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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

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

Mosaic's Midas Touch

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

Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD

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

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

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Local government areas just beyond the Melbourne metropolitan area are increasingly attracting the attention of home buyers and investors.
The big attractions are relatively low prices, a more relaxed lifestyle and the ability to commute to city jobs nodes.
The standout areas are Cardinia Shire in the far south-east and both Mitchell Shire and Macedon Ranges Shire north of the capital city. Sales activity has increased significantly in all three LGAs in the past 12 months.
Of course the LGA just beyond Melbourne with the strongest market is the City of Greater Geelong, which continues to be unchallenged as the clear market leader in regional Victoria – and one of the strongest markets nationwide.
Hotspotting research for the new Autumn edition of The Price Predictor Index finds that the Geelong LGA has seven rising markets, as well as 13 steady markets, which outranks most of the LGAs in metropolitan Melbourne.
Markets doing well in the Geelong region include Norlane, Armstrong Creek, Belmont, Clifton Springs, Geelong West, Newcomb and Waurn Ponds.
Most of the busiest locations in Greater Geelong are locations at the affordable end of the market, reinforcing the region’s appeal as a cheaper lifestyle alternative to Melbourne.
But, Geelong aside, there are a number of municipalities just outside the Melbourne metropolitan area have rising markets because they, too, provide affordable lifestyle options within reasonable commuting distance of city jobs nodes.
The Shire of Cardinia is a neighbour of the City of Casey, one of Melbourne’s strongest population growth areas in the far south-east of the metropolitan area. It includes towns such as Pakenham and Officer which are getting spill-over growth and have steadily growing property markets.
Sales in Pakenham have been 215, 253, 277 and 290 in the past four quarters, while Officer sales have grown from 23 to 40 to 49 to 55 in the same time frame.
The Macedon Ranges and Mitchell LGAs are rural areas north of Melbourne and are attracting growing attention for their affordable country towns with good road and rail links to the city.
Sales activity is rising in towns like Kilmore and Wallan in Mitchell Shire and Gisborne and Kyneton in the Macedon Ranges LGA.
Median prices include $330,000 in Kilmore, $240,000 in Seymour, $280,000 in Broadford and $360,000 in Wallan, which emphasises the affordability attraction. Another part of the appeal is median rental yields in the 5 percent to 5.5 percent range.
Larger Victorian regional centres like Bendigo and Ballarat continue to present steady real estate markets, without delivering any substantial growth. Both these cities have more suburbs with steady sales activity and solid performance than those with growing activity.
There are plenty of solid regional centres with similar stories throughout the rest of the state - including Warrnambool, Mildura, Wodonga, Sale Echuca and Wangaratta – but there is nothing in the sales numbers to suggest strong price growth in the near future.
Mildura features on our National Top 50 list for highly consistent markets. Every quarter for the past two years has recorded between 205 and 235 dwelling sales in Mildura.
But the growth markets in regional Victoria are generally found among the smaller centres.
Smaller regional centres with growing sales activity – in addition to the towns of Mitchell Shire and Macedon Ranges Shire - include Ararat, Bacchus Marsh, Bairnsdale, Bannockburn, Castlemaine, Colac, Portland and Traralgon.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/">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'%3E%20%3C!--%20document.write('%3Cspan%20style=/'display:%20none;/'%3E');%20//--%3E%20%3C/script%3EThis%20email%20address%20is%20being%20protected%20from%20spambots.%20You%20need%20JavaScript%20enabled%20to%20view%20it.%20%3Cscript%20type='text/javascript'%3E%20%3C!--%20document.write('%3C/');%20document.write('span%3E');%20//--%3E%20%3C/script%3E">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting">Twitter.</a>
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

