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The RBA has released its February chart pack which contributed to their decision to leave cash rates on hold again at 1.5 percent.
The full pack can be <a href="http://www.rba.gov.au/chart-pack/pdf/chart-pack.pdf?v=2018-02-08-08-16-04" target="_blank">found here.</a> 
Household debt is still outstripping household prices.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/2/8/prices%20and%20debt.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/2018/2/8/prices%20and%20debt.jpg" alt="">
 
The CPI was lower than anticipated when the ABS released its inflation data last week.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/2/8/CPI.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/2018/2/8/CPI.jpg" alt="">
The gap between disposable income and household consumption isn't getting any closer.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/2/8/consumption.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/2018/2/8/consumption.jpg" alt="">
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Three charts that guided the RBA to leave the cash rate unchanged

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<div class="parsys parsys-article-content-top">
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
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Residential price and volume growth was moderating, as expected, according to the listed property company, Mirvac.
In its latest report to shareholders it advised FIRB pre-sales were moderating from 24 percent of sales to 21 percent.
It completed 735 settlements in 1H18 and a further 429 settlements in January this year with lower 1H18 gross margins of 22 percent due to the mix, with FY18 gross margins expected to be around 25 percent.
It has $2.9bn of residential pre-sales. They include Eastbourne in East Melbourne (above) where revenue is tipped to come forward into the 2019 financial year.
It reported defaults of less than 2 percent in-line with long-term average.
It noted weakness in the Brisbane and Melbourne apartments.
"The residential market is moderating in line with expectations," it advised. 
Mirvac, the developer and landlord, saw its revenue for the six months to December fall 28 per cent to $984 million from $1.36 billion a year earlier, while operating profit fell a smaller percentage of 8 per cent.
</div>
The company said it awaits skewed residential settlements in the next half of the year. 
The main cause of the diversified group's decline in operating profit was lower property revaluation gains in its investment portfolio compared to the prior year.
“Although sales activity has moderated to more normalised levels in Sydney and Melbourne, we are still seeing consistent demand for well-located, quality product, particularly in our masterplanned communities," its CEO Susan Lloyd-Hurtitz said.
“A number of our forward-looking projects in Sydney are also set to benefit from new transport infrastructure, and our ability to buy at the right time has ensured we can release approximately 13,000 lots over the next four years, while taking a prudent approach to restocking our pipeline,” Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz comment.
“Our urban strategy, diversified and integrated business model, and our proven asset creation capability ensures we are on track to deliver strong growth in FY18,” said Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz.
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Mirvac defaults stay low, amid price moderation and downturn in foreign buyers

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The Agency Group has further delayed announcements about intentions for the acquisition of two key real estate businesses.
The latest extension was notified to the ASX yesterday afternoon.
<div>
The West Australian company was due to settle on its $950,000 acquisition of another WA estate agency Sell Lease Property last month.
The Agency was expected last month to exercise an option to acquire the Matt Lahood-led real estate group Top Level, which operates as The Agency East Coast under a licence agreement.
Instead it extended a trading halt in place until next week.
The trading halt started last month.
The Agency Group acquisition of the ServTech Global Limited subsidiaries Sell Lease Property Pty Ltd, Complete Settlements Pty Ltd and Value Finance Pty Ltd had been delayed due to a "small number of conditions" needed to be satisfied prior to settlement. 
</div>
<div>
The acquisition of Top Level is reportedly delayed due to procedural issues relating to ASX compliance.
Earlier this week The Agency denied claims they were "scrambling for cash."
</div>
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The Agency Group further delay acquisitions update

