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Total sales activity across the Gold Coast strata office market remained robust throughout 2018, according to Ray White’s research for Gold Coast Small Suites.
The data showed after a strong 2017 result, low interest rates continued to be a driving force for private investors in this market, despite some uncertainty surrounding financing availability.
Ray White’s Head of Research Vanessa Rader said following an end-of-year rush, 2018 saw $42.79 million change hands.
“While this is down 13.84% compared to the busy 2017 period, it remains the second highest sales over the past 10 years,” Rader said.
“Confidence continues to be high across the Gold Coast post-Commonwealth Games, with much energy and optimism around business growth, which has resulted in some improvements in employment.
“We’ve seen both local investors and owner occupiers seek investment into the office market to shelter from volatile occupation costs and in anticipation for business expansion, as well as securing a competitive yielding asset.
“Volumes have been highest in Southport and Robina/Varsity Lakes, with these being the two largest office submarkets across the Gold Coast, offering modern facilities.
“Collectively, these two markets represented 68.67% of the 2018 total sales stock, with an average sale price of $840,000. 
“While the Surfers Paradise and Bundall regions both offer more affordable office product, with average sale prices of $536,500 and $284,500 respectively.”
Rader said sentiment continued to be positive for the Gold Coast office market.
“Capital values continued to show upward momentum, with this resulting in the average Gold Coast value increasing for the sixth consecutive year,” she said.
“Currently averaging $3,770 per square metre, this is up 2.31% on last year's result, and has recorded 6.97% annual change over the past five years.
“Bundall remains the most affordable region across the Gold Coast and has shown several years of consistent growth. At just $3,013 per square metre, this market is up 9.96% on the last year, and has shown 4.40% annual improvement over the last five years.
“The largest growth in values has come from Southport, albeit due to the downward correction in values achieved during 2017.
“Currently averaging $3,680 per square metre, this is up 19.26% over the last 12 months, representing a 5.29% increase compared to 2016 results.
“Surfers Paradise/Broadbeach has witnessed a high level of turnover in 2018 representing a small reduction of 3.42%, this average of $3,446 per square metre is the second year of decline after a high level of increase in this market during 2015.
“Another market which has felt a reduction in values has been Robina/Varsity Lakes, currently averaging $3,914 per square metre. This is down 9.50% over the last year, an increase in vacancies in this market being of concern for some buyers.”
Ray White Commercial Gold Coast Office Leasing Specialist Renee Hughes said after some slowdown in leasing activity post financial year, the run to the end of the year saw some increase in activity, continuing the improvement in rental rates of 2018.
“Levels of enquiry have started 2019 similarly to the close of 2018, with demand elevated across all size and quality grades,” Hughes said.
“In terms of location, enquiry has been high across all precincts, however Bundall has been the stand-out performer with occupiers looking towards the more affordable product in a central location.
“Professional Services continue to be the industry most active, resulting in incentives reducing to around eight%, putting further downward pressure on effective rents.
“After a prolonged period of steady rental rate results, 2018’s increased demand translated into small face rental growth, continuing through to the end of the year.  
“Prime smaller stock currently ranges between $320 to $380 per square metre gross, averaging $365 per square metre (2.24% annual growth).
“While Secondary, in the more affordable $230 to $300 per square metre price range, has held consistent at $260 per square metre over the last two years.
“A-grade assets that offer large floor plates in quality locations continue to dictate rents in excess of these rates, upwards of $500 per square metre on a gross basis, with an incentive greater than 10%.”
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Gold Coast strata office market has robust 2018

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A private ballet school has agreed to terms on the lease of a warehouse space just off the Chapel Street retail precinct in South Yarra.
Teska Carson’s Fergus Evans, who brokered the 1 Hazeldon Place deal, said the school had taken an initial 12 month lease at $48,000 per annum plus GST.
He said the open plan, 220 square metre, premises was ideally suited to dance school use.
The property is located only a short walk from Chapel Street shops and trams and within close proximity of Hawksburn Railway Station.
The lessor is a Melbourne based private investor.
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Ballet school begins lease in South Yarra

