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A Redfern terrace with mixed residential/commercial zoning has sold for $1.9 million.
The property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-redfern-502107594" target="_blank">5 George Street </a>has a land area size of 129 square metres and floor area of 140 square metres, as well as one car parking space.
<img src="/images/2016/10/03/5%20George%20Street.jpg" alt="">
It was marketed as a flexible live/work space or commercial office and came with a versatile B4 mixed use zoning.
The zoning permits home occupations without consent and allows for boarding houses, child care centres, commercial premises, community facilities, educational establishments, entertainment facilities, function centres, hotel or motel accommodation, information and education facilities, medical centres, seniors housing, shop top housing and others with consent.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Redfern terrace with home office potential sold at $1.9 million

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Melbourne-based property group and fund manager OpenCorp has acquired new sites to host its latest crowdfunded house and land developments.
Located in Greenvale, 20 kilometres north of the Melbourne CBD, the 168-lot subdivision site is positioned close to the company’s sold out Umbra development. It will be the 23rd project OpenCorp has funded through a property development fund.
Currently under construction, Umbra already is projecting good returns for investors. OpenCorp is currently anticipating a total return of 110% against the forecast of 58%. Its 41% internal rate of return sits against the forecast of 30%.
Like Umbra, investors in the Greenvale development would subscribe to an OpenCorp managed property development fund to participate as equity partners in the new $46 million project.
Based on the success of Umbra, 70% of the $11.4 million of the equity being raised for the development has been committed by one major Melbourne investor.
“They participated in the first Greenvale development and were eager to invest in the subsequent similar development,” says OpenCorp director Allister Lewison (pictured above centre).
OpenCorp have also closed its capital raising offer with the $3.5 million fund being considerably over-subscribed.
The new development fund is forecast to provide investors a total return of over 54%, or an internal rate of return close to 23%.
“Our development funds provide a great way for family offices, high net worth clients and retail investors to invest in developments when they don’t have the time, money or skills to do so themselves,” Lewison says.
“Our 10 year track record combined with average returns of over 20% per annum are proving very popular with small and large investors, given the returns from other asset classes.”
The new Greenvale development is expected to attract first homebuyers seeking a site to build a family home at an affordable price point in anticipation of the City of Hume’s continued rapid growth.
“The Melbourne market continues to remain very robust for quality developments in the right catchments,” Lewison says.
“The sub markets in which we operate are very much focused on strong demand and supply fundamentals.”
Greenvale is located a 30 minute drive from the Melbourne CBD and 10 minutes from Tullamarine Airport. 
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Crowdfunding property developer OpenCorp acquires second Greenvale site

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A commercial investment with a long term tenant in North Melbourne has been sold at auction by Ray White Commercial for $2,140,000.
The ground floor property at 478-482 Victoria Street, North Melbourne was sold under the hammer to a private investor.
The sale by Ray White Commercial Oakleigh’s George Kelepouris on behalf of a private owner reflected a yield of 5%.
Kelepouris said the onsite auction attracted four bidders.
“This approximately 400 square metre building offered a tremendous investment opportunity. It has an established restaurant operator tenant and is returning net rental of approximately $111,136 per annum,” he said.
“The tenant’s current five-year lease commenced in May 2014 and there are four options of five years.”
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North Melbourne investment sold at auction for $2,140,000

