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Given Melbourne's Moomba long weekend, all of the busiest suburbs for weekend auctions are in NSW with Lane Cove topping the list with 12 homes set to go under the hammer.
It is followed closely by Neutral Bay and Randwick, each with 11 auctions.
There are a total of 1,130 homes scheduled for auction across the combined capital cities, down almost 50% on last week’s final results which saw a total of 2,201 auctions held. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/7/Auction%20stats.JPG" alt="">
The lower activity this week is a likely result of half of the auction markets welcoming a long weekend, with Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Tasmania all host to a public holiday this coming Monday.
Notably the biggest decrease in activity is expected to be across Melbourne, with only 199 homes scheduled for auction this week, down by 80.8% on last week when 1,039 auctions were held.
The number of auctions scheduled across Sydney will also see a fall to a lesser degree, with 669 scheduled auctions this week, decreasing from the 801 auctions held last week.
Perth is expected to be the only capital city auction market to see a rise in volumes week-on-week.
One example of the busy auction week in Lane Cove is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-lane+cove-130508598" target="_blank">503/17 Finlayson Street</a> (pictured top).
The one bedroom one bathroom apartment comes with a price guide of $700,000 to $770,000.
Lloyd Allen and Justine Collins of Allen Estate Agents hold the listing.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/7/Lane%20cove%202.JPG" alt="">
Another example of the volume of auctions in Lane Cove this week is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-lane+cove-130385674" target="_blank">5/19 Murray Street</a> (pictured above).
The two bedroom one bathroom apartment comes with a price guide of $680,000.
Set on 92 square metres, the unit is positioned on the top floor
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/7/Lane%20cove%203.JPG" alt="">
A third showcase of the properties going to auction is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-lane+cove-130355494" target="_blank">5 Cogan Place, Lane Cove</a> (pictured above).
The four bedroom bathroom house comes with no price guide.
It is described as a state-of-the-art family luxury by James Bennett and Baxter van Heyst of Belle Property who hold the listing.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Lane Cove the busiest auction suburb as public holiday hits volume levels

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A poultry farm in the Werribee area has hit the market, with industry interests and land bankers tipped to be interested. 
Colliers International’s Jesse Manuel and Jock Grimshaw have been appointed to sell Parkhurst Farm at 925 Bulban Road, Little River, on the outskirts of Werribee, Victoria. 
The appointment has been made by Richard Hughes of Deloitte in his capacity as Deed Administrator of Parkhurst Farm Pty Ltd (Subject to Deed of Company Arrangement). 
Manuel said with its proximity to the amenity of Melbourne’s west and its expanding urban boundary, the Little River property will be sought-after by a diverse range of buyers. 
“It represents an excellent opportunity for existing poultry industry participants to expand their holdings and geographically diversify, as well as opportunists looking to acquire land in close proximity to major development activity,” Manuel said. 
“Historically we’ve seen chicken meat processors look at these types of farms to convert to breeder farms, the egg industry to rear pullets or install laying infrastructure, as well as the broad acre sector looking to store grain and fertiliser.” 
The property is located about 11 kilometres south-west of Werribee, 38 kilometres north-east of Geelong and 47 kilometres south-west of the Melbourne CBD via the West Gate and Princes Freeways. 
The area of Little River was famously the inspiration for the name of the classic Australian rock band Little River Band. 
Parkhurst Farm is a well developed poultry farm that has a history of both poultry meat and egg production and comprises a total shed production area of over 20,000 square metres. 
The property contains a total land area of 115 hectares (approx.) and has been developed to eight tunnel ventilated grower sheds complete with automated climate-control, feeding, drinking and lighting systems. The sheds were developed from 2003 to 2006, with a key feature being their concrete wall construction. 
Associated improvements include manager’s residence, various farm shedding, grain silos, extensive water storage tanks, office/control rooms, backup diesel generators and a desalination plant to treat groundwater from the onsite bore. Three phase electricity and reticulated town water are connected to the property. 
Grimshaw said the region was characterised by cropping and grazing enterprises and is also a nationally recognised region for commercial chicken meat production with a significant number of broiler farms located in the region. 
Offers are due March 27.
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Little River poultry farm to be sold by administrators

