Article summary

<ul data-end="785" data-start="311">
	<li data-end="459" data-section-id="5hbcyr" data-start="311">Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at Skye Kangaroo Point, headlined by a two-storey sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm.</li>
	<li data-end="561" data-section-id="1p7lq8n" data-start="460">Early buyer interest suggests the residences could set a new Queensland apartment price record.</li>
	<li data-end="667" data-section-id="1y70z0l" data-start="562">The collection includes four move-in ready penthouses and the highly customised Skye One residence.</li>
	<li data-end="785" data-section-id="yvm0y1" data-start="668">The release caps one of Bri​sbane's most ambitious luxury apartment developments overlooking the Brisbane River.</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="790" data-start="787" />
Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye by Pikos</a> development in Kangaroo Point, with early buyer interest indicating the flagship residences could eclipse every apartment sale previously recorded in Queensland.

The collection crowns the luxury riverfront development with five residences, including four completed penthouses and Skye One, a two-level sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm that will be tailored to its eventual owner.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374075]

Wanting to offer a fully customisable home, Pikos is offering Skye One as a blank canvas, allowing the buyer to work alongside the developer's design team to customise the home's layout, finishes and internal spaces.

The residence will feature a 247 sqm private rooftop terrace with its own swimming pool, sauna, steam room, outdoor kitchen and multiple entertaining areas overlooking the Brisbane River and CBD skyline.

The remaining four penthouses have been completed and are ready for immediate occupation, each offering four bedrooms, expansive open-plan living areas, soaring ceilings and private lift access.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374059]

One of the defining features throughout the project is its use of Roman Classic Travertine, with more than 20,000 sqm of the natural stone imported from Italy after being personally selected by Pikos Group Founder and Executive Director Pedro Pikos, interior designer Julie Williamson and third-generation stone specialist Mario Caucci.

Pikos said the penthouse collection represented the culmination of the company's long-term vision for Skye.

"True legacy isn't measured by what we build today, but by what endures tomorrow," Pikos said.

"Our ambition is to create places that become more valuable with time, enrich the lives of generations, and stand as timeless landmarks long after we've stepped away."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374060]

Williamson said the interiors were inspired by the natural character of Kangaroo Point and the Brisbane River rather than international design trends.

"Materiality tells the story of a place," Williamson said.

"We looked to the movement of the Brisbane River, the texture of the cliff face and the warmth of the surrounding landscape to create interiors that feel understated, enduring and unmistakably Brisbane."

Positioned above the Kangaroo Point cliffs, Skye places residents within walking distance of Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank and James Street while offering uninterrupted river and city views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=90059]

Joel Robinson

Brisbane's next apartment price record? Pikos unveils Skye's exclusive penthouse collection

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

A proposal to redevelop one of North Sydney's ageing commercial buildings has taken another step forward, with plans for a 38-storey mixed-use tower adding momentum to the long-awaited transformation of the Alfred Street precinct.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority-led State Significant Development pathway, the proposal for 271-273 Alfred Street would replace an underutilised commercial building with 95 apartments, ground-floor retail, commercial space and affordable housing. The proposal was submitted by&nbsp;Tara Shore Pty Ltd, acting for the John Taylor Family Trust.

While the project will deliver much-needed housing on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, it also represents another piece of a broader precinct that has spent years in planning limbo.

<img alt="First look: New public domain vision underpins 95-apartment North Sydney tower on Alfred Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e1ce1b4-38df-48ab-992f-386814d86308" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Alfred%20St%20da%20podium.png?VersionId=sC_h6w.A9VEoB98qsqowPlIoz__sBZBt" />

Despite its proximity to both North Sydney Station and the Victoria Cross Metro, redevelopment of Alfred Street has progressed slowly over the past decade as broader planning controls, zoning and building heights remained unresolved. The introduction of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway has provided a new avenue for projects to progress, allowing rezoning and development assessment to occur concurrently and unlocking sites that have long been earmarked for renewal.

Designed by Office of Cortese &amp; Gilder, the proposal seeks to do more than replace an ageing office building. The architects have positioned the project as the first stage of a wider public domain vision that would improve pedestrian connectivity and create a more cohesive mixed-use precinct as neighbouring sites are redeveloped over time.

The proposal includes a widened Alfred Street setback, new street trees, landscaping and outdoor seating, along with a landscaped through-site pedestrian link connecting Alfred Street with Little Alfred Street. The connection is intended to become the first section of a future east-west pedestrian network extending across the precinct.

<img alt="First look: New public domain vision underpins 95-apartment North Sydney tower on Alfred Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ea39ac3-46ad-4562-b4a0-b862e91c2dda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Alfred%20St%20da%20site.png?VersionId=K7umCd21KpetEFuVfsPlnJKhUOsmTTdV" />

The mixed-use tower would comprise retail space at ground level, commercial uses on level two and apartments from level three upwards.

In total, the development would deliver 95 apartments, including nine one-bedroom, 28 two-bedroom, 56 three-bedroom and two four-bedroom residences. Twenty-one apartments, representing 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area, would be secured as affordable housing and managed by a registered community housing provider for at least 15 years.

