<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.

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[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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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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The hillside nine bedroom Christopher and Pixie Skase-built mansion in Hamilton Hill has returned to the market again.
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“I believe it will exceed the latest highest sale in Queensland of $25 million,” the Sotheby’s International Realty Ascot agent Stephen Weber told The Australian.
Dr Soo Hian Beh and her estranged husband the Malaysian Chinese industrialist Sir Yii Ann Hii, who is in dispute with the Australian Taxation Office over a $64 million tax bill, bought the Dickson Terrace mansion for $6.5 million in 2001.
Only Soo Hian Beh’s name remains on the title.
They got around town in a with 1VIP numberplates on their 2005 Rolls Royce Phantom.
Bromley was built in 1988 into a 2759 sqm parcel with views across the Brisbane River and the CBD.
The grounds include a large pool, cabana, floodlit tennis court, ponds and fountains.
An eight-person lift services three floors including a self-contained housekeeper’s quarters at the Dickson Terrace property.
“This is very much Queensland’s trophy home and Sotheby’s is looking for a visionary, like Christopher Skase who, let’s face it, built some amazing developments in the late ‘80s, to update it and bring it to its former grandeur,” Weber said.
“To replace this property would be cost prohibitive,” Weber told The Australian.
Skase and his wife Pixie quit Australia for Majorca in 1991.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Sotheby's seeking a Christopher Skase-like visionary for Hamilton Hill property offering

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A 3.1 percent gain in Melbourne dwelling prices over the month drove combined capital figures in the July 2017 CoreLogic Home Value Index.
The July 2017 CoreLogic Home Value Index results recorded a 1.5 percent rise in dwelling values across the combined capital cities.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-01%20at%2011.25.19%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-01%20at%2011.25.19%20AM.png" alt="">
Tim Lawless, CoreLogic head of research , the latest housing market results highlight the diversity of housing market conditions, with dwelling values down over the month in Brisbane (-0.6 percent), Perth (-1.3 percent) and Darwin (-1.2 percent).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-01%20at%209.52.28%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-01%20at%209.52.28%20AM.png" alt="">
“The recent bounce in capital gains may be partially due to a recovery from the seasonal slump in values recorded in April and May," he said.
"However, other factors, such as stamp duty concessions for first home buyers in New South Wales and Victoria, may also be having a positive impact on market demand. 
“It’s still too early to measure the effect of first home buyer incentives, which went live on July 1st. However historically, the first time buyer segment has been very responsive to stimulus measures.” 
"Despite the higher month-on-month capital gains in June and July, the quarterly trend rate of growth has clearly reduced. 
"The rolling quarterly pace of capital gains across the combined capitals has fallen from 3.6 percent in February earlier this year to reach 2.2 percent at the end of July. 
"The slowdown in growth conditions is most evident across the hottest markets, with the quarterly growth trend reducing from 5.0 percent in Sydney earlier this year to 2.2 percent at the end of last month. 
"Melbourne growth conditions have also slowed, though to a lesser extent, with growth easing from a 2017 quarterly peak of 5.5 percent to 4.2 percent. 
“Melbourne appears to be benefitting from consistently high population growth which is creating strong demand for housing, as well as consistently high jobs growth and more affordable housing options relative to Sydney.”
"At the other end of the growth spectrum, Perth and Darwin have continued to see dwelling values slip lower over the month, taking the cumulative decline to 10.2 percent in Perth and 14.5 percent in Darwin since both markets peaked in 2014. 
"The ease in the rate of decline has been most visible in Perth, providing a signal that the Western Australian capital may be approaching the bottom of the downturn; listing numbers have been falling across Perth which is a positive sign of improving conditions, and transaction numbers have found a new floor at around 2,500 sales per month."
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Melbourne's stellar mid-year price growth leaves other capital cities behind: CoreLogic

