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Fender House, a Mount Marth trophy home has been listed with $5 million hopes.
The six bedroom four bathroom abode is being marketed by Kristy Taylor of Taylor &amp; Co. Realty.
Situated at 109 Hopetoun Avenue, it was designed in 1973 by a young Karl Fender.
The modernist home been meticulously restored by the current owners.
It remains nestled with 3 acres of private bushland.
Features include a separate gym/studio has floor to ceiling glass with uninterrupted views of the garden and valley beyond.
Every room in the upper and lower areas of the main wing enjoy a north-west aspect of sweeping vistas over the restored mid-century, pool, across lush green fields bordered by gum and palm trees.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Fender House, Mt Martha listed with $5 million hopes

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122 new social and affordable homes are being developed in South Western Sydney.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the completion of BaptistCare’s Narralling Community in Elderslie is the latest milestone in the NSW Government’s $1.1 billion Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF).
“A strong pipeline of modern, fit-for-purpose new homes is helping reduce housing stress and is providing secure housing for people who need it most,” Mr Ward said.
“This project is an excellent example of the work the NSW Government is doing in collaboration with community housing providers, which is not only creating great social outcomes but also significant economic benefits in the form of local jobs.”
The project consists of 84 one-bedroom villas for seniors and 38 two-bedroom townhouses for single-parent families. The complex features landscaped gardens, a BBQ area, community centre, a veggie garden and playground
BaptistCare CEO Charles Moore said BaptistCare is delivering 500 homes as part of the SAHF, which will support people facing rental stress and homelessness. 
The SAHF is an initiative of <a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/6gTxCp818qh1M9gDfD02YM?domain=facs.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/6gTxCp818qh1M9gDfD02YM?domain%3Dfacs.nsw.gov.au&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1606869169026000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGhhe5mPjhY-TMbdxArJLKYmv7Hog">Future Directions of Social Housing in NSW</a>, the NSW Government’s plan to deliver more and better social housing across the state.
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New social housing for Sydney's South West

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A 150-year-old Bardon Colonial Queenslander is now under offer.
The former vice-regal property sits on a 1,707 sqm manicured block.
Situated at 15 Moonya Street, Baron, it is a five bedroom, three bathroom abode.
Boasting original windows, door joinery and Neo roman roofing profile, these are united with 3.8m ceilings and HJ walls, ornate fireplaces, classic arches and intricate fretwork.
Features include, study nook, pool, sprawling backyard and deck all easily observable from a central vantage point.
The house is separated into into three distinct zones and four of the five bedrooms open out onto the sprawling verandah via French doors to enhance the "Queenslander" feeling.
It last sold for $2.1 million in 2008.
 
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Former vice-regal Bardon Colonial Queenslander under offer

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A mix-used, freehold asset in Sydney’s Balmain has sold to a local investor.
Situated at 205 Darling Street, the 116sqm property offers views of the Sydney skyline and sold for $1.4 million.
The home was listed on the market for over 200 days, after being listed previously without sale in 2018.
Achieving a yield of 4.2 per cent, the site offers a diversified income stream with its ground-floor being let to an art school and a residential tenant occupying the upstairs space.
The one-bedroom apartment upstairs featured two balconies, a rooftop terrace, and private garden access via Queens Place.
Savills Australia’s Nick Lower, Selin Ince and Oliver Ridley negotiated the deal.
“With retail trading at sub 5 per cent, it is clear consumer sentiment is on the rise, and investors are taking advantage of current market conditions in order to secure premium property”, they said.
The property is located in close proximity to the Sydney CBD and is only moments to Darling Street’s retail precinct.
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Mixed-use freehold asset in Sydney's Balmain sells for $1.4 million

