Avant Townhomes is adding to Ivanhoe’s family-sized housing options with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/three-82-ivanhoe-382-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Three 82</a>, a collection of just 16 four-bedroom townhomes on Upper Heidelberg Road.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/intrapac-property">Intrapac Property</a> townhome division has taken a contemporary approach to the traditional family home, pairing larger floorplans with the lower-maintenance format of a townhouse.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374394]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/arcadia-studio">Arcadia</a>, with landscaping by Landsite, the homes feature generous open-plan living and dining areas that connect directly to outdoor spaces, with layouts also designed to maximise natural light and privacy.

Natural stone is used throughout the interiors, including in kitchens that pair stone surfaces with bespoke cabinetry, considered storage and SMEG appliances.

The four-bedroom layouts include built-in wardrobes and a main bedroom with its own ensuite, while family bathrooms service the additional bedrooms. Each home also includes a lock-up double garage and intercom entry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374399]

Energy efficiency has been incorporated into the design through solar panels, double glazing and reverse-cycle heating and cooling, with the homes targeting 7-star energy ratings.

Rather than incorporating extensive communal facilities, Three 82 has been conceived around private residential amenity, with the 16-home scale keeping the focus on individual homes and their own indoor and outdoor spaces.

The development is located at 382 Upper Heidelberg Road, around one kilometre from Ivanhoe Village's cafés and retail and a short drive from Eaglemont Station and Ivanhoe Station.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374393]

Several of Ivanhoe's established schools are also nearby, including Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar and Ivanhoe Grammar School. The address also provides access to the suburb's parklands and the wider Yarra River corridor.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/nelson-alexander">Nelson Alexander</a> has been appointed to handle sales.

Construction is underway and progressing well, with Three 82 currently tracking toward completion in Q2 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152069]

Joel Robinson

Three 82 brings boutique four-bedroom townhome collection to Ivanhoe

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">Graya</a> has secured a prime Newstead site from fellow developer Fraser, subsequently lodging plans for The Silo, a major mixed-use residential project in Newstead designed around a new public laneway linking the James Street precinct with the wider Gasworks and Newstead neighbourhood.

Proposed for the corner of Chester and Morse streets, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bureauproberts">Bureau^Proberts</a>-designed project places its strongest emphasis at ground level, where retail, landscaping and a new cobblestone pedestrian connection would open the site to the surrounding neighbourhood. The design team describes The Silo as “more than a residential building”, positioning the development as an extension of Newstead’s public realm rather than a standalone apartment tower.

“A new cobblestone laneway and landscaped connection between James Street and Gasworks unlock a missing pedestrian link, improving walkability and stitching together two of Brisbane’s significant urban destinations,” Bureau Proberts said in its Urban Design Report.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ea1b06a-75f5-40a5-b2c5-33c97bc86052" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/silo%20bldg.png?VersionId=KmjsAtNePu57_B31EM_DJ5T6KPJHtcmo" />

The Silo is planned as a mixed-use development incorporating apartments alongside a bar and centre activities including food and drink outlets, indoor sport and recreation, office and retail uses.

Architecturally, Bureau Proberts has conceived the building as a collection of vertically expressed, stepping forms rather than a single uniform tower. The composition rises from an articulated podium before being broken by a triple-height landscaped recreation level, with the upper section becoming more compact before terminating in a landscaped rooftop garden.

The project's name and architectural language draw directly from Newstead's industrial history. Patterned off-form concrete is proposed as the principal façade material, complemented by slender metal rod balustrades and extensive planting. The cylindrical and vertically ribbed elements give the building its silo-like expression, while curved balconies and planted edges introduce a softer subtropical layer.

“The Silo reinterprets its robust forms, scale and materiality through a contemporary subtropical architectural expression, creating a building that acknowledges its industrial legacy, while responding to the way the precinct is occupied today,” Bureau^Proberts said.

The recreation level is one of the defining breaks in the tower. Plans include a lap pool, mature subtropical planting and shared resident facilities within an elevated communal garden. Landscaping continues through the podium and onto the rooftop, where a further garden forms what the architects describe as a “subtropical crown” to the building.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8451036-35a4-49a9-8d88-2ef4438eba3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Silo%20Lane.png?VersionId=h8N31_rYmCEqoNrpt4kbYVQhJGZn60LH" />

At street level, the development has been designed to establish a more permeable block. Retail and hospitality tenancies address the public realm, while landscaped pedestrian spaces lead into the new laneway connection. Renders in the design report show the proposed “Silo Lane” as a substantial opening through the podium, framed by cylindrical concrete forms with cascading planting above.

