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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Apartments in the Central and North Coast of New South Wales, the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and Melbourne are at market peak in February, according to the latest property clock from Herron Todd White. 
Units in Adelaide, Darwin, Townsville and Whitsundays are at the bottom of the market.
Coffs Harbour's residential units were peaking in January. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-01%20at%2012.57.48%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-01%20at%2012.57.48%20PM.png" alt="">
 
Property Observer found this two bedroom apartment, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-sawtell-124657638" target="_blank">9/69 Boronia St Sawtell</a> (below) listed for sale for $345,000. It last traded for $195,000 in 2013.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-06%20at%2011.07.18%20AM.png" alt="">
A two bedroom apartment, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-coffs+harbour-124474918" target="_blank">2/4 Solitary St Coffs Harbour</a>, (below) is on the market for $395,000, having last sold for $308,500 in 2007.
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<h1><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-06%20at%2011.10.26%20AM.png" alt=""></h1>
A two bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-coffs+harbour-124425778" target="_blank">20/22 Orlando Street</a> (below) that has been listed for sale for $615,000.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It last sold for $395,000 in 2013.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><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/2017/06/20_22%20Orlando%20Street.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div>  </div>
<div> </div>
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Apartments along NSW coastline top of February property clock: HTW

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When Malcolm Turnbull addressed the National Press Club this week I was really hoping that he was going to announce some major policy critiquing for all matters pertaining to Australia’s ongoing housing affordability woes. 
Sadly, very little was offered where he clearly laid the blame at the states and territories which simply identified that very little would be happening to this space.
We can then expect political huffing and puffing until November 2, 2019 which is when Australia must contest the next election. A very strong possibility that we will see a changing of the guard where negative gearing laws will be changed which will then probably coincide with a major property downturn. On that basis, it is clear to predict the game plan for the next two and a half years. Property investors will go -hard simply because they want to get in before the negative gearing rules are changed (should there be a change in government.)
There is no doubt that property prices will continue to rise in 2017 to the extent that we may well see the cumulative house prices reach 100 per cent gains in five years in some areas. The latest statistics from CoreLogic revealed this week, identified the January price rise results showed Melbourne up an additional 11.8 per cent and continues to run amok at 16 per cent. Since June 2012, the cumulative increase in house prices has been 70.5 per cent, CoreLogic reported.
Two things I was expecting announcements on this week were immigration and reducing the off – the – plan ratios to overseas buyers. CBA senior economist Michael Workman said, ‘’housing affordability is set to worsen without federal action. 
The Federal Government controls some of the significant demand factors for housing markets, namely population growth via migration and the spectrum of tax and foreign investment policies that significantly inflate demand for existing and new housing. Housing affordability can be improved, via stabilising growth in house prices and rents, by gradual reforms to both supply and demand issues.”
In the present property environment, there is no need for off – the – plan sales to foreign buyers to remain at 100 per cent and this ratio is controlled by the Turnbull government.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/VRN-2.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge </a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/VRN-2.png" alt="">
Despite the construction of thousands of new apartments, we are not seeing an easing of rents as was the expected case. Data analysis from the NSW Rental Bond Board identified that NSW has more tenants than ever before. No surprises to learn that the most expensive five suburbs are Manly, Waverly, Woollahra, Willoughby and Mosman.
We can therefore expect to see these areas hot – spotting with investors as they know these areas provide the best rental returns as well as capital appreciation. Investors will keep driving these markets simply because the federal government has tinkered with superannuation, and property markets are out-performing the share market.
Of course, we all know that this will change over time although the momentum is much stronger with our respective governments doing absolutely nothing aside from weekly lip service.
 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/VRN-Statistics.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/VRN-Statistics.png" alt="">
 With much being written about money laundering within the Australian property markets the appointed watchdog, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), is investigating more than $3 billion in suspicious transfers from Chinese property investors last year.
This was further backed – up late last year when the major Australian lenders ceased lending to foreign buyers amid concerns. I was then surprised to read this week that foreign investors are again on the surge where this time they are paying cash to settle the full amount of the purchase.
Now many will be asking the obvious questions as to where all these monies are originating from based on recent announcements that the Chinese government had shut down money transfers from China?
Well, allow me to lay your concerns to rest – the smartest thing that Joe Hockey did when he was treasurer was to hand all data collection on every property transfer in Australia over to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). You may have forgotten that some months later after reviewing the respective data an excited ATO announced that they were expanding their forensic property investigations back to 1985.
Just this week, I received a telephone call from one of the ATO investigators requesting purchaser contact information for a property we sold late last year. Nothing was said, I simply adhered to their request and provided the relevant information.
What this clearly tells us, is that every property transaction is scrutineered by the ATO and you can no longer beat the system.
With so many discussions on housing affordability this is one announcement that should please all those closely following the real estate movements. As each property settles all the data is then sent to the ATO for recording and investigation.
It has become very clear that everybody buying Australian real estate should know that each transaction is noted and investigated. And yes, they have the resources.
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.
 
