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<p><span>Australia’s longest running reality program, The Block, returns in its 16th season on Sunday, August 23 where five period homes from the 1910s, 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s, all in decrepit condition, have been transformed.</span></p>
<p><span>The houses at The Block's Brighton site are tipped to sell for $3.5 million plus by the Melbourne buyers agent Frank Valentic.</span></p>
<p><span>Valentic has bought eight properties on previous seasons of the show for cashed-up clients and is considered an expert in the area.</span></p>
<p>Celebrating 20 years on Australian television, host Scott Cam said, “Every year we aim to give viewers something new and I know that Australia will fall in love with our latest series as we step back in time to last century,” he said.</p>
<p>“Filmed during the onset of the pandemic, this season has more drama and emotion than we’ve ever seen."</p>
<p>COVID-19 actually caused the first ever shutdown of The Block this season giving audiences a front-row seat to how this seasons Block contestants dealt with the problem at hand.</p>
<p>A clear example of COVID-19's impact is that the plans and permits to put underground basements in were completely cancelled.</p>
<p>The five couples this season for The Block 2020 are:</p>
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<li>Harry (57) and Tash (32) – The first ever father and daughter renovation duo, an IT manager and a social media project manager from Melbourne</li>
<li>Sarah (27) and George (33) – Teacher and electrician from Sydney.</li>
<li>Daniel (35) and Jade (34) – Farmer and hairdresser from Wandearah in South Australia.</li>
<li>Luke (35) and Jasmine (36) – Chippy and teacher from Perth.</li>
<li>Jimmy (33) and Tam (31) – Plumber and bar manager from Brisbane.</li>
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<p><em>Image Source: Nine</em></p>
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The Block's Brighton homes are tipped to sell for $3.5 million plus

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<p><span><span><span>Melbourne’s preliminary auction clearance rate sat at 60.3 per cent from 123 reported results, when </span></span></span>Melbourne faced its first auction day under stage 4 restrictions at the weekend,</p>
<p>After the tough restrictions, buyers were unable to inspect homes in person on auction day, but there were 218 properties still scheduled to go under the hammer.</p>
<p>Some 56 were withdrawn from auction.</p>
<p><span>Buyers had previously about two weeks to view the properties in person at a private inspections before Melbourne’s stage 4 COVID-19 restrictions came into effect.</span></p>
<p>The top sale was $2.76 million at 12 Glenmore Crescent, Black Rock (pictured in title).</p>
<p>It was $360,000 more than the top end of its asking price range with just the two bidders.</p>
<p>There was a $1,751,000 sale of a four bedroom house, a likely redevelopment, at 8 Kangerong Rd, Box Hill.</p>
<p><span>There had been <span>$1,500,000 to $1,650,000 price </span></span>guidance.</p>
<p>REALas had <span>$1,609,000 value guidance.</span></p>
<p><span><span>A three-bedroom house at </span>39 Iffla Street, South Melbourne,<span> sold under the virtual hammer for $1,732,500 which was $157,500 above reserve.</span></span></p>
<p><span>Melbourne auctions must now be held at an auctioneer’s home, rather than at agency offices, which have been closed under the new rules.</span></p>
<p>With five weeks of the lockdown to go, agents are expecting a very quiet month.</p>
<p>Sydney’s preliminary auction clearance rate sat at 61.5 per cent from 328 reported results, Domain reported.</p>
<p><span><span>There were 577 properties scheduled to go under the hammer which was the busiest Saturday since mid-April.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Some 103 offerings were withdrawn from auction.</span></span></p>
<p><span>An six-bedroom, eight-bathroom house at </span>22 Llandillo Avenue, Strathfield fetched $6,305,000, the highest advised price.</p>
<p><span>The two-storey home attracted </span>seven registered bidders, with six getting to bid during the auction. </p>
<p><span>The 765 sqm building block last sold for $2.41 million in 2015. </span></p>
<p><span>There was an unreported sale of the three</span>-level house in Drummoyne at a private auction for an undisclosed price believed to be over $8.5 million.</p>
<p>The Burnell Street house was expected to sell for $7 million.</p>
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Melbourne weekend auction vendors secure lockdown sales

