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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

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

Mosaic's Midas Touch

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

Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD

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

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

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
A retrospective look at median dwelling values across the suburbs of Australia shows the bracket creep that has occurred over the current growth cycle, highlighting the deterioration of more affordable housing across the capital cities over the past five years.
At the end of 2016, 7.6 percent of suburbs nationally had a median house value under $200,000 and 5.9 percent of suburbs had a median unit value below $200,000. 
To put these figures into some perspective, 11.4 percent of suburbs had a median house value of at least $1 million and 3.0 percent of suburbs had a median unit value of at least $1 million.
Over the five years to the end of 2016, there has been a substantial decline in the proportion of suburbs with a median value below $400,000. 
At the end of 2011, 53.5 percent of suburbs had a median house value of less than $400,000 and 69.8 percent of suburbs had a median unit value of less than $400,000. 
By the end of 2016, the proportion of suburbs with a median value of less than $400,000 had fallen to 41.0 percent for houses and 55.3 percent for units.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Corelogic-1.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/2017/02/20/Corelogic-1.jpg" alt="">
A five year retrospective look at the individual capital cities highlights the significant shift in the proportion of suburbs with a median value under $400,000, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.
In 2011, the proportion of total suburbs with a median house value below $400,000 across each capital city was: 21.2 percent in Sydney, 28.9 percent in Melbourne, 40.9 percent in Brisbane, 40.5 percent in Adelaide, 31.1 percent in Perth, 69.2 percent in Hobart, 2.1 percent in Darwin and 1.1 percent in Canberra. 
Units offer a more affordable option highlighted by the proportions of suburbs values below $400,000 at: 38.8 percent in Sydney, 48.2 percent in Melbourne, 81.7 percent in Brisbane, 94.3 percent in Adelaide, 59.8 percent in Perth, 92.7 percent in Hobart, 53.3 percent in Darwin and 44.6 percent in Canberra.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Corelogic-2.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/2017/02/20/Corelogic-2.jpg" alt="">
By 2015, the proportion of suburbs with a median house value below $400,000 had shifted to: 1.2% in Sydney, 12.2% for Melbourne, 31.4% in Brisbane, 29.5% in Adelaide, 15.5% in Perth, 55.7% in Hobart and 0.0% in both Darwin and Canberra. 
For units, the proportion of suburbs with a median value of less than $400,000 in December 2015 were recorded at: 10.9% in Sydney, 34.9% in Melbourne, 64.4% in Brisbane, 87.7% in Adelaide, 37.2% in Perth, 88.4% in Hobart, 51.4% in Darwin and 50.5% in Canberra.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Corelogic-3.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/2017/02/20/Corelogic-3.jpg" alt="">
The proportion of suburbs with a median house value of less than $400,000 at the end of 2016 was recorded at: 0.1% in Sydney, 6.3% in Melbourne, 29.2% in Brisbane, 28.0% in Adelaide, 18.9% in Perth, 52.1% in Hobart and 0.0% in Darwin and Canberra. 
For units the proportions were recorded at: 6.5% in Sydney, 31.8% in Melbourne, 62.7% in Brisbane, 85.1% in Adelaide, 46.4% in Perth, 88.4% in Hobart, 57.6% in Darwin and 45.8% in Canberra.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Corelogic-4.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/2017/02/20/Corelogic-4.jpg" alt="">
Five years ago every capital city except for Darwin and Canberra had at least 20% of suburbs with a median house value of less than $400,000. 
At the end of last year, it was virtually impossible to find houses for less than $400,000 in Sydney, Darwin and Canberra while less than 7% of suburbs had a median house value below $400,000 in Melbourne. 
Across each city there has been a substantial decline in more affordable housing over the past year despite the fact that outside of Sydney and Melbourne there has been only moderate value growth over the period.
Even units have recorded a fairly substantial decline in the proportion of suburbs with a median value of less than $400,000 over the past five years.
At the end of 2016, looking at both houses and units, 20.5% of Sydney suburbs had a median value of less than $600,000 compared to 38.5% of suburbs having a median value of at least $1 million. 
To further highlight deteriorating housing affordability in Sydney, 34.6% of suburbs had a median unit value of less than $600,000 at the end of 2016. 
In each other capital city, a higher proportion of suburbs had a median house value of less than $600,000 than the proportion of suburbs with a median unit value of less than $600,000.
If you are earning a relatively low income in Sydney and are looking to buy a house or unit, you are competing for a rapidly declining pool of housing stock across the city. 
The pool is also declining across the remaining capitals, albeit not at the same pace of decline as in Sydney.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.
</body></html>

ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Sydney's property bracket creep makes for declining housing options: Cameron Kusher

<html><body>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<div id="post-body-183755154986059073" class="post-body entry-content">
<div>New South Wales stamp duty and land transfer receipts were back up to $9.4 billon over the year to January 2017.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The rolling annual number of transactions is down from previous heights, though remains high with so many apartments being constructed.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/21/NSW.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge </a></div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/21/NSW.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>With a record construction boom and rising Sydney dwelling prices, it shouldn't be a surprise that stamp duty and transfers paid rose to record highs in FY2016.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In fact, the NSW state budget surged into a massive $4.7 billion surplus in 2015-16.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This result was miles ahead of forecasts and left the state government with net debt of less than zero.</div>
<div> Yes, the state government moved into a cash positive position for the first time ever.  </div>
<div> </div>
<div>To complete the virtuous circle, billions of these funds need to be rolled into urgently required infrastructure projects, not least to plug the hole in the economy that will be left by declining housing construction from 2018 forth. </div>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Plenty more where this came from in 2017 as apartment completions hit the market (recall too that the 2016 NSW Budget introduced a 4 per cent surcharge purchaser duty on the acquisition of residential real estate by foreign persons from June 21, 2016.).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It's important to recognise that the record windfall represents a surge in pre-sold apartments as much as any recent increase in market liquidity, as stock on market levels to date remain relatively low.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>The number of transactions jumped to above 25,000 in November 2016, and total receipts seared to an unprecedented $1.78 billion in the month.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Just to put that number in context, the prior year equivalent figure had been only $729 million, and the previous record for any individual month was just $1.2 billion.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The November number was so much higher than the prior year that it seemingly defies logic, although there had been a change in purchase duties for non-residents, and then there was the $16 billion Ausgrid sale.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In January 2017 there were 17,473 transactions, a slightly lower figure than in the prior year.</div>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
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>.
</div>
</div>
<div class="post-footer"> </div>
</body></html>

pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

NSW stamp duty boom continues in 2017: Pete Wargent  

<html><body>
A former church from the 1920s and an adjoining residential property in Cronulla has been listed for sale.
The 12 &amp; 14 Wilshire Avenue  properties will be offered for sale separately or in one line – offering flexibility for multiple uses, including childcare, medical, residential conversion or redevelopment.
Owner The Uniting Church has appointed CBRE’s Simon Lytton and Peter Vines and Peter Starr of McGrath to market the properties through an expressions of interest campaign closing October 20.
“Given the size of the land and the exclusive location we are expecting overwhelming interest from both local investors and from buyers Sydney wide,” CBRE’s Lytton said.
The residential property at 12 Wilshire Avenue comprises a single storey, five-bedroom brick house on a 891.6 sqm site. Included is a detached building presently set up as classrooms, with the two buildings having a combined areas of 267 sqm.
The adjoining 14 Wilshire Avenue is an existing brick church with a rear hall, also on 891.6 sqm.
Lytton said the character of the 1920s church, which included timber flooring and a pitched tile roof, would appeal to buyers seeking a unique conversion opportunity.
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

1920s church and house in Cronulla listed for sale 

<html><body>
A tenanted commercial building in Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast has sold at auction by Ray White Commercial for $2.31 million.
The freehold property at 43 Alfred Street was sold to a private investor for a yield of 7.14 per cent.
The Alfred St commercial building has a site area of nearly 407 sqm and is tenanted by a café, a real estate agency and a hair salon.
The selling agent was Ray White’s Steven King. 
The property generates net rental income of nearly $165,000 per annum. 
“There was strong interest in this two-level refurbished building which is fully leased to three quality, long term tenants,” King said.
“The property has exposure to Gold Coast Highway north bound traffic and is opposite a very popular retail-convenience centre.” 
</body></html>

Gold Coast commercial building fetches $2.3 million at auction

<html><body>
Wallan offers the cheapest newly released residential land at a median of $248 per square metre, the latest Domain Group data shows.
Craigieburn had the most number of land sales over the December quarter.
Doreen in Melbourne's north-east recorded the strongest annual growth for land prices at 18.5 per cent.
The median price for land in Pakenham also jumped 17.3 per cent over the year.
Some western suburbs had weaker values and growth because there was more land, Domain Group chief economist Andrew Wilson noted.
 
