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The Agosta family has divested its Footscray Nino Early Learning Adventures Centre for $11.5 million, a move representing Australia’s first childcare centre sale to top $10 million this year. 
Located at <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/282-288-geelong-road-west-footscray-vic-3012-2016223248" target="_blank">282-288 Geelong Road</a>, the multi-level state of the art facility is the newest centre under the Nino Early Learning Adventures brand, having been completed in the past month. The property comprises a building area of 2,228 sqm and includes basement car parking for 25 vehicles.
CBRE’s Australian Healthcare &amp; Social Infrastructure team negotiated the sale on behalf the Agosta family via an Expressions of Interest campaign. 
The Geelong Road property is the eleventh Nino Early Learning Adventures centre sold by CBRE over the past three years, with these sales amassing a total transactional value of more than $150 million.  
CBRE’s Josh Twelftree said the sale was the second major childcare investment transacted in 2020 across Australia, with the first having been transacted by the team only two weeks ago in Oakleigh East, Victoria, for $8.08 million with a 5.4 per cent yield. 
“These results are the catalyst for buyers flocking to the sector during these uncertain times, with childcare – an essential service investment – continuing to transact,” Mr Twelftree said.
“Investors have been focusing, and will continue to focus, on properties with sound fundamentals, with the market experiencing a flight to quality where well-located assets with reliable income streams and long leases are keenly sought.”
“Childcare investments with strong underlying land value are on the top of the investors wish list, with higher cost of entry into these areas offering confidence competitors are less likely to open a centre in close vicinity,” 
CBRE’s Jimmy Tat said growing investor interest in childcare centres was being driven by their relative stability as an asset class. 
“When the commercial market was at its weakest earlier this year, investors shifted their focus to stable investment opportunities – such as childcare centres – that were providing essential services and the Federal Government’s support of childcare services further reinforced this,” Mr Tat said.
“Investors typically rate tenancy profile as the top priority after location – primarily to ensure the investment provides a strong income guarantee.
“Nino Early Learning Adventures is a well-known reputable operator with a foothold in sought after investment locations. This is underpinning greater demand and interest in their assets – as evidenced by recent transaction activity.”
 CBRE is the premium childcare sales specialists, having handled all but one of the nine sales over $8,000,000 across Australia in the past 24 months (89 per cent market share). 
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="5" valign="top" width="558">
Recent Nino Child Care Sales Results - CBRE
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
Address
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Sale Price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
Rental p.a
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
Buyer Nat.
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
Yield
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
103-107 Koonung Rd, Blackburn North
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$9,280,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$498,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
International
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
5.36%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
356-358 Warrigal Rd, Ashburton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$10,600,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$603,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
International
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
5.68%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
11-15 Chadstone Rd, Malvern East
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$16,900,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$711,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
International
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
4.20%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
31 Nepean Hwy, Elsternwick
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$11,300,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$675,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
International
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
5.97%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
282-288 Geelong Rd, Footscray
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$11,500,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$675,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
Domestic
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
5.80%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
60 Florey Ave, Point Cook
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$10,000,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$511,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
Domestic
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
5.11%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
519 Melbourne Rd, Newport
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$8,100,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$520,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
International
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
6.40%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
1-7 Reserve Road, Melton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$7,000,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$392,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
Domestic
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
5.59%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
459 Brookfield Blvd, Mickleham
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$6,350,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$420,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
Domestic
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
6.60%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
222 Plenty Rd, Bundoora
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$8,900,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$582,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
International
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
6.50%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
365 Bell Street, Preston
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$11,000,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$488,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
Domestic
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
4.40%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
International 
Domestic
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
6 groups
5 groups
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
55%
45%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
Avg Yield
Avg Yield
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
5.68%
5.50%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