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GUEST OBSERVER
I’ve been charting to rise of regional markets throughout this year and it’s now a trend worthy of note by property watchers.
New South Wales and Queensland both have large numbers of growth markets outside the capital cities. Victoria has more than a few as well and even laggard states like South Australia and Western Australia are starting to show some life in their regional markets.
Perhaps the most significant trend is that NSW and Queensland have more growth markets in their regions than in their capital cities. This is a strong feature of the research I conducted for the Winter Edition of The Price Predictor Index.
The Sunshine Coast has more growth locations that any other municipality in Australia. When combined with neighbouring Noosa Shire, this region is the most upwardly-mobile market in the nation, in terms of trends with sales activity.
Noosa Heads and its neighbours have delivered little growth in the past decade but are now rising, with both sales levels and prices increasing. Noosaville is the local star: sales levels in the past two years, quarter by quarter, have been: 111, 124, 154, 156, 152, 162, 186 and 188. A little further south, Coolum Beach is also rising strongly.
But a regional challenger has emerged: following the merger of the Wyong and Gosford LGAs to form the Central Coast council area, this municipality is now the leading individual LGA in NSW: it has eight locations with rising markets, as well as 21 with steady sales performance.
Markets with forward momentum include Blue Haven, Gosford, Hamlyn Terrace, Point Frederick, Wyoming and Wyong.  Sales in Hamlyn Terrace have increased from 37 to 42 to 45 to 59 in the past four quarters.
The strength of the NSW Regional market has grown, with the number of rising markets increasing steadily in the past five quarters. In terms of growth in sales activity, NSW Regional has more to offer investors now than Sydney does.
While the Sydney market is past its peak and has relatively few growth markets compared to 2015, Regional New South Wales is rising, with the number of growth markets increasing from 30 to 49 to 51 to 55 to 61 in the past five quarterly surveys for The Price Predictor Index.
This is reinforced by other research, such as Time On Market statistics, which shows the fastest-selling locations in NSW are outside Sydney, in locations such as Newcastle, Gosford and the Blue Mountains.
The city of Newcastle, and the locations surrounding it (including the municipalities of Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton and Muswellbrook) continue to be a stand-out region.  Jointly they have 17 rising markets, such as the Newcastle suburb of New Lambton, where sales have lifted from 44 to 49 to 59 to 61 to 63 in recent quarters.
Surrounding LGAs, such as Maitland, Cessnock and Port Stephens, all have growth markets. Hunter Valley locations like  Muswellbrook and Singleton continue to improve after the previous downturn caused by over-development.
There are still no challengers to Geelong‘s status as the No.1 market in regional Victoria. The City of Greater Geelong also has more growth suburbs than any of the LGAs of Melbourne. The Geelong economy is performing strongly and its property market thrives as a cheaper alternative to Melbourne.
But there are a number of other busy markets in regional Victoria, most of them just outside the footprint of the Melbourne metropolitan area. They include towns like Pakenham and Officer in the far south-east, as well as the Macedon Ranges and Mitchell LGAs north of Melbourne.
Usually the last place you’d expect to find multiple growth markets is regional South Australia, where there’s little in the way of economic or population growth. But several country regions of SA are rising, headed by the Goolwa district, where sales have risen from 76 to 88 to 110 in the past three quarters. Nearby Strathalbyn is also rising.
Similar growth patterns have been seen in the seaside town of Victor Harbor and the regional centre of Murray Bridge.
There are growing signs that some regional markets impacted by the resources sector have passed the worst and showing evidence of recovery.
Places where demand is rising again include NSW towns impacted by the coal industry (Muswellbrook, Singleton and Mudgee), WA centres for the iron ore and gas sectors (Port Hedland and Karratha), and Queensland towns impacted by coal (Emerald, Mackay and Moranbah).
There is, for example, a definite upward trend in sales activity in both Karratha and Port Hedland, although price levels remain extremely low, at a fraction of their boom-time levels. Port Hedland has seen its median house price fall from above $1 million to $370,000.
Investors should continue to be wary of buying in such places. Markets like this are always volatile and high-risk. Far safer to buy in regional cities with diversified economies, such as recovering Townsville in Queensland or Wagga Wagga, Dubbo and Tamworth in NSW.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="mailto:%20%3Cscript%20type='text/javascript'%3E%20%3C!--%20var%20prefix%20=%20'ma'%20+%20'il'%20+%20'to';%20var%20path%20=%20'hr'%20+%20'ef'%20+%20'=';%20var%20addy38821%20=%20'ryder'%20+%20'@';%20addy38821%20=%20addy38821%20+%20'hotspotting'%20+%20'.'%20+%20'com'%20+%20'.'%20+%20'au';%20document.write('%3Ca%20'%20+%20path%20+%20'/''%20+%20prefix%20+%20':'%20+%20addy38821%20+%20'/'%3E');%20document.write(addy38821);%20document.write('%3C//a%3E');%20//--%3E/n%20%3C/script%3E%3Cscript%20type='text/javascript'" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a>
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

