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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Macquarie Park property sales for the three months to February 2017 have increased substantially from the preceding quarter, according to research from CoreLogic’s Cityscope.
Sales recorded in the quarter ending February 2017 totalled $704.7 million, an increase from the $135.5 million recorded in the three months to November 2016, but a decrease from the $769.9 million recorded to August 2016.
For the year ending February 2017, there were 74 sales at a total value of $1.64 billion, compared to 121 sales at a total value of $1.203 billion for the previous year.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of Macquarie Park Cityscope.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/3/Corelogic-1.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/3/Corelogic-1.jpeg" alt="">
According to the report, notable sales in the February 2017 update of Macquarie Park Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>Everglade Campus, 82 Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park, a four-storey building with parking for 220 cars over two basement levels on a site area of 10,590 square metres, which was bought for $120 million;</li>
<li>Avaya House, 123 Epping Road, Macquarie Park, an A-grade, 10-storey commercial and industrial building with three levels of basement parking for 534 cars and a net lettable area of 16,161 square metres, which was bought for $118 million through CI Australia North Sydney and Savills and</li>
<li>Valad Corporate Place, 2 Richardson Place, North Ryde, an A-grade, four-storey office building with two additional levels of basement parking for 454 cars and outdoor parking for 63 cars on a site area of 14,325 square metres, which was bought for $85 million through CBRE Sydney and JLL Sydney.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/3/Corelogic-2.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/3/Corelogic-2.jpeg" alt="">
Properties for sale in Macquarie Park Cityscope in February 2017 include:
<ul>
<li>43 – 61 Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park, a large development site of 39,824 square metres with several older single storey buildings and a paved car park, available through Colliers International;</li>
<li>27 Sirius Road, Lane Cove West, a three-storey office building featuring a paved forecourt and high-clearance warehouse and a net lettable area of 8,100 square metres, available through CBRE North Sydney and</li>
<li>8 Australia Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park, a five-storey commercial building of 6,610 square metres with retail spaces on the ground floor and two levels of basement car parking providing 119 spaces available through JLL Sydney.</li>
</ul>
Leasing opportunities in the February 2017 of Macquarie Park Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>18 – 20 Orion Road, Lane Cove West, a nine-storey building comprising ground floor foyer and eight floors of office space and parking for 378 cars, which has office space of 120 to 1,000 square metres for lease through Glass Property Consultants;</li>
<li>Riverview Park Estate at 166 Epping Road, Lane Cove West, comprising two 3-storey office buildings joined by a central 2-storey atrium plus two levels of basement parking for 236 cars, which has office space of 700 to 4,300 square metres for lease through Savills Parramatta and Knight Frank North Sydney;</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-macquarie+park-501704185" target="_blank">3 Thomas Holt Drive, Macquarie Park</a> (pictured above), a nine-storey office building with high-clearance warehouses and parking, which has office space up to 4,200 square metres on the top floors for lease through JLL North Sydney and GJS Property.</li>
</ul>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Spike in Macquarie Park commercial property sales: Cityscope

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Launceston has an oversupply of industrial properties relative to demand, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) report.
The property valuation firm says that Launceston has a steady rental vacancy trend along with a stable rental rate trend.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-13%20at%2010.44.01%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/2017/02/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-13%20at%2010.44.01%20am.jpg" alt="">
However Launceston’s industrial sales is declining despite the market rising, the firm says.
Launceston’s economic situation is flat with significant value difference between quality properties with national tenants and comparable properties with local tenants.
A 855 square metre industrial warehouse at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-tas-launceston-502323710" target="_blank">6/16 - 18 Goodman Court</a>, Launceston (above) has been listed for sale.
Similarly a 1733 square metre industrial warehouse at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-tas-launceston-502301290" target="_blank">2/7 - 9 Wilmot Street</a>, Launceston (below) has been listed for $850,000.
<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/2017/03/21/27-9%20Wilmot%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Oversupply of industrial properties in Launceston: HTW

