<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/smith-by-valli-collingwood-224-228-smith-street-collingwood-vic-3066">Smith Collingwood</a> is a new boutique apartment development bringing a refined, design-led approach to one of Melbourne’s most established inner-city neighbourhoods.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pandolfini-architects">Pandolfini Architects</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/lisa-buxton-interiors">Lisa Buxton</a>, Smith by Valli sits on iconic Smith Street and comprises just 22 residences tailored toward owner-occupiers seeking a more considered style of apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367540]

The design of Smith focuses on a north-facing orientation across all residences, a relatively uncommon feature in dense inner-Melbourne settings. Each apartment has been planned to maximise natural light and outlook, alongside a material palette defined by warm tones, custom joinery, and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances.

The development comprises a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with pricing currently ranging from just under $1 million to around $4.85 million for the premium penthouse-level residences, reflecting growing demand for luxury owner-occupier product in Melbourne’s inner urban market.

Residents will also have access to a private rooftop garden designed as an elevated retreat above the city, &nbsp;featuring curated landscaping, veggie boxes, intimate seating areas and spaces for relaxed gatherings. Sustainability has also been integrated into the project through a 7-star energy rating and two secure bicycle facilities for every residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367529]

Smith by Valli sits in the heart of one of Melbourne’s most established retail and hospitality strips, within walking distance of venues such as Falco Bakery, Carnation Canteen and Alimentari, alongside parks and everyday services. With a Walk Score of 99, the location reinforces the project’s positioning toward buyers prioritising walkability and access over car dependency.

With only a limited number of residences, Smith reflects growing demand for smaller, highly curated apartment developments that prioritise design quality, liveability, and connection to neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140747]

Joel Robinson

Smith by Valli delivers design-led apartments to Melbourne’s inner north

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>’s 640 Bourke Street stands as a testament to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s ability to bridge its storied past with a bold vision for the future.&nbsp;

Rising above the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley building, the development reflects a broader shift toward adaptive reuse in the city, where historical assets are retained and reinterpreted as part of new residential development.

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> incorporates the Eliza Tinsley building as its foundation, housing a grand gallery and lobby space that serve as both a functional and symbolic centrepiece. The heritage façade informs the tower’s design, creating a connection between Melbourne’s past and its contemporary skyline.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365684]

Above this historic base, the 68-storey tower will deliver just over 600 residences, a notable reduction from earlier schemes, reflecting a deliberate move toward larger-format apartments and a stronger owner-occupier focus.

Unlike traditional CBD developments that prioritised investor stock, 640 Bourke Street has been repositioned to respond to changing buyer expectations.

"The discussion was all around making 640 Bourke Street the best residence to live in, to be much more focused on the people in the building rather than people looking at the building," Marsland explained.&nbsp;

This shift is evident in the development’s interiors, which emphasise practical luxury with spacious layouts, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.&nbsp;

“What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Lauren Sheldon, Far East Consortium’s Director of Sales and Marketing, said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365687]

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang added, "We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."&nbsp;

Amenities spanning more than 3,000 sqm across multiple levels further reinforce this focus on resident experience. These include a pool, gym, co-working areas, and a range of hospitality-inspired spaces such as a whisky lounge, library, and private dining rooms, many drawing reference from traditional bathhouses and Melbourne’s laneway culture.

"We wanted to make both the pool and the gym area to be absolutely destinational, and when you traverse across to these spaces, there is a gentle familiarity to the beautiful notions of the hammams and the Roman baths, a gentle nod to history," Chang noted.

At street level, the project contributes to the ongoing transformation of the western CBD, with upgrades to Langs Lane and the introduction of retail, hospitality, and gallery spaces designed to activate the precinct and strengthen its connection to the surrounding city fabric.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

The location places residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, and the Docklands waterfront, positioning the development within a rapidly evolving inner-city neighbourhood.

"We believe it's the best site left in the city of Melbourne," Craig Williams, Executive Director at Far East Consortium, said.&nbsp;

640 Bourke Street is Far East Consortium’s 14th building in Melbourne’s western CBD.

"A very elegant designed building. It's going to be a Melbourne statement for many, many years to come."

One-bedroom apartments are priced from around $640,000, with 640 Bourke Street targeting completion in 2029.