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The CBA home loan arrears jumped in WA in the last six months of 2017, triggering the lender's overall bad loan book to the highest level in four years. 
Australia's largest mortgage lender reported home loans 90 or more days in arrears accounted for about 0.6% of its loan book.
The proportion of bad loans in WA rose to about 1.3%, well above Queensland, the next closest mining region in terms of arrears.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/2/8/arrears%20wa.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/2018/2/8/arrears%20wa.jpg" alt="">
"Loan impairment expense was $356 million, an increase of 1% on the prior comparative period," CBA said.
"The result was mainly driven by increased home loan and personal loan collective provisions, which include the impact of slightly higher home loan arrears, predominantly in WA."
The figures show the continuing fallout of the WA housing market with the proportion of bad home loans having more than doubled over the past three years.
CBA reduced its exposure to the WA market over the six-month period.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/2/8/arrears.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/2018/2/8/arrears.jpg" alt="">
The balance of home loans in the state fell 0.3% to account for 16% of the bank's total home loan book. 
Last August, Western Australia was noted as having the most problem home loans in Australia.
The Perth property market ended 2017 on a positive note, with December quarter data showing improvements in median prices, sales activity, listing levels and average selling days, according to REIWA President Hayden Groves. 
“The Perth market found its floor and stabilised in the back half of 2017,” Mr Groves said. 
Perth’s preliminary median house price increased 1.2 per cent to $516,000 in the December quarter 2017. 
“Once all sales have settled, we expect the final December quarter median to lift to $520,000, which is a notable improvement on the September quarter median of $510,000. 
“On an annual basis, the Perth market is very stable. We’ve observed consistent price levels between the December 2016 and 2017 quarters which is a strong signifier the market has turned a corner,” Mr Groves said. 
Perth’s median unit price is $405,000 for the December 2017 quarter which is a 1.3 per cent increase on the September quarter. 
“It’s encouraging to see Perth’s house and unit medians increase over the quarter because it suggests one sector hasn’t recovered at the expense of the other,” Mr Groves said. 
There were 4,946 dwelling sales in Perth in the December quarter. 
Mr Groves said this figure was expected to lift to 6,700 once all sales had settled, putting it significantly above the September quarter sales figure.
“Traditionally, the September quarter outperforms the December quarter, but that wasn’t the case in 2017. The December quarter is on track to record 14 per cent more sales than the September quarter,” Mr Groves said. 
REIWA analysis shows the composition of sales shifted in the December quarter in Perth, with more transactions occurring above $700,000. 
“We’ve observed a surge of activity in Perth’s aspirational suburbs, with buyers recognising there is good opportunity to secure a home in these areas which might have previously been considered unattainable by many,” Mr Groves said. 
“This spike in sales above $700,000 has also contributed to Perth’s median house price increasing over the quarter.” 
There were 13,088 properties for sale in Perth at the end of the December quarter. 
Mr Groves said this was on par with the September quarter figure and six per cent less than the December 2016 quarter figure. 
“There were 800 fewer listings in Perth at the end of 2017 than there was in 2016 and some 1,300 less than there were at the same time 2015. We have consistently seen stock levels decline over the last two years as the market trends towards parity,” Mr Groves said. 
“Declining listing levels combined with notable improvements in sales activity has helped restore net-demand. With buyer activity increasing, stock levels are being absorbed faster,” Mr Groves said. 
It was 10 days faster to sell in the December quarter than it was in the September quarter, with it taking on average 60 days to secure a sale. 
“It’s been two years since it was this quick to sell in Perth. The combination of sellers’ preparedness to meet the market and buyer appetite for well-priced property has significantly shortened days-on-market,” Mr Groves said.
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CBA home loan mortgage delinquencies rise in WA

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Former Brisbane Lion Jamie Charman has joined the real estate ranks.
The former Premiership winning ruckman has been appointed as a sales agent in the Ray White Albion office in Brisbane's inner north-east.
Charman told the local paper he's always been passionate about real estate.
“I actually worked for Ray White Corporate part-time while I was still playing, so it feels so right to come back to this great brand — it’s a household name,” Charman said.
“I’ve always been passionate about residential property, and have bought and sold through Ray White many times.” 
Charman owns two houses in Brisbane with his wife, Calexico director Nicky Charman. Their most recent Hawthorne purchase was bought off-market through Ray White New Farm.
Charman had been involved in the AFL inner circle since retiring and was even hired for a brief period as a part-time kicking and catching coach for North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL.
He had been the commercial manager for the Lions for a number of years following his 2011 retirement. The last two years he's been working with a commercial property company in the inner city.
“During my professional and footballing career, I always bought and sold property and did my own small developments so property has always been a passion of mine and I'm looking forward to helping people in this exciting field full time,” Charman said. 
“For me, the move into real estate is not a huge leap but I am really excited by what the future holds.” 
“I know what the auction process feels like for both the vendor and the buyer. I have been on both sides, so I have a good understanding and empathy for anyone going through this process. 
“I know it’s a stressful time for many buyers and the property market can sometimes be difficult to navigate." 
Charman's career began in 2000 when he was picked as the number 29 draft pick for the Lions from the Sandgate Hawks. 
He made his Lions debut a year later against Fremantle and played in the Lions' 2003 grand final victory.
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Former AFL player Jamie Charman makes mark on new field

