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.

Joel Robinson

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

<main data-perf-region="main">
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]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

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

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

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

<html><body>
A ground floor retail shop in the Sydney CBD has been purchased by Lyndal Hale &amp; Kenneth Hale (K +L Hale Pty Ltd) for $910,000 on a passing yield of 5.16 percent pa through Savills ahead of its auction on June 27.
The 28 sqm shop is part of a 10-storey apartment block at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-sydney-502413302" target="_blank">Lot 1, 21 Alberta Street</a>.
It was bought from Steven Fragias &amp; Gerasimos Fragias
The corner shop at the southern end of the CBD is leased to Cre Asion café on a new five-year lease, with a five-year option and offers 3.95 sqm of outdoor seating area. The rent is  $47,021 pa.
The deal was negotiated prior to auction by Robert Lowe and David Hickey of Savills Australia.
Robert said the long standing tenant has run a highly successful business for the past six years and also operates the recently acclaimed Japanese restaurant from an adjoining commercial tenancy know as Sasaki.
The corner shop has floor-to-ceiling windows with lot of natural light, an exposed concrete façade and modern timber fitout.
The shop is located within a short walk to CBD streets and St James Station.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Corner shop in Sydney CBD leased to cafe snapped up before auction

<html><body>
A local developer has snapped up a development site for $3.33 million in Melbourne's Ascot Vale in a private sale through Savills Australia. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-ascot+vale-201784898" target="_blank">147-149 The Parade</a> property sold at a robust land area rate of $2,060 a sqm. 
The 1617 sqm property, zoned General Residential 1, is close to shops and public transport.
Improvements include a single level, residential duplex.
The sale was negotiated by Savills’ Julian Heatherich, Jesse Radisich and Benson Zhou.
Heatherich said the location had easy access to Melbourne CBD and with its three street frontages was very attractive to developers.
"This is an ideal site for both townhouse or apartment development and that was acknowledged by the very high level of enquiry from developers looking to capitalize on the demand from both investors and owner-occupiers," Heatherich said.
The vendor was a local investor.
</body></html>

Developer snaps up Ascot Vale site in Melbourne for $3.33 million through Savills

<html><body>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/79847/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
As the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) celebrates its 50th birthday, it’s actually being used less and less to withdraw cash in Australia.
There are currently more than 32,000 ATMs across Australia and cash withdrawals in February 2017 were A$9,924 million, down 10 percent from the previous year and just above the total of February 2005.
ATM’s (Automatic Teller Machines) were first introduced at the end of June 1967 and were welcomed by both bank customers and the banks themselves. This “hole in the wall” enabled customers to access their cash 24/7. The ATM’s self-service nature enabled the banks to reduce their costs, by closing bank branches, reducing opening hours and laying off staff.
But the Reserve Bank of Australia’s 2016 Consumer Payments Surveyreported that cards were used more often than cash for in-person payments, as well as online payments. This is facilitated by Australian consumers and merchants’ rapid adoption of contactless.
The July 2017 changes to the level of merchant service fees for accepting payment cards might even further reduce our reliance on these machines. The changes should reduce surcharging and minimum spends for accepting cards (in theory) and we will then have even less reason to carry cash. 
ATMs will need to evolve to remain relevant, perhaps taking on other services entirely.
Lots of cash, just not from ATMs
Paradoxically, there has never been so much cash available in Australia. By April 2017 there were 1.5 billion individual banknotes on issue, an average of 62 notes for every Australian. The RBA has recently opened a new super bank vault to store its contingency reserves of banknotes. 
There are similar patterns in other countries. For example, the Bank of England notes in circulation rose by 10% in 2016, the fastest pace in a decade. This is despite technological advances that now allow people to pay by contactless cards and digital devices, such as mobile phones.
Why then is cash still so popular? The RBA’s 2016 survey concluded that cash is widely held as a store of value. If found 70% of respondents to the survey held cash in places other than their purses and wallets.
The government’s Black Economy Taskforce estimates that the Australian black economy is around 1.5% of GDP, or A$25 billion per year. Much of this is enabled by the use of hard cash, as opposed to electronic payments. 
Harvard professor Kenneth Rogoff wrote that physical cash can facilitate corruption and tax evasion. In his view, many of the disadvantages of cash could be reduced if larger denomination notes were withdrawn from circulation. 
As an example, the Euro 500 note is due to be withdrawn from the end of 2018, however it may take more than this to reduce the underlying attraction of cash.
There are many assumptions, attitudes and beliefs which legitimise and perpetuate participation in the black economy. Questioning these will require behavioural change from all citizens, according to the Black Economy Taskforce’s interim report. As an example, if someone else is avoiding GST by paying in cash, others might think “well if they are doing it, I would be a fool not to do it myself”.
Other uses for the ATM
These are services available to bank customers through their ATMs in countries other than Australia. For example, ATMs could be made more efficient by encouraging more customers to deposit cash into the ATM and then recycling that cash in the machine to be used by those seeking to withdraw cash. This would remove many of the costs and security risks of constantly replenishing ATMs with cash. 
Additional functions could be added to the ATM. In the United States you can buy postage stamps at the ATM; in Spain tickets to football matches; in Dubai bars of gold; in California fresh cupcakes and elsewhere fishing licenses and tax bills can all be accessed through ATMs.
As regards customer security to ward off identity theft, biometric measures could make access to the ATM more secure. In Japan finger vein scanning is already in use in many ATMs.
These developments could put ATMs in the forefront of an enhanced customer experience, giving the ATM reasons to survive for another 50 years.
Steve Worthington is adjunct professor, Swinburne University of Technology and author for The Conversation. He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/steve-worthington-138" target="_blank">here</a>.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The ATM celebrates 50 years but we’re using it less

