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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NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s promise to tackle home ownership affordability is a welcome sign to first time buyers being pushed out of the market, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 
The valuation firm says with just over 186,000 loans approved in NSW in 2016, the first home buyer formed a small market segment with almost 16,500 loans approved or less than 9 percent of the total mortgage pool.
First home owner grants have reduced as data from the Office of State Revenue shows that 9,391 grants worth $138 million were handed out in 2015/16 as opposed to the 32,574 grants worth $266 million paid in 2010/11, the report states.
“Sydney is widely considered the most expensive city within Australia and one of the most expensive to rent when compared with other states and territory capitals, making for a tough path to home ownership,” HTW says.
“Furthermore, it appears that NSW is the equal lowest for first home owner grants when compared to other states:
<ul>
<li>QLD – $20,000 for new builds valued up to $750,000</li>
<li>SA – $15,000 for new builds only, valued up to $750,000</li>
<li>WA – $15,000 for new builds, valued up to either $750,000 or $1,000,000 (depending on the location).</li>
<li>VIC – $10,000 for new builds only, valued up to $750,000</li>
<li>NSW – $10,000 for new builds only, valued up to $750,000</li>
</ul>
“Typical first home buyers may consider purchasing off-the-plan as it allows them to save money while the property is under construction which can typically take between two to three years.
“This has been a strategy adopted by many in the Sydney market hoping to achieve capital appreciation during the course of construction and ‘lock in’ a lower purchase price compared to the ‘on completion’ or settlement price.”
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Sydney first home buyers turning to off-the-plan: HTW

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Canberra has the highest number of fresh properties being listed compared with 12 months ago, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that Canberra’s number of new listing rose by 48.8 percent, to a total of 903.
However it only has an increase of 4.6 percent for the number of total listings compared with a year ago.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-13%20at%2012.39.34%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/2017/03/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-13%20at%2012.39.34%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Hobart’s total listing declined 18.1 percent to a total of 1,868 despite an increase of 35.1 percent in the number of Hobart’s new listings.
However Melbourne has the highest increase of new properties in the last 12 months with a rise of 22.7 percent.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Canberra fresh listings spike by 48 percent: CoreLogic

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A Brighton office/showroom is set to go under the hammer on March 23 with a price guidance of $2.35 million plus.
Located at 184-186 Bay Street, the property has 14 metre frontage situated on the southern side of the street between Cochranes and Ashling streets.
The property comprises a 310 square metre, ground floor premises, which is part of the boutique La Perla development.
The property comes with an underground self-parking system for 10 cars, a medical permit and has been fitted out with suites which are ready to occupy.
According to marketing agent, Teska Carson director, George Takis, the area has been the beneficiary of outstanding growth over recent years which had reinforced its status as a retail/commercial destination.
"The area has seen much residential and commercial development in recent times, driven by Melbourne’s strong population growth, and property owners in the area have been the beneficiaries,’’ Takis said.
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Brand new Brighton medical office set to hit the auction block

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A new office/warehouse warehouse located within the North Lakes Business Park, near Brisbane, has sold for $3.1 million just weeks after completion.
The 7 Flinders Parade property sold to Austraw, an Australian manufacturer and importer of barware accessories, in a deal negotiated by JLL’s Nick Bandiera.
The North Lakes Business Park is positioned alongside the Bruce Highway, one kilometre from the North Lakes Town Centre.
The property provides a total building area of 1,900 square metres situated on a 3,970 square metres allotment. The building offers a combination of showroom (100 square metres), office (186 square metres) and warehouse (1,614 square metres), split over two levels at the front of the building.
The warehouse is accessed via three container height roller doors, providing 8.4 metre internal height at the eaves, plus 36 on-site car parks.
Bandiera said the sale demonstrated strong acquisition demand for modern, freestanding facilities on the Northside.
“At over 55 hectares, and located within 30 minutes of the Brisbane CBD, the North Lakes Business Park is the premier business park catering to Brisbane’s northern growth corridor, catering for industrial, wholesale, retail and the high-tech industry,” he said.
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New warehouse  in Brisbane's North Lakes sold for $3.1 million

