amenities. 
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-mosman-132836706" target="_blank">28 Ruby Street</a>, the estate features a championship tennis court, pool, and gym, as well as elegant formal and informal entertaining spaces. 
The six bedroom home has six bathrooms, and six car parking spaces. The ensuite master suite has a dressing room with a freestanding stone bath tub.
There is also a secluded guest accommodation with a kitchenette. 
The property is fitted with oversized concertina doors which flow to alfresco areas. 
The exterior features manicured lawns, sandstone walls whilst the interior is paved with timber floors. 
The house also has soaring high ceilings with crystal chandeliers.
The kitchen features Calcutta marble and has a butler's pantry. 
It last sold for $7.55 million in 2008.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Grandiose Mosman family estate with Harbour Bridge and Opera House views sold 

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A brand new luxury residence in Sans Souci was sold for $3.3 million at auction last weekend.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-sans+souci-132779778" target="_blank">9 Newcombe Street</a>, the property was sold by Stone estate agent, Ray Fadel.
The holding was previously sold for $1,305,000 in 2018. The current abode was constructed in 2020.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/1_FRONT.jpeg" alt="">
The four-bedroom home features two levels with five bathrooms, built in wardrobes, vacuum systems, and air-conditioning throughout. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/1_WALKIN.jpeg" alt="">
The master suite has access to a private balcony.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/1_BEDROOM.jpeg" alt="">
The home's design is sleek and fresh. It has an open layout for in/outdoor living, and flexible dining and entertainment. 
This is ensured with the level access to a covered dining patio, outdoor entertainment space, landscaped garden, and swimming pool.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/1_OUTDOOR.jpeg" alt="">
The swimming pool features spa jets and a waterfall which can be admired from the dining area.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/1_ENTERTAINMENT.jpeg" alt="">
For indoor entertainment, there is a separate theatre room with high quality equipment, and a lounging room with an open fireplace. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/1_THEATRE.jpeg" alt="">
The kitchen features stone benchtops and a butler's pantry.
The residence is also secured with an alarm system, video intercom, CCTV cameras, data cabling system, and parking space for two cars.
The home is of walking distance to the waterfront, local shops, cafes and transportation to the city. 
A similarly designed five-bedroom residence at Marx Avenue, Beverley Park was recently sold for $2,738,000.
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Luxury Sans Souci trophy home sold for $3.3 million at auction

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REA Group has reported a 6% decline in half year revenue to $440 million despite the rebound in house prices over the last few months.
Its management warned that it is the listing volumes that remain challenging, for them and intending buyers.
REA noted that Australian residential volumes were down 13 percent in January, with declines of 7 percent in Sydney and 5 percent in Melbourne.
It came after national residential listings declined in the second half of 2019 by 14 per cent, with a 17 per cent dip in Sydney and 16 per cent in Melbourne. New project commencements declined 30 per cent over the half-year period.
REA Group’s net profit from core operations sat at $152.9 million, a 13 percent decline on the prior corresponding period.
The company’s CEO, Owen Wilson indicated he was pleased with the resilience of the REA Group business.
“Our results demonstrate the underlying strength of our business given the unprecedented market conditions.
"We now have a record number of customers committed to our premium listing products across both buy and rent.
"Customers see clear value in our product offerings, designed to deliver the highest quality leads to help their businesses grow.”
The REA CEO remains optimistic on the future.
“Key indicators show that the Australian property market is recovering.
"We anticipate that more favourable listings conditions in the second half of FY20 will deliver a stronger revenue outcome,” Mr Wilson advised.
<h2> </h2>
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REA Group report continued listings decline into 2020

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A Coolum Beach trophy home has been listed for sale without a price guide.
The four bedroom, three bathroom house holds panoramic ocean veiws that stretch from Noosa’s Laguna Bay to the lookout at Point Cartwright.
Described in the listing as "real estate nirvana," the four level home features a living space on every floor.
Situated at 88 Grandview Drive, Justin Voss and Myles Blackwell of Blue Moon Property are marketing the property.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/12/17/Beach%203%20-%202.JPG" alt="">
Set on 718 sqm, the abode was constructed in 2011.
It has been released to the market for the first time in 25 years and the first time since this current house was built
The home was last sold for $155,000 in 1994.
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Four level Coolum Beach trophy home with panaromic views listed

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Utopia, set above Catseye Bay on Hamilton Island has been listed with a $4.2 million price guide.
The trophy home is comprised of five bedrooms and four bathrooms spread across three seperate bungalows.
It was designed by the award winning Chris Beckingham.
Described as a tribute to indoor-outdoor living, Liam Kearney of Hamilton Island Real Estate is marketing the property.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-hamilton+island-132651206" target="_blank">14 Melaleuca Drive</a>, the 400 sqm home sits on a 1 acre block.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/12/17/JAN%20Beach%202%20-%203.JPG" alt="">
The home is integrated around the central indoor-outdoor balcony and pool area featuring stunning views around the Whitsundays.
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Utopia in Catseye Bay, Hamilton Island listed