<html><body>
Retail sales activity during the first quarter of 2107 was a little more than $6.6 billion with 130 transactions clocking more than $5 million each, according to the Savills Retail Quarter Times.
Other trends show that there were 73 projects spread over a development area of 1.75 million sqm. At the same time, retail trade touched $102 billion, a 2.7 percent growth on an annual basis.
The top sales — more than $25 million — over the past year or so were at city centres. The top one was David Jones for $360 million and St Collins Land in Melbourne for $247 million, Savills data shows.
Yields for the top 20 sales varied from 3.72 percent to 8.41 percent, according to Savills.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/14/SavillsSalesTop20.png" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/14/SavillsSalesTop20.png" alt="">
By state, NSW topped the sales activity for the year — sales more than $10 million — with Victoria and Queensland following.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/03/SalesActivity.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/03/SalesActivity.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/03/SalesByType.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/03/SalesByType.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/14/SavillsAvgeYld.png" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/14/SavillsAvgeYld.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/14/SavillsAvgeYldSpread.png" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/14/SavillsAvgeYldSpread.png" alt="">
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Retail sales activity in first quarter reached $6.6 billion: Savills

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The Early Childhood Development and Care (ECDC) industry has been an asset class with strong returns for many years, however recently the new government childcare rebates, coupled with a number of other well-timed market changes, have seen this particular asset class truly become one to watch for astute investors. 
In a recent white paper Child Care: Australia’s Burgeoning Real Estate Investment Class by Colliers International, it identified an 800 per cent increase in the number of sales of child care centres from 2008 to 2016, with the highest volume of activity concentrated across the east coast. 
The growth of the industry is supported by several key factors that effectively de-risk the class asset and reinforce what we have believed for some time – that childcare is one of the more attractive investment asset classes of 2017 for developers and investors alike. 
HISTORY OF STRONG YIELDS 
The childcare industry has historically recorded higher yields and stronger transaction volumes than its counterparts in the office, retail and industrial sectors. For example, in September 2010 the highest yield of the past decade was recorded at 14 per cent garnered. 
The spate of new competition amongst childcare operators and investors has seen a sharpening of transaction yields and as a result, the industry is showing clear signs of maturity as the performance gap closes comparative to other sectors. 
As the market matures industry yields have consolidated. According to Julian Heatherich, Savills Australia Director, CBD &amp; Metro Sales yields have been peaking at the 6 to 7 per cent range over the past 12 to 18 months 
LONG-TERM TENANCY AGREEMENTS 
Unlike other commercial asset classes where tenancy agreements tend to be an average of ten years, the ECDC industry leases are normally 15 to 20 years, providing more certainty and stability for landlords and investors. 
The stability of these tenancy agreements are amplified by the triple net-lease tenancy model used throughout the market. Under this agreement, operators are responsible for paying the building property taxes, insurance and maintenance which, under most other lease types, would fall to the landlord. 
Thus the nature of these leasing agreements makes childcare a popular vehicle for investors as it creates a steady low-risk income with some built in capital protection. 
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT 
In May this year, the federal budget outlined significant changes to the childcare rebate system and will soon offer subsidies relative to income - skewed to favour lower income earners. 
To take effect on 1 July 2018, the new childcare packages will provide families earning less than $65,000 per annum with an 85 per cent rebate, tapering off to 20 per cent for households earning $250,000 - $340,000. 
