<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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EXPERT OBSERVER
<div>Setting stronger energy standards in the National Construction Code for new buildings would, between now and 2050, reduce energy bills by up to $27 billion, lower energy network costs by up to $7 billion and deliver 78 million tonnes of cumulative emissions savings, according to a new report released today.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>'Built to Perform, an industry led pathway to Zero Carbon Ready building code', created by the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) and ClimateWorks Australia, outlines a series of forward pathways for Code energy requirements that cover a range of building types and climates across Australia.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It presents the final results of the Building Code Energy Performance Trajectory Project aimed at supporting the adoption of medium term targets and trajectories for mandated minimum energy requirements in the Code.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We, the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) welcomed the new report, it highlights the need for Government to unlock the full potential of the Code and target the cost-effective opportunities found in the buildings sector to improve Australia’s energy efficiency and affordability.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Better buildings, built to perform in a zero carbon future, are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to reduce Australia’s emissions, save money and create comfortable homes and workplaces.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This report shows that the triple-bottom-line dividend from plotting a zero net carbon path in the Code early is enormous.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>By 2050 Australia will need to be at or near zero net emissions and that means the Code must ensure that buildings under construction today are being built to meet the energy performance required in the future.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>A clear trajectory for the Code would also give industry the certainty to innovate and invest in high performing buildings at lower cost.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We welcome the report’s recommendation for well designed and implemented targets along with a clear, transparent process for upgrading Code energy requirements.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The world-leading practices being implemented by a growing number of Australian companies need to extend further across industry.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Code is a vital tool for lifting the bar across the board and our communities are the ones who will benefit, from reduced out-of-pocket energy costs and a healthier, lower-emissions built environment. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>However, the Code can only take us part of the way to net zero. Code improvements must go hand in hand with other measures to deliver a zero carbon buildings sector by 2050.</div>
<div> </div>
<div align="justify">Through our <a id="LPlnk805788" href="https://gbca-web.s3.amazonaws.com/media/documents/carbon-positive-roadmap-discussion-paper-fa.pdf" target="_blank">Carbon Positive Roadmap for the built environment project</a>, the Green Building Council of Australia is also proposing a pathway for the building industry to decarbonise by raising the benchmark for sustainable design, construction and building operation in Australia.</div>
The Carbon Positive Roadmap presents many complementary measures which, along with a strengthened National Construction Code, will help lead the delivery of a more sustainable built environment and meet our international emissions commitments.
Romilly Madew is Chief Executive of Green Building Council of Australia.
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RomillyMadew-zVLXsYSc74

New pathway to a zero carbon ready building code': Romilly Madew

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A Melbourne based investor has paid $2.27 million on a 4.4% yield for 440 Hampton Street, Hampton.
The securely leased retail asset comprises a 180 square metre ground floor component of a three storey building, on a 180 square metre site zoned Commercial 1 with 10 metres frontage to Hampton Street and three car spaces on title located in Melbourne’s south-eastern Bayside.
According to selling agents, Teska Carson directors, George Takis and Michael Ludski, four bidders from a strong auction crowd pushed the price to more than $170,000 above the vendor’s reserve.
The property was sold subject to a brand new five year lease to Australia Post at an annual rental of $100,000 with 3.2% annual increases.
Ludski said the area had seen significant growth in recent years with a number of medium density residential and commercial developments transforming the precinct.
"What has been an upsurge in this area’s popularity, with its easy access to Melbourne’s CBD via major arterial routes, and the beach, has driven the development of new, high-profile, residential and commercial projects that have further enhanced a much sought after destination,’’ Ludski added.
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Investor pays $2.27 million for Australia Post-occupied Hampton retail building

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SPONSORED POST
Senior Legal Counsel &amp; Early Childhood educator / Ironfish Customers
“As a lawyer, I’m pretty discerning and can be quite sceptical in my assessment of things.
“Having invested with Ironfish, we’re not only impressed by the level of knowledge, customer service and ethics of everyone we’ve dealt with, we also trust our strategist completely. She’s been to our home countless times, nothing is ever too much trouble.”
<h2>CASE IN PROFILE</h2>
<ul>
<li>Time-poor professionals with young family</li>
<li>Needed to minimise tax liability</li>
<li>3 properties purchased through Ironfish</li>
<li>Diversified across multiple cities and housing types</li>
</ul>
<h2>Avoiding buyer’s remorse</h2>
Robert and Paula had been considering property investment as a tax minimisation strategy for some time – being higher income earners and having built up some equity in their own home. After talking to a few companies, they signed a contract to purchase one off-the-plan property, but immediately started to experience some ‘buyer’s remorse’. At this point, a friend suggested they meet with Ironfish Chief Investment Strategist, Priscilla Cheung. Their friend had invested with Priscilla in the past, and had a lot of trust and respect for both Priscilla and the Ironfish investment platform.
“We hadn’t heard of Ironfish before, but because of the recommendation, we thought we’d meet Priscilla and hear her out. As a result of our meeting, we actually ended up cancelling our other contract and went with Ironfish instead, because we could feel straight away that Priscilla genuinely had our interest at heart.”