The Silo continues Graya's move into larger apartment developments after building its reputation across high-end residential projects in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Graya buys Frasers Newstead site, plans The Silo between James Street and Gasworks precincts

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/wickton">Wickton</a>’s completed Linacre Rise development in Hampton is giving Bayside downsizers the opportunity to move into a spacious apartment near the beach, with the developer covering stamp duty for a limited time.

The 27-residence development has been designed for buyers who want to simplify their living arrangements without giving up the space, warmth and quality associated with a long-term family home. Most apartments have already been secured by Bayside locals, leaving a select collection of two and three-bedroom residences and penthouses available.

Two-bedroom apartments are priced from $1.275 million, three-bedroom residences from $2.25 million and penthouses from $3.375 million, with the completed homes available to inspect and move into now.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366760]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/linacre-rise-hampton-8-10-linacre-road-hampton-vic-3188">Linacre Rise</a> occupies an elevated position on one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a>’s quiet, tree-lined streets, around 250 metres from the bay and 500 metres from Hampton’s village centre. Its setting gives residents access to the beach, local cafés, shops and Hampton Train Station while retaining the feel of an established residential neighbourhood.

Architecture and interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a> draw on the warmth and permanence of traditional brickwork, with the building integrated into terraced landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>. Ground-floor apartments are elevated above the street and include private garden courtyards, while several upper-level residences have generous balconies and outlooks toward the bay.

Inside, the residences favour natural materials and generous proportions. Herringbone-pattern European oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, premium joinery and Swiss V-ZUG appliances are among the key inclusions, while integrated storage has been incorporated across kitchens, bathrooms, studies and living areas.

The kitchens have been planned as practical spaces for both everyday use and entertaining, with substantial island benches, detailed cabinetry and adjoining dining and living zones. Full-height wardrobes, plush bedroom carpeting and carefully considered lighting reinforce the residential character Wickton sought to retain for buyers moving from larger homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366769]

A Linacre Rise purchaser said the completed apartment had delivered the space, outlook and construction quality they had been seeking.

“The unit is very light, has views to die for over the bay, all construction materials and fittings are premium quality, we have secure parking for three cars, EV charging at very competitive rates, the neighbours are friendly and there is just a lovely ambiance about the place,” the purchaser said.

Environmental features include solar panels, shared electric vehicle charging stations, rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, double-glazed windows and water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366762]

The development was built by Balmain &amp; Co, with Wickton managing the broader development process through its in-house team.

For downsizers, the project’s completed status removes much of the uncertainty associated with buying off the plan. Purchasers can inspect the finished apartments, understand their outlook and proportions, and move in without waiting for construction to conclude.

The remaining selection includes north-oriented balconies, corner configurations and penthouses with elevated bay views. The developer-paid stamp duty initiative is available for a limited time, with potential savings of up to $200,000 depending on the residence purchased.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95289]

Limited-time stamp duty offer at completed Linacre Rise apartments in Hampton

Luxury apartment buyers have long prioritised design, space and finishes, but increasingly they're placing equal importance on something less tangible: how easily they can live without relying on a car.

At <a>Richmond Square</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> believes that convenience begins beyond the apartment itself, with the mixed-use precinct earning a near-perfect Walk Score of 99.

The development has been planned around the idea that some of the most valuable amenities aren't contained within a building, they're the restaurants, cafés, parks, transport connections and daily conveniences that can all be reached on foot.

Located just behind Swan Street and Church Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/richmond-square-1-wiltshire-street-richmond-vic-3121">Richmond Square</a> places residents within one of Melbo​u​rne's most established lifestyle precincts while offering a quieter residential setting removed from the busiest thoroughfares. East Richmond Station is moments away, trams run along both Swan and Church Streets, and the MCG, Melb​​ourne Park, Yarra River trails and the CBD are all within walking distance. At the same time, the precinct itself will introduce a curated mix of dining, retail, hospitality and wellness offerings, creating a destination that extends well beyond its residential buildings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348530]

For Fortis, that combination of location and scale was what made the site unique.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/richmond-vic-3121">Richmond</a> is one of Melb​o​urne's most established and distinctive inner-city neighbourhoods, with a rare combination of dining, culture, recreation, public transport and proximity to the CBD," the developer said.