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Why housing affordability is a political no – go zone: Robert Simeon

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More than $50 million worth of Australian tourism properties has been listed by Japanese real estate group Cosmos Initia, including Fraser Island Kingfisher Bay Resort, Eurong Beach Resort, Fraser Explorer Tours and Fraser Island Ferries to be sold as one lot. 
According to the Australian Financial Review, Cosmos Initia, was looking to diversify into other areas such as residential development, sources said. 
Colliers International said the two resorts in the group account for more than 90 percent of commercial accommodation options on Fraser Island.
The group turned over $55 million in 2016 and made a net profit of about $7 million.
Colliers' Neil Scanlan and Gus Moors are handling expressions of interest.
Neil Scanlan said the operations could be integrated within another established tourism portfolio in Australia or operated under full management as it is today.
"In addition to this, a large amount of surplus freehold development land offers an incoming purchaser a significant upside with extensive new development or redevelopment options," he said.
"Less than 1 percent of the island is freehold or leasehold land, so new development options are very limited.
"There is also an opportunity to redevelop 1.4 hectare of beach front land at Eurong Beach Resort.
"Development options are very flexible and could include a mixed use tavern/hotel, new hotel or strata titled apartment development."
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Japanese group Cosmos Initia to sell Fraser Island's Kingfisher Bay Resort

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A heritage-listed city fringe building in Melbourne's Ascot Vale built in 1880 has been sold for $1.8 million.
The commercial property, 403-405 Mt Alexander Rd, Ascot Vale, on the corner of Mt Alexander Road and Bank Street was built for the English Scottish and Australian Chartered Bank and designed by architects Terry and Oakden.
It is one of only ten Gothic style banks in Victoria.
The building has nine main rooms and a period-style bathroom with claw bath, hydronic heating in each room and a paved backyard which can accommodate parking for up to 4 vehicles.
Anthony Carbone of CVA said the sale represents a substantial building rate of $6,315.79 per square metre.
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Heritage-listed Gothic corner building sold

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The performance of house and unit resales across Canberra has continued to diverge over the past quarter, according to CoreLogic's Pain and Gain report.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/30/Corelogic-10.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/2017/01/30/Corelogic-10.jpg" alt="">
The property data firm says that 9.6% of all dwellings resold at a loss over the quarter, split 3.4% of houses and 25.5% of units.
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Gross loss-making sales, Sept 16 qtr
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Gross profit-making sales, Sept 16-qtr
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Profit
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% of all sales
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Median hold period
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Median loss
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Total value of loss
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% of all sales
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Median hold period
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Median profit
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Total value of profit
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Unincorporated ACT
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12.2%
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5.4
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-$25,700
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-$5,240,229
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87.8%
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9.3
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$170,500
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$189,216,296
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Canberra apartment resale losses soar: CoreLogic Pain and Gain

