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With the imminent return of SeaChange to television, Barwon Heads could be back in the spotlight if the Channel Nine series films again in the coastal Victorian location. 
Some property commentators have calculated Barwon Heads prices have outdone Melbourne's during the intervening two decades.
One recent sale was the holiday rental home known as Cottesloe Beach Shack for $900,000 to Northcote buyers, showing sizeable price growth. 
The cute Cottesloe Drive cottage last traded at $500,050 in 2010 when bought by a Richmond couple whose saw its rental income jump to over $50,000 a year.
It sold at $275,000 in 2004 and before that in 1971 at $1100. It once featured on Channel Nine's Postcards, albeit with Glen Moriarty, not Bec Judd, singing its praises.
Nestled within native landscaped garden, the main home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the main eco-ply designed.
An open plan living and dining area that adjoins the galley-style kitchen opens to the front deck and garden.
There is a one bedroom bungalow tucked away in the topiary.
<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/2017/12/15/cott2.jpg" alt="">
The backyard features a fire put, raised veggie patch, fruit trees, sandpit and manicured garden beds. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Barwon Heads beach shack sold for $900,000

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Australian owned Property Bay Pty Ltd has signed purchase contracts to create a world class eco-resort and tourist destination on Dunk Island on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
The asset backed unit token project will start with an initial US$110 million capital raise, which will in-part be funded by crypto currency, with construction commencing in the first quarter of 2019 on a glamping site, 5-star hotel, swimming pools and other amenities.
The IM (Information Memorandum) is available by application.
Named by Captain Cook in 1770 after the First Lord of the Admiralty and First Earl of Sandwich George Montagu Dunk.
The Island is a pristine tropical Great Barrier Reef island situated 4km off the coast of tropical north Queensland near Mission Beach and is known as “The Island of Peace and Plenty”.
It’s also famous for its restorative qualities due to former journalist and Senior Editor of the Townsville Bulletin Edmund James Banfield moving there in 1897 after being told he had 6 months to live. Banfield lived and wrote there, extending his life by 26 years before eventually dying in 1926.
“Dunk Island, and surrounding palm-fringed Mission Beach is an incredibly idyllic area, where rainforest meets reef – with this project we intend to bring significant tourism, and in turn jobs, to the local community.” says Tim Sommers spokesman and Co-Founder of Property Bay. “ 
The Dunk Island project will be a global first with technology and eco-tourism the primary drivers.
The aim is a zero-carbon footprint with Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, self-driving buggies and related tech underpinning the environment, Sommers said.
"The Island economy will be entirely driven through a utility token model that not only will be exchanged for goods and services, but will also reward customers for their energy footprint."
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Cryptocurrency funded Dunk Island restoration plans announced

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The Bondi Junction hotel leasehold has been listed for sale.
Set on the site of the former Mill Hill Hotel (pictured above), it is located within walking distance of Westfield Shopping Centre and the Bondi Junction Transport Interchange.
The allotment for the <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-nsw-bondi+junction-502939378" target="_blank">59-69 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction</a> property (pictured below) is due for completion in 2019. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/24/Freehold%20BJ.JPG" alt="">
With a proposed internal floor area of 408 sqm and 10 serviced apartments located on the first floor, it is located just 4 km from Bondi Beach.
The property has been on the market for over 450 days and was listed just 5 months after the purchase was settled in early 2017.
The holding was sold for $20 million in 2017.
It is for sale through an expression of interest campaign run by HTL property.
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Leasehold hotel in Bondi Junction for sale

