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Shepparton’s market is being driven by a splash of spending on public infrastructure as well as a flurry of construction activity for private businesses, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said.
The report notes many local manufacturing businesses are expanding to larger scale premises, which is having a flow through effect on the whole market. 
"As stated in previous Month in Review entries, the hospital expansion is bringing a wealth of jobs for both short term construction and ongoin medical staff, as is private sector allied health work, which is bringing population movements from outside the Goulburn Valley. This has been steady now for the past 12 to 18 months and will continue throughout 2020," the valuation firm said. 
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"The land situation in the area is tightening, with a number of larger estates being in their last stages.
"This will start to put upward pressure on land values, the likes of which we haven’t seen in over a decade. This will hit first home buyers the hardest as they make up a large chunk of the new home builder pool," the valuation firm added. 
"Investors are still in the area chasing the strong yields that we have to offer, but the intensity the out of town investors brought six to 12 months ago has cooled off. Unit prices have started to bounce back with a couple of good results recently." 
"Overall the market is still performing strongly with sustainable growth rates. Many agents are reporting sub 30 days on market and have been for an extended period." 
A five year old dormer display home in Shepparton was sold for $480,000 in April.
The three bedroom, two bathroom house is situated at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-shepparton-132632146" target="_blank"> 72 Canterbury Avenue</a> (pictured below).
It comes with two living areas, centrally located kitchen, study and large rear garden.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/11/shepparton%202.jpg" alt="">
 
A current listing is a three bedroom house situated close to Shepparton CBD. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-vic-shepparton-133123538" target="_blank">1/19 Middleton Street</a> home (pictured below) has been listed with a price guide of $335,000.
It comes with open plan living, private patio area, kitchen, front courtyard and double garage. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/11/shepparton%203.jpg" alt="">
Note regards COVID-19
<div>
This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks. 
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<div>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</div>
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Shepparton property market performs strongly with sustainable growth rate: HTW residential 