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Entrepreneur's 41st Annual Franchise 500 Ranking ranks RE/MAX as the No. 1 real estate brokerage franchise.
While Dunkin Donuts tops the <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">2020 Franchise 500® survey</a>'s overall ranking, RE/MAX topped the real estate brokerage franchise ranks for the eighth consecutive year.
“The Franchise 500 is considered the oldest and most comprehensive franchise ranking in the world,” RE/MAX Australia managing director Michael Davoren said, “where companies are judged by the same criteria, including costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength and financial strength, and stability.”
From a single office that opened in 1973 in Denver, Colorado, RE/MAX has grown into a global real estate network with more than 125,000 sales associates in more than 110 countries and territories.
“RE/MAX Australia and RE/MAX New Zealand are highly respected master franchises in the global RE/MAX scene, and like the RE/MAX LLC team at the brand’s global headquarters in Denver, we are focused on selling franchises, adding agents, and helping the current membership be even more productive,” Mr Davoren said
Entrepreneur is a US-based magazine and website focussed on business and entrepreneurship. The magazine was first published in 1977 with the first Franchise 500® ranking released in 1980.
More than 1,100 franchisors applied to be included in this year's Franchise 500. RE/MAX was selected as the top real estate brokerage franchisor based on various factors including unit growth, financial strength, stability and brand power.
RE/MAX has outranked competitor brands in the survey for nearly a decade.
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RE/MAX tops Franchise 500 again among estate agencies

RBA Governer Philip Lowe's discusses the year ahead

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The National Australia Bank (ABS) has released its Online Retail Sales Index December 2019.
The report shows a continued month-on-month growth in December (+0.2 per cent), and a continued year-on-year growth (+13.3 per cent y/y s.a.).
The latter continuing to outpace broader ABS retail sales series. 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_1.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_1.jpeg" alt="" width="662" height="125" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> 
 
NAB chief economist, Alan Oster said the index data indicated that, while slowing slightly, growth continued in December.
"In contrast, our broader estimate of retail trade indicates significantly weaker overall sales.
"Looking through the month-to-month volatility, sales growth seems to have accelerated in year-on-year terms."
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_2.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_2.jpeg" alt="" width="719" height="243" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
All categories, except fashion, recorded sales growth in month-on-month growth terms. The largest sales category, homewares and appliance (1.5 per cent mon, s.a.), continued to grow at a rate lower than the overall. 
Mr Oster notes, "The smallest sales category, takeaway food, continues to lead growth, followed by second smallest category, games and toys, with rapid growth also for larger sales category, department stores."
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_3.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_3.jpeg" alt="" width="692" height="255" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Grocery and liquor sales accelerated in the month (+1.2 per cent mon, s.a.), and is approximately 17.8 per cent larger compared to the same period in 2018. 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_4.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_4.jpeg" alt="" width="698" height="303" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
All states and territories except Tasmania recorded sales growth in the month of December."The three most populous states represent just over 80 per cent of all online sales, slightly above their share of the population", Mr Oster continues.
"A rebound in monthly sales growth puts Queensland in the lead for the large sales states, with ACT leading the smaller sales areas. Victoria continues to lead in year-on-year terms.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_5.jpeg" alt="" width="725" height="278" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
 
"Representing about two-thirds of all online sales, metropolitan areas recorded growth in line with the overall result, while regional area growth was much slower. 
"In year-on-year terms, Queensland led metro growth, while Victoria leads regional areas on the same basis."
Click here to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_6.jpeg" target="_blank">enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_6.jpeg" alt="" width="739" height="332" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
 
