A new 25-storey apartment tower proposed for Mercer Street would push Geelong’s western gateway skyline higher, with Morphy Birrell Property Group lodging plans for a project directly beside one of the city’s most significant heritage streetscapes.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK</a>-designed development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/65-67-mercer-street-geelong-vic-3220">65-67 Mercer Street</a> has now been referred to Victoria’s Planning Minister. The site sits opposite the Geelong rail corridor and immediately south of the heritage-listed St Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church and Ashby Hall precinct.

Rather than compete with the neighbouring ecclesiastical buildings, the proposal adopts a sculpted podium intended to reference the materiality and scale of the heritage context. Planning documents note the design draws cues from the “dark stone brick” church and surrounding masonry buildings, while the tower above transitions into a softer, curved form oriented toward Corio Bay and the Geelong waterfront.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b797d10c-d4a6-47af-b8df-1aeaa3b382be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/public%20square.png?VersionId=QGIpcz1x1hKB6lQLl2iobyHqb6PS2Ztc" />

The development forms “Stage 5” of Morphy Birrell Property Group’s broader Mercer Street precinct strategy, following the completion of the 21-storey Miramar tower on Cavendish Street and several additional approved redevelopment stages nearby. Planning consultants Ratio said the proposal “represents an exemplary development outcome” aligned with the strategic ambitions for Central Geelong’s continued urban renewal.

The mixed-use project would replace an existing low-rise commercial building and surface parking area on the 3,320 sqm corner site. FK’s urban context report describes the proposal as a residential development comprising apartments, resident amenities, commercial space, and integrated landscaping positioned to maximise bay views and northern sunlight access.

Renders show a deeply articulated tower with curved balconies stepping above a lower masonry podium that frames a landscaped forecourt facing Mercer Street. The design intentionally preserves sightlines toward the adjacent church buildings, with the podium scaled to reinforce the heritage edge before the tower recedes upward.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bdca91e-66f7-4ac7-8baa-2f93bd5b564e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/geelong%20site.png?VersionId=QOhbino4ZgzKYw5dW3QE14E.2yq.Sv87" />

The planning report highlights the site’s strategic location within 400 metres of key Geelong destinations including Cunningham Pier, the Geelong Station precinct, Deakin University, and the convention centre. Bus services run directly along Mercer Street, while the Corio Bay foreshore sits around 100 metres north of the site.

The proposal arrives amid accelerating redevelopment across central Geelong, where planning policy continues to encourage higher-density housing close to transport infrastructure and the waterfront. Mercer Street in particular has emerged as a focal point for taller apartment development due to its proximity to Geelong Station, the bay, and major civic infrastructure.

Joel Robinson

Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct

Development giant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton</a> and joint venture partner Hostplus have revealed the next residential stage of their $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan, lodging plans for 512 more apartments within the precinct on surplus racecourse land at 110 Wilson Street, Moonee Ponds.

The proposed development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trackside-house-110-wilson-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Trackside Gardens</a>&nbsp;in the planning application, follows the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/first-look-exclusive-hamton-and-hostplus-reveal-sixth-stage-of-moonee-valley-park-masterplan">recent unveiling of the sixth-stage Cox Place Precinct</a> and continues the long-running transformation of the Moonee Valley Racecourse into one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects.

Positioned on the north-eastern edge of the racecourse adjacent to CityLink, Trackside Gardens will comprise three residential buildings rising between 61.8 metres and 86.4 metres within a heavily landscaped precinct shaped by Hamton’s Nature Based Cities framework.

The project forms part of the broader Moonee Valley Park redevelopment being delivered by Hamton, Hostplus and the Moonee Valley Racing Club, which is reshaping the 40-hectare racecourse site into a mixed-use neighbourhood with housing, retail, commercial space, hotels, parkland and community infrastructure.

Trackside Gardens sits separately to the recently proposed Cox Place Precinct, a five-building stage comprising around 1,100 residences, two build-to-rent buildings, two build-to-sell towers, retail, office space, and a hotel overlooking the racetrack. Together, the projects continue to accelerate housing delivery across the precinct.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fc1941e-52d3-41c6-abc4-0f13fe8ae5ea" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/DA%20Edits%20%281%29.png?VersionId=7qwRHq5dcvXWNot2hNOgoQhN2GIWudNK" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> with landscape architecture by Tract, Trackside Gardens has been conceived as a botanical-style residential precinct prioritising canopy planting, communal green space, and vertical landscaping.

“The architectural vision for the proposed development centres around buildings in a botanical park setting that champions the important role of nature,” the planning submission states.

