<html><body>
Goulburn has remained reasonably quiet over the past 12 months like most areas in New South Wales with the recent slump spooking investors out of the market, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at rental yields across the nation. 
"In late 2016 right through 2017, we saw Goulburn boom as a popular hotspot for Sydney investors purchasing properties largely due to the affordability, future growth prospects and solid rental yields," the valuation firm said.
The report notes this is a result of low vacancy rates attributed to the police academy, correctional centre and major institutional style organisations, the ongoing talk of the high-speed rail network, the affordable median house price of $405,000 and the considerably high rental income.
For example, a reasonably new four-bedroom, two-bathroom project style home within the developing areas north of the CBD can be purchased from $475,000 up to $675,000 in the current market with rental returns ranging from $400 to $500 per week.
"Moreover, we are seeing a duplex market emerging in the new larger subdivisions attracting Sydney buyers due to the high rental yields of approximately 4.5% to 5% for each individual semi-detached dwelling or apartment style property," the valuation firm continued. 
"The older heritage style dwellings closer to the CBD start from $320,000 and return from $300 up to $500 per week for a fully renovated three-bedroom home in close proximity to the central shopping hubs and attract yields of 4% to 5%."
Investors are also drawn to the area due to the steady growth the region has seen over the past few years.
More young families and first home buyers from Canberra and the Southern Highlands are seeing Goulburn as an affordable lifestyle alternative with easy access to the Federal and Hume Highways, Canberra City and Airport, HTW said.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Goulburn high rental yields attracting Sydney investor buyers: HTW residential 

<html><body>
The Canberra property market has been in a stable market position from the end of 2018 to early 2019, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) report. 
The valuation firm took a look at rental yields across the nation. 
The HTW report notes most Canberra suburbs have maintained median price points for standard dwellings while medium density and unit stock have seen some small declines.
Active sections of the market include standard housing at the entry level price point in some of Canberra’s fringe and outer suburban locations.
Generally purchases are looking for large blocks within established suburbs that provide access to good education and employment services.
Entry level price points for this style of housing range between $550,000 and $650,000.
"Most homes within this section of the market provide three and four-bedroom accommodation, generally 30 to 60 years old and in many cases the dwellings are ready for some renovation and upgrading," the valuation firm said. 
Inner suburban locations in Canberra’s north and south set a higher price point, generally $1 million-plus.
This section of the market is also relatively stable with families looking to move up the property ladder with their second or third acquisition.
"Again block size, location and proximity to schools and other services are the main drivers," the valuation firm stated.
This section of the market ranges from $1 million to around $3 million.
The report notes market activity for property in the $3 million-plus price point is slower, with buyers generally more discerning.
Location, block size, build quality and level of inclusions are major factors influencing this section of the market.
Price points in the medium density unit market range from $200,000 to $275,00 for a one- bedroom unit recently constructed in a fringe town centre location to $400,000 to $500,000 for a centrally located unit in Canberra’s inner north or inner south.
"Both investors and owner-occupiers are active, however strong supply in the medium density market has had an impact on activity," the valuation firm commented. 
Being in close proximity to or directly in town centres including Tuggeranong, Woden, Canberra City, Belconnen or Gungahlin is important for rental return, low vacancy and potential future growth.
"The Canberra residential market has always been attractive to investors seeking high yielding properties.
"The traditionally strong rental market is driven by a low vacancy rate, strong demand for rental accommodation, above average income levels and a transient population comprising professionals, government workers and staffers, students, embassy occupants and defence personnel," the valuation firm said. 
High yields in the range between 5% and 6% gross can be achieved.
Lower yields in properties suited to achieving capital gains range between 3% and 4% gross.
High yields can be achieved in the unit market where professionals, students and government workers are looking for modern accommodation, centrally located in proximity to both work and amenities.
A one-bedroom modern unit at $450,000 can achieve $500 per week equating to 5.7% return gross.
The weekly rental can be increased by including furnishings. Suburbs that provide this style of accommodation include Barton, Kingston and Forrest, the report noted. 
Families seeking rental accommodation can also provide a high yielding option.
A suburban family home in an outer suburb in close proximity to schools and amenities at $700,000 can achieve $700 per week equating to 5.2% return gross.
"Unique to Canberra is the prestige Embassy market. Traditionally, prestige properties have a rental income ceiling and as values increase gross returns diminish," the valuation firm said. 
An exception is the Embassy market where above market rents will be paid on long term leases to obtain and occupy large executive style dwellings.
The Canberra embassy precincts include O’Malley and Yarralumla where high rents can be achieved providing returns in the range of 5% to 6% gross.
It should be noted that gross rental returns need to be adjusted with residential properties in the ACT subject to land tax.
"A long term government strategy is to abolish stamp duty and as a result, land tax and rates have increased, eating into investor returns.
"Another unique factor of the ACT investor market is the ability to claim stamp duty as a tax deduction when purchasing a residential property to lease." 
</body></html>