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The NSW mid north coast has a balanced industrial market, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) report.
The property valuation firm says that there is a steady rental vacancy trend along with a stable rental rate trend.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-10%20at%202.43.42%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/2017/02/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-10%20at%202.43.42%20pm.jpg" alt="">
There is a steady volume of property sales with the region's market starting to recover.
The local economic situation is currently flat with a small value difference between quality properties with national tenants and comparable properties with local tenants, HTW says.
A 54 hectare industrial warehouse, the Lansdowne Estate, at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-nsw-kundle+kundle-502326190" target="_blank">21/586 Lansdowne Road</a>, Kundle Kundle, (above) has been listed for sale.
Similarly a 3895 square metre industrial complex at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-nsw-coffs+harbour-502294878" target="_blank">22-24 Marcia Street and 15 June Street</a>, Coffs Harbour (below) has been listed for sale.
<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/2017/03/21/22-24%20Marcia%20St%20%2015%20June%20St.jpg" alt="">
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Balanced industrial market in NSW's mid north coast: HTW

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Most research sources have Melbourne leading on annual house price growth – and it’s not so surprising, when you look at the sales data.
The ABS, the Real Estate Institute of Australia and Domain all have Melbourne leading the nation for house price increases (although Hobart is challenging strongly).
Where’s Sydney in all this? CoreLogic continues to publish massive growth numbers for the Sydney house market, but those other three sources listed in the previous paragraph all record annual growth around 3 or 4 percent for the Sydney housing market.
Quite apart from the ludicrous proposition that you can reduce a metropolitan area with over 700 suburbs down to a single growth figure, this reinforces my view that all real estate statistics are rubbery figures to some degree.
When you have media constantly quoting one source (the one that reports massive annual growth) and then all those other sources which are suggesting Sydney’s price boom is over (but largely ignored by media), it’s difficult to know what to believe.
Here’s what I do know for certain: sales volumes gradually faded in Melbourne throughout 2016 but, late in the year and early in 2017, staged a revival. The city’s various markets are proving very resilient, no doubt boosted by nation-leading population growth and a state economy which, while not as strong as Sydney’s, is performing well.
My research shows that the busiest markets are split between the best of the Middle Melbourne areas and the strongest of the affordable outer-ring areas.
And the most affordable areas of metropolitan Melbourne have taken over as the city’s price-growth leaders. Many have delivered double-digit growth in their median house prices in the past 12 months.
As one example, all suburbs in the Sunshine precinct in Melbourne’s west are above 12%, including some which have grown 23-25% in the past year. Again, this data is presented with a reminder that all real estate figures are rubbery – but when all suburbs in an area are delivering the same strong growth pattern, you can be reasonably confident that something notable is happening.
Two Middle Melbourne precincts stand out: the Moreland LGA and the Whitehorse LGA. Both have numerous suburbs where sales activity is still growing.
These and other Middle Ring precincts had been fading gradually, in terms of sales activity, throughout 2016 but have come roaring back to life. Sales levels are still lower than the peaks of 2015, but remain very solid and prices continue to grow.
Typical growth areas in the Moreland LGA include Glenroy, where sales have been 113, 149, 143 and 165 in consecutive quarters. Other standout suburbs are Coburg, Coburg North, Hadfield, Pascoe Vale, Oak Park and Pascoe Vale South.
Whitehorse was the Melbourne market leader in 2015 before sales levels plateau-ed in most of its suburbs throughout 2016. But there has been a recent revival to stronger sales activity, led by Blackburn, Burwood East, Mitcham, Nunawading and Surrey Hills.
Four bottom-end markets are close behind in the terms of the number of growth markets: the LGAs of Brimbank (west), Whittlesea (far north), Casey (far south-east) and Hume (far north).
The far north of metropolitan Melbourne features strongly. The Whittlesea LGA (seven) and the Hume LGA (five) jointly have 12 suburbs with growing sales activity.
Whittlesea is consistently one of the city’s strongest markets, driven by affordability, strong infrastructure and proximity to jobs nodes. The suburb of Lalor, with sales rising from 64 to 101 to 117 to 121 in recent quarters, is typical. Nearby Epping has lifted quarterly sales from 110 to 135 to 145. 
Neighbouring Hume has similar qualities. The suburb of Craigieburn has recorded sales totalling 175, 228, 239 and 244 in the past four quarters.
The leading precinct in the far south-east is the City of Casey, which has five Rising Steadily suburbs, led by Cranbourne, Doveton and Narre Warren.
Other affordable outer-ring precincts with growth markets include Melton is the far west, Wyndham in the far south-west and Frankston in the far south-east.
Middle-ring areas travelling well, in addition to Whitehorse and Moreland, include the LGAs of Monash (Ashwood, Glen Waverley and Mulgrave), Maroondah (Croydon North, Ringwood and Ringwood East) and Banyule (Heidelberg Heights, Ivanhoe and Greensborough).
The worst performers in an otherwise strong Melbourne market are the inner-city apartment precincts.
I classify both the Melbourne CBD and Docklands as Danger markets. Sales levels have dropped markedly at a time of increasing apartment supply and growing state and federal measures likely to discourage foreign investors, who are the target of many of the inner-city high-rise projects.
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