Nine basement levels would provide 133 resident car spaces, seven motorcycle spaces and 111 bicycle spaces.

According to the Architecture and Urban Design Report, the public domain strategy is designed to transform what is currently an inward-facing commercial edge into a more active and connected pedestrian environment, creating a stronger relationship between the commercial core and surrounding residential neighbourhoods.

Office of Cortese &amp; Gilder has also prepared a broader public domain framework spanning neighbouring properties between 263 and 283 Alfred Street, arguing that a coordinated approach to redevelopment will deliver better public spaces, improved tower separation and a more connected streetscape as the precinct evolves.

The proposal comes at a time where North Sydney is slated for future residential growth. Commercial developer FiveX has residential plans for the neighbouring site at 275 Alfred Street. They've proposed a 39-storey mixed-use tower with 184 apartments, while Freecity was recently approved for nearly 300 apartments across a 51-storey building on Walker Street.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-freecity-gets-green-light-for-mixed-use-apartment-and-hotel-tower-in-north-sydney">First look: Freecity gets green light for mixed-use apartment and hotel tower in North Sydney</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-plans-39-storey-residential-tower-in-booming-north-sydney">First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower in booming North Sydney</a>

&nbsp;

Alfred Street the latest North Sydney pocket to be transformed by residential development

Buyers considering a residence at boutique Gordon townhouse development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lume-gordon-43-47-dumaresq-street-gordon-nsw-2072">Lume</a>&nbsp;now have another reason to bring forward their decision.

For a limited time, purchasers of a residence at Lume will receive a BMW iX3 50 electric SUV, valued at more than $120,000, as part of their purchase. The offer is designed to add value for buyers while complementing the lifestyle envisioned for the architecturally designed Upper North Shore development.

Scott Timmins, Development Manager at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/winim">WINIM</a>, said the partnership was created to provide buyers with a compelling reason to act.

"In today's market, buyers need a compelling reason to act now, and the BMW partnership was designed to create that catalyst. We wanted to add genuine value for our future purchasers. Choosing the all-electric BMW iX3 50 also reflects the values behind LUME, forward-thinking design, innovation and a more sustainable way of living. It's a premium incentive that complements the lifestyle our buyers aspire to and rewards those who commit early."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]

Delivered by WINIM in partnership with Burtonwood Investment Partners, Lume comprises 14 architecturally designed two, three and four-bedroom townhomes created for families seeking the space of a freestanding house with the ease of modern, low-maintenance living.

The three-storey residences, designed by award-winning architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, have been tailored for families and multi-generational living, featuring private internal lifts, flexible lower-level spaces, generous open-plan living and entertaining areas, media rooms, and landscaped outdoor spaces with custom outdoor kitchens.&nbsp;

Inside, engineered oak flooring, bespoke dining joinery with integrated wine fridges and backlit bars, sculptural porcelain bathrooms, Parisi freestanding baths and Astra Walker tapware create interiors that balance functionality with refined finishes.

Each townhome has been designed to combine generous internal spaces with sustainability initiatives such as EV charging infrastructure, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>'s landscaped communal areas, centred around a restored creek line and native planting, encourage residents to connect with nature and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]

Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.

"Our vision was to create elegant, uplifting homes that draw on and positively contribute to the local character through meticulously considered design and an interaction with the surroundings."

The communal landscape has been designed as more than an open space between homes. Arcadia's Ben Newell and Kate Phillips said the adjoining reserve provided an opportunity to create a distinctive natural retreat for residents.

"Just as waterways carve their way through Ku-ring-gai's landscape, a raised boardwalk weaves through the reserve, connecting the homes to this tranquil oasis."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]

Located just 300 metres from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gordon-nsw-2072">Gordon</a> Village and Gordon railway station, Lume offers convenient access to Sydney's CBD while placing residents close to some of the North Shore's leading schools, including Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College and Knox Grammar. Lane Cove National Park, Gordon Golf Club and a range of cafés and restaurants further reinforce the family-focused lifestyle on offer, with the BMW iX3 50 complementing everything from local trips around Gordon to weekend drives and city commutes.

Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

Two apartments have sold for more than $10 million at EADE Byron Bay, setting some of the highest apartment prices ever achieved in the coastal town and underlining the growing appetite for luxury beachfront apartments in Australia's most popular coastal locations.

The $210 million project by Vitale Property Group has now secured more than $70 million in sales, led by residences that changed hands for $12.75 million and $11.75 million.

The record-breaking transactions reinforce the shift occurring in Byron Bay's premium property market, where affluent downsizers and lifestyle buyers are increasingly opting for high-end apartments over large beachfront homes.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eade-byron-bay-29-shirley-street-byron-bay-nsw-2481">EADE Byron Bay</a> occupies a rare 6,000 sqm absolute beachfront site on the corner of Shirley and Milton Streets overlooking Main Beach and The Wreck surf break, just 350 metres from Byron Bay's town centre.

