<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

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</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

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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Arts, music and eating out have emerged as the favourite spends for Australians looking for experiences to spend their disposable dollars on, according to new data released by NAB. 
The Customer Spending Behaviours report, based on around 2.7 million daily consumer transactions, found creative services such as performing arts and music had the fastest growth at 35.3 per cent followed by accommodation and food at 26.7 per cent. Experiences include buying theatre and concert tickets, eating at cafes and restaurants and staying at hotels.
NAB chief economist Alan Oster said the report gave an important insight into household budgets across the country. The report analysed the spending behaviours of its customers, excluding things such as mortgages, other credit repayments and government services.
“By examining such a large number of daily transactions, we can show where spending is growing fastest, even down to a postcode, and what our customers are spending it on,” Oster said. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/09/26/NABSpending1.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/26/NABSpending1.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/09/26/NABSpending2.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/26/NABSpending2.png" alt="">
The report also found consumers had boosted their average monthly spending during the quarter to $2,064 in metropolitan areas ($1,997 in Q1 2017) and $1,918 in regional areas ($1,866 in Q1 2017). 
In addition, it showed spending on consumption-based goods and services by NAB customers grew by 3.9 per cent over the year to Q2 2017, accelerating from 2.0 per cent over the year to Q1 2017. 
“Customer spending growth improved in all metropolitan and regional areas (except Tasmania), with overall spending growth in regional areas continuing to outpace cities,” Oster said. 
“Perhaps lower mortgage debt in regional areas is freeing up more disposable income for these consumers resulting in faster growth.” 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/09/26/NABSpending3.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/26/NABSpending3.png" alt="">
Oster said retail trade is still a key part of the spending patterns but growth is increasingly coming from consumers wanting to head out to have meaningful experiences. 
“We can see consumers are getting out of the house, spending their disposable income on eating out, staying at hotels and enjoying music and the performing arts,” Mr Oster said. 
“This was particularly seen in Victoria, where growth was fastest in the suburbs of Hurstbridge and Garfield, followed by Quakers Hill in NSW.” 
Customer spending growth improved in Q2 2017 in all metropolitan and regional areas (except TAS). By state, VIC, NSW and QLD contributed around 98% of total growth in customer spending in Q2. Growth was fastest for Arts &amp; Recreation and Accommodation &amp; Food. 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Consumers spending their disposable dollars on experiences: NAB 

