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As a broad overview, Gold Coast's beachside localities comprising Main Beach to Mermaid Beach remain steady with a lower volume of sales at around existing price levels, according to the July Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at how a budget of $700,000 could be invested in property markets across the nation.
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The report notes agents are generally reporting a lack of stock for sale with many potential vendors reportedly holding off selling currently.
"Units in Surfers Paradise have been hit by the travel restrictions due to COVID-19, with agents reporting reduced returns for investors in short term holiday letting complexes," the valuation firm said. 
A follow on effect is that these owners or investors are often trying to remove the unit from short term holiday letting into a permanent rental arrangement, which appears to be having a negative impact on rental returns in the permanent letting sector as well due to the increased supply.
Houses in the suburbs remain stable, the report noted. 
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There currently appears to be stronger market interest in well-presented or renovated rural residential properties, with one agent reporting strong interest in a recently renovated property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-bonogin-133659046" target="_blank">13 Waratah Court, Bonogin </a>(pictured below). 
This is a circa 1999 fully recently renovated, part two-level dwelling providing four bedrooms and three bathrooms to the main level with a self-contained one-bedroom, one-bathroom granny flat under.
 The land area is 3605 square metres. The list price was $885,000 and the property sold for $915,000 with the agent reporting multiple offers over the list price.
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In Main Beach, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit of 174 square metres situated on the third floor of the Spinnaker building recently went to contract at $745,000. 
This had a renovated kitchen from some years back but dated now with the bathrooms in original condition. 
Reasonable ccean views are available over and between buildings. This unit was purchased by a local buyer intending to renovate.
In Ashmore, $700,000 will get you a renovated three- or four-bedroom dwelling generally with a pool. 
The sale of 24 Mingaletta Drive, Ashmore (pictured below) achieved $686,000 in January 2020.
It comprises a renovated, onground, single level, four- bedroom, two-bathroom, semi-modern dwelling with rendered brick walls, concrete tiled roof and one-car garage situated on a 682 square metre lot. 
Ancillary improvements include driveway, fencing, landscaping and pool. 
The dwelling was fully renovated approximately two years ago.
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Mermaid Waters is located closer to the beach and Pacific Fair Shopping centre and you get a little less bang for your $700,000.
 A three-bedroom townhouse at 34/2 Karbunya Street sold in March 2020 for $633,000.
It provides an end part two- level unit with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a single garage and one unsecured and uncovered off-street car space.
The townhouse was in mostly renovated condition with a reasonable sized courtyard and is within 400 metres of the popular Nobby Beach retail and restaurant precinct and within 800 metres of the beach. 
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An older style house at 56 Surfers Avenue in Mermaid Waters sold in March 2020 by remote auction for $615,000.
 It comprised a 1970s onground brick and tile dwelling with three bedrooms, one bathroom and single carport accommodation. 
This definitely represented entry level buying and was sold as a renovator. 
The majority of the value lies within the land value component.
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The report notes ff you are looking at two properties for your $700,000, then Mudgeeraba offers that opportunity as you can get two, three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse units. Mudgeeraba is located just to the west of the Pacific Motorway and within close proximity of Robina Town Centre.
 A townhouse at 24/17 Douma Drive (pictured below) sold in January 2020 for $330,000. 
Offering a 1997, part two level, three-bedroom, two bathroom attached townhouse unit with brick veneer and hardiplank walls, tile roof and one-car built-in garage plus two-car off street parking, it had undergone some internal updates which were mainly cosmetic.
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Similar townhouses offer a good rental return with a three-bedroom townhouse typically renting for between $400 and $450 per week.
"Moving on to the housing sector within Mudgeeraba and still under the $700,000 budget, you can get a semi modern three- to four-bedroom house with a double garage starting from around $575,000," the valuation firm said. 
The report suggest an examplee of recent house sales is:
9 Swanton Drive sold in February 2020 for $613,000 and comprises an onground, single level, three- bedroom, two-bathroom dwelling with brick and rendered brick walls, concrete tiled roof and two-car garage. 
The property has good external condition, good internal condition and fair presentation. 
Areas: Living - 125 square metres; Outdoor - 42 square metres; and Car - 44 square metres. 
Ancillary improvements include exposed aggregate driveway, fully enclosed yard with timber fence, gravel paths, patterned concrete paths, established landscaping and garden shed, retaining walls. 
The land area is 585 square metres.
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What a lazy $700,000 can buy on the Gold Coast: HTW Residential 

