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Two pre-war houses at Brisbane's Bardon have been listed for sale.
The first one is a charming three bedroom house located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-bardon-125707678" target="_blank">91 Leworthy Street</a> (above).
This pre-war house has been preserved and has traditional features.
From the entrance the living space goes out to the front veranda and has access to the kitchen which is next to the indoor dining.
The rear deck is spacious and built for relaxation while having a view of the gardens.
The second bedroom also has its own air con while the third bedroom can access the rear deck.
The second one is located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-bardon-125655518" target="_blank">32 Brown Street</a> (below).
<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/2017/07/05/32%20Brown%20Street.jpg" alt="">
The two story property home is within close proximity to Rosalie Village and the McGregor Terrace shops while the CBD is only five kilometres away.
With traditional still there features the property was last renovated 10 years ago.
Upstairs living area is quite spacious and has its own aircon and is adjacent to the verandah and deck which has views.
The kitchen has ample bench space, stainless steel appliances, glass splash back.
There is also an indoor or outdoor dining area.
The bedrooms, including the master, is downstairs along with a lounge area while the master has its own ensuite and leads to a paved terrace.
Both properties are offered through Space Property agent Nicole Devine.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Two pre-war Bardon houses listed for sale

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Recent homebuyers are taking on larger scope projects than all other home renovators according to the Houzz &amp; Home Australia survey from Houzz, the platform for home renovation and design.
The survey, of almost 10,000 respondents in Australia and more than 185,000 globally, revealed that over a quarter of renovations are driven by recent home purchases (29 percent).
Recent homebuyers are nearly twice as likely to renovate all of their interior spaces than the average home renovator (15 percent versus eight percent, respectively).
When considering priorities, kitchen projects top the list for recent buyers (31 percent versus 25 percent for the average renovating homeowner), followed by living rooms (32 percent versus 23 percent) and master bathrooms (22 percent versus 17 percent).
“2016 was another strong year for the home renovation market, with homeowners continuing to invest in their homes," said Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz.
“While the majority of renovations are spurred by homeowners’ desire to upgrade a home they have lived in for some time, recent home purchases are also an important driver of home renovation activity.
“Recent homebuyers tend to do more, spend more, and are more likely to hire professionals to help with their renovation projects than other homeowners.”
This year is on track to be another boom year for home renovations, with half of homeowners on Houzz planning to begin or continue renovations in 2017 (50 percent).
Homeowners plan to spend an average of $47,000 on home renovations in 2017. In 2016, kitchen renovations commanded the highest spend ($19,300), followed by master bathrooms ($12,300).
Other top findings include:
Energy Efficient and Healthy Homes:
● While design and functionality top the list of renovation considerations (both 74 percent), almost half of homeowners consider energy efficiency extremely important to their projects (42 percent). To create more energy efficient homes, homeowners are installing home automation technology and solar systems during their renovations (8 percent and 7 percent respectively). Home automation is even more common among recent buyers (15 percent).
● Australian homeowners are also health conscious with almost a quarter reporting health concerns as a priority factor to their renovation project (24%).
Cash is King:
● Seventy-nine percent of homeowners reported to have used cash and savings to fund their projects in 2016.
● Refinancing trails behind at second (15 percent in 2016), with recent homebuyers more likely to refinance than long term owners (21 percent versus 15 percent, respectively).
● Recent buyers are also more likely to use credit cards to fund their projects (16 percent versus 13 percent for long term owners).
Breaking Budget:
● The top challenge facing renovating homeowners in 2016 was staying on budget (34 percent).
● Other top challenges include finding the right products and materials and finding the right service providers (both 33 percent).
Pro is The Go:
● Nine in ten renovating homeowners hired professionals for their renovation projects in 2016, consistent with 2015 (both 89 percent). Recent homebuyers are even more likely to rely on professional help than long term owners (92 percent versus 88 percent, respectively).
Raring to Renovate:
● One in two homeowners on Houzz report plans to renovate over sell their homes (53 percent versus seven percent respectively).
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Recent homebuyers drive renovation activity, Houzz study finds

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<div>
Westpac Group, the nation's second largest mortgage lender, has told mortgage brokers to grill clients on why they want an interest-only loan.
They are to "make them aware of their features and considerations".
</div>
<div>Brokers must note the client's answers and include them in the application.</div>
<div>
"It is important clients can provide clear reasoning for their choice of loan and can demonstrate an understanding of an interest-only loan and its features so we can have confidence our product aligns to their needs," a bank spokesman told Fairfax Media.
</div>
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Westpac tells mortgage brokers to quiz investors on IO rationale

