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The number one spot for low median unit values is Newman in the East Pilbara council region, according to the CoreLogic end of year report.
Around 24 units were sold in the region at a median price of $96,274 during the past year.
South Hedland ($99,878) and Port Hedland ($127,892) were placed second and third in terms of lowest median unit values across Australia.
These regions sold 65 and 55 units respectively.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/20/WA%20Low%20Value.JPG" alt="">
An example of the price point being present in WA was 6/15 Mindarra Drive, Newman (pictured above).
The one bedroom one bathroom unit was sold in November this year for $109,000.
Last sold for 575,000 in 2013 this shows a $456,000 decrease in price over the past 5 years.
Located close to the Newman CBD, School and Shire Pool the property is also near Newman hospital.
The unit was most recently listed for rent in 2017 at $225 per week down $450 from $750 per week in 2014.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/20/Newman%202.JPG" alt="">
Another example of this price point is a block of 12 units 11 of which have sold this year at 6 Arika Place, Newman.
They sold for prices ranging from $65,000 to $122,500.
11/6 Arika Place (pictured above) was listed as a rental on December 18 for $230 per week.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Investors need to head to WA's mining towns for lowest median unit values

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The lowest median house values in Australia this year were in Zeehan on the West Coast of Tasmania, according to CoreLogic's end of year report.
The town's median came in at $71,184.
Three of the top four localities with the lowest median house values were in the West Coast council region of Tasmania with third lowest being Queenstown ($74,961) and fourth lowest being Rosebery ($75,858).
They had higher values than in Peterborough, SA which had the second lowest median at $71,880.
Zeehan also had the ninth highest Gross rental yield nationally at 12.5%.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/20/TAS%20Low%20value.JPG" alt="">
An example of the median house value in this region of Tasmania being at this level is 3 Emma Street, Zeehan (pictured above).
This two bedroom, one bathroom house sold for $67,000 earlier this year.
The property features four parking spots.
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Zeehan, Tasmania had the nation's lowest 2018 median house values

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A beachside Yamba home in coastal northern New South Wales is on the market for the first time in almost 40 years.
The four bedroom, three bathroom residence located at 1 Church Street is a family-sized beach house.
Atherstone is described by Ray White Yamba agent Daniel Kelly as a classic Queenslander style residence.
<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/2018/12/20/Yamba%202.jpg" alt="">
Mr Kelly said, relevant sales in the area suggest the value of the property "should sit somewhere above $1 million.”
Yamba is roughly 3 hours to the Brisbane CBD, 2 hours to the Gold Coast, and 8 hours from Sydney or a 1 hour flight.
Aetherstone is situated within a short walk of beaches, cafes, restaurants and the famous Pacific Hotel.
<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/2018/12/20/Yamba%203.jpg" alt="">
Mr Kelly said "the owners have given very clear instructions to sell now."
The home goes to auction January 27.
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Beachside Yamba home listed after almost four decades

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Phillips Pantzer Donnelley (PPD) has claimed a sales record as the biggest selling single agency.
The company has sold 499 properties during 2018 translating to a total $1.11 billion worth of real estate, with a few days to go.
"This is the most real estate traded by any single agency in Australia," the agency has advised.
The agency opened in December 2013. It has its main office at Woollahra with its property management office also in Woollahra.
 PPD have built on its sales transactions success year on year with 2017 having been a record year with the sale of 434 properties with a value of $1.072 billion.
In 2016 it exchanged on 434 properties with a value of $936 million.
During their inaugural year their company sold more than 360 homes for a total of about $600 million in real estate.
It concentrates on Sydney's eastern suburbs, lead by Alexander Phillips, Jason Pantzer and Debbie Donnelley.
Alexander Phillips' highest recorded sale price this year was $12.5 million for 2 Mirimar Avenue, Tamarama, a 5-bedroom house.
Debbie's most recent highest sale price was $4.2 million for 140 Windsor Street, Paddington, a 3-bedroom house which sold in March.
The give back to the local community providing local on-going sponsorships at Easts FC, Bronte Surf Lifesaving Club, Bronte Netball, Sydney Children’s Hospital and Dunbar Rovers.
It was in 2010 when McGrath Eastern Suburbs sold $1.12 billion from 938 sales out of the head office, which chief executive John McGrath said was an Australian record for any individual residential sales office. It sat among its growing company and franchise offices.
 
