<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Gardner Vaughan Group breaks ground on first Gold Coast development, Bronze on Chevron

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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GUEST OBSERVER
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released consumer price index (CPI) data for the September 2016 quarter last month. 
According to the data, headline inflation increased by 0.7 percent over the quarter to be 1.3 percent higher over the year. 
Meanwhile, underlying inflation was recorded at 0.3 percent over the quarter and 1.5 percent higher over the past 12 months. Both headline and underlying inflation have increased at a rate below the RBAs target range of 2 percent to 3 percent. 
This would usually see the RBA cut interest rates to try and lift inflation however, the previous cuts in May and August, which had the same intent, have not successfully lifted inflation. 
What those cuts did manage to do was re-energise growth in housing, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. 
For this reason there is some speculation as to whether the RBA will risk cutting interest rates again given concerns that a lower cash rate will fail to push the dollar lower and lift inflation but add further heat to an already strong housing market.
With the CPI data released, we can pair it with the CoreLogic home value index data to September 2016, in order to obtain an understanding of real growth in values. 
Although headline value growth is lower than it was a year ago, so too is headline inflation which mean that real value growth, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne remains strong.
<a href="/images/2016/10/31/CoreLogic%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/31/CoreLogic%201.jpg" alt="">
The above chart highlights the real and nominal changes in home values across each capital city over the 12 months to September 2016.  In both real and nominal terms values have fallen over the past year in both Perth and Darwin while they have increased across each of the remaining capital cities. 
There’s also been evidence that along with Sydney and Melbourne, where growth has been strong for almost four years now, value growth has also picked up in other cities such as Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra.
<a href="/images/2016/10/31/CoreLogic%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/31/CoreLogic%202.jpg" alt="">
If you look at the compound annual change in real home values over the past five, ten and 15 years, the 15 year time-frame in most capital city provides the strongest performance. 
The clear exception is in Sydney where the last five years have resulted in the strongest annual returns.  In contrast, across all other capital cities except for Perth and Hobart the past five years have recorded the weakest annual growth across each of the three time-frame. 
This result really highlights the strength of the Sydney market over the past five years and its relative weakness over the 10 years preceding.
<a href="/images/2016/10/31/CoreLogic%203.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/31/CoreLogic%203.jpg" alt="">
Since the end of 2008 (ie post GFC), growth in home values has significantly skewed towards the Sydney and Melbourne housing markets. 
As highlighted in the above chart, when adjusted for inflation values are lower that they were at the end of 2008 in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Darwin. 
Sydney and Melbourne have also seen a substantially greater increase in values relative to Canberra which was the only other capital city to have seen an increase in real home values.
<a href="/images/2016/10/31/CoreLogic%204.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/31/CoreLogic%204.jpg" alt="">
Sydney and Melbourne are the only two capital cities in which real home values are now back above their previous peaks. 
After peaking all the way back in the March 2004 quarter, real home values in Sydney are now 35.3 percent higher in Sydney and in Melbourne they are 17.2 percent higher than their September 2010 peak. 
All other capital cities are still recording real home values below their previous peaks.  The magnitude of these declines are recorded at: -10.2% in Brisbane, -5.3 percent in Adelaide, -20.2 percent in Perth, -15.6 percent in Hobart, -23.8 percent in Darwin and -1.0 percent in Canberra. 
In some of these cities, values peaked many years ago, as far back as 2007 in Perth and Hobart and 2008 in Brisbane.
Although interest rates are low and in real terms homes have been becoming more affordable outside of Sydney and Melbourne it still hasn’t proved to be enough to lure substantial demand and subsequent growth across the other capital cities. 
What this highlights is the importance of employment, what sets Sydney and Melbourne apart, outside of more expensive housing prices, is the fact that they both have strong economies which are creating jobs. 
Housing affordability alone is no longer enough to attract an increasing level of housing demand, you need a strong economy and the jobs that go along with those strong economic conditions.
Perth and Darwin in particular are well into a fairly substantial value decline phase which is appears set to continue.  Since their respective market peaks in September 2007 and September 2010, real home values are now -20.2 percent and -23.8 percent lower respectively.
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