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In times of economic uncertainty retail property is largely regarded as a defensive investment due to the large percentage of non-discretionary spending supporting income streams, such as food.
Over the past 25 years, shopping centres have been increasingly acquired by institutional owners who could actively manage, develop and maintain these centres. The global financial crisis severely curtailed the purchasing power of institutions and allowed other buyers to enter the market.
A sub regional shopping centre is generally defined in the industry as a local shopping centre comprising at least one full line supermarket, a full line discount department store and around 40 or more specialty shops.
The total gross lettable area of retail  floorspace will typically range between 10,000 and 30,000 square metres. The key features include convenience and an expanded range of food, fashion and services, located in residential areas servicing many immediate neighbourhoods. Trading hours will generally be extended and will cater for basic day-to-day retail needs.
Clearly, a number of important factors impact the performance of a sub regional shopping centre. The performance of the supermarket and discount department store has a very strong bearing on the returns of the centre. The supermarket and discount department store can be impacted by the range on offer, the price point, the ratio of car parking and opening hours. This, in turn, can impact the performance of the adjoining specialty stores.
The catchment area also impacts the performance of the centre. The road system, the points of access and competition are important factors. Critically, the size and age of the population as well as capacity for growth in population over the long term can have a material impact on centre performance. Increasingly, ethnic factors are playing a role as centres need to deal with strong levels of immigration.
Employment
The retail sector always faces cyclical and structural issues. Some cyclical issues are starting to move in its favour.
Employment is growing strongly in four or five sectors and shrinking in four or five sectors and the jobs gained and lost are not necessarily in the same physical place. This means certain catchment areas are doing it tough and some are doing well.
The size and shape of the workforce has a profound impact on retail property because wages determine spending and jobs de ne catchment areas. Australia is almost unique in the world as being one of very few countries that have expanded their workforce over the last decade. The size of the Australian workforce continues to grow and unemployment edges down.
This has occurred partly because wages growth has been insipid allowing more workers to be hired than may otherwise be the case. Asset price inflation has bolstered household wealth whilst household income growth has been subdued. Positive contributions to household spending capacity have come in the form of lower interest rates, lower petrol prices and greater comfort around job security. Nevertheless, growth in household disposable income remains below average.
The newly arrived population has a profound impact on property because they need somewhere to live and goods to put in their homes. Instant housing and bulky goods demand. Less people leaving the country means fewer houses freed up for those arriving.
With the size of the workforce growing and more people coming into the country (and less leaving), it is little wonder that a record level of housing construction is underway. A moderation in bank lending coupled with changes to taxation on foreign investors and stringent planning rules has seen a recent fall in dwelling building approvals. This leads us to believe we are at, or near, the peak in housing construction for this cycle. 
Consumer spending
Changes in consumer spending patterns since 2007 appear to have had an adverse effect on department store, apparel and discretionary retailing turnover generally.
This has impacted tenants in regional and some sub regional shopping centres. Some sub regional shopping centres have been immune from this. The ABS turnover statistics in the accompanying table show strong growth over a long period in most of the retail categories found at a sub regional shopping centre. Supermarkets have been enjoying strong turnover growth as have their associated liquor stores.
Discount department stores dealing in electronics, household goods including furniture and discount clothing have also enjoyed strong turnover growth. Associated specialty stores such as a chemist, a take away food store, a bakery, a newsagent and other local service providers such as a dry cleaner may be found in the tenancy mix.
<a href="/images/2016/09/29/National%20Retail%20Turnover%20Growth%20by%20Category%20Seasonally%20Adjusted%2012%20months%20to%20May%202016.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/29/National%20Retail%20Turnover%20Growth%20by%20Category%20Seasonally%20Adjusted%2012%20months%20to%20May%202016.jpg" alt="">
The structural issues facing retail are more formidable but not insurmountable. Savills expects the retail sector to evolve to take advantage of the structural issues rather than be over-run by them. The ageing of the population will continue to create challenges for retailers as they jockey for the dollars of retirees.
Retirees can be expected to prefer services over goods and will not necessarily continue to dwell in their traditional catchment areas. Internet retailing has already changed the face of retailing for certain categories of goods and will no doubt continue to evolve and challenge more categories over time. New business models are establishing themselves.