Renders shown are Artist's Impressions correct as of May 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Heritage-led design anchors Far East Consortium’s 640 Bourke St, Melbourne

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD Group</a> has set a new residential price record in Queensland with the $30 million sale of the penthouse at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-burleigh-88-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">ONE Burleigh</a> development in Burleigh Heads.

The sale equates to around $37,500 per sqm.

The two-level, 800 sqm penthouse, featuring five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five car spaces, and a private infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was acquired by a Gold Coast-based entrepreneur, highlighting continued demand for ultra-premium beachfront product.

Selling agent Freddie Tehle of PRD Burleigh Heads said the result reflects tightening supply of high-quality, large-format apartments in Burleigh.

“There’s very limited opportunity to secure this level of scale and absolute beachfront position in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Burleigh Heads</a>,” Tehle said.

“Buyers are increasingly seeking apartments that genuinely replace a standalone home, and this penthouse delivers that with its size, privacy, and direct ocean frontage.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323057]

The sale comes as construction progresses on ONE Burleigh, a boutique development of 17 full-floor residences at 88 The Esplanade, scheduled for completion in early 2027.

Developed by MAYD Group and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mas-architecture-studio">MAS Architecture</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/sici-design">Sici Design</a>, the project has been positioned as a collection of house-sized beachfront apartments, each occupying an entire floor with around 381 sqm of internal and external living space.

When construction commenced, MAYD director Todd Mould pointed to the long-term resilience of premium coastal real estate as a key driver behind the project.

“Real estate, particularly at the premium end, remains one of the most resilient and proven long-term investment avenues,” Mould said.

“Our ambition is that anyone who buys a MAYD-built product can genuinely feel the care, craftsmanship and commitment we bring to every detail.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323055]

Each residence has been configured with four bedrooms, multiple living zones, a private office, and expansive ocean-facing terraces. Interiors draw on a restrained material palette, including travertine stone, timber joinery, and integrated premium appliances.

Interior designer Sici Design said the approach was to reflect the project’s coastal setting through both materiality and spatial planning.

“ONE Burleigh is our vision of luxury living, designed to bring the essence of Burleigh Heads' vibrant coastal beauty into an unparalleled residential experience.”

Residents will have access to a suite of wellness-focused amenities, including pools, sauna facilities, and dedicated relaxation spaces, reflecting a broader shift toward lifestyle-driven apartment design on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323052]

The project occupies a southern Esplanade site with uninterrupted beachfront frontage, an increasingly rare offering in Burleigh Heads, free from the Norfolk Pines that line much of the coastline and often limit direct ocean outlook.

Mould said the design intent was to balance that outlook with a sense of retreat.

“Living at ONE Burleigh is about how your day naturally unfolds, morning light across the ocean, coffee on the balcony, and being in Burleigh but elevated above the noise.”

The result further reinforces Burleigh Heads’ emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held and supply-constrained beachfront markets, where boutique, owner-occupier-focused developments are increasingly setting new price benchmarks.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146358]

MAYD Group sets Queensland record with $30 million penthouse sale at ONE Burleigh in Burleigh Heads

Apartment developers in the Gold Coast are finding new, creative ways to differentiate themselves from competing projects, as new supply starts to flow through up and down the Coast.

Developer BIG Projects brought in the renowned Sydney-based design studio YSG Studio to craft the interiors for The Frederick, BIG Projects' new Mermaid Beach project and YSG Studio's first move into the multi-residential development space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5346]

It was a strategic move for BIG Projects to bring in a Sydney eye to the development.

“Our role is to give our design partners the space and freedom to explore,” says Matt Barrett, Director of BIG Projects.

“We wanted YSG Studio to capture the essence of Nobby’s, to design a building that embraces life, light and connection, while creating a genuine sense of place.”

There are only 39 apartments in The Frederick, including a striking beach house, just 100 metres from the booming Nobby Beach precinct.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5347]

Yasmine Ghoniem, Director of YSG Studio, says their vision&nbsp;for The Frederick "reinvents coastal living."

“Nobby’s has such an iconic energy, it’s one of those rare pockets of the Gold Coast where the community, the beach, and the streets all feel connected,” Ghoniem says.

"Responding to the neighbouring coastline, soothing curves add a relaxing regional overlay, while unique detailing really sets it apart. It’s a place that feels lived in from the moment you step inside.”