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The proportion of dwellings reselling at a loss across Perth has continued to trend higher over the September 2016 quarter, according to CoreLogic's latest Pain and Gain report.
The property data firm says that over the quarter, 17.3 percent of houses and 32.4 percent of units resold for less than the previous purchase price.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/30/Corelogic-16.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/2017/01/30/Corelogic-16.jpg" alt="">
Across the council regions, the areas with the highest proportion of loss-making resales were: Perth (48.1 percent), Mosman Park (35.3 percent) and Murray (34.1 percent).
Peppermint Grove had no resales over the quarter (so no resales at a loss) the regions with resales that had the lowest instances of loss were: East Fremantle (8.3 percent), Canning (11.7 percent) and Serpentine-Jarrahdale (12.3 percent).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/30/Corelogic-17%20copy.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/2017/01/30/Corelogic-17%20copy.jpg" alt="">
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Perth's reselling at loss trending higher: CoreLogic Pain and Gain

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Investors and owner occupiers will at times act very differently when dealing with their residential property assets, CoreLogic recently noted.
Over the September 2016 quarter, 9.2 percent of owner occupiers resold their homes at a loss compared to 9.8 percent of investors across Australia, but with strong regional variations.
Across the major regions of the country, Sydney, Regional Victoria and Hobart were the only regions in which owner occupiers were more likely to resell at a loss than investors.
Across the combined capital cities, 6.7 percent of owner occupiers resold their dwellings at a loss over the quarter compared to 7.9 percent of investors.
In Melbourne and the Australian Capital Territory, investors were twice, almost three times as likely to resell at a loss as owner occupiers.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/30/Corelogic-22.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/2017/01/30/Corelogic-22.jpg" alt="">
Regional markets saw 13.0 percent of owner occupiers and 14.4 percent of investors resell their properties at a loss over the quarter.
In regional NT, investors were more than twice as likely to resell at a loss as owner occupiers.
Clearly it is more beneficial for an owner occupier or an investor to resell their property at a profit.
In a falling market owner occupiers may be more prepared to sell at a loss if they are purchasing their next home at an equivalent or greater discount, CoreLogic noted.
Meanwhile, investors, because of taxation rules, would seemingly be more prepared to incur a loss because they (unlike owner occupiers) can offset those loses against future capital gains.
CoreLogic noted the taxation system may potentially create risks in the future, particularly considering the heightened level of investment buying activity over recent years.
If home values fall in the future, investors (which have been increasingly active) may be more inclined to sell at a loss and offset those losses which in turn could result in much more supply becoming available for purchase at a time in which demand for housing falls because values are declining.
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Canberra investors copping property losses: CoreLogic Pain and Gain

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In Adelaide, 5.9 percent of houses and 11.3 percent of units resold over the September 2016 at below their previous purchase price, according to CoreLogic's latest Pain and Gain report.
The property data firm says that the proportion of loss-making resales trended lower over the quarter for each property type.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/30/Corelogic-14.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/2017/01/30/Corelogic-14.jpg" alt="">
The council areas with the highest proportion of loss-making resales over the quarter were: Playford (25.0 percent), Mount Barker (11.6 percent) and Salisbury (9.5 percent).
The Light, Mallala and Walkerville council regions each had no resales at a loss over the quarter.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/30/Corelogic-15%20copy.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/2017/01/30/Corelogic-15%20copy.jpg" alt="">
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Adelaide losses trended lower over last quarter: CoreLogic Pain and Gain