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
The number of properties that sell within a given year accounts for a very small portion of the overall market and has trended even lower over recent years. Over the 12 months to July 2018, 4.6 per cent of national dwellings transacted, down from 5.3 per cent a year ago. 
The more pronounced decline in turnover rates over the year to July is hardly a surprise given current market conditions, with dwelling values softening each month now for the past 12 months; coupled with the lowest levels of new stock being added to the market seen since 2012 over the past 6 months, as confidence wanes and homes take longer to sell. However, the long term trend can be attributable to a variety of factors and will differ between each of the regions. 
Housing affordability has likely had a large impact on the broader downward trend in turnover rates, where the likes of Sydney and Melbourne would have weighed heavily, given the high growth seen across these larger markets relative to only mild growth in household incomes. Fifteen years ago the dwelling price to income ratio as a national figure showed that dwelling prices were 5.1 times as high as the gross household income, while recent data shows this has increased to 6.8. In Sydney and Melbourne, where affordability has been a challenge for prospective buyers for some time, the price to income ratio sits at 9.1 and 8.1 respectively. In turn, what can been seen as housing has become less affordable across some capital city markets, regional areas have benefitted from the flow-on effect for being the more affordable option.
In addition, the high transactional cost to both purchase and sell property has likely added a further barrier to housing market participation. From the sell side there are marketing costs, agent fees and commission, legal costs and potentially some costs associated with getting the property ready to present to market. From the buy side, stamp duty costs as percentage of the purchase price are a major barrier to entry, especially in the more expensive markets as well as the costs associated with building and pest inspections and conveyancing.  
More recently, credit rationing has provided an additional dampening effect on housing activity.
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2018-10/20181018_turnover_regional_vs_capital_city.jpg" alt="CoreLogic Turnover regional vs capital city" width="2016" height="1389">
Given the potential differences across each market, the analysis takes a look at turnover across each of the state’s capital city and non-capital city regions, including the top 5 council area’s across each state where the largest proportion of dwellings sold over the year.
Over the 12 months to July, 4 out of 7 of the rest of state regions recorded a higher level of turnover compared to their capital city counterpart. This was most prevalent across NSW, where Australia’s most expensive property market of Sydney saw a turnover rate of 4.1%, while outside of the metro area, turnover was at a considerably higher level with 5.6% of the market transacting over the year. 
The regional area of Tasmania saw the highest level of turnover of all regions with 6.1% of total dwelling turnover, while the lowest turnover levels were in WA (Perth 3.3%, Rest of WA 3.3%) and Darwin (3.5%).  Unsurprisingly, regional Tasmania has been one of the strongest housing markets for capital gains, with values up 8.1% over the past twelve months, while areas of Western Australia and Darwin have been amongst the weakest markets with dwelling values down materially since peaking in 2014.
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2018-10/20181018_turnover_by_state.jpg" alt="CoreLogic Turnover by state" width="2600" height="1278">
<h3>Top 5 Council Regions by State – Highest Turnover </h3>
All top 5 NSW council regions with the highest rate of turnover were in non-capital city regions, topping the list with 8.5% of housing stock transacting over the year was Tumbarumba, followed by Dungog where 7.9% of total dwellings sold over the 12 months to July 18. Coming in equal third place was Upper Lachlan Shire and Palerang with a turnover rate of 7.7%. It should be noted that these regions all have shallow overall stock levels, with less than 5,000 dwellings across each of these council areas. 
3 of the 5 NT council regions were in the Greater Darwin capital city region, although it was regional Alice Springs that recorded the highest rate of yearly turnover with 4.9% of dwellings transacting over the 12 months to July 18. Katherine, located outside of the main capital city region was next on the list with a 4.0% rate of turnover. The remaining 3 capital city regions making up the top list all saw less than 4% of housing stock sell over the year, with NT council regions showing the lowest turnover rates out of the national list.
Regional area’s dominated the top 5 list in QLD; comprising mostly of lifestyle coastal regions where dwelling values have been rising over the last 12 months. Noosa saw the largest proportion of housing turnover over the 12 months to July 18 (7.4%), while further south on the Gold Coast, 7.2% of housing sold over the same period, however the Gold Coast council area covers a much larger geography with over 253,045 dwellings in the region. The Sunshine Coast where housing stock is also considerably higher saw a 6.9% rate of turnover over the year, while 6.3% of total dwellings transacted in both Gympie and Douglas.
4 out of 5 of the SA council regions were in regional areas of the state. Robe had the highest turnover at 7.2%, followed by Mount Gambier (6.7%) and Victor Harbor (6.6%).  While Alexandrina saw 6.2% of dwellings sell over the year, which was slightly lower the capital city region of Campbelltown (6.3%). 
Latrobe in regional Tasmania came in with the highest level of turnover over the year, with 7.4% of total dwellings transacting. The remaining 4 regions came in equal 2nd place with 7.3% of total housing turnover over the 12 months of July, this was across both capital city and regional areas of the state.
In VIC, the top 2 council regions with the highest turnover were in the main capital city region, where Wyndham saw 6.3% of properties sell over the year, followed by Cardinia with a turnover rate of 6.2%. The remaining 3 council regions making the highest turnover list were all in regional VIC, where Latrobe and Baw Baw both recorded a rate of turnover at 6%, while the Bass Coast saw 5.9% of dwellings sell over the 12 months to July 18.
Interestingly, WA’s top turnover area’s over the year were in the mining regions of Port Hedland, Karratha and East Pilbara, given values across these regions saw considerable declines coming out of the mining boom 10 years ago, resulting in less housing turnover; recent years have seen transaction levels increase and declines in the region ease. The capital city areas of Mandurah and Claremont were also on the list where 4.1% and 4.0% of dwellings transacted over the year respectively.
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2018-10/20181018_highest_turnover_rates.jpg" alt="CoreLogic Highest Turnover Rates" width="767" height="1205"> 
Analysis includes council region data count of total sales as a percentage over total dwellings over the 12 months to July 2018. Suburbs with less than 1000 total dwellings excluded from the analysis.
Jade Harling is a Research Analyst for CoreLogic
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Regional Australia records highest turnover ratio this year: CoreLogic

