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Investor purchasing has increased in Tasmania, and according to the valuation firm, Herron Todd White (HTW) currently represents a 20% to 25% quota of residential property transactions.
Interstate investor activity has also increased, it noted.
"With Tasmanian investors achieving average gross yields of 5.2% and Hobart out performing all other capital cities it seems the returns on offer in Tasmania are capturing more investor attention," a recent report by HTW advised.
Some property market commentators are predicting that 2017 could see Tasmania turn over its highest volume of residential property sales in more than 10 years if property sales continue at the same pace as they have in the first half of this year.
The north has experienced the greatest percentage increase in residential sales volumes when compared to the same period last year.
"This may be as a result of reported stock shortages and capital growth in the south with buyers looking further a field for investment opportunities," HTW's report noted.
The upgrader or second home buyer price bracket is where buyers are most active within Hobart’s residential property market.
Glenorchy and Claremont are experiencing the greatest amount of entry level sales activity. Both suburbs are north-west of Hobart approximately 10 and 15 kilometres respectively north-west of the city centre.
It noted the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), a popular tourist destination sits within a three kilometre radius of both Glenorchy and Claremont.
Examples of recent sales in Glenorchy include an older style, two bedroom, one bathroom unit in original condition which sold for $225,000 and an older style, dated, three bedroom, one bathroom home with single garage that backs onto Hobart’s show grounds that was purchased for $297,500.
In addition, a three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-tas-glenorchy-126658902" target="_blank">46 Tolosa Street, Glenorchy</a> (picture above) recently sold for $333,000.
Another three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-tas-claremont-126929134" target="_blank">1-15 Malabar Road, Claremont</a> sold for $317,500.
<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/2017/11/22/Claremont.jpg" alt=""> 
Sandy Bay, Kingston and Howrah are areas where upgraders or second home buyers are focusing their attention.
Sandy Bay is popular due to its position immediately south of the city with the Derwent River forming its southern border.
Contained within the suburb are the University of Tasmania campus, casino, private and public schools, local shops and recreational facilities. Recent sales within this price bracket in Sandy Bay include an older style, first floor, renovated, waterfront two bedroom, one bathroom unit with uninterrupted water views and single carport which recently sold for $850,000 and a renovated, four bedroom, two bathroom, period terrace that transacted for $985,000.
Within Hobart’s prestige market a modern Sandy Bay home offering five bedrooms, five bathrooms, indoor pool and double garage with views of the Derwent River recently sold for $3 million.
Similar levels of activity are occurring in the first home buyer and upgrader price brackets of the northern residential market, it noted.
The greatest activity occurring in Launceston’s more affordable suburbs is taking place in Newnham, Invermay and South Launceston.
Newnham is located approximately ve kilometres on the northern outskirts of Launceston and is predominantly residential with the University of Tasmania and The Australian Maritime College located nearby.
Properties that have recently sold in Newnham include a modern, two bedroom, one bathroom unit with one off street carpark which sold for $255,000 and an older style, renovated, five bedroom, two bathroom home with double garage that sold for $270,000.
Within the upgrader residential market segment Riverside, Newstead and Legana are proving to be the most popular with purchasers, HTW said.
Riverside is located along the western side of the Tamar River and is well contained with a shopping centre, public and private schools and sporting facilities. It is approximately a six kilometre commute to the city centre. A modern, four bedroom, three bathroom home with double garage and river views was recently sold in Riverside for $610,000 and a modern, three bedroom, two bathroom unit with river views and double garage sold for $360,000.
A recent notable sale in Launceston was for $1.4 million for a modern, four bedroom, three bathroom home located at Launceston’s Seaport overlooking the Tamar River. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Why property investors are heading to Hobart: HTW