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The total vacant space available for occupancy in Melbourne's CBD office market will be nearly 235,000 square metres over the next three years, however only 32,551 square metres is expected to be available in 2020.
That is according to the Melbourne CBD Office Market 2020 and Beyond report from M3 Property.
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The bulk – more than 91,000 square metres - will hit the market in 2021, and a further 66,350 square metres will become available in 2022.
The report found that while the market has already been hit hard by the Coronavirus, with many tenants delaying new requirements, it is new development space already under construction that will be the key upward driver of vacancy over the next six months.
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The good news, according to Director Commercial, Gary Longden, is that a potential blowout in backfill space, which may have dramatically amplified the vacancy carnage, now seems likely to have been averted by the extension of the JobKeeper program.
"There seems little doubt that employers would have faced the unenviable task of letting staff go without JobKeeper support and so the decision to prolong the package is pretty much a game changer, you might say, at least in the short term."
"In terms of vacancy it now seems more likely that we will see a much sharper upward trend over the next two years than we will see this year,'' Mr Longden added.
National Director Research, Amita Mehra, said tenants requiring space in the sub 3000 square metre range looked likely to punch above their weight in terms of their impact on the market's fortunes with the cohort responsible for the majority of tenant enquiries that had been put on hold indefinitely.
"This cohort contributed to a little more than 22 per cent of the total area required, but the indecision in that sector of the market may have a more profound short-term impact than those tenants with larger leasing requirements who, of necessity, need to plan much farther ahead"
"We expect requirements for space less than 3000sqm to be on hold for as much as 12-18 months with a potential increase in the probability of tenants exercising options over their existing leases,'' Ms Mehra said.
The report further found that the Business Services employment category - the second largest occupier of office space in the CBD - had the highest percentage of total jobs lost (7292) and that with current workspace space ratios in that sector at 17.36 square metres, the loss may result in 126,570 square metres of sublease or backfill space.
On the other hand the Finance &amp; Insurance sector has been least affected with no jobs lost for the same March 14 to May 2 period.
Mr Longden said trend unemployment rates across employment categories and their impact on a building's tenancy profile may well have a negative result on building values.
Ms Mehra said m3property's analysis of the Coronavirus's potential impact on the Melbourne CBD vacancy rate had raised three forecast scenarios according to potential variations in tenant demand, net absorption and potential backfill space availability.
"With Scenario 1 - based on current economic and employment forecasts - vacancy would first peak at 6.51% by the end of 2021 and reach a second peak by the end of 2024 at 6.90%."
"Under Scenario 2 – based on the long-term average net absorption – we expect vacancy will rise to 6.73% by the end of 2020 and reach a second peak by the end of 2024 at 7.83%, and under Scenario 3 – based on the previous downturn net absorption averages – we see vacancy continuing to rise from the end of 2020 (7.33%) and reach a peak of 9.50% by the end of 2024,'' she concluded.
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Melbourne CBD office market faces uncertain road ahead: M3 Property report

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A spectacular trophy home in Dalkeith has come onto the market.
Located on Viking Road, the home features six bedrooms, three bathrooms, one powder room, a large pool, and a custom basement wine cellar.
The total block comprises 1012 square metres, and the house has 654 square metres of internal floorspace.
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Artist Susannah Skinner and her husband Dr Ian Skinner, along with their five children have called Viking Road home for the last eight years.
"We chose architect Blane Brackenridge to design our home because we both love his work. He has huge talent for working with simple materials to create beautifully proportioned light filled spaces that are iconic and striking modernist forms. Blane and his wife are also great friends of ours," Ms Skinner said.
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"With five children we required a large family home with separation and space for entertaining."
The Skinners have raised their family in Dalkeith for close to 20 years.
Ms Skinner said the western suburbs were such a great community with wonderful local schools.
"It is also close to the river. It's a great place for dog walks - we have two dogs- and close to both the city and the beach."
Built in 2012, this is the first time the Western Australian property has come onto the market.
The tender campaign closes September 3, unless sold prior.
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Dalkeith trophy home listed for sale