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The two storey Balmain Post Shop is being offered for sale for the first time in over 25 years.
Siutated at 366B Darling Street, the Victorian free classical style building features a third floor clock tower and viewing deck.
It is being sold by James Cowan and Steam Leung of Colliers International. 
Built in 1888, it was designed by the Colonial Architect James Barnet costing £15,470.
With over 500 square metres of internal gross floor area plus outdoor areas.
Since construction, it has continuously operated as a Courthouse and Police Station with Australia Post presently calling it home on a lease that expires in 2022. 
“This building is a rare opportunity to acquire a community landmark in a tightly held location which meets the investment mandate of a very wide buyer pool” said James Cowan, Senior Executive Investment Services at Colliers International. 
“The added benefit of this property, and what makes it unique, is the versatility in occupation and generous returns it offers. Interestingly, the current passing rental is considered to be below market parameters which invites generous rental reversion upon lease expiry” 
Head of Asian Markets at Colliers International, Steam Leung, said there was "huge demand" in the city fringe and inner west for creative office space. 
“Additionally, the adjoining property (Balmain Telephone Exchange) enjoys DA approval for part demolition and creation of a town square style park area which will enhance amenity and expose the Balmain Post Office’s heritage façade,” Leung said.  
Colliers International recently secured the sale of the Redfern Post Office last October for $5,300,000.
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1888 Balmain Post Shop hits the market 

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The Dolphin Backpackers hostel in Noosa's Sunshine Beach is for sale.
Set on an 1839 square metres site the property is host to 24 bedrooms, 18 bathrooms plus 15 kitchen and communal 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/2019/3/7/sunshine%20beach%201.jpg" alt="">
The current owners' abode is described as "bright and welcoming with room for a family to spread out and relax".
There's a modern kitchen with open-plan living that spills out to covered alfresco areas.
The hostel also featured tropical gardens, which surround the property and a resort-style pool.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sunshine+beach-130163690" target="_blank">14-16 Duke Street</a>, it is close to the beach and bustling Duke Street cafes and shops.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/3/7/sunshine%20beach%202.jpg" alt="">
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Dolphin Backpackers hostel in Noosa's Sunshine Beach for sale

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EXPERT OBSERVATION 
In the lead up to the NSW election the calls by politicians to stop funding Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) are not only wrong, but will substantially harm the residential building industry in NSW substantially.
HIA is fully supportive of policies that encourage people to take up a skilled trade, as it is vital that Australia has steady supply of tradies people to build the homes of tomorrow and increase the supply of housing in NSW.
However, recent calls to stop all RTO’s from receiving government support will make the problem of skills shortages worse.
Private RTO’s, in particular industry association RTO’s like HIA, have a long and successful track record delivering training products that are designed specifically for industry.
This allows students the option of choosing training that is tailored to their experience and delivered with flexibility to align with their working hours, and provides the crucial element of on the ground training.
There is no doubt that some Private RTO’s have abused funding in the past, however The Australian Skills and Qualifications Authority (ASQA) has made a concerted effort to crack down on the ‘dodgy’ RTO’s in recent years.
If ASQA audits a Private RTO and is satisfied they meet the necessary requirements, why would a state government believe differently?
HIA has helped hundreds of both young and adult apprentices complete their apprenticeship and get trade qualified over 15,800 students received their qualifications at an RTO in 2017.
It has also helped hundreds get their certificate in building or in other career pathways, and taken mature age apprentices through their journey to realising a new career, last year over 40% of all certificates achieved in Australia were achieved through RTO’s.
Instead of pitting TAFES against RTO’s Politicians in NSW would do better to put funds into promoting trades, to show that a trade is just not a plan B career choice but a legitimate and rewarding career that provides a vital service to the residential building industry and economy as a whole.
In fact, it seems lost on many politicians that industry groups like HIA work hand in hand with TAFE all the time in their apprentices.
HIA would also like to see more money directed towards mature age apprentices entering the work force as their expertise and life experience makes them a valuable asset to the residential building industry.
Any incoming NSW government needs to create meaningful policies to address skills shortages and provide flexibility in choice for students via a contestable market.
Simply using a populist argument and pitting RTO’s against TAFES doesn’t help anyone.
DAVID BARE is the Executive Director of HIA NSW
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Populist policy doesn’t solve skills problem: HIA's David Bare