2020's largest public childcare facility sale in Australia

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GUEST OBSERVATION
 
Overwhelmingly, the 50 leading Australian economists surveyed by the Economic Society of Australia and The Conversation ahead of Thursday’s <a href="https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/josh-frydenberg-2018/media-releases/update-economic-and-fiscal-outlook">economic statement</a> want the government to keep spending to support the economy — even if it means a substantial increase in debt.
The question is the third asked in the <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/esa-conversation-national-economic-poll-87063">Economic Society-Conversation monthly poll</a>, which builds on a series of polls conducted by the society since 2015.
The economists polled were selected for their preeminence in the fields of microeconomics, macroeconomics, economic modelling and public policy. Among them are former and current government advisers and a former and current member of the Reserve Bank board.
Each was asked whether they agreed, disagreed, or strongly agreed or strongly disagreed with this proposition:
Governments should provide ongoing fiscal support to boost aggregate demand during the economic crisis and recovery, even if it means a substantial increase in public debt.
Only three of the 50 economists polled disagreed with the proposition, none of them “strongly”.
It is one of the starkest results in the survey’s five-year history.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/348556/original/file-20200721-17-1h8kcyj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="50 economists respond: Govs should provide ongoing fiscal support to boost aggregate demand during the economic crisis and recovery, even if it means a substantial increase in public debt. Strongly agree: 66%, Agree: 22%, Uncertain: 6%, Disagree: 6%">The Conversation, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a>
Of the 50 economists polled, 44 supported the proposition, 33 of them “strongly”.
Of the remaining six, three were uncertain, and provided well-argued accounts of their reasoning which are published in full along the responses of each of the other participants at the bottom of of this article.
Debt now, concern later
Rachel Ong of Curtin University said the amount of public debt that has accumulated during the COVID-19 crisis was at a historical high and had to be repaid at some point. But she said governments had to be careful about removing support until the economy was clearly on a trajectory of recovery.
Nigel Stapledon of the University of NSW said while some level of on-going support was needed, at some point the cost would be larger than the benefit. Some sectors, including universities, will have to permanently adjust to lower incomes.
The economists who strongly agreed said that if not enough support was provided or if it was withdrawn too early, the resulting recession would itself make the debt that had been run up less sustainable (Fabrizio Carmignani, Griffith Business).
Financial markets are keen to lend
Beth Webster of Swinburne University argued the only real limit to government spending was high and damaging inflation.
If the government was worried about debt, it could finance its spending in other ways, by borrowing from the Reserve Bank (which could itself create money and “monetise” the debt).
Sue Richardson from the University of Adelaide agreed, using a technical term to argue that the was economy was “so far inside its production possibility frontier” (producing so much less than it was capable of) and inflation was so dormant, that there was a case for creating money.
Saul Eslake said that wasn’t necessary. Even with the hundreds of billions committed, financial markets appeared to be comfortable with the debt and keen to lend.
Debt is how we do things
Reserve Bank board member Ian Harper said the Commonwealth could borrow for 30 years at about 1%. “Can we expect the economy to grow faster than 1% per annum in nominal terms over a 30-year horizon?” he asked rhetorically. “I would have thought that’s a shoo-in,” he answered. If so, then the debt would be easily serviced.
Consulting economist Rana Roy pointed out that public debt was “not an anomaly”. It was an enduring and defining feature of the modern economy, providing an enduring and defining asset class, sovereign bonds, which were in high demand.
Of the three economists who opposed the proposition, Tony Makin of Griffith supported “supply side” measures such as <a href="https://theconversation.com/bowing-out-gracefully-how-theyll-wind-down-and-better-target-jobkeeper-143011">JobKeeper</a> that would keep firms in business but opposed “demand side” measures to boost consumer spending, saying they would ultimately prove counterproductive.
Escalating public debt would induce capital inflow, drive up the dollar and make Australian businesses less competitive. Although interest rates are at present low, they would increase when the debt had to be refinanced.
Doubts for differing reasons
Paul Fritjers of the London School of Economics said he would normally support running up government debt for the sake of the economy, but could not support it being run up to support an economy the government itself had run down.
The government should wean the population off of its “irrational fears” and letting “normal economic life return”.
Although strongly argued, these views were more weakly held than those of the majority.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/348557/original/file-20200721-23-a3clr6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="Previous responses weighted by confidence: Strongly agree: 70.4%, Agree: 21.7%, Uncertain: 3.5%, Disagree: 4.4%">The Conversation, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a>
Participants were asked to rate the confidence with which they held their opinions on a scale of 1 to 10.
When adjusted for these ratings, the proportion prepared to countenance a substantial increase in public debt climbed from 88% to 92.1%.
The proportion opposing it fell from 6% to 4.6%.
Tommorrow’s <a href="https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/josh-frydenberg-2018/media-releases/update-economic-and-fiscal-outlook">economic statement</a> will be the last budget and economic update before the budget itself on <a href="https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/josh-frydenberg-2018/media-releases/2020-21-budget-announcement">October 6</a>.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/143089/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-martin-682709">Peter Martin</a>, Visiting Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/crawford-school-of-public-policy-australian-national-university-3292">Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/should-the-government-keep-running-up-debt-to-get-us-out-of-the-crisis-overwhelmingly-economists-say-yes-143089">original article</a>.
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Should the government keep running up debt? Economists say yes