“The proposal incorporates principles of biophilic design, with landscape and environmentally sustainable development influencing the ultimate design response of the buildings and prioritising the ground plane to ensure a high amenity for both occupants and visitors.”&nbsp;

Trackside Gardens will deliver 512 apartments across the three buildings, alongside 518 basement car spaces and 523 bicycle spaces. Around 20 per cent affordable housing is proposed across the broader North East Precinct, equating to around 158 dwellings.&nbsp;

The affordable housing component will be concentrated within the Wilson East building, while the remaining apartments are expected to be delivered as build-to-sell residences.

Trackside Gardens has been designed around Hamton’s Nature Based Cities initiative, founded by Executive Chair Paul Hameister OAM in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Urbis, Ark Resources and Tract. The initiative promotes integrating higher-density urban development with significant biodiversity, tree canopy and landscape outcomes.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89353449-7b3c-42fd-8fd8-8bf64a5ef80f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_4.png?VersionId=X8jRt0P2L7fIWjLhfX6gPknXToXIBeLj" />

A comprehensive landscape strategy would introduce deep soil planting, vertical greening, communal gardens, and new pedestrian links throughout the site.

Planning documents state the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating, a 7.5-star average NatHERS rating, and “Exemplary” Nature Based Cities certification.&nbsp;

The proposal joins an expanding pipeline of approved and proposed buildings within Moonee Valley Park, including the recently launched Eveline apartments and the approved Grandstand North and South towers.

Hamton has increasingly focused on precinct-scale, nature-led communities across Melbourne’s middle-ring suburbs, with projects spanning Hawthorn, Kew, and Moonee Ponds.

Hampton unveils Trackside Gardens, latest stage of $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan

The Paul Gedoun-led <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Group</a> has achieved another milestone in its $1 billion transformation of Rainbow Bay on the southern Gold Coast with the completion of the company’s third project in four years, the $160 million <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a> residences.

Delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a> and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a>, Esprit buyers have now moved into the 94 apartments across two interconnected buildings at 217-227 Boundary Street.

The successful settlement of Esprit marks another astounding chapter in the S&amp;S story, which launched its highly successful Flow apartments three years ago and created its own ultra-luxury branded fingerprint on an area craving new luxury residences.

Most early purchasers have secured gains of well over $1 million since the project launched in 2021.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172129]

S&amp;S Projects Founding Director Paul Gedoun said the completion of Esprit reflects sustained demand for premium apartments in tightly held coastal locations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
“Esprit has attracted buyers seeking a combination of quality design, considered amenity and a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate,” said Gedoun.

“We identified some years ago that Rainbow Bay is a unique market where supply of luxury residences is limited, and we see the settlements in Esprit further underpinning this thinking - that for both owner-occupiers and investors.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172174]

A key feature of the development is ‘Club Esprit’, a 1,000sqm residents-only rooftop level combining wellness and recreation, believed to be a first for the Gold Coast, and which is fast becoming a signature of the S&amp;S brand.

Positioned to capture views across Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay and the Tweed River, the rooftop includes a 25-metre lap pool, gym, yoga lawn, sauna and steam facilities, ice bath, private dining spaces, outdoor cinema and landscaped areas for residents.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> Director Jayde Pezet, who led the sales campaign for Esprit and S&amp;S’s Flow and Awaken apartments, said the project’s performance reflects both the strength of the product and the depth of demand for premium apartments on the southern Gold Coast.&nbsp;

“In some cases, we’ve seen values double since launch, which is a clear reflection of how tightly held Rainbow Bay has become and the level of demand for well-executed projects in this market,” said Pezet.&nbsp;

“Buyers recognised early what S&amp;S Projects was delivering here, and that conviction has been rewarded as the project has progressed towards completion.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=214819]

Esprit offers a mix of two- three and four-bedroom apartments and sits within walking distance of the beachfront, cafés and local amenities, reinforcing its appeal as both a lifestyle and investment destination.

The project is the third completed by S&amp;S Projects in Rainbow Bay, following Flow Residences and Awaken Residences, which together have contributed to the suburb’s emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after coastal pockets. &nbsp;

S&amp;S Projects is continuing its investment in the area with Radia, a $215 million development currently under construction.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172175]

Gedoun said the completion of Esprit signals continued confidence in the southern Gold Coast market.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen strong interest in well-located, high-quality apartments, particularly in areas where future development opportunities are limited."

“That’s been a key factor in the performance of Esprit and the broader Rainbow Bay market”.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102921]

Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

Few developers can boast a portfolio across South East Queensland's luxury markets quite like <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic Property Group</a>.