City of Greater Geelong one of the strongest markets nationwide

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Total employment increased by 80,000 over the three months to February 2017, according to the Detailed Labour Force Figures reported yesterday by the ABS. 
Over the year to February, employment was up by 190,400, the strongest pace of growth in a year and well above the long run average.
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUwS2QhUPQ4/WNRr-anruCI/AAAAAAAAirc/gfEtUaZ1JzA5Xkad4Idon89cnZVyHmnEwCLcB/s640/EMPLOYMENT2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUwS2QhUPQ4/WNRr-anruCI/AAAAAAAAirc/gfEtUaZ1JzA5Xkad4Idon89cnZVyHmnEwCLcB/s640/EMPLOYMENT2.jpg">
Very good on paper! Rather too good, in fact, in the event. To cut a long story short, upon checking with the ABS, it seems that the figures were just not right.
A slight glitch in the matrix, one might say. The quarterly gains were driven by a large 45,500 increase in construction employment.
Mining employment is also now seen to be rising again. 
On the other hand, the rebound in manufacturing employment seems to have popped, and employment in the retail trade sector has apparently been crushed over the past year, down by a thumping 62,700. 
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-if5cS8z3mnM/WNRr-r1rp9I/AAAAAAAAirg/COaIwu7Lnwgx2dlq8CoYoLJvuhp6sNZUgCLcB/s640/EMPLOYMENT3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-if5cS8z3mnM/WNRr-r1rp9I/AAAAAAAAirg/COaIwu7Lnwgx2dlq8CoYoLJvuhp6sNZUgCLcB/s640/EMPLOYMENT3.jpg">
A bit of a mixed bag, and one which suggests to me that the economy has become too heavily reliant upon the residential building boom. Construction employment has now soared to 1,114,800 from a total workforce of about 12 million, which seems incredibly high - well above historic norms - and probably peaky. 
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-inQTh61xTaI/WNRr-8CT3kI/AAAAAAAAirk/bd6heGgtC6k7FCAH1-W_-x4wtb-QNqJiwCLcB/s640/EMPLOYMENT.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-inQTh61xTaI/WNRr-8CT3kI/AAAAAAAAirk/bd6heGgtC6k7FCAH1-W_-x4wtb-QNqJiwCLcB/s640/EMPLOYMENT.jpg">
Remarkably the rebound in total mining employment to 241,700 means that employment in the industry is now only 36,700 below the 2012 peak. 
Where are the jobs? Perhaps I'll look at the regional jobs growth another time.
Just to note here for now that Sydney has consistently seen the lowest unemployment rate of the major capital cities, and Adelaide the highest. 
Hobart takes out the most improved award. 
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4IDe_HPNqBY/WNRr_rPw6BI/AAAAAAAAiro/sX0W-t3dxSwcbHGJdlyKfCMu8A9mRbTfwCLcB/s640/UNEMPLOYMENT%2BRATES.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4IDe_HPNqBY/WNRr_rPw6BI/AAAAAAAAiro/sX0W-t3dxSwcbHGJdlyKfCMu8A9mRbTfwCLcB/s640/UNEMPLOYMENT%2BRATES.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4IDe_HPNqBY/WNRr_rPw6BI/AAAAAAAAiro/sX0W-t3dxSwcbHGJdlyKfCMu8A9mRbTfwCLcB/s640/UNEMPLOYMENT%2BRATES.jpg"></a>
Brisbane is now seeing population growth picking up as expected, which over time will help to tackle the inner city apartment glut, though this is also putting pressure on detached house prices in sought after school zones. 
But to date Greater Brisbane doesn't appear to be creating the jobs to keep its unemployment rate down.
And it needs to.
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Construction driving employment increases: Pete Wargent