Home values now more than 20 percent down in Perth and Darwin

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M&amp;L Hospitality, the Singapore-based real estate investment group, are to build hotel accommodation in Sydney’s Central Business District hotel accommodation with the commencement of its new hotel development at 65 Sussex Street.
Multiplex has been appointed to deliver the hotel due for completion in Q4 2017.
Designed by Architects Fitzpatrick + Partners, the unique mid-scale hotel property will be an eight level tower with a distinctive geometric facade, 182 guest rooms including 4 suites, an internal courtyard, meeting space, restaurant and bar.
David Ghannoum, Regional Managing Director NSW at Multiplex, said the company was excited to deliver another new hotel to Sydney’s CBD off the back of its successful redevelopment of 161 Sussex Street Sydney for M&amp;L Hospitality.
The second project for M&amp;L Hospitality, Multiplex is currently completing the final phase of M&amp;L Hospitality’s AUD $250 million redevelopment of 161 Sussex Street Sydney, which is set to be rebranded as the Hyatt Regency Sydney on 1 December 2016.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Singapore's M&L to build more Sydney CBD hotel premises

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CVA has sold a Nunawading building to an owner-occupier in the construction maintenance industry.
They intends to renovate and utilise the premises as a head office.
The property was sold after 60 enquiries were received, with seven offers eventually leading to the successful sale in the vicinity of $4 million.
The sale also occurred just prior to another sale in the street, 17 Moncrief Road, which sold via public auction for $2.3 million.
Situated on a 2,241 square metre site, the property comprises a total floor area of 1,870 square metres. 
It is surrounded by major retailers including Office Works, Freedom Furniture, Bunnings Warehouse, and Petbarn.
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Stand-alone building at heart of Nunawading sold at auction

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A Caltex service station in the north-western Sydney suburb of Kellyville has sold for $9.4 million.
JLL believes the price achieved represents a new record for the sale of a freestanding service station in NSW since March 2011. According to market sales tracked by JLL transactions have ranged between $6 million and $7 million.
JLL agent Dylan McEvoy said the record sale price equated to a yield of around 5%.
The 2,634 square metre property located at 662 Windsor Road is leased to Woolworths Limited under a new 12-year net lease with two five-year options.  
The property was sold on behalf of Pioneer House Pty Ltd at auction.
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Caltex service station in Kellyville sold for record $9.4 million

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Construction has commenced on the next stage of the $152 million industrial estate New Base in Brendale, Queensland.
Moreton Bay-based AVID Property Group general manager Bruce Harper turned the first sod on Stage 7B at the site.
“In the last 12 months, we have seen good activity from both investors and owner occupiers with 100% of lots sold at New Base,” Harper said.
“The demand for land continues, so we expect the lots released in this next stage to perform just as well.”
New Base marketing agents Dillon Murphy from CBRE Industrial and Mark Horgan from Knight Frank said lots in the area were being sold as quickly as they were being constructed.
“Industrial is currently one of the strongest performing sectors in the commercial property market,” said Murphy.
“Industrial land sales are up from this time last year, which are reflected by peak rates close to those of pre-GFC days. 
“We’ve also seen a 25-30% increase in take up rate of stock in the last 12 months and there’s every sign that this will continue well into the future.”
Horgan said spiking sales were being driven by a number of factors, including A-class stock, location and low interest rates.
“More and more businesses are performing corporate business activities from their industrial facilities than they have before. Businesses are quite discerning in their appearance and are seeking more desirable buildings to portray their corporate image, so the days of older, low height metal clad sheds are now becoming obsolete,” he said.
“These are state-of-the-art facilities with fit-outs that rival some inner-city offices, with some tenants investing up to $1 million on interior office component alone.
“And it’s not just about looks – tenant and owner-occupiers are now seeking more efficient spaces, with increase in warehouse heights to accommodate importing requirements and racking capabilities as well as improved access to facilitate easier truck movements.
“We’ve also had businesses reporting improved staff retention, a reduction in staff travelling time and fewer sick days due to relocation in areas like Brendale.”
Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland said construction on the next stage of New Base reinforced the Moreton Bay Region’s status as Queensland’s strongest economy.
“You only have to look at the businesses that already call New Base home, like Super Retail Group, Aldi and VISY, to see how strong our region’s economy is,” he said
“This is an exciting project that will generate more than 100 local jobs during construction, and once complete is expected to provide vital long-term employment opportunities for residents throughout the region.”
Sutherland said stage 7B would add another element to the existing economic opportunities in Brendale and had no doubt it would be a sought after location with its close proximity to major transport and trade corridors like the 12km Redcliffe Peninsula Line as well as the new Mill at Moreton Bay university precinct just 5km away.
Set on 85 hectares of land and comprising 107 lots, civil construction of Stage 7B at New Base has commenced.
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Brendale’s $152 million industrial estate fast-tracked