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Lani Mauna, set high on Brookfield's rolling hills, has been listed for sale.
It was designed by the architect Tim Ditchfield, with strong references to modern tropical architecture.
The one hectare block cost $1.5 million in 2011 at Brookfield, just 15 kilometres from the city centre.
<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/2018/2/8/brook2.jpg" alt="">
It is listed through <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-brookfield-127440498" target="_blank">Queensland Sotheby’s International agent Douglas Tonkin.</a>
Ditchfield had also designed a similar house on the Sunshine Coast for the owners. 
The name is Hawaiian for “mountain reaching heaven”. 
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Lani Mauna on Brookfield's hill for sale

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Monthly national residential listings fell January 2018 by nearly 5%, according to SQM Research.
Listings dropped to 303,901 across the country, a total of a 6.2% decrease over the year.
The fall is not surprising, says SQM Research managing director Louis Christoper, given January is typically the quietest month of the year.
"Year-on-year, listings are much higher in Sydney, with more homeowners happy to list their properties compared to one year ago, and take profits.In Canberra, listings fell 6.2% while in Adelaide listings dropped 5.8%," he said.
"In Brisbane, stock on market fell by 3.9% with more modest falls in Perth of 2.1% and 1.3% in Darwin. In Hobart, listings were down by 2.6% over the month of January.
“Looking forward, with interest rates still at low levels and a possible expansion in lending by the banks, we expect a year of modest prices gains in Sydney and most other capital cities.
“The auction clearance rate results and the asking prices over the remainder of February will give us some good insight in terms of how the market has opened. While we did record a strong lift in asking prices in January, it has been based on a lower count of listings, so I will not read too much into the rise at this stage.”  
Melbourne was the only double digit monthly change in January, with listings dropping a near 14% from 28,895 to 24,881.
Sydney's listings have dropped 7% while Canberra and Adelaide each saw declines of around 6% in the month. Perth recorded the lowest monthly change with 2% listings decrease.
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="77">
City
</td>
<td width="77">
JAN 2017 Total
</td>
<td width="77">
DEC 2017 Total
</td>
<td width="77">
JAN 2018 Total
</td>
<td width="77">
Monthly change %
</td>
<td width="77">
Yearly change %
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="77">
Adelaide
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
          15,675
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
          16,588
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
          15,620
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
-5.8%
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
-0.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="77">
Brisbane
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
          28,511
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
          30,040
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
          28,882
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
-3.9%
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
1.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="77">
Canberra
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
            3,003
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
            3,527
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
            3,307
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
-6.2%
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
10.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="77">
Darwin
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
            2,037
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
            2,055
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
            2,028
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
-1.3%
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
-0.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="77">
Hobart
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
            3,333
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
            2,426
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
            2,362
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
-2.6%
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
-29.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="77">
Melbourne
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
          28,249
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
          28,895
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
          24,881
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
-13.9%
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
-11.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="77">
Perth
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
          25,804
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
          25,277
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
          24,735
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
-2.1%
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
-4.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="77">
Sydney
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
          21,633
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
          28,103
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
          26,150
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
-6.9%
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
20.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="77">
National
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
        323,904 
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
        319,192 
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
        303,901 
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
-4.8%
</td>
<td nowrap width="77">
-6.2%
 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
The highest stock decrease from this time last year was in Hobart, with houses flying off the shelves.
Hobart's listings have dropped nearly 30% from 3,333 to 2,362 since this time last year.
Despite a near 7% monthly decrease, Sydney has 21% more stock than last January.
Canberra has the second highest stock increase, up 10%.
Melbourne's near 14% monthly change in the last month has contributed to its 12% decrease on amount of listings from this time last year.
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Sydney's 2018 listings hangover from unsold 2017 listings