<div class="moveable_w" data-element-id="table_52173693" data-object-id="6195c47d-1d30-44a7-96be-c9788ba8702d" data-object-type="chart">
<div id="table_52173693" class="moveable chart ig-theme-group-chart">
<div id="igc-subtable-52173693" class="igc-chart inner">
<div class="igc-table-container">
<table id="Chart_52173693" class="igc-table __dynamic __visible">
<colgroup>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
</colgroup>
<thead><tr>
<th class="igc-table-header igicon-sort " data-column="0">Suburb</th>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-dynamic-column igicon-sort" data-column="1">Median</th>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-dynamic-column igicon-sort" data-column="2">1-year growth</th>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-dynamic-column igicon-sort" data-column="3">Median price per m2</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody class="igc-table-body">
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Wallan</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$165,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">15.8%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$248</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Bacchus Marsh</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$189,500</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">18.4%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$284</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Sunbury</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$235,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">7.8%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$319</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Brookfield</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$154,990</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">3.3%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$326</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Melton South</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$147,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">1.4%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$335</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Melton West</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$157,500</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">7.1%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$354</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Wyndham Vale</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$180,950</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">-0.8%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$423</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Pakenham</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$230,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">17.3%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$434</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Mickleham</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$217,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">6.9%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$480</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Doreen</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$237,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">18.5%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$521</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="moveable_w" data-element-id="particle_26a606cf-90d8-4463-bcab-701415e238eb" data-object-id="26a606cf-90d8-4463-bcab-701415e238eb" data-object-type="particle">
<div id="particle_26a606cf-90d8-4463-bcab-701415e238eb" class="moveable particle body-text ig-theme-group-text">
<div class="bodytext">
<div class="innertext" data-placeholder="">Source: Domain Group</div>
<div class="innertext" data-placeholder=""> </div>
<div class="innertext" data-placeholder="">A large 11,350 sqm of land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-doreen-201725862" target="_blank">79D Cookes Road</a>, Doreen (above) has been recently listed for sale.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Similarly a commercial land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-wallan-201711450" target="_blank">19 High Street</a>, Wallan (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/2017/02/20/19%20High%20Street.jpg" alt="">
A residential block at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-residential+land-vic-wallan-200516515" target="_blank">22 Moondara Terrace</a>, Wallan (below) was recently sold for $151,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/20/22%20Moondara%20Terrace.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a residential land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-residential+land-vic-doreen-201628138" target="_blank">59 Woorawa Drive</a>, Doreen (below) was recently sold for $246,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/20/59%20Woorawa%20Drive.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Wallan ranks as Melbourne's cheapest land release suburb

