Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

First look: Winx billionaire’s beachfront Surfers Paradise apartment development greenlit

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

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

<html><body>
NAME: Anton Lawrence <img src="/images/2015/01/28/anton-lawrence.jpg" alt="" align="right">
POSITION: Senior Consultant
COMPANY: Atchison Consultants
OFFICE LOCATION: Melbourne
How long have you been in the industry?
26 years.
What's happening in the area you specialise in?
I specialise in helping property fund managers and other related fund managers build their businesses. It's an exciting time with many new players post the GFC and a large number of foreign entities wishing to participate in the Australian market.
Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?
A shopping centre in Chicago which was having issues with a frozen river nearby that was causing the land (and by extension the walls of the centre) to buckle. Being able to view the problem while standing on the ice in the middle of the river provided an interesting perspective.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
Having integrity and being honest in everything you do. Following through for your client. Your name always precedes you.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
Face to face communication. Technology is making this skill a challenge for some people.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
Anywhere but Australian residential property. I don't know when it will undergo a major correction but it will.
Which football team do you support?
I'm a rugby nut and was born in New Zealand. The All Blacks.
What's your favourite app or techno gadget?
I'm pretty boring. Most apps revolve around international news websites.
How do you use social media?
Very sparingly. As mentioned earlier I prefer face to face communication.
You can't read someone's body language too well on Twitter...
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

In Profile: Atchison Consultants' senior consultant, Anton Lawrence

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Guest observation
Every year for the last 11 years, we have sent a letter to the leaders within our top 20 clients predicting key trends in the year ahead, and reviewing those from last year’s letter. So here is an edited version.
In our letter last year, we forecast that:
In 2014, our economy would be funded via shoppers’ shopping.  For houses, and things to go in houses. For cars made cheaper by the normalising of our prices with the rest of the world, and the exit of government subsidised manufacturing. Clothes prices would drop as new global retailers launch on day 1 with cross-channel retailing, allowing Australians from Melbourne to Mildura, Sydney to Sawtell, Brisbane to Bundaberg to buy goods in or outside a store.
We also opined that:
Our productivity gains would be driven by lower interest rates and a lower dollar, our cost of living dropping, and new jobs being created by new retailers.
Looking back over the year, much of the forecast was accurate, though we still have much more to do to create a more productive Australia.
As we enter our 12th year of predictions, 2015 is proving a tough one to predict. Whilst the US, UK and New Zealand have all been through transformational change since 2008, delivering more flexible and nimble economies, creating new jobs in old and new sectors, our own pace of economic and social change has been glacial.
So in 2015 we face the full impact of the loss of the ecosystem of our car manufacturing industry, plus a slowing in the mining sector. Our lower dollar and low interest rates will help our omni-channel retailers to compete against global omni-channel retailers, creating jobs in the retail sector. Our tourism industry will grow aided by our weaker dollar keeping cautious Australians at home and increased confidence and spend amongst European, North American and Asian travellers, creating jobs in hospitality and tourism services.
Once again, but this time with a very weak tail wind, our lucky country should grow, for the 24th consecutive year.
Kevin Moore is a retail expert and the chairman of <a href="https://crossmark.com.au/">Crossmark Asia Pacific Holdings</a>.
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A weak tail wind to temper Australia’s strong growth in 2015

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The ANZ Bank premises at Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds has been sold for $7.475 million.
It last sold for $2.6 million in 2004.
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The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-moonee+ponds-501362547" target="_blank">corner property</a> has a land area of 510 square metres.
The existing lease to ANZ Banking Group Limited is for 10 years with five-year options. The sale price represented a 5.7% yield of the rental of $430,207.44 per annum as at February, 2015.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Moonee Ponds ANZ bank $7.475m sale

