<html><body>
A two bedroom one bathroom mortgagee unit in Cairns North, Qld has been sold for $180,250. 
Ray Murphy of RE/MAX Cairns held the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-cairns+north-129907894" target="_blank">2/323 McLeod Street, Cairns North</a>, the home is located inside of the Aztec Court gated complex which features an in-ground pool.
Set on 86 sqm the property contains one parking space.
According to the listing the home has an estimated rental income of $300 - $330 per week.
Last sold in 2004 the home traded for $169,000.
It was listed on and off as a rental from 2006 to 2014, originally at a price point of $210/pw and rising incrementally to $280/pw in 2014.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median price for a unit in <a href="/developments/cairns-north-qld-4870">Cairns North</a> is $332,000 according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as -1.2%.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Two bedroom Cairns North mortgagee unit sold

<html><body><div class="property-info__header">
<div class="property-info__header">
A four bedroom Kirkwood, Qld mortgagee home has sold for $289,000.
The four bedroom two bathroom house was built in 2011.
Bevan Rose of Gladstone Real Estate held the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-kirkwood-130425674" target="_blank">8 Oakdale Place</a> the property has a double lockup garage.
Set on 619 sqm, the one storey house was listed with an asking price of $295,000.
It has been listed as a rental numerous times since October 2011 where it was listed for $720/pw.
In 2013 the rental asking price was $450/pw and October 2015 onwards it was $300/pw, however in 2017 and 2018 it was listed for a rental price of $240/pw.
Last sold in 2010 the house previously residing there traded for $200,000.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/kirkwood-qld-4680">Kirkwood</a> is $319,000, according to CoreLogic.
</div>
</div></body></html>

Four bedroom Kirkwood, Qld mortgagee home sold

<html><body>
A home within The Rivergums Estate, Baldivis has been listed by the mortgagee for $365,000.
Lorraine Dove of RE/MAX Horizons has the listing.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-baldivis-130859970" target="_blank">11 Lomandra View</a>, the property is a four bedroom two bathroom house.
It's close to a number of amenities.  
Set on 602 sqm, the one story house was built in 2005.
It was listed as a rental in January 2017 with an asking price of $450/pw.
Last sold in 2014, the home traded for $475,000.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median price for a house in Baldvis is<a href="/developments/baldivis-wa-6171"> $382,000 </a><a href="/developments/port-lincoln-sa-5606"></a>according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as 0.5%.
</body></html>

Baldivis home listed for mortgagee sale at $110,000 below previous sale price

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVATION
Over the past five years, Chinese developers have significantly ramped up their presence building landmark residential towers around the world, including along the skyline of the Australian east coast.
In 2018, Chinese developers and investors purchased $1.3 billion worth of Australian residential sites; equivalent to 31% of total sites sold.
This was down substantially from the $2.02 billion recorded a year earlier, although the share of total sales fell only slightly from 33%; reflecting a wider, slower-paced market.
There is no denying Chinese developers have met with challenges throughout this time. From the Chinese government attempting to moderate capital outflow, to locally, the impact when major domestic banks restricted lending to offshore borrowers.
This limited Chinese developers’ ability to rely on deep databases of clients familiar with projects in their home towns.
In addition, current challenges being faced by all developers include the local changes to Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) rules and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) encouraging stricter lending practices for investors cooling off-the-plan presales—not to mention the introduction of state-based surcharges.
The majority of Chinese developers which have entered the Australian landscape are settling in for the long haul, now diversifying their portfolios to adapt to local market trends.
Over the past year, the likes of Zone Q, China Poly Group, Yuhu Group and Aqualand have increased their exposure to office assets and this trend is likely to continue in 2019.
Also they are shifting weight towards lower-density residential with 41% of sites purchased in 2018, up from 29% in 2017. Overall however with a 58% share, the more accustomed, higherdensity sites still dominated; this past year moving away from medium-density sites.
Chinese developers and investors have purchased more than 25% of the residential development sites that have transacted each year over the past five years.
Factoring inlead times for planning and marketing the project, naturally the number of Australian apartments built by Chinese developers only started to ramp up in 2016, and were located in Sydney, as shown in Figure 1.
In saying this, reflecting on the past five years, Chinese-developed projects have tended to move hastily into construction mode once development approval is granted; in many cases citing a lower reliance on funding (when compared to a local developer).
Almost 11% of all new apartments, or 5,160 apartments, were built by Chinese Collective Sales for Development September 2018 Australian Residential Development Review 2018 developers in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in 2018.
Still concentrated on the major east coast cities, this share is projected to rise to 15% in 2019 for those 5,440 apartments currently under construction, then increase to 22% in 2021.
This includes those projects which have already commenced, and those with development approval which are currently being marketed (7,360 apartments).
With current headwinds heading into 2019, the likelihood of all projects proposed by Chinese developers going ahead in this timeframe is diminishing, except those with an exceptional product.
Projects submitted for development approval and those already with approval, but not yet having started a marketing campaign, tend to taper-off substantially with less than 6% of total projects in the pipeline each year beyond 2023.
Going forward, developers—both Chinese and local—must hold realistic expectations following a residential market in correction mode after a lengthy period of significant growth. It will be imperative proper time is allocated to strengthen their position in the market for when the time to proceed arrives.
MICHELLE CIESIELSKI is a Director within Research &amp; Consulting at Knight Frank
</body></html>