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ABS Building Approvals data for October continues to show the positive impact of HomeBuilder on the detached house market with the highest number of approvals since early 2000, according to HIA Economist, Angela Lillicrap.
“HomeBuilder was the catalyst for improving consumer confidence in the housing market. The strength of building approvals is due to several factors including low interest rates and changes in consumer preferences."
“HIA New Home Sales data suggests that detached house building approvals will continue to be strong over the coming months. The extension of HomeBuilder will see these strong results carry on well into 2021," added Ms Lillicrap.
Detached house approvals increased by 18.6 per cent in the three months to October 2020 compared to the preceding three months and are 23.2 per cent higher than the same time last year.
Western Australia has seen the largest improvement in the last three months with detached housing approvals 62.8 per cent higher than the same time last year. This is due to the pent up demand for new housing in the state, as well as other state government stimulus measures.
Queensland and the Northern Territory have also experienced strong increases in detached housing approvals, up by 33.0 per cent and 30.6 per cent respectively, on the preceding three months.
Multi-unit approvals remain 12.5 per cent lower than the same time last year.
"The small number of multi-unit projects that gained approval in October are likely to have commenced the planning and building approval process years ago. These are not a good indicator of prospective commencements in this part of the market."
"Slower population growth, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, and an increased preference for detached houses, will likely see demand for apartments constrained going into 2021,” concluded Ms Lillicrap.
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Detached dwelling approvals soar in WA followed by Victoria, Queensland and NSW

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In the month of November, Australian dwelling values (ie, houses and apartments) climbed a solid 0.8% across all metro and non-metro markets according to CoreLogic's hedonic index (specifically, 0.7% in the capital cities and 1.4% across the non-metro regional areas), which we had foreshadowed. If you cannot see the charts below, you can read this note via Livewire here.
With the COVID-19 induced peak-to-trough fall across the nation now officially recorded at 2.1% (revised up from a previously estimated 1.7%), Aussie home values are still 0.9% below the high watermark set at the end of April (on a monthly basis) notwithstanding increases recorded in October (0.4%) and November (0.8%).
Somewhat more remarkably, Australian dwelling values are still 0.5% lower than they were almost 4 years ago. That is to say, there has been no net increase in national house prices since May 2017.
In November, the Melbourne market registered its first full month of capital gains with dwelling values rising by 0.7%, notably outpacing Sydney (0.4%) and Brisbane (0.6%). Healthier house price increases were registered in Perth (1.1%), Adelaide (1.3%), Hobart (1.4%), and Darwin (1.9%) and Canberra (1.9%).
Over the three months to November 2020, capital city dwelling values have increased 0.7%, underperforming regional areas (2.8%) and the combined national market (1.1%).
In all cities, gross rental yields remain above the cost of servicing mortgage debt, which has opened the door to positive (as opposed to negative) gearing. The best rental yields are in Darwin (7.0%), Canberra (5.5%), Adelaide (5.3%), Perth (5.3%), and Brisbane (5.1%). Yields are comparatively low in Sydney (3.3%) and Melbourne (3.7%).
The recovery in the housing market is a crucial plank in the broader national rebound from the 1-in-100 year global pandemic, and a key demonstration of the fact that the RBA's monetary policy transmission mechanism is working. This is especially important with second and third COVID-19 waves cresting around the world, and at a time when Australia faces downside risks from China's assault on our economy.
With housing credit growth running at just 3.3% on an annual basis according to the latest RBA data, and lending standards the toughest they have been in modern banking history, there are scant financial stability risks for regulators to worry about at this juncture.
Clients will recall that Coolabah forecast a tiny 0% to 5% correction in national house prices in March, predicting they would start rising again in September and October (as they did) with total capital gains over the next few years expected to be at least 10% to 20%.
Coolabah has also been consistently very bearish on relations between China and the West.
Christopher Joye is the portfolio manager at <a href="https://coolabahcapital.com" target="_blank">Coolabah Capital Investments</a>
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Australian house prices increase 0.8% in November, but still below May 2017 levels: Coolabah's Christopher Joye

