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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

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

Mosaic's Midas Touch

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

Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD

Prominent New Zealand apartment and hotel operator, <a href="/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>, is offering up a prime investment opportunity for Australians to purchase off the plan in one of the world’s most popular ski destinations.

They recently took to market Mountain Oak Queenstown Apartments, in the growing precinct of Remarkables Park in Frankton, near the airport and at the foot of The Remarkables - the mountain range the locals like to call “The Remarks”.&nbsp;

Sydney investors have shown interest in the one, two and three-bedroom apartments that secure high-season occupancy six months over the year, primarily over summer and winter months.

They average 90 per cent occupancy across their portfolio over January, February, March, August, November and December, while shoulder season months of April, July, September and October are still occupied 70 per cent of the time, with the growing appeal of Queenstown becoming not just a hotspot for the snow, but a lifestyle destination.

Even in the low seasons of May and June, occupancy levels reach around 40 per cent.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Safari’s Safari Hotels arm can also manage the holiday letting for an investor, from the listing on holiday accommodation websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com to the cleaning and maintenance of the investment. They’ve been in the short stay management business for 15 years and offer 24/7 support for investors, an important convenience benefit for any overseas investor

Another major drawcard for Australians is that New Zealand doesn’t have a stamp duty policy - so the entry price of NZ$639,000 (AU$586,000), is all that is payable on completion.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Safari is starting construction of the 141 apartments in Q2 this year, with a two-year build estimated to complete in mid-to-late 2027.<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="15" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXczFpFAb7WuA6f4f9TtKWcqXyNwR8qqtakWv352ERkpqNlP3KwIo8YKxw67jZNHfpjEGIZGv5MQTbnvLZwNt8iu9IVdOrswOjCvBZ4zhSoOOLrpt6etVEZTN1gkBho0r_R72zdHNA?key=yq3daOanqHSb88QFd8jGYKdb" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" />​

The apartments will feature modern amenities and contemporary designs with expansive windows capturing sweeping views of The Remarkables mountain range.&nbsp;

Interiors are equipped with modern finishes, premium appliances, and secure electronic key-locked doors, ensuring a comfortable living experience for residents and guests alike.

With its strategic location near Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort, as well as key retail and dining precincts such as Market Street, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and Remarkables Market, Mountain Oak offers a strong proposition for investors seeking high rental yields and capital appreciation in one of New Zealand’s most sought-after locations.&nbsp;

Queenstown’s sustained demand for visitor accommodation and rental properties is underpinned by a shortage of housing options, attracting both local and international buyers.

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

<html><body>
Broadbeach has the highest median price growth for Queensland localities for houses, according to Investar’s latest report.
The property firm says that the house price in Broadbeach over the past year has increased by 31 percent.
This is followed by Maroochydore for 30 percent and Bundamba 29 percent.
<table style="width: 456px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="105">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="60">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="82">
Current median price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
Median price 1 year ago
</td>
<td valign="top" width="68">
1 year price growth
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="105">
Broadbeach
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
4218
</td>
<td valign="top" width="60">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="82">
$499,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$379,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="68">
31%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="105">
Maroochydore
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
4558
</td>
<td valign="top" width="60">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="82">
$372,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$285,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="68">
30%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="105">
Bundamba
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
4304
</td>
<td valign="top" width="60">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="82">
$257,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$199,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="68">
29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="105">
Wilsonton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
4350
</td>
<td valign="top" width="60">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="82">
$231,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$180,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="68">
28%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="105">
Upper Caboolture
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
4510
</td>
<td valign="top" width="60">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="82">
$499,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$359,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="68">
25%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-broadbeach-125220822" target="_blank">1/13 Britannia Avenue</a>, Broadbeach (above) has been listed for sale.
Similarly a residential land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-qld-maroochydore-201787970" target="_blank">Lot 35 Claremont Precinct</a>, Maroochydore (below) has been listed for $365,000.
<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/2017/04/26/Lot%2035%20Claremont%20Precinct.jpg" alt="">
A two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-bundamba-124201018" target="_blank">93 Brisbane Road</a>, Bundamba (below) has been recently sold in March for $200,000.
<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/2017/04/26/93%20Brisbane%20Road.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-maroochydore-124339486" target="_blank">201/1 Diura Street</a>, Maroochydore (below) has been recently sold in March for $160,000.
<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/2017/04/26/201_1%20Diura%20Street.jpg" alt="">
Earlier this year it was noted the Gold Coast market pulled off solid median price gains for both units and houses in 2016, according to research from PRDnationwide.
According to the South East Queensland Property Hotspots: Second Half of 2016 report, Mermaid Beach and Broadbeach Waters fought it out for top place, with the former coming out a whisker ahead with 30% median price growth.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/02/gold-1.jpg" target="_blank"><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/2017/02/02/gold-1.jpg" alt=""></a>
 It was a stunning result for the area's prestige market, with both suburbs among the region's most expensive. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/02/gold-2.jpg" target="_blank"><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/2017/02/02/gold-2.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/02/gold-3.jpg"><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/2017/02/02/gold-3.jpg" alt=""></a>
 The price gains were recorded despite a drop in sales over the year.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/02/gold-4.jpg" target="_blank"><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/2017/02/02/gold-4.jpg" alt=""></a>
A four bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-mermaid+beach-122958850" target="_blank">18 Albatross Avenue</a>, Mermaid Beach (above) was sold for $1,570,000.
Similarly a five bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-mermaid+beach-122728406" target="_blank">49 Petrel Avenue</a>, Mermaid Beach (below) was sold for $1,275,000.
<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/2017/02/02/49%20Petrel%20Avenue.jpg" alt="">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Broadbeach, Queensland just surpasses Marrochydore in median house price growth: Investar