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The Real Estate Institute of Australia has welcomed the extension of the JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments beyond September.
Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister and Treasurer provides businesses and individuals with a much needed lifeline in our industry, the economy and the community for the coming months.
The extension of JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments were identified as the two main areas of support required in a survey the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s member Real Estate Institutes undertook of their members. These were subsequently highlighted in a submission to the Government.
REIA applauded the introduction of the JobKeeper as it kept many employed in the real estate sector. Many of these employees have been engaged in providing the essential service of keeping tenants housed during the pandemic.
With some 3.3 million properties that are rented or available for rent across Australia the extension of JobKeeper and JobSeeker will do much to ease the stress and anxiety that many tenants are feeling at this time. Many of these are rented by people who have lost their jobs in industries that will be slow to recover.
The extension of JobKeeper and JobSeeker will play a vital role in helping Australians plan for recovery and rebuilding from the impact of COVID-19.
ADRIAN KELLY is the President of the Real Estate Institute of Australia
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REIA welcomes JobKeeper and JobSeeker extensions: Adrian Kelly

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Lender loans.com.au has introduced a record low discounted variable rate of 1.99%, available for one year before it reverts to 2.57%.
The move comes less than one month after Tasmanian customer owned bank, Bank of Us introduced fixed rates of 1.99%.
With loans.com.au’s new lowest variable rate of 1.99% only available for one year, Canstar has compared the interest paid over the 30 year life of the loan between the new offer and the current lowest variable rate of 2.19%.
The analysis reveals that taking out the introductory offer of 1.99% would see borrowers with lower monthly repayments for 12 months though it will cost $25,517 more in interest over the life of the loan (assuming the rate differential stays the same). 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/23/Canstar%20July%2023.JPG" alt="">
Canstar's finance expert, Steve Mickenbecker said,“just last month we saw fixed rates crack the 2% barrier, with variable rates now following suit, albeit with an introductory rate that moves higher after 12 months.”
“The four minute mile of home loans, a rate below 2%, was broken last month and with the barrier broken we are now seeing fast followers.
“We saw how quickly the competition moved below 3% once that record fell, so a rate below 2% could soon become the qualifying rate to be competitive.
“A rate below 2% could make a big difference to homeowners’ hip pockets each month, but borrowers have to be prepared for a higher monthly repayment when the 12 month introductory period expires, even though the ongoing rate is competitive.
“Switching from the average variable rate of 3.44% to a rate of 1.99% on an average $400,000 loan could put $307 per month or over $3,600 back into borrowers wallets in just the first year,” he concluded.
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A second record low 1.99% home loan has arrived

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A mortgagee home in Perth's Helena Valley has sold after being listed for sale for $455,000.
The offer, understood to be $470,000, came after just 28 days on market.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-helena+valley-133534514" target="_blank">17 Prunus Place</a>, in a cul de sac, the house features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a double garage.
There also an in ground pool, and turfed back yard area.
the total block comprises 1,008 square metres.
It last sold in 1998, for $172,500.
It was built in 1996.
Richard Lowenhoff and Jessica Macarthur, from LJ Hooker Midland, had the listing.
 
 
 
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Helena Valley mortgagee home sold