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The quick progress of COVID-19 has brought swift ramifications for the real estate industry, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
<div>The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said.</div>
"No open homes, no in-room auctions. In short, professionals are having to adapt quickly to ensure the economic wheels keep turning.
"It would come as no surprise that the overriding element at present is the medical, social and economic fallout from virus control measures," the valuation firm said. 
"In Brisbane, the full effect is still to play out, but we can at least take some comfort in not having to deal with population densities like Sydney and Melbourne. A small blessing for the Sunshine State," the valuation firm commented. 
"For the sake of this month’s submission, let’s look beyond COVID-19 and set aside the economic downturn and recovery period to some degree (as we’re not certain as yet how long this challenging time will last)."
"So, what are the elements that traditionally drive the Brisbane market and how might they look in the future?
"The metrics and measures we’ve customarily watched as Brisbane property indicators have included the general economic outlook (nationally and locally), employment numbers and job security, interstate migration, wage growth, interest rate movements, local, state and national elections and the availability of finance," the valuation firm said. 
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It’s a complex dance of interaction between these components that sets the level in terms of activity and price growth potential.
"To give some perspective, 2019 saw a somewhat challenging start in the first half of the year with a number of headwinds. These included the banking royal commission that led to a redefining of lending policies by financiers. There were mid-year elections plus a feel that southern markets had overheated as well.
"We were also struggling to get our Queensland unemployment rate lower. All these elements contributed to our unimpressive residential market performance and general confidence," the valuation firm said. 
Then, the second half of 2019 saw a market back on the rise.
 There was an increase in confidence as lending restrictions were loosened, Brisbane’s major infrastructure projects got underway in earnest and interstate migration numbers continued to improve.
It was, for all intents and purposes, looking like a very promising 2020 before the handbrake was applied by the pandemic, the report said. 
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"Of course, once we pass through this time of uncertainty, Brisbane property operators will be looking overall for leading indicators such as employment and wages growth," the valuation firm said. 
The report suggests there will no doubt be an appetite for infrastructure projects to be back on track and, as mentioned, that all important net interstate migration number.
For those interested in some nuances, there are different drivers for different buyer types.
For example, first home buyers in Brisbane are traditionally stimulated by affordability, the level of competition from investors, first home buyer’s grant and stamp duty incentives, interest rate reductions and the ability to save for deposits and get finance. 
Some of these measures won’t be applicable in the immediate wake of COVID-19, e.g. interest rate falls. That said, when markets return to normalcy, this list of drivers will be applicable.
For upgraders, interest rate reductions have been a keen driver of markets. The ability to draw on built up equity and borrow at a competitive rate has prompted many to act in the past. Of course, with rates being used as a lever to stimulate the economy at the moment, their ability to substantially drive the upgrader sector post- COVID-19 will be some time off, the report noted.
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Empty nesters who’d been looking to downsize and move closer to the city were, in the past, driven by the improvement of lifestyle factors. This would include the development or upgrade of community- centric hubs such as cafés and restaurants. 
Those who are self-funded can also be prompted to move in response to available property types – in particular high-end apartment accommodation – where they can enjoy a comfortable, low- maintenance lifestyle with the ability to lock-and- leave for travel. Again, elements that may be some way off after the crisis passes and we’re on the road to recovery.
"Local drivers by property type aren’t particular to Brisbane. What traditionally applies here could well apply to most capitals on the eastern seaboard," the valuation firm said. 
For units, the influence of oversupply and undersupply is paramount. Brisbane saw the fallout of new build oversupply during 2017 to 2019 as off-the-plan product came to completion.
 Many revaluations were coming in below the original purchase price. 
"During 2019, we were seeing a pick- up in absorption of this oversupply, but the post- 2020 market is more uncertain at this stage," the valuation firm said. 
The thing to keep in mind regarding apartments is that good quality stock which appeals to owner- occupiers is often well received, the report added. 
It’s this type of unit that will receive increased buyer interest post-2020. This includes units of good size and with a practical floorplan within close proximity of desirable hot spots. 
In comparison, typical investor style apartments in secondary locations will have less growth potential.
A two bedroom apartment situated in the Brisbane CBD was sold for $477,000 in April.
The 145sqm apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-qld-brisbane+city-127595854" target="_blank">405/108 Albert Street </a>(pictured below) features a large fully enclosed courtyard with lush surroundings. 
The home comprises two bedrooms, two bathrooms, modern kitchen, secure car park and storage cage. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/11/brisbane%20.jpg" alt="">
Similarly, townhouses within the inner city have performed well in comparison to those positioned in outer-lying suburbs. That said, performance can be project specific.
Broadly speaking, well located, quality townhouse projects catering to the owner-occupier market have performed better, with stronger demand and value levels that are more resilient.
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A current listing is a Paddington townhouse priced over $699,000.
The three bedroom, two bathroom townhouse is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-qld-paddington-133105886" target="_blank">1/23 Royal Street </a>(pictured below).
It features open plan dining, modern kitchen, living room, private courtyard and garden area. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/11/paddo.jpg" alt="">
And of course, detached housing is the stalwart sector. Houses closer to the city tend to retain and grow in value better than those located further on the fringe. High demand and limited stock is the equation that’s driven this traditionally, the report noted. 
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<div>Note regards COVID-19</div>
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This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks. 
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<div>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</div>
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Brisbane unit market remains uncertain during COVID-19 pandemic: HTW residential 