<a href="/images/2016/09/29/Change%20in%20Moving%20Annual%20Turnover%20by%20Category.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/29/Change%20in%20Moving%20Annual%20Turnover%20by%20Category.jpg" alt="">
Sales activity
Savills recorded $1.9 billion of sub regional shopping centre transactions nationally in the 12 months to June 2016, commensurate with $1.9 billion in the previous year and up on the five-year average of $1.6 billion.
In the year to June 2016, 20 sub regional shopping centres were sold against 23 the previous year and is commensurate with the five year average of 20 sales per annum.
<a href="/images/2016/09/29/Sub%20Regional%20Property%20Sales.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/29/Sub%20Regional%20Property%20Sales.jpg" alt="">
There are several factors at work in the capital markets which are having an impact on asset prices. First, there is an abundance of debt and equity available to purchase prime commercial assets on current metrics; second, the pricing of debt and equity domestically, and especially overseas, continues to fall; third, investment fundamentals are sound with no oversupply, little vacancy and good rental growth; and, finally, catchment area fundamentals remain appealing with strong population growth, low unemployment and stable to rising household incomes.
<a href="/images/2016/09/29/Sub%20Regional%20Property%20Sales%20by%20State.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/29/Sub%20Regional%20Property%20Sales%20by%20State.jpg" alt="">
Institutions remained active in the investment market for the 12 months ended June 2016, purchasing 77% of all sub regional shopping centres sold. Foreign investors continue to pursue sub regional shopping centres purchasing 9% of sub regional shopping centres sold. Conditions for Australian institutions have continued to improve and so private investors are increasingly finding themselves unable to compete.
<a href="/images/2016/09/29/Sub%20Regional%20Property%20Sales%20Buyer%20Profile.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/29/Sub%20Regional%20Property%20Sales%20Buyer%20Profile.jpg" alt="">
The average initial yield analysed from transactions of sub regional shopping centres in the year to June 2016 was 6.84% and compares to 7.47% the previous year. The average equated market yield analysed from transactions in the year to June 2016 was 6.97% and compares to 7.49% the previous year
<a href="/images/2016/09/29/Sub%20Regional%20Property%20Sales%20Vendor%20Profile.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/29/Sub%20Regional%20Property%20Sales%20Vendor%20Profile.jpg" alt="">
 . Prime neighbourhood yields at 6.75% in 2006, softening 100 basis points to 7.75% during the GFC and firming 200 basis points to 5.75% currently
. Prime sub regional yields were also at 6.75% in 2006, softening 50 basis points to 7.25% during the GFC and firming 150 basis points to 5.75% currently
. Prime regional (excluding super regional) yields were at 4.75% in 2006, softening 100 basis points to 5.75% during the GFC and firming 100 basis points to 4.75% currently
<a href="/images/2016/09/29/Sub%20Regional%20Property%20Sales%20by%20State%20graph.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/29/Sub%20Regional%20Property%20Sales%20by%20State%20graph.jpg" alt="">
Given the falling costs of both debt and equity and the adopted “lower for longer” view of Savills Research we believe there is more yield compression to come.
Nationally, shopping centre investment yields have continued to firm as highlighted in the both the chart below and in the tables of recent transactions. Sub regional shopping centres continue to transact across a broad range of yields in line with the characteristics of the individual properties.
<a href="/images/2016/09/29/Buyers%20and%20Vendors.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/29/Buyers%20and%20Vendors.jpg" alt="">
Sub regional shopping centre yields as at June 2016 currently range between 5.75% and 7.00%. Typically, yields have firmed from the trough in 2010 by 160 basis points for sub regional shopping centres.
<a href="/images/2016/09/29/Market%20Yields%20by%20Centre%20Type.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/29/Market%20Yields%20by%20Centre%20Type.jpg" alt="">
Outlook
Australia has been enjoying strong population growth for over a decade and this policy of immigration retains bi-partisan support at Federal Government level.
The history of wealth (and real estate wealth in particular) is the history of immigration. Australia, and Australian capital cities in particular, is forecast to enjoy the fruits of strong immigration.
Retail property can be expected to be a beneficiary of strong population growth. Clearly, some catchment areas will do better than others and this will continue to present the greatest challenge and greatest opportunity for investors.
Catchment areas that can grow their populations through new land release or infill development or pro-active planning policies, should show dramatic increases in turnover especially if the ability to increase retail floorspace is limited. Conversely, those catchment areas that cannot grow their populations with limited available new land supply, draconian or archaic residential planning systems and the capacity for expanded retail competition should deliver below average increases in turnover.
Savills is of the view that interest rates will be “lower for longer” and, combined with a weight of investment capital, should continue to see assets keenly sought after and strong yields given prevailing catchment area fundamentals.
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Many factors in play for sub-regional shopping centre success: Savills