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There are 1,392 homes scheduled for auction across the combined capital cities this week, increasing on the 1,176 auctions last week and higher than the 1,124 last year, according to CoreLogic data.
Sydney and Melbourne were both expected to see a rise in the number of homes auctioned this week, however given Melbourne’s restrictions, a large portion of these are likely to be withdrawn, as we’ve seen over the past few weeks.
This is a familiar scene from the first lockdown as homes were pulled from auctions heavily during that period.
In Sydney, 642 auctions are scheduled across the city, a 25% rise on last week’s volumes (515) and also higher than scheduled volumes from one year ago (394).
There are 558 Melbourne homes scheduled for auction this week, an expected rise of 11.6% on last week’s volumes (500), which saw a large number withdrawn (209); a trend that is likely to persist through the lockdown period.
Across the smaller cities, scheduled volumes are set to be higher across all cities but Perth.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/23/CL%20JULY%2019.JPG" alt="">
Despite the negative speculation surrounding the property market, the Ray White Group is set for another strong weekend of auctions.
A return to online auctions in Victoria has done little to stem buyer confidence and the number of registered bidders for New South Wales properties remain near record highs.
Australasia’s biggest auction house has 240 auctions scheduled to take place this Saturday, a 72 per cent increase in the number of auctions at the same time last year.
One highlight is in Pymble where Ray White Upper North Shore Sales Agents Rowan Lazar and Graeme Schultz are taking the five-bedroom family home at 12 Lawley Crescent (pictured in title) to auction with a $2,250,000-$2,500,000 price guide.
“We’ve had more than 70 parties through the open homes during the campaign and we’ve issued 17 contracts so far – we’re expecting this one to be a great auction,” Mr Lazar said.
<img src="https://f.datasrvr.com/f1/620/64889/5_Hume_Street,_Kellyville_Ridge,_NSW.JPG" width="640" data-imagetype="External">
Over in Kellyville Ridge, Ray White Castle Hill Sales Executives Sara Perry and Karl Anthony are expecting big things for the modern and stylish property at 5 Hume Street (above).
“We’ve had 58 groups through and the property has particularly appealed to a wide-ranging demographic – namely families, downsizers and first-home buyers,” Ms Perry said.
“The vendors have bought a block of land in Box Hill to build their dream home and they’re motivated to sell – we’re expecting 4-6 registered bidders on the day.
The property goes under the hammer onsite at 12pm with Ray White Auctioneer James Kerley.
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Sydney set to be the busiest auction market again due to Melbourne lockdown

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Adelaide was one of only three cities to record house price growth over the June quarter.
It pushed the city’s house prices to a record high of $553,036.
Unit prices did, however, slip by almost $10,000 over the June quarter. 
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/b16c0b957ea98f662ab985606/images/ac4c1516-3aa3-40b4-a686-21aec5bae5f9.png" data-imagetype="External">
June 2020 QoQ change for Adelaide house and unit prices
“Adelaide was one of only three cities to record house price growth over the June quarter, along with Hobart and Canberra. While it was a modest 0.2 per cent lift, this has pushed house prices to a record high of $553,036. This is a better outcome than the other capital cities that plunged into declined, reinforcing the stability of the Adelaide housing market even amid the economic fallout of COVID-19. However, unit prices slipped 2.9 per cent over the June quarter, reversing part of the strong growth recorded over the first three months of the year, to $319,266.”
“Low interest rates, unprecedented government stimulus and extended mortgage repayment relief measures have sheltered house prices from any substantial falls to-date. A pullback in buyer and seller activity throughout the height of the lockdown also helped. Economic headwinds could still disrupt Adelaide’s market stability, with weak employment prospects a persistent thorn in the economy which will heighten due to health crisis. However South Australia is less reliant on international tourism than other states and more reliant on interstate tourism. Once borders reopen, the state could benefit from the increase in Australians taking holidays locally.”
“The outlook for residential property has improved vastly in recent weeks. Sentiment towards housing and the purchase of a home has bucked the overall more negative sentiment around the broader economy. South Australia had one of the biggest improved sentiment towards the time to buy a dwelling which reached a six-month high nationally. Affordability is clearly front of mind of mind for prospective buyers, with Adelaide offering one of the lowest purchase prices of all the capitals as well as offering buyers a great lifestyle. Demand could be increased by Australia’s success in dealing with the global pandemic compared to other countries, making it an attractive destination to reside, particularly towards lifestyle regions,” said Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
 
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Adelaide house prices reached a record high this quarter: Domain

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A Western Australian mortgagee home in the suburb of Bentley went to auction on July 18 unsuccessfully.
The five-bedroom, two-bathroom home presents an opportunity for a first home buyer or investor.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-bentley-133821094">7a Duke Street</a>, the property offers an open plan living, dining and kitchen space which opens onto a rear courtyard.
Only 10km from the Perth CBD, it is a 254 sqm abode.
Ray White’s Cameron Smart and Kirsty Baker hold the listing.
The property last traded for $475,000 in 2016.
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Bentley, WA mortgagee home listed after unsuccessful auction