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The dream of home ownership in Mackay has become that much easier, according to a report from the valuation firm, Herron Todd White (HTW).
It noted prior to 2013, Mackay had one of the highest median house values in regional Queensland sitting around the $430,000 mark in 2012.
Mackay had a reputation as a mining town and was often not on the radar for professions such as teachers, police, ambulance or entry level job seekers not related to mining because of the high rents and purchase price for dwellings.
"Even in our own business we found it extremely difficult to move our trainees to Mackay because of the high costs associated with housing," the HTW report noted.
However, since the downturn in the resource industry and flow on effects to the Mackay residential market, we saw significant falls in both house prices and rental levels across the board.
This downward cycle lasted well into 2016 and saw median house prices drop by over $100,000 to sit at around the $315,000 mark, with many properties available for under and in some cases well under $300,000.
While this result was has been difficult to take, it has presented opportunities in Mackay not seen in over 13 years.
The issue of affordability and the ability to move non- mining related staff and employees into the region has become easier.
"For example, we had an assistant valuer move to Mackay in 2012 to further her training and she was paying $375 per week rent for a small two-bedroom walk up at with poor quality tout, with virtually no prospects of being able to purchase," HTW said.
"This level of rent was unsustainable and she moved south to further her training.
"Since the downturn, we have been able to transfer one of our junior valuers to Mackay who now rents a 3-bedroom dwelling in Beaconsfield for $250 per week and is on the hunt to purchase a dwelling."
A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-mackay-126478638" target="_blank">36 George Street</a> (pictured above) sold recently for $410,000. the house was built in the 1920s.
Another four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-mackay-124839494" target="_blank">8 George Street</a> changed hands for $420,000 earlier this year.
<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/2017/11/22/Mackay-new.jpg" alt="">
HTW suggested this scenario is being played out across a variety of industries in Mackay.
"This new level of affordability isn’t just rewarding the lower end of the market," it said.
"We have seen this across most sectors of the market from first home owners to middle level upgraders, even to the top end prestige market.
"For example, in the boom to purchase good quality executive dwellings in the newer estates such as Northview Gardens, you were looking at the $600,000 plus.
"Since the market has fallen, we have seen a number of sales within the estate at between $450,000 and $500,000, which when combined with record low interest rates becomes more achievable."
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New levels of affordability for Mackay: HTW

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GUEST OBSERVER
Foreign national ownership of property is a growing concern for many countries, including New Zealand and Australia. From 2018, New Zealand is banning foreign ownership of residential property in an attempt to curb housing inflation and high vacancy rates.
What’s going on in New Zealand?
New Zealand residential property inflation reached 10.46% last year. Prices rose by 34% over the past three years.
As a consequence, New Zealanders are increasingly concerned that people on low and medium incomes are being locked out of the property market. Home ownership in New Zealand has reached its lowest level in 65 years – only a quarter of adults under 40 years own their own home compared to half in 1991.
Immigration to New Zealand grew by 19% in the last financial year. Strong immigration, low interest rates and limited housing supplies, particularly in areas affected by recent earthquakes, have fuelled the rise in house prices.
Jancinda Ardern’s new Labour government went to the election with a comprehensive housing platform that included a crackdown on speculative investors. Labour stated that 2015 tax changes applying to investor earnings were not having the desired effect of limiting price growth.
How does Australia compare?
When it comes to housing, New Zealand is both leading the way while behind Australia in other areas of housing policy. The incoming New Zealand legislative changes emphasise the banning of foreign ownership of residential property. Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) already applies a ban on foreign ownership for existing (as opposed to new) housing. Like Australia, the New Zealand legislation will continue to allow permanent residents to buy existing homes.
However, there are some significant differences. New Zealand’s law will also apply to foreign trusts and foreign corporations. Australian still allows some foreign trusts and corporations to buy existing homes where staff need to be accommodated. In Australia, overseas residential investment is largely channelled into building new homes.
Many in Australia consider that temporary residents such as students and those here for work should not be allowed to buy existing residential properties. The FIRB allows this. The proposed New Zealand legislation, in its current form, does not.
New Zealand anticipates that removing investor demand by excluding foreign nationals from the market will help stabilise house prices. However, there is little evidence that such measures have successfully slowed price inflation in Australia.
Increases in stamp duty rates for some foreign residential purchases are at odds with the FIRB’s long-standing need to encourage investment to offset foreign trade deficits. In the 2015/16 year, for example, approvals for foreign investment in real estate totalled A$72.4 billion.
However, the New South Wales and Victorian governments both increased stamp duty surcharges for foreign investors in residential real estate to make it less attractive to them. The difference here between the two countries is that in Australia the surcharge is being levied as a state initiative rather than a federal one.
Not all states apply a surcharge to foreign investments in real estate. For this reason, the impact is less likely to antagonise Australia’s major trading partners and investors such as China.
The New Zealand surcharges will be applied nationally. Therefore, the surcharge may be viewed as a protectionist measure.
Protectionism and the Productivity Commission
Concern is growing that a global increase in protectionism (favoured by the Trump administration) could lead to a worldwide recession and lower living standards, including in Australia.
However, although foreign ownership restrictions could hurt New Zealand’s reputation as an open economy, they are unlikely to do so. This is because 58.5% of the funds coming into New Zealand are from Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. These are also the countries that New Zealand most heavily invests in. Where the surcharge remains reasonable, it is unlikely to impact upon investment or be seen as a protectionist measure.
New Zealand has been much slower than Australia to introduce rules on residential property ownership. Its proposed legislation closely mirrors Australia’s legislation in regard to who may buy existing homes. These measures have not significantly slowed housing price rises in Australia.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/87089/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">However, New Zealand also plans to limit residential ownership of property by temporary residents and apply a surcharge nationally. These additional measures may have greater effect on limiting housing price rises than Australia’s restrictions have had so far.
Erika Altmann, Property and Housing Management Researcher, University of Tasmania.
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/foreign-ownership-of-housing-how-do-australia-and-new-zealand-compare-87089" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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How Australia and New Zealand compare for foreign ownership of housing: Erika Altmann