The 25-residence development is the first beachfront apartment project approved in Byron Bay in more than a decade and is currently under construction, with completion expected in May 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]

The project has attracted a mix of local Byron Shire residents downsizing from larger homes, alongside interstate buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seeking a permanent coastal lifestyle without compromising on space.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/alexander-co">Alexander &amp; Co</a>, EADE comprises&nbsp;10 garden apartments ranging from 284 sqm to 622 sqm, nine with private pools, five full-floor apartments and 10 rooftop residences with private plunge pools, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and uninterrupted ocean views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vitale-property-group">Vitale Property Group</a> Managing Partner Chris Vitale said the project's combination of scale, location and limited future supply was driving buyer demand.

"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.

"Buyers are responding to the scarcity and the irreplaceability of a site of this calibre and to floorplans they can't find elsewhere in the market.

"We are seeing buyers place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of the location. The sales achieved to date demonstrate that discerning purchasers recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay.

"Many are coming from larger homes in the Byron region, or from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are after the space, security and convenience, without the upkeep of a house."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]

The Byron Bay project follows Vitale Property Group's delivery of the Mondrian Hotel and Private Residences at Burleigh Heads, with EADE continuing the developer's focus on luxury coastal developments.

Residents will have access to a resort-style swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, cold plunge pool, concierge services and dedicated workspaces, while the project is targeting an 8-Star Green Star rating.

EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.

WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.

"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.

"The sales achieved to date demonstrate that purchasers at this level recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay."

Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.

&nbsp;

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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

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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It seems a distant memory, but the property market entered 2020 with much anticipation and optimism coming off a strong end to 2019, according to the November report from Herron Todd White.
The Melbourne North auction results at the start of the year are in complete contrast to the past few months in Victoria. There were 1123 auctions on 22 February compared to just 33 on 12 October, highlighting the change in market conditions since the start of the year (source: Corelogic,2020).
That being said, properties have still been selling albeit not in the numbers recorded prior to the Coronavirus pandemic. The decrease in number of listings has resulted in less prestige properties hitting the market but that lack of stock has also helped to keep prices steady with buyers fighting over the limited number of properties.
Homes in the inner northern suburbs of Melbourne are well known for their Victorian period architecture. 16 Rushall Crescent, Fitzroy North (pictured) is no exception. This property sold for $3.675 million on 15 June. This house has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and one car space. The front of the house has been restored with period fixtures and features moving into a rear extension which ties in modern and state of the art designs. The sale occurred between the first and second lockdowns with a high number of potential buyers resulting in a sale in 21 days. The sale showed that the market was still achieving good results in uncertain times mainly due to the lack of stock and the number of willing and able buyers remaining active in the market.
One of the more unique sales in the inner northern suburbs was 69 Fitzgibbon Street, Parkville. This 1889 heritage registered polychrome brick building was and still is the Parkville post office. The property includes five bedrooms, one bathroom and three car spaces. The post office still operates on a lease worth almost $31,000 annually. The building marketed as a once in a lifetime opportunity saw high interest initially and sold in 30 days for $4.04 million on 22 February. The historical significance, late 1800s neo gothic architecture and the fact that it still operates as a post office certainly makes this one of the more unique sales in Victoria during 2020.
A new prestige listing further north at 252 Woodland Street, Strathmore, is currently listed on the market and asking for between $4.25 million and $4.55 million. This ultra-modern home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a seven-car basement carpark. The open floor plan and combination of large indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces accompanied by high end fixtures and fittings will be sure to gain interest in a market which is still seeing low numbers of stock due to the Coronavirus lockdowns.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

North Melbourne prestige market stock remains low: HTW

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Western Melbourne’s higher end property can be found right in the heart of its inner western suburbs such as Moonee Ponds, Essendon, Ascot Vale, Altona North, Yarraville and Williamstown, according to the Novemeber report from Herron Todd White
They found the housing market for high end property has seen a decrease in volume this year compared to 2019 with COVID being a major factor.
The majority of sales for prestige properties in this area occurred at the start of the year prior to the start of the pandemic and any form of restrictions being put in place. With a crippled economy and very uncertain times for many people, the demand or desire for lavish homes from both investors and owner-occupiers took a decline. This was combined with a limited number of buyers as no overseas investors were allowed into the country due to the heavy travel restrictions in place since March.
Supply for high end property has not been as prevalent this year as in the past however we may see more properties being listed in the coming months. One reason is that people cannot physically inspect properties at this point in time so sellers have held off placing their properties on the market until restrictions are lifted and potential buyers are allowed to physically inspect again in an attempt to achieve a higher sale price.
Another reason could be that if people are now finding that they can no longer afford to pay their mortgage due to the pandemic’s effect, there will be a flood of supply of higher end properties in an effort to avoid the bank taking the property as a mortgagee in possession. Overall there has been little change in value for this type of property as there has been no volume.
The market is dominated by owner-occupiers leaving very little rental spaces available. With no investors the market for high entry real estate has been devoured by homeowners. One sale that stands out in this area is 9 Forbes Street in Essendon (pictured) which sold for $3.61 million in June this year. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom, four-car garage house was originally built in the 1920s. Keeping its original facade, an extension took place in 2016. The house features a pool, large open living areas and American oak floorboards.
On the market for a price of $2.99 million is 5 Morton Street in Essendon. Among the fourbedroom, three-bathroom luxurious home’s features are an underground garage for six cars, large fitting room and master ensuite, indoor and outdoor entertaining area, home theatre, pool and elevator. The home was listed in August this year.
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Western Melbourne prestige property volume decreases: HTW