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Monash University has expanded its Parkville holdings.
<a href="Knight%20Frank%20Commercial%20Sales%20is%20pleased%20to%20offer%20an%20exceptionally%20rare%20opportunity%20to%20acquire%20this%20magnificent%20property%20on%20the%20fringe%20of%20the%20Melbourne%20CBD,%20within%20the%20tightly%20held%20university/hospital%20precinct.%20%20Key%20features%20of%20this%20strategic%20acquisition%20include:%20%20%E2%80%A2%20Outstanding%20site%20of%202,428%20sqm*%20with%20dual%20street%20frontages%20%20%20%E2%80%A2%20Existing%20improvements%20provide%20a%20high%20quality%20office%20building%20of%201,859%20sqm*%20over%20two%20levels%20+%2038%20car%20parks%20%20%E2%80%A2%20Highly%20coveted%20location%20just%20minutes%20from%20the%20Melbourne%20CBD,%20surrounded%20by%20protected%20parklands%20and%20in%20very%20close%20proximity%20to%20major%20universities%20and%20hospitals%20%20%E2%80%A2%20Prized%20opportunity%20for%20developers,%20owner-occupiers%20and%20land%20bank%20investors%20%20%20*approx.%20%20%20Land%20Area%20:%202428%20sqm%20%20Floor%20Area%20:%201859%20sqm%20-%20See%20more%20at:%20http:/search.knightfrank.com.au/1561447#sthash.h88nHa3c.dpuf" target="_blank">The office bloc</a>k on 2,428 square metres cost $10.9 million.
The office building at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-parkville-500164131" target="_blank">407 Royal Parade</a> has 1,859 square metres over two levels with 38 car parks.
Monash University also has a <a href="/news">Parkville</a> campus at 381 Royal Parade, home to the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Knight Frank marketed 407 as a prized opportunity for developers, owner-occupiers and land bank investors. 
It last sold for $6 million in 1989.
Another site in Parkville's tree-lined Royal Parade, The Parade Inn motel, on 3221 square metres at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-parkville-501252367" target="_blank">535-541 Royal Parade</a>, sold last year at $12.5 million (pictured below).
<img src="/images/2015/01/28/parkville2.jpg" alt="">
The University of Melbourne paid the Salvation Army $26 million for a 4500-square-metre landholding at 303-305 Royal Parade.
 
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Monash University buys 407 Royal Parade, Parkville

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The future supply pipeline for Sydney offices remains relatively constrained over the short to medium-term, despite a number of large commercial towers commencing construction during the last 12 months, Savills Research has noted.
 With almost 70% of this new stock already committed to, there will be an increased amount of backfill space in the market over the medium-term. That said, Simon Hemphill, Savills NSW Research director, advised a large amount of that backfill space will be removed from the market for short-term refurbishment, medium-term redevelopment or removed from the office market altogether for conversion to residential or hotel uses.
The Sydney CBD office January 2015 report noted there is currently just over 247,000 square metres of new and refurbished stock in the supply pipeline under construction and due to complete by the end of 2016, 68 percent of which is already committed. Almost 90 percent of this supply is new space, with construction underway at 5 Martin Place (30,300 square metres), and International Towers T2 (89,000 square metres) and T3 (78,000 square metres) as well as a number of smaller projects.
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Gross supply over the next five years (2015-2019) is expected to total approximately 875,500 square metres; however, during the same period almost 510,500 square metres of stock will be withdrawn from market. This will result in 365,000 square metres of net additions in the Sydney CBD, on a per annum basis this is way below the long-term average. 
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There are a number of buildings within the Sydney CBD that have already been withdrawn from the market or are earmarked to be withdrawn for conversion to residential or hotel use over the next three years. The potential future withdrawals over the next decade add up to almost 256,000 square metres and would shrink the current size of the Sydney CBD by 5.2%. 
The resultant spill of tenants, which totals 217,000 square metres, would place considerable downward pressure on the overall vacancy rate. 
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The bulk of the future supply pipeline is expected to be delivered by the Barangaroo project located at East Darling Harbour, with three commercial buildings known as International Towers Sydney T1, T2 and T3. 
According to the latest information available, the project is valued at over $6 billion. Barangaroo is Sydney's largest redevelopment project this century and will evolve over the next 10 to 20 years, injecting more than $1.5 billion into the NSW economy annually.
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The first of these towers (T2 – approx. 89,000 square metres) is almost 80% precommitted and due to complete in late 2015, this will be closely followed by T3 (approx. 78,000 square metres) which is 77% precommitted and due in early 2016. The final, and at approx. 101,000 square metres the largest, building is known as T1. 
This building is currently only 34% precommitted and is due to be delivered to the market in early 2017. 
The Barangaroo Delivery Authority has also announced that Crown and Lend Lease have signed an exclusivity deal for the development of a hotel at Barangaroo South. 
The Authority will continue to work with Lend Lease, and now their exclusive rights partner Crown, to negotiate a new location for the hotel in Barangaroo South and oversee the appropriate planning applications that must be approved before any concept moves ahead. 
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Sydney's office pipeline supply constrained: Savills Reseach