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GUEST OBSERVER
The equation doesn’t look pretty. Traffic congestion costs us <a href="https://bitre.gov.au/publications/2015/files/is_074.pdf" target="_blank">billions of dollars</a> each year – so we are told – and population growth is not letting up. When road rage meets large economic costs, it’s little wonder our politicians are desperate to do something.
The trouble is, too often that “something” is a great big new freeway. Building more roads <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-more-roads-really-mean-less-congestion-for-commuters-39508" target="_blank">isn’t the best answer</a>, because the roads we have are mostly up to the job – if only we could make better use of them by spreading traffic out beyond the morning and evening peaks.
Instead of focusing on freeways, governments should change the way we pay for urban roads and public transport. To work out how best to do this, the Grattan Institute <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/892-Road-congestion.pdf" target="_blank">has looked at</a> several million Google Maps estimates of travel times in Australia’s largest cities. This analysis reveals both the extent of the problem in Sydney and Melbourne and its city-specific characteristics
For many, the problem is minor
The truth is, for a lot of people, road congestion doesn’t matter much. This is because most people work in a suburb close to where they live.
Chart 1 shows congestion delays for Sydney’s 146 most-common commuting trips.
Chart 1: For many Sydney commuters, congestion is very modest
Additional minutes compared to free flow <a href="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/188305/area14mp/file-20171002-12155-1detu38.png"><img src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/188305/width754/file-20171002-12155-1detu38.png" alt=""></a> The horizontal black line in the coloured bar is the median of all journey-to-work routes, weighted by the number of people who used a car to travel to work on those routes in the 2011 Census reference week. Trip times were estimated by assuming all travel between suburbs was between representative addresses for each suburb. Routes with fewer than 400 such commuters are not included. Grattan analysis of Google Maps, and ABS (2011)
The average delay is small: an average commute at the busiest time of day takes around three minutes longer than the same trip in the middle of the night.
While some commutes are delayed for much longer, it is unusual for trips to take more than ten minutes extra in peak periods.
<h2>Congestion is a problem in the CBD and inner suburbs</h2>
Unsurprisingly, the story is different, and worse, in and around central Sydney and Melbourne. Add in all the trucks and vans, students and tradies, shoppers and people going to appointments, and typical delays for travel on CBD-bound journeys are substantially greater (Chart 2).
Chart 2: On commutes into Sydney’s CBD, the average morning-peak delay is 11 minutes <a href="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/188306/area14mp/file-20171002-12163-u7fwz0.png"><img src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/188306/width754/file-20171002-12163-u7fwz0.png" alt=""></a> The horizontal black line in the coloured bar is the median of all journey-to- work routes, weighted by the number of people who used a car to travel to work on those routes in the 2011 Census reference week. Trip times were estimated by assuming all travel between suburbs was between representative addresses for each suburb. Routes with fewer than 400 such commuters are not included. Grattan analysis of Google Maps, and ABS (2011)
The trends are similar in Melbourne. Travel on CBD-bound journeys is much more delayed than to non-CBD locations.
Chart 3 also shows that delays are noticeably larger in the suburbs that immediately surround Melbourne’s CBD.
Chart 3: Travel in suburbs surrounding the Melbourne CBD is highly delayed
Increase in travel time relative to free flow travel time <a href="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/188307/area14mp/file-20171002-12132-ps1pb5.png"><img src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/188307/width754/file-20171002-12132-ps1pb5.png" alt=""></a> Average delay is calculated as the ratio of trip duration at each point throughout the day to the minimum trip duration observed for that route over the sample period. Based on travel time of representative route samples collected via Google Maps. Weekends and public holidays excluded. Grattan analysis of Google Maps
<h2>Some commutes are frustratingly unpredictable</h2>
Most travellers don’t just care about how long a trip usually takes. How long it could take also matters.
Chart 4 shows that Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway/Hoddle Street corridor has not only some of city’s worst delays, but also some of the least-predictable travel times. Motorists from suburbs to the north-east have to juggle these less-reliable travel times more than those travelling similar distances from other directions.
Chart 4: Travel on routes to Melbourne’s CBD that rely on Eastern Freeway and Hoddle Street are noticeably delayed and unreliable
Increase in travel time as a proportion of free-flow travel time, weekday morning peak, commutes into Melbourne CBD <a href="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/188308/area14mp/file-20171002-12115-g3b13o.png"><img src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/188308/width754/file-20171002-12115-g3b13o.png" alt=""></a> For travel departing between 7am and 9 am. Excludes weekends and public holidays. The boxes cover the 25th to 75th percentiles. The vertical line in each box lies at the median for each city. The ‘whiskers’ on each side of the boxes extend no further than plus or minus 1.5w where ‘w’ is the box width. Observations beyond the lines are plotted as dots. Grattan analysis of Google Maps
<h2>New roads are not the whole answer</h2>
Congestion tends to be worst in the most built-up parts of Sydney and Melbourne, where it would be most costly to construct new roads. This means that even crippling levels of congestion might not justify the construction of astronomically expensive infrastructure.
In any case, new roads often take years to build and can fill up with new traffic of their own.
New roads are important, however, in new suburbs.
The rule for our policymakers should be: build a road whenever the community will gain more from the new road than it will cost, and whenever the new road is a better option for the community than extracting more from the roads we’ve already got. But do not think of new roads as congestion-busting.
<h2>So what should be done?</h2>
Changing the way we use our existing infrastructure through pricing needs to be at the top of the agenda. This mean charging motorists for the congestion they cause.
Sydney and Melbourne need to consider introducing a congestion charge. That doesn’t mean more toll roads – it means charging people who drive at peak times on congested roads a small fee.
Because some people wouldn’t think it worth paying the charge at the busiest times of day, those who did pay would get a quicker and more reliable trip. People who can travel outside of the peaks would not have to pay, because there would be no congestion charge when the roads are not congested.
The increased cost to drivers could be offset by cuts to car registration fees. And any extra money raised by the congestion charge could be spent improving train, tram, bus and ferry services.
International examples show that introducing a congestion charge need not amount to political suicide. An initially sceptical public came quickly to accept, value, the reform when it was introduced in <a href="https://pubs.aeaweb.org/doi/pdfplus/10.1257/jep.20.4.157">London</a> and <a href="https://www.transportportal.se/swopec/cts2014-7.pdf">Stockholm</a>.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/84774/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">The congestion equation for Sydney and Melbourne is only going to get more ugly as both cities continue to grow. We need more sophisticated policymaking to ease drivers’ road rage and frustrations.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/marion-terrill-169480">Marion Terrill</a>, Transport Program Director, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/grattan-institute-1168">Grattan Institute</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hugh-batrouney-318476">Hugh Batrouney</a>, Senior Associate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/grattan-institute-1168">Grattan Institute</a>
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/stuck-in-traffic-we-need-a-smarter-approach-to-congestion-than-building-more-roads-84774" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Stuck in traffic: we need a smarter approach to congestion than building more roads