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DomaCom has signed an Agreement with Akuna Lifestyle Estates to launch the first crowdfunded resort-style residential community land development in regional Victoria.
The project, which is planned to be developed and sold in eight stages over three to four years starting this year, is the brainchild of the Melbourne-based Akuna group that has developed a community housing model it believes will better suit the needs of many baby boomers moving into retirement.
Akuna founding director Graeme Jacobs says the Akuna Residential Land Lease Community (RLLC) model is a more affordable and transparent option than the conventional retirement village model.
“Under our scheme there are no exit fees, with any future house sale only subject to the normal residential sales commission fee of 2.5%; there are no refurbishment fees or other costs imposed on the residents with residents getting all the proceeds from the sale of their houses.
“Residents only pay a weekly rental fee that covers all the maintenance of the community’s common areas and full use of the clubhouse, bowling green, swimming pool &amp; gym, as well as council rates, sewerage and water rates.”
DomaCom will use it’s fractional property investment platform to offer an attractive yield to investors for acquisition and development of the land.
A $6m capital raising comprising $1.65m to acquire the land and $4.35m for development planning, approvals and construction of the civil works and common facilities including a clubhouse, sports centre, pool and bowling green.
“This Cobram housing community will give investors the opportunity to secure high yielding returns from the development profit and land-rental activities in an exciting project that will deliver a real social objective – giving retirees affordable housing.”
Jacobs says the target market is those aged over 55 with a focus on retirees who have low superannuation balances and who qualify for Government Rental Assistance on the land lease.
“This target market is growing at 30 per cent per year, with a third of Australians estimated to be over 55 within a generation.
“What is often forgotten is that many Australians are retiring with low superannuation balances, with the equity in their current home being their largest asset.
“Under our proposal, Akuna will develop the land and then sell the homes with 49-year leases at an average price of $265,000 per house”.
“Residents will pay, on average, a gross rent of $175 a week, and typically many will qualify for Federal Government Rental Assistance of up to $65 per week.”
Cobram has been chosen for <a href="https://www.domacom.com.au/public-crowdfunding-campaigns/residential-properties/akuna-cobram-victoria/" target="_blank">Akuna’s first project</a> because of its proximity to major hospitals, health and community centres, major retailers, and recreational facilities.
Other towns in Akuna’s sights for similar Projects are Yarrawonga, about 35 kilometres east of Cobram on the Murray River and Paynesville in the Gippsland Lakes region, 16 kilometres south of Bairnsdale and other popular holiday destinations.
In yet another first for DomaCom, CEO Arthur Naoumidis said, “This project signals the start of our potential to provide a funding model for affordable housing across Australia whilst giving investors new investment opportunities with good yields and capital growth in socially responsible projects.
“Projects with a social conscious are important to many investors.
"Crowdfunding enables this to happen across a number of investments with only a small asset allocation to each so investors can feel good about their investment without going over the top.”
“It is ideally suited to our fractional investment model as it allows for a multiplicity of investors from private and public sources for as little as $2,500”.
DomaCom is targeting a 15% annualised return on the completed project with an estimated ongoing rental income of 8% pa.
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DomaCom launches first crowdfunded lifestyle community at Cobram

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The changing landscape of Liverpool is perfect for residential investors, according to Savills’ latest report.
“Despite strong price growth over the past decade, Liverpool remains a relatively affordable location to buy residential property in comparison to the rest of Sydney.
“The average price in the suburb of Liverpool in December 2016 was $777,000 for a house and $412,000 for a unit.
“This is in line with the average across the wider Liverpool/ Fairfield area but offers a substantial discount of 27 percent and 42 percent respectively when compared to the Sydney average.
“Over the past ten years, house and unit prices in Liverpool have increased significantly with values rising by 137 percent and 122 percent respectively, outperforming the Sydney average.
“Over the past year, the rate of annual growth has slowed to 4 percent for units and 7 percent for houses, reflecting a more subdued housing market seen across Sydney,” the report stated.
Investors in Liverpool focus more on income return rather than price growth Savills comments.
“Since the slowdown in capital value growth across Sydney, an increasing number of investors are placing more emphasis on income return rather than relying only on price growth.
“In Liverpool, the median weekly rent is $480 for houses and $390 for units, resulting in average yields of 3.2 percent and 4.9 percent respectively.
“These are higher than the Sydney average, particularly for units where the median yield across the city is 4.1 percent, and as such, Liverpool is attracting an increasing number of investors.
“The supply of units in Liverpool nearly doubled in 2013 compared to the previous four years as a number of large-scale developments came to the market.
“These units have been absorbed and the number of unit sales has fallen to back in line with the long-term average.
“This has had a positive impact on the vacancy rate across the city of Liverpool, which has been falling over the past six months from 2.2 percent in January 2016 to 1.5 percent in January 2017,” the report advised.
The number of new residents coming to Liverpool has outperformed the Sydney average Savills head of research Sophie Chick reports.
“Over the past 10 years, population growth across the City of Liverpool has outperformed the Sydney average, increasing by 26.0 percent compared to 16.6 percent.
“This has significantly added to the demand for real estate in the area, equating to nearly 4,500 new residents per year.
“Families with children make up a higher proportion of the population in Liverpool than across Sydney, accounting for 60.9 percent of residents compared to an average of 47.0 percent.
“This drives strong demand for housing suitable for children with outside space.
“International buyers are an important source of demand for the housing market across Sydney as both owner- occupiers and investors.
“Liverpool is a culturally diverse city and already has a large international community. Just one-third of residents describe their ancestry as Australian or English compared to over half across Greater Sydney.
“There is a range of employment opportunities in Liverpool, meaning one-third of the residents work locally.
“Beyond Liverpool, Sydney CBD is the largest employment location, accounting for 10 percent of Liverpool’s working population, followed by neighbouring Fairfield and Bankstown. Sydney CBD is the next largest employment location followed by neighbouring Fairfield and Bankstown.
“Health care and social assistance is one of Liverpool’s largest employment sectors, reflecting the fact that the city is home to the largest hospital in NSW,” she commented.
Savills say that Liverpool’s population growth is set to continue.
“The city of Liverpool has already experienced higher population growth than many other areas in Sydney and this is set to continue.
“Over the next 20 years, the City’s population is forecast to increase by 55 percent to 331,000 people compared to a 37 percent increase across Greater Sydney.
“This is likely to further contribute to the already high demand for residential property in the area.
“The construction of Badgerys Creek Airport and surrounding infrastructure to support the new airport is expected to have a significant impact on Liverpool.
“The upgraded and newly formed road networks will increase Liverpool’s connectivity between the surrounding suburbs and greater Sydney.
“With a number of major projects and regeneration schemes underway, the desirability of the area for existing and new residents is forecast to continue to grow,” the report stated.
For more information go to Savills' home <a href="https://www.savills.com.au" target="_blank">page</a>.
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Liverpool perfect for residential investors: Savills