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Home prices across the US, including distressed sales, increased year over year by 6.2 percent in August 2016 compared with August 2015.
It increased month over month by 1.1 percent in August 2016 compared with July 2016,* according to the CoreLogic HPI.
The CoreLogic HPI Forecast indicates that home prices will increase by 5.3 percent on a year-over-year basis from August 2016 to August 2017, and on a month-over-month basis home prices are expected to increase by 0.4 percent from August 2016 to September 2016.
The CoreLogic HPI Forecast is a projection of home prices using the CoreLogic HPI and other economic variables.
Values are derived from state-level forecasts by weighting indices according to the number of owner-occupied households for each state.
"Home prices are now just 6 percent below the nominal peak reached in April 2006," said Dr. Frank Nothaft, chief economist for CoreLogic.
"With prices forecasted to increase by 5 percent over the next year, prices will be back to their peak level in 2017."
"Housing values continue to rise briskly on stronger fundamental and investor-fueled demand, as well as lack of adequate supply," said Anand Nallathambi, president and CEO of CoreLogic.
"This continued price appreciation is contributing to a growing affordability crisis in many markets around the country."
 
Home Price Change By State
<table style="width: 400px;" border="1" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="3"><tbody>
<tr>
<th rowspan="3" bgcolor="#943634" width="118">State</th>
<th bgcolor="#943634">August 2016 12-Month HPI</th>
</tr>
<tr><th bgcolor="#943634">Year Over Year</th></tr>
<tr><th bgcolor="#943634" width="144">Single-Family </th></tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>National</td>
<td align="right">6.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Alabama </td>
<td align="right">3.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Alaska </td>
<td align="right">0.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Arizona </td>
<td align="right">5.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Arkansas </td>
<td align="right">2.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>California </td>
<td align="right">5.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Colorado </td>
<td align="right">9.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Connecticut </td>
<td align="right">-1.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Delaware </td>
<td align="right">1.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>District of Columbia </td>
<td align="right">2.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Florida </td>
<td align="right">7.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Georgia </td>
<td align="right">5.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Hawaii </td>
<td align="right">4.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Idaho </td>
<td align="right">7.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Illinois </td>
<td align="right">3.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Indiana </td>
<td align="right">4.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Iowa </td>
<td align="right">3.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Kansas </td>
<td align="right">4.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Kentucky </td>
<td align="right">4.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Louisiana </td>
<td align="right">2.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Maine </td>
<td align="right">1.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Maryland </td>
<td align="right">1.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Massachusetts </td>
<td align="right">4.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Michigan </td>
<td align="right">5.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Minnesota </td>
<td align="right">5.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Mississippi </td>
<td align="right">3.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Missouri </td>
<td align="right">4.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Montana </td>
<td align="right">5.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Nebraska </td>
<td align="right">5.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Nevada </td>
<td align="right">6.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>New Hampshire </td>
<td align="right">4.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>New Jersey </td>
<td align="right">1.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>New Mexico </td>
<td align="right">3.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>New York </td>
<td align="right">6.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>North Carolina </td>
<td align="right">4.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>North Dakota </td>
<td align="right">1.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Ohio </td>
<td align="right">3.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Oklahoma </td>
<td align="right">1.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Oregon </td>
<td align="right">10.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Pennsylvania </td>
<td align="right">2.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Rhode Island </td>
<td align="right">4.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>South Carolina </td>
<td align="right">4.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>South Dakota </td>
<td align="right">7.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Tennessee </td>
<td align="right">6.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Texas </td>
<td align="right">6.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Utah </td>
<td align="right">7.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Vermont </td>
<td align="right">1.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Virginia </td>
<td align="right">2.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Washington </td>
<td align="right">10.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>West Virginia </td>
<td align="right">7.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Wisconsin </td>
<td align="right">5.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle">
<td>Wyoming </td>
<td align="right">3.8% 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
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Oregon offers the best home price change YoY for US states

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A former factory at Collingwood is for sale as a five bedroom abode.
The factory at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-collingwood-123636706" target="_blank">10 Perry Street</a> was formerly occupied by Gregory Steel Products.
It comes with a land size of 465 sq m, close to Smith Street's cafe scene.
Zoned commercial 1, the property can feature an apartment/office suite with private entry and huge storeroom.
<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/2016/10/03/10%20Perry%20Street.jpg" alt="">
It comprises of four double bedrooms, living and dining zones, well-equipped kitchens and two bathrooms plus large laundry as well as polished timber floors, ample storage, heating and cooling.
It is offered through Nelson Alexander agents Rick Daniel and Duncan McPherson.
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Former Collingwood factory conversion for sale

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The Swansea Hotel in NSW’s Lake Macquarie region has sold for around $13 million to Laundy Hotels – the largest private hotel owner in the country.
The Swansea Hotel is located at the gateway to Lake Macquarie.
It is situated on a large 3,235sqm site, two hours from Sydney and 30 minutes from Newcastle.
<img src="/images/2016/10/05/Laundy.jpg" alt="" width="512" height="243">
The hotel was fully renovated in 2015 (image above before its renovation).
It was sold through CBRE with 30 poker machines by the Bernie family.
The Laundy's are the largest private hotel owner in the country and own venues such as the Watsons Bay Hotel and the Woolwich Pier Hotel.
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Swansea Hotel sold to the Laundys