<h2>No more bells and whistles</h2>
Their first meeting with Priscilla took place at their home, after hours – a personal touch that was greatly appreciated by Rob and Paula.
“With the other company, there was a feeling that we were being buttered up – going into a flashy office, being taken out for lunch, having coffees brought to us. By contrast, Priscilla came to our home – and with the kids and an extremely difficult and demanding job – we appreciate this flexibility.
“What sold us was that she set it all out plainly – she said if we went with the other company, that we’d still be doing the right thing. She confirmed that everything the other company had told us was sound and there was no reason not to go ahead with our purchase. She wasn’t putting it down, she was just interested in what was good for us. What she did say was that if we did choose to invest with her, that she would be able to provide an extra level of service that we wouldn’t necessarily get elsewhere. And given that we are incredibly time poor, we really valued this.”
<h2>Too hard to do it alone</h2>
Even prior to their introduction to Ironfish, Robert and Paula never considered investing in property on their own; like many senior professionals with a young family, the investment in time required meant it simply wasn’t an option.
“My job as an in-house Senior Legal Counsel is very challenging, and I have no room to make any mistakes. So, after spending all day at work expending my energy on other very complicated matters, by the time I get home, I’m just a mess. Investing on our own seemed too terrifying to even consider. We didn’t know where to begin, or how to break the ice. I’m an excellent lawyer, but when it comes to my own interests, I’m hopeless – because I’m just too busy looking after everyone else! That’s why you need trusted professionals around you to help navigate things you don’t understand, or don’t have time to understand – and that’s what we value so much about Priscilla and Ironfish.”
<h2>A new strategy for property selection</h2>
Initially, Rob and Paula had decided to purchase 2 house and land packages in Queensland, but decided to diversify once they heard about the Ironfish Portfolio Approach strategy.
“We thought the Portfolio Approach made a lot of sense. So, our first purchase with Ironfish was a South East Queensland house and land package – similar to what we’d signed on with the other company, but a better location and property. Priscilla provided all the data and stats – which all lined up, so we were ready to go with that one. Our next purchase was a townhouse in Marsden Park in Sydney. We drove out to Marsden Park a few times, and fell in love with the idea of having a piece of an impressive new suburb. Plus it’s a Stockland development; we were impressed that Ironfish had that relationship with a developer of the calibre of Stockland as well. Our third purchase was a unit in Melbourne village.”
<h2>Going above and beyond</h2>
Rob and Paula have now come to rely on the expertise, reliability and personalised service of Priscilla and the entire Ironfish team on a whole range of matters.
“The customer service we’ve experienced with everyone we’ve dealt with at Ironfish is excellent. Priscilla herself, has a lot of credibility and nothing ever seems to be too much trouble for her. Every time we feel like we’re stretching the relationship, she makes you feel like you’re the only customer she has. Everyone at Ironfish makes you feel like this; I don’t know if they receive special training to do this, but that’s truly been our experience. You never feel like you’re being a bother, nothing is too hard, too difficult or too stressful. For example, I was struggling to sort out all my bank accounts recently, it’s not Priscilla’s job to restructure my bank accounts for me, but she was happy to help!”
<h2>We didn’t have to worry about anything</h2>
The smooth transition from settlement to Ironfish Property Management also stands out for Rob and Paula.
“Communication with us throughout has been great. We really enjoyed getting regular updates and photos of the construction stages. Then we received information about a tenant within just a few days, it seemed. We barely blinked and it was done. Now we have this tenant living happily in this place we bought and we don’t even have to think about it. We basically just get emails from Ironfish that we need to approve. It’s always a collaborative process between us and them, and we all want the same outcome. It’s just so easy. We literally don’t have to worry about a thing.”
<h2>Robert and Paula’s property investment tips:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Book a meeting to help you understand your position; then go away and speak to other people who’ve done it before.</li>
<li>Don’t believe the doom and gloom hype in the SMH; look at the facts, speak to Ironfish, and speak to one of their competitors to get another perspective.</li>
<li>We are taking advantage of negatively gearing our property until such time legislation changes, as well as the depreciation deductions for new properties.</li>
<li>You’ll find some people will understand what you’re doing, others will be against it, and will stick to the usual plan of paying off one house and waiting till retirement to enjoy life. But at the end of the day, we could be giving a lot more money to the tax office, but we’d rather have our money working for us!</li>
</ul>
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Robert and Paula Licuria - Senior Legal Counsel, Early Childhood educator & Ironfish Customers

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SPONSORED POST
In a year that has had its fair share of challenges – as well as opportunities – this end of financial year, I thought I would take the time to share my own property investment strategies and some tips to succeed within the current market and lending environment.
<h2>My FY 2018 property investment strategy</h2>
<a href="http://www.ironfish.com.au/blog/2018/03/18/set-property-investment-plan-2018-now/" target="_blank">Last year</a>, I said I was going to leave residential property investment for a while, as I have already achieved my goals. But when I spotted an opportunity, I couldn’t help myself.