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A four-bedroom 1960's property on two adjoining titles at Banksia Park has been sold under instructions from the mortgagee in possession.
It was auctioned by Century 21 for $300,000. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-banksia+park-126715662" target="_blank">The </a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-banksia+park-126715662" target="_blank">14 Davenport Street property</a> comprises a mostly solid brick dwelling with a large gas heated lounge/dining living area, a good sized kitchen with plenty of cupboards and bench space plus an additional casual living area.
Adjacent to the house block is a separately fenced allotment with garage.
The 1485 square metre site is situated in the leafy foot hills of Banksia Park.
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1960s Banksia Park mortgagee sale at $300,000

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All strata schemes must review their by-laws by 30 November 2017, if they have not already done so since 30 November 2016. 
Each strata scheme has its own by-laws, which are a set of rules that owners, tenants and, in some cases, visitors must follow.  By-laws cover behaviour of residents and the use of common property. They can cover issues such as whether pets are allowed on the scheme, how smoking is regulated, parking and noise levels.
The by-laws can vary significantly from scheme to scheme and it is important to understand which by-laws apply to your scheme.
Owners corporations can determine the by-laws that suit the preferred lifestyle of the strata scheme. A by-law must not be harsh, unconscionable or oppressive. No by-law is capable of restricting a dealing in a lot, including restricting short-term letting. By-laws cannot restrict children, and cannot restrict the keeping of an assistance animal.
A copy of your scheme's by-laws is kept on the strata roll and is available from either the secretary of the owners corporation or from your managing agent (if your scheme has one).
The by-laws that apply to your strata scheme depend on the date the strata plan was registered. More information on these by-laws can be found on the Registrar General's Guidelines website.
<div>Review of all strata by-laws</div>
<div>Model by-laws</div>
<div>Pets</div>
<div>Assistance Animals</div>
<div>Nuisance smoking</div>
<div>Common property rights by-law</div>
<div>What by-laws are in place at your scheme?</div>
<div>Complying with by-laws</div>
<div>Dealing with by-law breaches</div>
<div>Penalties and fines</div>
<div>Changing by-laws</div>
<div>Other important responsibilities of strata residents</div>
If, as a result of the review, your scheme proposes changes to the by-laws, these must be put to a special resolution vote at a meeting of the owners corporation. The new  by-laws must also be registered with the NSW Office of the Registrar General within 6 months after the special resolution has been passed. This can be done by lodging a Consolidation/Change of By-Laws form. Tenants must also be informed of any change in by-laws.
In addition, the Secretary of the strata scheme must now keep a consolidated list of  by–laws. A consolidated list of by–laws must be registered with Land and Property Information before any new change of by–laws can be registered.
 