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A designer tri-level home in Botany has been sold for $2.2 million. 
It was sold by Nader Hotait and Phillip Elmowy of Ray White Maroubra/South Coogee. 
Built just six years ago, the full brick home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-botany-133719650" target="_blank">24 Ivt Street </a>offers 277sqm of internal space. 
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It comprises four bedrooms, multimedia room, family living area, marly kitchen and terrace adjoining green garden. 
The home also features automatic garage, climate control, custom storage and video intercom. 
It is located within walking distance to Booralee Park, Botany Aquatic Centre, shops and schools. 
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“To have more than 60 groups through this one and having all four registered bidders on the day compete is pretty impressive and in-keeping with what we’ve seen recently. “This particular property ticked all the boxes for both upsizers and people looking to check down from a big home - the buyers were downsizers from Randwick," Hotait said. 
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Tri-level Botany home sold for $2.2 million

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The RBA has been the focus this week given the August Board meeting and today’s release of their latest Statement on Monetary Policy.
Unsurprisingly, <a href="https://rba.gov.au/media-releases/2020/mr-20-18" target="_blank">the RBA decision statement</a> maintained a cautious view on the global economy, noting that the outlook remains highly uncertain despite the worst of the contraction having passed.
The risks for the domestic economy were also highlighted: the growth view for 2020 maintained at -6.0% as the 2021 gain was revised down to +5%; and the end-2020 unemployment rate forecast revised up from 9% to 10% on the expectation that Victoria’s lockdown will result in further job losses.
In light of these factors, the Governor emphasised the RBA’s commitment to the 3-year bond yield target of 0.25% by announcing that CGS purchases would re-commence after the August meeting.
The statement also outlined the ongoing evolution of the Term Funding Facility, highlighting the liquidity support it has and will provide to the economy.  
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://westpaciq.westpac.com.au/Article/44488" target="_blank">Westpac’s own growth view</a> remains more constructive on 2020 than the RBA, but we believe 2021 will disappoint.
Having revised our 2020 growth target from -4.2% to -4.7%, principally due to developments in Victoria, while keeping our +3.0% expectation for 2021 unrevised, we believe the Australian economy will end 2021 with a level of GDP 1.8ppts below that at December 2019. This compares to -1.0% <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/smp/2020/aug/economic-outlook" target="_blank">on the RBA’s baseline forecasts</a>.
On either view, labour market slack is set to become entrenched for an extended period. From its 10% peak later this year, the RBA anticipates that the unemployment rate will only slowly decline to around 7% at December 2022.
A full discussion of Westpac’s revised forecasts, the outlook for policy and the risks was provided by <a href="https://westpaciq.westpac.com.au/wibiqauthoring/_uploads/file/Australia/2020/August/er20200805BullAustraliasGrowthProspects.pdf" target="_blank">Chief Economist Bill Evans</a> this week.
The release of our <a href="https://westpaciq.westpac.com.au/wibiqauthoring/_uploads/file/Australia/2020/August/WestpacMarketOutlookAugust2020.pdf" target="_blank">August Market Outlook</a> publication this week also gave cause to reassess our global views. Most prominent are the divergent economic prospects of the US and China as well as the rapid depreciation of the US dollar currently underway.
Beginning with the US and China, the response of authorities in each jurisdiction to COVID-19 was polar opposite; unsurprisingly, so are the economic consequences now being seen.
Whereas China regained the activity lost in Q1 in just three months, the US looks likely to end-2021 with a level of GDP almost 3.0% lower than end-2019. Further, while short and medium-term risks for China are to the upside, they are most certainly skewed down in the US.
While out of the spotlight, Europe is somewhere in between, still having to suppress small but frequent COVID-19 outbreaks, but with the promise of co-ordinated fiscal support and an emerging global recovery getting brighter by the week.
That then brings us to the US dollar downtrend. The scale of the decline we have seen to date from the peak levels seen in April and May has been broadly in line with our expectations.
But, as is often the case in financial markets, the speed of the move has been much more rapid than we anticipated. As a result, the August Market Outlook includes meaningful revisions to our US dollar expectations against Euro and the British Pound.
The US dollar DXY index is now expected to retrace most of its gains since 2018, falling to 90.5 by end-2021. The risk remains that this move occurs quicker than forecast and/ or is more pronounced.
The gains we anticipate for China’s Renminbi highlight the promise of recovery for nations that have suppressed COVID-19’s spread.
While US/China trade tensions loom, China has ample trade opportunities before it within the Asian region, where economic development prospects remain strong. 
ELLIOT CLARKE is a senior economist at Westpac 
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Downward forecast revisions highlight enduring uncertainty: Elliot Clarke