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Melbourne’s Chapel Street, Prahran and Bridge Road, Richmond are following a downturn, previously seen in Sydney’s Oxford Street, Paddington and Brisbane’s James Street New Farm, according to Gunning agent Malcolm Gunning.
He said in Sydney fashion brands and food demand has been driven by the community, not weekend tourism and shop tops are being split from the retail area and are now in high demand as fashionable flats - a situation soon to be replicated in Melbourne.
“The more established boutique brands have relocated into the Melbourne CBD just as they did in Sydney with the redevelopment of the CBD and opening of Bondi Junction," he said.
“What we are seeing now is that Oxford Street, Paddington has reinvented itself. Rents have come down because of high and prolonged vacancy rates, attracting a new breed of businesses, which has ultimately enabled ‘life after death’.
“Paddington has evolved into a service, restaurant, and provedore area with young fashion brands entering the scene.
“The pubs are undergoing a transformation with Justin Hemmes and his group entering the area, the Paddington Inn, Bellevue in Hargrave Street and The Royal at Five Ways have been renovated. Other venues, best described as gastropubs, are moving towards a focus on food.
“There are also places like Saint Peter, a high end sea food restaurant, which previously would not have been there under the high rents.
“Melbourne will experience the same thing. Chapel Street and Bridge Road, tend to be a tourist destination. As the rents go down the area will evolve too and locals will need to be serviced.
“James Street, Brisbane which is between Fortitude Valley, Teneriffe and New Farm reinvented itself from its industrial business into an area which services the needs of a vibrant local community. It has established brands like Sass &amp; Bide, Camilla, Nudi Jeans well as upcoming designers and high quality food options such as Jocelyn’s Provisions.".
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Key Melbourne retail locations mirroring previous Sydney downturn

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A modern retail investment in Carlton has been sold for $575,000.
The 140 Rathdowne Street property was sold by Fitzroys agents Terence Yeh.
The inner-city strata retail sale price reflected a tight 5.5 percent yield.
<img src="/images/2016/10/25/FTZ_140_RATHDOWNE_0493.jpg" alt="">
Yeh, who acted on behalf of the developer, said a private investor with experience in developments purchased the property.
It was sold with a five-year lease to café Bloom Coffee Bar with two five-year options, returning $32,000 per annum plus outgoings and GST.
The property is on the ground floor of a boutique mixed-use development completed late last year.
The three level complex comprises six ground floor shops and thirteen apartments.
<img src="/images/2016/10/25/FTZ_140_RATHDOWNE_0514.jpg" alt="">
Yeh said the property offered an experienced tenant, long secure lease, excellent exposure and prospects for tax benefits.
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Carlton retail investment sells for $575,000

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A 1930s Dimboola shop located centrally at the main street is for sale for $65,000, the same price it traded for in 2005.
The 290 sqm property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-dimboola-123838510" target="_blank">112-114 Lloyd Street Dimboola</a> is positioned next to a chemist shop.
It is marketed as an ideal location for the owner occupied or retail commercial investment property.
The shop comprises of a good sized showroom, lunch room and two toilets.
The property is currently leased until December 2016 at $110 per week.
It is offered through Coller Rathgeber agent Garry Price.
<img src="/images/2016/10/18/4%20High%20Street.jpg" alt="">
Recently a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-dimboola-121766206" target="_blank">4 High Street</a> (above) was sold for $85,000.
A play written in 1968 by Australian author Jack Hibberd brought attention to the Victorian town of Dimboola.
The play, called 'Dimboola', makes fun of a wedding breakfast gone wrong where everything from sectarian issues to tensions among the family of the groom, Morrie, and the bride, Maureen.
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Dimboola main street shop for sale 

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A Dan Murphy’s retail outlet officially has opened in Stockland Green Hills - the first retailer to open following the $372 million shopping redevelopment which began in January. 
The outlet will be 44 percent larger, stock over 3,500 products and offer a ‘Click &amp; Collect’ service with online ordering and in-store pick up.
The redevelopment includes a cool room twice the size, a climate controlled Vintec cabinet to keep wines at their optimum temperature, a tasting station with dedicated in-store tastings manager and specialist sections for Whiskey, Champagne and Sparkling wine. 
Chris Travers, Stockland centre manager, said they are now moving into another stage of the project.  
The next stage of works begins this week and the centre will open the second stage of the 110 space customer carpark at Two Mile Creek, taking the total number of parking spaces to over 870.
Upon completion in April 2018, Stockland Green Hills will feature the first new format David Jones department store in the Hunter with over 225 specialty shops and a vibrant new dining and entertainment precinct.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Stockland Green Hills gets Dan Murphy’s store