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A Clarkson home in WA has been sold by mortgagees for $336,000.
It was sold by the agency Buy My Place having last trader for $343,500 in 2012.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-clarkson-125758686" target="_blank">The Dewar Mews house</a> came with three bedrooms, gardens in the front and rear and above ground pool.
The home is close to the Ocean Keys Shopping Centre, Clarkson Train Station, and a variety of primary and high schools.
According to CoreLogic, the median house price sits on $400,000.
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Three-bedroom house in Clarkson, WA sold by mortgagee 

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<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The heritage space leased to the Rockpool Dining Group on Sydney's Bridge Street is up for sale again, this time with expectations of about $11 million expected for its March 15 tender.
It was bought by the I-Fung family investment vehicle for $8.5 million in 2015.
It is back for sale through Knight Frank's Andy Hu and JLL's Steven Tsang and James Aroney.
The property was previously home to a Rockpool franchise called Eleven Bridge, it is now rebranded as a high-end Chinese restaurant Jade Temple.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The 490sq m property at Lot 2, 7-11 Bridge Street is in the historic Burns Philp &amp; Co building. The heritage-listed building with soaring ceilings also has a basement, ground level, mezzanine level and three upper levels of commercial space.
<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/2018/2/7/perry2.jpg" alt="">
</div>
<div class="related-quotes section">The lease to Rockpool Dining Group is in place until July 2023, with 5 plus 5 options.</div>
<div class="related-quotes section"> </div>
<div class="related-quotes section">“The city’s current infrastructure upgrades surrounding the Burns Philp &amp; Co. building is set to benefit from an unprecedented level of development in the Sydney CBD, including the new Light Rail, George Street pedestrianisation and the underground Sydney Metro Rail," Hu said.</div>
<div class="related-quotes section">
"These developments will improve connectivity and increase patrons and diners in the immediate location due to the increased number of CBD-based workers.”
</div>
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Jade Temple, Bridge Street Sydney premises listed in quick flip

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The recent investment experience of the popular comedian Dave Hughes should serve as serious lesson for all property investors.
Hughes revealed the reality of what happened following his top priced purchase at the over-hyped auction of the five Elsternwick homes in The Block last October.
He revealed his home loan bankers had valued the five-bedroom home at “much less” than his $3.067 million purchase price.
He also revealed it had not been easy finding tenants, for what will be an investment until the family move in down the track.
<div>
“I went to get a bank loan and they haven’t valued it the same as I paid for it, which is fine, but annoying because there were five bidders,” he told Stellar magazine.
He said it was sizeably less which it made him annoyed. Colorfully so!
“For f*ck’s sake ... I just think it’s good value and in a few years’ time people are going to be going, ‘Well, f*ck, didn’t he do well with it!’ I am playing the long game, all right? That is what I say to my wife, anyway.”
The comedian had gone public with his purchase saying soon after the auction: "It’s a bargain!"
But increasingly cautious lending eyes cast over the home renovated by contestants Josh and Elyse couldn't agree.
It had, after all, sold at $447,000 over its reserve, which notwithstanding the reserve's arbitrary nature, would have raised obvious concerns for any lender. 
Thankfully Hughes had deep enough pockets to fund the lending shortfall to secure his dream home.
But ofcourse not everyone can do so in this scenario.
These buyers instead face the risk of being unable to settle, forfeiting their deposit, and potentially copping the liability of any shortfall when the vendor sells again.
For several years, low bank valuations have been a risk for off the plan buyers as they moved towards settlements of their apartments.
Forfeited apartments have however been surprisingly few, perhaps because buyers have had years to plan their finances.
But low valuations could emerge as an issue for hot headed auction buyers.
Be sure to keep your bidding at a level that fits both your budget and your knowledge of the local market pricing.
Also stay in touch with your bank, keeping them advised on your financial income and expenses, as their lending approvals are fluid.
Banks have tightened what they will lend under pressure from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority given their anxiety about borrowers' genuine capacity to repay debt.
They want to stop liar loan applications.
Buyers who find themselves in the tricky situation of a low bank valuation should approach a mortgage broker who can go to other lenders to hopefully break the deadlock.
</div>
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Dave Hughes struggled to find finance for the Block Elsternwick purchase

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mrcb">MRCB International</a> has commenced construction on its latest Gold Coast apartment development, Maris, on the site of the former Sundale Motel in Southport.