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Residential dwellings in the inner and middle north suburbs such as Brunswick, Coburg, Northcote, Essendon and Preston are generally priced out of the $700,000 budget given that the median house prices in these areas surpass the $1 million mark, according to the July Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at how a budget of $700,000 could be invested in property markets across the nation. 
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"Consequently, we are required to limit our search to strata properties including units, townhouses and villas," the valuation firm said. 
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"Moving further out into suburbs such as Glenroy, Fawkner and Reservoir where median house prices are currently closer to the $700,000 mark, we can expect to see a number of two- and three-bedroom dwellings appearing within reach, particularly those in need of renovation," the valuation firm added. 
Finally, in the outer north, suburbs including Epping, Wollert and Craigieburn where current median house values are under the $600,000 mark, large homes with higher specifications, sizeable blocks and four or five bedrooms become possible candidates.
A four bedroom house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-epping-134104774" target="_blank"> 12 Creekedge Views, Epping</a> (pictured below) is currently on the market with a price guide of $610,000 to $650,000.
Set on a 375sqm lot, the home comes with living area with open plan kitchen, two bathrooms, and double garage. 
It is located within easy access to the Aurora Village Shopping Centre. 
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"As it appears that the recent health pandemic is having minimal impact on values in the inner north – in part due to the lack of stock and current demand - we would be inclined to invest in these areas as properties are still selling within normal market parameters. 
"Given that we are limited to strata properties in these areas with a spend of $700,000, we would suggest a preference towards those that are part of smaller developments such as townhouses rather than large, multi- unit developments," the valuation firm said. 
 There are a number of two- bedroom, two-bathroom townhouses in Brunswick East that fit the bill perfectly.
A two bedroom townhouse at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-vic-brunswick+east-129679258" target="_blank">4 Edwina Way, Brunswick East</a> (pictured below) has recently been sold for $690,000.
The home comprises two bedrooms, one central bathroom, open plan living/kitchen/dining and northerly balcony. 
It is situated a stroll to 96 tram and Balfe Park. 
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The report suggests investors can expect reasonable returns on strata properties in these areas. 
Modern, two- bedroom, two-bathroom apartments can achieve approximately $450 to $500 a week while villa units with two bedrooms and one bathroom achieve approximately $380 to $420 a week. 
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"We believe that performance in this price sector will remain stable in the short to medium term and given the current state of the market, buyers can and should remain confident." 
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What a lazy $700,000 can buy in North Melbourne: HTW Residential 