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The number of Australian residential property sale listings rose in all capital cities during the month of September 2016, with the Spring selling season attracting vendors into the market, according to SQM Research.
The number of national residential property listings rose 4.3%, with September recording 347,358 new listings, a rise of 2.4% from a year earlier. Sydney led the gains, with a 10.3% jump in monthly listings.
<a href="/images/2016/10/04/SQM%201.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="/images/2016/10/04/SQM%201.png" width="650" height="204">
Notably, Sydney property listings have jumped 13.2% from one year ago, reflecting the buoyancy of the property market there and the eagerness of vendors to take advantage of impressive capital gains in that city.
Elsewhere, Brisbane recorded a strong monthly gain of 7.4%, with listings up an impressive 12% from a year earlier. Other cities reporting a big boost in monthly property listings were Canberra, with a 6.5% rise, followed by a 5.1% rise in property listings in Melbourne. Even in Perth, where house prices are falling, monthly listings were up 4.7%, and they are up a healthy 9.6% from a year earlier. Only Hobart listings are down from a year earlier, one of the reasons for strong price rises in the city. Adelaide and Darwin listings posted modest growth.
Asking prices
Sydney and Melbourne property markets are still the strongest in the nation, with high auction clearance rates reflecting strong demand for property in both cities, with buyers still putting up their hands to bid despite high prices.
As can be seen from the table below, asking prices for property have jumped in Melbourne, following on from strong price gains in Sydney, where the insatiable appetite for property is being led by record low interest rates and strong population growth in both cities, especially in Melbourne.
Leading the way, year-on-year results reveal Melbourne median asking prices have jumped 15.1% for houses and 4.8% for units compared to this time last year. Hobart has also recorded yearly changes, with median asking prices for units climbing 25% from a year earlier and unit prices up 6.1%.
<a href="/images/2016/10/04/SQM%202.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/04/SQM%202.png" width="650">
Meanwhile, median asking prices for houses in both Darwin and Perth continue to fall. According to SQM Research, the median asking price for a house in Perth is $683,200, 5% lower than this time last year and in Darwin it is $619,700, 6.9% lower.
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Property listings rise in September: SQM Research

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A Blue Fig, Darwin unit (below) has become a burden to its owner.
"It's been on the market since August 2015 and still hasn't sold," SQM's Louis Christopher said.
"The price has just come down again to $430,000 as the vendor reassess their expectations in a city that has been trampled on by the mining downturn.
"Investors might be reluctant to buy a unit in an area where the vacancy rate has been climbing since 2012 and is now around 3.3%," he suggests.
<a href="/images/2016/10/04/Unit.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge </a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/04/Unit.png" alt="">
Reflecting that, the asking rent for a two bedroom unit in the 0810 postcode has fallen almost 20% in the three years to be around $375 a week now.
"Who knows when that decline in rents will stop?
"Only a brave buyer perhaps would put a date on it.
"As for asking prices for units, those too have been trending downwards in the 0810 postcode," Christopher said.
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Darwin unit slashed to possibly get it sold: SQM Research

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Melbourne property developer Goldfields has unveiled its newest boutique luxury apartment project, 525 High Street in Prahran East.
Containing 46 residences, it was designed by JCB Architects and interior designers, Hecker Guthrie.
Situated between Toorak and Armadale, the 7-storey building comprises 44 spacious one, two and three-bedroom apartments and two Townhouses, highlighted by marble and timber accents, aged iron tapware, designer hardware and Miele appliances.
<img src="/images/2016/10/04/image003.png" alt="">
There are city views.
Its ground floor retail space is earmarked for a stylish brasserie and independent organic grocer.
Goldfields’ Lachlan Thompson, says 525 High Street features luxuries generally found in traditional homes, including an entry hall, butler’s pantry, traditional fireplace and even a designated bar.
They are listed through Marshall White Projects’ director, Leonard Teplin.
<img src="/images/2016/10/04/VIEW_03_LR.JPG" alt="">
All residences have a car park space - some have two or more spaces - with many also including a study area, laundry room, bar, and additional storage.
525 High Street offers two bedroom apartments priced from $689,500 and townhouses from $740,000.
The penthouse occupying the entire top floor and featuring direct lift access and three secure basement car spaces is priced at $3,200,000.
Construction is scheduled to commence early 2017 and completed towards the end of the second quarter of 2018.
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Goldfields unveils apartment project, 525 High Street

Buying into a masterplanned community often means committing to a vision still years from taking shape. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>, that vision is already visible.

Residents have moved into the completed first stage, landscaped spaces are established, and the next chapter is now underway. Stage 1 has been completed and settled, with Stage 2 now selling off-the-plan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> combines attainable apartment living with sustainability initiatives rarely seen at this price point, including rooftop solar, battery storage and a resident EV-sharing program.

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Located on Schofi​elds Road, just moments from Tal​lawong Metro Station and Schof​ields Train Station, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been designed to appeal to a broad mix of buyers, from first-home purchasers looking for a foothold in Sy​dney's property market to downsizers seeking a connected, low-maintenance lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been conceived as a thoughtfully planned masterplanned community that will evolve over multiple stages, with buyers now able to secure one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a neighbourhood that is already beginning to establish its identity.

One of the project's defining features is its focus on sustainability. Solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure have been incorporated throughout the development, reflecting a long-term approach to both environmental performance and everyday convenience.

Sustainability sits at the centre of the development's vision, with solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure integrated throughout the community.

That emphasis on future-ready living extends beyond the technology. Landscaped communal gardens, outdoor gathering spaces and plans for a future retail precinct aim to create a neighbourhood where residents can access daily conveniences without travelling far from home.