No challengers to Geelong‘s status as the No.1 market in regional Victoria

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An app designed by WA real estate agents, called Open Negotiation allows sellers to pre-approve terms and conditions from people interested in buying their house.
The approved buyers are then able to bid for the property in an online auction, enabling bidders to see what the other parties are offering.
It has attracted listings from agencies including Mint, Abel McGrath, Jones Ballard and The Agency.
“In a normal private treaty we often get calls from the buyers that miss out saying, ‘I would’ve paid that. I found out what you sold it for and I would’ve paid more if I had known what you sold it for’,” said Peter Clements, a real estate agent and one of the brains behind the concept.
“With Open Negotiation I have never enjoyed selling as much, because you can share other people’s prices. All the buyers feel comfortable because if they miss out, they only chose to miss out because they couldn’t pay any more,” he told the local Perth paper.
The app has been operational for five weeks with 17 homes sales since using the technology.
“There’s never ever been another system that pre-contracts and then allows agents to still be involved at the same sort of level,” Mr Clements said.
Clements said while the initial roll-out was in WA, there was interest across Australia.
There were five bidder and eight bids on a Bayswater recent listing, a three bedroom duplex at 117B Milne Street. 
<div class="price-auctdate">
<div class="auct-detailbox col-lg-12 col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-xs-12">
<div class="property-hrday">
Open Negotiation Date:  Jul, 25, 2017, 07:00pm (Perth Time)
</div>
</div>
<div class="auct-detailbox col-lg-12 col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-xs-12">
<div class="property-price">
Successful Bidder: 3255 $465,000.00
</div>
</div>
<div class="auct-detailbox col-lg-12 col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-xs-12">
<div class="property-price">
Bidders Final Offers  
</div>
</div>
<div class="bidders-final-offer">
<div class="auct-detailbox col-lg-12 col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-xs-12">
<div class="property-price">
<div class="paddle-price-wrap">
3255 $465,000.00 Highest
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="auct-detailbox col-lg-12 col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-xs-12">
<div class="property-price">
<div class="paddle-price-wrap">
7876 $415,000.00
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="auct-detailbox col-lg-12 col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-xs-12">
<div class="property-price">
<div class="paddle-price-wrap">
3255 $410,000.00
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="auct-detailbox col-lg-12 col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-xs-12">
<div class="property-price">
<div class="paddle-price-wrap">
7876 $407,000.00
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="auct-detailbox col-lg-12 col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-xs-12">
<div class="property-price">
<div class="paddle-price-wrap">
5399 $307,000.00
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="auct-detailbox col-lg-12 col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-xs-12">
<div class="property-price">8 Bids 5 Bidders</div>
<div class="property-price">The website advised should a successful sale not be concluded, other bidders will be contacted in order of the last bids.</div>
</div>
</div>
For more information, go to <a href="https://www.openn.com.au/" target="_blank">openn.com.au</a>
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Openn.com.au app advances online residential property auction capabilities