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The office markets in Sydney and Melbourne are moderating after their strong run in 2016 while Brisbane and Canberra are picking up, according to the latest research by Cushman &amp; Wakefield.
The property agency’s national head of Office Leasing, Tim Molchanoff said: “During Q3, we saw a mild convergence across east coast office markets, as Sydney and Melbourne growth moderated from strong gains in 2016, while Canberra and Brisbane are picking up pace. A different picture is starting to emerge compared to 6 months ago.”
In Sydney, big deals were a key driver this quarter as major tenants moved to take up space in the CBD. In Melbourne, the big landlords competed for pre-commitments as major office developments continued at pace, he added. 
“For Brisbane, the recovery continues with vacancies modestly tightening in the prime market with tenant favourable conditions driving office upgrades,” said Molchanoff. 
Canberra saw the completion of Cromwell’s 30,000 sq m A-grade Tuggeranong development.” 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/10/03/CushmanOffice.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/10/03/CushmanOffice.png" alt="">
Following are the highlights from the 3rd quarter report.
Sydney – big lease deals return in Q3/ Prime rent growth bounces back
<ul>
<li>Vacancy declined, with the Premium rate compressing 300 basis points to 9.5%, while A grade at lowest rate (3.6%) since mid 2008.</li>
<li>Prime gross effective rents at $916 per sqm - up 1.6% QoQ and 6.9% YoY</li>
<li>Major deals: Clayton Utz renewed 17,000sq m (premium) at 1 Bligh St. Jobs for NSW signed on to 17,000 sq m (B-grade) at 11-31 York St </li>
</ul>
Melbourne - prime vacancy tightens, rents increase/developers vye for large tenants
<ul>
<li>Prime net effective rents at $376 p/sq m p.a - up 1.2% QoQ and 6.9% YoY.</li>
<li>In Q3, prime outgoings rose 7% QoQ, B grade outgoings up 10% as landlords passed on higher land tax expenses</li>
<li>Landlords jostled to secure large requirements with developers like Lendlease and Mirvac behind 12 CBD office towers under construction or approved</li>
<li>Major deals include: Recoveriescorp taking 3,562 sq m and Latitude Financial taking 9,744 sqm at 800 Collins</li>
</ul>
Brisbane – prime market leading the recovery
<ul>
<li>Prime gross effective rents have remained steady at 1.1% growth y-o-y</li>
<li>Annual net absorption saw prime vacancies decline from 15.5% to 11.7%.</li>
<li>Major deals: Deloitte renewing 6,000 sqm (premium) at 123 Eagle St, DSITI taking 3,000 sqm (A-grade) at 140 Creek St and QLD Electoral commission taking 1,822 (premium).</li>
</ul>
Canberra - New development completed in Tuggeranong
<ul>
<li>$352 prime gross effective rent (per sqm)</li>
<li>5.2% State Final Demand growth (annual avg) led all services sector states</li>
<li>Major deals: Cromwell’s 30,000 sq m A-grade development completed and will be occupied by the Department of Social Services from late Sept 2017</li>
</ul>
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Sydney, Melbourne office markets moderating: Cushman & Wakefield