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Over the next five years, Australia’s population of ultra-high net-worth individuals (UHNWI) is set to steadily rise, says a new report.
The UHNWI population is expected to rise by 20% - an extra 600 ultra-wealthy people – compared to 18% growth over the past five years, according to Knight Frank's Wealth Report.
Australian UHNWI population growth was 4% in 2018 to 3,060 UHNWIs.
New data found the number of ultra-wealthy people in Australia (those with net assets of US$30 million or more) is expected to rise by 20% over the next five years, equivalent to an extra 600 ultra-wealthy people.
According to Knight Frank’s Head of Residential Research, Australia Michelle Ciesielski: “GlobalData WealthInsight predicts the number of UHNWIs globally will rise by 22% over the next five years to 2023 – so an extra 43,000 ultra-wealthy people – taking the global number to nearly 250,000. This growth was 4% in 2018 to stand at 198,000 UHNWIs.
“Locally, UHNWIs are projected to rise by 20% over the next five years – equating to an extra 600 ultra-wealthy people living in Australia – in comparison with 12% growth over the past five years. In 2018 alone, we saw the Australian UHNW population grow by 4% to currently stand at 3,060 UHNWIs.”
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/6/KF%20Wealth.JPG" alt="">
Knight Frank’s Head of Residential, Australia Sarah Harding said: “Globally, Australia remains one of the top destinations for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. For example, we know Chinese and South-East Asian buyers continue to look at familiar global markets, such as Sydney, Melbourne, London and Hong Kong, which offer language advantages and immigration possibilities, as well as remaining outside any trade disputes.
“According to Knight Frank’s Attitude Survey, almost half of UHNWIs in Australia saw the most significant increase in wealth in 2018, with 93% of the wealth advisors surveyed reporting an improvement in their clients’ fortunes and 72% expecting their clients to increase their wealth in 2019.
“Across Australia’s major cities, GlobalData WealthInsight predicts a fairly consistent rise in ultra-wealthy populations. Sydney and Brisbane’s UHNW populations are expected to rise by 20% over the next five years, while Melbourne and Perth are forecast to rise by 21%.”
Ciesielski said: “Global wealth creation will remain constant in 2019. Although growth was good in 2018, it was not able to replicate the outstanding performance of equity markets, prime property and luxury investments a year earlier.
“There are headwinds looming with potential moderation in wealth growth, with global political and economic concerns becoming more complex. There is increased uncertainty and upheaval with all eyes on the rising trade tensions between China and the US.
“Despite this, 2019 will still see the number of millionaires (those with net assets of US$1 million or more) exceed 20 million for the first time ever. Some 6.6 million of these individuals will be based in North America, with 5.9 million in Europe and a further 5.8 million in Asia.”
According to Ciesielski, globally, the high-net-worth individual (HNWI) population is projected to rise by 19% over the next five years – equating to an extra 3.8 million millionaires – compared with growth of 13% over the past five years.
“This growth was 3% in 2018 to record 19.9 million HNWIs globally,” said Ciesielski.
“In Australia, the HNW population is projected to rise by 18% over the next five years – equating to an extra 60,000 millionaires – compared with growth of 9% over the past five years. In 2018, we saw growth of 3% to register a total 330,000 HNWIs.
“There will be challenges over the coming year, but we’re also going to see opportunities for private individuals and corporations to create wealth by delivering a wide range of public goods – most prevalent in countries without clear political leadership.”
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Australia’s ultra-wealthy population set to rise by 20%: Knight Frank