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Greater Brisbane house prices fell by $8,000 over the June quarter, the first quarterly fall in a year and the steepest in almost nine years.
Unit prices also declined by just over $16,000 in the June quarter.
A two-speed property market has developed across Brisbane; with Brisbane City, Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim and Somerset house prices falling over the quarter, while Ipswich grew, and Logan remained stable.
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/b16c0b957ea98f662ab985606/images/dd2bb747-bdfd-4fd8-9ecb-60529f175ce2.png" width="597" height="199" data-imagetype="External">
June 2020 QoQ change for Brisbane house and unit prices
“Greater Brisbane house prices fell 1.4 per cent over the June quarter. This is the first quarterly fall in a year and the steepest in almost nine years. However house prices remain higher compared to last year, marking seven-and-a-half years of annual capital growth. A two-speed property market has developed across the LGAs with Brisbane City, Moreton Bay, Redland, Scenic Rim and Somerset house prices falling over the quarter, while Ipswich grew, and Logan remained stable.”
“Prior to COVID-19, there was promising growth in prices for Greater Brisbane. Although this has reversed in the June quarter, the fall in prices to date has been minimal considering the economic aftermath of border closures and shutdowns. An initial pull back in seller and buyer activity during the lockdown acted to underpin prices, government financial support has kept distressed or urgent sales minimal, and incentives have encouraged buying journeys to begin.”
“The outlook for residential property has improved vastly in recent weeks. Sentiment towards housing and the purchase of a home has bucked the overall more negative sentiment around the broader economy. Nationally the time to buy a dwelling pushed to a six-month high according to the Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment. Affordability is clearly front of mind, with the biggest jumps in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.”
“Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast housing values outperformed Greater Brisbane over the June quarter. Gold Coast houses pushed to a new record of $660,000 following a 1.5 per cent quarterly growth, while houses on the Sunshine Coast nudged marginally lower. Unit values held across both cities over the June quarter, with Sunshine Coast units at the record achieved last quarter. Despite the devastating impact of the bushfires and the coronavirus pandemic housing values are steady illustrating the desirability of coastal lifestyle regions,” said Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
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Brisbane house prices see their steepest fall in 9 years: Domain

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Melbourne’s house and unit prices declined over the June quarter, the market’s first fall since early 2019 and the deepest quarterly fall of all the major capital cities.
With Inner Melbourne, the inner east and inner south seeing price declines, opportunities are growing for prospective buyers to enter the market
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/b16c0b957ea98f662ab985606/images/54036863-9430-4062-a6a1-a416e52344a5.png" data-imagetype="External"> June 2020 QoQ change for Melbourne house and unit prices
“Melbourne’s record high house price achieved last quarter was short-lived: prices tumbled 3.5 per cent over the June quarter. House values have fallen $32,000 and units $9,000 over the first quarter to show the impact of COVID-19. Prior to this, Melbourne house prices had made a full recovery from the 2017-19 slump. This quarter marks the first fall since early 2019 and is the deepest quarterly fall of all the major capital cities. Affordability appears to be front of mind for buyers, with more substantial falls in the city, the inner east and inner south, while the outer areas remain stable or have risen. Units have held up better than houses, falling a more moderate 1.7 per cent over the June quarter. It is the opposite trend for Melbourne units, with the price slump concentrated in the affordable areas of the south east and west.”
“Home owners have been provided with a lifeline during this economically challenging time through the intervention of the banks and government: the JobKeeper subsidy as well as a more generous JobSeeker payment which have both been extended, along with the banks offer to pause mortgages. These will minimise the number of urgent or distressed sales, which will in turn support prices. The risks become far greater once these initiatives cease. That said, evidence suggests further price weakness - in June 13.4 per cent of sellers reduced their asking price, five times higher than the same time last year.”
“Melbourne’s property market outlook has adjusted in recent weeks as the city enters its second lockdown. The full impact of the first economic shutdown was clearly evident in the June quarter. Sales activity, listings and clearance rates fell in April. However the rebound was swift as restrictions eased, confidence lifted from the April lows, vendors returned, and more buyers decided it was a good time to purchase - nationally rising to a six-month high. The second lockdown will stall this momentum temporarily,” said Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
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Melbourne property prices hit hardest in June quarter: Domain

Lewis Land's latest apartment release within its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan is targeting one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing buyer groups, with almost a third of apartments at Solis priced below $1 million.

The seven-storey building at Biggera Waters will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 one-bedroom residences starting from $778,000, a price point Lewis Land says is aimed squarely at first home buyers struggling to enter the Gold Coast market.

<img alt="Harbour Shires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7486e37-22f6-4c92-b212-9b0622070b8f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=W8MJwJUCf6HkIyl_EVSksnd.QI6MZryY" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the developer deliberately allocated a significant proportion of the project to more affordable apartment types.

"First home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and we saw a clear opportunity to address this and play our part in a longer-term housing solution," Long said.

"That's why 24 of the 91 apartments being delivered at Solis have been designed and priced for the city's next generation of homeowners, quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room to maximise space and flexibility.