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Up until the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, it appeared that there was a sense of confidence in the central Gold Coast local property market from both investors and owner-occupiers, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
<div>The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said.</div>
The report notes local agents had been reporting good levels of buyer enquiry for a broad range of residential property in the first couple months of 2020 which has been positive.
This level of optimism can be attributed to the low interest rate environment and to some extent, the latest upturn in the Sydney and Melbourne housing markets.
With some signs indicating these capital cities being on the bounce again, many buyers have been turning their attention to the central Gold Coast area due to the attractive price points.
"The key local drivers for this region include a wide array of lifestyle options, with good accessibility to amenities and greater job opportunities (compared with the quieter coastal and rural districts)," the valuation firm said. 
"In light of recent events (Coronavirus and the subsequent stock market falls) it will become more apparent that buyers will be paying greater attention to national economic indicators but these buyers will also need to focus on local concerns," the valuation firm said. 
The central Gold Coast region is heavily reliant on the construction and tourism industries, the report noted. 
These industries support a huge amount of the population for the area in terms of providing jobs and stability for the local economy.
"It will be interesting to see how these industries fare in the next few months and what impact it will bring on the local property market if the recent events continue to escalate," the valuation firm said. 
A two bedroom townhouse in Gold Coast's inner city suburb Bundall has recently been sold for $526,000.
The<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-qld-bundall-132988766" target="_blank"> 6/9 Freyburg Street</a> home (pictured below) comprises open plan living and dining, two bedrooms with a shared balcony, courtyard and two car accommodation. 
It's situated within walking distance to shops and restaurants. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/11/bundall%20.jpg" alt="">
A current listing is a Surfers Paradise beachside apartment priced at $399,000.
The two bedroom, two bathroom home is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-surfers+paradise-133328706" target="_blank">10 Vista Street </a>(pictured below). 
It features north facing balcony, sliding doors and windows, open plan living and skyline views. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/11/gold%20coast%202.jpg" alt="">
<div>Note regards COVID-19</div>
<div>
This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks. 
</div>
<div>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</div>
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Key drivers for Central Gold Coast property market to be impacted by COVID-19 pandemic: HTW residential 

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Most investors appear to be acutely aware of the current interest rate and predictions of it being on the decline, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The HTW report suggests this has put a positive slant on the Gold Coast Central North local market. Another positive is the general optimism in the national economy, however this is now very fluid due to the Coronavirus pandemic, with some local agents reporting a fall in enquiries.
<div>The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said.</div>
"A major factor on the Gold Coast is the perceived low values of properties compared to the capital cities such as Melbourne and Sydney and overseas markets," the valuation firm said. 
A major local influence on the Gold Coast has always been proximity to water, whether beach, broadwater, river, lake or canal. 
Secondary location factors are proximity to the perceived better schools, commercial precincts and public transport corridors such as proximity to the new light rail or access to M1 motorway, the report noted. 
First home buyers are most influenced by budget and need for compromise. Many are buying small lowrise units in the older areas such as Southport or driven to the north-west corridor developing area. Upgraders are driven more by location (i.e. water locations).
A first floor apartment situated in the heart of Southport has recently been sold for $240,000. 
The<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-southport-132891778" target="_blank"> 9/14 Rose Street</a> home (pictured below) was last sold in 2013 for $299,000.
It comes with one bedroom, one bathroom, modern kitchen and outdoor balcony. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/11/southport.jpg" alt="">
Empty nesters are usually seeking smaller dwellings in locations with good proximity to health services and established commercial precincts.
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"A major factor has been the oversupply of medium to high density housing such as modern medium rise apartments and townhouses. We have seen a dramatic decrease in demand for this type of property," the valuation firm said.
A three bedroom townhouse in Southport is currently on the market with a price guide of over $449,000.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-qld-southport-133020038" target="_blank">15/2 Bronberg Court</a> townhouse (pictured below) features large kitchen, lounge with ceiling fan, and undercover alfresco. 
It is located within easy access to public transport, schools, restaurants and shops. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/11/southport%203.jpg" alt="">
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<div>Note regards COVID-19</div>
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This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks. 
</div>
<div>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</div>
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Gold Coast Central North property market sees dramatic decrease in demand for medium rise apartments: HTW residential 

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Wollogorang and Wentworth stations, the renowned 705,000 hectare cattle station on the Northern Territory/Queensland border has been sold. 
The McMillan family from Queensland bought the cattle station for $53 million from Chinese Billionaire Xingfa Ma. 
Bordering the Gulf of Carpentaria, the property comprises 576,000 hectare Wollogorang Station and 129,000 hectare Wentworth Station. 
The property can be reached by air from Cloncurry or Mt Isa, as well as accessed via the road network.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/5/4/Wollogorang%20and%20Wentworth%20Stations%202.jpeg" alt="">
The properties’ natural attributes include reliable rainfall, with additional water sources including large creeks and seasonal lagoons.
There has been upgrades to the property's infrastructure including the installation of Lorentz solar bore pumps.
The main homestead comes with five bedrooms with contemporary features such as a cinema room.
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Mr Ma is one of the richest businessmen in China. He paid around $47 million in 2017 for the cattle station.  
The McMillan Pastoral Company is run by the large McMillan clan, which manages cattle across several properties in North West Queensland.
The property was sold by Bruce Douglas from Ray White Rural Queensland. 
 