The builder-developer, founded in 2004 by Managing Director Brook Monahan, has projects in planning, on the market, and under construction, from Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach to Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane.

With a pipeline exceeding $2 billion, Mosaic remains highly selective when it comes to development sites, having spent years refining its strategy around feasibility research and product planning. The group is set to continue growing into 2026 and beyond.

In Brisbane, Mosaic currently has three projects in the market. It is in the final release stage at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford</a> in Kangaroo Point, which is approaching complete sellout ahead of its late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328123]

Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, The Bedford comprises 128 two- and three-bedroom residences. A selection of ultra-luxury Masterpiece Series Skyhomes, positioned across the top levels, offer expansive floor plans and sweeping views of the river and city.

High-end inclusions, such as natural stone benchtops, bespoke cabinetry, and Miele appliances, feature throughout all apartments, alongside the Rooftop Recreation &amp; Retreat Sky Terrace. This includes a resort-style pool with sun deck and loungers, spa, cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room, private dining room with a full kitchen, residents' lounge, multiple barbeque and relaxation zones, an outdoor viewing deck, and landscaped gardens with water features, all oriented to sweeping city and river views.

A gym with indoor and outdoor zones, and a golf simulator, further enhances recreational choice within the building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328119]

A defining feature of the development is its integrated mixed-use component, which will deliver Kangaroo Point's first major supermarket, alongside a café and liquor store, bringing long-awaited convenience to the peninsula.

Monahan says The Bedford represents the culmination of a near-decade-long journey, after first identifying the A-grade Prospect Street site in 2016. While they came close to acquiring it at the time, the site was ultimately purchased by Woolworths' development arm, Fabcot. The opportunity resurfaced in 2024 when the site, vacant for nearly three decades, was brought back to market.

Monahan says Mosaic projects often begin years before any formal plans are drawn. Their new South Brisbane development is no exception, with the site first earmarked in 2018.

"We aren't opportunistic," Monahan says. "Every site purchase is carefully considered. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we're looking at now that we may not secure for several years."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141711 project_image_fid=353495]

A similar story unfolded at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a> in Kangaroo Point, opposite The Gabba. Like The Bedford, it is also approaching sellout of its 125 two- and three-bedroom apartments. The majority of sales are attributed to returning customers and referrals, with a balanced mix of investors and a strong majority of owner-occupiers.

BDA Architecture was again engaged to design the 22-storey building, which will feature a suite of wellness and lifestyle amenities, including a golf simulator and cinema, a commercial-grade gym, and a rooftop recreation level with a pool, steam room, sauna, cold plunge, teppanyaki bar, private dining spaces, and landscaped terraces.

Construction is on track for completion in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Mosaic's latest offering is its most ambitious yet, boasting a rare, north-facing riverfront position on Montague Road in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-riversdale-by-mosaic-south-brisbane-91-montague-road-south-brisbane-qld-4101">The Riversdale by Mosaic</a> is a 39-storey tower comprising just over 200 residences and Masterpiece Series Sky Homes. Designed in partnership with Bureau Proberts, it will feature nearly 3,000 sqm of genuine, internationally benchmarked six-star, hotel-style amenities, including a wellness precinct, pool, gym, massage and treatment rooms, cinema, golf simulator, and extensive outdoor dining areas across a two-level rooftop deck.

Early works are underway, with full construction expected to commence in the second half of 2026, and an anticipated late 2029 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Since 2012 alone, Mosaic has completed more than $2 billion in projects and is set to deliver another $2 billion worth of developments, comprising hundreds of luxury apartments, each defined by Mosaic's signature standards of quality, detail, and delivery.

"We never arrive, there is no finish line," says Monahan. "Our ambition is to keep evolving what luxury means, creating design- and lifestyle-led residences in incredible locations, places people genuinely aspire to and want to live, homes that are loved deeply and endure long beyond their moment."

Mosaic's Midas Touch

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> (Urban) has broken ground at Keira Place, its new major mixed-use residential precinct in the heart of Wollongong CBD.

Held at 120-122 Smith Street, the groundbreaking marked the commencement of construction on Stage 1 of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, with the opening of the new display suite. 
&nbsp; 
Keira Place is a State Significant Development that will deliver new housing supply, affordable homes and inclusive living options within walking distance of Wollongong’s CBD, coastline, transport, hospital and education precincts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369868] 
&nbsp; 
Stage 1 is now under construction and will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, along with activated ground-floor retail and commercial space. 
&nbsp; 
Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the groundbreaking represented a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected Urban’s long-term commitment to regional cities.