"This approach places 30 per cent of apartments in Solis under $1 million, and with close proximity to Harbour Town's future light rail extension connecting residents to the city's major employment and knowledge hubs, it's a win for buyers looking to secure their first property."

<img alt="Sores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="550526d3-73ba-4710-9739-c5f4294a30ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cQQdXHt9wS0UXwZEm5Py5bH_3kAmzyhu" />

Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with residences ranging up to 232 sqm. Apartments feature generous balconies and contemporary finishes, while residents will have access to Harbour Shores' lagoon pool, clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

The focus on first home buyers resonated with purchaser Holly Humphreys, who said she and her boyfriend spent more than a year searching for their first property before shifting their attention from houses to apartments.

"We fell in love with the first house we bid on and got our hopes up, but after repeated knockbacks we learned not to get too attached," Humphreys said.

"We offered at the high end of price guides, but sales kept going even higher. That's where we really struggled and we needed to re-evaluate our budget and our expectations. Standalone houses were off the table, and we pivoted to apartments and townhouses."

Humphreys said it was encouraging to see developers recognising the growing demand from first home buyers.

"There's a growing number of young buyers looking to enter the market earlier because they understand that getting in now can make a real difference as prices continue to rise," she said.

"It's fantastic to see a developer recognise this and then actively take measures to deliver an apartment with us in mind."

Solis is the first development planned within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, with early works expected to commence in September 2026.

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Joel Robinson

Lewis Land targets first home buyers at latest Harbour Shores release, Solis

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

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Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

KOYO penthouse headlines Abadeen's $19.25 million EOFY sales flurry

The City of Sydney has approved plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia Group</a> and Metrics Credit Partners’ $3.5 billion Castlereagh Place project in the heart of the Sydney CBD

The towers will be among the tallest in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney</a>'s CBD, with more floors than any other residential tower in the city.&nbsp;

The 6,000 sqm site was acquired by the joint venture partners in 2024. It is the largest amalgamated land parcel in the Sydney CBD and comprises eight individual sites fronting Castlereagh, Pitt and Liverpool Streets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castlereagh-place-sydney-324-348-pitt-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Castlereagh Place</a> will transform an underutilised city block into a landmark mixed-use destination, anchored by two 82-storey towers comprising 607 luxury residences above an 8-level podium housing a 209-room luxury hotel. A 1,000 square metre civic park on ground level features a curated mix of food, beverage and retail.

The plans have been refined over the past year to rebalance the residential and hotel offering, and reconfigure the retail footprint to create a stronger, more dynamic dining experience.

A three-level flagship building on the prominent corner of Pitt and Liverpool Streets will be the gateway to the Castlereagh Place lifestyle precinct. Set to become a Sydney icon, the building is capable of housing multiple hospitality venues.

“Castlereagh Place is designed to be the City's next great urban oasis - an energetic mixed-use precinct that pulses with life, day and night,"&nbsp;said Joseph Kinsella, Group Director of Billbergia.

"It will bring the vibrancy of places like Barangaroo and Darling Quarter into a more accessible, central destination at the very heart of Sydney."

Kinsella said the project will build on&nbsp;Sydney’s growing laneway culture with the City’s largest network of new activated lanes - an expanded, next-generation take on precincts like Angel Place, Palings Lane and Ash Street in Wynyard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374401]

Castlereagh Place has been designed by architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">fjcstudio</a> in collaboration with Trias Studio, Aileen Sage and Polly Harbison Design, joint winners of an international design competition in 2018.&nbsp;

Signature design elements from the original scheme remain unchanged, while the public domain has been significantly enhanced, delivering 60 per cent more open-to-sky space.

Pedestrian access will also be enhanced through new laneways linking Pitt, Liverpool and Castlereagh Streets, drawing people into a new civic park with outdoor seating, landscaping and integrated public art.

With activated laneways supported by strong hospitality offerings, Castlereagh Place is tipped to become a vibrant new dining destination in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

It marks the largest undertaking to date for the Billbergia and Metrics Credit Partners partnership. Together they are developing other underutilised Sydney sites into mixed-use precincts, including the $2.2 billion Concord Central and the $1.3 billion Chatswood Grand Residences.

Metrics Managing Partner and Group CEO Andrew Lockhart said Castlereagh Place is a landmark project that will redefine Sydney’s skyline.

"As the tallest residential high-rise development, the revitalised site will offer panoramic views across the CBD and surrounds. We are excited to partner with Billbergia to reinvigorate an underutilised site and create a sophisticated and contemporary mixed-use offering situated in the heart of Sydney.”