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ASIC has accepted a court enforceable undertaking (EU) from Gold Coast-based accountant, Jenan Thorne of Saber Superannuation Pty Ltd after it found she had failed to act in the best interests of her clients and had prioritised her own interests above their interests.
The undertaking prevents Mrs Thorne (also known as Cenan Thorne or Cenan Dikmen) from providing financial services for a period of three years effective from 13 February 2019.
ASIC decided to review Mrs Thorne's advice when it discovered, during its investigation into Park Trent Properties Group Pty Ltd, that she was receiving referrals in relation to establishing self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) from Park Trent.
ASIC reviewed advice provided by Mrs Thorne when she was a representative of SMSF Advice Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of AMP Limited, and concluded that she had advised some of her clients to establish SMSFs without taking their circumstances into account.
ASIC found that Mrs Thorne hadn't properly considered her clients' existing superannuation arrangements or explored why they were interested in investing in direct residential property through an SMSF.
When recommending SMSFs to some of her clients, she had inappropriately scoped advice by excluding insurance and retirement planning.
ASIC also found that Mrs Thorne did not adequately stress-test SMSF strategies and had recommended SMSFs to some of her clients despite inadequate evidence to suggest that the strategies would provide increased retirement benefits.
Furthermore, Mrs Thorne had recommended that her accountancy practice, Saber Accountants Pty Ltd, prepare the annual accounts and tax returns for the SMSF clients.  This led ASIC to determine that Mrs Thorne recommended the services of a related party to create extra revenue for herself.
As part of the EU, Mrs Thorne has agreed to inform all her former personal advice clients about the EU and provide contact details of her former licensee, SMSF Advice Pty Ltd. Former clients of Mrs Thorne who have enquiries or complaints regarding her advice or conduct should contact SMSF Advice Pty Ltd.
ASIC expects financial advisers to comply with their best interests duty and pay particular attention to how they scope their advice to clients.
Prior to recommending SMSFs, advisers should critically probe why a client wants to set up an SMSF and what they hope to achieve. Advisers should also give adequate consideration to risk management and succession planning before setting up an SMSF for a client.
ASIC Commissioner Danielle Press said financial advisers have a legal obligation to provide advice that is in the best interests of their clients, not prioritise their own interests or simply implement client instructions. 
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ASIC's Park Trent Properties investigation sees Gold Coast accountant step aside for three years

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The Kew East house rebuilt by Darren and Dea Jolly has been sold again.
The Block winners offloaded their recreated California bungalow for $2,908,000 in October 2016.
The family who bought it have now sold it for an undisclosed price after the four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-kew+east-130103070" target="_blank" rel="noopener">14 Irymple Avenue </a>passed in at $2.95 million at its recent twilight auction.
The Herald Sun suggest it sold at the bottom end of the $3 million to $3.3 million quoted range through Harcourts Surrey Hills agent Brett Philipp.
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Not much price growth in Dea and Darren Jolly's former Kew East bungalow resale

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Aussie John Symond has listed a Double Bay retail property.
The <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/18-transvaal-avenue-double-bay-nsw-2028-2014933470">boutique shop and residence </a>has Maree Conley’s homewares outlet Conley &amp; Co.
It was bought by Symond in 2014 for $4.8 million.
The Alexander Tzannes-designed retail property was sold by the former Trent Nathan chief Shane Barr.
There is a $6.5 million to $7 million guide by Brad Caldwell-Eyles of 1st City Double Bay, who sold it last time.
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Aussie John Symond lists Double Bay retail property