<h1>Model by-laws </h1>
The Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 includes a set of model by-laws which provide 'sample rules' to guide the owners corporation in setting their own by-laws. Owners corporations can choose to adopt these or make changes to better suit their circumstances to manage issues in strata like overcrowding, pets, parking, and smoke drift. Schemes are not required to adopt or adapt any of the model by-laws, they are available to assist schemes in reviewing and making by-laws to suit their scheme. Model by-laws cannot be the by-laws for your scheme unless they are first formally adopted by the owners corporation and registered with Land and Property Information.
The model by-laws include options for:
<ul>
<li>permitting pets</li>
<li>dealing with nuisance or hazardous smoking</li>
<li>helping owners corporations address noise and short-term letting</li>
<li>measures to prevent overcrowding.</li>
</ul>
View or download a copy of the model by-laws in the Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 from the NSW Legislation website.
 
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All NSW strata schemes must review their by-laws by 30 November 2017

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Perth bargains are harder to find, according to the valuation firm, Herron Todd White.
"All in all, the market is ripe for owner occupiers to make a purchasing decision," a recent report to clients advised.
"Many speculators have already called the bottom of the market and they may well be right – just not in all areas.
"Many areas remain price sensitive, but the ability to snag a bargain is becoming harder by the week," it suggested.
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"There are definite signs things are changing.
"Discussions with selling agents reveal more frequent incidents of multiple offers on properties and a higher level of open home attendance at lower price levels.
"The number of properties advertised for sale has declined over the previous 12 months, from 14,000 to 13,200 – with the market commonly interpreting 12,000 as a balanced market.
"Given that in an average week, 500 sales are recorded in the Perth metro area, a short period of undersupply could lead to a market correction in a very short period of time," it suggested.
The market appears to be at the stage of understanding that the window of opportunity to pick the bottom of the market is narrowing, with a level of optimism becoming apparent.
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Perth property bargains harder to find: HTW

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ASIC has commenced proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia and obtained interim injunctions against Perth-based Superfunded Pty Ltd and its sole director, Mr Max David Goldenberg, of Currambine and its sole shareholder Mark Travis Goldenberg of Claremont.
The proceedings concern their promotion of a business that encourages people to set up self-managed super funds to invest in the Superfunded Loan Investment Trust, which lends money to home buyers for their house deposits.
Neither Superfunded nor the Goldenbergs holds an Australian Financial Services licence and ASIC alleges that Superfunded and the Goldenbergs are therefore unlawfully carrying on a financial services business.
On 9 November 2017, the Federal Court of Australia made the following interim orders:　
<ul>
<li>restraining Superfunded and the Goldenbergs from providing financial services;　</li>
<li>restraining Superfunded and the Goldenbergs from having access to client or investor assets;　</li>
<li>prohibiting advertising, promoting or marketing financial services or products in relation to the investors and potential investors of the Superfunded Loan Investment Trust;</li>
<li>for the preservation of assets; and</li>
<li>for financial disclosure.　</li>
</ul>
The interim orders will remain in force until further order. The matter has otherwise been adjourned to a date to be fixed with liberty to any party to apply to the Court on 24 hours' notice.
Mark Goldenberg is the Trustee of the Superfunded Loan Investment Trust.
Mark Goldenberg was permanently banned from providing financial services in May 2009.　
Mark Goldenberg was sentenced to three years' imprisonment in 2011 following an ASIC prosecution for misusing $1.5 million of investor funds for his own benefit.
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ASIC acts against the Goldenbergs SMSF scheme

