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The inner and middle-rings of Adelaide are pushing up the city's overall median house price, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report suggests these market segments were the best performing over the first six months of 2019 as the outer ring remained stable.
"In the shadows of the banking royal commission and the downward spiralling east coast markets, the claim was made that the Adelaide housing market would buck the trend with sustained growth," the valuation firm said. 
"Positive market sentiment is being driven within the media with a constant flow of articles spruiking the Adelaide market. Watching from the bleachers, things appear positive... but those with front row seats are seeing things a little differently."
Nailsworth, Evandale, Black Forest and Allenby Gardens have all been high achievers over 2019’s first half, it said. 
Each of these suburbs comprise an area of less than one square kilometre and are characterised by turn of the century dwellings on modest allotments.
Nailsworth is an inner northern suburb located approximately 5.2 kilometres from the CBD.
It had a number of transactions in the first half of the year, with a median of $655,000.
At the top end of the pile is the suburb’s record sale of<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-nailsworth-129604950" target="_blank"> 51 Balfour Street </a>(pictured below) which achieved a sale price $1.21 million in January.
This sale eclipsed the previous record of $1.07 million set in 2017.
This property comprises a fully renovated and extended bungalow disposed as four bedrooms and two bathrooms on a 698 square metre allotment.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/9/nailsworth.jpg" alt="">
In the second half of 2018, the small north- eastern suburb of Evandale located some 5.5 kilometres from the CBD had eight dwelling sales settle with a median of $690,000.
In the six months post, Evandale has had five transactions at a median of $880,000 showing an increase of approximately 27%.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/9/evandale%20.jpg" alt="">
Recent sales include<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-evandale-130666446" target="_blank"> 44 Elizabeth Street</a> ($844,000, pictured above), a four-bedroom, two-bathroom blue stone villa on a 534 square metre allotment and <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-evandale-130674190" target="_blank">10 Leslie Street </a>($885,000, pictured below), a four-bedroom, two-bathroom circa 1990s reproduction dwelling on a 552 square metre allotment.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/9/evandale%202.jpg" alt="">
Black Forest is situated 4.7 kilometres south west of the CBD and is serviced by both the Brighton train line and Glenelg tram line.
Fifteen transactions have been recorded within the past 12 months with prices ranging between $430,000 and $1 million.
The first half of 2019 has seen a 7% increase in dwelling values with Black Forest having a current median dwelling price of $745,000.
Purchased at the median in April was <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-black+forest-130456994" target="_blank">4 Forest Avenue</a> (pictured below) for $755,000.
This is a circa 1930s, four-bedroom, two-bathroom Tudor style dwelling on an allotment of approximately 603 square metres.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/9/black%20forest%20.jpg" alt="">
Allenby Gardens is located 6.1 kilometres north- west of the CBD and six kilometres east of Grange Beach.
The suburb comprises a mixture of early and mid 1900s dwellings with a significant amount of 1990s and 2000s infill development.
The first half of 2019 saw a 24% increase in the median dwelling price from the back end of 2018 to currently sit at $685,000.
Of the 2019 sales,<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-allenby+gardens-130071490" target="_blank"> 27B Barham Street</a> (pictured below) for $470,000 represents the entry price point for the suburb.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/9/allenby%20garden%20.jpg" alt="">
This property comprises a circa 2018 community titled brick veneer dwelling disposed as three bedrooms and two bathrooms on an allotment of 266 square metres.
"The outer ring remained relatively flat over the first six months of 2019," HTW said. 
"Good reference points for this market segment are Golden Grove north-east, Morphett Vale south and Paralowie north of the city.
"Each of these suburbs is geographically large and has a high turnover of stock with the two latter each constantly achieving 200-plus transactions annually."
Sales data shows both Paralowie and Morphett Vale have remained stable with median prices hovering between $300,000 and $315,000 since late 2016.
Golden Grove saw a reduction in the median dwelling price from $475,000 in the second half of 2018 to $435,000 in the first half of 2019.
The report notes that the outer ring is considered more susceptible to slowing market conditions.
"These suburbs will be important reference points over the next 12 months to provide an indication of how the broader outer ring is tracking," the report said. 
"Taking a broader look at the market, the March quarter is one of the most active and provides an important insight into how the market tracked over the busy summer months.
"The median house price grew in the March quarter by 0.625% to be at a record high of $480,000. This sparked significant media and deservedly so on face value.
"When you dig a little deeper, the 2018 and 2017 March quarters each had growth of 1.1% and 1.7% respectively. So, we had growth in the March quarter but at the slowest rate since 2016 which saw a reduction in the median house price."
On the auction front, for the four weeks post Easter, clearance rates faded to below 50%. For the same four-week period in 2018, clearance rates varied between 59% and 70%.
These numbers are backed up by agents in the field who are reporting a slowing in buyer activity with an increased amount of stock on the market. The numbers are suggesting that the market is slowing.
"Things have been looking rosy for 12 to 24 months. The expectation is that property prices will remain stable over the second half of 2019.
"The hope is that those who stop to smell the roses don’t start detecting a stench."
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Adelaide inner and middle-rings performing strongly: HTW residential 