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/rp1819/Quick_Guides/OverseasStudents">about two in every five</a> international students enrolled in Australian higher education institutions were from mainland China. Across the education sector, Chinese students brought in <a href="https://www.austrade.gov.au/news/economic-analysis/chinese-education-exports-reach-10-billion">more than $A10 billion a year</a>. During the pandemic, <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-coronavirus-outbreak-is-the-biggest-crisis-ever-to-hit-international-education-131138">Australian universities have struggled</a> to retain and recruit international students.
The <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/international-students-from-only-these-countries-will-be-returning-to-australia-in-2020">first returning students</a> are due to fly out under a pilot scheme this weekend, <a href="https://www.cdu.edu.au/international/cdu-charter-flight">arriving in Darwin on Monday</a>. But numbers are very limited due to quarantine requirements.
It’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/our-unis-do-need-international-students-and-must-choose-between-the-high-and-low-roads-149973">essential to recruit and retain</a> international students to sustain and develop Australian higher education. The <a href="https://theconversation.com/covid-19-what-australian-universities-can-do-to-recover-from-the-loss-of-international-student-fees-139759">loss of international student fee revenue</a> has prompted universities to make <a href="https://theconversation.com/as-universities-face-losing-1-in-10-staff-covid-driven-cuts-create-4-key-risks-147007">large job cuts</a>. Many are expected to <a href="https://theconversation.com/without-international-students-australias-universities-will-downsize-and-some-might-collapse-altogether-132869">downsize. Some might collapse</a>.
Competition calls for proactive measures
Pilot schemes to bring back small numbers of international students to <a href="https://www.cdu.edu.au/news/cdu-first-university-australasia-welcome-back-international-students">Darwin</a>, <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/south-australia-s-covid-cluster-casts-shadow-on-pilot-plan-to-fly-back-international-students">Adelaide</a> and <a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6881882/international-students-unlikely-to-return-to-act-this-year-as-uc-vice-chancellor-officially-welcomed/">Canberra</a> were announced months ago. However, with <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/australia-to-delay-return-of-more-international-students-pm-scott-morrison">priority being given to quarantining returning Australians</a>, the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-14/nt-howard-springs-australian-repatriation-plans-coronavirus/12766352">students’ return was delayed</a>.
Australian universities also have other challenges to overcome.
The <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-the-australia-china-relationship-is-unravelling-faster-than-we-could-have-imagined-145836">unravelling relations</a> between Australia and China, if not managed well, may cast a dark shadow over educational exchanges.
Besides, Australia’s pilot plans are small in scale and slow in pace compared to its competitors. British universities such as Queens University Belfast and the University of Manchester have <a href="https://monitor.icef.com/2020/09/uk-universities-charter-flights-to-bring-international-students-back-to-campus/">chartered flights</a> to bring students from China back to campus. Canada <a href="https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/international-students-travel-canada-covid-19">re-opened its border</a> to all international students on October 20.
The Australian government and higher education sector must be more proactive to remain competitive in international education. Based on my experience as a teacher and researcher of Chinese international students, five approaches are worth considering.
Treat those who are here better
Perhaps somewhat counter-intuitively, <a href="https://theconversation.com/4-out-of-5-international-students-are-still-in-australia-how-we-treat-them-will-have-consequences-145099">a majority</a> of Australia’s international students remain onshore. The most direct and probably most efficient measure to attract more of these students is to treat those who are already here better.
Universities also have professional and moral obligations to look after students who could not return home to their loved ones. Many are far away from their support networks and unfamiliar with support arrangements in Australia.
Australia is very different from their home country in language, culture, values, governance and politics. COVID amplified the culture shocks and psychological pressures.
Despite being unable to travel due to border closures, international students know and <a href="https://theconversation.com/4-out-of-5-international-students-are-still-in-australia-how-we-treat-them-will-have-consequences-145099">often compare</a> how different countries are treating them. Their opinions, based on first-hand experience, can influence decisions on studying abroad by friends and relatives back home as well as members of their social networks.
According to my Chinese international students onshore, fee reductions, personalised care, Chinese-language support services and internship and work opportunities are among the best ways to win them over.
Integrate all students in virtual communities
It’s unlikely students now in China will be allowed to enter Australia en masse any time soon. Many universities continue educating these students through remote teaching and learning activities. However, as one Chinese international student said, her friend in China who attends classes on Zoom “<a href="https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/the-international-students-trying-to-understand-australia-from-afar">constantly feels lost</a>” due to the “lack of personal experiences [of Australia]”.
Universities need to do much more than providing extra study materials to download. To keep offshore students engaged, universities must ensure they remain full members of the class despite their physical absence. Ways to do this include deliberately mixing them with onshore students for peer mentoring and collective assignments.
<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0092055X16631126">Research</a> shows local students are much more likely to engage with international students when they can learn from them. And creating opportunities for international students to share their knowledge can empower them.
Help with cross-border travel
Remote education, if well designed, can keep some offshore students enrolled. However, as Monash University vice-chancellor <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/deadline-looms-for-universities-foreign-students-20200915-p55vwi">Margaret Gardner points out</a>, teaching online is “a stopgap, not a solution”, because students don’t “have the full experience”.
And students’ inability to travel is a source of <a href="https://theconversation.com/covid-19-increases-risk-to-international-students-mental-health-australia-urgently-needs-to-step-up-137596">pressure and anxiety</a>.
Considering that both Australia and China have largely <a href="https://covid19.who.int/table">controlled the virus</a>, the time is ripe for planning a “travel bubble”. Making travel between the countries easier could win the favour of many Chinese students.
Send the right signals
Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s “<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-03/coronavirus-pm-tells-international-students-time-to-go-to-home/12119568">go home</a>” message to international students in early April was widely regarded as selfish and unsympathetic in Chinese social media. The damaging effect of such remarks can outweigh other <a href="https://ministers.dese.gov.au/tehan/message-international-students">messages of solidarity</a> with these students.
The government’s decision in August to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-09/chinese-scholars-have-visas-revoked-as-diplomatic-crisis-grows/12644022">revoke the visas</a> of two leading Australian studies experts from China also <a href="https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3101055/chinese-academics-australia-shocked-fear-chilling-effect-after">shocked</a> many Chinese-born academics and students in Australia. The lack of information, beyond citing security concerns, left room for <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/backgroundbriefing/scholars-australia-china-espionage-spies-visas-threat/12744392">speculation</a> about whether broader anti-China politics was involved.
Chinese students will only enrol in Australian universities if they and their parents consider the country safe and comfortable to study and live. For Australia to remain a desired study destination, the government needs to send clear and consistent signals.
Embrace Australia’s multiculturalism
Multiculturalism is one of Australia’s finest achievements. Unfortunately, the pandemic has surfaced a degree of <a href="https://theconversation.com/garbage-and-cash-cows-temporary-migrants-describe-anguish-of-exclusion-and-racism-during-covid-19-146098">exclusion and racism towards temporary visa holders</a>, including international students. Anti-Chinese incidents prompted the Chinese government <a href="https://theconversation.com/students-in-china-heed-their-governments-warnings-against-studying-in-australia-141871">to warn</a> in June against studying in Australia.
Some Chinese students defended Australia as <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-love-australia-3-things-international-students-want-australians-to-know-139857">a safe and desirable study destination</a>. Still, many reported they <a href="https://theconversation.com/students-in-china-heed-their-governments-warnings-against-studying-in-australia-141871">would consider their government’s warning</a>.
Chinese-born communities, including international students, have greatly enriched the diversity of Australian society. Yet many policymakers and educators have long framed the need to engage with Asia and China along utilitarian lines such as creating jobs or bringing in money.
These discourses may unintentionally create a <a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au/news/article/2020/september/ppi---multiculturalism-is-the-ultimate-case-for-teaching-and-learning-asian-languages-in-australia">status of otherness</a> for Australia’s Chinese-born communities. Many of my students have told me they believe the universities see them as cash cows. They, in turn, consider themselves more as customers than learners.
To get ahead in the increasingly competitive global education market, Australia should integrate international students more meaningfully into its society. Ultimately, making these students feel proud of their contribution to Australian multiculturalism is probably the most sustainable way to strengthen their bonds with their host country.
<hr>
This article has been edited to clarify that the $10 billion contribution to the economy of Chinese international students is across the education sector.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/148444/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/yu-tao-325871">Yu Tao</a>, Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-western-australia-1067">University of Western Australia</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/5-ways-australia-can-get-ahead-in-attracting-and-retaining-chinese-international-students-148444">original article</a>.
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5 ways Australia can get ahead in attracting Chinese international students