"The opportunity at Wiltshire Street was particularly compelling because the site sits slightly removed from the activity of Swan and Church Streets while remaining only moments from everything that makes the area desirable."

Rather than developing a standalone apartment building, Fortis consolidated 15 individual properties to create one of the larger development parcels assembled on Mel​b​ourne's city fringe in recent years. That allowed the team to deliver a genuine mixed-use precinct comprising 107 residences across Wiltshire House and Carmine House, premium office space, hospitality venues, retail, wellness offerings and a future 57-room hotel.

"The scale of the site allowed Fortis to think beyond a standalone apartment building," the developer said.

"Richmond Square could be planned as a complete lifestyle precinct, bringing homes, workplaces, dining, retail, hospitality and wellness together around a series of activated public spaces. The aim was to create a destination that feels connected to Richmond rather than separate from it."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348533]

The emphasis on walkability has also resonated with buyers.

Interest has been strongest from established owner-occupiers, particularly downsizers from Richmond and Melb​ourne's inner east who want to remain close to familiar restaurants, workplaces, family and social networks while moving into a more secure, lower-maintenance home. The project is also attracting Mornington Peninsula and interstate buyers seeking a Melb​ourne residence they can lock up and leave between visits.

Many are looking for generous living spaces, room to entertain, quality finishes and confidence in the project team, but location remains one of the biggest deciding factors.

"For many buyers, Richmond Square provides a way to simplify the practical side of home ownership without reducing the quality of their lifestyle," the sales team said.

"Location is also a major driver of interest. Buyers can remain connected to the CBD, major sporting events, the arts centres, local restaurants, cafes and bars and their family while living in a private and secure residence that is easy to lock up and leave for weekends or longer periods away."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348549]

The residences themselves have been designed with that buyer in mind. Award-winning architecture practice SJB and interior designers Hecker Guthrie have created spacious two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses that prioritise generous living areas, natural light, bespoke joinery and private terraces. Above, a rooftop sanctuary by Acre includes landscaped lawns, bookable dining rooms, barbecue facilities, wellness spaces and panoramic views across the CBD, the MCG and Port Phillip Bay.

Fortis believes Richmond Square reflects a broader evolution in apartment living, where the surrounding neighbourhood becomes just as important as the residence itself.

"Richmond Square introduces a different proposition: generously proportioned residences within a genuinely mixed-use, hospitality-led destination," the developer said.

"The project's location and Walk Score of 99 further support a lifestyle where residents can complete many everyday journeys without relying on a car."

Fortis has assembled an experienced team that includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/hecker-guthrie">Hecker Guthrie</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/acre">Acre</a> and builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hacer-group">Hacer Group</a>, reflecting the developer's commitment to creating projects with enduring design quality and meaningful connections to the communities in which they sit.&nbsp;

Richmond Square is an expression of that philosophy, bringing together homes, workplaces, hospitality and wellness within one of Me​lb​ourne's most walkable neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

Construction is now almost complete, providing purchasers with growing confidence ahead of its expected September 2026 completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13181]

Walk Score of 99 places Richmond Square at the heart of Melbourne's most connected lifestyle

<h3 data-end="19" data-section-id="1dvgwoe" data-start="0">Summary</h3>

<ul data-end="634" data-start="21">
	<li data-end="170" data-section-id="1o77v31" data-start="21">Walker Corporation has lodged plans for a second major residential development in the Maroochydore City Centre, a 29-storey tower known as Celeste.</li>
	<li data-end="327" data-section-id="1lb0y6t" data-start="171">The Plus Studio-designed proposal at Lot 30 Sunshine Coast Parade would deliver 208 apartments, including four four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.</li>
	<li data-end="487" data-section-id="za720" data-start="328">The application comes as Walker doubles down on Maroochydore following the strong sales campaign at SOL by Walker, where the first tower is nearing sell-out.</li>
	<li data-end="634" data-section-id="5sovec" data-start="488">Walker is a key partner in the transformation of the Maroochydore City Centre, which is expected to ultimately deliver at least 4,000 new homes.</li>
</ul>

Walker Corporation is doubling down on Maroochydore following the successful sales campaign at its first residential project in the emerging CBD.