<html><body>
Quite surprising that nothing has been said when last Friday, the Australian government debt ticked just over $475 billion.
For the last twelve months, the government on average has been borrowing $6.35 billion each month, so what happens when they hit the debt ceiling of $500 billion? Will that then bring an end to Australia’s prized membership of the AAA – rated club?
Standard &amp; Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch have just 9 countries in the AAA club – Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, Norway, Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland. Should our membership be revoked that would mean that borrowing costs would increase overnight, which is not a good sign for the Australian economy. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) currently estimates that Australian small businesses currently owe $13 billion in unpaid tax debts. Obviously, there is no impact on existing debt although when it comes time to refinance then that would be an entirely different story.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-20%20at%209.03.18%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-20%20at%209.03.18%20AM.png" alt="">
With the federal government recently weighing into the housing affordability debacle there are two things that I would immediately implement to critique our housing markets.
The ATO has taken over responsibility for being Australia’s biggest property manager so land banking must be the first point of call. It is estimated that Sydney now has well over 100,000 permanently vacant apartments so they should be rented out to ease the rental crisis. Look at the lost revenues the ATO is missing out on with these land banked properties, where the clear majority are owned by overseas investors. Land banking in Australia must be outlawed.
Reverse the ridiculous off-the-plan ratio back to 50 percent from 100 percent to overseas buyers. We are now going into the ninth year of 100 percent and the only clear impact we are seeing is that foreign investors have become a most dominant player. In 2016, Chinese developers acquired almost 40 percent of the Australian residential sites that were offered to the marketplace. All these properties are offered exclusively to Asia and these properties are not available for local buyers. Reducing the ratio back to 50 percent would have a big impact on housing affordability.
 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-20%20at%209.04.36%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-20%20at%209.04.36%20AM.png" alt="">
A recent survey by Roy Morgan Research found that approximately 7 per cent of Australian mortgage holders have little or zero equity in their homes in the twelve months to October 2016. That would equate to approximately 300,000 properties across Australia. Western Australia has the highest number with 54,000, followed by South Australia with 27,000, Queensland with 63,000, Melbourne has 50,000, Victoria has 65,000, NSW has 73,000 and Sydney has 33,000. Tasmania came in with 5,000 – these are concerning numbers when you consider the east coast has enjoyed unprecedented capital appreciation.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-20%20at%209.05.32%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-20%20at%209.05.32%20AM.png" alt="">
Since 2009, Sydney home values have doubled and Melbourne have climbed 85 percent. In 2011, less than 10 percent of investors held multiple investment properties, according to Digital Finance Analytics. This has now grown to 16 percent nationally, and on the east coast multiple investment properties is now approximately 18 percent.
Really makes one wonder, just what data our elected politicians and policy makers are actually looking at or quite possibly, they don’t even understand this data?
The most recent data from CoreLogic shows that the rental yields in Sydney and Melbourne are on the decline. For Sydney, houses yield is 2.8 percent and units are 3.8 percent. In Melbourne, houses are 2.7 percent and units are 4.0 percent. It will be most interesting to see just how low these yields will go with all the new developments entering the market. It is quite clear that investors have been enjoying the unprecedented capital growth over rental yields in Sydney and Melbourne, although this is about to change.
With very few alternate investment opportunities, we don’t at this particular point in time expect to see investors retreating out of the market, although we do expect to see carnage in the CBD markets. This should not come as a great surprise as these markets have introduced thousands and thousands of new apartments, and many suburbs have constructed less than one hundred new apartments.
Whatever the case, if you like watching real estate machinations 2017 will keep you highly entertained.
To add to this, the Commonwealth Bank advised mortgage brokers this week, that from February 13, it will cease accepting refinancing applications for investment home loans. Will the other major lenders then follow suit?
ROBERT SIMEON is a director of <a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/">Richardson Wrench Mosman and Neutral Bay</a> and has been selling residential real estate in Sydney since 1985. 
He has also been writing real estate blog <a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/">Virtual Realty News</a> since 2000.
</body></html>

robertsimeon-hRNTwJyXkQ

The ticking time bomb in our property markets: Robert Simeon

<html><body>
The penthouse in Darlinghurst's Top of the Town apartment complex has been bought by property developer Duncan Hardie and his wife, Lyn.
He has paid $10.9 million to former media executive Cameron O'Reilly, who had bought it from the Sutton car dealership family for $8.25 million in 2007.
The dual-level apartment, sold through Alison Coopes at Agency by Coopes, has been rebuilt with swathes of glass and marble.
The three bedroom, three bathroom apartment has 700 sqm of space including its impressive rooftop lawn.
Duncan Hardie recently sold the Hunter Valley's Sweetwater winery.
He built the Mediterranean-style residence and commissioned Country Trader's Geoff Clark to fill it with antiques from across Europe.
Inspired by southern European vineyard estates, the 48 hectare holding came with reduced hopes after being listed with a $30 million price tag in 2015, but sold at a substantial discount to property developer Sam Arnaout.
Hardie has long aspired to an inner city penthouse being the $19 million off the plan buyer of a Wylde Street, Potts Point penthouse that failed to be constructed. 
This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Cameron O'Reilly sells Darlinghurst's Top of the Town penthouse