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Bold Living has welcomed stars of TV show The Block, Will and Karlie Bethune, to the team, with the Queensland medium home builder naming the Brisbane couple as brand ambassadors.
Will and Karlie, who pocketed $815,000 in winning the 2016 series, will represent Bold Living.
They will participate in master-class style workshops and display home open days, as part of the new partnership.
Bold Living director Brett Boulton said the couple’s design flair and passion for the industry were a suitable fit for the fast-growing builder.
“We were delighted to host Will and Karlie at the recent launch of the Evolve Design Studio – our design showroom that is a one-stop-shop for anyone planning a new home build,” he said.
“Not only were we impressed by their natural style, but their energy, warmth  and ability to ‘think outside the box’ - qualities that match the team at Bold Living.   
<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/2017/07/03/Brett%20Boulton%20with%20Will%20and%20Karlie%20and%20Arlia%20Rubin%20at%20the%20Evolve%20%20Design%20Studio1%203.jpg" alt="">
They said they can’t wait to share our design ideas to enhance their building experience.
"We’re big fans of coordinating a neutral base palette with pops of colour, greenery and clever lighting design for a classic and modern look.”
Bold was established in 2010 by Mr Boulton and has grown exponentially in key growth areas across South East Queensland, with the company now building more than 200 new homes each year.
Bold Living has been awarded Queensland Medium Professional Builder by peak industry body - Housing Industry Association (HIA) - for the past two consecutive years, demonstrating excellence in all areas of home building.
<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/2017/07/03/LTR%20Brett%20Boulton%20and%20Arlia%20Rubin%20with%202016%20Block%20winners%20Will%20and%20%20Karlie2.jpg" alt="">
The Evolve Design Studio – the largest design showroom of its kind in Queensland - is open at 49 Flinders Parade in North Lakes. 
For further information call 1800 462 653 or visit <a href="https://www.boldliving.com.au" target="_blank">www.boldliving.com.au</a>.
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The Block winners join Queensland home builder Bold

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JQZ’s mixed-use development on the 3.3 hectare, former Darrell Lea factory site in Sydney’s Kogarah has drawn interest from first home buyers, according to the Sydney-based developer.
JQZ said it expects the trend of local purchasers accounting for the majority of sales and enquiries at Ramsgate Park will continue, with the addition of another local buyer demographic – downsizers.
The Ramsgate Park sales team has also been fieldingenquiry from local empty nesters looking to divest larger houses they no longer require, said founder and CEO of JQZ, Jian Qiu Zhang.
“Many of the locals we’ve met since we launched Ramsgate Park late last year have not only expressed their love for the area and its community, but quite a high proportion of them also actually grew up and attended school in the area, before deciding as adults that they didn’t want to leave,” he said.
He added that spacious apartment interiors and proximity to the beach had attracted first home buyers in particular.
The development comes in configurations of one, two and three bedrooms in addition to terrace homes.
One bedroom units with car space start at $520,000 at the development, while two-bedroom apartments range from $705,000 to $895,000.
The site at 152-206 Rocky Point Road spans nearly 3.3 hectares with 152 Rocky Point Road selling for more than $41.8 million last November, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
The median unit price in Kogarah is around $630,000, according to <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/neighbourhoods/kogarah-2217-nsw?cid=srp" target="_blank">realestate.com.au</a>.
The factory site was previously used by the chocolate-maker Darrell Lea.
Colliers International’s Ian Bennett, who is leading the sales and marketing campaign for Ramsgate Park, said buyer feedback in the area also extends to those becoming increasingly ‘auction-weary’ due to the toll that this highly competitive process often takes on buyers.
“It is becoming more and more appealing for purchasers to reclaim their time, money and efforts, as well as stave off the ongoing disappointment, by taking charge as buyers and opting to buy off-the-plan apartments by reputable developers with projects in the areas where they want to live,” he said.
“By doing so, they can better plan for their home in terms of budgeting for a deposit, organising their finance and staying on target.”
Kogarah has increased in popularity amongst buyers in recent years on the back of upgrades to its town centre, which now spans more than 6,485 sqm and is anchored by Woolworths and Aldi, while also offering 18 specialty stores as well as a tavern.
<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/2017/06/20/MQP_Pool_View6%20R4b.jpg" alt="">
Designed by PTW Architects with interiors by Turner Architects, Ramsgate Park will comprise about 530 apartments across four residential buildings and will include 20 terrace homes, each with their own private gardens.
The display suite is at 168 Rocky Point Road, Kogarah, designed by Turner + Associates.
The site is close to schools, St George Hospital, a Westfield shopping centre and local shops.
Construction for Ramsgate Park is expected to commence in Q3 2017 by JQZ’s own in-house construction arm.
More information can be at <a href="https://ramsgatepark.com.au/" target="_blank">www.jqz.com.au</a>.
The group recently sold (below) more Macquarie Park apartments.
<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/2017/06/20/Photo%2017-6-17%2010%2011%2007%20am.jpg" alt="">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/20/Photo%2017-6-17%2012%2026%2055%20pm.jpg" alt="">
 