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Being a regional area, the Coffs Coast realistically sees the prestige market as starting at the $1 million mark which is predominantly driven by out of town buyers, according to the November report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
HTW found that the largely discretionary type buyer to whom prestige property greater than $1 million appeals can be greatly impacted by changed economic conditions. Plus this market is also heavily influenced by the performance of the capital city markets as these areas traditionally provide the majority of buyers for prestige housing on the Coffs Coast.
Market conditions have continued to swell for properties over $1 million in recent years as confirmed by the increased sales numbers for both beachside and rural residential properties over $1 million, however the majority of sales occur within the $1 million to $1.5 million price bracket.
However, the higher the value, the thinner the market and historically there have been very limited sales over $2 million.
"Sale volumes for prestige beachside property in the Coffs Harbour region (encompassing the beachside suburbs and townships including Coffs Harbour, Korora, Sapphire Beach, Emerald Beach, Sawtell, Woolgoolga, Safety Beach, Arrawarra Headland, Moonee Beach, Boambee and Mullaway) show a total of 11 sales recorded over $2 million since 2007 and we recently cracked the $3 million mark for 147 Edinburgh Street, Coffs Harbour at $3.25 million (multi level, architectual dwelling with ocean and harbour views located within the sought-after Jetty precinct)," according to HTW Property Valuer Grant Oxenford.
"Notwithstanding this figure, we are now experiencing a spike in the prestige market which has been fuelled by the COVID pandemic."
"The changing face of the way we live and work plus the willingness of city dwellers to relocate to regional areas to escape COVID restrictions has created a definite increase in demand."
"The majority of this prestige activity has been in the rural residential sector with notable sales including 1-9 Tidal Crescent, Moonee Beach for $2.4 million (five dwellings set on 1.22 hectares with extensive estuary views), 123-125 Featherstones Road, Sherwood for $2.4 million (five dwellings on 70 hectares with extensive infrastructure), 606 Valery Road, Valery for $2.1 million (two dwellings on 51 hectares, fully renovated and landscaped) plus the most recent transaction which has broken all records for rural residential property at $3.3 million for 110 North Island Loop Road, Upper Orara (prestige architectural dwelling with second original cottage set on 42 hectares)," he added.
The rural township of Bellingen (35 kilometres south-west of Coffs Harbour) has been a historically strong performer with the 'out-of-town' market and has seen four rural residential sales in excess of $1.5 million within the past four months.
It is interesting to note that the majority of the properties mentioned above have been marketed for in excess of 12 months and in some cases three years which is also an indicator of the traditional thinness of this market and the recent increase in demand as a result of the COVID pandemic.
Mr Oxenford said, "the question one must ask is whether these values are sustainable or is this a bubble created by a false market driven by the pandemic. The answer to that is not simple and without a crystal ball, no one really knows, other than to comment that this is not a normal property cycle."
"As a result of the market primarily being driven by out of town buyers, personal preferences, presentation and motivation of both the purchasers and vendors will impact the ultimate sale price and can result in wider market parameters than those experienced for lower priced properties."
"At this point in time, we can only hang on and enjoy the ride; great if you are a seller, not so good for the buyers," he concluded.
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Coffs Harbour prestige market seeing pandemic spike: HTW

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Plans have been lodged to the City of Sydney council for a new hotel in the heart of the CBD.
The $57 million plans by Element Property Group will see the heritage-listed 1930s warehouse at 499 Kent Street remain, incorporating a new hotel set back from the front of the building.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/NOV/24/Kent%20St%20hotel.jpg" alt="">
Element paid $52.5 million for the 810 sqm site, which was famously the film exchange for Universal Studios, in February.
In 2018 it was listed seeking over $55 million.
They've had the Sydney CBD firm PTW Architects draw up plans for the 220-room hotel which will retail on the ground level, a gym, a cafe, dining and lounge area and eight levels of basement parking.
PTW engaged UAP, an internationally renowned art and design firm specialising in collaborative place-making and the management of integrated art and design solutions for the public realm.
<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/2020/NOV/24/Kent%20St%20Hotel%203.jpg" alt="">
They prepared a Public Art Strategy doc for the development.
"The vision for the proposed redevelopment of the site is to deliver a boutique hotel that will provide welcoming ground floor public realm encouraging interaction between the building and the street frontage of Druitt Lane and Kent Street," the Public Art Strategy document reads.
"The façade of the building is unique and is designed in an Inter-War Stripped Classical Style, characterised by decorative panels with film motifs. 
"Public art will be integrated into the very fabric of the development, becoming a feature that will draw guests and visitors into the building from the street as well as promote, and further educate viewers on the fascinating history of the site."
In the early 1930s a building was built for iron merchants Thomas McPherson &amp; Son, who had been operating a warehouse and store at 493-95 Kent Street since 1884.
A few years later all buildings on the subject site were demolished, including part of the 1933 bulk store.
A new building was constructed for the Universal Film Manufacturing Company, to plans by architect Percy William Ritchie, by builders Stuart Bros.
The basement became the new bulk store for Thomas McPherson while the three upper floors are occupied by Universal Pictures, the lessee. 
 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Plans lodged for new Sydney CBD hotel above former Universal Film warehouse