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Fractional property investing platform has announced its newest property to investors in Sydney’s Potts Point, close on the heels of a townhouse it bought in Surry Hills.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-potts+point-125209498" target="_blank">6/10A Challis Avenue</a> property is a one-bedroom unit. Its initial brick price is $66 and pre-orders start on May 26.
The fintech company divides every property it buys into 10,000 'bricks' and sells those 'bricks' to investors. Investors have the prospect of earning capital returns and monthly net rental income in proportion to the number of 'bricks' owned. 
According to BrickX, the estimated net rental yield from the Potts Point unit is 2.04 percent. In terms of capital returns, historically the suburb has shown a growth of 9.72 percent p.a. over the last five years, according to CoreLogic data.
The one bedroom apartment with study cost $885,000 and it has a 31 percent gearing.
It last traded for $298,000 in 2001, reflecting an annual price growth of seven percent.
The unit is located within 2 km of Sydney CBD. Fringe inner city locations are well sought after by both investors and tenants.
Last week, BrickX launched a townhouse in Surry Hills for an initial brick price of $95.
All 10,000 ‘Bricks’ were reserved amongst the 537 investors in under 1 hour, according to CEO Anthony Millet. 
Tim Lawless, head of Research at CoreLogic and an advisor at BrickX, said figures show unit prices in Potts Point have increased by almost 50 percent over the past five years.
“Considering the large captured working population within close proximity to Potts Point, the rental market has historically been strong within the suburb, which has contributed to ongoing low vacancy rates and high demand from both owner occupiers and investors," said Lawless.
Millet also announced a few changes to launches from now on.Property information will be available two days before pre-orders and it would start at midday, he said.
BrickX already has properties in popular locations: Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Bondi Beach, Enmore, Mosman, Annandale and Double Bay in Sydney, and Prahran and Port Melbourne, in Melbourne. 
The combined value of all properties exceeds $9.5 million, its website says. 
For more information on the property, <a href="https://www.brickx.com/properties/PPT01/summary" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

BrickX on buying spree, unveil one-bed Potts Point unit at $66 a 'brick'