The government objective is to incentivise families to return to work by increasing accessibility to childcare services, which may have been, until now, out of reach. A secondary objective is to invest in ECDC industry and positively impact yields, which will attract investment and generate competition and enforce pressure for higher quality of child care services nationwide. 
Government support will ensure stability in demand for the industry, presenting astute investors with yet another argument for childcare as a low-risk, low-term investment opportunity.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
STEADY DEMAND 
Location is key to a childcare centre’s success. Until now city and metro-based centres were sitting at an occupancy rate exceeding 80 per cent due to the density of population in their catchment areas. However, regional area attendance is fluctuating between 50 to 70 per cent. 
According to a report released in 2017 by Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) since 2013 there has been a 39 per cent increase in the number of children enrolled in child care facilities and only 26 per cent increase in the number of child care centres nationwide. 
The increased demand is underpinned be steady population growth as well as the female workforce participation rates, which have been on a consistent upturn since the 1980s. 
Considering the changes to government support, the low risk environment for this asset class is assured. The legislative changes ensure resilience of consumer income in an economic downturn for this asset. and reinforces the childcare freehold as a protected asset class. 
Furthermore, these key economic features hint at the potential growth suburbs for the child care services nationwide presenting an array of investment opportunities across Australia. 
When the above is considered, the case for child care as an asset class becomes compelling. There are few asset classes that are comparable in terms of being able to offer secure, long-dated income profile that is underpinned by explicit government support. This asset is future-proofed with a long history of good performance and underlying social trends that continue to support its strength. 
Backed by a sound track record and with more potential to be unlocked come 1 July 2018, developers would do well to factor this strength into their portfolios for the years ahead. 
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Michael Kark is a co-founder and Executive Director of Monark Property Partners and can be contacted <a href="https://www.monarkpartners.com.au" target="_blank">here.</a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Why childcare is the next class asset to watch

<html><body>
The Bank of China (Hong Kong), HSBC and ING recently closed one of the UK’s largest real estate financing deals by securing the finance for the acquisition of an iconic building in London, known as the ‘Cheesegrater’.
The 46-storey Leadenhall Building was bought earlier this year by Hong Kong-listed real estate company C C Land Holdings Limited for £1.15 billion.
The three leading banks acted as joint mandated lead arranger, joint bookrunner, joint coordinator and joint hedge coordinator by providing financing for the asset. 
The deal marked the largest acquisition of a single building in the UK since December 2014, when the HSBC Tower in Canary Wharf was acquired for £1.174 billion, and underpins the strong global investor interest in London’s real estate market.
C C Land’s deputy chairman Dickie Wong said the company was confident about the long-term prospects of the London property market.
He said C C Land “will continue to look for potential investment opportunities in this city, especially on those trophy and iconic buildings similar to The Leadenhall Building”.
Mike Shields, head of Real Estate Finance UK, USA &amp; Asia, ING Bank, added that the  transaction shows “our expertise in financing landmark office properties and is a perfect mix of our leading UK real estate finance franchise and ING's extensive network in Asia”.
The transaction was one of the most significant real estate financing deals to be agreed in London in recent years, added Andy Armstrong, global co-head of Corporate Real Estate HSBC. 
The Leadenhall Building is the tallest building in the City of London, and the acquisition was dubbed as China’s biggest investment in the UK property market, The Telegraph had reported. 
</body></html>

ING, Bank of China and HSBC close financing deal for London's 'Cheesegrater' 