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The Deague Group, which rebranded itself from Asian Pacific Group, has bought a city fringe development site in South Melbourne for $24.65 million with permit for a seven-level commercial project.
The Melbourne-based family owned property developers bought the site at <a href="https://www.cbremelbourne.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/81-109_Moray_Street_4pp_05-1.pdf" target="_blank">81-109 Moray Street</a> from a Monaco-based vendor, according to The Australian.
The site area is 4,057 sqm and has a Rothe Lowman-designed office permit.
Plans are afoot for a $150 million office project next to its existing business park. The building is expected to have reflection gardens and a gym.
The Deague family claims a property development tradition in the state that dates back to 1859.
The building will also include a handful of hotel rooms for tenants or  visitors to stay in the city after an evening work function. 
“We want to make it something a bit different to the standard offices going up all over town,” Deague Group chief executive Will Deague said.
The selling agents were Julian White, David Minty, Chao Zhang and Sandra Peluso from CBRE and John Pratt and Simon Regan from Dixon Kestles.
The property was marketed through an expressions of interest campaign.
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Deague Group buys development site in South Melbourne for $24.65 million 

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Based on the Census 2017 data, CoreLogic has reviewed where renting property is most common, and, of the 30.9% of residential properties currently rented, who owns the lion's share.
The analysis shows the proportion of properties rented has been trending higher, increasing from 29.6% at the time of the 2011 Census and 27.2% at the time of the 2006 Census to reach 30.9% of all dwellings in 2016.
While the proportion of dwellings being rented is climbing, the proportion of properties owned outright has also been trending lower and the rate of home ownership is diminishing.
An interesting observation from the latest Census analysis is that those properties classified as ‘rentals’ are not all owned by private investors; almost 12% of rented dwellings are owned by state or territory housing authorities, and 2% are owned by community/church groups.
The vast majority of rentals are investor owned with 60% of these managed through a real estate agent, while 20% of rented dwellings are rented by individuals not living in the same household.
The CoreLgoic analysis has identified the top 50 areas most popular for renters.
Only nine of the 50 regions listed had a lower proportion of properties rented in 2016 compared to the proportion at the time of the 2006 Census.
Interestingly, three of these regions are the top three most rental-centric regions (Torres Straight Islands, East Arnhem and Nhulunbuy).
Note that the rental accommodation in these three regions is predominately provided by government.
Overall, the most rental-centric regions are generally located within mining and resource-related regions, and inner city areas where significant increases in housing density has taken place over recent years.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-27%20at%2010.08.22%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-27%20at%2010.08.22%20am.jpg" alt="">
Over the past 10 years some of these regions have seen a significant increase in the proportion of properties being rented.
Other areas to see significant increases in rental popularity are: Pimpama (located midway between Brisbane &amp; the Gold Coast) where the proportion of properties rented has increased from 29.9% in 2006 to 62.7% in 2016 and South Hedland in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, with significant increases for renting from 36.0% in 2006 to 65.6% in 2016.
By the time of the next Census is 2021, we anticipate that the proportion of properties being rented will increase further given a growing population and ongoing housing affordability pressures, particularly within the largest housing markets (Sydney and Melbourne).
Note: The table above shows the proportion of properties rented over the 2006, 2011 and 2016 Census.
Note that only regions with at least 1,000 total properties at the time of the 2016 Census have been included on the list.
The list provided in this report shows the SA2 regions of the country that had the highest proportion of properties rented at the time of the 2016 Census.
As an aside, and SA2 region, on average, is home to 10,000 residents and, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the purpose of the SA2 region is to represent a community that interacts together socially and economically.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Rented properties trending higher: CoreLogic's Cameron Kusher