https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/finding/location/rural/103879-wollogorang-and-wentworth-nt-cattle-stations-for-sale.html
https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2020-05-01/queensland-mcmillan-family-buys-wollogorang-and-wentworth-$53m/12102478
 
A Queensland family has bought a large cattle station on the Northern Territory/Queensland border from a Chinese billionaire for $53 million.
On Tuesday, the McMillan Pastoral Company settled a deal to buy Wollogorang and Wentworth Stations — which are run as one property straddling the border on the Gulf of Carpentaria — according to documents from the NT Land Titles Office.
The 700,000 hectare aggregation, which includes around 80 kilometres of coastline, was sold walk-in-walk out with around 27,000 head of cattle.
The properties were bought from one of the richest businessmen in China, Xingfa Ma, who owns a ball bearing manufacturing company, alongside beef and wine properties in Western Australia.
Mr Ma's company TBG Agri Holdings had owned Wollogorang and Wentworth since 2015, <a class="_2HoMm _31PBK _34Pu4" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2015-07-16/chinese-billionaire-xingfa-ma-buys-nt-wollogorang-station/6623806" data-component="ContentLink">for which he paid around $47 million.</a>
The McMillan Pastoral Company is run by the large McMillan clan, which manages cattle across several properties in the Cloncurry region of North West Queensland.
Calvert Hills Station, which borders Wollogorang on its eastern boundary, was bought by the <a class="_2HoMm _31PBK _34Pu4" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/rural-news/2013-07-08/calvert-hills-sale/4808906" data-component="ContentLink">McMillans in 2013 for $15 million.</a>
<h2 class="_1LI2A _3_H8z SelAj _1t9H3 ZPXNE lxkD- mSYxO age8P" data-component="Heading">Properties suited to domestic and live export trade</h2>
Herron Todd White land valuer, Frank Peacocke, said Wollogorang and Wentworth would fit in well with the McMillans' other properties.
"They will likely use Wollogorang as a big breeder joint and they will be turning off their younger cattle down to Cloncurry to grow them out and fatten them up," he said.
"The cattle could go into the domestic market or onto the boats through Townsville.
"It's actually closer to Darwin, so they could [send cattle] that way also. They've got a few options."
The quick turnaround in ownership for such a large property is quite rare for the Northern Territory pastoral industry.
Mr Peacocke said the growth in pastoral value since 2015 was not reflected in the sale price.
"It was only four years, but in those four years there has been very strong growth in the pastoral asset space, [of] easily 30 per cent growth over that period," he said.
"[The previous owner] spent over $7 million on Wollogorang and Wentworth over that period, so add that onto the sale price [of $47 million], and if you did expect 30 per cent growth, this sale certainly doesn't show it.
"I think the McMillans have bought reasonably well."
<h2 class="_1LI2A _3_H8z SelAj _1t9H3 ZPXNE lxkD- mSYxO age8P" data-component="Heading">Chinese billionaire 'refocusing' investments</h2>
Speaking to ABC Rural in August last year after the station was put on the market, managing director of TBG Agri Holdings, Andrew Blythe, said the station had been "a great property" for the company, but it was looking to "refocus" its investments.
"We're focussing back on our investments in Western Australia," he said.
"We've got Emu Downs north of Perth and Balfour in the Pilbara.
"So we're focussing on those operations and developing a boxed-meat product for China for our shareholders."
Mr Blythe said the company had invested around $7 million into the property, including a major fencing project, upgrades to the homestead area and watering points.
"And we spent a lot of money on genetics for the property," he said.
"A lot of the herd was a mix when we bought it, but it's now pretty much 100 per cent Brahman bloodline."
The McMillan family declined to comment on the sale.
 