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The apartments themselves have been designed with liveability front of mind. Rather than chasing maximum density, the focus has been placed on creating practical homes with generous natural light, usable layouts and strong connections to outdoor space.

Importantly, these design principles have been applied consistently across the one, two and three-bedroom apartment offerings.

The appeal of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> is also closely linked to its location within Syd​ney's rapidly evolving north-west growth corridor. Over the past decade, major infrastructure investment has transformed the area, with new transport links, business precincts and community facilities reshaping suburbs like Talla​wong and Schofiel​ds.

The agent says buyers are increasingly recognising the area's long-term potential.

"Typical buyers that we're finding across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> especially are your first-home buyers, your investors, your upsizers as well as your downsizers," Hawes says.

Connectivity remains one of the project's strongest drawcards. Residents have access to both Tallaw​ong Metro Station and Schofi​elds Train Station, providing links to the Sydn​ey CBD, Norw​est Business Park, Macquari​e Park and other major employment hubs. Retail centres including Rous​e Hill Town Centre and Sch​ofields Village are also nearby, alongside schools, parks and future healthcare infrastructure.

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For Stage 1 resident Roji, it is the balance between convenience and comfort that has defined the experience of living at Kew.

"For me, it's a balance of quality and convenience," she says. "Everything I need is right here."

"If I wanted to catch the train, Scho​fields Station is just around the corner. Tallaw​ong Metro connects me to the city."

More importantly, she says, the development has delivered something that cannot be measured in floorplans or specifications.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> feels like home."

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As Stage 2 enters the market, that lived experience may be one of the project's strongest selling points. Buyers are not purchasing into an untested concept or a future promise. They are joining a community that is already taking shape.

Ongoing investment in transport, retail, healthcare and public open space continues to strengthen the appeal of Syd​ney's north-west growth corridor, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>'s established first stage provides buyers with a tangible sense of the community's future direction.

For a limited time, buyer can secure a new home at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> with just a $10,000.

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Joel Robinson

Kew Tallawong: A growing community taking shape in Sydney's north-west

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a> has received development approval for its 51-storey mixed-use tower at 153-157 Walker Street, North Sydney, set to be one of the tallest mixed-use residential-led buildings in one of Sydney’s most sought-after commercial and residential addresses.

Lodged as a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) through the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway and approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure following a comprehensive public exhibition and submissions process, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/153-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">the project</a> will deliver 296 apartments, alongside a 170-room, luxury hotel, activated retail and significant public domain improvements.

Situated just 200 metres from Victoria Cross Metro Station, on one of the largest developable sites in North Sydney, the development will rise to 234 metres, making it one of the tallest buildings in the suburb. With an end value of approximately $1.5 billion, the project responds directly to the NSW Government’s mandate to accelerate housing delivery in well-located, transit-connected areas.

<img alt="Freecity gets green light for mixed-use residential and hotel tower in North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="192ec455-94bf-4e01-83ef-922b1b269d67" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Freecity%20-%20Walker%20Street%20North%20Sydney%201%20RESIZED%20.jpg?VersionId=Bzqp0SBHCDvLAHjA4QXkjuGoOEIh73Jl" />

The apartment mix will cater to a broad range of buyers, with 65 studio and one-bedroom apartments, 139 two-bedroom residences, 35 three-bedroom apartments, 48 four-bedroom homes, and nine penthouses. Residents will have access to a dedicated amenity level on Level 33, featuring a swimming pool with views towards the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and North Sydney CBD, as well as a gym, library, shared kitchen, lounge and outdoor entertaining areas.

The hotel will occupy the lower six levels of the building and include meeting and function spaces, a wellness centre with gym, yoga studio, swimming pool and sauna, further strengthening North Sydney's growing hospitality offering.

At ground level, the development has been designed to improve pedestrian connections through the precinct. More than 700 sqm of retail space will activate the street frontage, while a landscaped through-site link connecting Walker Street, Little Walker Street and Doris Fitton Park will provide new public open space with seating, paving and extensive native landscaping.

Freecity Group Co-Founder and Joint CEO Tony Sun said the project represents one of the most significant development opportunities currently available in North Sydney.

"This is one of the most significant development sites in North Sydney and it comes at a pivotal moment for the precinct," Sun said.

"North Sydney is undergoing a genuine transformation, and this project will contribute housing the city urgently needs while creating a landmark destination."

Executive Director of Development Michael Romano said demand for both residential and hotel accommodation would continue to strengthen as the Metro precinct matures.

"The structural demand for high-quality housing and hotel accommodation in North Sydney is compelling, and will only grow as the precinct continues to evolve around the new Metro station," Romano said.