Melbourne's two dangerous residential markets

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The Cairns market is one of the few regional markets that has performed moderately well over the past five years, according to REQI's latest report.
The quarterly median house price did not grow this quarter, holding steady at $395,000, but compared with 2011, has grown 12.2 percent.
The unit market fell 6.1 percent over the quarter to $225,000, however, for the year the market has grown 4 percent and has grown 6.8 percent over the past five years.
This is remarkable when compared with other regional unit markets.
A two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-cairns+north-117350835" target="_blank">6/281 Esplanade</a>, Cairns North (above) was sold for $375,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-cairns+north-123330390" target="_blank"> 382 McLeod Street</a>, Cairns North (below) was recently sold for $390,000.
<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/2017/03/16/382%20McLeod%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Cairns market continues to perform moderately well: REIQ

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The Gladstone median house price fell 3.2 percent this quarter, to $290,000 and over the past 12 months, the market has lost 10.7 percent, according to REIQ's latest report. 
The unit market fell 20.3 percent, to $185,000.
"This market continues to feel the impact of the resources downturn and news last week that the Boyne Island smelter was scaling back production levels," the REIQ noted.
It also reduced its staff by up to 100 workers due to soaring electricity costs, which will only add to market pressures.
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-gladstone+central-123190150" target="_blank">10 Herbert Street</a>, Gladstone Central (above) was sold for $284,000.
Similarly a two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-gladstone+central-122022606" target="_blank">6 Oaka Lane</a>, Gladstone Central (below) was sold for $265,000.
<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/2017/03/16/6%20Oaka%20Lane.jpg" alt="">
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Gladstone house market down by 10 percent annually: REIQ

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The federal Treasury has proposed to streamline the buying of new property by foreign investors.
It says the current set of rules had unintentionally encouraged non-compliance due to its complicated structure.
It also proposes to encourage investment in sectors like retirement living, aged-care and student accommodation.
The consultation paper by the Treasury's Foreign Investment Policy Unit said the December 2015 overhaul of the foreign investment framework – the biggest in 40 years – had unintentionally “incentivised non-compliance" of the rules when it came to buying new residential property, according to a report in the Australian Financial Review.
Under current rules, foreign investors who want to purchase a new dwelling or block of vacant residential land need to apply individually for each property they are considering and pay multiple fees starting from $5000 per application.
To avoid through this cumbersome process, some foreign buyers were choosing to pay a fine and notify after they had purchased the property, rather than apply multiple times in advance, the paper said.
It suggested the introduction of an "new exemption certificate" giving foreign persons "broad pre-approval to purchase one new dwelling or vacant residential block".
Foreign buyers would then be required to notify Australian authorities when an actual purchase was made. 
The report also seeks to amend the treatment of residential land that is used for an aged-care facility, retirement village or student accommodation so that it is considered "non-vacant commercial land" thus lifting the FIRB screening threshold from zero to more than $55 million.
Some in the industry, like Julius Wei, co-founder of BMY Group, which connects Chinese high-net worth investors with opportunities in Australia, said the country was short of supply in these sectors and foreign investment into them "should be welcomed".
But he said the rules needed to incentivise foreign investors to invest for yield rather than capital gain, otherwise there could be a "huge jump in prices".
"Capital gains [in these sectors] should be taxed heavily," he said.
Wei also backed the proposed exemption certificate for individual buyers as according to him it was unfair to pay multiple fees if a buyer only intended to buy one property.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Treasury plans to simplify rules for foreign property buyers