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A new report has found five Australian cities have placed in the top 50 worldwide in terms of residential price growth. 
The Wealth Report 2019, released by Knight Frank, tracks the movement of luxury residential prices in the world’s top 100 cities.
Last year showed Sydney at the top of the list of Australian cities with 3.1% prime price growth in 2018.
Australia's rankings were: Sydney (30), Brisbane (31), Melbourne (41), Perth (42) and Gold Coast (42).
Manila topped the rankings with 11% growth, attributed to a lack of supply and the Philippines’ thriving economy.
The index saw its lowest rate of annual growth since 2012 with prices rising on average by 1.3% down from 2.1% in 2017. 
According to Knight Frank’s Head of Residential Research, Australia Michelle Ciesielski: “The Australian prime market continues to track above the global average for luxury residential price growth over the year to December 2018, with Sydney topping the list for Australian cities on the PIRI 100 at 3.1% growth; Brisbane at 3%; Melbourne 2.2%; and Perth and the Gold Coast both at 2.1% price growth year-on-year.
“The price growth between prime global markets is converging – and Australia is no exception. The performance in 2018 saw all five Australian prime cities place in the top 50 of Knight Frank’s PIRI 100 – all five cities within 1 percentage point – when three years ago the range was closer to 19 percentage points.”
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/6/KF%20Cities.JPG" alt="">
Knight Frank’s Head of Residential, Australia Sarah Harding said: “According to The Wealth Report Attitude Survey, for the second year in a row, Australia has retained its position as the third most popular country for those planning to buy prime residential property globally in 2019 – behind the US and the UK. Australia remains a top destination for the ultra-wealthy due to multiple factors, including lifestyle, education, and political stability.
“Ultra-high-net-worth individuals dedicate a large portion of their wealth to property. This has been confirmed by the growth in the average number of homes owned by wealthy people around the world increasing from 2.9 to 3.6 over the past year. We found Australian UHNWIs owned three residential homes, on average, in 2018.
“Only 6% of ultra-wealthy Australians purchased prime residential property outside of Australia in 2018. This is relatively low when compared with other active countries in the Asia Pacific region such as South Korea (30%), Hong Kong (28%), Malaysia (27%) or China (25%).”
Ciesielski said prime residential growth has become more sustainable in most Australian cities on the PIRI 100.
“In Perth, early signs of business recovery and a strengthening office market had a positive impact with prime residential price growth rising from 1.3% in 2017 to 2.1% in 2018,” said Ciesielski. 
“Properties along the waterfront have remained popular with the downsizing generation, and the city still offers good value relative to other major Australian cities.
“The spotlight in 2019 will remain on the pace of recovery as the Western Australian resources sector continues to build.”
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Five Australian cities in top 50 worldwide for residential price growth: Knight Frank

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A 1907 heritage weatherboard house in Fairlight has been listed for sale with a price guide of $2.1 million.
It has been offered by Georgi Bates and Claudia Merkert from Cunninghams Real Estate. 
Located at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-fairlight-130653506" target="_blank"> 18 Griffiths Street</a>, the house features indoor-outdoor living transitions.
It comes with three bedrooms, open plan kitchen, living/dining area, covered entertaining deck overlooking the garden and guest powder room.
Other features include 12 foot high ceilings, wood floors, sash windows in living area, multi-layered entertaining decks and automated watering system. 
<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/2019/3/5/fairlight%202.jpg" alt="">
It has landscaping designed by Adam Robinson of Adam Robinson Designs.
The family home is close to Manly West Public School, with easy access to Manly, bus stops, cafes and shops. 
It last sold at $1.35 million in 2012.
<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/2019/3/5/fairlight%203.jpg" alt="">
It has been scheduled for auction on March 30. 
The suburb's median house price sits at <a href="/news">$2.3 million</a>, according to CoreLogic. 
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Fairlight 1907 weatherboard trophy home available for $2.1 million

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A north-facing Edwardian residence at Middle Park has been listed via an expressions of interest campaign.
It has been offered by Darren Lewenberg and Ross Savas from Kay Burton South Yarra.
They expect $7 million to $7.7 million.
The home at <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/64-nimmo-street-middle-park-vic-3206-2014987654" target="_blank">64 Nimmo Street </a>consists of four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a swimming pool and a separate self-contained apartment.
The interiors feature of the family home include sitting room, north-facing open plan living and dining, kitchen with high end design, main bedroom with walk-in robe and three further fitted bedrooms. 
The property last traded at $3,155,000 in 2009.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/5/middle%20park%202.jpeg" alt="">
Additional highlights include air conditioning, integrated speaker, gas open fireplace, sheer walls of glazing, and crafted oak wall cladding.
It's within a few minutes’ walk of the beach and Middle Park village, and convenient to Albert Park Lake, schools, light rail, library and Melbourne Sports &amp; Aquatic Centre.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/5/middle%20park%203.jpeg" alt="">
The expressions of interest campaign ends on March 9. 
The suburb's median house price sits at<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/64-nimmo-street-middle-park-vic-3206-2014987654" target="_blank"> $2.55 million</a> according to CoreLogic.
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Edwardian Middle Park home listed with $7 million plus hopes