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The Hobart market is starting to show signs it is approaching or has reached its current cycle price peak, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
CoreLogic suggests that the median price actually slipped in March.
"On the ground, we are seeing a flattening of prices in the inner ring, however demand for prestige remains historically firm," the valuation firm said. 
A recent over $1 million sale was a three bedroom penthouse apartment located in the heart of Hobart City (pictured below). 
The inner city apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-tas-hobart-131418934" target="_blank">5A/117 Collins Street</a> comprises of open plan living, master bedroom, two additional bedrooms with built in wardrobes and two secure car spaces. 
It's located near Salamanca and the Wharf. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/10/hobart%201.jpg" alt="">
HTW said it's a different story in the middle to outer ring, however positive pricing and competition for housing is still evident. 
"This is true for the 50-kilometre commuter radius," the report said. 
A waterside house nestled on the banks of Gypsy Bay is on the market with over $550,000 hopes (pictured below). 
Sitting on a 564 square metre allotment, the home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-primrose+sands-131433790" target="_blank">113 Linden Road, Primrose Sands </a>comprises open plan living, kitchen with granite benchtops, two bedrooms and rear yard. 
Local boat ramp is only a few minutes away together with local convenience store and beaches.
Vacancy rates remain tight with little evidence of the housing shortage easing.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/10/primrose%20sands%20.jpg" alt=""> 
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Hobart market may have already peaked: HTW residential 

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The owners of the 30 evacuated Zetland apartment block are considering suing their former lawyers as they face a $5 million repair bill to fix the apartments that were evacuated last November.
The Sydney Morning Herald revealed the Chambers Russell law firm has advised them they have “reasonably good prospects” of running a negligence case against their former lawyers.
It was Makinson d’Apice who helped the owners corporation settle a $1.7 million insurance claim for waterproofing defects in last year on the condition that no further claims could be made against the insurer.
As the repair works were carried out, “critical” defects were then uncovered.
“We are already very concerned with the conduct of your former solicitors and a number of experts engaged,” said a position paper circulated by Chambers Russell.
It noted Makinson advised the owners corporation not to undertake temporary works that may well have prevented some of the very significant fire safety issues that now exist. Chambers Russell also noted the settlement had given “little” consideration to alternative accommodation costs and had compromised the owners’ ability to take action against other parties.
Makinson d'Apice partner Alex Kohn has denied the allegations and labelled them defamatory.
"They are unsubstantiated and if they ever mature into active claims against us, those assertions and allegations will be vigorously contested," Mr Kohn said.
Chambers has advised the strata apartment owners the law firm was prepared to run the Makinson case on a no-win no-fee basis.
Owners were briefed by Chambers at an information meeting conduced by the owners corporation.
 