<html><body><div title="Page 3">
Buyers wanting to a toehold in Canberra's retail market have the choice of the primary locations of Canberra City, Braddon and Kingston Foreshore, as well as the secondary locations of Woden, Belconnen and Gungahlin, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White.
Entry to the lower end of the primary locations ranges from $5,500 to $7,500 per sqm for ground floor bare space in a modern building. Waterfront locations are fetching prime rates of up to $10,000 per sqm due to the preference for water views over standard street frontage. Yields for good quality accommodation in primary locations range from 5.5% to 7.25%, said HTW.
"The typical property would be a unit (strata title) in a complex comprising 50 to 150 square metres within a mixed use commercial and residential development. It would include good exposure to passing traffic and a mix of tenancy occupants such as restaurants, individual clothing retailers and boutique outlets, accompanied by an office and residential component on the upper levels," HTW said in its June update on the retail market.
<div title="Page 4">
<div>
<div>
<div>
Secondary locations such as Woden and Belconnen are more accessible at the lower end of the market, it said.
A number of new mixed-use developments are providing modern space at ground floor level which is more affordable than primary location equivalents. These include developments such as Mystere at Macquarie and Altitude, Northpoint Place, Belconnen. Market entry prices range from $2,000 per square metre to $7,500 per square metre for a 92 sqm unit with a 10-year lease in an established centre.
Property Observer found a few properties for lease in Belconnen and Macquarie.
An office space is available for lease at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-act-belconnen-502432362" target="_blank">10 Lathlain Street, Belconnen</a> for $63,700 p. a. excluding GST.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/14/BelconnenACT.png" alt="">
A retail centre at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-medical+consulting-act-macquarie-502398858" target="_blank">3-9 Bowman Street, Macquarie</a> is available for rent at $102,000 p.a. excluding GST. It is a two-level office/retail building with floor area of 255 sqm.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/14/MacquarieACT.png" alt="">
Yields achieved for secondary commercial properties range from 6% to 10% and reflect the strength of the lease covenant nature, age of the improvements and the type of purchaser investor or owner-occupier. The lower price sector is stable at present with demand coming from self managed superannuation funds and owner-occupiers. The market appears to be securing long term potential over the initial yield.
The population growth in the northern suburbs of Canberra and densification of the inner city is seeing demand for this property type grow as people enjoy the convenience of accessible local goods and services. Both primary and secondary locations are offering this type of property and continue to evolve.
"We are seeing the emergence of Melbourne-style laneway occupants providing interesting and point of difference uses that were previously unavailable to retail uses. An example is No Name Lane in the city opposite Hobart Place which provides a vehicle-free pedestrian zone, allowing a pleasant alternative to the typical corner shop or shopping centre space situated between two buildings."
The secondary locations are providing opportunities for purchasers to acquire property in the lower price sector at an entry level that is similar to that in prime locations, yet more affordable. 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
 
</div></body></html>

Canberra's secondary locations provide good entry level into retail: HTW 

<html><body>
An iconic Cambooya, Queensland commercial property has been listed for sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-qld-cambooya-502406186" target="_blank">61 Eton Street</a>, The Bull &amp; Barley Inn is 19 kilometres from Toowoomba.
It changed hands several times in the last 12 years -- in 2008 for $800,000 and for $750,000 in 2006, according to Corelogic RP Data.
The current sale campaign was through expressions of interest closing June 23.
Built in 1902, the property offers an authentic old-world dining experience. It has undergone recent renovations including a new roof, rewiring and upgraded plumbing.
The property can seat 70 people with facilities including main bar, games room, restaurant and outdoor dining.
It also has accommodation for seven people plus manager.
Sitting on a block of 1,406 sqm land, there is an adjoining vacant allotment of 2999 sqm that will also be included in the sale.
The adjacent land block can be developed subject to council approval.
The listing agent is Colliers International's Troy Anderson.
</body></html>