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Raine &amp; Horne Commercial WA director Anthony Vulinovich has been named the state’s leading commercial property sales agent at the 2017 REIWA Awards for Excellence announced recently.
Vulinovich’s strategic approach was evident in his pre-sales to market large numbers of industrial lots within Northlink Industrial Estate at Wangara, Canning Vale’s Swan Brewery Estate Canning Vale and Tonkin Highway Industrial Estate in Bayswater.
Terry Menage, director, Raine &amp; Horne Commercial WA said that Vulinovich stood out from the crowd because of his great pre-sale work to secure buyer interest on behalf of land developers and as far as possible, “de-risking the land subdivision before development”.
“There are many hundreds of commercial sales agents in Western Australia, so this is a terrific win for Anthony and testament to his hard work and strategic commitment to selling commercial real estate over many years,” said Terry Menage, director, Raine &amp; Horne Commercial WA.
The ceremony was organised at a Crown Perth gala dinner.
“We sold pre-title over $40 million worth of land in the Tonkin Highway Industrial Estate, Perth, which is the city’s latest inner metropolitan industrial opportunity,” said Vulinovich.
Other significant sales in the last 12 months included a 35,500 square metre industrial site at 10 Craft Street, Canning Vale, which was purchased by Sigma Healthcare for $11.557 million. Raine &amp; Horne Commercial WA also sold 9 Brewer Road, Canning Vale to St Vincent De Paul Society WA Inc. for $5.454 million.
“These instructions have singularly resulted in Raine &amp; Horne Commercial WA, being the largest transactor of private industrial land subdivisions in the Perth metropolitan area over the last few years,” said Vulinovich.
Angus Raine, executive chairman of Raine &amp; Horne Group said that Vulinovich and Menage managed the numbers in spite of the economic downturn in Western Australia.
“It’s well-documented that times have been challenging, yet Anthony and Terry have managed to double their sales numbers and commission revenues over the last 3 years,” said Raine.
 
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Raine & Horne’s Anthony Vulinovich named WA’s best commercial agent 

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<div>When I first came to Sydney in the 1990s, there was a lot of talk about housing being expensive, although in truth it was still possible buy decent blocks of land reasonably close to the city, at least in the less fashionable inner western suburbs.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I can also remember years ago reading a blog by Property Update contributor Stuart Wemyss, which argued that although some parts of Melbourne were evidently expensive, most of the talk about oversupply and a property bubble was just short term noise. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Wemyss highlighted a very similar point: you could still find decent blocks of dirt close to the city, for a price that wasn't absurd - demonstrably not the case in many so-termed 'global cities', which Melbourne aspires to become - and over the years he was proven right.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I feel a bit the same about Brisbane today.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Sure, there are some suburbs that are expensive, as you would expect with the Greater Brisbane population approaching 2.5 million. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>But you can still find blocks of land reasonably close to the city, within a 6-8km radius of the CBD, for a relatively good price. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Of course, there will be ups and downs, but over the next couple of cycles the right property types and locations will likely perform very well, in my opinion, especially in good school zones. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Although some areas have been overbuilt with high rise apartments, south-east Queensland will offer some of the best opportunities over the decades ahead, as it expands as a population hub and becomes more popular with Asian migrants. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The forthcoming Commonwealth Games will be a plus too.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Slump, and rebound</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Queensland has always attracted migrants from interstate, and as the resources mega-projects kicked off through the early years of the mining boom, the Sunshine State was pulling in tens of thousands of internal migrants per annum. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>These were unbridled boom years both for Queensland's economy and Brisbane housing.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>From 2010, demand for Brisbane housing slumped, broadly in tune with internal population flows.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Unfortunately, with apartment projects often taking an age from approval to completion, this was also a time at which many interstate investors settled on new units, which are now under water, figuratively speaking (not only in Brisbane, but in other parts of Queensland too). </div>
 