“Today’s groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong’s city centre,” Elias said. 
&nbsp; 
“Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369869] 
&nbsp; 
Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Member for Wollongong said Keira Place is exactly the kind of development Wollongong needs – delivering new homes close to transport, employment and services, while supporting the continued growth and renewal of the CBD.

"This project reflects the Minns Labor Government's commitment to increasing housing supply in well-located areas." 
&nbsp; 
Wollongong Lord Mayor Cr Tania Brown said Keira Place would deliver lasting community benefits for the city. 
&nbsp; 
"Keira Place is a welcome addition to Wollongong's CBD delivering new housing, affordable homes and activated street-level spaces that will benefit our community for years to come," Brown said. 
&nbsp; 
"Urban Property Group's investment reflects the confidence that quality developers have in Wollongong's future, and I look forward to seeing this precinct come to life."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369867] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>, with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/dko">DKO,</a> Keira Place prioritises liveability and long-term performance, with landscaped shared spaces, generous apartment layouts and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape along Smith Street. 
&nbsp; 
Residents will have access to landscaped podium areas, communal rooftop amenities with views to Mount Keira and the Wollongong skyline, and convenient ground-level retail.

The development will have 10-year Latent Defects Insurance by Resilience Insurance.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144442]

Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD

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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GUEST OBSERVER
The cost of housing continued to rise across most parts of the country over the past 12 months.
Bracket creep should come as no surprise in markets like Sydney and Melbourne where dwelling values have increased by 77% and 61% respectively over the past five years.
While Sydney and Melbourne dominated as the two capitals with the highest proportion of sales at at least $1 million, most other capital cities and regional areas also enjoyed a proportional lift in home sales over the million dollar mark.
The CoreLogic analysis confirmed that over the 12 months to June 2017, 15.4% of all house sales and 8.8% of all unit sales nationally were at a price of at least $1 million. By comparison, 12 months earlier 14.4% of all house sales and 7.5% of all unit sales were at least $1 million in value.
The latest data shows that instances of dwellings selling for at least $1 million is much more prevalent across the combined capital cities. Over the 12 months to June 2017, 23.2% of all houses and 10.8% of all units sold in capital cities were sold for at least $1 million. The proportion of sales of at least $1 million has increased over the year from 21.5% of houses and 9.1% of units.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-10%20at%2011.38.10%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-10%20at%2011.38.10%20AM.png" alt="">
While regional housing markets generally have lower housing costs than capital cities, the proportion of sales occurring for at least $1 million is also increasing in these areas. Across the combined regional areas the proportion of houses selling for at least $1 million has increased from 3.5% in June 2016 to 4.1% in June 2017. Meanwhile, the proportion of units selling for at least $1 million has increased to 3.5% of all sales in June 2017, up from 3.2% a year earlier.
Delving into the individual capital cities, and not surprising, Sydney and Melbourne have had substantially more properties sell for at least $1 million over the past year than any other capital cities.
Over the past year, 47.8% of all houses and 21.3% of all units sold in Sydney transacted for at least $1 million. By comparison, 10 years earlier just 13.8% of houses and 4.7% of units transacted from at least $1 million over the year.
In Melbourne, more than a quarter (25.9%) of house sales and 7.4% of unit sales were at least $1 million in value. By comparison, ten years earlier 5.8% of house sales and 2.7% of unit sales over the year were at least $1 million.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-10%20at%2011.39.09%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-10%20at%2011.39.09%20AM.png" alt="">
In all of the other capital cities the proportion of houses selling for at least $1 million is higher than it was a decade ago. More than 10% of house sales over the past year in Perth and Canberra were at least $1 million in value. Perth is also the only city to have recorded a lower proportion of unit sales of at least $1 million over the 12 months to June 2017 compared to a decade earlier.
With dwelling values continuing to climb, we anticipate that in another 12 months we’ll see an even higher proportion of sales sitting at or above $1 million.
The flip-side to this is that the ongoing increase in the proportion of residential properties selling in excess of $1 million highlights the ongoing deterioration in the availability of housing affordability.
Although the Federal Government attempted to address housing affordability in the Budget this year, it is clear that in order to improve housing affordability there is much more work to be done on both supply and demand drivers of the market.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Million dollar sales reach record levels: Cameron Kusher