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
Over the past month, we have seen a shift in cash rate predictions for 2019 from economists. Some see it holding throughout the year, some anticipate one 0.25 percentage points (pp) cut and major bank Westpac is now projecting two 0.25pp cuts to reach 1.00 per cent by year end.
Looking at these forecasts from a mortgage holder’s perspective, does it still matter if the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) holds or cuts the official cash rate given Australian banks have increased their rates in recent times independently of the cash rate?
Since August 2016, the RBA has held the official cash rate steady at a record-low 1.5 per cent; however, during that time the standard variable rate set by the banks has declined once and been lifted twice.
The history
The margin between the standard variable mortgage rate and the RBA’s official cash rate has widened over the past nine years.
At the peak of the post-GFC rate cycle, in November 2010, the RBA lifted rates by 0.25pp to 4.75 per cent. At that point in time, RBA data shows that the standard variable rate for owner occupiers was 7.80 per cent – a difference of 3.05pp compared to the official cash rate. A year later, the RBA dropped the cash rate by 0.25pp to 4.5 per cent and though the variable rate also fell to 7.55 per cent, the difference remained the same.
During the 12 months to November 2012, the cash rate was cut four times to sit at 3.25 per cent. In conjunction, the standard variable rate also fell, but not at the same pace, to 6.63 per cent. This broadened the gap between the two rates to 3.39pp.
Fast-forward to January 2019, the cash rate stands at 1.5 per cent and the variable rate is 5.37 per cent; the highest margin on record of 3.87pp.
The widening gap applies whether standard or discount variable rates are used; and in order to return to the margin of 3.05pp seen in 2010 the RBA would have to lift the cash rate by 0.25pp three times throughout the year.
Considering the Australian housing market is currently going through a period of adjustment and borrowers have been hit with rate hikes due to increasing interest rates in overseas markets, many economists are predicting that the RBA will cut the cash rate even further in an effort to achieve its inflation objective.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/6/RBA%20LJ%20Hooker.JPG" alt=""> 
Impact on mortgage rates
Although banks are generally expected to keep rates in-line with the RBA’s cash rate, it’s not guaranteed; as funding costs for mortgages are based on many economic and financial factors.
One factor is the strength of the Australian economy. Indicators like unemployment and GDP, which determines household wealth and drives changes in the Aussie dollar, influence the demand for home loans which can either propel rates higher or lower. Presently, the RBA is keeping an eye on household consumption, which accounts for approximately 60 per cent of spending in the economy.
Mortgage rates can also be influenced by the banks’ short-term borrowing such as bank bill swap and overnight cash rates, which impacts the funding costs of our major banks. If short-term borrowing rates are on the rise, banks could pass on that savings to mortgage holders by hiking interest rates.
Trends like a narrowing of the credit-deposit gap – the amount of borrowing compared to savings – is another factor impacting interest rates. An ongoing credit-deposit gap would add pressure to short-term funding; and again, the banks could pass that savings to mortgage holders.
In addition, global economies and financial markets impact the cost of funding for our local banks. These include government bond rates and the monetary policy settings of the world’s major economies. All eyes are currently on China as its economy has slowed more than expected and tensions with the United States squeezes finance to the private sector.
What it means for you
A report by Deloitte found that 41 per cent of Australian mortgage holders do not keep track of the cash rate or consider its impact on their home loan. And with the cash rate being at a record-low for 30 consecutive months, Australians can be absolved for underestimating its importance.
As illustrated, banks do not have to keep interest rates in line with the RBA’s cash rate. However, the cash rate will impact the cost of funding for the banks; sequentially, impacting mortgage repayments as banks pass on those costs to consumers. So yes, it’s still relevant for mortgage holders to stay up-to-date on the RBA’s monthly decision.
Despite the cash rate being kept on hold, the regulatory and economic environment has already triggered changes in mortgages rates; hence, why it’s vital for mortgage holders to also be across all major economic news - domestic and global.
MATHEW TILLER (pictured) is the head of research at LJ Hooker
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Is there still relevance in RBA rate watching? Matthew Tiller

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.

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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."

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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>.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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<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.

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