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<p>The Reserve Bank of Australia could stay on the sidelines as eastern states battle further outbreaks of COVID-19, according to the mortgage aggregating group Finsure.</p>
<p>John Kolenda, the managing director of Finsure, said the RBA looks set to keep its cash rate at an all-time low of 0.25 per cent for the rest of the year.</p>
<p>"Official rates will most likely be staying the same for the foreseeable future," Mr Kolenda said.</p>
<p>"The RBA reducing rates any further at the moment would have little impact on the economy and could do more harm than good."</p>
<p>Mr Kolenda added that, while not much activity is expected around official interest rates, home loan customers are still in a strong position with lenders offering a new round of rate cuts.</p>
<p>"If you have a home loan rate with a '3' in front of it talk to your bank, or better still seek expert assistance from a mortgage broker," he said.</p>
<p>"All owner occupiers should now be paying a rate in the low 'twos' and saving more than 1.0 per cent on a variable loan," he said. "On an average loan this saves hundreds of dollars a month."</p>
<p>Mr Kolenda said mortgage holders should not be afraid to seek a lower rate even if they have been on a six-month repayment holiday.</p>
<p>"Banks will offer a better deal if you are ready to resume repayments so don't be complacent about your interest rate as this can potentially cost you a lot of money," he concluded.</p>
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Reserve Bank looks to maintain 0.25% cash rate for foreseeable future: Finsure

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<p>Much like last month, with COVID-19 still present in Australia, it is quite difficult to pinpoint exactly what is going to happen with the Newcastle local property market, according to the July Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. </p>
<p>The valuation firm took a look at how a budget of $700,000 could be invested in property markets across the nation. </p>
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<p><span>The report first provided a COVID update.</span></p>
<p><span>"With restrictions around open houses and auctions being lifted, there has been an increase in potential buyers visiting properties for sale; however, we are still not seeing anywhere close to the sales volumes we would normally expect," the valuation firm said. </span></p>
<p><span>Agents in the area are reporting numbers of properties being listed are on the increase but they are down on the same period last year due to the ongoing pandemic. </span></p>
<p><span>The most recent weeks have seen widespread activity with properties still being sold and the savvy investor on the lookout for a bargain. </span></p>
<p><span>Across the Newcastle and Hunter region house prices have remained relatively flat across the board with the region proving to hold its own in light of recent global events.</span></p>
<p><span>"Now onto this month’s topic. </span>With our lazy $700,000 we’ve chosen to spend in the suburb of Woodberry NSW, and buy not just one, BUT TWO houses.</p>
<p>"Where is Woodberry you ask? Great question. Woodberry is located between two of the largest towns in the Hunter region, approximately 21kms south east of Maitland and 22kms north west of Newcastle,," the valuation firm said. </p>
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<p><span>The suburb is well serviced by shopping facilities and schools with the Stockland Greenhills major shopping centre located in East Maitland and a number of primary and secondary schools close by. Public transport is readily available with </span>a number of buses running the entire suburb and Beresfield Train Station just 1.5kms away.</p>
<p>Commuters to Newcastle are only a 20 minute train ride or 25 minutes by car or a short 15 minute train or car ride from Maitland.</p>
<p><span>Woodberry is also strategically located close to the new Maitland Hospital (approximately 10kms) which is currently under construction, and on track to open early 2022. </span></p>
<p><span>The new hospital will provide great employment opportunities within the area and meet the growing health service needs for the Hunter Valley, the report noted. </span></p>
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<p><span>"Now that we’ve established its strategic location close to major CBD’s, shopping, schools, hospital and transport. Let’s look at some stats!" the valuation firm said. </span></p>
<p><span>According to Corelogic the median sale price for houses in Woodberry NSW is $330,000 (for the 12 months to 31/03/2020).</span></p>
<p><span> Over the last 5 years the suburb has seen growth of 4.2% per annum and 3% per annum over 10 years. </span></p>
<p><span>The median sale price for houses in the Maitland LGA over the same period was $480,000; with growth of 4.6% per annum and 4.0% per annum over 5 years and 10 years respectively.</span></p>
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<p><span>The median rental yield in Woodberry is 5.7% gross with a median rent of $359 per week (for the 12 months to 31/03/2020). That sure beats a 1% return on a term deposit, the report noted. </span></p>
<p><span>The median rental yield in the Mailtand LGA over the same period was 4.6% gross.</span></p>
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<p><span>The HTW report provided some examples of recent sales and rentals in the area.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-woodberry-132856638" target="_blank">8 Curlew Crescent Woodberry </a>sold for $340,000 in March 2020 (pictured below).</p>
<p><span>The property was purchased by an investor and rented at settlement for $360 per week. Representing a gross yield of 5.50%.</span></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-woodberry-133531378" target="_blank">16 Kookaburra Parade Woodberry</a> recently sold for $323,000 in May 2020 (pictured below).</p>
<p><span> The selling agent advises the property would rent for approximately $340 per week. Representing a gross yield of 5.47%.</span></p>
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What a lazy $700,000 can buy in Newcastle: HTW residential  