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The housing markets in Melbourne and Sydney are on a downward trend, according to the valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The last few months Herron Todd White suggested Sydney and Melbourne have been declining due to the impacts of COVID-19, but now they have deemed houses and units in Sydney are now classified as a declining market rather than one just starting to decline, suggesting they have been hit harder than Melbourne.
To enlarge the national property clock for houses, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/8/11/HTW%20August%20Clock%20RESI.JPG" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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There has been no movement across the housing and unit markets at the peak of market position this month, HTW found.
However there has been some minor shuffling in markets nearing the bottom or starting to recover.
They noted, "many regional property markets remain resilient due to low/nil infection numbers, with CBD accessible lifestyle regions gaining appeal."
"Multi-residential investments (e.g. flats) hold excellent promise across many markets," they added.
To enlarge the national property clock for units, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/8/11/HTW%20August%20Clock%20UNIT.JPG" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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"Affordable housing and granny-flat construction in Western Sydney looks promising."
"Town planning changes in Kyogle and surrounds are opening up small development opportunities"
"Queensland property positions itself as an appealing post-pandemic alternative for southern investor."
"New construction is gaining momentum in some centres on the back of government stimulus, plus in Perth, transaction numbers rose, and vacancy rates fell due to low infections," HTW concluded.
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Sydney residential market hit harder than Melbourne: HTW Residential Clock

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Historically the South Australian market has lagged behind the east coast markets which have shown signs of decline since late March, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm presented an 'investor playbook' of real estate performance within each service area this month. 
The report notes throughout the month of July, South Australia remained community transmission free of COVID-19. 
 At the time of writing, one new case has been recorded since 29 June which has been linked to a resident returning from quarantine in Victoria, the report noted. 
Even as restrictions ease, the labour market has remained subdued with the South Australian unemployment rate increasing from 7.9 per cent in May to 8.8 per cent in June which is now the highest in the country.
As at 30 June, CoreLogic’s Home Value Index indicated the metropolitan market remained 2.04 per cent up on the same period 12 months ago, however has seen a 0.19 per cent contraction month on month.
"Considering the most recent market data and east coast market direction, it appears that the South Australian market could be entering the initial stages of a downward cycle.
"At this stage the decline has only been slight and will be monitored closely in the short to medium term," the valuation firm said.
Broadly, national investor activity has been in decline throughout 2020. May data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates that investor loan commitments nationally are 11.9 per cent down year on year and 15.6 per cent down month on month. 
The report notes the level of uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 has been a major deterrent to investors entering the market.
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"Depending on proximity to the CBD, the investor market has historically been driven by rental returns within the outer ring and capital growth within the middle and inner rings. 
"Gross yields of six to nine per cent are common within the established suburbs in the outer ring," the valuation firm said. 
Advertised rents range from $250 to $350 per week with median house prices ranging from high $100,000s to high $300,000s. 
Representative of typical investor stock is the June sale of <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-morphett+vale-133187922" target="_blank">140 Elizabeth Road, Morphett Vale</a> (pictured below) for $240,000.
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 Post settlement this property was immediately let at $350 per week, generating a gross yield of 7.58 per cent.
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Popular within the outer ring are multiple occupancy properties, typically comprising former housing trust maisonettes.
 Providing its purchaser with multiple options was the sale of 4 and 6 Knighton Road, Elizabeth North, which recently achieved a sale price of $350,000.
The property comprised two individually titled four-bedroom maisonettes with a combined land holding of 1,653 square metres.
The dwellings had previously been let at $260 per week, suggesting a gross yield of 7.72 per cent.
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Rental returns within the inner and middle rings are eroded as values increase and achievable rentals reach a ceiling. 
Advertised rents range from $400 per week and cap out at $1,200. 
Median price levels vary through the inner and middle rings ranging from the mid $400,000s to $1 million plus.
 The high value to low rental ratio produces gross yields of three to five per cent. 
Investors are typically seeking out capital growth with holding income being an added bonus. 
The report notes suburbs which have achieved increased levels of capital growth in the March quarter year on year include West Lakes Shores (25.41 per cent), Colonel Light Gardens (15.41 per cent), Athelstone (13.89 per cent) and Flinders Park (5.34 per cent).
Capitalising on the strong market activity within West Lakes Shores were the vendors of 24 McDonald Grove who purchased the property in August 2018 for $900,000.
The property was cosmetically renovated and sold for $1.105 million in December 2019.
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Higher density flat dwellings are popular with sophisticated investors given the multiple income streams and entry price point.
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The inner eastern suburb of Kent Town has seen two significant multi occupancy transactions in the past 12 months, being <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unitblock-sa-kent+town-132842114" target="_blank">1-9/4-6 Wakefield Street </a>(pictured above) which achieved a sale price of $2.325 million and <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unitblock-sa-kent+town-131894478" target="_blank">1-10/21 Wakefield Street </a>(pictured below) which achieved a sale price of $2.62 million.
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These properties comprise nine and ten units respectively across two levels of multiple accommodation.
The sale of 1-9/4-6 Wakefield Street was advertised with a gross rental of $130,000 suggesting a yield of 5.6 per cent.
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Strata units provide an affordable entry price point for those making their first foray into the market. These properties can be seen as a steppingstone and provide a forced savings style of investment for younger investors. 
Capital growth can be limited whilst gross yields can be eroded by additional fees and charges associated with strata levies.
For a typical 1970’s cream brick strata unit, gross yields fluctuate around five per cent. Selling for $261,000 and let at $275 per week is the recent transaction of 6/11 Shipsters Road, Kensington. 
The unit comprises two bedrooms and one bathroom and is located on the first floor of a two level strata complex. The sale indicates a gross yield of 5.47 per cent.
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"The South Australian market has historically provided purchasers a more stable option to the larger metropolitan markets around Australia.
"Investors should have confidence in the South Australian market in the medium to long term, being cushioned from the COVID-19 fallout," the valuation firm said. 
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Adelaide property market enters downward circle: HTW residential 