The start of construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">Binah</a> follows an exceptionally strong sales campaign, with more than 90 per cent of apartments sold since launch. Every purchaser has been local, an&nbsp;indicator of confidence in both the development and Southport's evolution into a thriving CBD.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maris-southport-20-queen-street-southport-qld-4215">Maris</a> will deliver 192 residences across 20 levels. The project forms part of MRCB's Australian and New Zealand development pipeline now exceeding $1.6 billion in gross development value, alongside a growing portfolio of projects globally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350663]

The company also commenced construction on its $600 million 26 Vista residences in Surfers Paradise last year, following strong sales momentum, with over 70 per cent of residences sold.

Maris has been designed to meet evolving buyer demand, offering architecturally designed layouts suited to long-term liveability. The approach reflects a growing preference for quality and adaptability among Gold Coast buyers.

Positioned next to the Broadwater in the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southport-qld-4215">Southport</a> CBD, Maris sits directly opposite the Broadwater Parklands light rail station and within easy reach of retail, dining and lifestyle precincts, placing residents at the centre of one of the Gold Coast's most connected and rapidly maturing urban centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372756]

Maris will offer a full suite of resort-style residential amenities, including a pool, gym and sauna, along with a rooftop level featuring decks, lounges and dining and yoga areas that command sweeping views across the Broadwater and out to the ocean.

Binah, a New South Wales headquartered company co-founded by Amen Zoabi and Khalil Hafza in 2008, has expressed its excitement at establishing its first partnership with MRCB.

Binah's Managing Director Khalil Hafza said partnering with MRCB on Maris is a significant moment for Binah.

"MRCB's financial strength and a track record that speaks for itself give this project a solid foundation, and this marks the beginning of what will be a long and successful relationship.

"With the right people, systems and partnerships behind it, Maris is set to become a significant addition to the Gold Coast's premium residential market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350664]

MRCB International CEO Ravi Krishnan said the project's progression to construction reflects both sustained demand and tightening conditions across the apartment sector, as well as MRCB's continued confidence in the Gold Coast market.

"Commencing construction at Maris is a significant step and reflects the depth of demand for quality apartments in well-connected urban locations," said Krishnan.

"Across Southeast Queensland, new apartment supply remains constrained, particularly in established precincts with infrastructure and amenity already in place. Projects like Maris are increasingly critical in meeting that demand, especially on the Gold Coast and in the city's CBD precinct."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372761]

Krishnan said Southport's ongoing transformation, supported by infrastructure investment and long-term planning, was underpinning renewed buyer confidence.

"We're seeing a clear shift back towards well-located urban centres where infrastructure, connectivity and amenity are already established," said Mr Krishnan. "Southport is evolving into a more mature CBD environment, and that is being reflected in buyer behaviour."

Construction at Maris is anticipated to be completed in 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134403]

Joel Robinson

Construction commences on MRCB’s $200m Maris Residences in Southport

Moonee Valley Park’s latest residential release <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveline-at-moonee-valley-park-moonee-ponds-100-thomas-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">The Eveline</a>, has achieved a new benchmark for off-the-plan apartment sales in the suburb, with the sale of The Alexandra penthouse selling for $5,435,000.

Positioned on the top floor of a 16-level residential building, the three-bedroom, three and-a-half-bathroom penthouse features uninterrupted city skyline views across the future Valley racetrack.&nbsp;

The landmark sale comes as momentum at the precinct continues to build, with the Moonee Valley Racing Club progressing works on its new racetrack ahead of the 2027 Cox Plate. The transformative development will see MVRC reimagine the beloved Valley as a vibrant year-round entertainment and lifestyle destination.