Canberra residential market in a stable position: HTW residential 

<html><body>
The inner and outer northern suburbs of Melbourne offer investors a variety of investment options from units to houses, each offering their own benefits, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at rental yields across the nation. 
The report suggests the vast variety of property types in the area accommodates all types of investors, including people seeking to maximise potential yield and those looking at minimizing capital requirements.
"Honing in on Richmond, a popular inner eastern suburb due to its location and bustling lifestyle, it becomes apparent the suburb does offer opportunities for investment, however it does come with several barriers to entry," the valuation firm said. 
With a median price of $1.177 million for a house and a weekly median advertised rent of $678, the suburb’s major barrier of entry for investment is the requirement of significant amounts of capital to purchase.
It is noteworthy that this large sum only typically secures investors a two- bedroom, one-bathroom, no car park townhouse.
Multiplying the median rent per week by 52 results in a total rental income of $35,256.
Dividing this figure by the median rental price then results in a rental yield in the suburb of Richmond of 2.99% for dwellings.
"In contrast to the outer north, Mickleham requires significantly less up front capital for a greater return," the valuation firm said. 
The median price in Mickleham is $505,000 for a home, with a weekly median advertised rent of $410.
Using the yield calculation method, an investor would generate an annual rental income of $21,320 resulting in an annual yield of 4.22%.
"This yield is 40% greater than the suburb of Richmond, whilst also offering a significantly larger home (four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two car parking spaces)," the valuation firm added. 
"Higher yields in the outer suburbs such as Mickleham are attracting young investors who have less capital to invest.
"These higher yields are also giving them more security when it comes to mortgage repayments."
</body></html>

Young investors attracted by high yields in the outer northern Melbourne: HTW residential 

<html><body>
A Rosbery, Northern Territory mortgagee has been listed for $300,000.
The house last sold for $379,000 in 2008.
It has since been listed in 2010 when it sought $465,000 and now in this latest campaign which has run since October 2018.
Michael Keith and Tim Mackenzie of O'Donoghues are marketing the property.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nt-rosebery-129631770" target="_blank">1 Granites Drive</a>, the home was originally listed for $399,000 but after an unsucessful October 2019 auction, it is now seeking $300,000.
Set on 801 sqm, the three bedroom one bathroom house was listed as a rental seeking $385/pw in 2013.
Built in 1988, it is located only a short stroll to the Rosebery Primary School as well as Palmerston College, there are also shops close by and just minutes drive to the new Bakewell Shopping Centre, as well as the Palmerston CBD.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median sale price for a home in <a href="/news">Rosebery, NT</a> is $502,500, according to the latest CoreLogic data.
</body></html>

Rosebery, NT mortgagee home listed for $80,000 reduction in value

<html><body>
A Secret Harbour, WA residential mortgagee land holding has sold for $395,000.
The holding last sold for $870,000 in 2015.
As a result this sale marks a loss in value of $475,000.
Lee Murray of Acton Rockingham marketed the property.
Situated at 66 Cottesloe Crescent (picture is artists impression), The plot is 2,431 sqm.
The development site is described in the listing as a "jumbo housing block."
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median sale price for a home in <a href="/news">Secret Harbour</a> is $425,000, according to the latest CoreLogic data.
</body></html>

Secret Harbour, WA residential mortgagee land sold for half previous sale price

<html><body>
A Craigie, West Australia mortgagee home has sold for $407,000.
The house last sold for $555,000 in 2014, meaning this latest sale marks a $148,000 reduction in value
Ian Masterson of Realmark marketed the home.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-craigie-131980054" target="_blank">26 Mandalay Place</a>, the home sold via auction after an unsuccessful marketing campaign that ran from February 2018 to January 2019.
The vendors sought $539,000 originally, which was reduced to $489,000 by the end of the campaign.
Set on 702 sqm, the house was built in 1975.
The four bedroom, two bathroom abode sold for $393,000 in 2007, only slightly less than this latest sale.
It has the capacity to be subdivided due to being in the R40 re zoning area if you choose to develop the property, subject to WAPC approvals, according to the listing.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median sale price for a home in <a href="/developments/craigie-wa-6025">Craigie, WA</a> is $420,000, according to the latest CoreLogic data.
</body></html>