 
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JQZ's off-the-plan project in Kogarah draws first home buyers

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South Gladstone is the cheapest locality in Queensland to rent a house, according to Investar’s latest June report.
The property investment firm says that the median rent at South Gladstone is $120.
This was followed by Chinchilla, Dysart and Collinsville all with $150 Blackall with $160.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">
Current median rent
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100">
South Gladstone
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
4680
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">
$120
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100">
Chinchilla
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
4413
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">
$150
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100">
Dysart
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
4745
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">
$150
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100">
Collinsville
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
4804
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">
$150
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100">
Blackall
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
4472
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">
$160
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100">
Scottville
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
4804
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">
$165
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100">
Tannum Sands
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
4680
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">
$165
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100">
Calliope
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
4680
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">
$170
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100">
Mount Morgan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
4714
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">
$175
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100">
West Gladstone
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
4680
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">
$175
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-dysart-418278490" target="_blank">16 Patterson Street</a>, Dysart (above) has been listed for $150 per week.
Similarly a two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-collinsville-413301151" target="_blank">13-15 Strathmore Street</a>, Collinsville (below) has been listed for $145 per week.
<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/2017/06/09/13-15%20Strathmore%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Dysart, Chinchilla and Collinsville ranks among Queensland's cheapest rental localities: Investar

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The Queensland government is pushing for the Cross River Rail project, a second railway connection through Brisbane’s CBD.
In the state’s ShapingSEQ regional plan, advocates of the project claim it will remove a constraint on job growth by improving access to inner Brisbane.
However, the plan neglects an alternative strategy of prioritising job growth in a few strong “metropolitan centres” within the greater Brisbane metropolitan area to the CBD’s north, west and south.
The Cross River Rail project emerged from a narrow focus on boosting the CBD’s peak-hour commuting capacity by overcoming a bottleneck on the single rail bridge across the Brisbane River.
The issue was framed as a problem, rather than a potential opportunity to encourage employment decentralisation.
It’s been 60 years since Australia’s first drive-in shopping centre, Westfield Chermside, opened in Brisbane’s north.
The centre is now one of the largest in Australia.
In the ShapingSEQ plan, Chermside is one of 11 “principal regional activity centres” outside the CBD competing for market share within Brisbane’s greater metro area.
If media reports are correct, there is an “arms race” between some centres on Brisbane’s northside.
But is competition between so many centres the best strategy for a metro area with rapid population growth, most of it expected at the fringe?
Would it be better to have three “key metropolitan centres” providing more diverse employment and higher-level services – not just “big box” shopping – closer to these areas than the CBD is?
These questions have been dodged for more than a decade.
Planning authorities promoted a key metropolitan centres concept as early as the mid-1970s.
The Moreton Region Growth Strategy recommended three key centres in metropolitan Brisbane, beyond the CBD.
Each was to be a focal point for “public and private employment growth”.
These three centres were to be given “priority over other centres in relation to planning, promotional and resource allocation activities of government”.
The report considered key centres offering alternative employment locations to the central city “both necessary and feasible”.
This approach was continued during the 1990s in the Regional Framework for Growth Management (RFGM) in the southeast.
By 2005, when the first statutory regional plan was introduced, the concept had been dropped.
Instead, a policy of “principal regional activity centres” was adopted and remains in effect.
It was based largely on centres designated by local councils at that time, rather than being a more integrated regional approach.
The large area of the city relative to southeast Queensland means Brisbane City Council has significant influence on planning for the region.
Without its support, a policy of key metropolitan centres outside the Brisbane City boundary would not have been possible.
Such a policy would have necessarily restrained the growth of some centres within the city.
In addition, background research for the 1994 RFGM noted that “considerable forward planning effort” would be needed to consolidate retailing, office, civic and community facilities in selected locations.
Any resolve to undertake this seems to have dissipated by 2005.
About that time, and particularly after the global financial crisis, transport infrastructure development became more about promoting economic growth than being part of an integrated land use strategy.
This was particularly evident in Brisbane’s TransApex road projects, with Cross River Rail falling into a similar category.
Infrastructure development has since threatened to supersede spatial planning in Australian metropolitan areas.
If built, the rail project will serve areas that already have comparatively good public transport services.
The suburban areas where most people live would continue to have limited transport options.
RMIT’s Jago Dodson has called for a stronger suburban focus in city policy.
Projects like the Cross River Rail project have “questionable merit”, according to Dodson, and will have “little impact on conditions in our suburban growth areas”.
A key metropolitan centres policy would likely create more benefits for these growth areas, particularly if combined with effectively networked public transport offering good service to these centres.
Some upgrades of southeast Queensland’s passenger rail network might be needed.
These should serve the agreed spatial planning strategy rather than being narrowly focused on relieving forecast congestion.
The sense of urgency created around Cross River Rail works against the need for genuine community engagement in planning for the Brisbane metro area and the broader region.
The Cross River Rail project should be considered in the context of a metropolitan area that citizens want, not simply as a response to forecast travel demand.
Brian Feeney <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brian-feeney-317083" rel="author"> </a>is an Adjunct Fellow at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brian-feeney-317083" target="_blank">here</a>.
He is an author at The Conversation.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/79418/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
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Brisbane’s Cross River Rail will feed the centre at the expense of people in the suburbs