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Chinese property and entertainment giant Dalian Wanda have said from time to time they ascertain interest in its property projects. But they deny this week's report by the South China Morning Post that Wanda were offering to sell five of its biggest overseas properties in the UK, US and Australia.
Wanda suggested that they were "approached by third parties from time to time" in a statement posted to the Hong Kong stock exchange.
“Following the recent changes in some directors of the Company, the Company is undertaking a strategic review of its property projects and will consider any business opportunities which can create value for shareholders,” the statement read.
They were supposedly seeking a single buyer who would stump up $6.6 billion (US$5 billion).
In August the group had to come out and deny rumours they were selling their Gold Coast and Sydney projects, which comprise $2 billion of the $6.6 billion portfolio.
They rubbished the rumours a day before they restructured their Australian projects, selling them to a private entity controlled by the company's founder, Wang Jianlin
Last month they started marketing One Circular Quay, their Sydney project overlooking the harbour (above).
Their Gold Coast project (below) is yet to be marketed.
<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/2017/11/22/Wanda2.jpg" alt="">
 
 
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Dalian Wanda ascertain interest in its property "from time to time"

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Australia does have its own history in the early 1990s of large losses on commercial property lending, according to the RBA.
Noting a classic boom-bust or ‘hog cycle’ story, the bank's head of Financial Stability recalled over those five years, Australian banks experienced losses of around 10 per cent of their loans, concentrated in their commercial property lending.
"One part of the commercial property sector that the Reserve Bank has been watching closely is loans for the development of residential property," according to Jonathan Kearns the bank's head of Financial Stability.
He said <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2017/sp-so-2017-11-20" target="_blank">in a speech to the Aus-China Property Developers, Investors &amp; Financiers</a> that the surge in apartments recently completed and under construction in the major cities "raises the risk of price falls."
The construction of new apartments has been largest relative to the existing stock in Brisbane and inner-city Melbourne, though it is largest in absolute numbers in Sydney.
"Prices for other types of commercial property have risen sharply with a strong increase in demand from international investors seeking the relatively high yields available on Australian commercial property. Exceptionally low long-term interest rates globally have pushed up valuations for property and other assets, all the more so because relatively strong and stable global economic growth in the past few years has reduced investors' perception of the current risks.
"While there has not been a surge in construction, the run up in commercial property prices raises the risk of a sharp correction, for example if there is a change in sentiment or a pick-up in long term interest rates."
<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/2017/11/22/Graph1.jpg" alt="">
He noted commercial office markets have been strongest in Sydney and Melbourne with low vacancy rates and rising prices.
"In contrast, conditions have been weaker in Perth where vacancy rates increased sharply with the downturn in the state economy from the decline in mining investment.
"Conditions in retail property markets have also been relatively subdued across Australia.
"In part, this reflects strong competition in the retail sector from new entrants and online retailers.
<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/2017/11/22/Graph2.jpg" alt="">
"However, banks have continued to grow their lending for new retail developments and refurbishments with an increased focus on entertainment, hospitality, services and mixed residential.
"Overall, Australian banks have tightened their lending conditions for commercial property in recent years."
<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/2017/11/22/Graph3.jpg" alt="">
Kearns suggested restrained lending by Australian banks had provided an opportunity for new entrants into the market.
"Asian banks have grown their commercial property lending sharply, more than doubling their market share in just two years, although it remains relatively small.
"This strong growth in commercial property lending by Asian banks is reminiscent of European banks' growth in the lead up to the financial crisis. However, whereas Australian banks eased their lending standards in that pre-crisis period in order to compete, this time Australian banks do not appear to have eased lending standards."
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Risk of sharp correction exists in commercial property: RBA

Some evolving questions: RBA's Philip Lowe speech to economists

Sydney developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-element">Central Element</a>&nbsp;is doubling down in Drummoyne, lodging plans for a boutique apartment development on St Georges Crescent, only one-kilometre down the road from its first Drummoyne development, Bianca.

The new project at 15A-21 St Georges Crescent,&nbsp;a&nbsp;1,701sqm north-facing site overlooking Iron Cove, will have 45 apartmnts across 10 levels. Eight of the units will be dedicated to affordable housing.