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Australia is the <a href="https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/environment/municipal-waste/indicator/english_89d5679a-en" target="_blank">sixth-largest</a> contributor of household waste per capita in the world. We spend more than <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.tai.org.au/node/940" target="_blank">$A10.5 billion</a> annually on goods and services that are never or rarely used.
One-quarter of Australians admit to throwing away clothing <a href="https://au.yougov.com/news/2017/12/06/fast-fashion/" target="_blank">after just one use</a>, while at the other end of the extreme, 5% of the population save unused items with such tenacity that their homes become <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181962/">dangerously cluttered</a>.
If unnecessary purchases come at such a profound cost, why do we make them?
Why do we buy so much stuff?
We acquire some possessions because of their perceived usefulness. We might buy a computer to complete work tasks, or a pressure cooker to make meal preparation easier.
But consumer goods often have a psychological value that outweighs their functional value. This can drive us to acquire and keep things we could do without.
Possessions can act as an <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://academic.oup.com/jcr/article/15/2/139/1841428" target="_blank">extension of ourselves</a>. They may remind us of our personal history, our connection to other people, and who we are or want to be. Wearing a uniform may convince us we are a different person. Keeping family photos may remind us that we are loved. A home library may reveal our appreciation for knowledge and enjoyment of reading.
Acquiring and holding onto possessions can bring us comfort and emotional security. But these feelings cloud our judgement about how useful the objects are and prompt us to hang onto things we haven’t used in years.
When this behaviour crosses over into hoarding disorder, we may notice:
<ol>
<li>a persistent difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of their actual value 
</li>
<li>that this difficulty arises because we feel we need to save the items and/or avoid the distress associated with discarding them 
</li>
<li>that our home has become so cluttered we cannot use it as intended. We might not be able to sit on our sofa, cook in our kitchen, sleep in our bed, or park our car in the garage 
</li>
<li>the saving behaviour is impacting our quality of life. We might experience significant family strain or be embarrassed to invite others into our home. Our safety might be at risk, or we may have financial problems. These problems can contribute to <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/bjc.12212" target="_blank">workplace difficulties</a>.</li>
</ol>
Will the KonMari method help?
According to Japanese tidying consultant <a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up-marie-kondo/prod9781607747307?zsrc=d-stocked&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAm5viBRD4ARIsADGUT25gYCqaxUUKyvskmVS_R-fO4F0c9K59vPwZsaLgO6fgwK57pQEWZpcaAkFVEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Marie Kondo</a>, “everyone who completes the KonMari Method has successfully kept their house in order”.
But while some aspects of the KonMari method are consistent with existing evidence, others may be inadvisable, particularly for those with clinical hoarding problems.
Kondo suggests that before starting her process, people should visualise what they want their home to look like after decluttering. A similar clinical technique is used when <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005796711001872?via%3Dihub" target="_blank">treating</a> hoarding disorder. Images of one’s ideal home can act as a powerful amplifier for positive emotions, thereby increasing motivation to discard and organise.
Next, the KonMari Method involves organising by category rather than by location. Tidying should be done in a specific order. People should tackle clothing, books, paper, komono (kitchen, bathroom, garage, and miscellaneous), and then sentimental items.
Organising begins with placing every item within a category on the floor. This suggestion has an evidence base. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032717327167?via%3Dihub">Our research</a> has shown people tend to discard more possessions when surrounded by clutter as opposed to being in a tidy environment.
However, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005796710001075?via%3Dihub" target="_blank">organising</a> and categorising possessions in any context is challenging for people with hoarding disorder.
Marie Kondo gives sage advice about whether to keep possessions we think we’ll use in the future. A focus on future utility is a common thinking trap, as many saved items are never used. She encourages us to think about the true purpose of possessions: wearing the shirt or reading the book. If we aren’t doing those things, we should give the item to someone who will.
Another Kondo suggestion is to thank our possessions before we discard them. This is to recognise that an item has served its purpose. She believes this process will facilitate letting go.
However, by thanking our items we might inadvertently increase their perceived humanness. <a href="https://akademiai.com/doi/abs/10.1556/2006.7.2018.98" target="_blank">Anthropomorphising</a> inanimate objects increases the sentimental value and perceived utility of items, which increases object attachment.
People who are dissatisfied with their interpersonal relationships are more prone to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886918300461" target="_blank">anthropomorphism</a> and have more difficulty <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178118318122" target="_blank">making decisions</a>. This strategy may be particularly unhelpful for them.
One of Kondo’s key messages is to discard any item that does not “spark joy”.
But for someone with excessive emotional attachment to objects, focusing on one’s emotional reaction may not be helpful. People who hoard things experience intense positive emotions in response to many of their possessions, so this may not help them declutter.
Think about how you get rid of things
<a href="https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/About-us/Latest-news/2019/01/10/23/21/Urgent-advisory-for-Netflix-inspired-declutterers" target="_blank">Sustainability Victoria</a> recently urged Netflix-inspired declutterers to reduce, reuse, and recycle rather than just tossing unwanted items into landfill.
Dumping everything into the op-shop or local charity bin is also problematic. Aussie charities are paying <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-04/charities-spending-millions-cleaning-up-fast-fashion-graveyard/10328758" target="_blank">A$13 million a year</a> to send unusable donations to landfill.
Ultimately, we need to make more thoughtful decisions about both acquiring and discarding possessions. We need to buy less, buy used, and pass our possessions on to someone else when we have stopped using them for their intended purpose.
Melissa Norberg, Associate Professor in Psychology, Macquarie University 
Jessica Grisham, Professor in Psychology, UNSW
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/my-possessions-spark-joy-will-the-konmari-decluttering-method-work-for-me-110357" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Will the KonMari decluttering method work for me?