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SPONSORED POST
The 2.5% Building Allowance deduction is something most property investors already know about. However, there’s also a 4% Building Allowance available for some buildings.
The Building Allowance (sometimes referred to as the Capital Works Deduction) is a deduction that lets property investors offset the hard construction costs of their investment property against their assessable income.
Hard construction costs may include items such as concrete, brickwork, common property items that are not plant and equipment, and even excavation. This deduction is allowed under Division 43 of the Income Tax Assessment Act (ITAA) 1997, which sets out deductions for Building Allowance.
Now, what’s so good about claiming a 4% Building Allowance? Well obviously the higher the deduction, the less tax you might have to pay.
The Building Allowance is one of those “non-cash deductions”. This means you don’t have to fork out the cash to claim it, you already did when you purchased the property.
For example, if your building was built for $250,000 and the plant and equipment was $30,000 – this leaves a Division 43 claim of $220,000. At 2.5% annually this amounts to a $5500 deduction. At the 4% rate the claim is $8800 per year.
How do you claim the 4% Building Allowance on a property?
Option 1
Buy a manufacturing building where the core activities qualify under Section 43-150 of the ITAA 1997.
Buying a building that qualifies under the industrial activities of s43-150 of the ITAA 1997 is likely to qualify the industrial building for a 4% write off.
For instance, buildings involved in refining petroleum, milling timber, freezing primary products, printing, curing meat, canning or bottling, might qualify.
Other operations that qualify are likely to include buildings in which items are brought in or maintained in the condition in which they are sold. For instance, recently we were able to claim this allowance for a major car manufacturer on the property where its vehicles were serviced.
But not all industrial buildings qualify. If you have purchased a single factory in a complex of 50 factory units, it’s unlikely your building will qualify.
Option 2
If you buy several units that can be defined as “short-term traveller accommodation” you may be able to claim a 4% Building Allowance.
ATO ID 2003/513 has provided clearer definition as to what can now be defined as short-term traveller’s accommodation. Unfortunately, it’s not good news for investors, as most serviced apartments fall back into the 2.5% category.
If your serviced apartment has a kitchen, you should be claiming 2.5% not the 4% building allowance – unless you own 10 in the same building.
Some investors expect to receive the 4% building allowance because they own a holiday house and have it fully furnished. But this type of accommodation does not fit into the category.
The construction needs to have started after February 27, 1992 to be eligible. This type of investment generally has the highest depreciation claim as a proportion of the purchase price. This is in part due to the higher building allowance but also because these types of investments have more plant and equipment in them. They generally have lifts, pools, and also are often fully furnished.
But a high depreciation schedule does not necessarily make a good investment. Many people have been burnt in the past buying these types of investments based upon the available tax deductions.
Any downside?
Surely there must be some downside in claiming the 4% Building Allowance? Well there’s no such thing as a free lunch.
There is one downside: any amount claimed under Division 43 will need to be factored in when calculating your capital gains tax liability. This rule applies generally to assets acquired after July 1, 1997.
But under the principal of “a dollar today is better than a dollar tomorrow”, coupled with the CGT relief allowed, it’s still worth the exercise, especially to higher income earners.
For more news and information about commercial property, visit <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/news" target="_blank">www.realcommercial.com.au/news</a>
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Building allowance: how 2.5% can become 4%

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The total land value for the Hunter region has increased over the 12 month period to 1 July 2016 by 8.7 percent from $118.57 billion to $128.84 billion.
However, decreases were experienced in land values in and around the Hunter coalfields due to the downturn in the coal mining industry.
Muswellbrook (-5.3 percent), Singleton (-2.9 percent), and Upper Hunter (-3.1 percent) LGAs all experienced decreases.
Residential properties experienced the largest increase in land values with an overall increase of 9.8 percent.
Residential land in coastal areas such as Newcastle (13.2 percent), Wyong (12.7 percent), and Gosford (10.2 percent) LGAs saw strong increases.
These areas have experienced strong demand, and infrastructure projects like the upgrade of the Central Coast Highway and Hunter Expressway are continuing to have a positive influence on land values.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-31%20at%202.50.43%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/2017/01/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-31%20at%202.50.43%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Commercial land values in the Hunter region increased moderately by 6.6 percent.
Renewed interest in mixed use sites allowing high rise residential development had a positive influence on commercial land values in Newcastle (14.3 percent), with strong increases also experienced in Lake Macquarie (13.0 percent).
Industrial land values across the region increased slightly by 3.5 percent.
The strongest increase was experienced in the former Wyong LGA (8.7 percent), with the largest decrease in Singleton (-11.3 percent).
Rural land values for the region increased slightly by 3.1 percent.
Moderate increases were experienced in larger broad acre holdings.
Lake Macquarie showed a strong increase of 10.7 percent, influenced by high demand for hobby farms and rural home sites.
For more information including interactive online land value summaries for all LGAs and 14 regions covering the state go to <a href="https://www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank">www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au</a>
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