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Long-time rich lister and Canberra Airport owner Terry Snow is Australia's newest billionaire.
Last year, he slipped two places to 84 in the BRW Rich List of the wealthiest 200 Australians. His estimated wealth was around $685 million last year.
But this year the word is that he's joined billionaire status. The magazine hits news stands later this week in its 34th edition.
Last year’s billionaire’s club had 53 rich listers, with Harry Triguboff, Australia’s largest apartment builder, leading with a wealth of $10.62 billion.
Other property tycoons in the top 5 were Westfield chairman Frank Lowy at no. 3 with a wealth of 8.26 billion and John Gandel at no. 5 with $5.4 billion.  
Terry Snow's smartest investment was buying the Canberra Airport for $65 million in 1998 with a 99-year-year lease from the Federal Government. He committed $480 million to its redevelopment.
The upgrade paved the way for a major new terminal in 2013 and the airport has more international flights now. 
The value of all the properties in the airport portfolio was listed at $2.6 billion in its 2016 financial report, up from $2.39 billion the previous year. It made an operating profit of $216 million.
Since privatisation Canberra Airport precinct now comprises the terminal and Fairbairn RAAF base, as well as Brindabella Business Park and Majura Park, all of which have undergone extensive development.
The Canberra-based businessman, who started out as an accountant, is spending $100 million on a horse facility that would be his legacy project.
It caters for all equestrian sports, including dressage, showjumping, three-day-eventing, campdrafting and vaulting, according to the Australian Financial Review.
He has appointed Cox Architecture for designing the custom-built horse park on Snow’s 860-hectare property, Willinga Park, at Bawley Point on the NSW south coast.
Snow wants the park to stage a variety of horse events, for which he intends to partner with leading equestrian organisations and attract corporate sponsorship, the AFR said. The private park has multiple arenas, a stable complex and showy hospitality space.
He’s also breeding pedigreed Australian Stock Horses with price tags averaging $11,000, whose sale is expected to help the costs of the park’s full-time staff.
The property comprises three Olympic-sized dressage arenas, one of which is undercover, plus a warm-up arena, the AFR recently noted.
It was Bob Snow and his two sons, Terry and George, who founded the forerunner to CPT in Canberra in the early 1980s. Terry Snow was the driving force behind Capital while his brother held  separate interests in two listed companies, Biron Corporation and Skansen Holdings.
Terry Snow, of Capital Property Trust, debuted with $70 million in 1993 when the 10 richest were: 
<ol>
<li> The Murdoch family         $4.5bn</li>
<li> Kerry Packer                $3 bn</li>
<li> Sidney Myer, Neilma Gantner and Marigold Southey  $820 m</li>
<li> David Hains                $750 m</li>
<li> Frank Lowy                 $670 m</li>
<li> The Smorgon family         $650 m</li>
<li> Lindsay Fox                $600 m</li>
<li> Richard Pratt              $550 m</li>
<li> John Gandel                $500 m</li>
<li> Solomon Lew                $500 m</li>
</ol>
 
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Long-time rich lister and Canberra Airport owner Terry Snow is Australia's newest billionaire

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An office space in Sydney CBD's western precinct is up for lease through Savills.
The 22-storey office building at <a href="https://commercialpropertysearch.savills.com.au/cb67fd44-51c7-e611-80c4-005056816dfc/Lease/Sydney/55-Clarence-Street" target="_blank">55 Clarence Street</a> has undergone refurbishment including a facade refresh. 
Each floor enjoys natural light on three sides and views of Darling Harbour, Pyrmont, and the city, according to the property’s description. The building has a 5-star NABERS rating for energy efficiency.
On offer is part Level 15 which is on sub-lease to June 30, 2018. It is being offered at $475 sqm gross effective.
Features included fitted part floor with a boardroom, meeting room, offices, workstations and kitchen/breakout area.
The property has good exposure, being on the corner of Kent, Margaret and Clarence streets in the western precinct of the Sydney CBD.
Chris Rowe of Savills is the leasing agent.
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Short-term lease offer in prime location in Sydney's CBD: Savills 

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NSW's Griffith residential market is approaching its peak, according to Herron Todd White’s April report.
The property valuation firm says that values have increased over the past six to nine months.
“The Griffith residential property market appears to be approaching the peak of the market.
"Values have been increasing in most market segments over the past six to nine months largely due to a shortage of stock relative to demand.
"The fear of missing out is pushing more affordable brackets ($250,000 to $350,000) well above expectations.
"The rise in the market is not limited to entry and middle market segments with buyers in the upper end of the market also showing a strong appetite producing strong results,” the report stated.
Low interest rates, shortage of land and optimism is driving the market at the present moment.
“So what is driving the market at present?
"A combination of things, including low interest rates, a shortage of land and the biggest factor being the optimism in the local agricultural sector and its impact on employment and investment.
"So what is likely to slow it down?
"The cost of money rising (interest rates), employment instability, the release of more land and the inability of the economy to retain its confidence,” the report warned.
A two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-griffith-125329774" target="_blank">14B Grimison Avenue</a>, Griffith (above) has been listed for $249,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-griffith-125255310" target="_blank">62 Madden Drive</a>, Griffith (below) has been listed for $349,000.
The block of land was sold in 2015 for $95,000 with the house built in 2016.
<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/2017/05/16/62%20Madden%20Drive.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-griffith-125166842" target="_blank">6 Evanside Parade</a>, Griffith (below) was recently sold for $300,000.
It was last sold in 2012 for $252,000.
<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/2017/05/16/6%20Evanside%20Parade.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-griffith-125074086" target="_blank">72 Bromfield Street</a>, Griffith (below) was recently sold in April this year for $300,000.
It was last sold in 2008 for $282,500 and in 1996 for $147,000.
<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/2017/05/16/72%20Bromfield%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Griffith's residential market approaching its peak: HTW