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The Brisbane market has shrugged off the impacts of the pandemic and is in its strongest position in five years to generate price growth. Increasingly, this is translating into evidence of uplift in property values.
Our analysis of sales activity across the Brisbane metropolitan area has identified 56 suburbs with rising momentum, the highest number since late in 2015 and double the number identified in our quarterly survey six months ago.
The numbers show an all-round improvement in the Brisbane market, with a sharp reduction in the number of declining suburbs and a reduction also in the number of danger markets.
Brisbane’s affordability relative to the biggest cities is helping to boost its market, with more people relocating to South-East Queensland from Sydney and other parts of Australia. Brisbane is a natural beneficiary of the Exodus to Affordable Lifestyle trend and is also benefiting from strong consumer confidence as a result of the success in controlling Covid-19.
It’s notable that Brisbane is prominent in the forecasts for prices in 2021 from the major banks. The NAB Residential Property Survey is tipping Brisbane to be the joint leader on dwelling price growth next year, alongside Adelaide and Hobart – with a 7.4% annual rise and similar growth in 2022.
I think this is a tad conservative – and so does ANZ, which is forecasting Brisbane to rise almost 10% next year, with only Perth tipped to do better. Westpac and Commonwealth Bank have also tipped good growth in 2021.
In the six years we have been conducting our quarterly surveys of sales activity and prices, it has been common for northern Brisbane to dominate the positive results – and that is certainly the case in this Summer 2020 survey. Of the 56 suburbs with rising sales activity, 12 are in the Brisbane-north precinct of the Brisbane City Council area and 13 are in the neighbouring Moreton Bay Region.
Both precincts also have a high number of suburbs with consistent sales activity across multiple successive quarters, a notable achievement given the negative pressures in this year of the pandemic.
The rising suburbs in the north of Greater Brisbane include Murrumba Downs (where quarterly sales activity has been 39 44 73), Ashgrove (quarterly sales 54 57 60 72 76 50 78) and Bellara (quarterly sales 23 30 26 40)
While the most prolific markets are in the north, there also has been a notable revival in Logan City in the south. The municipality is the urban bridge between Brisbane City and the Gold Coast and traditionally attracts buyers seeking cheap real estate and good infrastructure.
Logan City markets have been in the doldrums in recent years: six months ago we identified 12 suburbs with a pattern of declining sales, but only five in this latest survey – and there are now nine suburbs with rising sales momentum. At a time when first-home buyers are very active and others are seeking an affordable lifestyle, it’s perhaps not surprising that Logan City would show signs of uplift.
Nearby Ipswich City – another centre of affordable buying in the south-west of the metro area – has only two growth suburbs, so Logan City is the standout of southern Brisbane.
There are growth markets in other parts of the Greater Brisbane area as well – Brisbane-inner (4), Brisbane-east (5), Brisbane-south (3) Brisbane-west (3) and Redland City (5) all have some suburbs with rising sales activity.
There are still six suburbs we classify as danger markets, but that is half as many as two years ago. These are all inner-city suburbs where the market is dominated by high-rise apartments and where vacancy rates continue to be high, in contrast to the rest of the Greater Brisbane Area, and sales rates remain low.
Our analysis of price trends across the Brisbane metropolitan area shows that most suburbs have recorded house price growth in the last 12 months, but an even higher percentage have had growth in the most recent quarter.
This again shows that the city has done well through the pandemic period.
Our analysis shows that 62% of suburbs have recorded annual growth in their median house prices, but 73% have had uplift in the latest quarter.
It’s clear that the top end of the Brisbane market is doing best in this climate, driven partly by the reality that highly-ranked, well-located suburbs in this city often have median house prices in the $800,000s and $900,000s. For people leaving Sydney and Melbourne to relocate to South-East Queensland as part of the Exodus to Affordable Lifestyle, this looks attractive.
Suburbs to record annual median house price growth above 20% include Highgate Hill (28%), Fig Tree Pocket (25%), Nundah (20%) and Windsor (21%).
The inner-city house markets (in contrast to the apartment markets) are doing well, with good annual price growth in Bardon (10%) and Coorparoo (15%), as well as Highgate Hill.
Inner northern suburbs are also performing, including Grange (17%), Windsor and Nundah.
The upper end western suburbs are a standout. In addition to Fig Tree Pocket, there has been strong annual growth in median house prices in Sherwood (12%), St Lucia (14%) and Toowong (13%).
In the south, Yeronga (15%) and Greenslopes (10%) have done well, while in the affordable far north, there has been notable uplift in Woody Point (15%) and Beachmere (10%).
Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au ryder@hotspotting.com.au twitter.com/hotspotting
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Brisbane set to be Australia's property market leader: Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