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Garland Lofts, Zetland apartment evacuees consider legal action

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Construction has started at Canberra’s first zero emission office building.
The 13,200 square metre ACT Government Office building will source its heating, cooling and ventilation needs from 100% renewable electricity.
The building, being constructed by Doma, is part of the DKSN precinct in Dickson and is scheduled to be completed in 2020.
Doma Development General Manager, Gavin Edgar said the Dickson office building will be the first in the ACT to use an all-electric system for its heating and cooling.
“The ACT Government’s commitment to climate change leadership will see 100 per cent of the ACT’s electricity sourced from renewable electricity from 2020,” Edgar said.
“We have worked with the ACT Government, as the anchor tenant for 20 years, and our consulting engineers, Rudds, to design the building with an all-electric heating, cooling and ventilation system rather than a gas fired system.
“Traditionally, chillers have only been capable of providing chilled water which helps cool the building and then a gas boiler is required to provide heating.
“The solution being adopted for Dickson provides both heating and cooling for the building using a combination of water cooled and air cooled heat pump chillers which have the capability to reverse their mode of operation and provide either chilled water of heating hot water.”
Edgar said while all electric technology has been implemented in other countries, it has not been substantially tested in climates similar to Canberra’s.
“Temperatures in the ACT vary significantly over the year from season to season, so we have had to cater for this,” Edgar said.
“The chiller arrangements have been optimised to manage the peak heating loads in winter and cooling in summer, as well as handle the shoulder seasons where simultaneous heating and cooling is required.
“To help improve thermal comfort, radiant slab heating has been adopted in the ground level entrance lobby and atrium which will improve the amenity of members of the public visiting access Canberra. 
“Additionally, a large array of solar roof panels are being installed to generate power and help keep electricity bills down.
“The building’s innovations will not only produce an environmentally friendly, zero emissions building in line with ACT Government policy of having 100 per cent of the Territory’s electricity sourced from renewable electricity, it will demonstrate the feasibility of this technology to industry in Canberra and to the wider community.”
ACT Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury said: “This is an excellent initiative, and I congratulate Doma for rising to the zero emissions challenge. Zero emission commercial buildings are both technically feasible and highly cost effective.
“Doma and the ACT Government are demonstrating that new commercial buildings can be gas-free, and it lays down the challenge to others in the industry to match this climate-friendly standard.”
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Construction starts at Canberra's first zero emission office building

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Unilodge has launched a specialised build-to-rent property management arm as the asset class continues to expand.
Essence Communities will provide property management services to investors and developers.
Build-to-rent projects are becoming an increasingly prominent part of the Australian property sector, following the success of similar dwellings in countries such as the US and UK. 
Executive Chairman of UniLodge, Peter Bates, said there is growing demand in the rental market for greater choice and long-term accommodation security.
“We know many Australians are finding it increasingly difficult to purchase property and we are seeing an attitudinal shift with many now seeking high-quality community offerings and the security that comes with longer lease terms,” said Bates.  
“While multi-family developments can address the demand for longer-term accommodation options, the success of the build-to-rent model is contingent on the provision of high-quality amenities and services, with more than one third saying they’d pay a higher rent for attractive community offerings and services.  
“Across our portfolio of more than 70 student accommodation and serviced apartments, we’ve seen how essential security and high-quality community offerings are to creating environments that occupants call home, which in turn delivers high-occupancy rates. 
“Our market-leading technology, bespoke services and understanding of unique community requirements, are key elements of our success and will translate to thriving build-to-rent projects through Essence Communities.”
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UniLodge launch specialised build-to-rent property management arm