Iconic Cambooya restaurant, The Bull & Barley Inn, listed for sale

<html><body>
A tenanted industrial property in the Melbourne suburb of Eltham has sold for $582,000 on an indicative 4.4 percent return at auction.
The property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-vic-eltham-502425346" target="_blank">6/38 Bridge Street</a> is in a business precinct of Eltham with many of Australia’s major big box and branded traders located nearby.
Unit 6 is one of nine boutique showroom-warehouse buildings in a strata-titled development located on the corner of Bridge and Susan Streets, said selling agent Gray Johnson's Scott Ashby. 
Smaller commercial property investments that meet the needs of a private investor or a smaller superannuation fund are well sought in the auction market, according to the selling agent.
The unit has a building area of 230 sqm and is part-showroom and reception area, with a warehouse space at the back.
The tenant, a Pack &amp; Send franchisee, has occupied the property for some years, and currently holds a three-year lease with a passing annual rental of $26,100. There is the option to renew the lease for another three years.
All the usual outgoings are met by the tenant and there are annual rental increases fixed at the CPI plus one percent, so future rental income growth will flow to the purchaser.
“With prominent exposure, a position in a vital commercial precinct of Eltham’s main business area, with a sound lease covenant, I was anticipating interest at auction would see a sale price in excess of the reserve,” Ashby said.
</body></html>

Small office-warehouse in Melbourne's Eltham sells at 4% return

<html><body>
By some measures, Hobart is the hottest market in Australia. In terms of typical days on market for houses to sell, the fastest-selling suburbs in Australia are now found in Hobart.
The latest survey of sales activity by Hotspotting confirms that impression: relative to its size, Hobart has more growth markets than any other capital city in Australia. Agents we trust tell us they’re selling homes as fast as they can list them.
Other sectors of the Tasmanian market are busy also, led by Launceston and some of the towns in the state’s north.
Sales activity in the state has been rising steadily over the past three years. In 2016 and early 2017, every quarter has achieved higher house sales than the equivalent period a year earlier, a pattern that’s been evident now for the past three years.
For example, if we compare the past three September quarters, sales have increased from 2,300 (2014) to 2,580 (2015) to 2,832 (2016). Sales in consecutive December quarters have climbed from 2,515 to 2,718 to 3,017.
For those and other reasons, Hotspotting has been forecasting the advance of real estate markets in Tasmania for the past two years.
Real estate in Hobart, and Tasmania generally, has risen on the back of greatly improved economic performance and elevated infrastructure spending. In the State of the States report by CommSec, Tasmania’s national ranking has recently risen from 7th to 4th - putting it ahead of Queensland, WA, SA and the Northern Territory.
This is reflected in the increasing number of busy suburbs in Hobart. Our latest survey reveals that the number of suburbs with rising markets has more than doubled in the last six months.
Affordability is a big driver in this market. There is a rising influence of investor buyers in the market, attracted by the status of Hobart as the cheapest capital city market in Australia (as well as the city with the lowest vacancies and highest rental yields).
With affordability a core attraction, it’s the cheaper areas of the Hobart metropolitan area that are doing the best (although all sectors are busy).
The Glenorchy LGA has five growth suburbs (Berriedale, Claremont, Glenorchy, West Moonah and Austins Ferry), while the Clarence LGA has four  (Geilston Bay, Rokeby, Warrane and Bellerive). To put that in context, the median house price for both Warrane and Claremont is $265,000, while Rokeby is $215,000 and Glenorchy is $275,000.
Glenorchy (the suburb) is typical of the growth markets - sales levels have been 47, 49, 55, 67, 70, 85, 80 and 91 in the past eight quarters. In Kingston in the Kingborough LGA in Hobart’s south, sales levels have been 50, 61, 65, 68, 71, 79, 70 and 82 in consecutive quarters.
Rising sales activity is now translating into good price growth. The latest figures from the SQM Research Asking Prices Index has Hobart houses up 14% and units up almost 17% in annual terms. Meanwhile, asking rents have risen 7% on average for houses and 13% for units.
But it’s not just a Hobart story; other centres, notably Launceston and Devonport, are doing well also.
In Launceston, house sales in consecutive quarters throughout 2016 were 422, 465, 470 and 480 - a rising pattern which has continued in 2017. The number of growth suburbs in the Launceston area, covering the Launceston and West Tamar LGAs, has risen strongly in recent surveys.
South Launceston typifies the growth in this market. Its sales levels have grown from 20 to 29 to 34 to 46 to 52 in the past five consecutive quarters, a pattern highly likely to deliver growth in property values.
In the north, the Wynyard, Devonport, Shearwater and Somerset markets are all rising.
So while there’s growing evidence that the headline markets like Sydney and Melbourne are fading, Hobart is still quite early in its up cycle and is likely to continue growing for some time.
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>
</body></html>

Latest Investing Insights

Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Investing Insights

Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News