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Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s National Investment Sales Team has been appointed to sell a portfolio of alternative investment assets across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, that are expected to sell for a total of approximately $60 million when they go under the hammer on 10 December in Sydney.
The portfolio comprises 15 freestanding investments across the popular sectors of fast food, fuel and convenience retail and childcare. The fast food assets, situated in suburban and regional locations across the east coast, offer long term leases to major brands including Hungry Jacks, McDonald’s and KFC.
Seven childcare centres are up for grabs in strategic New South Wales and Queensland locations. A NAB retail bank branch in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, and a Mitre 10 in Airlie Beach, Queensland complete the portfolio.
The auction is expected to be led by a fast food and convenience retail investment on the Gold Coast jointly leased by United Petroleum and ASX Listed Collins Foods (KFC) with a price guide upwards of $8.5 million. In addition, a Dee Why property occupied by KFC for the last 30 years is anticipated to be hotly contested and sell for in excess of $6 million.
A brand-new facility in Brisbane with a 20-year initial lease term as well as a centre in the Campbelltown region of Sydney will lead the childcare offerings.
Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s National Investment Sales team of Michael Collins, Tom Moreland, Aaron Dahl, Yosh Mendis, Geoff Sinclair, Ryan Cross and Billy Dent are managing the sales campaign with the auction of all 15 assets to be held on December 10 at Doltone House, Sydney, and live streamed via Auction Now with live bidding rooms in Brisbane and Melbourne.
The upcoming auction follows the sale of 12 assets for more than $60 million as part of Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s November portfolio auction.
Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s Head of National Investment Sales, Michael Collins, said: “We continue to see the market for private investment strengthen, given the sheer weight of capital targeting defensive assets and yield. The results of our recent portfolio auction show that the appetite among high net worth investors for properties with long term leases and blue-chip tenants continues to grow.”
Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s Associate Director, Tom Moreland, added: “We anticipate a huge level of interest in the upcoming auction, particularly as fast food properties have continued to be one of the best performing assets during the pandemic. Childcare centres also remain high on investor’s wish lists due to the strong Government support provided at the start of COVID-19, with many investors viewing the sector as highly resilient.”
Michael Collins added: “The portfolio coming to market in December is one of the most geographically diverse we’ve seen in 2020 with properties spanning metro, suburban and regional locations up and down the east coast of Australia.”
December 2020 portfolio: • United Petroleum and KFC – 195 Old Coach Road, Upper Coomera (Gold Coast) QLD • Mitre 10 – 2 Carlo Drive, Cannonvale (Airlie Beach) QLD • McDonald’s – 22 New England Highway (Kelly Street), Scone (Hunter Valley) NSW • KFC – 36 Fisher Road, Dee Why (Sydney) NSW • Hungry Jack’s – 15 Commercial Drive, Springfield (Brisbane) QLD • Mobil and Zambrero – 147-153 New England Highway (Bridge Street), Muswellbrook (Hunter Valley) NSW • Ampol Australia Petroleum and Smokin’ Joe’s Pizza &amp; Grill – 250 Epping Road, Wollert (Melbourne) VIC • CBD Restaurant Development Opportunity – Lot 1, 1 Kings Cross Road, Darlinghurst (Sydney) NSW • Paper Planes (Childcare)– 2 Avondale Drive, Thornton (Greater Newcastle) NSW • Play &amp; Learn (Childcare) – 57 Kinross Road, Thornlands (Brisbane) QLD • Open Arms (Childcare) – 122 Dickens Road, Campbelltown (Greater Sydney) NSW • Banora Point ELC (Childcare) – 38 Woodlands Drive, Banora Point (Tweed Heads) NSW • Paisley Park Early Education (Childcare) – 18 Woongool Road, Maryborough QLD • Evolve Education (Childcare) – 100 Callum Street, Cairns QLD • NAB – 72 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga NSW
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Seven NSW & Queensland childcare centres listed for commercial auction