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<p>During the quarter, DomaCom continued with remote working arrangements due to COVID-19 and progressed the development of key products which are expected to drive future revenue growth.</p>
<p>The Company also saw a strong growth in Funds Under Management, which rose 11.2 per cent in Q4 FY20 to A$71.4 million. </p>
<p><strong>Product development ramps up</strong></p>
<p>During the quarter, the Company made progress across four products currently in development: Rent to Own, Essential Worker, Equity Mortgage, and Senior Equity Release. </p>
<p>Rent to Own: The Rent to Own product documentation was completed in the June quarter along with the acquisition of the first RTO property. The Company is now looking for its second property to be acquired in Sydney. This product uses the develop distribution margin to provide a discount to investors whilst gifting equity to tenants each year. </p>
<p>Essential Worker: DomaCom is progressing its Essential Worker affordable housing product with one of Australia's leading Community Housing Providers. This product aims to leverage the Government's affordable housing lending facility to deliver an RTO product for essential workers with a 25 per cent discounted rent. This product is expected to be attractive due to low vacancy risk stemming from the security of the tenants' employment (nurses, firefighters, teachers, police) in addition to the emotional impact of supporting essential workers at this time. The targeted launch period for this product is Q3 CY20. </p>
<p>Equity Mortgage: Work is ongoing to deliver a Shariah-compliant mortgage product that is targeting Australian Islamic communities who, in accordance with their religion, are prohibited from borrowing money. This product is believed to be less exposed to the current negative property environment as it is aiming to provide a method of obtaining leverage for those who wish to purchase a home but cannot borrow. </p>
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<p><span>Discussions are ongoing with a key B2C partner whilst the Company seeks regulatory approval for changes </span>this product requires. The targeted launch period for this product is between late 2020 and early 2021.</p>
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<p><span>Senior Equity Release: </span><span>Adviser accreditation for the Company’s Senior Equity Release (SER) product has progressed with a dozen advisers having completed accreditation. DomaCom has commenced a direct marketing campaign aimed at the retirees to help identify those needing equity from their homes. Covid-19s recent impact on self-funded retirees’ income has increased the market for this product and the Company is now seeking to obtain regulatory clarity on how the SER product works with the Government’s Downsizer legislation.</span></p>
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<p><strong>Corporate</strong></p>
<p><span>FUM increased from A$64.2 to A$71.4m in the quarter ended June, 30 2020.</span></p>
<p><span>Payment of remuneration to executive and non-executive directors and their related parties amounted to $184,000 during the quarter ended June 30, 2020.</span></p>
<p><span>As part of facilitating the completion of the Avery’s Green property development being carried out for a sub- Fund within the DomaCom Fund, DomaCom Australia paid a limited number of supplier invoices on behalf of the sub-Fund during the year ended June 30, 2020. In the 30 June quarter, these amounts were repaid by the DomaCom Fund resulting in a net inflow of $802,000 in the current quarter. DomaCom Australia, a subsidiary of DomaCom Limited, operates the DomaCom Fund. The DomaCom Fund is a separate legal entity with separate investors. It is designated a related party as DomaCom Australia is the Investment Manager.</span></p>
<p><span>DomaCom continued to carefully control costs during the quarter. Staff and administrative costs fell to $709,000 compared to $716,000 in the previous quarter. Advertising and marketing costs increased to $143,000 in the current quarter compared to $90,000 in the previous quarter as the Company introduced the market to new product offerings.</span></p>
<p><span>DomaCom’s cash position at the end of the June quarter was A$1.45m. The Company has refreshed its placement capacity via the EGM that was conducted 22 July 2020 and discussions are now progressing with an institution regarding a placement to top up the cash position.</span></p>
<p><span>DomaCom CEO Arthur Naoumidis said: </span><span>“While the current environment is a challenging one, we are pleased that several of our key products are starting to gain traction in this environment. In particular, the ability to complete our first RTO syndication in the middle of the pandemic is a promising result. Encouragingly, we have seen significant investor interest in further RTO syndications and we are currently assessing potential acquisitions in Sydney."</span></p>
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DomaCom completes first rent-to-own transaction