A standout feature of The Frederick is its rooftop terrace, an uncommon inclusion for a boutique, low-rise building, where amenity is typically concentrated at ground level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5360]

Positioned to capture panoramic views from the hinterland to the ocean, the rooftop has been designed as a series of intimate zones. It includes a pool, sauna, sun decks, workspaces and dedicated entertaining areas.

“The rooftop was conceived as a collection of spaces where residents can unwind and connect, an extension of the Nobby’s lifestyle,” Barrett says.

Architecture for the project was led by Plus Studio, with landscape design by LDG Landscape Architecture.

SRQ Projects Director Nick Clydsdale, who is handling sales at The Frederick, says the majority of enquiry is coming from South East QLD and Victorian buyers who have been actively searching between Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach for some time.

"They’ve reviewed a number of projects, however this one has stood out for its unique detailing and compelling design,"&nbsp;Clydsdale says.

Site demolition is slated for this month, with construction commencing soon after. BIG Projects is targeting a late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110588]

Sydney’s YSG Studio makes Gold Coast multi-residential debut with BIG Projects at The Frederick

Melbourne-based property developer ALTA Property has this week achieved planning approval for the adaptive re-use of a former commercial tower into a $200 million, 169-apartment project at 10 Queens Road, one of the last developable sites along the Albert Park Lake-fronting boulevard.&nbsp;

Set within one of Melbourne’s most sought-after precincts and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser and Partners</a>, the illustrious building will offer unparalleled views across Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne CBD.&nbsp;

The mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom residences will be complemented by a ground-floor amenity featuring private dining, a lounge bar, gym and wellness spaces, co-working, outdoor communal gardens, and retail.&nbsp;

The 17-storey building is a masterclass in adaptive re-use, with the existing commercial building’s façade, shell and internal structure to be retained, before high-end residences are built from the ground up in a newly built Albert Park facing addition to the building.&nbsp;

Sitting atop the building will be two 320+sqm penthouses with private rooftop terraces, which are expected to be priced between $9 - $11 million.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa11211b-5581-43f9-940c-fc84d30a0e61" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/C_04.png?VersionId=Yhf5p_1EgGDu_zOIMFgvA8Ug8j3sTFQs" />

Architecturally, the building will feature a curved, geometric façade that celebrates and elevates the existing structure, with warm, muted tones which were selected to extend the materiality of the existing building rather than contrast it.&nbsp;

Interiors will bring together three metre high ceilings with waffle concrete in some spaces, natural timber, granite and Australian materials, culminating in crafted, generous and considered spaces that are defined by authenticity.&nbsp;

The adaptive re-use means that the Queens Road project will be a sustainability led, high-quality finished product, with a 62% saving in carbon emissions by re-using the existing structure rather than knocking it down and rebuilding.&nbsp;

ALTA Property was launched by Nigel Givoni in 2023, bringing over 25 years of experience in multi level residential delivery.&nbsp;

Melbourne’s property market growth is currently led by apartments. According to RPM VIC Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report (April 2026), units are outpacing houses, especially in the middle ring suburbs where median prices hit $757,500 – a four-year high that represents 2.9 percent growth quarter-on-quarter.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="647e13d7-b4bc-433a-9bc9-fe3c3dd4f2ec" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/V_06.png?VersionId=ou4NUCWUgA3NAy.6CQJlEdKX50j3dOk6" />

For ALTA Property Founder Nigel Givoni, this performance speaks to the confidence he has in the Melbourne market.&nbsp;

“Queens Road represents a rare opportunity to continue to shape our presence in the Melbourne market.,"&nbsp;Givoni says.

"With a considered project team and a premier site along one of the city’s most sought-after boulevards, we look forward to contributing to the fabric of this established address.

“Other Australian markets are getting a lot of attention, but I believe the depth of value in Melbourne is being overlooked. The fundamentals are strong, population growth is steady and, based on our preliminary conversations with a leading builder, construction costs are beginning to normalise, creating further opportunity."

Givoni says the project is a&nbsp;highly considered example of adaptive re-use, delivering quality, high-end residences, premium hotel-inspired amenities and an architecturally striking façade, all achieved without the need to remove the existing structure.