This financial year, I’ve invested heavily in Brisbane and South East Queensland (SEQ); I’ve purchased some more properties and also settled a few. This is part of my long-term strategy but also to invest at the right time of the cycle – as in my experience the property market in SEQ is around half a cycle behind Sydney and Melbourne.
SEQ is also a major growth corridor, which is experiencing record levels of interstate <a href="http://www.ironfish.com.au/blog/2018/01/19/migration-pushing-queensland-property-price-growth/" target="_blank">migration</a>, infrastructure investment – and then there’s the Commonwealth Games which has put the Gold Coast on the world map as well. I saw a great opportunity, so I’ve personally invested there.
<div id="attachment_7779" class="wp-caption alignnone">
In the last few years, Queensland at its peak had about 50 – 60 new residential developments in a single year, and we’re now down to <a href="http://www.ironfish.com.au/blog/2018/05/04/cranes-fast-disappearing-analysts-predict-future-brisbane-housing-undersupply/" target="_blank">single digits</a>. Now only a handful of truly strong developers are able to bring anything off the ground. So it’s worth keeping this in mind.
</div>
<h2>Get into Perth</h2>
I’m also continuing my investment in <a href="http://www.ironfish.com.au/blog/2018/03/19/perth-brisbane-adelaide-housing-affordability-best-20-years/" target="_blank">Perth and Adelaide</a>. I feel like the Perth market has bottomed out and it’s a great opportunity now to invest, not just for myself personally, but we’re looking closely for our Ironfish investors as well.
When property values start going up, most people aren’t aware of all the underlying factors that tend to drive prices up. For example, I also invest in shares, and I’ve noticed that my investments in mining stock have actually fared better than before. At the end of last year, there was also an industry report that suggested the mining downturn has come to an end – with higher prices reported across the board.
<blockquote>
Warren Buffett once said, that as an investor it is wise to be “Fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.” I tend to stick to this motto. Most people will wait for 3-4 years when the market is really booming to get on board, and that’s already too late to get the biggest gains.
</blockquote>
While it might still be a little bit early for some investors, for long-term investors, one thing is for sure: <a href="http://www.ironfish.com.au/blog/2018/03/29/now-good-time-buy-property-perth/" target="_blank">you’re not going to miss out</a>. Get into Perth!
<h2>Top investment tips for Sydney</h2>
This year I’ve also bought a little bit in Sydney. Although the market has slowed down, there are still pockets of opportunity in <a href="http://www.ironfish.com.au/blog/2018/05/30/south-west-sydney-suburb-primed-growth-see/" target="_blank">Sydney’s west,</a> for example, with the 2nd airport coming in. But you do need to be careful. Be very strategic and almost fanatical when it comes to investing in Sydney and to some extent, Melbourne.
<div id="attachment_7276" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/11/15/Sydney-3-cities-map.png" alt=""> The area around Badgerys Creek airport is planned as a 3rd CBD for Sydney
</div>
<h2>The goal I didn’t meet</h2>
I was hoping to acquire a substantial commercial investment property this financial year. I’ve been looking in Sydney and Melbourne, but haven’t been able to find the right property, with returns being relatively low. Since I’m in my mid-50s, I’m moving gradually from capital growth to income as my main strategy, so I’m starting to put my money into these types of investments. But I’ve put my feelers out there and I’m more serious than ever to make this investment, so we will see!
<h2>Looking ahead to 2019:</h2>
<h2>Key market challenges – and how to meet them</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<h4>Market confidence</h4>
</li>
</ol>
One of the key challenges for any investor is confidence. When things are rosy, when all you hear are good stories from friends, from the media, when you’re experiencing capital growth – this is what will encourage many investors to enter the property market, or stay in the market.
With the Sydney market posting negative growth, albeit a small percentage, there’s plenty of negative or gloomy sentiment in the market. But for long-term investors, if you have the money to buy the right property in the right location, if you have the ability to hold that property and service your loan over the long term – then you shouldn’t be deterred. It’s about thinking where you’ll be or where you want to be financially in 15+ years’ time.
<ol start="2">
<li>
<h4>Lending</h4>
</li>
</ol>
With the Royal Commission, and tightened investor lending, (though there has been some loosening up as well, with some interest only loans extended or advanced) banks require more documentation and people need greater qualification to borrow money to invest. Which means people need to make sure they are being prudent when they go to make a purchase. It’s important to speak to multiple financiers and ensure you have enough buffer in your equity, savings or serviceability so that you can settle.
I remember in the last few years of the Sydney boom, people would go with whichever broker, or bank manager who would lend them money. Now you really need people who understand the bigger picture, you probably need a more senior, more experienced professional to <a href="http://www.ironfish.com.au/blog/2017/08/17/need-good-mortgage-broker-spot-great-one/" target="_blank">strategise within your mortgage and structure</a>.
That said, it’s still easier than way back when I first started as an investor!