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Similar to previous months, supply is still down in many sectors of the Coffs Harbour market, according to the July Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 

The valuation firm took a look at how a budget of $700,000 could be invested in property markets across the nation. 

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"As the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions sees us all getting back to some normality, the property market rolls on as if it was unaware of recent social struggles," the valuation firm said. 

Selling agents are reporting good demand and increasing interest from the out of town city buyers looking to finally escape the chaos of urban life. 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90087]

Property values generally have remained steady to strong with only the prestige market of $1 million plus experiencing some weakening in activity, although it is not uncommon for this sector to seasonally fluctuate. 

"We can look forward to the opening of state borders in time for school holidays together with the highly anticipated reinstatement of domestic flights which will help boost the Coffs Coast accessibility for domestic holiday seekers," the valuation firm said. 

"Now that you have come for a holiday and experienced the wonders of what this region has to offer, your thoughts turn to what you can buy for that lazy $700,000.

"Like most regional locations, we have a diversity of product and it is very difficult to stereotype what you will get in any particular price range; it will depend on what you are looking for. Whether that be a large family home in the suburbs, a beachside cottage or rural retreat, the options are endless," the valuation firm said. 

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The report starts with a suburban home. 

As the median house price in Coffs Harbour sits at around the $490,000 mark, it is easy to see that $700,000 will get you an above average property, typically a large family home, either modern or fully renovated, with four or five bedrooms, double car accommodation and pool set on a standard 600 to 1000 square metre site, the report noted. 

Suburban areas such as Boambee East, Toormina, Bonville (East) and West Coffs Harbour are typical locations for this type of product and well suited to the family although not so much the investor as returns diminish with the higher values. These areas, like most of the region, have experienced gradual growth over recent years.

A large family home in Toormina has recently been sold for $549,000.

The four bedroom, two bathroom house is located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-toormina-129238138" target="_blank">5 Bryant Close</a> (pictured below).

It comes with lounge area, large sunroom, timber kitchen, entertaining deck and in-ground pool with tropic garden surrounds. 

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"Moving closer to the beach, you get less home as the trade-off for higher land value," the valuation firm said. 

The more popular areas such as Sawtell and The Jetty precinct in Coffs Harbour have entry level prices of $700,000 which would purchase a more modest home or a cottage of 20 to 60 years of age which would require renovation, extension or demolition.

A current listing is a three bedroom period style home in Sawtell priced at $649,000.