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After hitting the bottom of the market during 2020, REIWA’s 2021 outlook indicates the Western Australian property market should experience steady growth in both the rental and sales market - something not seen since the strong conditions in 2013.
REIWA President Damian Collins said 2020 has been an unusual year for property, however despite the lull experienced during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, WA is showing extremely positive signs.
Perth sales market
“Sales activity in Perth at the start of the year was sitting at approximately 2,900 transactions per month followed by an uptick where we are now seeing nearly 4,200 transactions,” Mr Collins said.
“Listings for sale have reached a 13- year low with just over 10,000 listings for sale on reiwa.com, putting upwards pressure on prices.”
Agents on the ground have reported that recently it is not uncommon for sellers to be receiving multiple offers, including being offered thousands more than the advertised price, something which has not been seen since 2013.
“With record low interest rates looking like they will be around for a while, many buyers are finding it cheaper to buy than rent. This is one of the reasons why we can expect sales activity in 2021 to continue gaining momentum,” Mr Collins said.
“In 2020, Perth was the lowest median house value of any capital city in Australia and with the increase in population growth due to people returning to WA from overseas and interstate, this could change in 2021.
“While house prices were largely stable over the last 12 months, it is expected that prices will increase between six and 10 per cent over the next 12 months.”
Perth rental market
After an unexpected 2020, Perth’s rental market has reached crisis levels with the vacancy rate reducing to below one per cent due to the flow on effects of COVID-19.
“Population growth increased 1.5 per cent during the 12 months to March 2020 and with more than 1,000 international arrivals expected per week, plus the domestic borders opening, the rental market could get more competitive for renters at the start of the year before it gets any better due to the low levels of available rental properties,” Mr Collins said.
The limited stock of rentals available has resulted in an upward pressure on rents with the median rent increasing from $350 to currently sit at $380 per week in the last few months, which is an 8.5 per cent increase.
“We can expect rents to grow an additional 10 to 15 per cent throughout 2021, however even with this increase, WA is still the most affordable capital city to rent in across all Australian states and territories” Mr Collins said.
The positive outlook for the Perth rental market, will hopefully attract an increase in investors looking to take advantage of the favourable market conditions. This will help boost the available supply of rental properties thereby keeping rent increases to reasonable levels.
Regional WA
REIWA expects the overall market conditions to improve in regional WA during 2021 as a direct result of population growth and change in lifestyle preference due to the COVID-19 pandemic and general market conditions.
Mr Collins said we have already seen significant improvements in Karratha, Port Hedland and Kalgoorlie Boulder during the latter half of 2020 with increased rental demand and sales activity.
“Increases in certain mining areas are due to companies moving their staff closer to the mining sites to live while the borders are closed. While this has put upward pressure on the rental and sales market, other regional centres are also experiencing lowered vacancy rates, limited rental stock and an increase in median rents,” Mr Collins said.
According to reiwa.com data, at the latter end of 2020, Albany’s vacancy rate dropped from 0.9 per cent to 0.4 per cent, Bunbury was down from 3.1 per cent to 0.7 per cent and Geraldton was 5.1 per cent to now sit at 1.5 per cent.
“While decreases in rental stock can be explained by higher population growth and low investor activity, it will be interesting to see how working from home impacts lifestyle choices and if we see an increase in demand for regional properties in 2021 due to people opting for an alternative lifestyle while working from home,” Mr Collins said.
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Strong property conditions expected in WA 2021: REIWA