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The purchase of the five-hotel Ayers Rock Resort, overlooking Uluru, by the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) is to be investigated by the federal government. 
Fairfax Media reported that Finance Minister Mathias Cormann has been convinced of the need for an inquiry into the $317 million acquisition in 2010.
After lobbying by the new board of the ILC, the minister has asked Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion to take charge of a review.
The new board of the ILC has complained that the acquisition has burdened the corporation with debts of $200 million.
After two write downs it is worth nearly $120 million less than when it was bought from the listed GPT group. 
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Inquiry set for $317 million Ayers Rock Resort purchase 

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A $7.8 million development site at Bundoora has been sold by Savills International at 33 Janefield Drive.
It last sold at $5.5 million in 2010.
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-bundoora-501343339" target="_blank">The 1.64 hectare site</a> has zoning which allows for a range of uses, including townhouses, apartments and student accommodation.
The current permit allows for 45 luxury townhouses within proximity of the University Hill Town Centre.
Given its proximity to the wetlands it was marketed as offering water views, something of a rare Melbourne marketing option.
Elsewhere in Bundoora, Dealcorp has onsold parts of the former Larundel Hospital site, including the Woolworths and Dan Murphy stores for $22.5 million reflecting a 7 per cent yield. 
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Bundoora site with student accommodation potential sold