<div class="separator"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0I2CmhdgPk/Wc9CDDm3V6I/AAAAAAAAmYM/Pk3tVR5P5YMB9zNT-8oVgi4R06aVWBMSQCLcBGAs/s1600/QLD2.jpg"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0I2CmhdgPk/Wc9CDDm3V6I/AAAAAAAAmYM/Pk3tVR5P5YMB9zNT-8oVgi4R06aVWBMSQCLcBGAs/s640/QLD2.jpg" width="640" height="380" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1271"></a></div>
 
<div>More literally speaking, Brisbane experienced severe floods in 2010-11, which arguably exacerbated a downturn that was already in the post as LNG projects approached completion.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>By March this year, estimated interstate migration to Queensland had risen to its highest level since 2009.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>So, what's going on? It's partly a function of the housing market cycle, with Sydney now expensive, and congested.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Another boon for Queensland is that took its capex downturn medicine earlier than Western Australia, so although it was painful, the drag has now ended, with roads and other infrastructure projects having kicked off.</div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14swRzkG8Sg/Wc9rrn08RXI/AAAAAAAAmYk/zodXh_b89Ns1Mm_M21U6coYIVx8ybiRigCLcBGAs/s1600/ENG.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14swRzkG8Sg/Wc9rrn08RXI/AAAAAAAAmYk/zodXh_b89Ns1Mm_M21U6coYIVx8ybiRigCLcBGAs/s640/ENG.jpg" width="640" height="380" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1386"></a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>And, after a terrible lull, Queensland employment is suddenly now picking up, rising by an <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/jobs-explosion-shatters-forecasts" target="_blank">outsized +95,400 over the year to August 2017</a>. And population growth is in turn ramping up just as dwelling starts now collapse, helping to rebalance the ratio of demand to supply. <div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ6sGlCUijI/Wc-BAtgAALI/AAAAAAAAmY4/jAB2Gm1ySpkxztQzoMQnS8YgwGDJsY9wgCLcBGAs/s1600/A1.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ6sGlCUijI/Wc-BAtgAALI/AAAAAAAAmY4/jAB2Gm1ySpkxztQzoMQnS8YgwGDJsY9wgCLcBGAs/s640/A1.jpg" width="640" height="390" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1362"></a></div>
</div>
<div>You didn't really need ABS estimates to tell you about the migratory shifts, since every second person in inner city Brisbane seems to have just relocated from Sydney, or from Perth in many cases. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>With the Sydney market now slowing, there will no doubt be a great surge in interest in Brisbane property - that's just the way the cycle goes. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>White shoes alert</div>
<div> </div>
<div>A few caveats, however, if you're thinking of buying a Brisbane property investment.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Of all the capital cities, Brisbane plausibly has the patchiest housing market - some locations and dwelling types are experiencing strong price growth, while others are struggling big time.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Be wary about locations prone to flooding, and definitely watch out for white ants (termites)! </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Oh, and real estate laws are different up north, so you need to understand how to make offers subject to certain conditions. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Personally, I would buy established not new property, for way too many heads have been burned buying new of off the plan up north. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Finally, there is a long history of southern buyers getting brazenly fleeced on Queensland property deals by slick sales techniques - the famed white shoe brigade - so make sure you don't become yet another casualty. </div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Southerners need to avoid being fleeced by Queensland's famed white shoe brigade