<ol start="3">
<li>
<h4>Selecting the right property</h4>
</li>
</ol>
Investors need to be a lot more selective when it comes to <a href="http://www.ironfish.com.au/project-details/?project=current" target="_blank">choosing a property</a> within the current market. People need to be more wary of inferior quality developments and stick to properties that have strong owner-occupier appeal. When you’re aiming for capital growth, properties designed for owner occupiers will appeal to a wider spectrum of buyers – so if you decide to sell, you can access the whole market, not just investors.
<h2>4 tips and trends to watch</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<h4>More non-bank lenders</h4>
</li>
</ol>
With major banks tightening up on lending, this has opened an opportunity for more non-bank lenders to come and fill the space and meet the needs of the market. It’s something that happened in the last cycle – that could happen again. It’s a trend we’ve already seen, for example, with FIRB lending, with more and more mortgage funds coming in to fill some of the gap.
<ol start="2">
<li>
<h4>Look for areas that have yet to boom</h4>
</li>
</ol>
It’s important to note that the so-called ‘boom’ has really only happened in Sydney and Melbourne. And while these markets may be slowing, there are others performing very well – such as Hobart. I also believe very strongly in Brisbane, with Perth and Adelaide typically following, based on historical records. At the peak of its last cycle, the Perth median price was getting close to Sydney median price. Gold Coast at peak of last cycle almost equal to Sydney.
And while Melbourne houses have done better than Sydney in recent years, I think Melbourne apartments will catch up, with recent planning changes and reduced supply of new developments.
<ol start="3">
<li>
<h4>Prepare well for <a href="http://www.ironfish.com.au/blog/2017/08/18/prepare-property-settlement-time/" target="_blank">settlement</a></h4>
</li>
</ol>
For off-the-plan investors who have already purchased, speak to a number of brokers, prepare enough buffers to ensure you can settle. For new investors, when you go into a new building, make sure you are confident with the track record of the developer.
<ol start="4">
<li>
<h4>Gather your team</h4>
</li>
</ol>
Though the economy is strong, we are in a relatively uncertain period in terms of lending. So, now more than ever, people need to have the right team around them. Experienced people from different fields with their best interests at heart and who are positive – who don’t give up easily. 
When faced with a challenge, many people look for easy way out. But consider this, if you plan to give up on your property investment, what alternatives are there?  Because fact of the matter is, so many Australians will not have enough saved for retirement. So now is the perfect time to learn more, to become more financially literate so you can be better prepared for your future.
<blockquote>
It’s easy in the ‘post-truth’ era to be swayed by others, or by incredible stories of overnight cryptocurrency billionaires. But the fact is, investment isn’t speculative. For us at Ironfish, it is about common sense: acquiring a portfolio of quality properties in a great location and holding it over the long-term.
</blockquote>
To borrow another piece of wisdom from Mr Buffett: “If you aren’t willing to own a stock for 10 years, don’t even bother holding it for 10 days.”
It’s the same with property; people may make money in the short term through sheer luck, but investing is a long-game, and there will always be challenges. That’s why we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Joseph Chou is the founder and CEO of property investment firm Ironfish.
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Should I invest in property in 2018 or wait a year?

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SPONSORED POST
As the latest Census results show, the strong shift towards apartment living in Australia continues, particularly in the major capital cities. A growing proportion of people are prioritising access to jobs and local amenity over the traditional Aussie dream of the big backyard.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/dwelling-structure-type.jpg" alt="">
Medium and higher density housing now makes up 26% of all Australian housing. In Sydney, this figure is even higher (42.1%).  Source: ABS 
At the same time, architects are continuing to push the envelope in apartment design. Over the last 10 years, apartment design has changed dramatically – and decidedly for the better, according to one of Australia’s leading multi-residential architects, Callum Fraser, Director at Elenberg Fraser.
<div id="attachment_6627" class="wp-caption alignleft">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/08/callum-fraser.jpg" alt=""> Callum Fraser, Director, Elenberg Fraser
“Apartment buildings have become better for you than houses. They foster a richer community with a greater sense of belonging. They deliver this through active social groups and extensive facilities. Residents now have a plethora of unique spaces – karaoke rooms, private dining rooms, cellars, lounges, meditation areas etc – that deliver a more engaged and active life. “They now help us live longer and better – they are the future,” said Mr Fraser.
</div>
With demand for apartment living increasing, it is important to understand how to select the right property, with the right features to cater to today’s tenants/owners, and tenants/owners of the future.
<h4>So, how do you spot an apartment of the future? </h4>
<h4>“New apartment buildings create lighter, brighter and infinitely more liveable spaces that are so much more appealing and alluring than previous “box” type living offered by apartments of previous decades,” said Ironfish Property Director, Grant Ryan.</h4>
“There are 3 major transformative design themes that best summarise why this dramatic shift has resulted in growing demand for liveable buildings with the “cool” factor.”