Architectus has designed the tower, orientating the apartments to maximise views towards Sydney Harbour while introducing a sculpted façade intended to respond to light, wind and the surrounding skyline.

Architectus Principal Marko Damic said the design sought to create a tower that contributes to the public realm as much as the skyline.

"We wanted to design a tower that doesn't just sit in the skyline but actively participates and contributes to city life," Damic said.

First look: Freecity gets green light for mixed-use apartment and hotel tower in North Sydney

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> have celebrated the topping out of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf,</a> marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of Syd​ney's most anticipated waterfront communities.

Located on Sydney's harbourfront at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a>, the project has now reached its highest structural point, with construction progressing strongly towards completion in 2027. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240] 
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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will deliver a mix of waterfront residences and terraces, complemented by a private 36-berth marina, waterfront dining opportunities and a revitalised foreshore designed to reconnect the community with the river's edge. 
&nbsp; 
Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said the project represented a rare opportunity to create the next chapter in Sydn​ey's long history of successful waterfront precincts. 
&nbsp; 
"Throughout Sydney, some of the city's most sought-after addresses have emerged from carefully considered waterfront precincts such as Woolloom​ooloo Wharf, Walsh Bay and Breakfast Point," Brown said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362566] 
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"What makes these places so successful is that they become much more than residential developments," Brown said.

"They bring together homes, hospitality, marina facilities, public spaces and a strong sense of community in locations where future supply is incredibly limited."

Brown has long described absolute waterfront land in Sy​dney as "finite."

"Once these opportunities are developed, they are rarely replicated. That's why Syd​ney's waterfront precincts have consistently demonstrated strong demand and long-term value growth over many decades. 
&nbsp; 
"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is one of the few remaining opportunities to secure a residence within a masterplanned waterfront community that combines direct water access, marina ownership opportunities and a genuine village lifestyle just moments from the Sy​dney CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362564] 
&nbsp; 
PERIFA Founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the project reflected a shared commitment to delivering exceptional places that create long-term value for residents and the broader community. 
&nbsp; 
"The topping out milestone is a significant achievement for the Versatile Group and a testament to the collaboration between all project partners, consultants and contractors involved," Perilli said. 
&nbsp; 
"Beyond the residences themselves, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will establish a new waterfront destination that celebrates the history, character and lifestyle of this unique location while creating a lasting legacy for future generations."

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Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile">Versatile Construction</a>, with structural works now substantially complete across the precinct. Attention will progressively shift to the construction of the waterview terraces, apartment façades, services and interior fit-out works over the coming months. 
&nbsp; 
With limited residences and marina berths remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> continues to attract strong interest from owner occupiers and downsizers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle within close proximity to Putne​y Village, Rh​odes, Top Ry​de and the Syd​ney CBD. 
&nbsp; 
As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.

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Abadeen, PERIFA, top out Putney Wharf harbourfront precinct

Kew has long been regarded as one of Melbourne's premier residential suburbs. It's a location defined by its grand period homes, leafy streets and some of the city's most prestigious schools, yet it has often sat just outside the spotlight cast on neighbouring Hawthorn and Camberwell.

Increasingly, however, buyers are recognising that Kew offers much of what draws people to those suburbs, with a quieter residential setting, exceptional amenity and long-term owner-occupier appeal.

Within a few minutes' walk, residents can access Kew Junction, one of Melbourne's most established village centres. Cafés, bakeries, restaurants, supermarkets, boutique retailers and everyday services are all on the doorstep, with local favourites including Centonove, Adeney Milk Bar Cafe, and Frank &amp; Harri creating the type of walkable lifestyle that has become increasingly difficult to find in Melbourne's inner east. Beyond the immediate neighbourhood, Glenferrie Road's renowned shopping and dining precinct in Hawthorn and the retail, dining and entertainment offerings of Camberwell Junction are both just a short drive or tram ride away.

The suburb is equally well connected. Tram routes 48 and 109 provide direct access to the CBD, while High Street and Cotham Road connect residents to the wider inner east.&nbsp;Nearby access to the Eastern Freeway also places the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne Airport within easy reach, adding another layer of convenience for weekend travel.&nbsp;It's a rare combination of connectivity and tranquillity, where quiet residential streets sit just moments from some of Melbourne's most established shopping and lifestyle precincts.

For families, Kew remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held addresses. Carey Baptist Grammar School, Xavier College, Methodist Ladies' College, Trinity Grammar, Ruyton Girls' School and Genazzano FCJ College are all nearby, while the Yarra River parklands, walking trails and sporting clubs provide another layer of lifestyle appeal.