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EXPERT OBSERVATION 
A significant number of Australians are embarrassed by their financial situation.
The Mortgage Choice and CoreData’s Financial Fitness whitepaper explores Australians’ attitudes and behaviours towards their finances.
Our research has found that when it comes to their finances, many Australians say they are embarrassed, which may stem in part from their personal debt and overall money habits.
According to the whitepaper research, 34% of respondents say they feel embarrassed by their financial habits. Furthermore, it revealed that 42% of Australians feel embarrassed by their personal debt, and one third hide the fact that they are in debt.
The research gave some insight into how Australians are using their credit cards, with a fifth of respondents saying they pay only the minimum amount on their credit card each month and 11% said they have not paid off their credit card in full for the last three months or more.
The fact that people are not paying off the balance on their credit card each month is worrying. However what is also particularly concerning is the number of Australians who pay only the minimum amount of their balance each month.
This prolongs the amount of time they are in debt as a considerable proportion of the payment is servicing the interest, rather than the balance and is one way consumers feel trapped in a seemingly endless cycle of debt.
The research found that more than a quarter (27%) of Australians spend more than they earn, which may explain why they are racking up personal debt.
These habits may be contributing to the shame and embarrassment some Australians say they feel about their finances. Indeed, the whitepaper reveals that almost a fifth (19%) of Australians say they are living secret financial lives.
This begs the question, are the feelings of embarrassment keeping Australians from taking an active role in managing their money? 
The research suggests this might be the case, as one-fifth of Australians said they often do not regularly monitor their finances.
The problem with avoiding the topic of money altogether is that often, a small problem can snowball into something more serious if it is not dealt with early on.
I encourage anyone feeling embarrassed or ashamed of their financial situation to seek professional help. The reality is you are not alone and there are things you can do to take control of your personal debt, but you need to start sooner rather than later.
SUSAN MITCHELL is the Chief Executive Officer of <a href="https://www.mortgagechoice.com.au/" target="_blank">Mortgage Choice</a>.
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A third of Australians feel embarrassed by their finances: Susan Mitchell