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Two adjacent fully leased office buildings in Geelong, Victoria’s largest provincial city, are expected to sell at a below-replacement-cost figure of around $35 million.
The buildings could be sold separately as well, and currently return just over $3 million combined per annum. The properties will be sold by expressions of interest closing November 3.
The properties are being marketed by commercial real estate firm Dawkins Occhiuto’s Andrew Dawkins, Chris Jones and Walter Occhiuto, and Pat Burke of MP Burke Commercial.
Dawkins said the properties would present attractive yields for investors or partial owner-occupiers and presented far more attractive numbers than similar properties in Greater Melbourne, including the prospect of strong rental upside.
“With pre-commitment rents in Geelong at around $440 a sqm, there is a potential arbitrage opportunity for existing buildings that are achieving rents well below those rates,” Dawkins said.
“The momentum in the Geelong market coupled with these new rates being achieved presents a real opportunity for both these assets.’’ 
The property at <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property-profile/235-237-ryrie-street-geelong-vic-3220" target="_blank">235 Ryrie Street</a> is a three-level building with advanced plans available for an additional two office levels featuring CBD and foreshore views. 
The property is fully leased to five tenants including Bendigo Bank, Clinical Lab and Victorian Regional Chanel Authority returning $748,076 per annum net.
The <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property-profile/235-237-ryrie-street-geelong-vic-3220" target="_blank">237 Ryrie Street</a> asset is a modern (2008) building of five office levels, featuring a glass curtain facade and an atrium above the foyer. 
It is fully leased to eight tenants including Australian Red Cross, Bendigo Bank, Department of Human Services and Morris Finance, returning $2,345,525 per annum net.
Leased to 5 and 8 tenants
Burke added that increased government and private spending indicates a growing confidence in Geelong along with its record population growth.
“Geelong is currently in the midst of an investment and infrastructure boom with more than $1.3 billion of major construction underway or nearing completion and a further $2.3 billion worth of investment either awaiting commencement or in the planning stages. 
“The construction of the 14-level, $120 million WorkSafe headquarters in Malop Street epitomises Geelong’s relatively recent emergence as a key commercial centre including a number of national government tenants with the TAC, the ABS, NDIS and DHS.
The city of greater Geelong has a current population of more than 229,000 people, which is expected to grow to 320,791 by 2036.
 
 
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Geelong office duo expected to fetch $35 million

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Two office suites in Sydney CBD’s prized financial precinct have changed hands for a total of nearly $1.2 million in separate deals.
Both the suites at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-sydney-502425230" target="_blank">84 Pitt Street</a> were sold via private treaty.
The building, once known as the Australian Business &amp; Conference Travel House, spans 15 storeys and includes almost 70 strata titled units.
The suite at the rear of Level 1 of 74 sqm sold for $705,000, while another 43 sqm suite on the southern side of Level 10 sold for $475,000.
The deals were negotiated by Ray White Commercial’s John Skufris and Will Mulvihill of Henderson &amp; Horning on behalf of private owners.
"Both suites sold via private treaty with purchasers planning to eventually owner occupy,” said John Skufris of Ray White.
Another 75 sqm office suite near Martin Place is on the market. The suite is located at Hengrove Hall, 193 Macquarie Street.
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Office suites in Sydney CBD strata building sell for $1.2 millon

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A shopping centre in the riverside city of Launceston in Tasmania has been sold through Savills for $38.55 million.
The off-market transaction for <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/2588298/" target="_blank">Mowbray Marketplace &amp; Target Centre</a> adds to Savills’ recent track record of more than $128 million worth of Tasmanian retail investment deals. 
The sub-regional shopping centre is anchored by Woolworths and Target, in addition to 16 other shops.
It has a total lettable area of more than 12,000 sqm.
The selling agent was Pat De Maria.
 
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Tasmanian shopping centre fetches $38.55 million: Savills