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With affordable houses <a href="https://theconversation.com/get-used-to-your-commute-data-confirms-houses-near-jobs-are-too-expensive-77867" target="_blank" style="font-size: 12.16px;">increasingly out of reach</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/factcheck-is-wage-growth-at-record-lows-66552" target="_blank" style="font-size: 12.16px;">wage growth slow</a> and <a href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/money/finance-news/2017/07/03/australia-debt-new-records/" target="_blank" style="font-size: 12.16px;">household debt high</a>, Australians are certainly feeling poor. But how do they compare to their neighbours? New Census data confirms there’s a lot of variability in income.
The Census breaks the country up into 349 geographic regions (named in quote marks below), some of which cover more than one major town and some of which group related suburbs within cities. We examined 331 of these regions, excluding those containing fewer than 1,000 households.
The data show there are high levels of income inequality within these regions. A simple way to measure this is to look at the ratio of income between those who are well off (the top 20% within a region) and of those who are relatively disadvantaged (the bottom 20%) in the Census data. In Australia the weekly household income for the top 20% (A$1,579 per week) is 3.5 times the income of the bottom 20% (A$457).
<hr>
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<hr>
The “Melbourne City” region has the most unequal incomes in Australia, where the top 20% have an income that is 8.3 times as high as those in the bottom 20%. “Adelaide City” (ratio of 5.5) and the “Sydney Inner City” (4.8) also have quite high levels of inequality.
Two of the poorest regions in the Northern Territory also have very high inequality. These are the vast region that encircles Darwin, called “Daly, Tiwi, West Arnhem” (ratio of 5.2) and the “East Arnhem” region (5.3).
However, there are regions with varying income levels, that also had relatively low inequality ratios. The region of “Molonglo”, in South Canberra (ratio of 2.2), “West Pilbara” in Western Australia (2.4) and “Kempsey, Nambucca” on New South Wales’ north coast (2.5) all have low levels of inequality.
For our analysis, we used equivalised household income. Equivalisation is a technique in which members of a household receive different weightings, based on the amount of additional resources they need.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics assumes that the first adult in a household has a weighting of 1, each additional adult a weighting of 0.5, and each child a weighting of 0.3. Total household income is then divided by the sum of the weightings for a representative income.
<h2>Incomes across Australia</h2>
For the whole of Australia, the equivalised median household income (the income in the middle of the distribution) is A$878 per week. The region with the lowest median income was “Daly, Tiwi, West Arnhem” in the Northern Territory, at A$510 per week.
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However, several regional areas like “Maryborough, Pyrenees” (northwest of Ballarat in Victoria), “Kempsey, Nambucca” (NSW), “Maryborough” (between Bundaberg and the Sunshine Coast in Queensland), “Inverell, Tenterfield” (in NSW’s Northern Tablelands) and “South East Coast” in Tasmania all had median incomes of A$575 per week or less.
At the other end of the distribution, households in leafy suburbs of North Sydney – “Mosman” (NSW) had a median income of A$1,767 per week. Areas like “South Canberra” (ACT), “Manly” (in Sydney’s east) and the mining-dominated “West Pilbara” (WA) all had median incomes of A$1,674 or more per week.
We also looked at the extremes of the distribution. We define high income as those households with an income of A$1,500 or more per week. This equates to about 22% of the population. We defined low-income households as having an income of less than A$400 per week (about 14% of households).
Around 40% of households in the “Daly, Tiwi, West Arnhem” region were classified as being in poverty compared to around 6% in “North Sydney, Mosman” region. Conversely, around 60% of households in this region were classified as having high income, compared with only 6% of households in “Kempsey, Nambucca”.
<h2>How segregated are we within regions and cities?</h2>
While government policy is often delivered at the regional level, people live their lives at the local or neighbourhood level. However, the relatively disadvantaged and the upper-middle class are often segregated within these regions.
<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/book/dream-hoarders/" target="_blank">Richard Reeves of the Brookings Institute argues</a> the segregation of the upper-middle class in Australia means this group “hoards” the benefits in the region they live in. Among the location advantages he lists are: access to the best schools, opportunities to network with the wealthy and powerful and the ability to disproportionately accrue capital gains on housing assets. To avoid this kind of “opportunity hoarding”, the rich and poor would need to be evenly spread within a region.
A simple way to look at this is through a “dissimilarity index”. In essence, this measures the evenness with which two groups are spread across a larger area. It ranges from zero to one, with higher values indicating a more uneven distribution and zero indicating complete mixing.
Looking at the distribution of the high income. Across Australia, the dissimilarity index has a value of 0.27. This means that around 27% of high-income households would have to move neighbourhoods to make the distribution completely even.
This varies quite substantially by region. “Far North” (encompassing Cape York in QLD) has a dissimilarity index of 0.42. “Auburn” (in western suburbs of Sydney, NSW) and “Playford” (on Adelaide’s northern fringe) also have quite large values.
Our richest regions tend to have the most even distribution of the wealthy, with “North Sydney, Mosman”, “Molonglo” and “Manly” having values of 0.06 or less.
“East Arnhem” has a very high level of concentration of low income individuals by neighbourhood, with a dissimilarity index of 0.70. The next two highest regions (“Katherine” and “Alice Springs”) are also in the Northern Territory, with index values of 0.53 and 0.55 respectively.
We can also compare the measures we used, to find out how they relate to each other. The following figure shows that the richest regions tend to be those with the highest level of income inequality.
However, as inequality goes up, there tends to be a greater concentration of low income households by neighbourhood (there’s also less of a concentration of high income households).
<h2>Have and have nots</h2>
It’s true that the level of income mobility is <a href="https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-filter/income-mobility-in-australia" target="_blank">higher in Australia</a> than it is in the US. However, Australia also has prominent examples of economic policies that disproportionately benefit the upper-middle class, such as the capital gains tax discount and superannuation tax incentives.
Australia also has a geographically concentrated income distribution, with the rich living in neighbourhoods with other rich people. The poor are also more likely to live in close proximity to people who share their disadvantage.
If Richard Reeves is right, and the spatial segregation of high and low income households reinforces inequality across the generations, then policies that encourage the mixing of different social classes in the same neighbourhood and region should be a way forward.
<hr>
This article was put together with research assistance from Hubert Wu, Australian National University and Harvard University.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicholas-biddle-10171" target="_blank">Nicholas Biddle</a>, Associate Professor, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877" target="_blank">Australian National University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/francis-markham-14836" target="_blank">Francis Markham</a>, Research Fellow, College of Arts and Social Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877" target="_blank">Australian National University</a>
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-income-inequality-looks-like-across-australia-80069" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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What income inequality looks like across Australia