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The current state of Melbourne's Outer South Eastern market would currently be described as slowly strengthening, according to Herron Todd White’s latest May report.
The property valuation firm says that interest in suburbs such as Clyde, Officer and Pakenham are increasing.
“With continued population growth, current low interest rates as well as readily available land, residents are looking to newly developing suburbs such as Clyde, Officer and Pakenham for the relatively affordable land or established homes.
“This is especially true for first home buyers and young families who are looking for a dwelling as opposed to a smaller inner city apartment or townhouse with limited backyard.
“This area is described as a growth corridor, with prices for new residential land noticeably increasing over the past 12 months as detailed in the below graph,” the report stated.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/19/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-19%20at%209.55.20%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/2017/05/19/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-19%20at%209.55.20%20am.jpg" alt="">
Herron Todd White says that investments in public transports, shops and major roads are also increasing the popularity of the area.
“With the government’s commitment to infrastructure and investment in the region including public transport, shopping precincts and major roads, the popularity of the area is expected to continue.
“The main factor that could potentially have an effect on property prices within this region would be interest rates.
“Being that the area is made up of young families and first home buyers, a rise in interest rates may discourage buyers from getting into the property market which could slow the rise in property demand and as such have an impact on property prices.
“However with continued growth in our population, demand for property within the region is expected to remain, with performance expected to be slow but steady,” the report commented.
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-clyde+north-125507274" target="_blank">23 Frankland Street</a>, Clyde North (above) has been listed for between $680,000 to $740,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-clyde+north-125505346" target="_blank">12 Montevideo Lane</a>, Clyde North (below) has been listed for between $440,000 to $460,000.
<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/2017/05/19/12%20Montevideo%20Lane.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-clyde+north-125326378" target="_blank">3 Nokota Lane</a>, Clyde North (below) was recently sold for $440,000.
<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/2017/05/19/3%20Nokota%20Lane.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-clyde+north-125261662" target="_blank">3 Glenelg Street</a>, Clyde North (below) was recently sold in April for $525,421.
<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/2017/05/19/3%20Glenelg%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Melbourne's Outer South East residential market is beginning to strengthen: HTW

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BRW Rich Lister Shaun Bonétt’s Precision Group is selling a 50 per cent stake worth a $400 million in two prized CBD retail assets.
He is divesting the stakes from Adelaide Central Plaza in Adelaide and MacArthur Central in Brisbane, which has iPhone-maker Apple’s largest store in Australia.
Bonett appointed JLL’s head of Retail Investments – Australasia, Simon Rooney, for the stake sale.
According to JLL Research, both the shopping centres are in a select group of just 12 Australian CBD shopping centres of more than 15,000 square metres in size nationally.
Bonétt founded the Precision Group in 1994. It has owned Adelaide Central Plaza since its development in 2000 and MacArthur Central for the past 10 years.
His team, headed by ex-Westfield and Woolworths senior executive Trevor Dill, has developed the centres. Along with Apple, the mall has a Woolworths supermarket and Big W. The 15,085-square-metre centre has 39 specialty shops.
The 27,801-square-metre Adelaide Central Plaza is a luxury shopping complex, anchored by a strong-performing 22,922 sq m David Jones department store, plus a Tiffany &amp; Co and Pandora and 44 specialty shops.
The centre also has the potential for further development of a residential tower above it.
Rooney said the plaza was at the centre of Adelaide's "super-prime" retail precinct, positioned to attract international retailers.
"Investors remain very attracted to major Australian CBD retail assets for their defensive nature and strong-income-growth, value-add profile," Rooney said.
"The drivers of CBD retail trade continue to remain strong and are being fuelled by booming international tourism and the steady inflow of international retailers.
"There is now significant potential for owners to capitalise on this increasing demand for limited prime CBD retail space from new and existing international retailers, each trying to establish and grow in the Australian market."
As for the Brisbane asset, Rooney said that MacArthur Central would benefit from a surge in population as apartment supply in inner-Brisbane is expected to peak in 2021 with the opening of Australia largest casino resort and a dramatic increase in the amount of student accommodation.
"Growth in the resident population will further broaden the demand for different retail categories, such as groceries, household goods and services," he said.
“The upswing in tourism in Queensland will drive demand for discretionary retail such as fashion and food and beverage.” 
According to Tourism Research Australia, international tourist arrivals to Queensland grew by 9.7% in FY16.
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BRW Rich Lister Shaun Bonett to sell off $400 million stake in CBD retail assets