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Buyers in the prestige sector can probably choose to live in any of Australia’s major capitals, but those who select Brisbane are often pleased at the calibre received at that price point, according to the November report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
HTW found that back toward the end of last year and heading into 2020, there were early signs the market was about to surge, particularly for detached housing in the inner-city. But the pandemic saw property markets slow from March through to July, with transaction numbers grinding to a crawl.
Owners who didn’t need to sell their homes were holding off listing and buyers, who were filled with uncertainty, were also scarce, however, this seems to have turned a corner in recent months.
David Notley, HTW's Brisbane Director said, "Queensland’s successful suppression of the virus coupled with our functioning economy has resulted in more action across the prestige sector from August through to present. And it looks to be sustainable, with our market sources saying current activity is similar in Queensland momentum to that experienced prior to the pandemic’s grip. It also appears that prices are holding… and even increasing in some instances. Many will be surprised by this result."
"Typically, an anxiety-inducing global event like COVID-19 would have severe impacts on the property market, and the prestige sector in particular given the discretionary nature of its buyers and sellers. Instead, Brisbane’s upper-price sector has remained resilient. There’s good demand from local owner-occupiers of course, but interest from interstate appears to be surging too. It seems the chance to relocate to our city, with its excellent lifestyle and relative freedoms (compared to Melbourne, for example) is a magnet for the moneyed up. In fact, once state borders open fully, there’s widespread expectation we’ll see an even stronger market in these upper price points with new Queenslanders looking to come on up and settle both in our capital and on the coasts."
"Digging down a little and a comparison of prestige property performance in 2020 to the 2019 calendar year reveals very similar numbers of sales in that upper price echelon. Our analysis shows that in Brisbane there were 15 detached dwelling sales above $5 million during 2019. In 2020 to date, there have been 10 confirmed sales with another seven under contract."
"It’s worth factoring in that 2019 wasn’t a standout year in the $5-million-plus bracket. This was the result of a number of macro financial changes instigated by Australian regulators which constrained available credit, the impact of the recent Royal Commission into the banking sector and the implementation of its findings, the unsure nature of the federal election in early 2019 and the negative media emerging from the southern states throughout this period."
"The outcome in 2019 was longer selling and marketing periods for properties and, in some instances, a softening in asking prices. But 2020 has proved resilient – even sparkling – and there is an optimism in the air about the coming year. Let’s hope it proves out," Mr Notley concluded.
Here are a few examples of $4 million-plus apartment sales in Brisbane this year.
350/1 Newstead Terrace, Newstead is under contract for $7.35 million. This fifth-level penthouse is in Pier South.
The property is a fourbedroom, four-bathroom, four-car apartment with a total area of 527 square metres. Apart from the usual high-end fitout and spectacular river views, the Pier South development comes with an onsite concierge service… as you do.
Another cracking sale was 3511/30 Hollins Crescent, New Farm which is under contract for $4.81 million. This is a fifth level apartment in the Mitchell building with views taking in the CBD, Story Bridge and the Brisbane River. The apartment is over 350 square metres in area and provides four-bed, threebath, four-car accommodation.
Also on the luxury apartment list is 3/81 Moray Street, New Farm which sold this year for $4.8 million. The property is on level three of the AQUILA development which has a total of ten one-per-floor residences. It has a prime location, luxe fitout and sweeping CBD views available.
The apartment provides for four-bed, three-bath, three-car accommodation all across 418 square metres of living area.
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Brisbane prestige market surge has arrived as forecast: HTW

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Geelong’s property market is diverse and consists of a variety of property types appealing to all sorts of buyers, according to the November report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
HTW found that residential property in Geelong has continued to exceed expectations as it becomes an increasingly desirable place to live. This has become evident with suburbs across the region breaking sales records throughout the year.
Lorne has recorded a new residential sales record with 1 Roadknight Street selling for $7.25 million earlier this year. Three bidders competed for the property in a private auction. Set on a north-facing 1,800 square metre block, the architectural home designed by Spaces Design Group and built by GD Constructions offers a private, resort-like compound with five-bedrooms and five-living spaces.
Lorne has proven to be one of the most sought-after locations, recording its second highest ever residential sale when 77-79 Smith Street sold for $5.75 million in March. The suburb has seen six properties exceed the $2 million mark across the year.
Opportunities to buy in Lorne are present in a number of off the plan residential developments including...
There are xxx developments available or soon to be across Lorne.
One property in Jan Juc recently hit the open market, 7 Seahaven Place. It is architect-designed and offers panoramic ocean views.
Tipped to sell for roughly $4 million, it features a U-shaped design.
Closer to the city centre, the highest current listing is 27 The Esplanade. Known as Carmyle, the property sits on Geelong’s front row, with uninterrupted waterfront views, situated on a 1,500 square metre block.
Built in 1929, the art deco influence is prevalent with period details throughout and is currently listed at $4.5 million.
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Geelong prestige property continues to break records: HTW