A trio of Queensland property groups have unveiled plans for a $300 million mixed-use redevelopment of the former Noosa Bowls Club site, a proposal that would deliver more than 200 new homes in one of the Sunshine Coast's most supply-constrained markets.

Kilter Property, Frank Developments and Calile Malouf Investments are behind the plans for the 1.8-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-noosa-drive-noosa-heads-qld-4567">99 Noosa Drive</a>, which would transform the long-vacant site into a new residential precinct featuring 208 apartments, retail, hospitality and public space.

The proposal comes as Noosa continues to grapple with housing affordability and a shortage of permanent accommodation, particularly for key workers. The site's location in Noosa Junction, close to shops, public transport and employment, aligns with the direction of Noosa Council's Housing Strategy, which encourages higher-density housing within established activity centres rather than continued urban expansion.

The draft plans include 48 affordable-by-design apartments and 48 rooming accommodation units aimed at key workers. Around 2,000 sqm of ground-floor retail and food and beverage space would activate the street frontage, alongside a new public town square and landscaped open space.

<img alt="Noosa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dd02f53-1360-4e51-801e-bfd61a6c980e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-26%20at%208.44.34%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=x1iNs3BSMN6Jy7YUwaBZMHRrrKX2hMpy" />

&nbsp;

Frank Developments Founder and Director Frank Licastro said the development would continue the company's focus on architecturally-led residential projects while addressing one of the region's biggest challenges.

"Not only will this project exude a sense of luxury, it will also enhance not only the built environment but also the surrounding community," Licastro said.

"Noosa's success relies on the people who live and work here. Providing well-designed accommodation for key workers is critical to supporting the local economy and ensuring the Shire can continue to thrive."

Kilter Property Co-Founder Huw Williams said the focus was on delivering additional permanent housing while creating a mixed-use destination that benefits both residents and the wider community.

"Our focus is on delivering a well-considered mixed-use project that provides more permanent housing options, supports local workers and businesses, and delivers an exceptional product for the local market," Williams said.

"The redevelopment vision aligns with the long-term evolution of Noosa Junction as a vibrant activity centre, creating a destination that enhances the area's character while delivering significant economic and community benefits."

Calile Malouf Investments, best known for its role in Brisbane's James Street precinct and The Calile Hotel, will bring its place-making experience to the project. The company recently commenced construction on The Calile Noosa hotel and says the residential development will complement its growing investment in the region.

CMI Director Cal Malouf said the aim was to create a walkable precinct combining housing, retail and hospitality while remaining true to Noosa's character.

"We see a similar opportunity in Noosa to deliver a vibrant, walkable destination that combines exceptional housing, hospitality and retail in one integrated project," Malouf said.

Brisbane-based Cavill Architects has been appointed to design the project.