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International Workplace Group’s (IWG) co-working brand Spaces has secured approximately 7,000 square metres of space across two buildings within Lendlease’s Melbourne Quarter precinct.
Spaces will occupy one floor at One Melbourne Quarter and more than 4,000 square metres over two floors at Two Melbourne Quarter.
They will also utilise the business lounge facilities in each building’s lobby as extensions of their workplace.
Spaces’ members will also have access to the precinct’s Wi-Fi enabled Sky Park.
<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/2019/1/22/One%20Melbourne%20Quarter.jpg" alt="">
There will be over 700 flexible workstations available when Spaces moves into One Melbourne Quarter (pictured above) in May this year and Two Melbourne Quarter (pictured below) once it is complete in mid-2020.
The precinct will also be the Victorian home of AMP and EnergyAustralia, which will join Arup and Lendlease.
Spaces’ model allows customers to pay only for the space they need, scaling operations up or down to boost employee productivity in their choice of work environments.
The Lendlease managed Australian Prime Property Fund (APPF) Commercial owns One Melbourne Quarter and has a 50% joint interest in Two Melbourne Quarter with First State Super.
<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/2019/1/22/Two%20Melbourne%20Quarter%20-%20artists%20impression.jpg" alt="">
"There is a workspace revolution underway in Australia and businesses of all sizes are waking up to the strategic and financial benefits that flexible office space can provide," said  Damien Sheehan, Head of IWG, Spaces parent company in Australia &amp; New Zealand.
"This will be the fourth Spaces co-working centre located in Victoria and we are extremely excited to be located in the new Melbourne Quarter Precinct."
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Co-working operator Spaces joins Melbourne Quarter precinct 

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The Agency Group Australia has seen Andrew Jensen appointed to the role of interim chairman, effective immediately.
Jensen succeeds Philip Re who tendered his resignation as chairman and from the board of the listed estate agency.
The Agency has a $23 million market capitalisation, after shares fell 15 percent today. Jensen has previously held the position of chief financial officer at The Agency, with a strong prior commercial, strategic and M&amp;A experience.
Jensen was the CFO of Australasia’s largest real estate group Ray White for eight years.
He has also been the CFO of VGC Food Group Pty Ltd, a private diversified manufacturing and franchising group.
“I am delighted to accept the opportunity to be Chairman of The Agency Group at this stage of its development,” Mr Jensen said.
“Despite the current market downturn, this Company is ideally positioned as innovative disrupter in the national real estate market to continue its rapid growth and cement its position as the fastest growing real estate company nationally.”
The Agency fell to ¢19 in its trading on Monday afternoon.
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The Agency managing director Paul Niardone said Phil Re had played a "key role overseeing what has been a significant transformational period for the company."
“As chairman, Phil has steered the company from its infancy, operating from one office in Doubleview with next to no agents under the Ausnet Real Estate Services banner, to being the fastest growing national real estate company in Australia with 293 agents across multiple offices and unaudited group revenue of approximately $24.5 million.
“He has overseen the Company’s substantial growth in Western Australia via the acquisition of Sell Lease Propertyand other notable real estate agencies including Beaufort Realty and the transition to national real estate agency with the acquisition of Top Level Real Estate.
“The board wish to thank Phil for his significant contribution and commitment to the Company and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
</div>
</div>
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Andrew Jensen appointed interim chairman of The Agency