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<p>Following a five-week international design competition, award-winning Australian practice BVN has emerged as the winner to design the redevelopment of Sydney’s iconic 125-year-old City Tattersalls Club, located at 194 – 204 Pitt Street.</p>
<p>BVN’s innovative design was selected as the unanimous winner by a panel of six jurors after several weeks of careful consideration for what would respectfully integrate with the building’s heritage components and further improve Sydney’s city centre.</p>
<p>The winning design was commended for its well-considered podium that creates a sophisticated connection between the ground-floor Club facilities and the new tower above, resulting in a considered, elegant, and holistic overall composition to the project.</p>
<p>The scheme’s superior internal planning resulted in a highly effective floorplan, maximising the views and amenity of the apartments and hotel rooms, whilst drawing natural light deep into the tower’s public and common spaces. The apartment layouts resolve the complex structural requirements for building over the heritage Club whilst making wonderful places to live.</p>
<p>BVN’s proposed 49-storey tower produces a contemporary and calm facade that would add an elegant, landmark structure to Sydney’s iconic city skyline.</p>
<p>In their decision the jury noted the expressed intentions of BVN’s team to collaborate closely with FJMT, the nominated architect underseeing rejuvenation of the heritage components of the building, to ensure a rich integration of the tower with the existing structures below - an essential consideration of the site’s overall redevelopment.</p>
<p>When asked to comment on the winning BVN design, FJMT’s Design Director, Richard Francis-Jones, said, “This is a wonderful vision for the integration of city apartments, hotel, and the unique City Tattersalls Club in a sustainable and inspiring new urban complex. BVN's insightful concept for a tower characterised by lightness, floating above a more solid hotel podium will form a gentle back drop and transition with the landmark heritage buildings of Pitt Street. It is a great concept and we are looking forward to working with BVN to realise a project both of sensitivity and landmark quality.”</p>
<p>The design competition’s full shortlist of competing architects included five of Australia’s most renowned firms; Hassell, Bates Smart, SJB, BVN, Candalepas Associates, as well as leading international architecture practice DP Architects.</p>
<p>The City Tattersalls Club redevelopment is a joint-venture project undertaken by a consortium led by Singapore-based First Sponsor Group Limited and ICD Property – in collaboration with the City Tattersalls Club.</p>
<p>After a successful international design competition, the development group is now working towards finalising design details with BVN in preparation for submission of a Stage 2 DA later this year.</p>
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BVN wins international design competition for Sydney’s City Tattersalls Club