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The wider Perth area has seen some stability in its median price, according to a recent Herron Todd White residential report. 
"The residential market in Perth has tracked closely in line with our February predictions for the year (so far)," the valuation firm said. 
"Our assumptions were that the rental market would continue to be a strong point for Western Australia and that sales volumes and house price growth would remain subdued until 2020.
"There has been a lot of speculation about when the Perth market will finally turn and it doesn’t seem like we are much closer to knowing, mostly due to our split property cycles and diminishing sales volumes."
The report notes that the median house price settled at $500,000 for the March quarter, 0.6% higher than the previous quarter.
The unit median price also remained steady, holding at $380,000.
REIWA data shows that there were 6,636 properties sold in the March quarter, proving Perth’s state of subdued activity.
REIWA reports that “although overall sales are down, 10% of suburbs experienced stable or increased volumes”. This is a positive sign as there are improvements in some sub markets, and it shows the differences between Perth’s inner and outer suburbs.
Figure 1 shows the distribution of wider Perth area house sales by price bracket.
In the December 2018 quarter, 64% of homes sold below $600,000.
This figure jumped to 70% in the recent March quarter, indicating that affordability is continually improving, but it is also a symptom of a decline in prestige activity.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/7/10/figure%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/10/figure%201.jpg" alt="">
President of REIWA Damian Collins states that this affordability “presents excellent opportunities for first home buyers, trade-up buyers, downsizers and investors to secure a good deal”.
According to the report, listings have increased 6% since the December 2018 quarter to 16,957 which isn’t helping selling periods.
It took an average of 78 days for vendors to sell their properties last quarter. This is a significant jump from the 68 days to sell in the December 2018 quarter.
It can be attributed to new land releases as well as a softening in demand across the board.
Collins recently said “it’s also worth noting that a significant portion (43%) of Perth sellers are achieving sales prices at or above their original asking price, which suggests that many vendors are heeding the advice of their real estate agent and pricing their properties in line with market expectations”.
"This is key to avoid the extended selling periods that we have been seeing far too often," HTW said.
"Our valuers are seeing frequent evidence of properties becoming stale in the market place due to the initial asking price being out of kilter with the market and the eventual sale price of these properties is often below what market evidence suggests they should achieve."
The rental sphere was once again increasingly active in the March 2019 quarter, favouring investors and shortening the Perth vacancy rate to 2.5%.
The median rental price remained stable at $350 per week for a ninth consecutive quarter.
REIWA data shows that 29% of suburbs in Perth had an increase in rents during the quarter, and 36% of suburbs increased over the past year.
If the rental market continues in this direction we should inevitably see an increase in Perth’s median rent over the coming seasons.
In terms of activity, 14,003 properties were leased during the March 2019 quarter, almost 9% more than the December 2018 quarter.
There were 6,738 properties listed for rent at the end of the March quarter 2019, which was 2% lower than the December quarter figure and 25% lower than the same time last year, showing that competition amongst tenants is ramping up.
It took two days less to find a tenant during the March quarter, decreasing to 42 days.
This figure has crept downwards since the peak of 57 days in June 2017 and shows that tenants need to be decisive and act fast to secure their preferred property.
A three bedroom house located in the heart of Victoria Park has been listed for lease with a price guide of $360 per week (pictured below).
The house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-victoria+park-417286626" target="_blank"> 45 McMaster Street </a>comprises open plan living, renovated kitchen, three bedrooms, and enclosed patio with kitchenette.
It's close to Victoria Park Central Shopping Centre, main highways and train station. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/10/victoria%20park.jpg" alt="">
The suburbs that recorded the best and worst median price growth over the March 2019 quarter are in Figure 2.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/7/10/perth%20figure%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge: <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/10/perth%20figure%202.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/7/10/perth%20figure%203.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/10/perth%20figure%203.jpg" alt="">
Note that both Burswood and South Guildford are benefiting from the sale of properties in new developments.
The Peninsula development by Mirvac would be significantly affecting Burswood’s median as some of the properties are selling for over $1.7 million.
A few lifestyle living areas have been active over the past six months including Mundaring, Glen Forrest, and Serpentine.
Suburban North Lake has tracked well, jumping 8.5% quarter-on-quarter.
This was surprising to see as North Lake’s surroundings have been disrupted lately by the development of the Murdoch Drive Connection – adding extensions from the Kwinana Freeway and Roe Highway to the Murdoch Activity Centre and Health Precinct.
Peppermint Grove has surged over the past quarter taking its median house price from $3.45 million up to $4.025 million.
A current listing in Peppermint Grove is a five bedroom resort style home priced at $3.985 million (pictured below).
Set on a 766 square metre block, the refurbished home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-peppermint+grove-119597415" target="_blank">14A View Street</a> comes with five bedrooms, home cinema, kitchen with Miele appliance and solar heated swimming pool.
Nestled among private schools, the home is within walking distance to the Swan River and Cottesloe Beach. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/10/peppermint%20grove.jpg" alt=""> 
There has been a fair amount of activity in this region which is nice to see, as the prestige market (previously helping to stabilise the Perth median) faltered over the March 2019 quarter, showing signs of volatility.
Cottesloe, Swanbourne, Mosman Park, North Fremantle, Attadale, Bicton and Dalkeith all experienced decreases in their annual median house prices.
"This is understandable however, as the March quarter usually experiences an increase in listings," the valuation firm said. 
On top of this, consumer confidence has been low; the fallout from the Banking Royal Commission has created a challenging financial market, and with the distraction of a federal election, homeowners and investors would be hesitant to make any big moves.
There has been a lot of media coverage around the declining Australian property market (mainly surrounding Sydney and Melbourne) and this isn’t helping confidence in the Western Australian market even though our property market is in a different stage of the cycle to the eastern states.
All of this has forced sales volumes to drop, selling periods to extend and top-end prices have fallen as a result.
"In the upgrader market, our valuers are still seeing a fair amount of activity, however home buyers are generally seeking to purchase at a discounted rate," the report said.
This is pushing out selling periods and it seems that prices may continue to soften as a result, further improving affordability."
Perth’s fringe is still being suffocated by chronic oversupply.
Baldivis is continuing its decline due to consistent land releases putting downward pressure on established dwelling sale prices.
As an example, a property on Avoca Chase had a summated cost of $285,000 in April 2018, being one of the cheapest we had seen at the time.
It was sold in March 2019 on completion for $225,000, declining 21% throughout its construction period.
This sales figure is actually considered to be fairly cheap, however it’s part of the unfortunate truth in the current market.
Properties in oversupplied regions need to be priced very keenly in order to achieve a quick selling period and avoid them going stale on the market, so listen to the advice of agents about what is realistic and appropriate.
Developing suburbs in the south-east are in a similar situation. Whitby and Byford have softened over the past six months and it is expected that these areas will stay flat for the remainder of 2019.
"Our predictions for the rest of the year are fairly simple for Perth’s outer regions.
"We expect to see no rebound in 2019 and assume that medians in these areas will continue their slow descent to wherever the median price floor holds, but we expect the overall median house price to remain relatively steady for the wider Perth area as upgraders take advantage of the buying opportunities that are available in many sought after areas."
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Median prices in wider Perth area are stabilising:  HTW residential 