"We are really looking forward to the market’s response,” he said.&nbsp;

ALTA Property to deliver $200 million Queens Road 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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The typical Australian landlord is an owner occupier, at midlife, in a household with two incomes.
Some 72% own just the one rental property.
They don't see themselves as landlords, but rather investors.
Estate agents manage around 75% of these rental properties, an unusually prominent role compared to overseas practice.
The shift from finding rentals in agency office windows has long shifted online and now new technological innovations are being slowly embraced by agents, given raised demands from tenants and some landlords too.
These digital platforms are offering efficient ways at dealing with tenants. 
The Property Connect website offers the means for online move-in dates, lease terms, and even seek competitive rental pricing through LiveOffer. 
The Trustbond website seeks to replace the cash rental bond with a surety certificate. 
Other tech enabling advancements address scheduling property inspections, collecting rents and and organising repairs. 
There's the prospect of tenants across Australia getting their own online profile promoting their worthiness to landlords.
These days tenants are renting for longer periods with around a third of private renters staying in the rental market for a decade or longer.
Recent research has the market demographics changing quite significantly.
Traditionally it was transitional housing tenure for young people in the time between leaving the family home and becoming home owners, but now the market has moved to catering for many more private renters at mid-life. There are more private renters with children.
There has been an increase in both lower and higher income households seeking out the private rental market.
Interestingly, about one in eight landlords are themselves a private renter.
A new report from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute noted the biggest change in landlord ownership was in the financing with owners of rental properties relying more heavily on debt.
This affirms the ultimate purpose of landlords is their financial returns. 
These are currently being challenged, so it will be interesting to see if the landlords stay as dwelling values fall and gross rental yields sit close to historic lows.
CoreLogic has tracked rents for over a decade and the latest 0.4% annual fall in Sydney rents for the year to August was the largest decline on record.
Gross rental yields remain low in Sydney at 3.21%.
The total returns from residential housing are not looking "so attractive", CoreLogic research analyst Cameron Kusher recently noted.
Across the capital cities, total returns are at 0.8%, with total returns in Sydney actually falling by 2.5% in the weakest result since 2009.
After dwelling values fell in Sydney over the past year, it highlights that capital growth largely dictate total investor returns in Sydney. 
Kusher suggests given the decline in returns and an expectation that returns will continue to shrink, investors could seek out housing in other regions of the country where total returns remain positive.
It sits at 6.6% for the combined regional markets across Australia and 6.7% for total returns in regional NSW.
But Kusher warns these returns are anticipated to be far inferior to those recorded over recent times in Sydney.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Lower and higher income households seeking out private rental market

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National builder Vaughan Constructions has won the prestigious industry award, the Master Builder of the Year Award at the recent Master Builders Association Victoria Awards.
The awards, which showcase exceptional craftsmanship and standards of excellence in the commercial building sector, also honoured Vaughan with the award for <a href="https://www.mbav.com.au/2018-excellence-construction-awards">Excellence in Construction of Industrial Buildings</a> for its work on the $165 million Dulux Merrifield Coatings Plant at Mickleham.
Vaughan Constructions Director Mark Byrne said superior ECI project methodology works with the client to achieve the best possible outcome.  
He said ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) meant utilising the builder’s expertise as early as possible in the development process to maximise both cost and operational efficiencies in the design and construction of a building.
"There’s no greater disaster for a client than getting the design they want but one they can’t afford or that ultimately doesn’t meet the desired outcome,’’ Byrne said. 
Vaughan Constructions was engaged under an ECI agreement to complete the base build of Dulux Merrifield (pictured above), a task which was expanded as the project’s design and implementation progressed to also take on responsibility for the completion of the production process fitout.
Dulux Group Project Director, Kevin Worrell, said Vaughan Constructions had completed both the base build and integrated fitout of the Dulux facility which is now the largest coatings factory in Australia and New Zealand. 
Master Builders Victoria CEO, Radley de Silva, praised Vaughan for the Dulux building’s complexity and its ability to remain durable in a harsh, chemical-based environment. 
Vaughan Constructions will now compete at the Master Builders Association National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards at the Adelaide Convention Centre in November. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Vaughan Constructions named Master Builder of the Year

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Solstice Media has committed to a new office sublease in Adelaide CBD, in a move to be closer to its diverse advertising and editorial client base.
The South Australian publishing company, which collates InDaily, The Lead, The Forager and The Southern Cross took over 135 square metres of office space on level three at 169 Pirie Street earlier this month.
Savills Australia’s Adam Hartley negotiated the two-year lease term on behalf of sub-lessor Lucid Consulting Engineers at a rate of circa $420 per square metre, per annum.  
Hartley said the tenant wanted to be closer to the heart of the Adelaide CBD, which made the Hindmarsh Square location a suitable option. 
“Solstice Media was also able to take advantage of the existing fit-out, which was improved to suit their occupancy," he said.
“A recent upgrade to the property has provided A-grade bathrooms and new end-of-trip facilities.”
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Publishing company signs lease on new chapter in Adelaide CBD 