Alongside a world-class racing experience, the historic precinct will be activated with events, hospitality and public green spaces designed to attract broader audiences, while breathing new life into one of Melbourne’s most iconic destinations.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372786]

Development partners <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton Property Group</a> and Hostplus have delivered five residential stages over the past four years, the most recent in November 2025 with Trackside House and Stonepine House. The flourishing community is now home to almost 500 families.&nbsp;

The latest residential release, The Eveline, has recorded strong demand since launching publicly last July, securing more than $200 million in sales to date, satisfying its pre sales hurdle for construction to commence.&nbsp;

Hamton Founder and Executive Chairman, Paul Hameister OAM said, the sales&nbsp;team have been overwhelmed by demand for these unique homes in this unique project.

"Buyers continue to be predominantly hyperlocal and attracted by the 40 hectare botanic masterplan in Melbourne’s inner north west," Hameister said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372788]

Hamton’s Sales and Marketing Director Fergus Humphries said the team has achieved more than 70 sales over the past eight weeks, including the penthouse purchase by a local buyer.

"These results reinforce that, even in a challenging market, purchasers continue to be drawn to quality projects that offer more than just a home, they offer a lifestyle.”

Designed by Cera Stribley, the penthouse has been created with entertaining in mind, spanning close to 400 sqm of indoor and outdoor living space, including multiple terraces designed to capture sweeping views across Melbourne’s skyline, the new Valley racecourse and sunset views over Moonee Ponds.

Moonee Valley Park is one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects, transforming the iconic racecourse site into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood integrating homes, parklands, retail, racing and community amenities.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142519]

Moonee Valley Park penthouse sets suburb record as sales surge clears construction benchmark

A company linked to one of Australia's largest privately owned cattle businesses has lodged plans for a new residential tower in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newstead-qld-4006">Newstead</a>, continuing the rapid transformation of one of Brisbane's most sought-after, inner-city precincts.

Bottletree Holdings, an entity associated with Stanbroke Managing Director Brendan Menegazzo, has submitted a development application for a 28-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/9-longland-street-newstead-qld-4006">9 Longland Street</a>, a site that made headlines last year when it changed hands in an off-market transaction that reportedly set a benchmark land rate for the suburb.

The proposal would replace an existing two-storey commercial building on the 1,510 sqm corner site with a Bureau Proberts-designed tower comprising 76 apartments, ground-floor retail, office space and a suite of resident wellness amenities.

<img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c710a836-568e-4382-bc91-3c34b8e80a8b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Vy.mQWBc7GA_a.vIBdxKqRC9XGjWalo2" />

According to planning documents lodged with Brisbane City Council, the development would comprise a mix of 36 two-bedroom apartments, 24 three-bedroom apartments and 16 four-bedroom residences, positioning the project firmly at the premium end of the market. The apartments would sit above a podium containing retail and commercial space, with three levels of communal recreation facilities spread throughout the tower. The proposal also includes 198 car spaces and 95 bicycle spaces.

Bureau Proberts has drawn heavily on Newstead's industrial heritage in developing the architectural response.

"Occupying a prominent corner in the heart of Newstead, the proposal draws from the area's industrial lineage of robust brick warehouses to deliver a distinctly contemporary response," the architects said in the design statement.

"It is conceived as a subtropical sanctuary and elevated private retreat embedded within one of Brisbane's most vibrant lifestyle precincts."

The design seeks to reinterpret the traditional Queensland vernacular through wraparound verandahs, deep shading elements and permeable facades that respond to Brisbane's subtropical climate.

<img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25524f59-395c-4825-8fad-9b639822fa8a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.09%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=dlWlbpCc_g3Y6yTLGqRVKvGJvO2ubMJ3" />

Planning documents describe the building as embodying the principles of "buildings that breathe", a design approach increasingly favoured in Brisbane's apartment market as developers focus on natural ventilation and outdoor living spaces.

The tower itself would rise above a heavily landscaped podium designed to reference the woolstore architecture that helped define Newstead and neighbouring Teneriffe for generations. At ground level, fine-grain retail tenancies would activate Longland Street, Wyandra Street and the existing Wyatt Street laneway, further extending the pedestrian network that has become a hallmark of the Gasworks precinct.

The application notes that more than 54 per cent of the site would be dedicated to landscaping and deep planting, while approximately 1,750 sqm of communal recreation space would be delivered across multiple levels.