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The property market within Mount Gambier was relatively stable for the first quarter, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report suggests that the number of house sales occurring in the first quarter has been steady.
In 2014 house sales were slightly higher, however there has not been a significant drop in sales numbers which are still much higher than in 2011 when the market dropped back.
"The most purchased dwelling price range within the last 12 months is $200,000 to $250,000," the valuation firm said. 
"There are few dwellings purchased over $500,000 or under $150,000.
"The $200,000 to $250,000 price range is affordable for people entering the market and for investors looking at a property which provides a stable rental return."
A three bedroom house in Mount Gambier has been sold for $225,000.
Built in 1994, the house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-mount+gambier-128096338" target="_blank"> 4 Winfield Court </a>(pictured below) comes with three bedrooms, lounge room, timber kitchen and private rear yard.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/9/mount%20gambier%20.jpg" alt="">
"Dwellings over $500,000 are at the top end of the market and have limited market activity," HTW said. 
"Dwellings under $150,000 are generally in less sought-after locations and have limited market activity."
A recent over $500,000 sale was a Character Federation style home nestled on over 2.5 acres of land.
It was sold for $610,000 in May.
Located minutes from Mount Gambier and schools, the house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-moorak-123887258" target="_blank"> 158 Telford Road</a>, Moorak (pictured below) comes with four bedrooms, study, timber kitchen, and open living areas.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/9/moorak%201.jpg" alt="">
Detached housing and unit sales throughout the region are on track with previous years and are expected to remain stable throughout the remainder of the year.
Detached housing is the most popular amongst buyers, with 141 house sales for the first quarter of this year, compared to 15 unit sales and 28 land sales.
The report notes that properties located within the Lakes location and centrally around the town centre have shorter listing times than most other areas, as they are tightly held locations.
The median sale price has been slightly increasing over the past five years and property prices have remained stable.
"The overall feel of the market at the moment is that it will remain relatively steady throughout the remainder of the year," the valuation firm said.
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Mount Gambier market remains stable as median price ticks up: HTW residential 

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Darwin has experienced a few tough years and the weakening trend continued into 2019, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
"The peak of the market (2013-2014), which was mainly inflated by the Ichthys gas project, was going to end at some point and we are now experiencing the aftermath," the valuation firm said. 
"Since the start of the year, we have seen declines in both sales and median price for all suburbs across Darwin (REINT)."
All markets have been hit, from residential to commercial, dwellings to units and the suburbs of Parap to Darwin River.
The weak market has been foreseen for some time now and it is now believed that home owners are coming to the realisation that their homes are not worth what they perceive.
This has been a difficult process and caused stress throughout the market and wider economy.
"We have seen some big reductions, especially in the Darwin CBD," the valuation firm noted. 
"There has been a 40% fall in the median unit and townhouse price from $565,500 in March 2015 to $330,000 in March 2019 (REINT).
"Also looking Palmerston way, the suburb Moulden has experienced some big reductions; recent analysed sales of dwellings show a drop in the order of 30% or more from 2013/2014."
A three bedroom apartment in the Darwin CBD has recently been sold at a reduced price of $330,000.
With views of the Darwin Harbour, the unit at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-nt-darwin+city-129170426" target="_blank"> 7/3 Harvey Street</a> (pictured below) include open plan living and dining area, private balcony, three bedrooms and kitchen with stone bench tops.
The complex comes with secure parking and pedestrian access. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/10/darwin%20city%201.jpg" alt="">
"Be that as it may, we should not be discouraged by the current state of the market," HTW said. 
"Unfortunately, it is a reality that we are seeing some heavy reductions but to put things into perspective, we need to take a look at Australia as a whole." 
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the latest release shows new lending for investment dwelling in Australia is at its lowest since 2011.
Additionally, lending for purchase or construction of a new home in Australia has fallen to its lowest level since 2013.
Lending to households has decreased year on year by 17.8% in the Northern Territory (ABS).
This is a heavy drop but again, but comparative to other states. Victoria and New South Wales have also both dropped year on year, 15.4% and 18.9% respectively.
The report suggests there has been a downturn in all states with the only exception being Tasmania.
"We are not alone up here. The silver lining is that we are now in a period of market affordability; the dream of owning a home or unit is now realistic for Territorians.
"As mentioned earlier, we are seeing home owners slowly accepting the very weak property market. This is reinforced by looking at the recent statistics for the northern suburbs.
"Although sales are decreasing, we are seeing prices stabilising to only minimal decreases (REINT, March 2019). It is only our opinion and we can only speculate that it means people will only sell if it is their last option, if not, they are holding onto their properties for a better market and thus price."
The rental market has steadied in recent times and popular locations are still easily rented.
A fully furnished two bedroom unit in Darwin City is on the rental market with a price guide $430 per week.
Located in a secure complex, the unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nt-darwin+city-411774483" target="_blank">4/14 Dashwood Place</a> (pictured below) comprises open plan living, balcony, two bedrooms and two car parks.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/10/darwin%202.jpg" alt="">
"We need to remember during these tough times the old saying 'you only lose if you sell'," the report said. 
However if you must sell, we are seeing well-presented properties still high in demand, so be sure to present your home in good condition, have neat and tidy landscaping and make sure there are no small works required by the potential buyer."
Since the start of 2019, there have been plenty of things done to pave the way to a more positive market.
The government has introduced new inventive schemes (Territory Home Owner Bonus) and construction of new buildings in Darwin (new four-level below ground car Park) and Palmerston (police station).
"We also note the interstate relocation schemes (Welcome to the Territory incentives) introduced in August 2018 will also make a positive impact in 2019.
"To end things off, we have seen land prices increase in the Palmerston suburb of Zuccoli (specifically the Aspire development).
"This increase came as a surprise to us but it is showing that the supply of land is not meeting demand and ultimately this can be seen as evidence that the government incentive program is playing its role.
"There is a lot happening to kick start the economy and our office remains positive that there will be a brighter market; it will just take time for the government schemes to take full effect." 
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Weakening trend continues across Darwin: HTW residential 