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Phillips Pantzer Donnelley (PPD) claim $1.11 billion sales record as single agency

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The announcement of the removal of the 30 percent cap for new interest-only residential mortgages will allow lenders to offer more choice for customers, leading to an increase in competition across the industry, particularly for smaller and regional banks, the Australian Banking Association chief, Anna Bligh said.
“While banks will continue to lend prudently, today’s decision will mean all banks can offer more choice for customers who are looking to buy a house or apartment. 
Average rates according to borrower 
<table class="x_MsoTableGrid" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
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<td valign="top" width="301">
Owner occupier, principal and interest
</td>
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4.27%
</td>
</tr>
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<td valign="top" width="301">
Owner occupier, interest-only
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
4.68%
</td>
</tr>
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Investor, principal and interest
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
4.60%
</td>
</tr>
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<td valign="top" width="301">
Investor, interest-only
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
4.84%
</td>
</tr>
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Source: RateCity.com.au
“Increased competition across the industry will mean customers have more ability to shop around for the best deal for them when looking at an interest-only home loan,” she said. 
In terms of banks home loan commitments, the proportion of interest-only loans are now 16 percent much lower than the proportion seen two years ago at 37 percent.
Sally Tindall, research director at RateCity.com.au, noted APRA’s intervention has had a marked effect on new borrowing.
“This announcement will see banks re-open their books to more interest-only lenders, particularly investors."
But Tindall was unsure whether there would be a drop in interest-only rates to attract more borrowers.
“Banks have grown accustomed to charging borrowers more for interest-only loans," she said.
The final ACCC report into residential mortgage pricing released last week found that the big four banks collected an extra $1.1 billion over the last financial year as a result of hiking interest-only rates as since March 2017 there has been a 37 basis point average increase in interest rates on investor, interest only loans.
On average the rates are now 32 basis points above investor, principal and interest loans, and 76 basis points above owner occupied, principal and interest rates.
“We have also seen an increase in interest rates for owner occupier interest only loans that are up 33 basis points since their lows in March last year," Mozo’s property expert Steve Jovcevski said.
“While we welcome the push to improve lending standards, it’s clear the cap on interest only loans has put the brakes on the investor market.
“Coupled with the cooling of the housing markets across the country which have pulled back significantly since their peaks, it’s clear the temporary cap has done its job,” Jovcevski said.
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APRA's IO loan cap abolition will allow greater choice for over charged borrowers

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The REA Group’s chief financial officer Owen Wilson has been promoted to CEO of REA Group, replacing Tracey Fellows.
Fellows will <a href="/news/tracey-fellows-steps-down-as-boss-of-rea-group">step down from her role in January</a> to become president of global digital real estate at News Corp in New York.
The new CEO joined REA Group in 2014.
Wilson’s previous roles include positions at MacLeod Group, where he was CFO and company secretary, as well as chief operating officer at ANZ’s Institutional and Investment Bank.
Hamish McLennan, chairman of the REA Group board, said Wilson had played a critical role in the group’s growth.
“He has a deep understanding of the company, our long-term strategy and the importance of our customers in driving business success,” McLennan said.
"The board has a long-term commitment to succession planning, and I am pleased that this internal appointment reflects the strength of our REA Group talent,” he said.
He commences his new role on January 7 with plans to expand the real estate listings company’s Asia operations as part of his growth strategy.
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Owen Wilson promoted to replace Tracey Fellows at REA Group