Joel Robinson

Noosa Bowls Club to be redeveloped into mixed-use apartment precinct

One of Brisbane's last major riverfront redevelopment opportunities has taken a significant step forward, with Lendlease selected as the Queensland Government's preferred development partner for the former Visy site in South Brisbane.

The seven-hectare industrial site, positioned between South Bank and West End and 1.3 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, will be transformed into a mixed-use precinct expected to deliver more than 4,000 new homes alongside extensive public open space and riverfront parkland.

The project is one of the largest urban renewal opportunities currently planned in Brisbane and is expected to play a key role in accommodating the city's growing population ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Plans for the precinct include a network of riverfront promenades and boardwalks, new public plazas, parkland, amphitheatre-style gathering spaces and shared pedestrian and cycling links designed to reconnect the long-isolated site with the Brisbane River.

The Queensland Government is targeting delivery of the first homes and key public spaces before the 2032 Games, allowing the precinct to begin contributing new housing and public amenity well before the broader masterplan is complete.

The redevelopment is also expected to support more than 3,000 jobs across planning, construction and ongoing operations.

For Lendlease, the appointment adds another major urban regeneration project to its Queensland portfolio. The developer has operated in the state for more than 70 years and has delivered a number of large-scale mixed-use precincts in partnership with government.

Lendlease Development CEO Claire Johnston said the project represented one of Brisbane's most significant redevelopment opportunities.

"The transformation of the former Visy site represents a rare opportunity to reimagine one of Brisbane's most significant riverfront locations, deliver thousands of much-needed homes, and create long-term legacy," Johnston said.

"In partnership with the Queensland Government, we have the opportunity to create a new riverside destination that will help shape Brisbane's growth and how people experience the city for decades to come.

"This is exactly the type of large-scale, city-shaping development that will provide lasting benefits for Queensland, bringing together housing, jobs and world-class public spaces."

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the riverfront transformation would deliver a thriving new community precinct.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering this golden opportunity to unlock a riverfront jewel for all Queenslanders,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment to reshape a significant slice of Brisbane and deliver lasting benefits – thousands of new homes, and public spaces for all Queenslanders to enjoy well beyond the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – unlike Labor’s plan which would have delivered zero benefits and zero new homes.

“Queensland is well and truly open for business and through partnership with the private sector, we are accelerating delivery while ensuring strong housing, community and economic outcomes."

Early works on the precinct are expected to commence in April 2027.

Lendlease selected to deliver transformative South Brisbane riverfront precinct

Eddy Haddad's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/level-33">Level 33</a> is levelling up its approved Wollongong development, as the coastal city south of Sydney continues to prove popular in the high-density development space.

Level 33, a longtime developer in the Wollongong area, has gone through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority to upsize its approved two-tower development on the corner of Crown Street and Gladstone Avenue, just 100 metres from Wollongong Station.

The developer currently has approval for 252 apartments across two buildings rising to 19 storeys. It is now seeking approval for 33 and 38-storey towers that would deliver 467 apartments, including 67 affordable homes.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bka-architecture">BKA Architecture</a>, the development would comprise apartments above a three-level podium with around 1,100 sqm of retail space, along with basement parking for 448 vehicles.

According to the Urban Design Report by BKA, the proposal has the capacity to "reinforce the precinct's identity by strengthening links between health, education, and transport services, while also contributing to Wollongong's ongoing evolution as a key regional centre."

Wollongong is somewhat in vogue. Between Level 33 and Urban Property Group, the two developers have several thousand apartments planned across the city.

Level 33 is currently delivering Easterly Wollongong, one of its most boutique projects to date with just 21 high-end apartments, as well as Atchison &amp; Kenny, a 329-apartment development due for completion later this year.

The developer plans to redevelop the 13,088 sqm WIN Grand megasite into <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crown-square-216-238-keira-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Crown Square</a>, a new $500 million precinct with nearly 600 apartments. It also has more than 900 apartments planned for the former Bunnings Warehouse site at the intersection of Gipps and Flinders streets.

Urban Property Group is also playing a major role in the city's transformation. Its five-tower Keira Place precinct will deliver more than 800 homes, and it has recently lodged plans for a further 300 apartments near Wollongong Station.

First look: Level 33 upsizes Wollongong apartment towers

Just a week after filing plans for the final stage of its major Keira Place masterplan, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has unveiled another significant housing proposal in Wollongong, this time targeting a prominent site opposite North Wollongong Station.

The developer has lodged a State Significant Development Application for a 38-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-4a-flinders-street-north-wollongong-nsw-2500">4-4A Flinders Street</a>, around one kilometre north of the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place precinct</a> currently taking shape on the edge of the CBD.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b6428f1-6405-4038-8476-897de440e90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium.png?VersionId=QLqEvK0OuCEwRC47oHNftrw2B1YqaHF8" />

Designed by Studio.SC, the proposal comprises a 38-storey mixed-use development containing 303 apartments, including 45 affordable housing units, alongside 174 co-living residences. The scheme also includes ground-floor retail space, extensive landscaping and public domain improvements.

Studio.SC noted in the proposal it "outlines a vision for a landmark transit-oriented mixed-use development centred around North Wollongong Station, designed to support the city’s future growth while responding to the NSW Government’s housing and planning reforms."