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The Moelis-owned Redcape Hotel Group has sold the All Seasons Bendigo, a four-star hotel, for about $24 million to a private investor.
The 77-room hotel was listed in March, ahead of a Moelis Australia managed fund snapping up Redcape’s 25 pubs in a $677 million deal.
The four-star hotel on McIvor Highway, east of the Bendigo CBD, was Redcape's sole Victorian property and a legacy asset from the failed Hedley Leisure Group, the predecessor to Redcape, The Australian Financial Review reported.
Apart from the 77 rooms, the hotel offers multiple conference, wedding and function centre facilities, 100 gaming machines, bar and dining areas and extensive guest amenities. 
The selling agents were Mathew George and John Musca of JLL Hotels &amp; Hospitality Group.
All Seasons currently has a net annual rental income of $1.56 million. Going by the deal value, the yield works out to 6.5 per cent. 
The lease is in place until 2052 to private hotelier (Jeanine Cook of Hedz Hotels) with fixed 3.75 per cent annual rental increases included.
<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/2017/08/10/Bendigo2.jpg" alt="">
"The strength of the tenant's business coupled with the highly desirable land-bank of 3.5 hectares presented a compelling property for astute investors," George said.
The sale set a new record for a privately-tenanted hotel investment in the region, according to Musca. 
The buyer – listed on the title deed as David Feldman – will add the All Seasons Hotel to a portfolio of privately-tenanted investment hotels, the AFR said.
The All Seasons was something of an anomaly for Redcape sitting alongside 25 pubs in NSW and Queensland that Moelis Australia now intends to float in the next 12 to 18 months.
Its portfolio includes some of Sydney's best pubs, including the El Cortez Hotel in Canley Heights, Minsky's Hotel in Cremorne, the Willoughby Hotel in Willoughby North and the Eastwood Hotel in the Eastern suburbs.
Regional deals
In more regional hospitality industry deals, Jaz Mooney's Pelathon Management Group has sold off Orana Hotel in the Lake Macquarie suburb of Blacksmiths in NSW for $4.2 million.
The pub, which recently underwent a makeover, has a TAB, gaming lounge and beer garden on a 2307 sqm site.
It was bought by a local publican, according to the AFR.
Pelathon bought the property last year from bankruptcy trustee BRI Ferrier, acting for the estate of long-time owner Malcolm Downie.
The selling agents were CBRE's Daniel Dragicevich and Ben McDonald.
In Wagga Wagga, the Home Hotel at 142 Fitzmaurice Street changed hands for $2.7 million.
The sale includes a commercial building next door that has a commercial kitchen on two blocks totalling 1827 sqm.
The pub has a front bar, a TAB and gaming room, a band room and function rooms. There is a Chinese restaurant sub-lease on site.
The selling agents were Ray White's Blake Edwards and Xavier Plunkett.
Meanwhile, a pub and retail property on the Gold Coast has fetched $4.55 million at auction.
The Merrimac Tavern, at 10-16 Merrilaine Crescent, is a 3,548 sqm property.
The property returns a net annual income of $347,629, anchored by three leases until 2026 with options.
Ray White's Michael Willems sold the property for a private owner.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Redcape's All Seasons Bendigo hotel sells for $24 million amid flurry of regional deals

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A celebrity dry cleaners on a corner block in Sydney's Rozelle is on the market for the first time in 50 years.
The property at 714-716 Darling Street, Rozelle goes to auction on 15 August 2017.
Robert Maher, Gunning Real Estate sales agent said the current owners purchased the property in 1964 as a dry cleaning business.
“The shop was a hardware store for many years before the mid '50s when the dry cleaners was established which has been running ever since,” he said.
“The current owners cared for the changing fashions through the 60s, 70s &amp; 80s, until they sold it in 1983 to the current operators.
“The dry cleaning business has served many celebrities over the years including Nicole Kidman to Joe Hasham.
“They cleaned the local mayors and the priests robes as well as theatrical and performance costumes."
Tom Speakman, Director of Gunning Real Estate said the shop has seen the suburb evolve from servicing wharfies to the affluent café culture it is today.
“The very tightly held location in Darling Street is again experiencing a rejuvenation and purchasers will benefit from the improving infrastructure and local amenity with the introduction of the WestConnex, the proposed Metro West Rail line and gentrification of Rozelle Park," he said.
“Long term capital growth as a result of these improvements as well as its close proximity to the proposed new Balmain Leagues Club entrance and the foreshore redevelopment make this an attractive property.
“There is an excellent opportunity to value add and reposition the asset in order to unlock additional floor space and rental income.
“Being on a corner position, with 48 meters of street frontage there are a myriad of potential redevelopment options for the 381sqm site."
The property at 714-716 Darling Street, Rozelle goes to auction on 15 August 2017 at 10.30am at AuctionWORKS, 50 Margaret Street, Sydney unless sold prior.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Celebrity dry cleaners hits the market in Sydney's Rozelle