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Despite rental affordability across Sydney improving in the past year the NSW capital remains critically unaffordable to significant proportions of the renting population, especially very low and low-income households, the latest release of the Rental Affordability Index (RAI) has found.
Greater Sydney’s affordability is the highest recorded over the past eight years, improving by 5.7 per cent in the past 12 months – which has almost entirely been driven by the decline in rents caused by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the only city which has shifted from moderately unaffordable to acceptable rents, despite affordability improving across most metropolitan regions.
Despite the lower rental rates, the difference for very low-income households is negligible, as they still face severely unaffordable rents across Sydney.
The RAI is an indicator of the price of rents relative to household incomes based on new rental agreements. It is released annually by National Shelter, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, SGS Economics &amp; Planning and the Brotherhood of St Laurence. The report provides an indication on the impact of early COVID-19 responses and supplement payments, measuring rental affordability for households until the June quarter 2020.
A score of 100 on the RAI indicates that households are spending 30 per cent of their income on rent, which would cause low-income households to be in rental stress. They may have to forgo necessities including food, power and medical care to make ends meet. A score of 100-120 shows that households are facing moderately unaffordable rents.
With a score 126 in the June quarter of 2020, rents have shifted from moderately unaffordable to acceptable, on average, in Sydney. The average rental household in Greater Sydney spends about 24 per cent of its total income on rent – which is the same in regional NSW, which has an RAI score of 124.
However, lower-income households have to fork out a much higher proportion of their income to afford a roof over their heads in Greater Sydney:
<ul>
<li>Single person on JobSeeker: 69 per cent of income (extremely unaffordable)</li>
<li>Single pensioner: 79 per cent of income (extremely unaffordable)</li>
<li>Pensioner couple: 53 per cent of income (severely unaffordable)</li>
<li>Single part-time worker parent on benefits: 47 per cent of income (severely unaffordable)</li>
<li>Full-time hospitality worker: 35 per cent of income (unaffordable)</li>
</ul>
Regional NSW is the second least affordable rest of state areas with an RAI score of 124, behind regional Tasmania (114). The average household seeking to rent in regional NSW would face rent levels at 24 per cent of its total income, which means rents remain acceptable to affordable across regional NSW. As households move from the city to regional centres, this may impact affordability.
In Victoria, there is a massive need for government investment in social and affordable housing – and now is the time for it since borrowing costs are so low in Australia. Without investment in this space, we are ignoring our responsibility to help people be decently housed.
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Low income households face unaffordable rents: RAI