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Brisbane is at the 11th spot among global cities for the most office floor space that can be bought for US$100 million, fetching 14,607 sqm in the CBD area but this could change as the leasing market recovers and prices head north, says a new report by Knight Frank.
The report, Global Cities 2018, compares how much USD100 million will buy of prime office space in 34 top cities across the world. 
Melbourne and Sydney sit at 15th and 23rd on the list respectively, with Melbourne fetching 12,719 sqm of CBD office space for USD100 million while the same money can get you 7,087 sqm in Sydney.
Knight Frank’s managing director, Queensland, Ben McGrath said that investor interest has continued to build in the Brisbane CBD market due to the Sydney and Melbourne CBDs recording lower yields and a climate of fewer opportunities. 
Brisbane’s office leasing market is recovering, creating limited time to purchase office assets to fully benefit from the expected recovery in tenant demand, according to Knight Frank’s latest research.
“The certainty that the leasing market has bottomed in the Brisbane CBD is providing impetus to the investment market with the view that now is the time to purchase assets to fully benefit from the expected recovery in tenant demand,” said McGrath.
“Additionally, the demand from large tenants for new space will provide the opportunity to secure core investments with limited national supply of these assets.”
Investment demand is also rising because of continued high spread in yields Brisbane has with Sydney and Melbourne, added Knight Frank’s joint head of Institutional Sales, Australia, Ben Schubert.
According to the Global Cities report, Brisbane’s prime office yields sit at 28th in the world out of the 34 cities monitored, with yields at 6.38%, while Sydney and Melbourne are at 20th and 22nd respectively with Sydney yields at 5.06% and Melbourne yields at 5.25%. 
“While both Sydney and Melbourne CBDs are far further through the leasing demand cycle, with signs of improvement in the Brisbane market, investment interest has further increased. Yields remain under downward pressure with interest in the Brisbane market continuing to build. Both the yield gap to Sydney and Melbourne and positive signs in the Brisbane leasing market is underpinning this investment interest,” said Schubert.
Knight Frank’s head of Commercial Sales, Australia Paul Henley said, “Investors are increasingly expanding their global portfolios. Those cities going through an evolution driven by a compelling mix of education, lifestyle, infrastructure, technology and real estate makes them places where people want to work, shop, play, and live.”
Knight Frank’s director, Research, Australia Michelle Ciesielski said prime yields have continued to firm in the Brisbane CBD, having fallen to a median range of 5.8% to 6.95% as demand grows.
“In Sydney, the strong investor demand, particularly from offshore investors, is putting significant pressure on yields across the grades, but more so on secondary assets which have a lower price point,” she said.
She cited the sale of 20 Bridge Street on a sub-5% core market yield as an indicator that prime assets in the CBD core are expected to be traded between 4.5% and 5.25%. 
“This will be further affirmed when the sale of Wynyard Place is concluded, with market expectation for a yield of close to 4.7%,” said Ciesielski.
In Melbourne, fewer buying opportunities with strong investor demand, particularly by offshore investors, has further compressed prime yields, added Henley. 
“Looking ahead, investment volumes are anticipated to remain above the five-year average in 2017. This is unlikely to match volumes recorded in 2014 as impacted by the scarcity of investment opportunities rather than diminishing investor appetite,” concluded Henley.
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Brisbane CBD ranks 11th globally for value in prime office space: Knight Frank

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The Victorian government’s Department of Justice &amp; Regulation (DOJR) and Carlton Justice Service Centre are moving into Melbourne CBD’s 50 Franklin Street office building, the former headquarters of Qantas.
The government entities have committed to lease the entire office building in a move that will strategically position them closer to the heart of the city’s legal precinct.
While not giving out the exact leasing figure, Colliers International’s Edward Knowles, who negotiated the 10-year lease, said it was in the low-mid $500 gross per sqm range.
The new tenancy will see Carlton Justice Service Centre relocate from 444 Swanston Street.
The deal follows Colliers International’s sale of the building to listed Singapore-based property company, Lian Beng Group, late last year for more than $51 million.
Earlier this year, Lian Beng sold the historic Newspaper House on Collins Street for $35 million to Malaysian conglomerate Oriental Holdings Berhad.
About the recent government tenancy, Knowles said <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-melbourne-502372342" target="_blank">50 Franklin Street</a> was vacated by call centre operator Salmat in February.
“To then re-lease the whole building in this timeframe attests to the current strength of the Melbourne office leasing market,” he said.
Knowles said the DOJR had committed to a long-term lease of the entire asset, which is approximately 11,500 sqm of net lettable area.
“The proximity to Melbourne’s legal precinct was another appealing factor,” he said.
“It is understood the new tenant will increase the base building’s NABERS energy rating from 1.5 stars to three-plus stars throughout the tenancy term.
 
 
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