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The Lismore City area and the surrounding towns of Kyogle and Casino are relatively affordable in comparison to other localities on the NSW Northern Rivers/Far North Coast, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 
The valuation firm says there is ample opportunity of first home buyers, with starting prices of $250,000 to $350,000 for a comfortable three to four bedroom, original home within Lismore City and approximately $200,000 to $275,000 within Casino and Kyogle.
The firm warns that first home buyers will face competition from investors.
“Advice to first home buyers would be to have modest expectations and start off small,” it says.
“We have noticed an increase in the advertising of housing stock from developers trying to appeal to the first home buyer.
“Such developments tend to be slightly different from the norm with emphasis on affordability and community living.
“Most of the residential structures in this instance are relatively compact and have shared community gardens/landscaping.
“Some developers have even self-imposed restrictions to only be made available to “first home buyers” and not investors.”
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-lismore-124668750" target="_blank">308 Molesworth Street</a>, Lismore (above) has been listed for $259,000.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-lismore-124086458" target="_blank">31 Orion Street</a>, Lismore (below) has been listed for $285,000.
<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/2017/03/09/31%20Orion%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Lismore an affordable option in the Northern Rivers: HTW

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There has been an increase of 132% in Ryde’s property prices over the past decade, according to Savills’ latest report.
“The average price in Ryde in September 2016 was $1.5 million for a house and $656,000 for a unit.
“House prices are 40% higher than the average across Sydney, but still offer a substantial discount compared to the neighbouring waterfront suburbs of Tennyson Point and Putney, where house prices average over $2 million.
“However, units in Ryde offer a discount of 7% when compared to the Sydney average due to a higher concentration of units in central, more expensive locations.
“Over the past 10 years, house and unit prices in Ryde have increased significantly with values rising by 144% and 122% respectively, outperforming the Sydney average.
“Over the past year, the rate of annual growth has slowed to just 5%, reflecting a more subdued housing market seen across Sydney,” the report stated.
Ryde’s median house prices is $1,600,000 while units can expect to have a median price of $691,400.
A five bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-ryde-124941598" target="_blank">10 Willow Crescent</a>, Ryde has been listed with a price guide of $1.75 million.
Similarly a one bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-ryde-125578458" target="_blank">6065/78A Belmore Street</a>, Ryde (below) has been listed for $680,000.
<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/2017/05/31/6065_78A%20Belmore%20Street.jpg" alt="">
A strong tenant demand is driving investors to Ryde Savills says.
“Investors are attracted to Ryde for a number of reasons, including strong tenant demand.
“In Ryde, 28.1% of households are in the private rented sector, slightly higher than the average across Greater Sydney of 25.0%.
“Rental growth in Sydney and in Ryde has not kept pace with the strong capital value growth but the returns can still be attractive.
“The median weekly rent is $690 for houses and $520 for units, resulting in average yields of 2.4% and 4.1% respectively.
“Over the past 10 years, unit supply in Ryde has been inconsistent.
“A number of large-scale developments came to the market in 2014, resulting in two and half times the number of unit sales that year compared to the average over the previous five years.
“With strong price growth and rental demand, the Ryde market was able to absorb this increase in stock and the number of unit sales over the past year has decreased to be in line with the long-term average.
“The supply of new units can also affect the vacancy rate.
“In Ryde, the vacancy rate in September 2016 was 2.7%, up from 1.5% three months previous as more properties become available to rent,” Sophie Chick, Head of Savills Residential Research advised.
The population in Ryde increases by 2000 new residents annually Savills stated.
“Over the past 10 years, the population across the City of Ryde has increased by 20%, which equates to nearly 2,000 new residents per year.
“International buyers are an important source of demand for the housing market across Sydney as both owner occupiers and investors.
“In Ryde, there is already a large international community, particularly from Asia, with nearly 20% of residents describing their ancestry as Chinese compared to just 8% across Sydney.
“Residents in Ryde work in a number of locations.
“The City of Ryde, including Macquarie Park, is the most popular destination, accounting for a quarter of all workers.
“However, 75% of the workforce living in Ryde commute to elsewhere in Sydney, reflecting Ryde’s connectivity to both the centre of Sydney and other key employment locations such as Parramatta.
“The largest employment industry for people living in Ryde is the Professional, Scientific and Tech sector.
“This industry is the fastest growing in Sydney meaning Ryde is well-placed to draw on the newly created wealth that will result, as Tech buyers in particular look to emerging markets,” the report commented.
Savills says that Ryde will continue to benefit from increasing demands in Sydney’s population growth.
“The property market in Ryde has already, and will continue to, benefit from increasing demand due to Sydney's population growth.
“Over the next 20 years, the City of Ryde’s population is forecast to increase by 43% compared to 37% across Greater Sydney.
“As well as the new residential units under construction, a number of new office, retail and infrastructure projects are underway which will continue to increase the desirability of the area for existing and new residents,” the report stated.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Property prices on the rise in Ryde: Savills