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Woolworths will scrap its $1 dollar-a-litre milk in support of a more sustainable Australian dairy industry.
From tomorrow, Woolworths will remove $1 per litre milk from all stores around the country with its own brand milk to sell for $2.20 and $3.30 respectively.
Woolworths has announced plans to permanently increase the price of milk with the extra cost to be passed onto dairy farmers. 
Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci said the move would deliver higher prices to more than 450 dairy farmers.
Dairy farmers have rallied against $1 per litre milk ever since the supermarket giants started their price war in 2011, arguing the cheap price was unsustainable.
There was an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/775904401/videos/10156967043899402/" target="_blank">emotive video last week</a> from the daughter of a South Australian dairy farmer who was farewelling the herd as they abandoned the farm.
Casey Treloar, from South Australia, a third generation dairy farmer saw her facebook go viral with emotional farewell video.
The supermarket giant and rivals Coles previously put up the price of their two and three litre milk varieties in September as a temporary drought relief measure. 
Australian Dairy Farmers CEO David Inall welcomed Woolworths’ move, describing it as a ‘game changer’. 
“It is reassuring that Woolworths has committed to deliver the full 10 cent increase back to those farmers who supplied the milk into that product category,” Mr Inall said. 
“Removing $1 milk is not just intended to restore farmers’ financial confidence, but it will also boost confidence in regional communities and small businesses that rely on the industry."
Coles is yet to announce if it will follow Woolworths’ lead.
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Woolworths scraps $1-a-litre milk to support Australian dairy industry

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The Mount Sugarloaf Vineyard in the Grampians has been sold.
It has been bought by one of Victoria's oldest winemakers, Best's Great Western.
The sale of the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-viticulture-vic-great+western-7967450" target="_blank">409 hectare estate</a> was reportedly for $5.5 million.
Some 114 ha is under vine growing red grapes under the Hyde Park Wines label.
<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/2019/2/18/Gramp1.jpg" alt="">
Hyde Park Wines is owned by David Wells, Michael Ramsden and Michael Tilley, who planted their initial vineyard in 1997, close to the Seppelt vineyards at Great Western.
It is set a two hour drive from Melbourne.
Founded in 1866 in the Great Western wine region of Victoria, Best's Great Western is one of Australia's oldest continually family owned and operated wineries. 
Best's has only had two owners, the Best family who founded the winery, and the Thomson Family with a fifth generation Thomson is now running the winery.
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Best's Great Western buys Mount Sugarloaf Vineyard in the Grampians

Sydney developer Hyecorp's roots on the Lower North Shore stretch back three generations, and that deep understanding of the market continues to shape where and how it develops today.

From high-rise towers to boutique apartment projects, the family-run developer has built its reputation by focusing on a part of Sydney it knows intimately. Founded by Michael Abolakian in the early 1990s, Hyecorp is now led by his sons Stephen, Troy and Patrick.

Stephen Abolakian, joint managing director alongside Troy, has spent more than two decades in the business, overseeing development, planning, finance, marketing and sales.

Abolakian says the developer's disciplined focus on where it chooses to operate has been, and continues to be, one of Hyecorp's greatest strengths.

“We know the buyer profile exceptionally well,” Abolakian says.

“The demographics between places like Willoughby, Chatswood, St Leonards and Roseville are very similar. There are nuances between suburbs and projects, but culturally and from a buyer perspective, there’s a strong overlap.”

That buyer has historically been overwhelmingly owner-occupier driven.

Unlike many Sydney apartment developers that have traditionally relied heavily on investor demand, Hyecorp’s projects have typically attracted downsizers, upsizers, rightsizers and family owner-occupiers seeking long-term homes rather than short-term investments.

“Historically, investors have been a much smaller portion of our demand profile,” Abolakian says.

“We design for owner-occupiers. We don’t design for yield, we design for comfort, amenity, family living and long-term usability.”