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The much anticipated purchase of Top Level Real Estate Pty Ltd by the Perth-based publicly listed The Agency Group Australia has been delayed yet again.
The Agency advised the December 17 settlement would be "slightly delayed."
It claimed it was "due to the time of year and public holidays."
The parties apparently remain committed to completing the transaction, and "are hopeful of doing so prior to year’s end."
It told shareholders that final consents to satisfy all conditions precedent to the acquisition are yet to be finalised.
The company undertook to keep the market updated on the move that would consolidate its east coast status.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/12/19/Top-Level.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<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/2018/12/19/Top-Level.jpg" alt="">
The Agency Group has advised its desired East Coast operations undertaken by Top Level have delivered its best month to date for FY2019.
For November 2018, The Agency (East Coast) reported Gross Commission Income (GCI) of A$2.4 million for the month.
The sales included Bellevue Hill’s Rona estate which sold for $58 million in conjunction with L&amp;S in an Australian record for a non-waterfront property.
<div class="layoutArea">The Agency (WA) and Sell Lease Property now have over 4% market share in WA, compared to the market leader which has 9% market share.</div>
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<div class="layoutArea">The Agency also experienced strong results in November 2018 reporting GCI of $1.2 million and 126 properties sold across the combined group (The Agency and Sell Lease Property) in WA.</div>
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The Agency (WA) reported 65 sales worth $33.2 million with GCI of $655,595.30 while SLP reported 61 sales worth $28.8 million with GCI of $556,000 for November 2018.
It was December two years ago when McGrath Limited has lost its head of sales, Matt Lahood.
Lahood had been with the McGrath business since 1997. He was director of sales for 12 years.
It was September when The Agency reportedly secured the funds to secure Top Level Real Estate, run by the east coast McGrath rebel agents.
It is via a complicated $8.4 million share placement, along with $5 million of Top Level debt to be converted into shares at $0.01 per share.
The extensive documentation advised total debts of Top Level currently sit at $26,993,812, and immediately following the deal will be $18,760,100.
It's less than the simple outright $10 million capital raising being sought to fund the purchase, which they <a href="/news/the-agency-secures-two-month-extension-to-find-funds-for-the-mcgrath-rebels-acquisition">continually delayed</a>.
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The Agency's acquisition of McGrath rebels delayed yet again

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Sunland has abandoned its controversial 555-apartment scheme for the former ABC site in Toowong.
The Sunland proposal was dubbed the “champagne flute” skyscrapers.
Locals contested the Zaha Hadid-designed Grace on Coronation, which came with three towers.
The future of Sunland’s Grace on Coronation development was thrown into uncertainty earlier this year after a sole neighbouring resident won an appeal against the approval of the development.
A unanimous Court of Appeal judgment overturned an earlier Planning and Environment Court decision which approved the development where its towers were planned to significantly exceeding the height limitations outlined in the planning scheme.
Sunland's Soheil Abedian had hoped that people would “come to their senses”.
Abedian had indicated the Court of Appeal’s judgment meant Brisbane had “missed the opportunity” for a city-making development project.
“When we lodged our development application in 2014, our vision was to introduce world-class architecture and community parklands to the inner-city riverfront site, which has been closed to the public for more than 160 years,” Abedian told The Urban Developer.
Topping out at 27-storeys, the development exceeded the city plan by 12-storeys.
The development scheme has been removed from the public listed Sunland website.
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Sunland scrap its Toowong champagne flute skyscrapers plan

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The proportion of loss-making property sales in Geelong hit a 16-year low during 2018 as the regional Victorian market continued its strong sales. 
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Loss-making sales dropped to 0.8 per cent of all property resales in the September quarter, according to the latest CoreLogic quarterly Pain &amp; Gain report.
It was the best result since 2002, when .5 per cent of homes sold at a loss.
CoreLogic senior research analyst Cameron Kusher said the low figure highlighted the strength of the market.
“It certainly has slowed a little bit since then but it highlights the strong run-up in dwelling values that Geelong has seen in the past five years,” he told The Geelong Advertiser.
“Most people that are selling now are well ahead. Nationally, only Hobart saw a lower share of resales at a loss than Geelong.”
The Geelong region has seen some of the largest annual increases in median values for both houses and units across Australia, according to CoreLogic.
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The region, south west of Melbourne, saw its median house value grow 16.6 percent ($82,460) and its units rise 11.9 percent ($42,624), in the 12 months to August 2018.
Despite Geelong's sale activity down nine percent annually, houses are selling 12 days faster than they were in August 2017.
CoreLogic's recent Quarterly Regional Market Update, which looks at the biggest regions outside of capital cities, found the best regional house value performer in New South Wales was the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region where house values grew by nine percent, while the median unit value increased by over five percent.
The best unit market performer was the Richmond-Tweed region, with values soaring over nine percent. 
Geelong’s strong capital growth in recent years put the local market at risk of losing its affordability advantage to suburbs in Melbourne’s outskirts, Cameron Kusher acknowledged.
Prices are now $160,000 dearer than Ballarat, where the median price is $360,000, and $180,000 more than Bendigo ($337,000).
“It’s not going to slowdown to the magnitude that Melbourne has, but certainly in the next year you are going to see a slowdown in growth in Geelong,” Kusher said.
When Melbourne’s property market started to soften over the first half of 2018, Geelong remained one of the best performing property markets in the country, according to the October Herron Todd White residential report.
The HTW report suggests that established inner-city residential locations such as Geelong West, Drumcondra, East Geelong and Newtown, have seen some significant results with an increase in demand for both dwellings that required a complete rebuild and those that have already undergone high-end luxury transformations.
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These areas are often restricted by heritage overlays and neighbourhood residential zoning which may reduce higher density development in order to preserve the neighbourhood streetscape.
"Vendors willing to undertake a renovation are often rewarded at the time of sale with strong buyer demand for properties equipped with all the modern luxuries and the elegance of a period home," the report noted.
The house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-geelong+west-127807502" target="_blank">25 Elizabeth Street, Geelong West</a> (pictured below) is an example of a high-end renovation. The property was purchased in 2017 for $580,000 and recently resold for $1.3 million after an extensive renovation that transformed the interior whilst retaining the elegant Victorian facade.
Before: 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/25/geelong%20west%20before%201.jpeg" alt="">
<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/2018/10/25/geelong%20west%20before%202.jpg" alt="">
After:
<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/2018/10/25/geelong%20west%20after.jpg" alt="">
<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/2018/10/25/geelong%20west%20after%202.jpg" alt="">
The outer south-western suburbs such as Werribee, Point Cook, Tarneit, Truganina and Wyndham Vale have not seen as significant a trend to renovations as we have seen in other suburbs. HTW noted this may be due to the abundance of developing greenfield estates that surround the area where building an affordable new home may be a more attractive option than renovation.
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Geelong leads regional property markets in houses and units: CoreLogic