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Former Frasers boss and veteran international property developer Dr Stanley Quek, has quietly bought a landmark row of commercial terraces in Potts Point for $18 million.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-potts+point-502403498" target="_blank">Bayswater Road commercial site</a> is made up of four Victorian heritage terraces built in the late 1880s.
Quek, chairman and founder of Sydney based developer Greencliff, is a key figure in apartment developments across Australia as well as London and Singapore.
He was behind the Foster &amp; Partner designed Lumiere Residences in the Sydney CBD and the $2 billion Central Park mixed-use project in Sydney’s Chippendale.
The London-esque Bayswater Road strip came 100% leased to popular nightclub World Bar, an F45 training studio and a hair salon, but have probable residential or boutique hotel potential.
<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/2017/08/09/POTTS%20POINT%202.jpg" alt="">
Offering 32 metre frontage to Bayswater Road, the site area of 960 sqm across four freehold titles also offers boutique office accomodation.
It has possible residential terrace accomodation.
Knight Franks Richard Garland and Jonathan Vaughn were handling the recent resale marketing in conjunction with LJ Hooker Commercial agent Daniel O'Brien.
<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/2017/08/09/POTTS%20POINT%203.jpg" alt="">
It last traded for $12 million in 2015 when it was bought by a consortium including Eagle Property Group and hotel entrepreneur Paul Fischmann. 
Fischman is the founder and chief executive of 8Hotels.
Dr Quek held senior positions across Frasers Property Australia, Frasers Property UK and region development.
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Greencliff's Stanley Quek buys Potts Point commercial terraces

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A nine hole golf course has been listed at Windsor overlooking the Hawkesbury River.
The <a href="https://www.rumcorpsgolfcourse.com.au/" target="_blank">Rum Corp Barracks golf course</a> has a $3.99 million asking price through estate agent Stephen Lord.
It has bbq facilities and seating for up to 70 people, overlooking the course that sits on 20 hectares.
There's a pro shop, machinery shed and staff lunch shed. The sale includes 23 Yamaha drive carts.
All very basic, but Lord says he has been surprised at the interest shown already from Chinese buyers.
It is in a flood zone which would impact its development capacity.
It first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Windsor golf course listed for $3.99 million

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Frasers Property’s Martin Brower facility in Horsley Drive Business Park in Sydney’s Wetherill Park has taken the Industrial Development category award at the UDIA NSW Crown Group Awards for Excellence 2017.
Martin Brower Australia has a 20 year lease on the 18,559 sqm facility, which features a warehouse and 3,000 m2 office space as well as dry store, chiller, freezer and chilled staging areas and boasts a Six Star Green Star Design rating.
Ian Barter, General Manager Northern Region for Frasers Property Australia said it was specifically designed to accommodate the needs of Martin Brower’s main client – McDonalds.
“It is pleasing to see the industry has recognised the Martin Brower building as redefining the benchmark for excellence in industrial logistics facilities," he said.
“A striking architectural form has been achieved using quality materials and finishes integrated with a focus on improving supply chain efficiencies.
"An innovative business structure developed with the site owners, Western Sydney Parklands Trust (WSPT) has also resulted in outstanding financial results for all key stakeholders." 
Horsley Drive Business Park is a 20.4 hectare site owned by WSPT on the corner of Cowpasture Road and Horsley Drive. 
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Frasers Property's Martin Brower facility wins UDIA NSW award