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Dexus has launched its new brand.
It is suggested the brand reinforces Dexus as a property group that is innovative and customer focused.
Darren Sternberg, Dexus chief executive officer, said it will take a phased approach to rebrand its buildings over the coming months.
"Our new brand has been created to represent who we are today and our future aspirations.
"Our new brand provides an opportunity to lift awareness, shift conversation and enhance value by demonstrating Dexus's point of difference in an undifferentiated market.
"We are redefining the work place through progressive thinking and the courage to innovate; listening, learning, understanding and responding; being active now and in the future; and making the complex simple.
"The core concept behind the brand is that we bring multiple perspectives together, and embrace life in full colour."
The brand video is available <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhJFkCUm8-A&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Dexus unveils its new brand

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There was competitive bidding at a mortgagee auction in Camberwell of a residential development site.
Nine would-be buyers fought for two partially-built townhouses at <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/23-acheron-avenue-camberwell-vic-3124-2013430639" target="_blank">23 Acheron Avenue</a>.
They pushed the sale price more than $750,000 over reserve.
The 975-square-metre block with existing plans and potential to redevelop sold for $3,451,000.
The buyers will also have to pay GST because of the nature of the sale.
Auctioneer Bernard Corser, of Corser Property, declared it on the market at $2.7 million.
Jellis Craig’s Mark Pezzin, who sold the property in conjunction with Corser Property, said the strong result came as here was a lack of quality stock.
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Camberwell residential development site sale

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AstraZeneca Australia, an arm of global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, has ‘zoned in’ its employees, literally, at its new Macquarie Park offices.
The firm’s adoption of agile-based working is founded on specialised work ‘zones’, four at the moment, with each catering to different styles of working and collaborating with other people.
The concept was by design firm Futurespace, whose managing director Angela Ferguson said, “We designed the four zones to liberate workers from the desk bound experience.”
The new 3,000 sqm office gives AstraZeneca Australia’s 200 office-based employees the option to work in four ‘zones’:
The Unplugged Zone – this area is characterised by highly interactive management activities.
The Connected Zone – this is a stimulating environment, where employees engage with colleagues and visitors and includes formal meeting spaces, conference rooms with video conferencing and audio-visual systems, as well as collaborative spaces.
The Base Zone – is at the heart of the office and includes open plan work areas, private work areas, project areas and informal meeting areas.
It acts as the primary space for individuals and teams to carry out their core activities throughout the working day.
The Virtual Zone – this zone isn’t a physical zone, but is the integrated technology overlaid in and out of the workplace for employees. It is designed to allow employees greater mobility, both in and out of the office.
<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/2017/03/20/image003.jpg" alt="">
“Sitting at the same desk all day does not promote productivity, health and wellbeing, or collaboration,” said Ferguson.
“However, it is just as troublesome to have employees work wherever they want without having the correct design infrastructure in place. That is why the ‘zones’ are effective.”
She said that “each zone was designed to facilitate different styles of working, whether it’s informal chats over coffee, structured team meetings or focused individual work”. 
Another standout feature being rolled out includes wi-fi technology that will allow staff with no assigned seating to locate each other within the large building at any time, enhancing collaboration.
The planning also involved features such as use of timber to create warmth, plenty of natural lighting, indoor greenery, and a multi-purpose open area where employees can have lunch and meetings.
<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/2017/03/20/image005.jpg" alt="">
The ‘zones’ are consistent with AstraZeneca’s global workplace strategy, called “iwork”, which outlines a more agile way of working.
“iWORK, agile- based working environments, is the future of AstraZeneca’s workplaces,” said Paul Spittle, country president AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand.
“The amount of impromptu conversations in passing I now have with people from all across the business, how I can walk past an open meeting space and stumble across a cool piece of work one of the teams is doing, which I otherwise would never have seen. It’s changed the dynamic of the business totally.”
The ‘energy’ of the new office will also help the company attract and retain talent, concludes Kimberly Elliott, director of People, Capabilities and Sales Operations. 
 