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Greenway has the highest unit stock increase in the ACT in recent times, according to Investar’s latest report.
The property investment firm says that Greenway’s unit stock has increased by 105 percent, from 20 to 41.
For the median price of $340,000 an investor can purchase a two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-act-greenway-119417611">304 SQ1 Anketell Street</a>, Greenway (above) for $335,000.
Similarly a one bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-act-greenway-124223582">20/114 Athllon Drive</a>, Greenway (below) has been listed for $319,000.
<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/2017/03/17/20_114%20Athllon%20Drive.jpg" alt="">
A two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-act-greenway-122592190">16/114 Athllon Driv</a>e, Greenway (below) was sold for $350,000.
<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/2017/03/17/16_114%20Athllon%20Drive.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a one bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-act-greenway-122411506">26/2 Eileen Good Street</a>, Greenway (below) was sold for $300,000.
<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/2017/03/17/26_2%20Eileen%20Good%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Unit stock growth in ACT's Greenway soars: Investar

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Back in 2011 Gladstone property was all the rage.
Unfortunately the predicted housing boom was based upon temporary factors, including a resources construction boom which finally an almighty peak in Queensland in the first quarter of 2013. 
As construction turned to production, the housing boom turned to dust, despite unfounded claims that the new residential development could never lead to oversupply.
Over the last three years alone asking rents for houses have collapsed by 46 percent. 
Units have fared even worse with asking rents down by 56 percent (for landlords lucky enough to find a tenant). 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/21/ENG.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/2017/03/21/ENG.jpg" alt=""> 
Source: SQM Research
Dwelling prices have followed a similar pattern, albeit in a marginally less painful trajectory, with unit prices down by 40 per cent over the past three years. 
It looks as though the market may finally be set to move into equilibrium as the glut of supply is absorbed and the LNG export boom ramps up. 
Vacancy rates in Gladstone have now been falling for 9 months, while rents and prices seem to be consolidating or forming some kind of bottom. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/21/G2.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/2017/03/21/G2.jpg" alt="">
Source: SQM Research
It's all too little and too late for those that bought off the plan at the heady market peak, but it looks likely that the worst is over for now. 
Even engineering construction activity began rising again in Queensland from the first quarter of calendar year 2016, but this time around resources projects have not been the driver, although the Adani project is still potentially lurking in the wings. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/21/G1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/21/G1.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/2017/03/21/G1.jpg" alt=""></a>
 
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/">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">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Gladstone nearing the property bottom

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The newly constructed CQUniversity Building in Townsville’s CBD has sold for $12.8 million.
CQUniversity (CQUni), which is seeking to expand its Townsville footprint, commissioned Queensland developers Honeycombes to design and develop a multi-functional 2,592 square metre education facility on the CBD site.
The three-level building is located within the commercial precinct of Honeycombes’ $450 million Central development located in Townsville’s CBD.
The project was the first to be approved and completed in Townsville’s 97 hectare Waterfront Priority Development Area, which will include the city’s new $250 million sports stadium and entertainment centre.
The building accommodates between 150 and 200 students at any time and comprises a ground-level foyer and library area topped by state-of-the-art education facilities on the two upper levels.
It was designed to cater for increased student enrolments at the university with about 1,000 students expected to be using the facility by the end of the year.
CQUni’s 15-year lease has three 10-year options and returns an annual net income of more than $855,000, delivering a 6.7% yield for the purchaser.
“Since opening the new campus building, the feedback from students has been fantastic and they’re absolutely thrilled with the new space,” CQUniversity Townsville and North West Queensland associate vice-chancellor Kari Arbouin said.
 “The CBD location is very much a drawcard.”
Honeycombes Property Group managing director Peter Honeycombe (pictured below) said the building design not only took into consideration the CQUni requirements, but also contemplated future uses beyond the 15-year lease.
“It was important for us that conversion of the building back into a regular office building was possible and feasible,” Honeycombe said.
“The CQUniversity Building was one of the few construction projects under way in Townsville over the past few months.
“We’re also thrilled to have been able to deliver a much needed, state-of-the-art education facility for CQUni in the CBD as part of their expansion.”
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/03/17/Peter%20Honeycombe.jpg" alt="">
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