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Wollongong was in the bottom three when it came to clearance rates at auction this weekend, with a rate of just 38 percent.
Around 32 properties went to auction in Wollongong, however, only 10 sold of the 26 confirmed results.
Overall, auction activity picked up over the week with 2,119 homes taken to auction.
There was an increase in auction volumes over the week with 2,119 homes taken to auction across the combined capital cities, up from 1,851 over the previous week although lower than this time last year (2,519).
Preliminary results show a clearance rate of 49.8 per cent across the combined capital cities, up from 47.0 per cent last week, however much lower than 12 months ago (64.7 per cent), marking the 4th consecutive week where the clearance rate has been below 50 per cent.
Properties caught up in low clearance rate in Wollongong included <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-nsw-wollongong-129269514" target="_blank">11/3 New Dapto Road, Wollongong</a>  (pictured above) which did not sell.
The three bedroom two bathroom townhouse set over two story's features a double lock up garage.
With a price guide of $725,000 to $750,000, the 224 sqm home last sold in 2002 for $365,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/22/Wool%202.JPG" alt="">
Another home that didn't succeed was <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-balgownie-129423138">21 New Mount Pleasant Rd, Balgownie</a> (pictured above).
Set on 980 sqm the four bedroom two bathroom home features a wraparound balcony.
The price guide for the home was $1,050,000 to $1,150,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/22/Wool%203.JPG" alt="">
However a home that did manage to sell in Wollongong is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-figtree-129435162" target="_blank">14 Camden Grove, Figtree</a> (pictured above).
The four bedroom two bathroom hope is close to the Wollongong CBD.
Last sold in $705,000 for 2016 the home sold for $750,000, showing some price growth.
This was an appreciation of 3.14% annually.
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Wollongong's 38 percent weekend auction clearance rates

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
Westpac’s forecast for the September quarter headline CPI is 0.5%qtr which will see the annual pace ease to 2.0%yr from 2.1%yr.
Westpac’s forecast leaves the two quarter annualised pace at 1.6%yr.
The September quarter is a seasonally strong quarter with the ABS projecting a seasonal factor of +0.30ppt. However, this is larger than the average of the June quarter seasonal factor for the previous two years (average 0.27ppt) so there is a risk that this estimate will be revised downward.
Core inflation is forecast to print 0.3%qtr (0.31% at two decimal places) seeing the annual pace ease to 1.8%yr from 1.9%yr. The trimmed mean AND weighted median are both forecast to rise 0.31%.
The two quarter annualised pace of core inflation eases back to 1.5%yr from 2.0%yr putting inflation momentum below the RBA’s target band.
We have lifted our Q3 forecast (it was 0.3%qtr) due to rising petrol prices (impact is set to be even larger in the December quarter) plus the impact of drought on fresh fruit, lamb and cereal product prices (beef prices have been falling as cattle have been sold).
We have also made a small allowance for the introduction of GST on imported goods worth less than $1,000.
The big unknown this quarter is the impact of changes to childcare rebates. Back in 2007 and 2008 increases in rebates saw childcare prices fall between 20% and 30% each year.
This time the impact appears to be somewhat less but we have not found a way to confidently estimate it. Our -7% forecast is our “best guess” with the limited information. 
Traded prices are forecast to rise 1.2% in the quarter to be up 1.8%yr, while non-traded prices are forecast to rise 0.1%qtr/2.0%yr due to moderating housing costs moderate and falling childcare.
Core inflation remains below the bottom of the RBA target band due moderating housing costs.
Overlay a competitive deflationary cycle in consumer goods and it makes it hard to see core inflation breaking much higher.
Market forecasters over estimated the quarterly change in the CPI for the last seven quarters by an average of +0.14ppt. Will they do it again making it two consecutive years of overestimating inflation?
Justin Smirk is a Senior Economist for Westpac
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Westpac's Australian Q3 CPI forecast: Justin Smirk