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Price growth in the Top end suburbs can often be a signal for an emerging growth cycle in a city market. 
Certainly, the booms in both Sydney and Melbourne started in the most expensive areas and rippled out to the middle-ring and outer-ring areas over time. 
This is because real estate growth comes from events in the local economy. When the underlying economy in a major city starts to thrive, the first people to benefit are the business owners and others with above-average incomes - and that translates into purchases in the prestige suburbs.
So we think it is significant that, while prices remain suppressed in Perth overall, many of the millionaire suburbs have seen good price growth in the past year. This is also a feature in Adelaide: price growth overall has been moderate but prices have been rising strongly in the Top End suburbs.
It’s much less prevalent in the Brisbane market, which is struck in second gear and struggling to accelerate.
One factor evident in our latest analysis of sales activity and prices is that there is growth in the upper end of the Perth market. The latest data shows that several Perth suburbs with median house prices above $1 million have recorded strong growth in their medians in the past 12 months. 
This trend is widespread across the prestige market. Suburbs with strongly rising prices include Nedlands, Applecross, Cottesloe, Dalkeith and Bicton. 
Confidence that the upturn is sustainable comes from revival in the mining sector and the large numbers of jobs being created. As the WA economy improves, businesses thrive and business people become more confident in their real estate purchases.
This suggests that Perth generally can look forward to a return to price growth in the near future. This is supported by recent reports from Knight Frank, SQM Research and the Real Estate Institute of WA.
In Adelaide, while sources such as CoreLogic and SQM Research report annual growth of only 1-2% in Adelaide house prices, these generalised figures disguise individual areas which have done better.
It’s noteworthy that several millionaire suburbs have recorded major growth in their median house prices in past 12 months.
Glenelg South, Kensington Park, St Georges, Erindale, Henley Beach South, Hyde Park, North Adelaide and Hazelwood Park all have median prices above $1 million and have had median price growth above 20% in the past year. Other upper-level suburbs like Glenunga, Norwood, Parkside, Beaumont and Crafers have had growth above 10%. 
Some suburbs have had median price growth above 35% (and one above 40%) but based on small sales samples so we think this may be misleading.
In Brisbane, however, only a handful of popular inner-ring suburbs (e.g. Ashgrove, Paddington and Bulimba) have recorded double-digit growth in median prices in the past year.
Some examples of rising markets in the Top End of some capital cities:-
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/8/21/ryder2.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<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/2018/8/21/ryder2.jpg" alt="">
Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au
<a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au">ryder@hotspotting.com.au</a>
twitter.com/hotspotting
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Prestige markets rising in smaller cities like Perth and Adelaide: Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