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<p>Rental homes are now more accessible in Melbourne as vacancy rates relaxed slightly in June, while the rental market tightened further in Regional Victoria.</p>
<p><span>The REIV recorded a healthy 3.0 per cent vacancy rate in Melbourne while Regional Victoria recorded a further tightening of the rental market with 1.8 per cent.</span></p>
<p><span>The slight increase in vacancy rate did not impact the median rents with Melbourne median rental prices for houses now at $473 per week, $13 more than the previous month.</span></p>
<p><span>Median rents for Metropolitan units have also increased, from $410 per week in May to $420 per week for June.</span></p>
<p><span>Rental prices in regional Victoria are holding firm, with median house rents remaining unchanged on $350 per week for the past six consecutive months, regional units are sitting at $300 per week, a $5 increase on May.</span></p>
<p><span>The relaxation of vacancy rates could be largely attributed to inner city areas as smaller properties move from short term rentals like Airbnb. Fall in visitors, international students has meant that more property owners are returning to the traditional rental market.</span></p>
<p><span>REIV President Leah Calnan </span><span>Melbourne’s rental market continue</span><span>s to grow.</span></p>
<p><span>“Melbourne’s </span><span>rental market is holding firm in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic creating </span><span>unique conditions.” </span><span>Ms Calnan said.</span></p>
<p><span>“</span><span>The relaxing of vacancy rates means there are more homes available for people to rent, and there has never been a more important time to have a roof over your head.</span><span>”</span></p>
<p><span>“Th</span><span>is rental data, combined with the annual growth shown in the June Quarterly Medians, demonstrates the strength and resilience of the Victorian property market</span><span>.”</span></p>
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Rents hold steady as vacancy rates relax in Melbourne

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<p>EXPERT OBSERVATION</p>
<p>The Queensland residential building industry remains on track to experience a significant downturn in building activity in the fourth quarter of the year.</p>
<p>Contrary to some observations that the Queensland building industry has remained relatively unscathed by the impact of coronavirus, detached house approvals issued for June reveal a drop of almost 16 per cent for the month.   </p>
<p>That takes the total drop in approvals since the crisis hit in April to 25.9 per cent” says Mr Roberts. This puts the number of approvals for the quarter 36.4 per cent lower than the April quarter in 2018.  </p>
<p>With the lead times involved in the construction of a new home the drop in approvals now will play out in the fourth quarter of the year with a corresponding drop in construction.</p>
<p>While the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder Scheme has generated significant interest in new home building, the delayed implementation of the scheme by the Queensland Government means the high level of interest is not being translated into actual contracts signed.  </p>
<p>Everyone is waiting for the Government to release the application rules because until they do no one really knows for sure if they will be eligible. The banks can’t confirm loans, consumers don’t know what is involved and the builders can’t confirm when they can actually start work. </p>
<p>It’s been almost two months since the HomeBuilder scheme was announced and builders and their clients are becoming extremely frustrated by the delays. Some clients are starting to lose interest in the idea of building a new home in this state.  </p>
<p>The question I keep being asked is ’why is it taking so long?’ How hard can it be to design the process and why aren’t we taking on board the process now in place in five other jursidctions?</p>
<p>As a proud Queenslander I do wonder why we seem to be running last on this issue. The Queensland Government was the last State to sign up to the HomeBuilder program and we are now the last State to release the application rules.</p>
<p>Queensland home buyers and home builders deserve more.</p>
<p><strong>MIKE ROBERS</strong> <em>is the HIA Queensland Executive Director</em></p>
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Time for Queensland to get moving on HomeBuilder: HIA's Mike Roberts