The national developer has filed plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celeste-30-sunshine-coast-parade-maroochydore-qld-4558">Celeste</a>, a new 29-storey apartment tower at Lot 30 Sunshine Coast Parade, just metres from its under-construction SOL by Walker development.

The plans, prepared by Plus Studio, would see 208 apartments delivered across a 100-metre tower on the 2,376 sqm site, which fronts Sunshine Coast Parade, First Avenue and Future Way within the Maroochydore Priority Development Area.

<img alt="Walker" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="17038209-6fea-4ed2-855d-fd4df65b3d02" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-10%20at%2010.24.16%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=iZD.oVXcQn.aLpUytDAW.CWjxP4puWMy" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 36 one-bedroom apartments, 48 two-bedroom apartments, 72 two-bedroom apartments with an additional multipurpose space, and 48 three-bedroom apartments.

The upper levels would be capped by two four-bedroom sub-penthouses and two four-bedroom penthouses, taking the total apartment count to 208. The preliminary yield study also provides 262 car spaces, 114 resident bicycle spaces and storage for each apartment.

It represents Walker's next major residential move in the new Maroochydore CBD after the success of SOL by Walker, its $220 million two-tower project nearby.

SOL launched to market in early 2025 and has since seen strong demand, particularly from local owner-occupiers. By February this year, Walker said the first SOL tower was nearing sell-out, with a strong waitlist also emerging for its recently released penthouse collection.

Construction is already underway on SOL, with the first tower expected to be completed in late 2027 and the second to follow in early 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=319846]

<h2 data-end="2518" data-section-id="1b2dyo5" data-start="2459">Celeste to rise 100 metres over Maroochydore City Centre</h2>

Celeste would take a different form to the twin 19-storey buildings at SOL.

Plus Studio has designed a single 100-metre tower above an activated podium, with the architecture responding to the site's prominent position and three street frontages.

The podium would incorporate commercial tenancies and public art, with sweeping façade elements wrapping the street edges. The scalloped concrete podium has been inspired by the patterns created in sand at low tide, while extensive landscaping would continue vertically through the tower.

The ground level plans show three commercial tenancies addressing Sunshine Coast Parade alongside the residential lobby and landscaped public realm. The podium would then accommodate several levels of car parking before the residential tower rises above.

<img alt="Celeste" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="121f77b1-71c5-46d7-9b36-0a7d474211ca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-10%20at%2010.24.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=MGrg9Hb7HgzLN0Lelq_xrXNAruVl77ia" />

Plus Studio said the tower had been designed to maximise views from each apartment, taking in the Maroochy River, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Cotton Tree and Maroochydore Beach and ocean.

Those views have also shaped one of the project's key features, with Walker proposing to put the primary resident amenity on Level 29 rather than lower within the building.

The rooftop would feature a 284.9 sqm pool area with an infinity edge, along with a cold pool, spa, sauna, 93.2 sqm gym, sunset lounge, BBQ and dining areas, pool deck and private dining space. Cabanas and day beds are also shown across the recreation level.

The two penthouses would extend across the upper levels and each feature private terraces and plunge pools.

<h2 data-end="4202" data-section-id="v5f4ix" data-start="4160">Walker's growing Maroochydore footprint</h2>

Celeste further reinforces Walker's commitment to the transformation of Maroochydore City Centre.

Walker is one of the key partners delivering the new CBD alongside Sunshine Coast Council and SunCentral Maroochydore, with the broader 62-hectare Priority Development Area occupying the former Horton Park Golf Course and surrounding land.

The precinct is ultimately expected to accommodate at least 4,000 new homes as Maroochydore evolves into the Sunshine Coast's principal commercial and residential centre.

When SOL secured approval in February 2025, Walker Managing Director and CEO David Gallant described it as the "first of many residential projects" the company planned for the Maroochydore City Centre.

Celeste now provides the clearest indication yet of what comes next.

The site sits immediately within the new CBD, with the design report identifying Sunshine Plaza and surrounding parkland within walking distance and Maroochydore Beach around a five-minute drive away.

For Walker, the timing of the application comes as its first residential bet on the new CBD appears to have been vindicated.