Chinese development in Australia in 2019: Knight Frank's Michelle Ciesielski

<html><body>
Jason Chuck, the chief executive officer of Avnu, LJ Hooker’s online real estate startup platform for the past 17 months has quit - and become Domain’s chief customer officer.
<div class="content main">
Chuck’s role is a new one for Domain.
It will incorporate the responsibilities of former chief marketing officer, Melina Cruickshank, who joined REA Group last December.
As Domain’s chief customer officer, Chuck will also be responsible for all of the Nine-majority owned real estate platform’s consumer facing functions including revenue generating activities such the company’s Loan Finder, relocation assistance and online price research services as well as editorial and marketing.
Chuck arrived in Australia from Canada via Hong Kong in 2009 where he first worked with Domain boss Jason Pellegrino in marketing for Google.
After leaving Google in 2010, Chuck joined eHarmony as managing director, then roles with Etsy and Houzz.
He became the founding CEO of LJ Hooker’s Avnu in December, 2017.
<a href="/news/what-is-lj-hookers-avnu-the-much-hyped-new-avenue-in-real-estate">Avnu, the much hyped new avenue in real estate</a>, allows agents and customers to manage their sales and properties in real time through digital online software.
“I am delighted that Jason will be joining Domain," Pellegrino said.
In a message to staff, Domain CEO Jason Pellegrino labelled Chuck an "impressive talent" who would bring his experience in marketing, content and scaling new business to the company.
"Chuck is a passionate advocate for technology’s role in transforming how consumers and businesses interact. He has a track record in building technology and digital businesses, leading with real energy and passion.
"Chuck is an incredible leader and business builder and I am confident his diverse skills, passion and industry experience will support Domain’s transition to our next phase of growth."
“It was an extremely difficult decision to move on from LJ Hooker Avnu," Chuck said.
Domain shares slid more than 7 percent on the ASX yesterday, and almost 2 percent in trade this morning.
(This article's opening sentenced has been amended on the timing of Jason Chuck's exit from AVNU.)
</div>
</body></html>

LJH's Avnu CEO chucks in job to become Domain’s chief customer officer

<html><body>
Crown Resorts has announced a pause in trade of its ASX-listed shares amid a takeover bid for the James Packer-controlled casino operator.
They confirmed in an ASX announcement that the company has attracted the interest of Las Vegas giant Wynn Resorts, with a bid potentially on the way, perhaps a merger.
Shares in Crown, which is majority owned by James Packer's Consolidated Press Holdings, were valued at $11.74 ahead of the market open on Tuesday - down 17 percent from August's near three-year high of $14.23.
The current proposal currently contemplates acquisition consideration (50% cash and 50% Wynn shares) with an implied value of A$14.75 per share with the exchange ratio being fixed, using a volume weighted average price for Wynn shares, immediately prior to the announcement of an agreed transaction, according to the Crown ASX release.
At the date of the proposal, the volume weighted average price of Wynn shares implied an exchange ratio of 0.042 Wynn shares per Crown share.
Crown have stated that the terms of the consideration are yet to be agreed, with the proposal being subject to a number of conditions including due diligence, Wynn obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals and a recommendation by the Crown Board.
It is stated to be preliminary, confidential, non-binding and indicative.
The Crown Board said they has not yet considered the most recent proposal from Wynn.
Crown stated that discussions were in a "preliminary stage" and that "no agreement has been reached between the parties in relation to the structure, value or terms of a transaction".
They added that there is no certainty that these discussions will result in a transaction
Goldman Sachs and UBS are acting as financial advisers to Crown, and Ashurst is acting as legal adviser.
Notably Crown recently pulled back on its international expansion plans, including exiting its joint venture partnership with Melco Resorts in Macau and the sale of 34.6 acres of land on the Las Vegas Strip.
That land was purchased by Wynn Resorts for AU$300 million in December 2017.
Under the deal James Packers net worth would soar AU$800 million.
</body></html>