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The AFR columnist Christopher Joye has speculated the affluent Wentworth voters "might inflict massive financial losses on themselves in what is one of Australia's most investment-orientated electorates."
He was suggesting the electorate was playing dice with a Labor government and its housing policies as potentially detrimental. 
Joye noted, according to the last census, the proportion of investment properties in Wentworth is 42 per cent higher than the national average (specifically, 44 per cent versus 31 per cent of all homes).
In addition to being an electorate of landlords, there is an unusually large number of renters in Wentworth, some of whom who might welcome Aussie house prices falling 10 per cent to 15 per cent, which is "base case before factoring in Labor's policies."
Joye noted RiskWise Property Research predicts that if Labor comes to power at the next Federal Election, the situation will get much worse with house prices slumping a further 9 per cent in Sydney and Melbourne as a result of its policies to eliminate negative gearing and hike capital gains tax (CGT) by 50 per cent for anyone who holds assets for 12 months or more.
"Extensive RiskWise modelling shows that, nationally, dwelling prices would fall nine to 12 per cent should the proposed changes to tax legislation be voted through," the RiskWise authors concluded.
The report found that Labor's proposal to eliminate negative gearing would be equivalent to a 23 per cent increase in interest repayments for a new property investor, lifting theeffective annual mortgage rate from 5.10 to 6.25 per cent.
The 50 per cent increase in CGT further reduces the net present value of a property by two percentage points assuming an historically low 4 per cent rate of annual capital gains. 
Joye wrote the timing of Labor's policies could not be worse with the banking royal commission having wiped $42 billion off the value of the major banks - hammering super funds' equity portfolios - while limiting borrowers' access to credit.
"Even though Australian lenders have consistently maintained among the lowest mortgage default rates in the world, they are rationing credit to home owners because they are worried about breaching Labor's byzantine responsible lending laws, which have entangled the royal commission's activists.
"This is intensifying the correction in the housing market, which after appreciating almost 50 per cent since March 2012 has given back 4 per cent to 5 per cent of its value since October 2017 (and more than 7 per cent in Sydney).
"And with record numbers of apartments in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane still under construction, this pain is only likely to worsen."
Joye concluded that "the silver lining is that the bursting of the housing bubble blown by the RBA's ultra-cheap monetary policy has coincided with an economic boom fuelled by a highly competitive exchange rate and elevated commodity prices."
 
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Off-the-plan settlement sales price pain to worsen: Christopher Joye

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In the town of Port Hedland, a three bedroom house has been sold by mortgagees for $425,000.
The Western Australian house had last sold at $965,000 in 2008. 
Situated at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-port+hedland-128371350" target="_blank"> 6 Sutherland Street, Port Hedland</a>, the oceanfront reserve home comes with three bedrooms, spacious living area, modern bath, and multiple sheds.
It is located only a short stroll to The Yacht club, the beach, and St Cecilia's Primary School.
It is adjacent to the Spoil Bank Recreation Reserve.
The town's median house price sits at $395,000, according to CoreLogic. 
It was sold by Victoria Thoegersen and Jim Henneberry from Property Shop. 
 
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Oceanfront reserve Port Hedland house sold for half a million loss by mortgagees

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A Cape Jervis four bedroom house sitting on a 2 ha allotment has been sold for $385,000 by mortgagees.
It was sold by Zackary Gawley and Jeff Copley from First National Copley. 
Built in 1985, the South Australian home situated at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-cape+jervis-128931166" target="_blank"> 18 Flinders Drive, Cape Jervis</a> comes with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two main sheds.
Other features include views over the ocean and large undercover entertainment area. 
It last traded at $370,000 in 2005. 
 
 
 
 
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Four bedroom Cape Jervis house sold by mortgagees

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A four bedroom two bathroom Point Cook, VIC home sold for $568,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-point+cook-129314750" target="_blank">19 Seacoast Street, Point Cook</a> it is minutes from Point Cook Coastal Park. 
The single level home was marketed by LJ hooker.
Featuring a modern kitchen and formal lounge room, the home is set on 400 sqm.
Located in the master-planned Saltwater Coast Estate the home first sold for $279,000 in 2013.
The home has been listed for rent between $360 and $370 a week since its purchase in 2013.
The median house price for Point Cook is $647,000 according to CoreLogic.
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Four bedroom Point Cook home sold by mortgagees

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370900]

The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150499]

Joel Robinson

Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

Investors may soon find themselves with fewer reasons to buy established property and more incentives to look towards the new apartment market.

Proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions would see new and off-the-plan apartments retain access to the tax benefits, while established properties would miss out, creating a clear advantage for buyers purchasing newly built housing.