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<div>Quarter 1 of 2020 saw an atypical level of transactions (compared to the 2019 calendar year) within the prestige sector of the Southern Highlands, with sale prices remaining relatively static and no signs of major change in the high end residential and rural lifestyle segment, according to the November report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>They found that Quarter 2 of 2020 saw the ripple effects of COVID-19 when the start of the lockdown in late March brought with it an unexpectedly positive impact on the prestige market for the Southern Highlands as the area was discovered predominantly by Sydney purchasers seeking a family home, secondary residence or weekender style of accommodation and lifestyle buyers seeking relief from the urban and inner city living environment. 
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>HTW Property valuer, Tim Stevens said, "we had reasonably foreseen this upward trend over the medium term (six months) for the region as working from home became more common due to technological advancements and many employees being unable to attend their normal Sydney offices."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"What we didn’t foresee, but makes sense, is buyers flocking to the Southern Highlands region to take advantage of the lifestyle NOW given that overseas travel and family holidays are off the agenda for most of 2021 at this point. The impact of this upward trend became very evident early on in the COVID-19 pandemic and is showing no signs of abatement up to the present time."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Quarter 2 and Quarter 3 of 2020 have seen multiple sales above $3 million and days on market for this segment have continued to contract to a matter of weeks now for well-located properties. This has been clearly evidenced by a number of older listings which had been on the market for over six months gaining traction and finally selling during this period."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>By way of example, notable sales included two prestige properties in Burradoo which sold for in excess of $4.75 million dollars each after languishing on the market for the better part of a year.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>HTW speculate that a large reason for the surge in activity in the $3 million plus sector is due to families in Sydney seeing extremely good value for money in the Southern Highlands. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Typically, $3 million wouldn’t be considered the prestige end of the market in Sydney, so when home owners from the Lower North Shore and Eastern Suburbs sell up and realise the scale of improvements and land size they can obtain for relatively similar money.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Another recent example was a $4 million plus rural residential purchase in Berrima by an eastern suburbs family which saw an agreed contract price with one prospective purchaser and an additional two families waiting in line to snap up the property in the event the sales agreement failed to close. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Mr Stevens said, "the question for our prestige market as we move into Quarter 4 of 2020 and beyond is about continued demand and buyer depth and whether the current move to regional hubs will be sustained, thereby driving continued price growth."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"For now, we can certainly see it continuing and it could well be that this push has been a long time coming, with recent events being the final straw for a number of urban dwellers to discover or rediscover the Southern Highlands and the benefits accruing from a rural and regional lifestyle," he concluded.</div>
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Southern Highlands prestige market sees COVID-19 induced surge: HTW

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EXPERT OBSERVER
<div>
<div>Economists had expected employment to fall by 30,000 in October as Victoria's lockdown persisted.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Instead we got a rollicking increase of 178,800 or 1.4 per cent, most of which were full-time jobs.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpEBQ2haIJw/X7Y03wkIJCI/AAAAAAAA5Z4/tDh7tUakT8M2RaEg_Pde2iIJ7nCxkdcvQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1448/A3.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpEBQ2haIJw/X7Y03wkIJCI/AAAAAAAA5Z4/tDh7tUakT8M2RaEg_Pde2iIJ7nCxkdcvQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h356/A3.jpg" width="640" height="356" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1448"></a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>There was a big leap in participation to 65.8 per cent (a huge beat - economist forecasts were for a flat result here), which is now returning close to record highs and only 0.1 pts lower than a year earlier.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Despite the leap in participation, the unemployment rate has nestled in at 7 per cent, which is far, far better than previously feared. </div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HML7-IT0uLo/X7Y1n81UsOI/AAAAAAAA5aM/9H2W_17rWFEmnZ3dP0Rhrh63VBVhisDiwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1423/A2.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HML7-IT0uLo/X7Y1n81UsOI/AAAAAAAA5aM/9H2W_17rWFEmnZ3dP0Rhrh63VBVhisDiwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/A2.jpg" width="640" height="360" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1423"></a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>How did economists land so far away from the target?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It's hard to say for sure, but the huge rebound in Victorian employment in the month - despite the lockdown persisting through October - was an interesting and totally unexpected result. </div>
 
<div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-rtO8RHMtQ/X7Y1nwgBI0I/AAAAAAAA5aI/hFNGmF-0Kbw4WLe4bzj_4GptN6KTXHixQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1412/A1.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-rtO8RHMtQ/X7Y1nwgBI0I/AAAAAAAA5aI/hFNGmF-0Kbw4WLe4bzj_4GptN6KTXHixQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h362/A1.jpg" width="640" height="362" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1412"></a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Queensland has added back a stunning 206,000 jobs in only 5 months, to see total employment actually higher than a year ago.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>But despite ostensibly adding 82,000 jobs in October, total employment in Victoria is still 124,000 lower than a year earlier.</div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vpEW-jL-ng/X7Y6TNgJPfI/AAAAAAAA5ak/9yyQiQD0tS8GPMqGCAb-i9i2ZbUdGDa-wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1451/A4.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vpEW-jL-ng/X7Y6TNgJPfI/AAAAAAAA5ak/9yyQiQD0tS8GPMqGCAb-i9i2ZbUdGDa-wCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h354/A4.jpg" width="640" height="354" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1451"></a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>The wrap</div>
<div> </div>
<div>To date 648,000 of the 875,000 jobs lost have been recovered across only five months, so we are already 74 per cent of the way back to employment topping new highs at above 13 million.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Overall, this was a great result, which introduces the exciting possibility of a strong snap-back in the Aussie economy in 2021. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Lest anyone becomes too excited at this early stage in the recovery, measures of underemployment remain understandably high, and monthly hours worked were still 3.4 per cent lower than a year earlier (largely due to a huge year-on-year decline in Victoria). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In October the underemployment rate by 1.0 pts to 10.4 per cent, but that's still 1.9 pts higher than a year ago.</div>
</div>
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers and a best-selling author and blogger 
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