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AstraZeneca Australia's new, agile office uses ‘zones’ to keep staff engaged 

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Property sale numbers increased slightly Brisbane's fringes in the past three months, while sales figures showed a significant rise, according to CoreLogic’s latest Brisbane Fringe Cityscope.
The property data firm says that the last three months to the beginning of February 2017 recorded 37 sales for a total of $313.1 million.
This consists of  $262.6 million for commercial, $3 million for commercial strata, $3.5 million for retail, $7.4 million for retail strata and $36.7 million for other.
In comparison, the last three months to the beginning of November 2016 recorded 31 sales for a total of $88.8 million.
This consists of $4.6 million for commercial, $9.9 million for commercial strata, $1.6 million for retail, $66.9 million for retail strata and $5.8 million for other.
The 12 months leading up to early February 2017 recorded 128 sales for a total of more than $728.2 million, over $80 million more than the same time last year.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of Brisbane Fringe Cityscope:
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/15/Corelogic-5.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/15/Corelogic-5.jpeg" alt="">
Together the top sales recorded this quarter total over $181 million, these sales include:
<ul>
<li>Kings Row Office Park, 40-52 McDougall Street, Milton, comprising multiple office buildings between two and six storeys and over 400 car parks, was bought for $94.9 million  by Shayher Alliance Pty Limited. The buildings were constructed between 1989 and 1996. Anthony Ott and Peter Chapple of Savills Brisbane negotiated the sale.</li>
<li>33 Park Road, Milton, a four-storey office building, was sold with a residential building at 14 Gordon Street (not covered by Cityscope) for $48.2 million  to Wholesale Australian Property Fund. The sale represented an initial yield of 7.37% on passing income of over $3.55 million. Peter Court and Mike Walsh from JLL Brisbane sold the property in conjunction with Seb Turnbull and Luke Billiau of CBRE Brisbane.</li>
<li>200 Creek Street, formerly known as Medtronic House, a ten-storey office building with basement car parking, sold in January 2017 for $38.7 million to Sentinel Regional Office Trust. The sale represented an initial yield of 9.58% on passing income of over $3.7 million. Luke Billiau and Seb Turnbull of JLL Brisbane sold the property in conjunction with Peter Court and Mike Walsh from JLL Brisbane.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/15/Corelogic-6.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/15/Corelogic-6.jpeg" alt="">
Properties for sale include:
<ul>
<li>337 Water Street, Fortitude Valley – a two-storey, 320 sqm office building with six car parks. For sale with an asking price of $1.65 million; agent, Cushman &amp; Wakefield Brisbane (Sam Callanan and Michael Gard).</li>
<li>12 Cribb Street, Milton – a five-storey office building with basement car parking. For sale by expressions of interest; agents, Savills Brisbane (Peter Chapple and Nick Russell) and JLL Brisbane (Christian Sandstrom and Sam Bryne). The property was initially advertised with an approximate fully leased income of over $1.55 million net (as at December 1, 2016)</li>
<li>John Oxley Centre, 337A Coronation Drive, Milton – a U-shaped building with five storeys of offices and two levels of basement car parking for 319 vehicles. For sale by expressions of interest; agents, JLL Brisbane (Seb Turnbull and Geoff McIntyre) and CBRE Brisbane (Bruce Baker and Flint Davidson).</li>
</ul>
Properties under contract (conditional or unconditional) include:
<ul>
<li>Green Square South Tower, 505 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley – a four-storey building with ground floor retail space and upper level office space. Due diligence is being conducted by AXA Investments Managers; agents, Colliers International Brisbane (Tom Barr and Don MacKenzie) and Colliers International Melbourne (John Marasco).</li>
<li>164 Wharf Street, Spring Hill – a three-level office building comprising two levels of offices above ground floor car parking. Under conditional contract; agent, Savills Brisbane (Jack Morrison and Nick Russell).</li>
<li>100 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley – a four-storey commercial building completed in late 2013 as stage 3 of the M&amp;A development. Under contract for $30 million to an offshore purchaser; agent, Cushman &amp; Wakefield (Nick Spiro). The sale represented a yield of 6%.</li>
</ul>
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Brisbane fringe property sales numbers edged up over past three months: Cityscope