Cragie, WA mortgagee home sold for $150,000 loss

<html><body>
A Noarlunga, South Australia mortgagee offering has sold at auction for $207,000.
It was listed for sale with a price guide of $195,000.
The unit last sold for $195,000 in 2015 and previously in 2012 for $200,000.
Brian Pounsett of Harcourts is marketing the property.
Situated at 8/21-23 Witton Road, the abode comprises a one bedroom, one bathroom unit with a carport.
Built in 1950, the upstairs strata unit holds sea and mountain views as well as a timber deck.
Featuring 48 square metres of internal space, the apartment was last listed as a rental in 2013 seeking $185 per week.
It is located within proximity to public transport, the Port Noarlunga township and is just a walk to the beach with its jetty and world heritage reef.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median sale price for a home in <a href="/news">Noarlunga, SA</a> is $420,000, according to the latest CoreLogic data.
</body></html>

Noarlunga, SA mortgagee unit sells for around 2012 price

<html><body>
A Morley, West Australia mortgagee home has sold for $370,000
The house last sold for $545,000 in 2008, meaning this latest sale marks a $175,000 reduction in value.
Marko Jovicic of Polaris Realty marketed the property.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-morley-131224850" target="_blank">4 Myrtle Court</a>, the abode comprises three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two car garage.
Set on 681 sqm, the house features a large patio and rear yard with fruit trees.
The 1989 built home was originally listed for $425,000 in May 2019, however, the listing was reduced to $370,000 in August.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median sale price for a house in <a href="/news">Morley, WA</a> is $450,000, according to the latest CoreLogic data.
</body></html>

Morley, WA mortgagee home sold for $175,000 loss

<html><body>
ASIC has cancelled the Australian financial services (AFS) licence of Warrnambool-based, Southern Mortgages Ltd (SML), for failure to comply with financial services laws.
The licence cancellation was effective from 24 September 2019.
SML had not complied with a number of important financial services laws over a significant period of time. It did not maintain sufficient financial resources. It failed to lodge its financial statements and audit reports for consecutive years since 30 June 2015.
SML had also not complied with its obligation to hold membership of a dispute resolution system.
"A responsible entity must carry on their duties with reasonable care and diligence. This includes actively monitoring each scheme and, where necessary, winding up a scheme that is no longer viable in a timely manner."
"ASIC took action to cancel the licence of SML because we formed the view it was not completing the wind up of the Scheme in a timely manner, nor continuing to comply with their core duties as a licensee," said ASIC Commissioner Danielle Press.
Under the terms of the licence cancellation, SML can continue limited operations until 24 March 2020 to facilitate the winding up.
SML held an AFS licence number Since 31 January 2004.
</body></html>

ASIC cancel Southern Mortgages Ltd's AFS licence

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVATION
There was more good news for the housing market today with the release of figures showing that the value of owner occupier home loans has reached its highest since July of last year.
The latest figures indicate that the seasonally-adjusted value of lending to owner occupiers reached $14.24 billion during September, an expansion of 3.2% compared with the previous month and up by 5.6% compared with a year ago. The value of new home lending was up by 0.8% during the month.
The news around the housing market has been largely positive over the past six months and the new figures out today add to the unfolding good news story.
Confidence has been in short supply across the economy over recent times with the subdued state of domestic demand reflecting this. 
The state of the housing market has a huge impact on people’s willingness to spend and invest. The continued improvement in the housing market will assist in this respect. 
We still need more from all levels of government so that demand in the economy can be bolstered. 
Earlier today, the Reserve Bank trimmed its short-term growth forecasts for the Australian economy.
Part of the problem is that new infrastructure projects are not hitting the ground quickly enough. This is causing economic recovery to be delayed unnecessarily.
During September, Tasmania saw the largest increase in the number of owner occupier home loans (+10.3%), followed by Western Australia (+5.6%) and the Northern Territory (+3.6%). There were also increases in Queensland (+3.5%), New South Wales (+1.8%), Victoria (+1.8%) and South Australia (+1.0%). The ACT was the only market to see the number of owner occupier loans drop during September (-1.8%).
In addition CommSec's Craig Jame said, in reference to the latest ABS data, "investment loans fell by 4.0 per cent in September after a 6.5 per cent lift in August."
"The average home loan size in NSW for owner-occupier established homes excluding refinancing rose to a record high of $520,900 in September. The annual growth rate of 7.4 per cent is the strongest in 19 months."
"In seasonally adjusted terms, the share of first-home buyers in the home lending market fell from 7½-year highs of 29.5 per cent in August to 28.0 per cent in September."
"The value of loans to businesses rose by 19.1 per cent in September. Within business loans, the value of commercial lending rose by 19.5 per cent – the biggest increase in over 2 years," he concluded.
SHANE GARRETT is the Chief Economist of Master Builders Australia
</body></html>

Owner occupier home lending hit a 14-month high: Shane Garrett

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

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>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

Staff reporter

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News