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Introduction
For the last two calendar years the Australian dollar has defied our expectations for weakness. But after hitting $US0.81 in January it’s been trending down as US interest rates fell below the Australian cash rate, the threat of a US-driven trade war increased and it recently broke below a short-term range around $US0.74 and fell as low as $US0.72 on fears of contagion to global growth from a crisis in Turkey. This note looks at outlook for the $A and why it makes sense for Australian-based investors to hold a decent exposure to foreign exchange.
What are the fundamental drivers of the $A?
The Australian dollar tends to move in line with relative price differentials over the long term. This is the theory of purchasing power parity (PPP) according to which exchange rates should equilibrate the price of a basket of goods and services across countries – see the next chart.
<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/2018/8/21/AMP%201.jpg" alt="">
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If over time Australian inflation and costs rise relative to the US, then the value of the $A should fall relative to the $US to maintain its real purchasing power and competitiveness. But in the short to medium term, swings in the $A are largely driven by swings in the prices of Australia's key commodity exports and the terms of trade (when they go up the $A tends to rise and often been significant divergences. This has notably been the case lately with the RBA hiking in 2009 (as the mining boom returned) and the Fed holding and the RBA continuing to cut in 2016 even though the Fed had commenced a tightening cycle. While US growth is running well above potential and has largely used up spare capacity, Australian growth has been running below potential and there is plenty of spare capacity. This is evident in the combination of unemployment and vice versa) and relative interest rates such that a rise in US rates relative to Australian rates makes it more attractive to park money in the US and hence pushes the $A down.
Why the $A is likely to fall further
At current levels, the Australian dollar at around $US0.7350 is around where it should be on a long-term purchasing power parity basis - see the first chart. But the $A rarely spends much time at the purchasing power parity level and tends to be pushed to extremes above and below it.
Our view remains that the downtrend in the $A that started in 2011 when the iron ore price peaked at over $US190/tonne has further to go. The main reason is the interest rate differential in favour of the $A is likely to go further into negative territory as the Fed continues to hike rates and the RBA remains on hold. This is making it relatively less attractive to park money in Australia putting downwards pressure on the $A. The Fed is on track to hike rates again next month as the US economy has continued to strengthen highlighted by a very tight jobs market. This will take the Fed Funds rate to a range of 2- 2.25%. If the RBA leaves rates on hold at 1.5%, as is almost certain, then the gap between Australian and US official interest rates will fall to -0.5-0.75%, from a whopping +4.5% in 2011. Periods of a low and falling official interest rate differential between Australia and the US usually see a low and falling $A.
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While some think the RBA just follows the Fed there was often been significant divergences. This has notably been the case lately with the RBA hiking in 2009 (as the mining boom returned) and the Fed holding and the RBA continuing to cut in 2016 even though the Fed had commenced a tightening cycle. While US growth is running well above potential and has largely used up spare capacity, Australian growth has been running below potential and there is plenty of spare capacity. This is evident in the combination of unemployment and underemployment in the US running about as low as it ever gets whereas in Australia it’s about as high as it ever gets.
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While there are some positive signs in Australia with investment picking up, strong export volumes and strong employment growth, uncertainty remains high around the housing sector and consumer spending. Wages growth and inflation also remain very low so the RBA is likely to be on hold for a long while yet as the Fed continues to hike. Given falling home prices in Sydney and Melbourne a rate cut cannot be ruled out if it threatens overall growth and inflation.
Our base case is that solid global growth will support commodity prices – particularly iron ore and coal – and that this will provide a floor for the $A in the high $US0.60s. However, history suggests we are still in a commodity price bear market after last decade’s surge in prices, the recent 20% or so plunge in metal prices is a warning of weakness and there are threats to emerging world growth from a rising $US, a potential contagion from Turkey, slower growth in China and from US trade policy.
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In the very short term the Australian dollar is oversold and this along with speculative short positions warns of a bounce higher. However, beyond this our assessment is that the $A has further to fall and will likely reach $US0.70 by year end.
What does it mean for investors?
With the risks skewed towards more downside in the value of the $A, there are several implications for investors.
First, there remains a strong case to maintain a decent exposure to offshore assets that are not hedged back to Australian dollars. A decline in the value of the $A boosts the value of an investment in offshore assets denominated in foreign currency by one for one. This can be seen in relation to international equity returns in the next table. The first column shows the return from global shares in local currency terms; the second shows the return in Australian dollars (if foreign currency exposures are not hedged back to Australian dollars); the third column shows the difference, which is the change in the $A on a weighted basis; and the final column shows the return to global shares if hedged back to Australian dollars.
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When the $A rises as it did last year it reduces returns from international shares for an unhedged investor. But when the $A falls as was the case in 2005, 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2015 it boosts the value of global assets and hence the return from global shares for an unhedged investor.
Furthermore, when Australian interest rates are above global rates, investors are “paid” to hedge their foreign currency exposure back to Australian dollars. As can be seen in the last column the return from global shares when hedged back to Australian dollars has been higher than the local currency return because hedging investors receive the difference between Australian and foreign rates. However, with Australian rates falling versus global rates the incentive to hedge is falling.
Second, if the global outlook turns sour, having an exposure to foreign currency provides protection for Australian investors as the $A usually falls in response to threats to global growth. As can be seen in the next chart there is a rough positive correlation between changes in global shares in local currency terms and the $A. Major falls in global shares associated with the emerging market/LTCM crisis in 1998, the tech wreck into 2001, the GFC, the Eurozone crises and the 2015-16 global growth scare saw sharp falls in the $A. This has been evident this year with worries about a trade war and Turkey weighing on the $A. So being short the $A and long foreign exchange provides good protection against threats to the global outlook.
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Finally, continuing weakness in the $A will be positive for Australian sectors that compete internationally like tourism, higher education, manufacturing, agriculture and mining.
Dr Shane Oliver Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist AMP Capital
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Why the A$ is likely to fall further: Shane Oliver