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McMillan family buys Wollogorang and Wentworth Stations 

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The long-standing Tewantin Market Garden on the Sunshine Coast has been snapped up for $1,025,000.
The 142sqm property at Shop <a href="https://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=OEliUjcxeWE1ZEs2R3BZaUU4MjFYTFMzUWNUeUVSUVRzYlJqamhlUkd0Z1UrTkh0T2JQYy9wMGZuVUhVano0UzFCZkZoZXJucy9NUFVacFZLaE4rcWVBVFJXTjhhYTUxZW5oU2VlbXg0RVFxYUhQZDVxcitXZ1hKZTJKWlRYUE1FbVp4STQxOXJhd3BOcXkrNVM4TE1jMXc5M3hpZ3BkSTFseFNRMG1tZ1BOTTJIbkVUUDF1M3M1OFYreC9sNGI3&amp;rh=ff00611b95e6ae1e74f00323784ab13e69fb5d9d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">2/93 Poinciana Avenue</a> was completed in 2016 and formed part of the ‘Tewantin Place’ strata complex.
It was sold by David Brinkley and Tracey Ryan from Ray White Commercial Noosa and Sunshine Coast North to an interstate investor. 
Tewantin Market Garden relocated from a below street level position within Tewantin Plaza further up the street. 
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“The tenants had made the decision to relocate to this site on the Poinciana street front to enhanced their business and benefited their customers," Brinkley said.
The property was first for sale as an off-market proposition until final agreement was reached five months later.    "Tewantin is a busy retail centre which is undergoing a revitalisation as the demographic in the area moves away from retirees to young families investing in the large blocks at prices slightly below neighbouring Noosa," Brinkley said. 
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Tewantin Market Garden freehold sells for $1 million

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The market throughout Gold Coast North West, Scenic Rim and Lower Logan region covers a wide range, from older housing to brand new estates, according to a recent Herron Todd White residential report. 
The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said.
The report suggests investors traditionally forming a large proportion of purchasers in this region across all categories.
"The record low interest rates have influenced buyers in this region, keeping purchasing activity steady. Record low rates inevitably correlates to higher debt levels as money gets cheaper," the valuation firm said. 
Some home owners have been unable to sustain payments at the higher debt levels and as a result, there have been more mortgagee in possession sales occurring in recent months.
Price point has always been the big lure to investors in this region with Sydney and Melbourne buyers able to buy several houses here for the same price as only one in their home towns, the report noted. 
A current offering in the Scenic Rim Region's Beaudesert is a three bedroom house priced at over $299,000.
The three bedroom, one bathroom house is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-beaudesert-133447382" target="_blank">5 James Street </a>(pictured below).
It features modern kitchen, air-conditioned living area, undercover deck and garden shed.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/18/beaudesert%202.jpg" alt=""> 
"Rental returns have always been top of the list of attributes for interstate buyers with many older style properties achieving rental returns that are positively geared or very close to it. We have also seen a large rise in the dual occupancy market in new housing estates," the valuation firm said. 
Buyers can build a dual occupancy dwelling on a site larger than 400 square metres with most construction and land packages costing between $500,000 and $560,000 and achieving between $630 and $680 per week rent.
"When combining the calculation of these returns with the benefit to the investor in potential capital gains, they become quite an attractive offer.
"We are also seeing an oversupply of townhouses and low rise units in and around Beenleigh with new products seeing very large discounts on resale and some developers advising that it is difficult to build product and maintain profit." 
A Beenleigh two bedroom Unit within a small secure complex has recently been sold for $255,000.
The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-beenleigh-132990970" target="_blank">7/35 Solar Street </a>(pictured below) was last sold in 2008 for $250,000.
It comprises two bedrooms, two bathrooms, open plan living and outdoor entertainment area. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/18/beenleigh.jpg" alt="">
<div>Note regards COVID-19</div>
<div>
This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks. 
</div>
<div>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</div>
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Purchasing activity keeps steady in Gold Coast North West property market: HTW residential 