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BRW Rich Lister Lloyd Williams has sold a property that includes one of Melbourne CBD's biggest car parks for the expected $120 million when he listed it.
The buyer was a Hong Kong investor who has been building up his portfolio in Australia.
He had listed the 16-level property at 114 Flinders Street, which includes retail, 1200 car bays and office spaces earlier this year. 
It sold on a tight yield of about 5 per cent, reflecting the sharp yields typical of the long-term returns delivered by off-street parking, the Australian Financial Review reported.
Williams bought the property in $54.5 million in 2007. 
That price reflects the depth of demand in the market, which is pushing commercial property prices toward a peak.
The selling agents were CBRE’s Mark Wizel, Kiran Pillai and Lewis Tong, and Knight Frank's Martin O'Sullivan and Paul Henley.
The car park at the city's east end has five ground-level retail tenancies, and above that 1200 car bays over a series of levels.
The tower overlooks Flinders Street and the Yarra River. In addition to the car parks, it has five levels of retail and six levels of office space. 
The buyer is HK Realway, a private player that has been steadily accumulating a local portfolio. Two years ago the Hong Kong group bought a George Street office tower in Sydney from Abacus Property Group and its joint venture partner AM Alpha for $112.3 million, the AFR noted.
For the Flinders Street property, HK Realway, made an unconditional bid through Thomson Geer's Eu Ming Lim.
The Hong Kong platform bought a North Sydney office tower for about $58 million from CorVal in 2015. It also owns the owns the Cinema Centre Car Park in the Sydney CBD.
Williams is best known for his property and horse racing interests. He founded Hudson Conway in the 1970s and developed the Crown casino complex. He also owns a record five winners of the Melbourne Cup. 
In January, Williams sold the Southbank headquarters of Hudson Conway for $11 million to a mainland Chinese company.
That property had development approval for a 16-level residential tower of 91 apartments.
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Lloyd Williams strikes hot $120 million deal for Flinders Street car park

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A two level, mixed use commercial property in Oakleigh South has sold under the hammer for $641,000.
The property at 676 Warrigal Road includes approximately 187 square metres of building space and about 60 square metres of retail or office area.
Paul Rizzo of Ray White Commercial Oakleigh said the property had redevelopment potential and was sold to a local owner-occupier on behalf of a local investor.
“This rare standalone property with commercial 1 Zoning on a land area of approximately 259 square metres offers the opportunity to renovate, occupy, develop or invest,” he said.
“There were three main bidders and the successful purchaser happens to be local developer.”
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Oakleigh South retail property sold for $641,000

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A double-fronted High Street, Prahran retail property has sold for $2.83 million under the hammer.
The 278 square metre Commercial 1-zoned property with a building area of 200 square metres, was sold subject to a four plus five year lease to restauraunt The Seasonal Kitchen from February 2015.
The property comprises two shops and the final sale price reflected a 3 percent yield.
Fitzroys agents Chris Kombi and Michael Ryan said the auction featured competition between five bidders.
Ryan said the property’s development and subdivision potential was key to buyer interest.
“Prahran’s vibrancy and popularity as a lifestyle location has spurred an increase in the level of high and medium density housing, which has had a hugely beneficial impact on its retail and hospitality precinct,” he said.
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