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Adelaide Casino will expand facilities with a $330 million redevelopment to include a hotel, VIP gaming facilities, three new bars and three additional signature restaurants.
Graeme Stephens, Skycity Entertainment Group chief executive said they will increase the number of hotel rooms in the proposed development from 89 to 123, adding an additional floor to the plans for the expanded building, which will be the most luxurious hotel in Adelaide.
“We believe there is demand for more quality hotel rooms in Adelaide from both domestic and international visitors," he said.
“This provides a better-balanced product while also helping South Australia realise its full potential as a premium tourist destination.
<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/2017/07/26/External_2.jpg" alt="">
Skycity will also remodel the existing Adelaide Casino building in the historic Railway Station.
Graeme Stephens said Skycity will play a major role in what will be an amazing rejuvenation of the Riverbank Precinct, while also creating jobs and economic growth for South Australia.
“The redevelopment also secures Skycity’s position in the heart of Adelaide’s entertainment precinct, surrounded by multiple major demand drivers.’’
<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/2017/07/26/Concourse.jpg" alt="">
Premier of South Australia, Jay Weatherill, is pleased to see the project moving forward.
“This re-development, and the wider development across the Riverbank Precinct is a welcome investment in the state.
<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/2017/07/26/Corner%20Suite.jpg" alt="">
“We look forward to offering both locals and tourists the opportunity to enjoy a world class entertainment precinct.”
Adelaide Casino General Manager Luke Walker says he’s very excited by the opportunities the expansion will provide.
<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/2017/07/26/Villa_Living.jpg" alt="">
“This development will transform Adelaide Casino into a truly integrated entertainment precinct for international, interstate and local visitors, as well as creating 800 jobs when complete and up to 1000 jobs during construction.
“I’m delighted Adelaide Casino will be joining the redevelopment of the Festival Plaza, which alongside the Adelaide Oval, the new Convention Centre, the upgraded Festival Centre, and the rest of the Riverbank Precinct will create a stunning entertainment space in the heart of the city.’’
The expanded development includes a boutique, all-suite hotel, new signature restaurants and bars, including a rooftop bar, and function spaces for up to 750 people for banquets and events.
“We’ve taken a fresh look at both our existing building and the design for the expansion.
<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/2017/07/26/Villa_Bedroom.jpg" alt="">
“We’ve redesigned interiors, revitalised social, entertainment, and gaming spaces, and relocated restaurants and bars,’’ Mr Walker says.
Early works on the site of Riverbank Precinct have been underway since early 2017 to prepare the area for the developments, which include a retail precinct, office space, open public spaces for all age groups and car parking.
Skycity has an agreement with developer Walker Corporation to lease 750 car spaces.
<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/2017/07/26/Villa_Bathroom.jpg" alt="">
Construction on the expansion of Adelaide Casino will begin in early 2018, following the completion of the early works.
The redeveloped casino and hotel complex is expected to be completed by third quarter 2020.
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Adelaide casino to expand with $330 million redevelopment

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A Chinese investor has snapped up a Melbourne CBD property, best known as the home of the Melbourne Theosophical Society, for an undisclosed sum though the selling agents from Savills said the yield was below 1 percent.
The 124-130 Russell Street building was fully leased, with short-term tenancies in place. It was expected to fetch around $20 million when it was listed in June.
The Society held the building for 45 years. MTS paid $180,000 for the property in 1972.
The recent transaction was through Nick Peden, Clinton Baxter and Benson Zhou of Savills. The transaction manager was David O’Callaghan of O’Callaghan Commercial. 
Peden said the property attracted strong investor and developer demand, with buyers flying in from interstate, China and South-East Asia to view the property. 
“Many local buyers were extremely keen to purchase this property, but they simply couldn’t match the fire-power of cashed-up private investors from Asia with the leading contenders in this instance being from Malaysia and China,” he said.
“We received intense interest in this asset from many potential buyers with the key attractions being the property’s super-prime position directly opposite the QT Hotel, its wide retail exposure, proximity to Melbourne’s retail core, and various opportunities to add-value once MTS relocates from the premises,” he said.
The property was sold following an expressions of interest campaign. 
Peden added that strategic east-end CBD properties are well positioned to profit from the apartment and population boom in central Melbourne, which will also lead to greater retail spending throughout the city in coming years.
The 1,654 square metre, five level, retail and office building sits on a 519 sqm site, zoned Capital City, with frontages to Russell Street and Melbourne Place.
It made a passing net income of nearly $159,566 per annum.
Baxter said pent-up demand for CBD properties in the $10-$30 million price bracket is quite pronounced with a tsunami of capital from Asia endeavouring to secure prime properties throughout the Melbourne commercial market.
 