1. Stunning Glass Facades
Most of the best buildings feature less brick and concrete in favour of more glazing. This design choice greatly enhances the building both externally in terms of aesthetics, and internally in terms of light and liveability. Residents enjoy unobstructed views via a floor-to-ceiling window from inside their apartment and interesting glazed external surface finishes add further light and texture.
Melbourne-based Elenberg Fraser architects were early adopters of bringing glazing manufacturing technology – previously dedicated to commercial buildings – into the residential space. The firm’s expertise in this area is now being utilised to deliver nearly half of all the apartments under construction or nearing completion in Melbourne.
<div id="attachment_6635" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/08/Lighthouse.jpg" alt=""> Light House, designed by Elenberg Fraser architects, is a landmark building in the heart of Melbourne. Its innovative kaleidoscopic glass facade also helps to maximise natural light and ventilation, whilst carefully balancing privacy and views inside the apartment.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/St-Julien-glass.jpg" alt="">
</div>
<div id="attachment_6644" class="wp-caption alignnone">
St Julien Residences, developed by ARIA Property Group, feature floor to ceiling glass.
2. Designer Facilities
Gone are the days where there was either no resident amenity or just a pool and a small gym. The trend of increased facilities is here to stay through unwavering demand from residents for more luxurious, social and useful spaces that are an extension of residents’ own apartments.
</div>
Private dining rooms and cinemas for residents to book and use for parties, libraries and reading zones, BBQ areas, garden breakout spaces and resort style pools are now giving fresh reasons for people to live in new apartment buildings.
<div id="attachment_6647" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/FV-pool.jpg" alt=""> The stunning wrap-around roof-top infinity pool at FV, Fortitude Valley
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/FV-cinema.jpg" alt="">
</div>
<div id="attachment_6648" class="wp-caption alignnone">
Gurner’s lavish FV apartment development or “urban resort” in Brisbane includes over 2,500sqm of communal spaces for residents, including a cinema, 4 pools, yoga studio and private dining areas.
Leading developers and architects are now putting a lot of additional thought into the “arrival experience” of residents into a building. Lobbies are being designed to exude an enhanced sense of luxury, intimacy and community.
</div>
Buildings that feel like a 5-star hotel in terms of style while providing the comforts of a home are particularly in vogue, and will have sustainable long-term appeal to current and future owners.
<div id="attachment_6649" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/Melbourne-village-lobby-e1504162325201.jpg" alt=""> The Melbourne Village apartment building lobby offers the experience of a high-end hotel at home, complete with concierge.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/08/oxley-stirling-e1504162265345.jpg" alt="">
</div>
<div id="attachment_6650" class="wp-caption alignnone">
The lobby at Oxley &amp; Stirling, located in South Brisbane, and other shared spaces within the building were designed by Elenberg Fraser architects to echo the glamour of days gone by.
However, according to Mr Ryan, it’s important to note that this trend is not consistent across all buildings, locations and developers, as some have embraced it more than others and quality varies extensively.
</div>
“My observations, having reviewed projects nationally over the past decade, are that these trends were born out of Melbourne’s edgier and more adventurous architectural environment. And in a social media world – and the fact that many local and overseas developers have been expanding into developing across multiple capital cities and states – the trends have naturally expanded and now feature prominently across the major capital city markets,” he said.
In the April 2017 JLL Brisbane Apartment market research report, it states:
“Projects with a point of difference such as superior ground floor retail, finishes or resident amenity continue to outperform the wider market.”
These are key aspects buyers need to take into consideration when making their purchasing decisions.
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What you need to know about new apartment trends

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SPONSORED POST
“My one bedroom investment property created more wealth in 3 years, than I could have saved in 13 years in my career. At this point, I realised I needed to take property investment very seriously. Because just one property purchase had changed the course of my life.”
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/12/Bruce-262x300.jpg" alt="">
<h2>CASE IN PROFILE:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Former graphic designer/account director and Ironfish customer</li>
<li>Career change into property investment</li>
<li>8 investment properties, 5 purchased through Ironfish</li>
<li>Rent-vestor</li>
</ul>
<h2>That one property purchase</h2>
Bruce has been with Ironfish for nearly 3 years and is a senior Strategist as well as being part of the leadership team in the Ironfish Burwood office.
Prior to joining us, Bruce enjoyed a successful 13-year career in the design industry, starting out as a graphic designer and moving on to account management when (as he says quite matter-of-factly) he discovered his talent and love for working with people far outweighed any natural creative genius! At around the same time as making this switch, Bruce and his wife Evelyn, also decided to buy their first investment property: a one-bedroom second-hand apartment in Stanmore, a suburb in Sydney’s inner west. A decision which turned out to be life-changing.
<blockquote>
“The amount of wealth my one-bedroom investment property in Stanmore created for me was about 10 times more than I could have saved in my career for the past 13 years. I knew then that I needed to get involved with property – initially that was by becoming a more active property investor, and eventually, this put me on the path to joining Ironfish as well.”