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A two level, freehold property at Malvern in Melbourne’s inner-east has sold for $1.32 million at auction.
A private Melbourne investor outbid five others for the 17 Glenferrie Road property, which had the same owner for 30 years.
The two level, 197 square metre building is on a 192 square metre site, with five metres frontage to Glenferrie Road and rear access to on-site parking. It is zoned Commercial 1.
According to marketing agents, Teska Carson’s Tom Maule and Adrian Boutsakis, they received more than 100 pre-auction enquiries from a mix of owner-occupiers, investors and developers, and 30 bids from a crowd of 60 plus.  
They claimed that the response reflected the high demand for properties in a tightly held precinct
“Glenferrie Road, and Wattletree Road, Malvern is a well-known and strongly performing retail precinct, including the David Jones and Woolworths anchored Malvern Central Shopping Centre, major banks, and national and international food chains, along with numerous restaurants and fashion boutiques,” Maule said.
“Properties on the market within this precinct, when they do become available, always attract a high level of interest from a broad range of buyers and this was no exception.”
Boutaksis said the property offered the potential for multiple tenants and dual income streams, in an location only seven kilometres from Melbourne CBD.
The property was sold with vacant possession.
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Glenferrie Road, Malvern commercial property sells for $1.32 million at auction

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Within the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne, typical options for first time buyers under $500,000 would tend to be restricted to apartments and single storey units constructed in the 1960s and 1970s, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 
However, the valuation firm says options exist further east in suburbs such as Wandin North and Seville.
HTW says a common strategy is to purchase a small two bedroom unit and rent one of the bedrooms to cover the mortgage costs.
Developments within the suburbs of Croydon, Ringwood, Wantirna and Ferntree Gully, where the average resale price of one bedroom apartments is between $310,000 and $375,000, are also affordable option for first time buyers, the report says.
“It would be wise for first time home buyers to do their sums before purchasing an apartment due to the fact that body corporate fees can often be a significant additional monthly outlay in addition to the mortgage payments.
“Older units within the outer eastern suburbs are also a good option as the body corporate fees tend to be lower and the accommodation tends to be larger than the newer apartments with a better scope to renovate or change the property.
“Low rise apartments within Ringwood are a property type that first home buyers should consider.”
Eastland shopping centre, transport links and ongoing development are key drawcards for the area, HTW says.
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-wandin+north-124560762" target="_blank">1-5 Wanda Avenue</a>, Wandin North (above) was recently sold for $680,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-wandin+north-124314650" target="_blank">15 Sirocco Court</a>, Wandin North (below) was sold for $600,000.
<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/2017/03/10/15%20Sirocco%20Court.jpg" alt="">
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Wandin North and Seville options for first home buyers in Melbourne's east: HTW

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New land estates within the Melbourne suburbs of Tarneit, Truganina, Wyndham Vale, Williams Landing and Werribee provide an affordable option for first home buyers, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 
The valuation firm says the median house sale price in January 2017 was $480,000 in Tarneit, $492,000 in Truganina, $353,885 in Wyndham Vale, $461,000 in Williams Landing and $450,000 in Werribee, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
“These median sale prices are much lower than the Melbourne metro median house price of $770,000 recorded for the December 2016 quarter by the REIV,” HTW says.
With prices in the region climbing, HTW suggests that first home buyers may wish to look further afield to establish their foothold on the property ladder.
“Although the inner suburbs are proving difficult for first home buyers, the outer western suburbs provide great opportunities for first home buyers,” it says.
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-tarneit-124919526" target="_blank">59 Emperor Parade</a>, Tarneit (above) has been listed for $475,000 to $510,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-tarneit-124911034" target="_blank">2 Governor Close</a>, Tarneit (below) has been listed for between $450,000 to $490,000.
<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/2017/03/10/2%20Governor%20Close.jpg" alt="">
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Tarneit and Truganina estates are first home buyer targets: HTW