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/81562/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Half of all Australians are now able to connect to the NBN.
But around 40 percent of eligible households have chosen not to connect to the network. Our modelling shows that subsidising the NBN is key to encouraging more Australians to connect. This would benefit the economy as a whole, but hurt the government’s plans to privatise the network.
The government is currently counting both on receiving ongoing revenue from the NBN, as well as the proceeds from its eventual privatisation. To achieve both goals, the NBN charges for access to the network.
Switching from a pricing model that charges for access to the network to one that subsidises access will mean the government won’t get a return on its investment. 
The NBN’s pricing model
The NBN currently charges internet service providers, such as Telstra, for access to the network. The internet service providers then sell the service on to consumers - businesses and households.
Our model tried to find an NBN access price that would generate the greatest benefit to consumers, internet service providers and the network. We set our model in the future - when the NBN has been fully constructed, the cost of construction has been paid, and the government is preparing to privatise it.
In order to maximise the shared economic benefit from the network, we found that the access price has to be less than zero - a subsidy. The network shouldn’t be charging internet service providers to access the network, it should instead pay them to connect. 
The internet market in Australia is dominated by four large internet service providers (Telstra, Optus, TPG and Vocus) so we can’t expect the subsidy to be fully passed on. But competition means consumer prices would drop, and the number of customers connecting to the network would increase by as much as 25%. The benefit to the economy as a whole would outweigh the costs, but the cost falls entirely on the NBN, which would have to run at a loss. 
The NBN as a public service
We know that regulators want the NBN to benefit the whole economy. This requires more customers to connect to the network. Our model shows that means prices need to be reduced. 
This will weigh on the plans to privatise the NBN. There was a similar issue over access to Telstra’s copper network, which was marked by repeated litigation and public wrangling between Telstra and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission over access pricing. 
Private companies won’t invest in infrastructure such as the NBN unless they can earn a profit in return. In fact, neither Telstra nor its competitors managed to build a fibre network themselves precisely because they couldn’t agree with the ACCC on how much profit they would be allowed to make from it. 
But the NBN is financed and currently owned by the government. This means it doesn’t necessarily have to run at a profit. 
Our model shows the NBN should be treated like other services the government provides - roads, education and doctors visits. All of these services can theoretically be provided by the private sector but are subsidised because the benefits of broad access outweigh the costs. 
Any guarantee of a profitable NBN also means that the benefit to consumers and the economy will be suboptimal. With the nbn Co. due to finish construction and be polished up ready for privatisation in less than four years, it’s time for our politicians and regulators to start transparent conversations with the public, investors and broadband businesses about how many consumers will be connected to Australia’s broadband future.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/troy-s-barry-392664" target="_blank">Troy S Barry</a> is PhD Candidate in Economics, University of Western Australia.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ishita-chatterjee-392690" target="_blank">Ishita Chatterjee</a> is Economics lecturer, University of Western Australia.
Both are authors for <a href="https://theconversation.com/au" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The NBN needs subsidies if we all want to benefit from it

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There has been a significant growth of flexible workspace across Brisbane over the recent years, according to new research from Colliers International.  
Flexible Workspace, put simply, is a workspace which enables occupiers the ability to utilise space on demand, according to Brisbane Flexible Workspace: Market Trends and Outlook.
Flexibility is derived from both the physical environment and financial commitment. Physical environments are adaptable spaces which can include co-working hubs and serviced offices, business lounges, event areas, elastic space for project teams, churn space for relocations, network offices for sales teams, and dedicated areas within agile working environments.
Occupiers view these spaces as either core space or supplementary space, dependant on their own situation. Financial flexibility is derived from the ability to commit to short, medium or long-term agreements, with the capacity to adjust footprint and utilisation as required, and in some instances transfer financial liability from redundant locations to essential locations. 
Ultimately flexible workspace is about meeting the ever-changing needs of occupiers, maximising efficiency and productivity, minimising overheads and cost, and enabling individuals and organisations to do their best work. 
The total stock of flexible office space across Brisbane as at May 2017 was 78,597 sqm. Based upon this figure Flexible Workspace across greater Brisbane represents 2.34 per cent of the total office market. 
In comparison a similar figure has also been identified for Sydney representing 2 per cent of the market. A factor contributing to this may be the fact that Brisbane currently has a higher vacancy rate on offer compared to Sydney CBD. Consequently, companies like Regus and Corporate House are locking in space today (with the market favouring tenants) rather than the latter, to offset their running/setup costs with high incentives, lower rents, and generally favourable terms that are currently on offer. 
Seemingly the recent surge in Flexible Workspace operators committing to head leases in the market is based on their expectation of significant growth in demand.  
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/08/BrisbaneFlexi1.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/08/BrisbaneFlexi1.png" alt="">
According to the report, 58 per cent of the total Flexible Workspace was located in Brisbane CBD, 17 per cent in the Urban Renewal Area, 10 per cent in the Inner South and six per cent in the Inner West with the remainder of space scattered across greater Brisbane. Of the total space offered 13 per cent is Premium, 27 per cent A Grade and 60 per cent Secondary Grade. The maximum space in operation was 14,200 sqm (serviced) and minimum 100 sqm (co-working). 
Serviced, Incubator and Co-Working Office Space – Greater Brisbane
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/08/BrisbaneFlexi2.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/08/BrisbaneFlexi2.png" alt=""> 
The best way for your business to determine if you need flexible workspace is to consider what your people need and where they need to be to efficiently complete their work and get their day-to-day tasks done, according to report author Helen Swanson of Colliers research.
“How we work and what our office should look like is an ever-changing topic and only by assessing your business needs will you know what workspace is best suited to you – there is no one-size fits all solution,” says the report.
“Finally, we are also seeing traditional serviced offices starting to remodel their spaces to accommodate a more modern look, often with similar design and greater lounge areas,” it adds. 
There is currently 62,137sqm of serviced office space on offer across greater Brisbane. Of this 63 per cent is located in Brisbane’s CBD, 13 per cent in Brisbane’s Southern Suburbs, 9 per cent in the urban renewal area and six percent in Brisbane’s Inner West. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/08/BrisbaneFlexi3.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/08/BrisbaneFlexi3.png" alt="">
The remainder of serviced office space was located across the rest of greater Brisbane. The maximum space operating as serviced office is 14,200 sqm located in Brisbane CBD whilst the minimum amount is 500 sqm. 16 per cent of serviced office space was premium, 27 percent was A Grade and a further 57 percent was secondary grade.
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Flexible workspaces on the rise in Brisbane: Colliers