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Melbourne Theosophical Society building bought by Chinese investor: Savills

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A $500,000 outlay can buy a wide variety of properties in Hervey Bay, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property advisory firm says that Fraser Coast is the best performing area.
“A lazy half million in Hervey Bay can buy a wide variety of property depending on the location, size of the site and improvements.
“Property along the waterfront Esplanade has been selling in this price range, with most dwellings being older circa 1950s basic dwellings in need of complete refurbishment.
“There are also modern homes only one street from the Esplanade which sell in this price range, within a developing estate known as Ocean Blue in Pialba.
“Best performing property for the Fraser Coast in terms of potential capital growth for the short to medium term is considered to be within Dundowran Beach and entry levels homes along the Esplanade.
“Executive homes on larger lot sizes between 2,000 and 4,000 square metres are generally available in Wondunna, Urangan and Urraween above $450,000.
“Improvements mostly include 4- to 5-bedroom homes built within the past ten years, with a pool, granny flat or shed,” the report stated.
A four bedroom 2006 sqm house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-wondunna-125890858" target="_blank">8 Kingston Close</a>, Wondunna (above) has been listed from $500,000.
Rural residential properties appeals to certain sectors of the market Herron Todd White advises.
“Rural residential property on lot sizes between two and four hectares close to Hervey Bay appeals to a certain market sector seeking space for horses and other livestock.
“In most instances there are no reticulated water or sewage services which can be a deterrent.
“Hervey Bay Esplanade unit prices are considered to be very reasonable overall, after a long steady recline over the past seven to eight years.
“In the current market $500,000 is likely to buy an upper level 2- to 3-bedroom modern unit with good ocean views in a circa 2005 to 2008 complex with extensive common improvements.
“You can expect to achieve high value for money in Maryborough, with property over $400,000 generally being renovated Queenslanders which have been finished to a high standard.
“There are also some well appointed homes on larger sites in the fringe suburb of Tinana.
A renovated three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-qld-maryborough+west-123392550">56 Dunford Road East</a>, Maryborough West (below) has been listed for over $499,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/25/56%20Dunford%20Road%20East.png" alt="">
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What $500,000 secures in Hervey Bay: HTW

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Asian travellers, mainly from China, Japan and Malaysia, drove double digit growth in both Visitors and Visitor Nights, according to Savills’ latest Hotel Market report.
For the year to date 2017, Sydney had the highest Average Daily Rate (ADR) at $227.24 with an occupancy of 85.8 percent, well above the national average occupant of 74.5 percent and ADR of $185.06.
Growth was impressive for most cities, with Cairns at the top with an ADR growth of 7.4 percent followed by Canberra at 6.6 percent.
Sydney had a 5.5 percent growth, but Melbourne’s was surprisingly low at just 1.1 percent.
Among the capital cities, only Perth, Brisbane and Darwin showed falls in their ADRs with Perth highest with an 8.4 percent drop.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/26/SavillsADR.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/26/SavillsADR.png" alt="">
Highlights 
<ul>
<li>Sydney wide market establishes a RevPAR, or revenue per available room gap of $40+ over next best market performers (Melbourne wide market) 
</li>
<li>Sydney Luxury hotels achieved 89% Occupancy and $353 ADR, contributing to double digit RevPAR growth of 10.4% to record $315 RevPAR, which is $40+ ahead of Melbourne’s Luxury market (90% Occupancy, $304 ADR and $273 RevPAR).</li>
<li>Melbourne continues its struggle to grow occupancy (as new hotel supply and generic apartment product enters the market). 
</li>
<li>Hobart maintains its leisure destination popularity and achieves third highest RevPAR of $152 across Australia.</li>
<li>Canberra government and corporate activity boosts room night demand to drive highest RevPAR growth for the period.</li>
<li>Gold Coast grows ADR and holds RevPAR despite softer demand.</li>
<li>Adelaide continues its steady RevPAR growth performance buoyed by room night demand growth 
</li>
<li>Cairns lures Chinese visitors to record the second highest RevPAR growth for the period 
</li>
<li>Brisbane ADR’s fall as hotels fight to hold/ attract business 
</li>
<li>Darwin builds occupancy on room night demand growth as ADR falls to achieve static RevPAR 
</li>
<li>Perth occupancy and ADR fall as new supply exceeds room night demand growth</li>
</ul>
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