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A former linen warehouse converted into a house at South Melbourne has been sold.
The home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-south+melbourne-124571470" target="_blank">251-255 Moray Street</a>, Irish Linen House sits on two titles of over 340 sqm of land.
It was amalgamated in two acquisitions - $1.8 million in 2007 and then $552,000 in 2012.
No latest sale price has been given, but $4.5 million plus was tipped.
Retaining its rich period personality it has a modern design that offers either a unique lifestyle, investment or even redevelopment possibilities.
Title one, consisting of Number 251, is a two bedroom townhouse with a zoned open plan living and dining spaces with gas period style open fire.
The other title, Number 253, is a 158 sqm office that has a large reception, two meeting rooms, a large open plan office with kitchenette along with bathroom and landscaped courtyard.
Number 255 is a former warehouse thar has been converted into a residence.
The one bedroom property with exposed original brickwork and timber floors comes with a home office, two open plan living and dining areas alongside a kitchen.
The property was offered through Abercomby’s Real Estate agents Jock Langley and Sam Goddard.
 
 
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

South Melbourne historic property, Irish Linen House, sold

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The UK commercial property investment markets were already past their peak in both pricing and volume terms a year ago, and the result on the referendum on EU membership has arguably done little to change the trend, according to Savills’ latest report.
Confidence was definitely rocked in the third quarter of 2016, but by the end of last year there was acceptance that Brexit is a long process, rather than a one-hit event.
What has changed since the referendum is the make-up of investors that are active in the UK, with less activity by institutions and a sharp rise in demand from overseas private investors.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-21%20at%207.03.04%20pm.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/2017/02/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-21%20at%207.03.04%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Many investors have been attracted by the weakening of the pound, and at present this is seen as enough to compensate for a perceived increase in occupational risk.
Overall, our predictions for 2017 and beyond are investment volumes are expected to trend downwards towards £50 billion per annum, with a swing away from opportunistic deals to income-security plays.
Yields are expected to rise in most sectors, though the stable debt market, low vacancy rates, and global investor demand is expected to put a lower ceiling on prime yields than was reached during the GFC.
Brexit definitely carries a risk of creating a sustained period of occupier uncertainty, but to some degree this should be balanced by lower levels of development activity.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-21%20at%207.03.12%20pm.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/2017/02/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-21%20at%207.03.12%20pm.jpg" alt="">
However, until some clarity emerges as to how Britain will exit from the EU, the real impact on the UK market will be hard to quantify.
“We expect investment volume in Continental Europe in 2017 to be similar to that of 2016,” the report stated.
Although interest rates are expected to rise to 1.16% in the Eurozone, the property market should remain high on investors’ radar.
“In France, Germany and the Netherlands, where elections will be held, we expect a wait and see attitude by some investors during the first half of the year,” the report stated.
However, the prevailing story regarding core countries is the lack of prime product.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-21%20at%207.03.21%20pm.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/2017/02/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-21%20at%207.03.21%20pm.jpg" alt="">
At the other end of the spectrum, prime yields in non-core countries are still above the European average, offering more attractive returns and yield compression potential.
This is especially so in countries like Spain and Italy where strong property fundamentals combined with the availability of portfolio opportunities are attracting foreign investors.
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