That philosophy extends well beyond apartment layouts.

From landscaping and communal gardens to shared amenities and circulation spaces, Hyecorp’s developments are designed around how people actually live, something Abolakian believes has become increasingly important in Sydney’s apartment market.

“There was probably a period where having an approved project in market was enough,” he says.

“There wasn’t as much competition and if you built it, buyers would come. That’s no longer the case.”

“There’s more supply in the pipeline now, particularly with TOD precincts and low and mid-rise reforms opening up opportunities across Sydney. Buyers have more choice, so if you get the product wrong, they’ll simply go elsewhere.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=311393]

The shift has forced developers to become more sophisticated in how they approach apartment design, particularly as owner-occupier expectations continue to rise.

For Hyecorp, that means thinking beyond who the buyer is today and designing for who they may become in five or 10 years' time.

“People buying now often aren’t moving in for several years,” Abolakian says.

“You might have a young couple buying today, but by the time they move in they may have children, older children, or changing lifestyle needs. You’ve got to think about how families evolve.”

That thinking also shapes Hyecorp’s approach to amenity, which positions wellness at the forefront.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362634]

While resort-style facilities have become increasingly common marketing tools across Sydney apartment developments, Abolakian says the challenge is ensuring amenities are genuinely usable and appropriate for the scale of the project.

“If amenities are done right, they can materially improve the living experience,” he says, adding however that if you&nbsp;overdo it or get it wrong, you can end up with facilities nobody uses that simply create ongoing strata costs.”

That balance is something Hyecorp is aiming to strike with projects like Roseville Avenue, one of the group's upcoming Lower North Shore developments, which Abolakian describes as bringing a resort-style living experience into a metropolitan setting.

“It’s about creating something that feels special without being excessive,” he says.

“Good gardens, quality apartments, thoughtful amenity. Creating that resort feeling in a metro location.”

<img alt="Hyecorp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13c4c0f3-b1b7-44cf-9344-0b3d1d07797a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-02%20at%2012.14.57%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=9OLWjyj2bYkDV35F78WJnyMSPfc2bJ2z" />

The focus on owner-occupier product comes as Sydney’s apartment market continues to navigate a difficult development environment.&nbsp;For Hyecorp, maintaining an in-house operating model across construction, sales, marketing and development management has become increasingly important in navigating that environment.

“We’ve always believed in keeping a lot of the process in-house,” Abolakian says.

“It creates efficiencies, but it also creates quality control. You can make faster decisions and ensure the end product stays aligned with the original vision.”

Despite the challenges, Abolakian believes demand for quality owner-occupier apartments across Sydney remains strong beneath the surface, particularly across established Lower North Shore suburbs where downsizers continue to seek new housing options close to existing communities.

“There are definitely people waiting,” he says.

“Once some of the broader uncertainty settles, whether that’s the global environment or some of the local economic noise, I think the right projects will perform very strongly.”

Hyecorp currently has three residential developments on the market across Sydney’s Lower North Shore.&nbsp;Audrey, St Leonards, positioned opposite Newlands Park, is nearing completion and preparing to welcome its first residents, with the project now almost sold out.

Hyecorp has also recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celine-chatswood-37-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Celine Chatswood</a>, an architectural tower, while continuing to deliver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet Roseville</a>, a more boutique scale of development with just 34 apartments.

Joel Robinson

Why Hyecorp continues to back Sydney's Lower North Shore apartment market

South East Queensland’s apartment market is entering a new phase defined by rising prices, constrained affordability, and mounting pressure on the construction pipeline, according to RPM Group’s latest SEQ Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report.

The May 2026 report highlights a widening divide between what buyers can afford and what developers can viably deliver, with detached house prices continuing to push more buyers toward apartments across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

RPM says Brisbane’s median house price has reached around $1.5 million, accelerating the shift toward higher-density housing as buyers are increasingly priced out of the detached market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=356540]

Median unit prices rose across all three major SEQ markets in the March quarter. Brisbane City recorded the strongest annual growth, with median unit prices climbing 21 per cent to $862,000, while the Gold Coast reached the highest overall median at $950,000, up 17 per cent year-on-year. The Sunshine Coast followed at $870,000, representing annual growth of nine per cent.