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SPONSORED POST
Savills Australia and Investa bring the new Barrack Place, 151 Clarence Street to near-capacity
Forming part of the traditionally historic York and Clarence Street precinct, Barrack Place by Investa is set to transform Sydney’s CBD when it reaches completion in Q4 2018.
Investa Office Fund (IOF) is the force driving the redevelopment at Barrack Place, 151 Clarence Street, a next-generation A Grade office tower designed in line with the historic warehouse precinct in the heart of Sydney CBD.
Barrack Place was previously three B Grade buildings interlinked by a substantial core and 24 columns, which Architectus has designed into a boutique 18-storey office tower, with a side core and two internal columns within the glazed high-rise that emerges from the heritage brick façade of the podium levels.
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It incorporates large open floorplates, a highly efficient structure and a northern void that runs the full height of the building to allow extra light penetration. With a five-star NABERS Energy rating target and a six-star Green Star rating, the development was awarded Australia’s first ever WELL Core and Shell Precertification at the Gold level by the International WELL Building Institute™ (IWBI™).
From a corporate perspective, Barrack Place by Investa is perfectly positioned, with the Barrack Arcade link providing access from the Martin Place business spine to Darling Harbour and Barangaroo.
As Barrack Place nears its completion date, Savills Australia is working closely with Investa to bring the building to capacity and fill the two remaining office floors.
Pfizer Australia, Arup and Mills Oakley are among the pre-committed tenants, accounting for 84 percent of the lettable space available.
“The building is now 84 percent pre-leased and, not unsurprisingly, we are receiving good interest in the remaining two floors,” Savills Australia’s NSW State Director for Office Leasing, Rob Dickins, said.
Mr Dickins said Barrack Place continued to receive strong interest from national and international companies looking to either reposition their business or expand/consolidate operations into the new-age development.
“This is Sydney’s only new office building to be completed this year,” he said.
“There is limited supply of quality, new-generation A Grade office space within the market at present, with vacancy in the western corridor sitting at 1.35 percent.”
Barrack Place has been designed to provide the ultimate flexibility for occupiers, with options for large, contiguous floor space or smaller, subdivided space.
<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/2018/8/21/barrack-office.jpg" alt="">
Mr Dickins said that aside from the flexible side-core floorplates and versatile work areas, the health and wellbeing features of the building had been a key drawcard for prospective tenants. The latest end-of-trip facilities, smart sensor lighting, filtrated on-floor air-conditioning, and integrated digital twin technologies are among some of the notable key features.
“When Barrack Place comes to completion in October, it will be one of the most advanced buildings in its class in Sydney and embedded with the latest technology,” he said.
Three levels of retail space accessible via Clarence and Kent streets have been billed as Sydney’s most vibrant and contemporary laneway retail precinct, and will include hip eateries, cafes and a restaurant/wine bar.
Savills is a leading global real estate service provider offering the full spectrum of services from strategic advice to managing assets and projects and transacting deals. Rob Dickins is Savills NSW State Director for <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/leasing/office-leasing.aspx" target="_blank">Office Leasing</a>. To learn more about Savills, visit <a href="http://www.savills.com.au" target="_blank">savills.com.au</a>.
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Barrack Place development to transform Sydney CBD: Savills

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Singapore-based Roxy Pacific and Sydney-based developer Phillip George have acquired a 8,450 square metre Revesby warehouse site.
The Bowermans Furniture site at 34-36 Mavis Street was bought from BN Revesby PT Pty Ltd for $9 million.
Roxy Pacific and George plan to develop the site as a combination of light industrial warehouses and self-storage units.
They will likely range in size from 25 square metres to 200 square metres, to accommodate a range of businesses under a strata scheme.
"The Revesby site is well located within close proximity to the M5 and we will be developing the property in a bespoke way to accommodate a wide range of businesses with versatile and dynamic spaces," said George.  
Having sold Mrs Crocket’s in 2004, George turned his attention to being a property owner and developer with a wide range of residential, industrial and commercial projects worth more than $750 million across Australia.
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Developers acquire Revesby site for redevelopment as strata business park