<img alt="Planning" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fed3b189-1054-4b68-af5f-b0befc4a66e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.19%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=gqeE3cjsbnLAfeTUKA1HtPZfqDs6S4Xa" />

Bottletree paid $22 million for the 1,510 sqm development site, equating to more than $14,500 per sqm, a reflection of the strong demand for development opportunities in Newstead. The suburb continues to attract both developers and buyers, underpinned by the ongoing evolution of the Gasworks and Teneriffe precincts into some of Brisbane's most sought-after lifestyle destinations.

Brisbane City Council's Sustainable Growth Strategy and Inner City Strategy both identify Newstead as a priority growth precinct capable of accommodating additional housing density due to its proximity to employment hubs, public transport and lifestyle infrastructure.

The proposed tower joins a growing pipeline of high-end apartment developments in the suburb. Fortis recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a>, a 65-apartment owner-occupier-focused development on Kyabra Street, while Consolidated Properties Group is preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a 227-apartment waterfront project on Skyring Terrace.

Meanwhile, builder-developer BPG is planning its own Newstead project on Maud Street, comprising just over 100 apartments and more than 1,380 sqm of dedicated wellness and resident amenity spaces, further highlighting the shift towards lifestyle-driven apartment developments in Brisbane's inner-city market.

Newstead apartment boom continues with Longland Street tower plans

ALAND has taken the next major step in delivering its vision for Leppington Town Centre, lodging State Significant Development plans for a $549 million residential precinct that would bring more than 1,200 new homes within walking distance of Leppington Station.

The proposal, now on public exhibition, forms the Residential Core Precinct of the broader Leppington Town Centre masterplan and would transform a 4.3-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/156-166-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">156-166 Rickard Road</a> into a high-density mixed-use neighbourhood comprising nine residential buildings rising between six and 25 storeys.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc20982d-a0a9-4989-8fb3-680ca9fdcd10" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=l5EEyS6Dkf_SLDQkwDeyAU2nXkSZP2RW" />

The development has been designed by Rothelowman and is being pursued through a State Significant Development Application alongside a concurrent rezoning request under the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

If approved, the project would deliver 1,206 dwellings, including 784 build-to-sell apartments, 208 build-to-rent apartments, 189 affordable housing units and a nine-storey serviced apartment building containing 112 rooms. The proposal also includes around 7,400 sqm of non-residential floor space, new public open space, communal recreation areas and a new internal street network.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4f80d3b-cb05-4068-8a87-808317807a99" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KfPqh1JBuxc53IWntEzGHAeBaCLmRmum" />

<h2 data-end="1990" data-section-id="s6350" data-start="1941">A key piece of Leppington's future town centre</h2>

The site sits around 250 metres from Leppington Station, which opened in 2015 as the terminus of the South West Rail Link and has long been earmarked as the catalyst for the suburb's transformation from a rural fringe location into a major strategic centre for Western Sydney.

Leppington has become increasingly important following the announcement of the Western Sydney International Airport and the emergence of Bradfield City Centre, with government planning identifying the precinct as a significant location for future housing and employment growth.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ca0f098-affc-48c0-80d3-468ea090a20c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.26%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=o3mwgBFT6H9YUllI0JR.JfLsUYQy1CTa" />

According to Rothelowman, the proposal responds directly to Leppington's unique position between its agricultural past and its urban future.

"The site offers an opportunity to weave together multiple layers of history, from its ancient connections to Country along the ridgeline between two waterways and its origins as part of the Cumberland woodland, to its more recent agricultural uses, and its future as a new residential community," the architects said in the design report.

The architects said the project aims to establish a high-density residential typology that combines apartment living with extensive landscaping and public open space.

"The design responds by establishing a high-density typology that combines the convenience and amenity of contemporary apartment living with a renewed native landscape."

<h2 data-end="3541" data-section-id="1ko88s2" data-start="3485">Nine buildings arranged around parks and public space</h2>

The proposal has been designed around a landscape-led framework rather than a traditional podium-and-tower approach.

Across the site, approximately 7,500 sqm of public open space would be delivered through a network of north-south and east-west linear parks, connecting into the wider Leppington Town Centre open space network. A further 8,000 sqm of communal open space would be provided for residents.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5113abf-5440-4610-9cdc-60a0d41a407e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=k8zLMj4yZS4hStmGzZJfosjj5iArwIek" />

Rothelowman said the design seeks to maximise landscaping at ground level by concentrating development into compact tower footprints.