<html><body>
The ACT housing market has not changed much over the past six months, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report notes that the value of houses and land has likely seen little growth, owing to an overall lower demand for property arising from various external factors such as the difficulty in obtaining finance.
"Demand is still reasonably strong for entry level houses in the $450,000 to $600,000 range and we would consider this property type to be performing the best," the valuation firm said. 
An example was a Banks three bedroom townhouse which has recently been sold for $520,000 (pictured below). 
Situated at the end of the complex, the townhouse at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-act-banks-131362970" target="_blank">6/30 Betty Maloney Crescent </a>comes with three bedrooms, open plan living, separate lounge and covered entertainment area.
The yard has a garden shed and an area outside the laundry that is ideal for the caravan or boat with easy access through a double gate.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/10/franklin.jpg" alt="">
Demand has remained steady for the mid-point priced houses in the $600,000 to $1 million range.
The prestige market ($2 million plus) remains steady. Prestige dwellings are changing hands, but not at an extraordinary rate.
The report notes that the supply of units remains high and demand remains steady.
"Unit and apartment values have retracted or remained steady over the past six months due to the quantity being offered to the market, especially in the outer suburban areas where demand is generally lower," the valuation firm said. 
Supply is highest for the one-bedroom product that is being offered at a very high rate in new complexes, while the market for two, three and four-bedroom units is more steady and secure.
The price point for most one-bedroom units is between $275,000 and $400,000 depending on location, size and quality of inclusions.
Most two- bedroom units are selling for between $300,000 and $550,000, again depending on location size and quality of inclusions.
A new two bedroom apartment in Franklin has recently been sold for $381,000 (pictured below). 
With easy access to the City Centre, the apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-act-franklin-131357150" target="_blank">4/329 Flemington Road</a> comes with open plan living area, two bedrooms, north facing balcony and modern kitchen. 
It is with walking distance to Gungahlin Town Centre and the light rail. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/10/franklin.jpg" alt="">
Units with more than three bedrooms are often sold for above $550,000, with some units selling over the $1 million mark in well located, reputable complexes.
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Canberra housing market remains steady: HTW residential 

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" 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%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

Staff reporter

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