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Global real estate investment manager TH Real Estate has appointed Rick Marston as head of asset management in Australia.
Marston will be responsible for asset management strategies and extracting value from real estate investments that TH Real Estate acquires on behalf of its Australian funds and private account clients.
He brings over 15 years’ experience working in senior positions across the real estate sector, including roles at Grosvenor Estates in London, Dexus and AMP Capital in Sydney, and most recently as associate director at Invesco Asset Management.
TH Real Estate, an affiliate of Nuveen, the investment manager of TIAA, is one of the largest real estate investment managers in the world with circa US$114 billion in assets under management globally.
In Australia, TH Real Estate’s core holdings include a half stake in 101 Miller Street and the Greenwood Plaza in North Sydney, as well as investments in Myer Bourke Street in Melbourne, and a 75% interest in Mount Ommaney Shopping Centre in Brisbane.
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TH Real Estate appoints Rick Marston to key role

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The launch of 32 strata commercial suites at Mirvac’s St Leonards Square mixed-use development on the weekend saw some 85% sold within hours of their release.
Strata suites ranged from 57 square metres to 210 square metres with an average $9,500 per square metre achieved on the day. 
The highest price paid among the 27 sales was in excess of $1.8 million.
Medical practitioners were most prominent amongst buyers with many citing a lack of strata office space available to purchase.
Oral and maxillo facial surgeon Dr Adit Bahl had been trying to find suitable commercial premises for some time before he finally purchased at St Leonards Square.
The commercial strata sales result follows the success of residential sales at St Leonards Square, where the two residential towers achieved more than 70% pre-sales at their 2016 launch and are currently 99% sold, ahead of completion in late 2019.
Several purchasers at the weekend acquired multiple lots.
Some intend to consolidate the space to form larger floorplates.
A decade long strata office scarcity reportedly fuelled demand for St Leonards Square, along with its proximity to the future Crows Nest Metro station and the Royal North Shore Hospital medical precinct.
Virgin Active earlier this year secured 1,150 square metres at St Leonards Square, taking the entire first floor in one of the two towers, plus a ground floor space to serve as a concierge and entry directly off the Pacific Highway, helping to integrate commercial and retail uses.
Mark Levy of marketing design and production marketing company What To Do canvassed his staff before he purchased.
“There needs to be amenity; you can’t have your business in the middle of nowhere when most of your staff are under 35,” he said.
Financial planner Jason Abrahams of Critique Private Clients ended his five-year search for new office space, acquiring a 192 square metres suite.
“There is plenty of space for lease but we haven’t been able to find anything decent for sale in St Leonards,” said Abrahams, who will relocate from his current office next door.
“We like the St Leonards location; it’seasier for clients to get to us on the north side than into the city.”
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“We have the train already and the Metro going in across the road. I’ve been here 10 years and I would not want to go anywhere else. It is an area that is only going to get more exciting. With the public transport and retailgoing into St Leonards Square, that adds to the work experience for our staff.”
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One couple, George and Robyn Nori, will not only be moving their business, How Strategy Group, to St Leonards Square on completion next year but will also be living there.
With their three bedroom apartment which they purchased last year on Level 15 and their workplace on Level 3, they will enjoy a completely commute-free lifestyle.
St Leonards Square commercial is being sold by Mirvac in conjunction with Knight Frank North Sydney.
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Mirvac achieves 85% sales at St Leonards Square strata office launch

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Two properties in Molendinar on the Gold Coast, known in the automotive industry as ‘The Lion Park’, are for lease as Surfers City Holden is set to relocate to a new showroom.
The properties are positioned on one of the northern Gold Coast’s busiest intersections, on the corner of Southport Nerang Road and Olsen Avenue, across from Ashmore City Shopping Centre.
Both auto-dealership properties come with bespoke showrooms, workshop areas, ample storage facilities, offices and staff amenities including break and training rooms.
The 333 Southport Nerang Road offering is the smaller option of the two offering a gross lettable area of 2,034 square metres with ample onsite parking and car display yard.
The 566 Olsen Avenue property is positioned on the corner with 3,008 square metres of gross lettable area across the showroom, offices and workshop.
Incoming tenants have the option to acquire both properties or split the two for a smaller offering.
Knight Frank’s Tanaka Jabangwe said the properties have been auto-dealership sites for over 30 years.
Offers close October 4.
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