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The biggest driver for people buying in the Tweed region is lifestyle choice, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said. 
"Most buyers we are seeing across the shire are owner-occupiers or people purchasing a weekender," the valuation firm said. 
The region does not have a lot of local employment or major industry and it is becoming more common that people are relocating from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast and working from home or flying or driving during the week if need be to work in the cities.
There are also people relocating from the Byron Shire to the Tweed Shire as affordability in the Byron Shire is at record high levels. This is particularly the case for the towns along the coast or rural residential properties east of Murwillumbah, the report noted. 
"Price points are particularly strong in the coastal towns due to lack of stock available. This in turn is pushing up property prices and even with all the doom and gloom of the Coronavirus, agents are advising that demand is quite strong," the valuation firm said. 
It doesn’t seem to matter what type of property buyers are purchasing in the coastal towns; location is more important to buyers, the report noted. 
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"Price points in Murwillumbah are strong for older dwellings as buyers want character dwellings close to town. The modern dwellings located in the estates on the outskirts of town are becoming a harder sell for agents and the market is seeing a flood of this property type with little movement," the valuation firm said. 
A five bedroom family home in Murwillumbah has been recently sold for $520,500. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-murwillumbah-133292342" target="_blank">11 Thompson Street </a>house (pictured below) was offered for sale for the first time in 52 years. 
It features light filled kitchen area, enclosed sunroom, utility room workshop area and fully-fenced backyard. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/18/murwillumbah%20.jpg" alt="">
"First home buyers are looking to duplexes in Banora Point or go further inland to Murwillumbah to get a foot in the market since these dwelling types are at the cheaper end of the market and still priced under $500,000." 
A current listing is a Banora Point three bedroom duplex priced at $500,000.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-duplex+semi-detached-nsw-banora+point-133233234" target="_blank">2/3 Grassmere Court </a>home (pictured below) comes with renovated kitchen, light-filled living areas, and double garage. 
It also features ceiling fans, timber-look laminate flooring and outdoor entertaining area. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/18/banora%20point.jpg" alt="">
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<div>Note regards COVID-19</div>
<div>
This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks. 
</div>
<div>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</div>
 
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Demand for Tweed Shire properties remain strong in the time of coronavirus pandemic: HTW residential 

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When most people think of the Central Queensland economy, they think of the resource sector, particularly coal and gas, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential repot. 
The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said. 
"Yes, it is true that Rockhampton itself is heavily influenced by these two mega industries however in addition to this, the Rockhampton region is considered to be one of the most diverse economies within central and regional Queensland," the valuation firm said. 
The region thrives on a range of other industries including acting as a regional government hub, being one of the top two regional Queensland towns for education services and facilities, a huge agriculture basis and it has always been a long term hub for the railway, construction and defence industries. It is also seen as an emerging tourism destination.
The report suggests this diverse range of employment industries has seen Rockhampton minimise its volatility over the past decade with limited numbers of swings in the property market compared to neighbours such as Gladstone to the south, Emerald to the west and Mackay to the north.
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"After a slowly declining six year period from late 2013 to mid 2019, we have finally started to see the property market respond in a positive way with growth recorded in both sales activity and sale prices across many sectors of the market in the past six to nine months.
"So what’s driving this change, you may ask. Well in hindsight, the catalyst that turned the ship around was the largely unexpected federal election result in May 2019 when unprecedented swings across regional Queensland resulted in a massive boost in confidence to the resource sector," the valuation firm said. 
Production increased during the back half of 2019, creating a wave of new jobs and increased confidence.
"Initially we saw a tightening of the vacancy rates for rental properties which quickly resulted in increased rents. Sales followed suit shortly afterwards," the valuation firm added. 
In more recent times, government infrastructure spending is at an all time high with multi million dollar projects currently underway including the duplication of the Capricorn Highway between Rockhampton and Gracemere, the Parkhurst Highway upgrade, a billion dollar Rockhampton Ring Road project and ongoing Defence Force projects to name a few.
"Of course as I write this the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting the world and Australia. Unprecedented times and its impact is already having a disastrous effect on all levels of the economic front. The extent of its impact locally on the property market is still largely unknown.
"Hopefully the powers at be are making the right decisions in managing this crisis and we all get through this together sooner rather than later." 
A riverside apartment in Rockhampton City was sold for $485,0000 in April.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-rockhampton+city-133093578" target="_blank">505/2-4 Victoria Parade </a>home (pictured below) comprises three bedroom, two bathrooms, open plan kitchen, dining and living area, and two parking spaces.
It features separate laundry, storage space, full-length balcony and views of Fitzroy River and mountains. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/18/rockhampton%202.jpg" alt="">
A current listing is a Rockhampton brick home priced at $249,000.
The three bedroom, one bathroom house is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-rockhampton+city-133307910" target="_blank">54 Denison Street </a>(pictured below).
It is situated close to hospital buses and shopping centres. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/18/rockhampton%203.jpg" alt="">
<div>Note regards COVID-19</div>
<div>
This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks. 
</div>
<div>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Rockhampton property market remains unknown: HTW residential 