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Australians are unconvinced by the flagship Labor reform on negative gearing, with 44 percent are against the policy change.
A poll found 43 percent in favour of restricting the tax deductions on investment properties.
The remaining 13 percent did not know.
It comes as Opposition Leader Bill Shorten mounted a spirited defence of his tax plans at the ALP national conference.
The Ipsos poll conducted for Nine Entertainment also found that voters were against the mooted change on capital gains tax on investments, with 48 per cent against and 43 per cent in favour.
Labor voters overwhelmingly back the changes.
Labor wants to halve the capital gains tax discount and restrict negative gearing to newly built homes, while “grandfathering” existing negative gearing arrangements.
It has claimed the policy would raise $32 billion over 10 years, making it Labor’s second-biggest policy after its proposal to raise $56 billion over a decade by restricting tax refunds on dividend imputation.
The Opposition leader noted on Sunday that the tax reforms were not “universally loved.” 
“I would rather see more young couples buy their first home, than spend billions subsidising investors acquiring multiple properties,” he told the Labor national conference.
Those who oppose Mr Shorten’s changes to negative gearing include 30 per cent of Labor voters, 26 per cent of Greens voters, 70 per cent of One Nation voters and 61 per cent of Coalition voters.
The policy is backed by 60 per cent of Labor voters.
The poll comes as housing policy emerges as an election issue.
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The biggest Labor policy at the national conference was a plan for $6.6 billion in affordable housing over 10 years by giving a subsidy to developers to build new homes and charge rents that are 20 per cent below market rates.
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<div class="_1lC_G">The plan only includes $102 million over its first four years.</div>
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<p data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen-6236702_632="1544961372749" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6236702_632="1544961372749" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6236702_632="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6236702_632="1">The Labor policy revives the National Housing Affordability Scheme introduced by the Rudd government in 2008, which also gave a subsidy to developers but did not fund the full cost of construction.
<p data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen-6236702_632="1544961372749" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6236702_632="1544961372749" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6236702_632="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6236702_632="1">The government is committed to spend almost $30 billion on housing over the next five years.
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Labor's negative gearing policy splits the nation

A mix of Gold Coast locals, fly-in, fly-out purchasers from Sydney and Melbourne, and Brisbane-based families has driven early sales success at Broadbeach's newest apartment tower, Lumara.

The 26-level project, a joint venture between builder-developer 5Point Projects and Bourke Projects, comprises just 37 luxury residences and is attracting a buyer profile that is looking for exclusivity, above the most amenity-rich suburb on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=364156]

Jamie Bourke, Director of Bourke Projects, says every buyer secured so far intends to use Lumara as a lock-up-and-leave residence, combining holiday use with the ability to work remotely when required.

“The size of the apartments, both half- and full-floor options, and the different zones within the floorplans, lends itself perfectly to dedicated home office setups and multi-generational family holidays,” Bourke says.

That flexibility has become a key drawcard for affluent buyers seeking a second residence on the Gold Coast without sacrificing the ability to conduct business away from their primary home base.

The absence of holiday letting within the building has also resonated strongly with purchasers.