SOL has progressed from planning approval to construction while its first release has approached sell-out, giving Walker confidence to push ahead with another 208 apartments and take its residential pipeline in the Maroochydore City Centre to around 450 dwellings across the two projects.

Celeste remains subject to planning approval, with the architectural material describing the scheme as a preliminary yield study that may change through the assessment process.

Walker doubles down on Maroochydore with 29-storey Celeste apartment tower

Prominent New Zealand apartment and hotel operator, <a href="/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>, is offering up a prime investment opportunity for Australians to purchase off the plan in one of the world’s most popular ski destinations.

They recently took to market Mountain Oak Queenstown Apartments, in the growing precinct of Remarkables Park in Frankton, near the airport and at the foot of The Remarkables - the mountain range the locals like to call “The Remarks”.&nbsp;

Sydney investors have shown interest in the one, two and three-bedroom apartments that secure high-season occupancy six months over the year, primarily over summer and winter months.

They average 90 per cent occupancy across their portfolio over January, February, March, August, November and December, while shoulder season months of April, July, September and October are still occupied 70 per cent of the time, with the growing appeal of Queenstown becoming not just a hotspot for the snow, but a lifestyle destination.

Even in the low seasons of May and June, occupancy levels reach around 40 per cent.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Safari’s Safari Hotels arm can also manage the holiday letting for an investor, from the listing on holiday accommodation websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com to the cleaning and maintenance of the investment. They’ve been in the short stay management business for 15 years and offer 24/7 support for investors, an important convenience benefit for any overseas investor

Another major drawcard for Australians is that New Zealand doesn’t have a stamp duty policy - so the entry price of NZ$639,000 (AU$586,000), is all that is payable on completion.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Safari is starting construction of the 141 apartments in Q2 this year, with a two-year build estimated to complete in mid-to-late 2027.<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="15" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXczFpFAb7WuA6f4f9TtKWcqXyNwR8qqtakWv352ERkpqNlP3KwIo8YKxw67jZNHfpjEGIZGv5MQTbnvLZwNt8iu9IVdOrswOjCvBZ4zhSoOOLrpt6etVEZTN1gkBho0r_R72zdHNA?key=yq3daOanqHSb88QFd8jGYKdb" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" />​

The apartments will feature modern amenities and contemporary designs with expansive windows capturing sweeping views of The Remarkables mountain range.&nbsp;

Interiors are equipped with modern finishes, premium appliances, and secure electronic key-locked doors, ensuring a comfortable living experience for residents and guests alike.

With its strategic location near Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort, as well as key retail and dining precincts such as Market Street, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and Remarkables Market, Mountain Oak offers a strong proposition for investors seeking high rental yields and capital appreciation in one of New Zealand’s most sought-after locations.&nbsp;

Queenstown’s sustained demand for visitor accommodation and rental properties is underpinned by a shortage of housing options, attracting both local and international buyers.

Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district

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Property investors should be taking advantage of low interest rates to invest now but with a long-term outlook, says Yellow Brick Road founder Mark Bouris.
Bouris expects modest dwelling prices rises over the next 12 months but says investors need to look to hold property for at least 10 years to benefit from the peaks and to ride out the troughs.
His forecast is for house prices to rise by around 3% for the 12 months to May 2014, matching the 2.9% gain over the previous 12 month period as recorded by RP Data-Rismark.
“Most of the people panicking about property are looking at the three years between 2010 and now, and they see a drop, says Bouris in a column for news.com.au.
“However, if you start at 2008, you see a rise of $44,512 in five years.
In May 2008 the median dwelling price was $446,488, it rose to $507,446 in 2010 and then tapered off to $491,000 in May 2013, according to RP Data-Rismark.
“My bottom line: Stay in property for at least 10 years and ensure you get the peaks as well as the troughs.
“To cover 2014, aim for 2024,” he says.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Invest in property now but with 10-year outlook: Mark Bouris