The site sits within walking distance of Drummoyne Village, Birkenhead Point, ferry services and the Bay Run, and offers harbour views towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge and CBD skyline.

Designed by MHN Design Union, the development will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside resident amenity including a gym, landscaped communal open space and three levels of basement parking.

The project has been lodged under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, with Drummoyne Village identified as a town centre capable of accommodating additional housing supply.

Central Element acquired the site earlier this year as part of its continued expansion across Sydney's eastern suburbs, lower north shore and inner west.

The developer's current pipeline includes luxury apartment projects Pearl Bondi and a separate development on Lamrock Avenue in Bondi, a residential project in Barry Street, Neutral Bay, and a mixed-use seniors living community in Greenwich.

Central Element Managing Director Nathan Chivas said the project would address a shortage of new owner-occupier housing opportunities in Drummoyne.

"While we're seeing a significant shift across Canada Bay as major infrastructure investment, population growth and planning reform drive a new chapter for the region, in suburbs like Drummoyne there remains a genuine shortage of new boutique luxury housing opportunities for owner occupiers," Chivas said.

"Sites of this nature are increasingly difficult to secure, particularly those that combine a north-facing aspect with direct water outlook. Our St Georges Crescent project responds directly to the market demand, offering a level of exclusivity, outlook and lifestyle in the highly sought after suburb."

The development application has been lodged with the City of Canada Bay Council, with the project expected to launch to market in early 2027.

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Central Element seeks second Drummoyne apartment development

The NSW Government has unveiled plans that could deliver around 1,300 new homes across Nowra and Kiama, continuing its push to unlock housing in well-located regional centres along the South Coast.

The proposals, now on public exhibition, would pave the way for around 830 homes in Nowra and a further 450 homes in Kiama, while also introducing affordable housing requirements and increased building heights in key locations.

The larger of the two proposals is centred on Nowra, where the NSW Government is seeking to rezone land within the Mandalay and Riverfront precincts.

The Mandalay sub-precinct, located close to Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital, Nowra Library and the city's aquatic centre, could accommodate around 530 new homes. Around 30 per cent of housing delivered on Homes NSW-owned land would be dedicated to social and affordable housing, equating to roughly 100 homes. Building heights would increase from the current two-storey limit to between three and six storeys.

A separate rezoning proposal for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct would unlock a further 377 homes while creating stronger connections between the Shoalhaven River and the CBD. The plans include building heights ranging from five to 12 storeys, floor space ratios of up to 2:1 and a requirement for two per cent affordable housing.

Together, the two proposals would deliver more than 900 homes across the broader Nowra area, reinforcing the city's role as one of regional NSW's key growth centres.

The housing push builds on previous infrastructure commitments in the Shoalhaven, including government funding aimed at supporting thousands of future homes in West Nowra through upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure.

Further north, the NSW Government is also progressing plans for the former Kiama Depot site, a two-hectare parcel near Kiama's town centre.

The rezoning proposal would transform the former industrial site into a residential community capable of delivering up to 450 homes. Buildings would range between six and eight storeys, with at least 10 per cent of homes allocated as affordable housing. The proposal also includes approximately 600 parking spaces and improved walking and cycling connections.

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the proposals are designed to increase housing supply in locations close to jobs, transport and services.

"For too long, families have struggled to find somewhere to live, and activating underutilised sites allows us to deliver the new homes these families need," Scully said.

"The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of unlocking well-located sites close to transport, jobs, and town centres and building the homes our communities need.

"These rezonings are about removing barriers to housing delivery and making sure land is put to better use so more people can find a place to call home within the communities they choose."

The latest rezonings form part of the Minns Government's broader strategy to accelerate housing delivery across NSW, particularly in established centres where existing infrastructure can support additional population growth.

Community consultation on the proposals is now underway, with feedback set to inform the final planning controls before the rezonings are determined.

Around 1,300 new homes earmarked for Nowra and Kiama as NSW Government pushes housing supply

<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]

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.

Staff reporter

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