“This type of buyer doesn't need to generate holiday rental income,” Bourke says. “They're paying for exclusivity, privacy and certainty around who their neighbours are.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=366491]

The strong demand comes amid broader shifts in the high-end apartment market following the Federal Budget announcements in May.

“We were already seeing strong enquiry from high-net-worth buyers, but that has only accelerated since the policy changes,” Bourke says.

“A lot of those buyers are looking to place more capital into premium lifestyle assets rather than investment-grade stock that has been targeted by the Federal Government.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=366486]

Designed by Cottee Parker, Lumara adopts a slender, sculpted form with an emphasis on natural materials suited to its beachfront setting. The architectural approach draws on coastal influences, with a palette of stone, timber and concrete selected for durability and the ability to weather over time.

Apartments are limited to three and four-bedroom configurations, with a maximum of two residences per floor through the mid-levels and a selection of full-floor and dual-level homes in the upper levels. All apartments are oriented to the north to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and views across the ocean, city skyline and hinterland.

A two-level amenity offering is positioned high within the building on levels 20 and 21, conceived as a sky wellness retreat. Facilities include a magnesium pool, spa, sauna and steam rooms, alongside more social spaces such as a private dining room, resident lounge, workspaces and outdoor barbecue areas integrated with landscaped greenery.

The uppermost levels are reserved for larger-format residences, including several full-floor homes and a dual-level penthouse with its own private wellness features and recreational spaces.

&nbsp;

To give buyers confidence, 5Point and Bourke commenced construction ahead of the apartments launching to the market, a sure-fire way to prove they mean business, and the building will be delivered. They are targeting a 2028 completion date.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150454]

Joel Robinson

Locals, interstate holiday makers, drive early sales at Lumara, Broadbeach's newest luxury apartment tower

Often when it comes to purchasing property, the biggest barrier to entry is the deposit. Buyers of established homes typically aim for a 20 per cent deposit to avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance, while most property transactions require around a 10 per cent deposit when contracts are exchanged.

The off-the-plan market works differently, with buyers typically paying a deposit during construction and settling the balance upon completion. As completion approaches at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/fabbrica-fitzroy-369-gore-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">Fabbrica Fitzroy</a>, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pace-development-group">Pace</a> is making it easier for buyers to secure a residence through a deposit-matching incentive. Purchasers need only contribute a five per cent deposit*, with Pace matching the remaining five per cent.

The offer comes as Pace unveils a completed display apartment and townhouse, now available for inspection by appointment ahead of the project's Spring completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371009]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/winwood-mckenzie-architecture">Winwood Mckenzie</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/acre">Acre</a>, Fabbrica draws on Fitzroy’s industrial and manufacturing history, incorporating references to the former Argyle Shirt Factory and Life Savers Confectionery Company that once occupied the site.

The development comprises 85 residences, spanning low-maintenance apartments through to larger-format townhouses with private street access and double lock-up garages, a relatively uncommon offering in Fitzroy’s higher-density apartment market.

Pace says the project has been designed to appeal to buyers seeking inner-city convenience without sacrificing space, flexibility, or amenity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371016]

Inside the residences, Winwood Mckenzie has focused on adaptable layouts and integrated detailing, with features including custom joinery, and concealed storage solutions. The material palette leans into warm, tactile finishes intended to complement the building’s industrial architectural language.

Fabbrica’s rooftop amenity is a key part of the project offering. Spanning around 800 sqm, the communal rooftop includes a private dining room, communal kitchen, lounge spaces, work-from-home zones, and outdoor dining areas overlooking the Melbourne CBD skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371017]

Landscape architecture studio Acre has introduced a layered rooftop garden designed to soften the urban setting while creating a more communal environment for residents.

The Fitzroy location also positions residents within walking distance of Brunswick Street, Smith Street, parks, cafés, galleries, and public transport, while remaining only minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. The project has an enviable Walk Score of 96.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371025]

Pace, which is also delivering the project as builder, has developed more than 100 projects across Melbourne over the past three decades. The vertically integrated approach has become increasingly common among developers seeking greater control over construction delivery amid broader market pressures affecting the apartment sector.

The strikingly contemporary Gore Street development is now around 70 per cent complete, with purchasers expected to move into their new homes in Spring 2026. A limited number of residences remain available under the current deposit match offer.

*Conditions apply in relation to the deposit match offer.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139552]

Pace offers five per cent deposit match at Fabbrica Fitzroy ahead of Spring completion

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”
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Staff reporter

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