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Mt Buller, the premier ski resort of the Victorian alpine region, has around 96 properties currently listed for sale.
The array of properties that suit investors and owner occupiers start from $205,000 up to $1,625,000.
By comparison to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/falls-creek-offerings-from-%2435000-to-%2414-million/2013062762749?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=victoria" target="_blank">Falls Creek</a> and Mt. Hotham, the least expensive of Mt Buller sits well above the least expensive of both Falls Creek’s $35,000 and Mt. Hotham’s $79,000.
Mt Buller is referred to as the Bondi Beach of the ski slopes, given its winter popularity.
Mt. Buller is within a three-hour scenic drive from Melbourne, just 248-kilometres distance.
It offers more than 80 kilometres of ski and board trails that are marked from the northern and southern slopes, where 20% are beginner, 45% intermediate and 35% advanced.
One of the sales since last season was 347 Chamois Road. Comprising four bedrooms, three bathrooms and one car spot, it sold for $980,000 through John H Castran.
It comprised of four bedrooms, three bathrooms and one car spot.
Grollo Group, the property tourism Investment group, developed and owned the Chalet Hotel (pictured below), which has 68 apartments. At the end of the ski season in 2012, some 22 out of 24 were sold off to individual buyers for a total combined price upwards of $4 million.
<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/stories/2013/06/mtbullerjune28one.jpg" alt="mtbullerjune28one" width="470" height="323">
One of the sales after the auction was the Chalet Hotel’s penthouse, which sold for about $1 million.
Currently there are three apartments listed in the Chalet Hotel on realestate.com.au.
A two bedroom, one bathroom apartment located on level four is listed at $320,000, the cheapest of the three.
In March 2012, this same apartment 402 was listed with a $365,000 asking price.
Located on level eight, there is a two bedroom, one bathroom apartment listed at $395,000 furnished. The 801 Chalet Hotel apartment was initially listed in November 2012 at $420,000.
The most expensive of the three listed in the Chalet Hotel is a three bedroom, two bathroom and one car space at $850,000, located on level seven.
The cheapest offering at Mt Buller is a one bedroom and one bathroom Breathtaker apartment which can accommodate four people. This apartment is listed at $205,000.
With the most expensive listing is at 234 Summit Road. Its priced at $1,625,000 furnished. It contains three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two car spaces. The 4/234 Summit Road apartment is offered for the first time, in which is a sustainably built home offers a luxurious living lifestyle on the slopes of Mt. Buller.
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Mt Buller's current listings range from $205,000 up to $1,625,000

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Australian household wealth is back to record levels and combined with an improving appetite for spending could be good news for a property market, which is already heavily dependent on opportunistic investors as first-home buyers stay on the sidelines.
The latest financial accounts prepared by the ABS show that net Australian household financial wealth per capita rose from $73,352 to $75,955 in the March quarter, to be up 22.1% over the past year.
Net financial wealth peaked in early 2007 just before the GFC, then fell sharply, but has now surged to a new high.
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The financial accounts also show that just over 22% of total household assets are being held in cash and deposits.
CommSec economist Savanth Sebastian says that while this is well above the decade average of 20.4%, it have eased over the past few quarters.
“The latest data on household wealth certainly provides Aussie households with a bit of cheer and could not come at a better time, especially given the underlying level of conservatism," says Sebastian.
“The global financial crisis caused the biggest ever drop in wealth for Australian households, however wealth levels have continued to repair over past couple of years and are now back at record highs.
“The sustained improvement in wealth levels and low interest rate environment has resulted in household tentatively starting to spend.
“The improvement in household balance sheets certainly bodes well for future spending.
“And given that a low interest rate environment is likely to be part of the economic landscape over the coming year, it may prompt consumers to invest in other asset classes and spend a little bit more freely,” he says.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/landlords/opportunistic-and-optimistic-property-investors-pick-up-slack-from-dwindling-first-home-buyer-market/2013061162157" target="_blank">April ABS housing finance data</a> shows that the value of home loans taken out by investors rose by 1.1% to five-year highs in April totalling $81.4 billion, while the value of owner-occupier housing loans fell 0.9% to $14.6 billion.
The value of investment home loans to purchase established homes for rent or resale has been rising for nine straight months (since August 2012) and totalled just over $7 billion in April up from $6.82 billion in March.
A year ago the value of investment home loans to purchase established homes for rent or resale was $5.76 billion – an annual increase since then of 21.5%.
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Australian household wealth rises to record levels with an improving appetite to spend: CommSec