Total apartments within the towers have increased to 607 dwellings, with a focus on larger floorplans. Aligned to growing market demand, Castlereagh Place now comprises 299 three-plus-bedroom apartments, 198 two-bedroom units and 110 one-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374402]

Resident amenities will include an exclusive residents club containing a gym, rooftop pool, dining rooms, co-working spaces, library, golf simulator, games room, cinema room, and access to an exclusive concierge service. There will be around 500 basement car spaces below the towers.

The development will also include a state-of-the-art wellness centre, set to feature a bathhouse with magnesium pools, hot/cold plunge pools and premium amenities.

&nbsp;

According to fjcstudio, the towers will feature distinctive yet elegant architectural design reflecting Sydney’s geometry and urban character, with a network of through-site links and intimate public spaces activating the streetscape.

"Castlereagh Place is a city-making project of significant scale and ambition," said Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director at fjcstudio.

"It will create a rich urban complex of public open spaces, landscaped gardens, and vibrant laneways. Defining these new public spaces and the important streetscape of Castlereagh Street is a sequence of fine-grained, diverse retail and hotel architecture designed in collaboration with Aileen Sage, Polly Harbison Design and Trias.

“Rising above the tree-lined, human-scale streetscape are two slender residential towers that will transform the city skyline and look towards the Harbour, Hyde Park, and the Royal Botanic Garden.”

Demolition and early construction works have commenced onsite at Castlereagh Place.

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Billbergia, Metrics, approved for $3.5 billion Sydney skyscrapers

International developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spg-land">SPG Land</a> is preparing to re-launch its long-awaited $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Paradiso Place</a> development at Budds Beach, bringing a new price point to the Surfers Paradise apartment market.

The developer will release one-bedroom apartments from $825,000 and two-bedroom apartments from $1.24 million in the three-tower development.

According to Urbis, the starting price for the two-bedroom apartments is more than $400,000 below the weighted average sale price for comparable two-bedroom apartments in Surfers Paradise during 2025, which was pinned at $1.7 million.

&nbsp;

Urbis reported quarterly average sale prices for new two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments ranged from around $1.2 million to $1.7 million throughout 2025, peaking in the December quarter.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185853]

Paradiso Place is now moving into its formal sales campaign, with a limited early-release opportunity available ahead of the public launch.

The development will comprise 845 apartments across three towers rising 40, 41 and 44 storeys from a 1.15-hectare site spanning an entire city block. The towers will sit above a new retail precinct.

"Paradiso Place represents a rare opportunity in today's market, offering premium apartments at a price point that is significantly more competitive than anything else currently available," SPG Land Sales Director Brad McMahon said.

"When you look at comparable new developments across Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and the Southern Beaches precinct, buyers are typically paying hundreds of thousands more for a similar product.

"The scale of this project and the developer-builder construction model allows us to unlock efficiencies that smaller developments simply cannot achieve. We are passing those benefits directly to buyers, while still delivering a five-star residential experience with an unmatched lifestyle."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=374280]

Each of the three towers designed by Rothelowman will have its own podium, connected by an elevated skybridge network to create a beachside village for residents. The resident amenity has been designed to rival a five-star hotel, with private dining rooms, resident lounges and entertainment spaces.

McMahon said the pricing strategy was a deliberate response to the current market.

"What Paradiso Place offers is a unique balance, genuine value within a premium market. Buyers are not compromising on quality, design or amenity, they are gaining access to it at a more competitive price point at a time when prices across the Gold Coast continue to reach new highs."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362498]

Located around 100 metres from the beach and within walking distance of the Surfers Paradise North light rail station, Paradiso Place occupies one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held beachfront precincts.

Construction is continuing to progress, with eight of the project's 112 foundation piles now complete. Excavation has also commenced on the first diaphragm wall panel, with the first concrete poured on 15 June, marking a key milestone in the project's early works program.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106566]

SPG Land launches $1.5 billion Paradiso Place at attractive price point

Luxury developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lowe-living">Lowe Living</a> has achieved a new Victorian benchmark for an off-the-plan apartment, with the sale of two penthouses at its ultra-exclusive Maison Savoy development in Brighton.