The policy direction aligns with what many developers have been saying for several years. Australia needs more housing supply, and governments are increasingly looking for ways to encourage investment into new stock rather than existing homes.

The challenge for investors is that suitable product is becoming harder to find.

For much of the last decade, one-bedroom apartments were the cornerstone of investor demand. They offered a lower entry price, strong rental appeal, and were a common feature across most apartment developments.

Today, the development pipeline looks very different.

Across both New South Wales and South East Queensland, developers are increasingly targeting owner-occupiers and downsizers, delivering larger two, three and four-bedroom apartments in response to changing buyer preferences. While one-bedroom apartments still exist, they now form a much smaller portion of many new projects.

That shift has created a shortage of investor-friendly stock, particularly in well-located projects close to transport, employment hubs and lifestyle amenity.

At the same time, rising apartment prices have pushed many new developments beyond the reach of traditional investors. On the Gold Coast and across South East Queensland, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find new apartments priced around the $1 million mark, particularly those offering strong rental fundamentals and long-term growth prospects.

We've rounded up four new apartment developments where investors can still secure a foothold in the market for around $1 million or less.

<h2 data-end="1140" data-start="844">Flourish Soleira</h2>

<h2>Priced from: $1.07 million</h2>

Popular Palm Beach developer Sherpa is soon to officially launch its newest local apartment development, Flourish Soleira.

The one-bedroom apartments in the building were only offered to first home buyers rather than investors, and all of those have been snapped up. The two-bedroom apartments will start from $1.07 million, and the three-bedrooms, still a good investment given the popularity of Palm Beach for owner-occupiers, starting at $2,045,000.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

Flourish Soliera will comprise 153 apartments across two buildings, connected by a skybridge, the first ever delivered in the suburb.

True to Sherpa's booming Flourish brand of apartment projects, Flourish Soleira will have extensive rooftop amenity across both buildings including a&nbsp;wellness centre with gym, work from home, yoga, pilates, a&nbsp;heated pool, private dining rooms, pizza oven and barbecues, basketball court, and golf simulator.

<h2>Corallo, Palm Beach</h2>

Priced from: $841,500

Nearby Flourish Soleira is Changfa Group's beachfront-inspired Corallo development. They still have some one-bedroom apartments remaining, priced from $841,500.

The 105-apartment project on Palm Beach Avenue is otherwise dominated by larger two and three-bedroom residences, many of which are aimed at owner-occupiers and downsizers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=808]

For investors, the appeal lies in Palm Beach's continued transformation from a laid-back beachside suburb into one of the Gold Coast's most sought-after residential markets. Residents at Corallo will be within walking distance of Palm Beach's surf beaches, the recreational amenity of Tallebudgera Creek, and the increasingly popular collection of cafes, restaurants and boutique retailers along the suburb's central dining precinct.

<h2>Corner House, Stones Corner</h2>

<h2>Priced from: $880,000</h2>

One of only two Brisbane apartment developments to make the list with prices under $1 million is DeMartini Fletcher's Corner House development in Stones Corner.

One-bedroom apartments start from $880,000 within the 88-apartment development, providing investors with exposure to one of Brisbane's most established inner-south locations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149098 project_image_fid=330594]

Stones Corner has long been supported by strong tenant demand due to its proximity to major employment and education destinations. The suburb sits less than five kilometres from Brisbane's CBD and is within easy reach of the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Queensland Children's Hospital and several university campuses.

The project's location within a walkable urban village environment, surrounded by retail, dining and public transport infrastructure, continues to attract both professionals and healthcare workers seeking accommodation close to work.

Parkdrive Apartments, Chermside

Priced from: $749,000

The most affordable apartments across Brisbane's new and off the plan market are in Chermside where developer AusDev is selling one-bedroom apartments from $749,000, and two-beds from $929,000, at its recently launched Parkdrive development.

The development is strategically positioned in one of Brisbane's largest employment and retail precincts, placing residents within easy walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, St Vincent's Private Hospital Northside and the suburb's major bus interchange.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Already under construction and scheduled for completion in early 2028, Parkdrive benefits from Chermside's ongoing evolution into Brisbane's northern metropolitan centre. The suburb continues to attract significant public and private investment, supporting population growth and underpinning long-term rental demand.

For investors focused on yield and tenant depth, the combination of healthcare, retail and transport infrastructure within close proximity provides a strong foundation for occupancy and rental performance.

Investors to turn to new apartments after Federal Government changes spark hunt for Queensland's best $1 million apartments

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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

Staff reporter

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