</blockquote>
<h2>Why I decided to buy property with Ironfish</h2>
After Stanmore, Bruce and Evelyn purchased two off-the-plan apartments in Parramatta through a different company, and after two years, when they had built some equity across all 3 properties, they agreed to meet with Ironfish Burwood Strategists Yusi and Haibin to consider further investment options.
“I’ve bought from our ‘competitors’, I’ve bought from traditional real estate agents, and what I’ve found is that most people are quite transaction focussed, and there is very little contact after you’ve bought your property.
“When Yusi and Haibin came to our place, it was a very different type of service. Initially I was still thinking from a transactional view as well, and wanted to just quickly view properties and move on. But before they would show me any properties, they first asked me questions like: ‘What are you going to do in the next 10 – 15 years?’ ‘What are your dreams?’ ‘What are the things you want to pursue in life?’ And a big one, which we had never considered: ‘How can you ensure you can continue the lifestyle you enjoy now, in the event that one or both of you needs to stop working?’ What I learned from our first meeting was that Ironfish Strategists were different; they were not focused on the transaction, they truly cared about my future and about building wealth for my family.”
<div id="attachment_7493" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/12/Bruce-evelyn-1024x768.jpg" alt=""> Bruce and his wife Evelyn, with their Strategists Yusi and Haibin
</div>
<h2>A cut above</h2>
While Bruce was impressed with the service and ethos of Ironfish Strategists, he and his wife also fell in love with the properties. On their second meeting, they decided to buy two properties: one apartment in Brisbane (The Melbourne Residences) and one in Melbourne (Aurora).
“The quality of the properties and the locations of those properties were a cut above anything else I’d seen out there. For example, we bought a one-bedroom apartment in ‘Aurora’ for $397,000. Aurora is built on top of Melbourne’s central station, and is the only building in Australia with direct lift access down into the train station and shopping centre below. Imagine if a luxurious skyscraper was built on top of the QVB – that was the kind of building we’d managed to buy into. And I always thought that you needed to be a millionaire or have special connections to get into those developments. The fact that Ironfish could offer me a property like that made me think this company has a lot going for it!”
<h2>Paying the price</h2>
Shortly after their purchase, Yusi invited Bruce along to one of Joseph’s half day seminars – which set him on his path to a new career.
<div id="attachment_7480" class="wp-caption alignleft">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/12/bruce-dreamboard-low-res-e1512083506577-168x300.jpg" alt=""> “Travel to all the fabulous places around the world” – A page out of Bruce and Evelyn’s dream-book
</div>
“I was extremely impressed and inspired by Joseph, and I knew immediately that he was someone I wanted to learn from. There was one thing he said that sticks with me to this day. He said: ‘First, you decide what it is you want from life, secondly, ask yourself what price you have to pay to achieve it, and thirdly, pay the price.’ I went home and asked my wife that question: ‘What do you want to achieve in life?’
“We sat down and made ourselves a ‘dream-board’ with pictures of everything we wanted for ourselves and those around us. At the end of the day, I really believe in the law of attraction. I knew that joining Ironfish, talking to successful investors and entrepreneurs like Joseph or [Burwood MD] Linda everyday would help us get to where we wanted to go – and that staying in our current jobs wasn’t going to be adequate. So, my wife and I both made the decision to resign from our jobs and came onboard with Ironfish. It has completely transformed our lives – not just financially, but mentally – how we look at life and perceive things. I can safely say it’s the best decision we’ve ever made!”
After joining the Ironfish team, Bruce has since purchased a further 3 investment properties diversified across multiple cities, and has helped nearly 100 customers invest in the Australian property market. Bruce’s next investment is likely to be a house and land package in South East Queensland.
<h2>Bruce’s property investment tips:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Buying an investment property rather than a home to live in may help accelerate your ability to build wealth – so it’s worth considering if this is more of a priority to you than immediate lifestyle demands.</li>
<li>Build a successful team with the sole purpose of protecting and building your wealth, e.g. a successful property professional, a mortgage broker who knows the ins and outs of financing structures, an accountant who can help you with tax minimisation, lawyer who can identify clauses that might put you at disadvantage in your purchases.</li>
<li>No market is perfect, no market is certain. As an investor, be prudent and diversify and look at where the bigger picture lies. If an area has good scope for population growth, infrastructure spending and employment, and the property is high quality and you can service it comfortably, then I have the confidence to recommend my customers get into any market – whether it’s a peak market like Sydney, or an up and coming market like Perth.</li>
</ul>
Bruce Guan is a senior property investment strategist at Ironfish.
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How one property purchase changed the course of someone's life

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SPONSORED POST<a href="http://www.ironfish.com.au/blog/2017/12/14/australias-population-growth-30-years-ahead-schedule/"> </a>
In 1998, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) predicted that Australia’s population would grow to at least 23.5 million people in 2051.
In reality, we reached that milestone back in July 2014 – that was the ‘low-growth’ prediction.
At most, the ABS predicted, that our population would grow to 26.4 million people by 2051.
But in 2017, our population already sits at 24.7 million people, meaning we’ll hit that upper-end forecast as early as 2021 – about 30 years earlier than the ABS predicted.