The two penthouses achieved a combined sale rate of $49,926 per sqm. Both transactions eclipsed the previous identified Victorian off-the-plan price-per-square-metre benchmark, set by the 449 sqm apartment at Como Toorak, which sold at $46,659 per sqm.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maison-savoy-brighton-150-esplanade-brighton-vic-3186">Maison Savoy</a>, Lowe Living's redevelopment of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel on absolute beachfront land at 150 The Esplanade, Brighton, has gained significant momentum since launching just eight weeks ago. Around 30 per cent of the project's 19 residences have already been secured, generating approximately $45 million in sales.

"Securing two of the three penthouse sales at this stage, within eight weeks of launching to market speaks to the confidence our clients place in Lowe Living," Lowe Living co-founder Emma Lowe said.

"They know we'll be with them through every stage of the journey, and that assurance is something we've worked hard to earn and never take for granted."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366474]

Lowe said Maison Savoy was conceived as a genuine alternative to a prestige Brighton home, combining house-scale proportions with the convenience, security and lock-up-and-leave appeal of apartment living.

Lowe Living co-founder Tim Lowe said the early sales success demonstrated the resilience of Melbourne's prestige market and highlighted the growing demand for house-sized apartments among ultra-high-net-worth buyers.

"The Melbourne market has definitely been tested in recent years, with interest rates and global economic factors all creating a period of uncertainty across the real estate sector. The sales success at Maison Savoy however demonstrates that confidence remains exceptionally strong at the top end of the market.

"The prestige market is being driven by long-term lifestyle decisions rather than short-term market sentiment, which continues to create a level of certainty that befits an absolute beachfront property in a blue-chip location like Brighton.

"Brighton's fundamentals remain among the strongest in Melbourne, with limited new supply, enduring demand from an overwhelmingly local owner-occupier market, and a rare combination of beachfront amenity and proximity to the CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=374378]

According to Cotality, Brighton remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held prestige suburbs, with an average ownership tenure of 15.3 years for houses and 12.3 years for units, while more than 73 per cent of homes are owner-occupied.

Tim Lowe said selling two of the project's three penthouses so early in the campaign was an uncommon result.

"This sales result is a reflection of quality and understanding the local market. It's incredibly rare to transact the penthouses so early in a sales campaign in any project so to have sold two of the three penthouses at Maison Savoy so soon after launch, all in-house without any external sales agency appointed, is reflective of our careful consideration of our buyers' needs and lifestyle.

"This is knowledge that is accumulated not just from data and demographic analysis, but via a deeply embedded understanding of how this type of buyer wants to live and feel in their home. We pride ourselves on getting to know our clients personally, and over the last 10 years we have been able to refine our product offering by talking one-on-one with our clients about their design and floorplan preferences.

"Being a fully integrated developer-builder with an in-house design and sales team allows us to lead every part of the process and ensure the highest quality of product and service at every touchpoint. It's a really important part of our DNA and the recent sales success at Maison Savoy indicates that our clients and purchasers are resonating with this point of difference.

"It reinforces that demand remains strong for thoughtfully designed residences that offer rarity, lifestyle and long-term value in tightly held locations, which ultimately validates Maison Savoy's positioning as creating a new benchmark for house-scale, wellness-led apartment living on Brighton's beachfront."

&nbsp;

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The residences at Maison Savoy start from 295 sqm, with most enjoying uninterrupted views across Port Phillip Bay. The project sits moments from the Brighton Bathing Boxes, Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Middle Brighton Baths and Church Street's retail and dining precinct.

A key feature of the development is its private residents-only bathhouse, curated by the founder of Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse and modelled on traditional European bathing rituals and the award-winning Sorrento bathhouse.

The wellness offering includes a hydrotherapy pool, salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, foot activation zone and a Vichy rainfall bed, one of only a handful in Australia. Residents will also have access to a Technogym studio, lounge spaces and a dedicated concierge service offering everything from morning coffee delivery and restaurant bookings to dry cleaning and home coordination.

"Wellness-led design has become a defining factor for luxury buyers," Emma Lowe said.

"Purchasers increasingly value homes that enhance wellbeing through thoughtful design, private amenity, privacy and liveability."

The penthouse purchasers are now undertaking a bespoke customisation process curated personally by architect Pete Kennon and the Lowe Living team, one of the developer's signature service offerings.

Construction on the $160 million transformation of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel site commenced last month, with completion expected in early 2028. The project has secured funding from NAB alongside development partner Monark.

Just one penthouse remains available, along with a limited number of two and three-bedroom residences starting from $3.75 million.

Lowe Living currently has eight projects on the market across Melbourne and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, having grown a $1 billion development pipeline alongside a $350 million construction pipeline.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140818]

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