The architecture firm said the proposal responds to the opportunities and constraints shaping future growth within the 400-metre catchment of the station and represents "a coordinated and future-focused approach to urban intensification, contributing to the long-term evolution of North Wollongong as a connected, walkable and high-density station precinct."

The site occupies a strategic corner bounded by Flinders Street, Station Street, Stafford Street and the Princes Highway, directly opposite North Wollongong Station.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7863adad-1f71-4022-b850-f44b252738fd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium%20a.png?VersionId=WsU7av0g8_8R2tGHWxgHeFSlhu7yeY1V" />

The proposal follows Urban Property Group's recent submission for the second and final stage of Keira Place, which would deliver a further three buildings comprising 657 homes opposite Beaton Park. It builds on the first stage, which features 150 apartments across two towers and recently commenced construction.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said breaking ground on the first stage marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/urban-property-group-unveils-trio-of-towers-for-next-stage-of-new-wollongong-precinct-keira-place">Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place</a>

First look: Urban Property Group plans next major Wollongong tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/arada">Arada Australia</a> has wasted little time expanding its ambitions in Campsie, lodging plans for a second major project in the rapidly transforming town centre just months after unveiling its three-tower One Campsie proposal on Beamish Street.

The UAE-backed developer has now taken aim at one of the suburb’s most strategically positioned sites, filing a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/10-north-parade-campsie-nsw-2194">33-storey mixed-use tower</a> at 10 London Street and 43 North Parade, directly opposite the future Campsie Metro Station. The proposal is currently on public exhibition and represents another significant vote of confidence in Campsie's emergence as one of Sydney’s key transit-oriented growth centres.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the development would deliver 156 apartments above a podium containing retail and commercial space, creating a new residential and commercial gateway to the town centre. The scheme also includes a four-level above-ground parking podium and a dedicated residential amenity floor featuring wellness and recreation facilities. At least 10 per cent of the apartments would be allocated as affordable housing for a period of 10 years.

The proposal occupies a 1,631 sqm site bounded by London Street, North Parade and Dispensary Lane, immediately adjoining the future Metro station precinct and just metres from Beamish Street’s retail and dining strip. According to the Urban Design Report, the project seeks to deliver "a great place that prioritises human-scaled experience and provides spatial improvements to the area."

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="175a8324-015b-4856-abe3-ce6f23199fa7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium%20campsie.png?VersionId=742UGwXFhFBX4GEl6wX4PYIWREAgn6il" />

Woods Bagot describes the tower as a key marker within Campsie's next phase of growth.

"Located directly opposite the new Campsie Metro Station on North Parade, 10 London Street is a thoughtfully composed 33-storey mixed-use tower that contributes to the ongoing transformation of the town centre," the Architectural Design Report states. The report says the project is intended to provide "high-quality homes within a vibrant, connected urban environment, while helping define Campsie's future skyline."

A strong emphasis has been placed on the public realm. The ground floor incorporates over 500 sqm of retail space and active frontages along both London Street and North Parade, while the podium is wrapped by extensive landscaped planting intended to soften the building's scale and strengthen the pedestrian experience. The development would also widen surrounding footpaths and improve connections between the Metro station and the broader town centre.

Above the podium, residents would have access to more than 1,400 sqm of communal amenities, including a pool, gym and landscaped recreation spaces. A distinctive green-wall treatment extending across four podium levels forms a major architectural feature, helping differentiate the project within the emerging high-density precinct.

The tower's design is closely tied to the broader Campsie Town Centre Master Plan and the arrival of Sydney Metro. The Urban Design Report notes the proposal "directly supports the Campsie Town Centre Master Plan by delivering new homes in a location explicitly identified for growth, improved accessibility, and high-quality urban renewal." It adds that the project contributes to the master plan's vision for a strengthened town centre supported by thousands of new homes around the future Metro station.

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfd17654-253e-489a-bade-6278d63db412" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/base%20campsie.png?VersionId=3roJPMQGs36dazpkhvpvbDDP73Ld.Ica" />

The application follows Arada Australia's recently lodged One Campsie project at 124–142 Beamish Street and 16–18 Ninth Avenue, where the developer is seeking approval for 346 apartments across three towers rising 24, 32 and 39 storeys. Together, the two proposals would cement Arada Australia as one of the most influential developers shaping Campsie's future urban form.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-arada-files-for-trio-of-apartment-towers-in-campsie-town-centre">First Look: Arada Australia files for trio of apartment towers in Campsie town centre</a>

Arada Australia entered the Australian market in 2024 and has rapidly assembled a significant development pipeline across Sydney. Alongside its Campsie holdings, the developer is soon to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wattle-green-2-fishburn-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Wattle Green</a> in Castle Hill, and has expanded its local operations following its acquisition of construction firm Roberts &amp; Co.

Located around 14 kilometres south-west of the Sydney CBD, the site sits at the centre of one of Sydney's fastest-changing middle-ring precincts. The Metro conversion of Campsie Station, combined with Canterbury-Bankstown Council's master planning framework, is driving significant residential intensification around Beamish Street and North Parade, with thousands of new homes expected over coming decades.

Staff reporter

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