<html><body>
Raine &amp; Horne has launched a holiday rental business in Dubai led by co-principals Shine Sunny and Sanjay Chimnani.
Angus Raine, executive chairman, Raine &amp; Horne said between Sanjay and Shine, Raine &amp; Horne Holiday Homes has real estate, hospitality, marketing and PR experience.
"This is an exciting venture that will support the financial goals of owners in Dubai and the short-stay needs of leisure and business visitors to the emirate,” he said 
“Australia is an important market for Raine &amp; Horne Holiday Homes. Qantas and Emirates fly over 90 times a week from Dubai to Australia. 
“Dubai is a perfect stopover from Australia to destinations across Europe. Therefore, we will be tapping into the hundreds of offices in our Australian network to promote the holiday lettings available in the emirate through Raine &amp; Horne Holiday Homes.
Ms Shine said Raine &amp; Horne Holiday Homes will seek to collaborate with the likes of Austrade and Victoria Invest, as we are the only Australian company in Dubai offering vacation rentals.
“We will also be aggressively targeting the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and the Indian sub-continent markets,” she said.
“We are specialising in the marketing and management of one and two bed apartments, and we already have a number of luxurious apartments available to let.
“Depending on the location, views and seasonality, a one-bed apartment in Downtown Dubai with Burj views, are priced at AED 950 ($A339) a night.
“All the properties showcased in our portfolio are conveniently located in Dubai’s popular locations such as Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residences, DIFC and Downtown Dubai, and are meticulously presented and fully self-contained for our guests’ convenience.
“We only choose holiday properties that are close to public transport and have amenities such as supermarkets, pharmacies and tourist attractions nearby.
“We have a dedicated customer service manager, personal greet and meet services and 24x7 accessibility should guests need us. This gold standard customer experience, focusing on quality and service, will set Raine &amp; Horne Holidays apart.
“The holiday letting business combines our real estate and hospitality strengths, therefore it is a natural progression for expanding the business.
“We are harnessing the power global software solutions such as Lodgify for reservations, Outswitch for revenue management and innovative marketing techniques harnessing the promotional powers of social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to focus on increasing property returns.
“Owners have the ability to check bookings online, rates and tariffs, and to receive clear and concise monthly statements making the entire process transparent and effective."
</body></html>

Raine and Horne targets Dubai holiday letting market

<html><body>
Vacancy rates declined in January, after December's seasonal spike, according to SQM Research.
All of the capital cities recorded a drop in January, not unusually for the time of year. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/17/SQM.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/2017/02/17/SQM.jpg" alt="">
Nationally the vacancy rate of 2.4 percent was the same as one year previously.
The tightest market was Hobart at 0.7 percent, the Tasmanian capital recording strong gains in median asking rents, while the highest vacancy rate was in Perth at 4.8 percent. 
Although the figures aren't seasonally adjusted, below I've smoothed them on a 4mMA basis to give some kind of feel for the trend. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/17/SQM2.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/2017/02/17/SQM2.jpg" alt="">
Perth and Darwin have continued to record declining rents, while SQM noted that inner city apartments in Brisbane have seen declines of 2.5 to 5 per cent in asking rents, something I can confirm from having witnessed it first-hand. 
To date the Sydney and Melbourne apartment markets appear to be holding up better, with the reported vacancy rate in Melbourne actually lower than a year ago, and median asking rents higher in both of the most populous capital cities.  
After some truly diabolical declines in dwelling prices ranging anywhere from 50 to 90 per cent in some cases, SQM notes that the bust in some mining towns may now finally be bottoming out.  
Vacancy rates are down in a range of resources towns from a year previously.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/17/SQM-1.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/2017/02/17/SQM-1.jpg" alt="">
Source: SQM Research
No, still not a buy, before you ask! 
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>. 
 
</body></html>

Vacancy rates ease after seasonal spike: Pete Wargent

<html><body>
Springfield Tower, located at 145 Sinnathamby Boulevard, has been sold in a deal negotiated by JLL’s Christian Sandstrom and Sam Byrne.
JLL sought expressions of interest over a five-week period for the property on behalf of PPB Advisory as appointed receivers.
Located in Springfield Central, Springfield Tower is an impressive ten-storey office building providing large rectangular floor plates which enjoy an abundance of natural light and views over the greater Springfield CBD.
Constructed in 2008 by leading Queensland builder Hutchinson Builders the property provides 9,459sqm (NLA) of office and retail space and is regarded as the most prominent office building in the greater precinct.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/17/main2345.jpeg" alt="">
The asset provides a 50 percent leased building with scope for significant income uplift, with major tenants including: Springfield Land Corporation, The Salvation Army, Department of Housing and Public Works and Northrop Grumman.
“The landmark is ideally situated in the heart of Springfield Central close to the Orion Shopping Centre.
It is within walking distance to the new $1.2 billion rail linking Springfield to all major stations to the Brisbane CBD.
This has had significant impetus to attracting new businesses to the area, especially as it continues to grow,” said Christian Sandstrom.
“The Greater Springfield community is nearing 13 percent completion with over $11.7 billion invested in the project to date; which is estimated to grow to $85 billion by project end.
"Since the commencement of this project, we have noticed a significant increase in the amount of new capital sources looking to capitalise on Springfield’s rapid growth” said Sandstrom
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/17/press%20ad%202%20image.jpeg" alt="">
“Throughout the sale campaign, we fielded interest from a broad range of domestic and off-shore groups that saw potential to unlock the property’s true value through a refreshed leasing strategy,” said Sam Byrne.
</body></html>

Latest Investing Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Investing Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News