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Retail giant Woolworths has snapped up ABC's former studios in the Melbourne suburb of Elsternwick for a reported $40-$50 million in a deal brokered by Savills.
The public broadcaster confirmed Tuesday it had completed the tender process for the sale, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald.
The property was put on the market late last year through an expressions of interest process that closed December 6, 2016.
“Staff from Selwyn Street will commence moving to the ABC's Southbank headquarters in April 2017," ABC  said in a statement.
The report cited title documents obtained by BusinessDay showing Woolworths' development arm, Fabcot Pty Ltd, had placed a caveat over the ABC site.
Savills’ Clinton Baxter, Nick Peden and Jesse Radisich, who brokered the deal, did not comment on the deal value, but sources cited by report put it between $40 million to $50 million.
"The sale price is confidential, however the tender process ensured the amount was in line with market expectations," ABC spokesman Nick Leys said.
The ABC will now move to sell its nearby Gordon Street studio through a similar tender sale process, Leys said.
All television and radio production at the two sites will move to the broadcaster's Southbank studios.
The sale of Elsternwick marks the end of an era for Australian television as it was the site of ABC TV's first ever broadcast in 1956.
Both the Elsternwick and Gordon Street sites were used as offices and warehouse facilities for different ABC production units, and have occasionally been used to film scenes from popular shows, including Countdown, Kath and Kim and Hugh Jackman's prison drama Correlli.
The ABC's redeveloped Southbank site has studios large enough to incorporate its operations from Elsternwick.
The corner property at Elsternwick is a 6155 sqm block on six separate titles in a mixed-use zone which comprises offices, storage facilities and some of the ABC’s Melbourne television studios, according to a Savills news release earlier.
A $9.4 million Elsternwick building block with permission for five homes looks set to be the location for this year’s series of The Block.
 
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ABC's iconic Elsternwick studios snapped up by Woolworths for $40-$50 million through Savills

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German retail giant Kaufland is set to arrive on Australian stores.
The big-box has established an Australian website to seek suitable flagship retail sites.
It is hiring for a number of management positions, including an architectural planner.
The company states it “is coming to Australia”, and is seeking staff and property locations to establish its flagship stores.
It currently operates 1230 stores across Europe and employs over 150,000 workers.
Kaufland says it is seeking plots of land with a minimum size of 10,000 square metres, and a preferred size between 20,000 and 15,000 square metres.
“Kaufland has an ambitious Australian investment and development programme.
Therefore we are always looking to purchase land and/or existing or projected developments,” the company website states.
Kaufland stores will be “destination retail”, and unlikely to be placed near other prime shopping locations.
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Kaufland confirms it is coming to Australia as it looks for sites

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The Mildura Homemaker Centre in north-west Victoria has found three new tenants, establishing its position as one of the town’s leading large format retail complexes.
Super Retail Group’s Amart Sports, Carpet Court and the Salvation Army have all signed new leases at the centre, taking three separate tenancies totalling 3,088 sqm.
Amart Sports’ entry marks the retailer’s first store in the Mildura market.
The deal was brokered by CBRE’s Tom Perkins and Chris Parry.
Parry said the Mildura Homemaker Centre’s strong national tenancy profile helped attract the new retailers.
“With seven existing national brands at the centre, these new retailers were eager to capitalise on the strong patronage at one of Mildura’s major shopping destinations,” Parry said.
Other retailers at the centre include Fantastic Furniture, Chemist Warehouse and The Good Guys.
Perkins added: “The Mildura Homemaker Centre represents a strategic location for the retail network due to the low cost to entry, including rent, advertising and employment – whilst also servicing a significant catchment due to the town’s isolation from other regional centres.”
Parry said recent deals highlight the strength of Victoria’s regional retail markets.
A case in point is the Rocklea Homemaker Centre in Bendigo, which was recently fully leased to primarily national retailers such as Fantastic Furniture, BCF and Pillow Talk.
“The centre subsequently sold for $35,000,000 - representing an equivalent yield of 7.43 percent,” Parry said.
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