It's within this established pocket that developer Ricdanic is delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wimba-ave-kew-9-11-wimba-avenue-kew-vic-3101">Wimba Ave</a>, a boutique collection of just 13 residences across two buildings named after its location on the tree-lined Wimba Avenue,&nbsp;within one of Kew's most prestigious pockets where homes have been known to sell up to and above $8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=354809]

The residences prioritise the space that buyers are increasingly searching for but struggling to find in established suburbs. Living areas extend beyond five metres in width, ceiling heights range from three to five metres, and apartments open onto private gardens averaging around 125 sqm. Selected residences also feature balconies of approximately 60 sqm, while premium inclusions include Miele appliances, double-glazed windows, EV readiness, fully electric systems and a 7.2 NatHERS energy rating.

Architect Chris Idle says opportunities to deliver homes of this scale within established suburbs have become increasingly uncommon.

"There are very few opportunities to do these kinds of developments in leafy, established suburbs," he says. "To get this level of amenity, natural light, and architectural freedom in such a setting is extremely rare."

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The architecture draws on Kew's established character through the use of handmade Krause bricks, while landscaping by John Patrick introduces 23 plant species, including nine native varieties, creating an environment which focuses just as much on nature as it does the building.

Construction on Wimba Ave is well underway by renowned high-end builder Sinjen, with completion expected in late 2027. Prices start from $2.22 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140755]

The enduring appeal of Kew's tree-lined streets and village lifestyle

"For me, it's the location." That was the first thing Chris pointed to when reflecting on why he and his wife Marita decided to purchase at Candela Ivanhoe, the under-construction new apartment development by Salter Brothers in the heart of the north-eastern M​elb​ourne​ suburb. ​

"We've lived here before… everything is here," Chris said.

"Our doctor is around the corner, there's dentists, pilates, everything we need, restaurants, fast food places, two train stations, Ivanhoe and Darebin, both in walking distance. You don't need anything else."

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Just 10 kilometres from Melbo​urn​e's CBD, Ivanhoe combines direct city connectivity with the amenity of an established village community. Residents have access to highly regarded schools, expansive parklands, public transport, and a thriving retail and hospitality precinct centred around Upper Heidelberg Road, all within a neighbourhood that has retained its leafy character despite its proximity to the city.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela Ivanhoe</a> sits within the heart of this established landscape, positioned just moments from Ivanhoe Village and within walking distance of many of the suburb's most sought-after amenities.

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From Candela, residents can access cafés, grocers, wine bars, restaurants and essential services on foot, while Ivanhoe Station and Darebin Station provide direct connectivity across Mel​bour​ne. The development is also surrounded by some of the suburb's best-known lifestyle destinations, including Pinkie, Laurent, Enni, Docasa and Woodfire Pizza e Cucina, alongside Ivanhoe Plaza, Woolworths, pharmacies and specialty retailers.

Green space is another defining feature of the suburb. Darebin Parklands, Ivanhoe Park, Nellie Ibbot Park and the Yarra River trail network provide extensive opportunities for recreation, while Ivanhoe Golf Course and Ivanhoe Tennis Club continue to underpin the area's long-established lifestyle appeal.

The suburb's education offering further strengthens demand. Ivanhoe Grammar School, Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School, Mary Immaculate Primary School and Ivanhoe Primary School have helped establish the area as one of Melbou​​rne's most sought-after schooling precincts, attracting families and downsizers alike who want to remain connected to the area.

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While location was the priority for Marita and Chris, the project itself also needed to meet their expectations.

"Whilst location was paramount, I was also looking at design of the environment and Candela ticked every box," Marita said.

"We're just thrilled with our choice."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=336455]

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>, Candela Ivanhoe has been designed to complement its village setting, with an emphasis on generous floorplans, natural light and practical everyday living.

Residents will have access to a range of shared amenities, including a communal rooftop garden and dedicated residential lounge, complemented by a ground-floor café and lifestyle wellbeing centre, helping foster the sense of community already emerging among future owners.

That approach has resonated strongly with the market. More than 90 per cent of purchasers at Candela Ivanhoe are owner-occupiers, with buyers ranging from downsizers and second-home buyers to young families and first home buyers, creating a genuinely multi-generational community of grandparents, parents and children. It reflects a broader shift across Melbo​​urne's apartment market, where buyers are increasingly prioritising neighbourhood quality, lifestyle amenity and long-term liveability.

Currently under construction by Ironside, Candela Ivanhoe comprises 58 apartments. Candela Ivanhoe is scheduled for completion in the coming months, and residents can move in from September. One to four bedroom residences, prices from $649,000 and limited opportunities remaining.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Staff reporter

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