According to current growth patterns Australia is set to reach a population of about 38 million by 2051, around 12 million more people than even the highest forecast from 1998.
<h2>Population growth drivers</h2>
Social researcher and demographer Mark McCrindle says that this isn’t because the calculations were wrong, but that “migration policy changes, longevity increases and a solid birth rate have defied the trends that were evident 20 years ago.”
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/12/Ironfish_Infographic_AustralianPopStats_A4FINAL_150dpiResolution-724x1024.jpg" alt="">
Back then, they assumed that women would have fewer babies and the fertility rate (the number of babies a woman would have in her lifetime) would continue to drop to a minimum of 1.6 babies and a maximum of 1.75 babies. However, the fertility rate didn’t decrease, it increased, and now sits at 1.81: a figure which is above even the higher forecast from 1998.
In 1998, life expectancy at birth was 76.6 for and 82 for women. The 1998 prediction for 2051 was that life expectancy would hit a high of 82 for men and 86 for women. However, current life expectancy is already nearly 81 for males and 85 for females and will reach this 2051 target decades early.
“However,” McCrindle says, “the biggest growth factor that has blown out previous population modelling has been the rise and rise of Australia’s net overseas migration.
“In 1998 it was thought that it would grow our population annually by around 70,000, or at the most, 90,000 people. In the last 12 months, Australia has added 231,900 through net migration which is more than 2.5 times even the high-forecast of two decades ago.”
<h2>Global leader in growth</h2>
In the decade to 2016, Australia’s population growth rate was 1.69%, outpacing many other developed countries including other English speaking countries, such as the US, Canada and New Zealand. In fact, Sydney  alone is now home to more people than the whole country of New Zealand.
The world’s more developed countries in aggregate grew by an annual average of 0.3%. The world’s population as a whole increased by an average of 1.2% per year.
According to the UN Population Division, the only developed countries that had a faster rate of population growth were Singapore, Luxembourg and Israel.
 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/12/Australia-population-vs-world.jpg" alt="">
Source: Tom Wilson, Principal Research Fellow, Charles Darwin University, writing for <a href="https://theconversation.com/bloom-and-boom-how-babies-and-migrants-have-contributed-to-australias-population-growth-78097" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>
<h2>The states compared</h2>
Queensland, NSW and Victoria are all outperforming the nation as a whole, with population growth rates of 1.85%, 1.87% and 2.4% respectively.
Back in 1998, Melbourne’s population was expected to reach between 3.6 and 4.5 million by 2051. It’s already surpassed this range, with a current population of 4.8 million people. Sydney was predicted to reach between 4.7 and 6.2 million. It has a current population of 5.1 million and set to reach the higher forecast within the next 10 years. Melbourne is also now tipped to overtake Sydney as the most populous Australian city in the next 20 years.
While overseas migration has been a primary driver of this growth, according to Principal Research Fellow at Charles Darwin University, Tom Wilson, even if migration policy changes take place in future, the population will still grow significantly.
“In particular,” Wilson notes, “relatively large numbers of people are in the peak childbearing ages. This means that even if migration fell immediately to zero the population would still increase. Demographers call this age structure effect “population momentum”.”
How does population growth affect property prices and where to invest in property in 2018?
Essentially, this comes down to a simple question of supply and demand; when the number of people grows faster than the number of new properties on the market in those key growth areas, then the shortfall will place pressure on prices.
“Of course, this is only one piece of the puzzle for property investors,” says Ironfish National Apartments Manager, Will Mitchell. “Our property and research team looks at the overall picture and considers a number of factors such as infrastructure and government spending, transport and employment options to select areas and properties set to outperform the wider market.
“However, the fact that Australia’s population has surpassed all forecasts from 1998 is truly remarkable and should not be taken lightly.
“One of the most common questions I am asked by people looking to buy investment property is whether now is the right time. My response to that is simple: property investment is a long-term investment, and in 10, 20 or 30 years, do you think property will be in more or less demand in Australia?
“Our unprecedented international migration reflects how unique our country is, and the lifestyle that it offers – we have stunning scenery, world-class healthcare, education, retail and dining and we are ranked as one of the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/worlds-safest-countries-global-peace-index-2017-6?IR=T" target="_blank">safest countries</a> in the world.
“I think it’s an amazing country, and that’s why so many people want to move here,” he said.
According to McCrindle, the lessons to be learned from this rapid growth in Australia’s<a href="http://mccrindle.com.au/resources/Australia-Population-Map-Generational-Profile_Infographic_McCrindle.pdf" target="_blank"> </a>population is that urban planners and governments alike need to keep a close eye on population forecasts and plan early for growth.
“And when in doubt,” McCrindle adds, “assume the higher growth forecasts not the lower ones. I’m yet to see an Australian population forecast that needs adjusting down.”  
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Australia’s population growth 30+ years ahead of schedule

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SPONSORED POST
Ironfish provides VIP property opportunities with pre-negotiated deals on apartments, townhouses and house &amp; land packages across Australia.