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NBN Co, which is rolling out the National Broadband Network, is eyeing two new office headquarters in Sydney and Melbourne.
The company, which has come under criticism for slow network speeds and quality, is set to move into Dexus' 100 Mount Street development, close to the new Victoria Cross Metro rail station in North Sydney, The Australian Financial Review reported.
In Melbourne, it is understood to have signed on for around 20,000 square metres at the final tower in billionaire Lang Walker's Collins Square project.
The new Sydney office of NBN has Sydney Harbour views and the company is expected to take half of the 41,500 square metres building that has more than 34 office levels.
Rents could range between $700- $750 per square metre per year, the AFR said.
Meanwhile, in Melbourne, the Collins Square project is well advanced and the last building, known as Tower 5, already has a commitment from Transurban for around 16,000 sq m.
The NBN tenancy will nearly fill that final tower in the $2.5 billion mixed use project.
The NBN deal is expected to be struck at somewhere between $575 and $590 per sq m on a net face rent, according to industry sources.
The tower is due to be completed in 2018.
The timing of the moves come amid a review being ordered by the Federal government as the rollout gets mired with complaints of high costs and poor quality of service.
Already, the company is reviewing the pricing for the $50 billion broadband network.
The chief executive of NBN, Bill Morrow, recently said the company is facing an image problem. Telcos have complained that it was the NBN's pricing mode that was driving up their prices, while at the same time around 15 per cent of users were facing problems.
NBN declined to comment on its leasing plans.
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NBN looking to lease into top-end offices in Sydney and Melbourne 

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There is no relief on the horizon for the muted retail industry due to tough economic conditions and investment risks in the sector are higher, according to forecaster BIS Oxford Economics’ latest report.
A soft economy, weak household income growth and subdued consumer spending will continue for some years, while Amazon’s entry will only add to the challenges to Australian retailers and shopping centres, says Retail Property Market 2017 to 2027. 
“While the spectre of large scale shop closures, declining retail employment and abandoned shopping centres that we see in the US is unlikely to be repeated to the same extent in Australia, the risks associated with retail property investment are arguably higher than at any time in the past,” it says. 
Returns are expected to vary significantly from centre to centre, while some will fail, it cautions. 
Report author Maria Lee observed that the retail environment remains challenging against the backdrop of a difficult economic transition—away from an economy underpinned by a resources boom and back to more broadly balanced growth. 
“This is proving to be a long, hard slog. We expect retail expenditure to remain muted for the next three years,” she said. 
Shopping centres will struggle to match the pace of aggregate turnover growth due to heightened competition from additional retail floorspace and the continued growth of online sales—now given fresh impetus by the expansion of Amazon. 
Other challenges in converting turnover growth to additional centre income include over-rented shops, high leasing incentives, poorly performing anchor tenants and pressure on retailer profit margins. 
In addition, changing consumer spending patterns means centres must constantly be reinvigorated — and this involves spending money, it concludes.
“We forecast shopping centre net income growth to barely keep pace with inflation over the next five years, with probably more downside than upside risks to those forecasts” says Lee. 
On a positive note, however, BIS Oxford Economics said retail property remains in high demand among investors, with the dollar value of transactions seemingly held back only by a lack of stock for sale. 
Meanwhile, existing owners are pumping large sums of money into (often defensive) refurbishment/expansion projects. Competition for assets is driving yield compression, thereby boosting centre values and total returns. Average yields for regional, sub-regional and neighbourhood centres are all below pre-GFC levels. 
“We can’t see much further yield firming from here. If anything, the main risk is in the opposite direction” said Lee. 
Putting income and yield forecasts together, BIS Oxford Economics forecasts modest IRRs of below 7% over a five-year investment horizon, with considerable variation from centre to centre. 
Some centres are at risk of losing anchor tenants and/or specialty retailers and will underperform. Even for stronger centres, Lee notes that “even experienced shopping centre managers may have trouble in dealing with what are arguably the toughest conditions yet in retail property investment.” 
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