"Buildings are carefully lifted and distributed to minimise disturbance to the natural terrain, allowing the ground plane to remain open, permeable, and led by landscape," the design report states.

Rather than creating a continuous podium edge, the design team has focused on allowing landscaping to extend beneath and around the buildings.

"The ground plane is conceived as an extension of the surrounding environment, allowing landscape to flow up to and beneath the built forms."

The architectural language also draws on the area's natural landscape, with Rothelowman describing a material palette influenced by local gum trees, bark textures, creek systems and sandstone tones.

<h2 data-end="4971" data-section-id="s69utu" data-start="4922">Affordable housing and build-to-rent component</h2>

One of the more significant aspects of the proposal is the diversity of housing typologies.

In addition to traditional apartments for sale, the scheme includes a dedicated 25-storey build-to-rent building with 208 apartments and a 22-storey affordable housing building containing 189 homes.

The affordable housing component represents almost 16 per cent of the total dwellings proposed within the Residential Core Precinct.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f87e6808-e462-44c6-bfa8-a3de1816f2e3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.33.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WTsRKiUAyWw18S5S98yQB5oVuDcnJTxB" />

Community consultation undertaken ahead of the lodgement found support for additional housing in the area, particularly given ongoing affordability challenges across South West Sydney. Survey work conducted with local residents found housing affordability was one of the poorest-rated aspects of living in Leppington, while a majority of respondents were open to additional housing within the local government area.

The site's proximity to Leppington Station was identified as the most positively viewed aspect of the proposal, while public open space and affordable housing provisions also received majority support.

<h2 data-end="6184" data-section-id="1ngkie4" data-start="6140">Part of Leppington's broader expansion</h2>

ALAND will be a significant contributor to the broader vision for Leppington Town Centre, which is expected to accommodate more than 25,000 residents as the precinct evolves over the coming decades.

Located within Sydney's South West Growth Area, the 440-hectare Leppington Town Centre has been identified by the NSW Government as a strategic centre spanning both the Liverpool and Camden local government areas.

In 2023, Liverpool City Council and Camden Council, supported by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, prepared a draft planning proposal to rezone land and amend development controls across a number of sites within the town centre.

The proposal outlines a new vision for Leppington Town Centre, reducing the amount of land allocated for business park uses while increasing land zoned for commercial development, housing and open space. The changes are designed to optimise land use across the precinct and support the delivery of a more walkable, transit-oriented centre anchored by Leppington Station.

&nbsp;

ALAND plots 1,200-home Leppington masterplan

Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK Property Group</a>&nbsp;has enlisted renowned architecture firm Koichi Takada Architects to design its latest new apartment development.

The new 34-storey tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/57-berwick-street-fortitude-valley-qld-4006">57 Berwick Street, Fortitude Valley</a>,&nbsp;will have 189 apartments, complete with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/byculprit">byCULPRIT</a>. The upper levels&nbsp;capturing views across the Story Bridge, city skyline, ranges, bay and river.

Residents will have access to a rooftop amenity floor with facilities including a pool, spa, sauna, hot and cold treatment, meditation garden, gym, yoga studio, private dining, BBQ, games lounge, wine display wall, work library, meeting rooms and outdoor work areas.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK</a> Founder and Managing Director, Arpan Kohli, said it will be a project "Brisbane hasn't seen before."

&nbsp;

"To deliver a project of this calibre, you need the right people involved," Kohli said.

"Koichi Takada Architects and byCULPRIT set the benchmarks for design excellence, and this project reflects that - a building of genuine architectural significance in one of Brisbane's most coveted locations, sitting between Howard Smith Wharves and the James Street precinct."

TRK recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/laya-residences-taigum-203-beams-road-taigum-qld-4018">LAYA Residences in Taigum</a>, 88 three-bedroom townhouses starting from $1,495,000. They have another apartment site in Indooroopilly, at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/140-central-avenue-indooroopilly-qld-4068">140 Central Avenue</a>. That will have 131 apartments.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Staff reporter

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