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<div id="post-body-651116980849945678" class="post-body entry-content">
<div>There are still a great many property investors around in the market right now, so there shouldn't be too much upwards pressure on rents at the national level.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>And, so it is!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The weighted average annual rents inflation across Australia's eight capital cities steadied at +0.7 per cent in the third quarter of calendar year 2016, according to the ABS Consumer Price Index figures. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>As you can clearly see in the chart below, nominal rental prices at the national level only tend to spike dramatically when property investors are spooked out of the market for some reason, thereby stymying the available supply of rental stock.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This has only happened twice over the past 35 years or so, with the most recent trigger point being the global financial crisis. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>However, with mortgage rates close to their record lows, there are presently oodles of investors in the domestic market - and many more from overseas too! - even in the face of recent curbs. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/10/28/pete1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
 <div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/28/pete1.jpg" alt=""></div>
 <div>
City by city 
</div>
<div>Of course, the outlook is as always quite different for each capital city, region, and sub-region. 
</div>
<div>I have presented a second chart below as an index to show what has happened to nominal rents over the last four-and-a-half decades.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>One of the reasons I have done so is that although commentators seemingly love to spin out 'inflation-adjusted' results, the reality for many of us living today is that we often have 'rent versus buy' equations to weigh up, and for these decisions we understandably - and logically - tend to think in nominal terms. "Are rents rising? Are dwelling prices rising? What about holding costs? Will mortgage rates increase or decrease? What is the smartest financial decision here?"</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In Sydney, annual rents inflation accelerated slightly to +2.5 per cent, which is still close to double the +1.3 per cent headline rate of inflation.</div>
<div>
 Blogsites and media do love a good falling rents meme, but this hasn't really been backed up by the facts, at least in Sydney's case. Indeed, Sydney rents have increased at double the rate of inflation for nearly a decade now. 
</div>
<div>Since the beginning of 2007 Sydney's rental index has increased by +54 per cent, exactly double the rate of inflation for the harbour city over the same time horizon. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Rental growth may be softer than it was, and in fact it is already easing in some pockets of Sydney, but rents have hardly 'fallen' since the financial crisis as commentary sometimes tries to imply.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It's a very different Jackanory in the resources capitals, mind you. After a great surge in both rents and dwelling prices through the heady days of the resources boom, the rental index numbers are in full on decline mode in Perth, falling back by -6.4 per cent over the year to September. This puts the rental index for Perth back close to where it was at the peak of the mining boom four years ago in Q3 2012. <div>And in Darwin, the equivalent year-on-year decline has been -7.7 per cent, although certain other metrics have implied that the real estate market in the Top End may be stabilising somewhat. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/10/28/Screen%20Shot%202016-10-28%20at%208.51.32%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/10/28/Screen%20Shot%202016-10-28%20at%208.51.32%20AM.png" alt=""></div>
 <div>Rental growth is flat on this index in Canberra, while interestingly the rental growth index for Adelaide has by and large tracked that of Melbourne closely for almost the entire data series since 1972. You learn something new every day!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Supply response cavalry now arriving</div>
 <div>The chart above hints at why Rory Robertson was always unlikely to lose his high profile 2008 bet cf. Sydney house prices correcting sharply.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>While the annual rate of population growth in New South Wales rose incessantly from 2004 to 2008 up to an annualised peak of nearly 118,000, very little accommodation was actually being built, and this has resulted in nearly a chronic supply shortage and nearly a decade of strong rents growth. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/10/28/Screen%20Shot%202016-10-28%20at%208.52.55%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/28/Screen%20Shot%202016-10-28%20at%208.52.55%20AM.png" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>What you don't need any charts to tell you - just listen to the jackhammers! - is that this dynamic has at last changed, with dwelling construction at now really hitting its straps over the last couple of years, and a veritable flood of apartment completions in the post. --- In other news, Domain reported that Sydney's median house price rose by +2.7 per cent in the September quarter to a fresh all-time high of $1,068,000. In Melbourne, the median house price rose by an even more sprightly +3.1 per cent over the quarter and +9.1 per cent over the year to also hit a record high of $774,000. Somewhat surprisingly, median unit prices in Melbourne performed even more strongly again in the quarter in rising by +4.5 percent, to be +5.5 percent higher over the year. Melbourne has been constructing dwellings like fury in recent years, but population growth has accelerated to extraordinarily high levels as you can see in the chart above. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
</div>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div class="post-footer"> </div>
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