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<p><span>During these extraordinary times, NAB has taken the decision to publish aggregated customer data categorised by industry segment with the view to helping provide clarity around which segments of the economy have been most affected by the broader macroeconomic trends at play.</span></p>
<p><span> NAB takes data privacy very seriously. All customer transaction data has been aggregated and no individual’s data is specifically identified or analysed as part of this process. The data used in this report will not be sold or made publicly available, but insights from the data will be shared with the Australian people.</span></p>
<p><span>NAB’s latest Data Insights highlight a slowdown in consumption spending in recent weeks, with overall growth easing to 5.8 per cent y/y for the week ended July 18. Spending slowed in all states and territories (except SA/NT). It is now weakest in VIC (-0.7 per cent) with this result heavily influenced by lockdown in metropolitan Melbourne. NSW is also weakening faster than most. Relative to last year, overall spending growth slowed (or fell further) in all industries, but overall growth continues to be supported mainly by spending on Construction and Retail Trade.</span></p>
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<p>Source: NAB Group Economics.</p>
<p><span>Payment inflows across all industries were flat (0.1 per cent) in the 4-weeks to July 18 (4-week average terms). Inflows are still falling heaviest for corporates. By industry, they were down most in Mining, Transport and Hospitality, and were strongest in Agriculture, Manufacturing, Retail Trade and Professional, Scientific &amp; Technical Services.</span></p>
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<div class="column">NAB’s latest Data Insights point to a slowdown in consumption spending in recent weeks, with overall growth easing to 5.8 per cent y/y in the week ending July 18 (9.8 per cent in the previous week), but still roughly at levels seen in late-February.</div>
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<div class="column">Consumption spending eased in all states except SA/NT (8.9 per cent). It fell sharply in VIC, which is now the only state showing a negative result (-0.7 per cent). This spending hit was driven by sharp falls in lockdown areas (-3.6 per cent), with non-lockdown areas still growing by more than 8 per cent. Spending growth halved in NSW (6.1 per cent) compared to the previous week, and was strongest in the NT (19.6 per cent) and WA (12.5 per cent).</div>
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<div class="column">Relative to last year, overall spending growth eased (or fell faster) in all industries. But overall growth continues to be underpinned mostly by spending on Construction (albeit slowing to 19.6 per cent from 39.9 per cent in the previous week) and Retail Trade (which also eased to 18.3 per cent from 25.1 per cent in the previous week). Spending on Hospitality (the biggest sector of the economy) fell 14.6 per cent (down 10.1 per cent last week). Spending on Administration &amp; Support Services is still very weak (-70.9 per cent), with sizeable falls also persisting in Transport, Postal &amp; Warehousing (-43.0 per cent) and Education &amp; Training (-22.6 per cent). </div>
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<div class="column">Payment inflows (in year-on-year 4-week moving average terms) were basically flat (0.1 per cent) for the 4 weeks ending July 18 compared to the same time last year, but improved from the previous week (-2.9 per cent). By business size, inflows grew in both large (5.0 per cent) and emerging (2.7 per cent) firms. Inflows into corporates however fell for the fourth straight week (-6.4 per cent), with smaller falls of around 21⁄2 per cent in both medium and small firms.</div>
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<div class="column">By industry, payment inflows into Accommodation continue falling steeply (-16.5 per cent), although this was the slowest rate of decline seen since late-March. Inflows into Mining firms however turned down sharply (-26.9 per cent), with inflows into Transport, Postal &amp; Warehousing also still falling heavily (-16.6 per cent). Inflows into Education fell 4.6 per cent after falling 22.0 per cent in the previous week. Payment inflows were strongest into Agriculture (12.2 per cent), Manufacturing (11.4 per cent), Retail Trade (11.2 per cent) and Professional, Scientific &amp; Technical Services (10.0 per cent). </div>
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<div class="column">Source: NAB Group Economics.</div>
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Impacts of coronavirus on consumption based spending and business payment inflows: NAB