Las Vegas's Wynn Resorts seeking Crown Resorts

<html><body>
A fire ravaged Hoxton Park, NSW mortgagee home deemed unsafe to enter has been sold for $622,000.
The 3 bedroom one bathroom house was sold, according to the listing as "land value only".
John Gymellas of Raine &amp; Horne held the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-hoxton+park-130653986" target="_blank">7 Dorrigo Avenue</a> the property has R3 Medium Density Zoning.
Set on 668 sqm, it sits on the corner of Dorrigo Avenue and Colong Close.
It has 35 Metres of combined street frontage.
Located 1.5 km to an M7 entry, 1.2 km to Hoxton Park Public School, 7.4 km to Liverpool Westfield &amp; Hospital, it is a 5 minute drive to Carnes Hill Market Place. 
The home sold at auction on April 4, $72,000 over it's price guide of $500,000 to $550,000.
Last sold in 1999, the house traded for $140,000.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/hoxton-park-nsw-2171">Hoxton Park</a> is $760,000 according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as 7%.
</body></html>

Fire ravaged Hoxton Park, NSW mortgagee home sold

<html><body>
A three bedroom house in Southeastern Queensland has been listed for mortgagee sale with a price guide of $309,000.
It has been offered by Marre Richardson and Rob Richardson from Beaudesert Properties. 
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-beaudesert-130882494" target="_blank">32 Tina Street, Beaudesert</a>, the dual level house comprises a huge rumpus room, open plan lounge/dining/kitchen area, three bedrooms, and covered patio area.
Other features include open fronted storage shed, three vehicle covered carport area, and security screens. 
It's located close to the State School, hospital, medical centre and shops. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median price for a house in <a href="/developments/beaudesert-qld-4285">Beaudesert</a> is $332,000 according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as 0.3%. 
</body></html>

Three bedroom Beaudesert, Qld home listed for mortgagee sale

<html><body>
A Hope island apartment has been recently sold for $260,000 at mortgagee auction.
The two bedroom three bathroom unit features one underground parking space. 
It was listed by Mark Worthington of LJ Hooker.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-hope+island-130660170" target="_blank">1106/2 Activa Way</a> it is part of the Azzura Greens development and the building was completed in 2007.
With 155 sqm of floorspace, the property is inside the Hope Island Resort community.
Located adjacent to the Tennis Academy &amp; links to the Hope Island Golf Club it features a verandah.
Last sold in 2008 the apartment traded for $506,450, a reduction of $245,950 dollars.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
It was listed as recently as 2017 initially asking for offers from $362,000 before reducing the price guide to $350,000 and being taken off market after 54 days.
Highlighting the loss of value at 2 Activa Way is apartment number 2317, which sold in December of 2017 for $380,000. 
The two bedroom two bathroom apartment was originally purchased off the plan in 2006 for $564,240.
Every subsequent sale has been $150,000 or more less than this price.
The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/hope-island-qld-4212">Hope Island</a> is $972,500 according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as -2.5%.
</body></html>

Hope Island, Qld apartment sold by mortgagee for $250,000 loss

<html><body>
Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) has purchased Australia’s largest single parcel of broadacre agricultural land – the Nicoletti family’s 200,000ha portfolio. 
CBRE Agribusiness’ Danny Thomas, together with Damian Bryce of map19, managed the sale process for the Baladjie aggregation.
The transaction has received approval from Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). 
It comprises 76,000ha freehold cropping land and 134,000ha leasehold land in Western Australia’s eastern Wheatbelt region. 
The Baladjie aggregation is a large scale, fully operational sheep/wheat farming business accommodating a minimum sheep flock of 40,000 Merino Ewes, plus rams and progeny. It consists of John and Julie Nicoletti’s farming interest and other third-party options.
Mr Thomas said the sale represented an opportunity to acquire one of the largest farming operations in Australia and the nation’s largest single parcel of broadacre land. 
“The purchaser was drawn to the scale and quality of this property, with it providing an opportunity to expand their platform significantly with geographic spread and also execute on their investment strategies,” Mr Thomas said. 
SALIC also acquired a number of our neighbouring properties.
The aggregation, which is located between Merredin, Mukinbudin, Bullfinch and Southern Cross, also features structural improvements including more than 25 dwellings, 12 shearing sheds, machinery and storage. 
Nova Legal provided legal representation for the vendor throughout the process.
</body></html>

Saudi's SALIC makes first agricultural investment in Australia with Nicoletti purchase

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

Staff reporter

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News