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The Adelaide housing market remained "subdued" over the April quarter of 2013 "reflecting the nature of the underperforming local economy where unemployment over April remained seemingly intractably high at 6.1%".
This compares with a national unemployment rate of 5.5%.
Adelaide house prices increased just 0.1% over the quarter to $432,951 and are up by just 0.1% over the past year, according to the latest Australian Property Monitors (APM) quarterly report.
The unit market has fared worse with prices down 0.7% over the April quarter to $281,033 and down 0.4% over the past 12 months.
Howerver, APM reports some positive signs with the number of owner-occupied loans approved in South Australia up by 3.5% over the first 3 months of this year, compared to the same period last year, according to ABS home loan data.
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Adelaide housing market remains subdued with "intractably high" unemployment: APM

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47 registered bidders, 130k above reserve - and this, ladies and gentlemen, is why we go to auction! tweeted <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Andrew__Cooley">Andrew Cooley</a> after last weekend's big auction.
It was for the auction of 6 Spring Street, Padstow which sold for $780,000 through the LJ Hooker agent David Loaney.
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It was a full brick three bedroom cottage on 626 square metres in walking distance to the station.
There was also the chance to reap the rewards of a potential duplex subject to council approval.
There are no Padstow properties for sale this weekend, according to Australian Property Monitors.
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47 registered bidders, sold $130,000 above reserve for Cooley Auctions: Tweet of the Day

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Would you buy an apartment in a timber building?

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An unidentified Brisbane investor has bought the vacant Ocean View development site at 552 Charlton Esplanade, Urangan, Hervey Bay for ‘’under $500,000’’ post-auction.
The medium density residential zone property of 736 square metres, near Peppers Resort, has medium use potential, subject to approvals.
Knight Frank Brisbane selling agent Jason Degn sold the property after the recent receivers’ sale but declined to reveal the exact price.
‘‘It will probably go to shops with residential upstairs.
"The buyer is in no hurry to redevelop,’’ he said.
The site has had a chequered sales history. It was sold for $742,500 in 2010 and slightly more, $742,654, in 2006. 
This time around the receivers were happy to accept a cash deal.
Another receivers’ sale at Urangan has not yet been so successful. The vacant block at 67 Moolyyir Street was passed in without a bid when auctioned also by Knight Frank Brisbane last month. The receivers Ginette Muller and John Park have asked that the asking price be withheld. It was listed late 2012 with $410,000 plus gst expectations.
The 3734 square metre site was bought for $400,000 in 2004. It was initially listed with $1.5 million asking price in 2007, which was reduced to $980,000 during 2009.
‘’The site is suitable for low residential development," listing agent John Bone said.
"This part of Hervey Bay is particularly active at the moment. We’ve sold a lot of stuff over the past 12 months.’’
The low density residential site is not far from the Hervey Bay marina. It has development or subdivision potential, subject to approvals.
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Hervey Bay development opportunity sold, but not in a rush

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Perth house prices are expecte to continue their "upward trajectory of growth", with median prices to be at record levels sooner rather than later in 2013, according the latest Australian Property Monitors (APM) housing market report.
APM records Perth house prices up 3.2% to $595,609 over the three months to April with unit prices up just 0.4% to $405,547.
Year-on-year Perth house prices are up 6.7% while the unit market has been largely flat, down 0.6%.
APM reports that first-home buyers remain active in the market motivated by the tight rental market and steeply rising rents. In addition the $7,000 first-home owner grant (FHOG) remains in place for both new and existing home purchases.
However, there are headwinds facing the market with APM warning of strains on the local economy emerging from the "record levels of new arrivals, particularly given the apparent topping out of the resources boom".
In addition, Perth’s unemployment rate rose to 5.4% percent over April - the highest monthly level recorded for three years.
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Perth house prices to hit record levels in 2013: APM