"By merchant location," Mr Oster explains, "international retailers grew at a much slower rate than the overall index, with domestic retailers slightly fast. While fashion growth broadly contracted, this key source of sales for international retailers continued to grow.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_7.jpeg" alt="" width="746" height="275" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
"International retailers also outpaced domestic retailers in the personal and recreational category. Growth for the largest sales category, homewares and appliances, was dominated by domestic retails, with international slightly contracting. While a small share of spend, international retailers also seem to be in retreat in the grocery and liquor category."
 Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_8.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_8.jpeg" alt="" width="720" height="287" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
NAB estimates that Australians spent $30.53 billion on online retail in the 12 months to December. This is a level that is around 9.3 per cent of the total retail trade estimates (November 2019, Series 8501, Australian Bureau of Statistics), and about 9.7 per cent hight than the 12 months to December in 2018. 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_9.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_9.jpeg" alt="" width="690" height="344" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Mr Oster emphasises, "our definition of a domestic online retailer can include those merchants whose parent organisation might be overseas with an Australian subsidiary. Solely using GST as a key defining characteristic of domestic and international is no longer appropriate given changes made in July 2018".
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_10.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_10.jpeg" alt="" width="375" height="334" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<h2>A heat map view of average online spend by local government area </h2>
Online spending varies depending on where people live. The map shows average spend for each online transaction. Not all the top average spend areas are in capital cities, nor are they all in remote areas. 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_12.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_12.jpeg" alt="" width="616" height="396" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<h2>The impact of the combined Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales event</h2>
The growth in December was boosted by the weekend continuation of the Black Friday sales event into the Cyber Monday period.
In NAB's November report, the effect of the first day of the Black Friday to Cyber Monday sales event were studied. As the sales event crossed between the end of November and the start of December, additional data is now included. This data may help explain the December divergence in growth rates for online relative to broader cashless. 
For this analysis, NAB looked at the four key days of the sales event and compared it to the same sales event day in previous years. 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_13.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_13.jpeg" alt="" width="720" height="240" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
From a shaky start earlier in the decade, this sales event day appears to be growing. Chart 17 shows sales on Black Friday through to Cyber Monday for online retail categories increased about 48 per cent on the corresponding four day sales event in 2018. As a four day block, this sales event has been gaining momentum since 2016. 
Chart 18 shows that by category, compared to the event period 2018, by far the largest growth was recorded for sales in takeaway food at 146 per cent growth. However, while the spend share for this category has grown from 2013, in NAB data, it still represents only about four per cent of sales in the four day period.  
Given their share of sales, they key category drivers of the overall growth figure were homewares and appliances, department stores and personal and recreational goods. 
Growth in the fashion category, which represents a significant share of sales is in the event period (14 per cent), was more subdued (20 per cent you, n s.a.).
It appears that these sales events are shifting the period of when sales occur, without adding to total sales. NAB data shows that the first two days of the event, Black Friday and Saturday, represented around 17 per cent of total November online sales. Sunday and Cyber Monday, which followed in December, represented over 15 per cent of December sales. In the comparable period of 2013, these values were 10 and 11 percent respectively.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_14.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_14.jpeg" alt="" width="755" height="261" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
All these factors contribute to the changing patterns of spending within months, and across months.
This is problematic for the seasonal adjustment process, contributing to swings in the monthly retail sales data.
For online retail sales, while November remains the largest sales month, chart 19 shows that the large sales for the first two days of December have slightly increased the seasonal importance for that month.  
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NAB Online Retail Sales Index continues to grow

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Yesterday, the NSW Government announced six months of council rates relief for those who have lost their home or small business in the recent bushfires. 
To relieve those impacted by the recent bushfires of financial burden, residents that have lost their homes and small businesses will soon be able to take their council rates notice to a Service NSW centre with the Government will covering the costs. Those that have already paid their rates will receive a refund. 
Deputy premier and minister responsible for Disaster Recovery, John Barilaro, and minister for local government, Shelley Hancock, said the funding is part of the NSW Government's commitment to do all it can to help local communities recover and rebuild from the devastating bushfires. 
Mr Barilaro says, "Bush fire affected communities will not have to pay rates on a home which has been lost in the fires."
"The last thing our communities need right now is more financial stress, which is why the NSW Government is doing everything to ease the burden by funding council rates and picking up the bill for the clean-up, at no cost to owners," he explains.
"Regional communities, emergency services, volunteers and our farmers have been outstanding throughout the fires, and we need to be as vigilant in recovery as they are in the face of disaster."
Mrs Hancock said the NSW Government will cover the full cost of council rates for the third and fourth quarters of this financial year for residents and farmers who have lost their homes, and business owners whose properties have been destroyed beyond repair by bushfires.
Mrs Hancock syas, "The impact of the bushfires is truly unprecedented with the tragic loss of more than 2, 400 homes in NSW
"That's why the Government will fund council rates relief for anyone who has lost their home or small business in the bushfire crisis."
 
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Council rates relief for bushfire affected communities

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Global commercial real estate services and investment management firm, Colliers International has announced the appointment of John Kenny as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | Asia Pacific, effective immediately.
Mr. Kenny (pictured below) has been at the helm of the Australia &amp; New Zealand business since 2006.
He brings plenty of industry and institutional experience having previously held leadership positions in commercial and industrial transactions, corporate real estate and real estate technology within the company.
“I am truly honoured to step into the Asia Pacific Chief Executive Officer role as we continue to build momentum," Mr Kenny said.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/5/John%20Kenny.jpg" alt="">
“Colliers is the fastest growing real estate and investment management services company globally and accelerating our success in Asia Pacific, one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding regions in the global economy, is very exciting,” said Jay Hennick, Global Chairman &amp; CEO.
“I’m confident John will take our business from strength to strength as he consolidates our recent acquisitions in India and China and continues to build industry-leading positions in some of the most important markets in the world. I wish David Hand, who is stepping away from his post for personal health reasons, a speedy recovery and we look forward to welcoming him back to the organization as soon as possible.”
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John Kenny appointed CEO of Colliers International - Asia Pacific

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

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Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

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Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

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Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

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Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

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Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

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Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

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La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

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