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Australia has recorded a ten-year high for first homes buyers in the last quarter, according to the latest REIA’s "The Housing Affordability Report (HAR)”.
The report revealed a ten-year high for first home ownership and an overall improvement in housing affordability across Australia.
A combination of factors meant that housing affordability has faced a bright spot for those who entered the market during the September 2020 quarter.
Market entry has experienced its largest year on year increase since 2009 and largest quarterly increase since 2010.
With a September quarter increase of 36.1%, first home buyers now make up 40.8% of the owner-occupied dwelling market. This is particularly good news given the large challenges faced by tenants at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The average loan size to first home buyers decreased to $406,223, a decrease of 5.4% over the quarter, but an increase of 0.8% over the past 12 months.
Mr Kelly said that first home buyers are responding to the stable market and historically low interest rates.
Banks could do more to further improve affordability by passing on in full interest cuts and help even more Australian’s buy homes.
HAR shows us that Australian families experienced a small income increase of 0.5 % while the average loan repayment decreased by 2.5 %.
For homeowners, affordability improved with income to loan repayments decreasing 1.1 percentage points to 33.9% over the quarter.
For renters, affordability declined in the September quarter and over the past year with the proportion of income required to meet rent payments increasing by 0.4 percentage points to 23.7%. This is mainly attributed to the increase in rents in a number of capital cities.
The next HAR will be released on 3 March 2021 showing the full impact of CV-19 on housing affordability for 2020.
ADRIAN KELLY is the REIA President 
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First home buyer's dominate the market: REIA's Adrian Kelly

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.

Joel Robinson

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.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

Staff reporter

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