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<p>A total of 313,700 sqm of Premium and A-Grade projects in the past six months has given Melbourne’s CBD a new milestone of the largest CBD office market in Australia, according to JLL Research.</p>
<p>In Q2 2020, JLL Research found that the Melbourne CBD’s total office stock was 4,953,033 sqm. Now, with the practical completions of three new major developments this month, the Melbourne CBD reaches a new stock total of 5,107,840 sqm. Sydney’s total office stock for Q2 2020 was 5,024,240 sqm.</p>
<p><em>The three office completions crowning Melbourne as the largest office CBD in Australia include the following developments:</em></p>
<p>1. Cbus Property and Keppel REIT’s Victoria Police Centre at 311 Spencer Street, including 65,000 sqm of office space.</p>
<p>2. The Lendlease Two Melbourne Quarter at 697 Collins Street, including 46,350 sqm of office space.</p>
<p>3. Dexus 80 Collins Street, including 42,960 sqm of office space.</p>
<p>JLL’s Managing Director (Victoria) - Craig Shute said, “The completion of these three projects marks a real inflection point in the dynamics of Australian CBD’s.'</p>
<p>Melbourne is now the largest Australian city in terms of commercial office space and this status is unlikely to change. This rapid rise is testament to Melbourne’s balanced economic drivers and will result in an increase of national and global investment capital seeking a foothold or looking to expand their portfolios in the city."</p>
<p>"We are confident Melbourne will rebound relatively strongly as we recover from the current COVID-19 restrictions and re-open for business,” He added.</p>
<p>Other projects completed in the Melbourne CBD earlier this year include Mirvac and Suntec REIT’s Olderfleet building at 477 Collins Street (56,584 sqm), Charter Hall’s Wesley Place at 130 Lonsdale Street (55,000 sqm) and Cbus Property and ISPT’s Collins Arch at 447 Collins Street (47,517sqm).</p>
<p>Whilst a large amount of supply is being delivered to the market, there is very little vacancy, with 94% of the 313,700 sqm office stock being delivered in 2020 already pre-committed, according to JLL Research.</p>
<p>JLL’s Senior Research Director (Victoria) - Annabel McFarlane said, “JLL has been tracking office stock in Melbourne’s CBD office market since 1970, when the size of the market was just 1.45 million sqm."</p>
<p>"The most significant contribution to this growth has been Docklands as a new CBD precinct, delivering just over 1 million sqm of new, high quality office stock and pushing Melbourne to now Australia’s largest CBD office market, just larger than Sydney’s CBD office market,” she said.</p>
<p>Ms McFarlane continued, “Significant momentum and strong demand throughout the last 20 years has supported office market development. Melbourne’s CBD office market has accounted for 40% of all CBD net absorption (1.7 million sqm) in the six CBD markets we track. This compares to Sydney (739,900 sqm), Canberra (647,600 sqm), Brisbane (542,850 sqm), Perth (293,700 sqm) and Adelaide (291,300 sqm).”</p>
<p>Melbourne and Sydney’s CBD office markets are comparable in size to several major international CBD office markets including Madrid which stands at 6.5 million sqm, Barcelona at 4.9 million sqm and Berlin at 4.5 million sqm.</p>
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Melbourne takes crown as the largest CBD office market in Australia: JLL

<p>The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.</p>

<p>Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."</p>

<p>That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.</p>

<p>Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]</p>

<p>Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.</p>

<p>The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]</p>

<p>The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.</p>

<p>Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]</p>

<p>Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.</p>

<p>Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]</p>


Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

<p>National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.</p>

<p>Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]</p>

<p>The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.</p>

<p>Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.</p>

<p>"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.</p>

<p>"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.</p>

<p>"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]</p>

<p>Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.</p>

<p>The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]</p>

<p>Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.</p>

<p>Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]</p>

<p>Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.</p>

<p>Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]</p>


Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

<p>The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.</p>

<p>It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 41-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.</p>

<p>Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.</p>

<p>While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]</p>

<p>Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 41-storey tower, which has 229 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.</p>

<p>The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.</p>

<p>"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.</p>

<p>"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.</p>

<p>"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]</p>

<p>One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.</p>

<p>"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.</p>

<p>While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.</p>

<p>"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.</p>

<p>"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]</p>

<p>There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.</p>

<p>As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.</p>

<p>"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.</p>

<p>A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.</p>

<p>The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]</p>


A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

<p>A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.</p>

<p>It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.</p>

<p>Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.</p>

<p>The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <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> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]</p>

<p>"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.</p>

<p>"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.</p>

<p>"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]</p>

<p>The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.</p>

<p>Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]</p>

<p>The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.</p>

<p>The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]</p>

<p>Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.</p>

<p>Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]</p>

<p>While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.</p>

<p>It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.</p>

<p>Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]</p>

<p>That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.</p>

<p>Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]</p>


Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

<p>As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.</p>

<p>At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]</p>

<p>The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.</p>

<p>Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.</p>

<p>In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]</p>

<p>The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.</p>

<p>Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.</p>

<p>This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]</p>

<p>What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.</p>

<p>The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.</p>

<p>Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]</p>


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