RPM noted the affordability gap between houses and units remains significant, with detached homes commanding premiums of 67 per cent in Brisbane and 68 per cent on the Gold Coast relative to apartments.

The report suggests this price disparity is increasingly consolidating buyer demand within the apartment market, particularly among downsizers and owner-occupiers.

“Demand is real. Supply is moving. But they’re operating on different timelines and the gap between what’s being built and what buyers can afford is the defining tension in this market right now,” RPM Queensland and NSW Managing Directors Peter Neale and Clinton Trezise said in the report.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366230]

While approvals and commencements are strengthening, RPM argues the delivery pipeline remains constrained by construction costs, labour shortages, and extended build timelines.

Apartment approvals across Queensland increased 86 per cent over the year to February 2026, reaching 12,682 approvals, the highest level recorded since 2016. Brisbane overtook the Gold Coast as the state’s most active apartment approval market, with nearly 5,000 apartments approved over the past 12 months.

Unit commencements also strengthened considerably, rising 48 per cent year-on-year to 5,453 commencements in the December 2025 quarter, the highest level since 2018.

However, RPM’s research found apartment delivery timeframes have expanded sharply compared to the previous cycle. Projects are now averaging around 30 months from approval to completion, compared to roughly 20 months a decade ago.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367515]

The number of units under construction has climbed to approximately 31,530 dwellings, nearing the previous 2016 peak, though projects are remaining in the pipeline for considerably longer.

Construction costs continue to weigh heavily on feasibility. RPM found the average apartment construction cost in Greater Brisbane reached $630,000 per dwelling in 2025, exceeding both Sydney and Melbourne. Coastal Queensland markets, including the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, were even higher at an average of $817,418 per apartment due to the prevalence of larger premium product.

The report also points to increasing pressure from Olympic-related infrastructure spending ahead of Brisbane 2032, with labour competition expected to intensify over the next several years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370960]

ANZ Associate Director of Property Daniel Gradwell said the underlying demand drivers across South East Queensland remain strong, supported by interstate migration, downsizers, and population growth.

“The challenge is bringing enough supply to market to meet that demand, and nothing on the horizon makes that straightforward,” Gradwell said.

RPM’s analysis found the affordability challenge is becoming more pronounced in the new apartment market itself, with only three per cent of surveyed new apartments priced below $1 million.

Instead, the market is increasingly concentrated in higher price brackets, with the most common new apartment price band across SEQ sitting between $1.5 million and $1.75 million. Around half of all new apartment stock surveyed is priced below $2 million.

The report suggests developers are not necessarily avoiding lower price points by choice, but because current construction economics make delivering affordable apartments increasingly difficult at scale.

Rental conditions also remain tight across the region. Median rents for one-bedroom apartments rose 12 per cent in Brisbane over the past year to $580 per week, while Gold Coast one-bedroom rents increased nine per cent to $630.

Despite rising rents, RPM noted bond lodgements have generally trended downward over the past five years, indicating more apartments are being absorbed by owner-occupiers rather than retained as investor-held rental stock.

Looking ahead, RPM expects projects targeting the mid-market owner-occupier segment between $1.25 million and $2 million to remain the most viable part of the market, while premium projects in highly constrained coastal or riverfront locations continue to attract demand.

“Construction costs are rewriting the feasibility rulebook across Greater Brisbane, and with little relief in sight, only projects in the right price band, right location, and with presales secured early will make it through,” the report concludes.

SEQ apartment demand outpacing affordable supply as construction timelines stretch: RPM

Camberwell Junction has long been the epicentre of amenity in Melbourne’s Boroondara region.

For nearly a century, it has drawn both locals and visitors, anchored by the Camberwell Sunday Market, which first operated in 1929 and quickly became a fixture of the suburb’s identity. Over time, the Junction evolved into one of Melbourne’s most established retail and lifestyle precincts, now comprising more than 400 stores and over 300 commercial businesses.

Despite that depth of amenity, one thing has remained notably limited: the supply of new apartments.