We are highly selective of the properties we introduce to our investors and every Ironfish approved property has been through a rigorous due diligence process.
VIP and Pre-Public Opportunities Ironfish approved properties are carefully selected, extensively researched and pre-negotiated. As one of Australia’s largest investor networks, Ironfish investors receive preferential access to many of Australia’s premium properties before public release.
Detailed Research Ironfish searches nationally for premium investment opportunities in the most dynamic locations, with strong growth potential. Our comprehensive selection process includes specific selection formulas for houses, apartments and townhouses.
Quality Properties Investors don’t have to waste time sifting through inferior investment opportunities: Ironfish rejects the majority of properties it analyses. Astute investors know many of the best new properties are offered to the general public only after other VIP purchasers. We work exclusively with leading developers with a strong track record of delivering quality properties in great locations.
Turnkey Investments Ironfish coordinates everything required for a property’s long-term success and ease of management so that properties are turnkey and as hassle-free as possible.
Which property selection process is best for you? Our approach differs significantly to the average investor strategy. We recommend investors accumulate a portfolio of different types of property that includes a mix of convenience-focused properties (apartments) and land-focused properties  (houses and townhouses).
At Ironfish, two of our overall strategies include: “infill” which generally refers to filling a little gap within an established suburb and “urban renewal” areas. Consider suburbs like Rhodes or Victoria Park in Sydney: if you compare these suburbs today to 15 years ago, you can see the dramatic changes that have taken place.
Beyond location, it’s also about selecting the right development. Major factors we consider include transport, convenience for tenants and future owners, employment and lifestyle factors.
After that it comes down to the quality of the development; we want to make sure that the property appeals to a high calibre tenant and has strong future owner occupier appeal.  I.e. who is going to pay a lot more money for this property in the future? And this has to do with who is the developer, what’s their experience and a lot of what we call – “off-market intel” – we’ve been in the market a long time, we’re looking for opportunities that other people don’t have.
 
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How do Ironfish select properties to invest in

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The Brisbane radio stations HIT105 and Triple M will be moving next June from North Quay to The Barracks.
Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) Brisbane, parent to the two stations, will leave its longtime headquarters at North Quay.
It will relocate to Level 4 at The Barracks, 61 Petrie Terrace, in a 10-year lease deal with options.
According to SCA, it will be one of the biggest and most technical relocations in radio history in Australia, with two fully operational and broadcasting radio stations relocating – some 125 team members – with no break in transmission.
The 2,150 square metre space at The Barracks will be completely redesigned and custom-fitted.
With the goal of staying local to Brisbane SCA will be working with Jane McConnell Interior Design and Mettle Projects to deliver the new 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/2018/7/6/Triple%20M%20dude.jpg" alt="">
Planning is well underway for the commencement of construction and fitout on December 1 and SCA General Manager Damon Rielly (pictured above) expects the move to take place in June 2019.
Southern Cross Austereo has used North Quay as its headquarters since September 2000.
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HIT105 and Triple M announce new Brisbane headquarters

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An outlook on the Illawarra housing market was provided by the RBA this week which highlighted the region had experienced some population growth.
Some of this has come from overseas students attending the University of Wollongong, and some has come from people migrating to the Illawarra region from Sydney.
As a result, the region still has a large working-age population, according to the RBA and ABS.
<img src="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2018/images/sp-so-2018-07-05-graph11.gif" alt="Graph 11: Age Distribution">
The increase was partly because its geographic proximity and transport infrastructure allow people living in Wollongong and the Illawarra region to commute to Sydney.
Around 20% of Wollongong workers commute at least 50 kilometres to work. 
Illawarra residents are also well placed to benefit from the projects taking place in Sydney's south and south-west, including the proposed “aerotropolis” around the new airport at Badgery's Creek.
Access to these growth areas will be enhanced if some of the recently announced transport infrastructure plans come to fruition, the RBA study suggested.
<img src="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2018/images/sp-so-2018-07-05-graph12.gif" alt="Graph 12: Distance to Work 50+ km in NSW">
 
Labour market conditions in the Illawarra region itself have also been strong recently, according to the RBA with these factors meaning that there has been strong employment growth in the Illawarra region over the past five years and the unemployment rate sat close to the average for New South Wales.
<img src="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2018/images/sp-so-2018-07-05-graph13.gif" alt="Graph 13: Labour Market">
 
Strong population growth and economic outlook have led to rising housing prices in the Illawarra region. 
It has also lead to increased investment in residential construction.
<img src="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2018/images/sp-so-2018-07-05-graph14.gif" alt="Graph 14: Median House Prices">
Alexandra Heath Head of the RBA's Economic Analysis Department stated that the data showed that population trends and housing market developments in the Illawarra region are closely linked to those in Sydney.
This was partly because the transport infrastructure allows people to live in the Illawarra region and commute to Sydney and future transport infrastructure plans and the development associated with the Badgery's Creek airport are likely to strengthen these ties.
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