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Australia Bureau of Statistics data has confirmed the massive economic hit from the COVID-19 pandemic, with total hours worked across the economy officially falling 9% between early March and early April 2020.
Our analysis, using data from the quarterly <a href="https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/research/publications/hardship-distress-and-resilience-initial-impacts-covid-19-australia" target="_blank">ANUpoll</a>, suggests the self-employed have been hit harder, with average weekly hours dropping by almost a third between February and April 2020. More than eight out of 10 self-employed Australians say their profits have taken a significant hit.
Decline in hours worked for the self employed
The ANUpoll is an important economic and social barometer in Australia because it is a longitudinal survey – polling the same group of people multiple times throughout the year. This enables a more accurate snapshot of how individuals are being affected.
The <a href="https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/research/surveys/anupoll" target="_blank">data we are releasing today</a> was collected from 3,155 Australians between April 14 and April 27.
It shows the 32% drop in hours worked by the self-employed (from 35.2 to 23.8 hours) was about double that of all employees, whose hours declined by 16% (from 35.5 to 29.7 hours).
The following infographic illustrates the degree of decline for all the self-employed in the poll (about 240 people). The blue dots above the red line show those working more hours in April; those below the line show those working less. Note the number at or near zero.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/335284/original/file-20200515-138620-1no37fw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/335284/original/file-20200515-138620-1no37fw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
 Comparing weekly hours worked by the self-employed in February to April 2020. ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods, Author provided
Almost a third said their business would be unviable if financial trends continued for two months. If trends persisted for six months, 40% doubted they could survive.
The impact on savings and wellbeing
The proportion of self-employed saying they were finding it difficult or very difficult to survive on their current income increased from 29% to 36%.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/335327/original/file-20200515-138654-8u4t3i.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/335327/original/file-20200515-138654-8u4t3i.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
 Proportion of people finding it difficult or very difficult on their current income, by employment type. ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods
This contrasts with an aggregate improvement among employees, most likely due to higher payments for those on lower incomes, such as the A$750 given to social security recipients.
21% of self-employed respondents said they had accessed retirement savings or superannuation early, compared with 7% of employees.
Among those thinking their business was unviable, 69% reported feeling anxious and worried, compared with 59% of those thinking their business was viable. Life satisfaction was also lower (5.6 out 10 compared to 7.0).
What does this mean for the self-employed in 2020?
Current policies includes a large amount of targeted assistance for the self-employed. Without that assistance, the outcomes summarised above would be far worse.
As physical distancing restrictions are eased, it will be important to continue to monitor how the self-employed are faring to ensure the level of government support is sufficient and well-targeted.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/138718/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-gray-229834" target="_blank">Matthew Gray</a>, Director, ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877" target="_blank">Australian National University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicholas-biddle-10171" target="_blank">Nicholas Biddle</a>, Professor of Economics and Public Policy, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877" target="_blank">Australian National University</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/self-employed-australians-hours-have-fallen-32-since-coronavirus-hit-double-the-impact-on-all-employees-138718" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Self-employed Australians’ hours have fallen 32% since coronavirus hit double the average

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

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The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

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The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

Staff reporter

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