In a suburb defined by its heritage streetscapes and tightly held residential stock, new development opportunities have been scarce, particularly within the core of the Junction itself. That lack of supply has left a gap in the market for larger, design-led apartments suited to downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in the area.

Boutique developer Above Zero identified that gap when it secured a prime site on Burke Road, in the heart of Camberwell Junction.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368543]

The site has a long planning history. Various proposals have been put forward over more than a decade, many of which were knocked back by the City of Boroondara, with initial applications dating back to 2015. Above Zero acquired the site in 2022 and returned with a revised scheme, refining both the building’s height and its ground-level interface to better align with Council expectations.

That process has culminated in approval for Camberwell House.

The Cera Stribley-designed development will deliver 57 residences on a 1,950 sqm site within the Camberwell Activity Centre, placing it directly within one of Melbourne’s most established retail and transport hubs.

It is expected to be one of the only new apartment developments to launch in the Junction in recent years, reinforcing the rarity of new supply in the precinct. Currently, there are just a handful of projects on the market in Camberwell, underscoring the significance of a development of this scale and positioning.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368544]

Camberwell House has been conceived with a clear focus on larger-format apartments. The project will offer a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, alongside a limited number of penthouses, targeting owner-occupiers seeking scale rather than volume-driven product.

The building’s vertical presence will also set it apart.

Positioned on Burke Road, the development is set to become one of the taller buildings in its immediate context, allowing for elevated outlooks across Melbourne’s CBD skyline and toward the Dandenong Ranges. In a precinct characterised by lower-scale built form, that height provides a point of differentiation, particularly for buyers seeking outlook and natural light.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368568]

Architecture has been led by Cera Stribley, with interiors by GOLDEN and landscape design by Florian Wild. The design approach centres on material consistency and restraint, with residences oriented to maximise light, ventilation and connection to outdoor spaces.

Full-height glazing and generous terraces form a key part of that strategy, allowing apartments to extend beyond their internal footprint and engage with the surrounding environment.

Beyond the private residences, a significant component of the project is its amenity offering.

Above Zero has positioned Camberwell House as a “complete living environment”, incorporating a full floor dedicated to resident facilities. At the centre of that is a wellness zone, including a 12.5-metre lap pool, spa, sauna and treatment spaces, alongside a gym and recovery-focused amenities.

This level of amenity is more commonly associated with inner-city developments, rather than established middle-ring suburbs like Camberwell.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368588]

Additional shared spaces include a private library lounge, dining and entertaining areas, and an indoor golf simulator. A self-contained guest suite has also been incorporated, allowing residents to accommodate visiting family or friends without impacting their primary living space.

The inclusion of these facilities reflects a broader shift in buyer expectations.

As more downsizers look to transition from larger family homes into apartments, there is increasing demand for developments that offer not just a residence, but a lifestyle. That includes access to wellness, social and entertaining spaces within the building itself, reducing the reliance on external amenity while still maintaining proximity to established precincts.

Camberwell House is positioned to benefit from both.

Its location places it within immediate walking distance of Camberwell Junction’s retail and dining offering, as well as public transport connections, including tram and train services. That combination of internal amenity and external convenience is central to its appeal.

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Jellis Craig Projects Director Stephen Bowtell is handling sales for the project and says Camberwell House offers a rare entry point into one of Melbourne’s most tightly held markets.

“Buyers are recognising that Camberwell House offers something they simply haven’t seen before in Boroondara,”&nbsp;Bowtell&nbsp;says.

“It combines a level of resident amenity and service typically associated with Melbourne’s premium inner-city developments, while being positioned right in the heart of Camberwell Junction.

“The response to the concierge offering has been particularly strong. Buyers appreciate not only the convenience, but also the sense of security and peace of mind that comes from having a dedicated presence in the building every day.

“When you combine that with the wellness facilities, the exceptional arrival experience, and panoramic views across both the CBD skyline and the Dandenong Ranges, it creates a lifestyle proposition that is genuinely unique within the local market.”
</section>

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Above Zero launches Camberwell House in undersupplied Camberwell Junction precinct

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

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CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

Staff reporter

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