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When master investor Warren Buffet said: “Be fearful when others are greedy and be greedy when others are fearful”, was he encouraging the strategy of countercyclical investing?  
But with all the mixed messages out there today, some even suggesting we could be in for a recession, what should an investor do today – be fearful or greedy?  
I’d like to give you my thoughts on this with a lesson from history…  
Twenty years ago few would have thought of property as a good investment.  
It was 1993 and interest rates had come down 3% over the last two years as the Reserve Bank tried to stimulate the economy and our faltering property markets.  
By the way, this brought rates down to 10%, the lowest level they had been for 13 years.  
Australia was just coming out of the “recession we had to have”, there were too many properties for sale, buyers were scarce and some properties, particularly in top-end suburbs, had plummeted in value.  
A few years earlier on Black Monday of October 1987, a stock collapse of unprecedented size hit Wall Street.  
However, while the stock market recovered, the lumbering savings and loans industry in the USA (which financed many American homes) was beginning to collapse, leading to a property funding crisis which put the financial wellbeing of millions of Americans in jeopardy.  
The financial contagion spread to other financial sectors and led to a recession which hit other countries whose economies were previously healthy but were economically closely linked to the United States. This included Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.  
Is this beginning to sound a little familiar?  
What was happening in Australia?
In mid-1993 you would have paid around $173,000 for a typical house in Sydney, $138,000 in Melbourne, $121,000 in Brisbane, $102,000 in Perth, $156,000 in Canberra, $110,000 in Adelaide, $96,000 in Hobart and $132,000 in Darwin.  
But over the next two decades the value of many capital city properties around Australia tripled, underscoring the wealth of many of today’s Baby Boomers and creating significant property empires for those who took property investment seriously.  
Interestingly, today’s property markets look surprisingly similar to those of 20 years ago.  
And just like then, many of the same arguments are being floated by analysts explaining why property values can’t keep increasing as they did over the previous 20 years.  
I accept that much of the gains over the last 20 years were related to structural changes that will not be repeated.  
The Reserve Bank kept inflation within a narrow band, meaning interest rates could fall at a when time banks were deregulated and allowing new non-bank lenders like Aussie John Symond to make cheap finance available for borrowers.  
At the same time wages grew and there were more two-income households. This allowed more Australian families to buy new homes or upgrade their existing homes as their families grew.
 
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Why our property values are guaranteed to increase in the long term
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting we’ll have widespread double-digit growth in property values (even though some suburbs will enjoy it). But we don’t have 7- 8% inflation like we had in the 1980s, which required those types of capital growth rates to produce a real (after inflation) rate of return.  
With household incomes likely to grow between 4 and 5% per annum there’s no reason to think that property values won’t increase by at least that much and probably much more.  
It’s important to understand that while many factors like interest rates, supply and demand and market confidence, affect a country’s property prices in the short term, in the long term prices are driven by two main factors:
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Population growth, and
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The wealth of the nation
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In Australia, strong future population growth is a given and, as a matter of fact, so is our increasing wealth. This is positive news for the long-term growth of property prices.  
The fact remains that as long as people keep having children and residents from other countries seek to settle on our shores, Australia’s population will keep growing at a rate faster than almost every other developed nation. In fact, we need these immigrants to take on the new jobs created by our growing economy.  
On top of that we are going to need whole cities of new immigrants to replace the 5 million or so Baby Boomers who are going to leave the workforce over the next 15 years. They will boost our country’s economic wellbeing through revenue raised from income taxes and all the goods and services they will buy.  And yes, that includes property.  
Of course, this means with more and more of us wanting to live in the same four big capital cities, and even in the same suburbs of those capital cities, our old friend the supply and demand ratio will keep pushing up the value of well-located inner-suburban properties.  
Inevitably this will make property unaffordable for some of who will remain tenants, however others will be able to afford these higher-priced properties.  
It also means that apartments are likely to become the style of housing in strong demand as more people swap their backyards for balconies. They will do this partly because of cost but also because of lifestyle choices.  
While nothing in life is guaranteed, if like me you are confident that Australia has a prosperous future, and you agree that our population is going to keep increasing and that most of us are going to want to live in much the same parts of our lucky country, then you can understand why I see a strong long-term future for our capital city property markets.  
Sure there is a risk in buying property, but don’t forget there is also a different risk in not buying.
Michael Yardney is a director of <a href="https://www.metropole.com.au/" rel="nofollow">Metropole Property Strategists</a>, who create wealth for their clients through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. Subscribe to his <a href="https://propertyupdate.com.au/category/property-investment/" rel="nofollow">Property Update</a> blog.
 
 
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The long-term outlook for Australian property is strong: Michael Yardney

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The number of newly advertised properties is lower than a year ago with 2.1% fewer new listings nationally, with a total of 37,488, according to RP Data.
Melbourne has the highest number of new residential property listings for the month ending June 23, with 6,444 listings.
However year on year, the number of listings is 2.3% lower.
Sydney has the second highest number of listings this month with 5,875 but is also 2.3% lower year on year.
Perth and Canberra are the only ones to see an increase of listings, year on year.
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