The seaside home at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-sawtell-133861786" target="_blank"> 1/17 Fifteenth Avenue </a>(pictured below) offers combined kitchen/dining area, living zones, sunroom, three bedrooms and entertainment deck. 

It is located within walking distance to Murrays beach, cafes and Sawtell Main Street. 

<img alt="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/8/3/sawtell%201.jpg">

 

"You will find more modern unit products in these areas, although the more high quality larger product potentially with water views will set you back more than $700,000. These are very solid locations for investors as they are popular proven localities with underlying development potential, in many cases due to higher density zones," the valuation firm said. 

The report notes the popular northern beachside suburbs also see fewer homes for $700,000, although there are some more modern estates where you can get a new four-bedroom, two-bathroom, double garage home on a standard block.

The trade-off for these properties is that they are the more recently developed estates such as Sapphire Beach and Emerald Beach which are located along the Pacific Motorway. 

Typically the home closer to the beach with all the trimmings will set you back significantly more than $700,000. These areas have experienced good growth and with land to build the dream now becoming scarce, we are seeing premiums being achieved for modern developed products.

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"If you are looking for the green change and land size is important, $700,000 will get you into the market albeit at the lower end of the scale.

"Typically you will get one to five acre properties with aged homes of generally modest size and quality, although well located to towns and beaches in suburbs such as Korora, Bonville and Boambee which are very popular to have the best of both worlds," the valuation firm said. 

These properties are typically lifestyle purchases and not geared for investors, although Korora does offer the potential to subdivide five acre plus properties which could be worth land banking for future capital gain.

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"As an investor looking at the Coffs Harbour market, we’d be looking towards the multi accommodation properties where increased returns and capital gains will come from renovations and possible subdivision," the valuation firm said. 

Coffs Harbour has a strong population growth with affordable lifestyle benefits and the anticipated start (2021/22) of the proposed Pacific Motorway bypass will see a considerable uplift in the economy with pressure on the rental market during this construction stage. 

This is where the multi accommodation properties will come into their own, especially if they are furnished and aimed at the transient working population, the report noted. 

As an example, a triplex in Toormina has been marketed at $625,000, comprising a single level 1980’s building with three two-bedroom, one- bathroom units each with a garage and returning approximately $240 per week each or $37,440 annually, the report noted. 

"The potential here is to undertake some modest renovation work, say $5000 to $10,000 per unit to increase the rental returns by $40 to $50 per week each with a long term view of strata titling and selling separately.

"Not surprisingly, this property is under offer at full asking price," the valuation firm said. 
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What a lazy $700,000 can buy in Coffs Harbour: HTW residential  

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The Ultimo Hotel, currently operated by Rydges Hotels Limited, has hit the market with sales expectations exceeding $100 million.
The 1,584 square metre property, which includes the 4-star rated boutique hotel, comprising 95 guest rooms, and ten retail tenancies, is being traded through Savills Australia.
Under a hotel management agreement, Rydges will continue to operate the hotel for the next three years unless a termination without cause provision is invoked with an 18-month notice.
Candidates have the option of continuing management with Rydges following the cessation of the five-year agreement.
The site offers one basement level tenancy plus nine high exposure ground level tenancies with current tenants including NAB, 7-Eleven, D1 Karaoke Sydney, No.1 Malatown, Dodee Paidang and Bancho Bar.
The building was converted to the current hotel in 1988 and subsequently renovated in 2016.
An additional 13 storey increase is possible subject to council approval (STCA), in addition to re-leasing the retail tenancies as expiries arise or strata subdivide the retail space and sell off individually
“The chance of one of these island sites coming to market is extremely rare in Sydney, especially in the Southern CBD,” said Savills director Stuart Cox.
Directly opposite Market City, The Ultimo is within close proximity to neighbouring landmarks, including Darling Harbour precinct, Capitol Theatre and the International Convention Centre.
Public transport is readily available in the form of rail, light rail and bus services, approximately 150 metres from the site.
The property is offered for sale via an International Expressions of Interest campaign closing September 24.
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The Ultimo Hotel listed with $100 million plus expectations

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

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“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

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Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

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Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

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The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

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Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

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