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The federal government is to shortly release a white paper on taxation reform. 
Plenty of recent inquiries and taxation documents have specifically noted that the taxation treatment of property should be reviewed and if ever there was a good time to look at changes to stamp duty it would be now.
Given where the property market now stands any changes to stamp duty should be implemented sooner rather than later especially given home value growth is slowing and transaction volumes are trending lower.  Of course, state governments are heavily reliant on stamp duty revenue and are therefore reluctant to have it removed although we will discuss how these issues can be overcome.
Stamp duty is a tax which is payable when someone chooses to purchase a home.  Home owners will generally move home because their current home is too big or too small for their needs or because they have changed jobs and need to move elsewhere to be closer to employment.  The impost of stamp duty discourages people from moving to more appropriate accommodation. 
If you don’t yet own your home and are considering purchasing your first home, stamp duty is an additional upfront cost which can make purchasing a home even more difficult.
<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Chart-12.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g4183]"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4184" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Chart-12.jpg" alt="Chart 1" width="500" height="183"></a>
Source: CoreLogic RP Data
The above chart tracks home sales over time and as you can see, after transaction activity peaked in the boom of 2001 to 2004 it has trended much lower ever since. 
Although home values have been increasing over the past two and a half years and sales volumes have increased, the rise has been moderate.  When sales hit a low point in October 2011 there had been 409,582 house and unit sales nationally over the year.  Transaction volumes rose to as high as 490,326 sales over the 12 months to July 2014 which represents an increase of 19.7%. 
The recent peak in sales was -22.9% lower than the all-time peak of 635,661 sales over the 12 months to May 2002.
<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Chart-22.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g4183]"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4185" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Chart-22.jpg" alt="Chart 2" width="500" height="176"></a>
Source: CoreLogic RP Data 
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
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While increasing home values may make home owners feel wealthier, when you buy your next home stamp duty is calculated based on the purchase price so you have to also pay a higher amount of stamp duty. 
Over the past, two and a half years, home values have increased by a total of 20.7% across the combined capital cities.  Most of that growth has occurred in Sydney and Melbourne however, values have risen across all capital cities. 
What this means is that when people are buying homes the increase in value is also increasing the stamp duty burden for the next purchaser and subsequently providing additional taxation revenue to government.
The impost of stamp duty is also a further barrier to market entry for first home buyers despite some states offering discounts and incentives to first time buyers. 
Furthermore, stamp duty is acting as a disincentive for home owners from moving (eg. upgrading or downsizing) to more suitable or appropriately located housing.
<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Chart-32.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g4183]"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4186" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Chart-32.jpg" alt="Chart 3" width="500" height="182"></a>
Source: CoreLogic RP Data
Data released last year by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed that across the state and territory governments there was almost $36 million in taxation revenue from property (note this is both residential and other property types) over the 2012-13 financial year. 
Stamp duty was the second largest source of tax revenue at $12.841 billion with only municipal rates at $14.192 billion being higher. Over the year, as home values and sales rose, stamp duty revenue increased by 16.9%.  
Home values moved even higher during the 2013/14 financial year and sales rose further so it is reasonable to expect a further significant increase in stamp duty revenue.  
At CoreLogic RP Data we have noted a reduction in sales over recent months and the rate of capital city home value growth is slowing, while this may not be enough to impact stamp duty revenue in 2014/15 it will probably start having an impact by 2015/16 (of course different states will see the impact at different times).  
The point is because stamp duty is a tax collected on the purchase of a home it is collected from a relatively small proportion of the population and is an unreliable source of tax reliant on demand for homes at any given time which can ebb and flow substantially.
Although I am an advocate for stamp duties removal I do realise that state government will need to raise that revenue elsewhere. 
I am also not an advocate for more taxes however, a blanket land tax, paid by all home owners, would seem to make more sense.  It is a way of guaranteeing revenue each year as well as broadening the tax base for this revenue rather than just relying on those purchasing properties. 
Over the 2012-13 financial year $12.841 million was collected in stamp duty, the ABS estimates that as at June 2013 there were 9,226,900 residential dwellings.  Based on this dwelling count, land tax of $1,391.69 annually per residential dwelling would cover the cost of this foregone revenue. 
Keep in mind that stamp duty is collected from any property transaction so revenue would be higher when you include land sales and sales of other property types. 
This would potentially allow for a reduction in the overall land tax rate per household.
By broadening the base of tax collection governments would provide themselves greater surety of revenue as well as assisting the housing market by reducing the costs associated with those who consider it necessary to move home. 
Given the concerns about investor activity in the market and considering they already reap the benefits of negative gearing perhaps a higher rate of land tax for investment properties should also be a consideration for any stamp duty reform.
With home value growth slowing and sales volumes falling, now would seem like the right time to reform stamp duty. 
Although the impact of a slowing market won’t be felt straight away, no doubt that in years to come governments will be left with a revenue hole as the effects of the housing market slowdown hit their tax revenue. 
Providing governments with a higher level of guaranteed revenue would seem like a good idea even if it unfortunately would mean an additional tax for everyone rather than for just those buying property.
Note that the ACT is already going down the track of removing stamp duty.  In last year’s budget the government announced a plan to phase out the tax over the next 20 years with rates gradually increasing to make-up for the revenue shortfall. 
Over the period stamp duty rates continue to fall.  While the phasing out is commendable I still feel that now is the time to remove stamp duty across the board.
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

It's time to reform stamp duties: Cameron Kusher

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Maybe it's those bloody power lines. Property investor Richard Moseley’s Bonnie Doon holiday shack near Lake Eildon in Victoria – which featured in the 1997 comedy The Castle as the serene holiday home of the Kerrigan family – has had its recent asking price lowered in the new year.
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-kerrigans-the-castle-bonnie-doon-holiday-shack-back-for-sale">It was listed last November at $240,000</a>, but now comes with a $225,000 asking price.
Moseley proudly secured the property for $169,950 in 2006 but then first wanted out, unsuccessfully, in 2011.
The two-bedroom cottage – located 165 kilometres from Melbourne <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/3491-maintongoon-road-bonnie-doon/Property-Details-buy-residential-7906790" target="_blank">at 3491 Maintongoon Road</a> – was listed then at $195,000. After no doubt being told that he was "dreamin", the asking price eased to $169,950.
John Canavan First National agent Ryan Daykin is the latest agent told he's dreamin on ambitious asking prices.
Moseley, a Sydney telecommunications technician, bought it sight unseen – other than of course having viewed the iconic movie.
Until recently it has been a popular rental on the back of featuring as the original holiday home of the Kerrigans in the classic Australian comedy. The home consists of two bedrooms, open plan kitchen, dining and living area, bathroom and laundry.
It is situated on a good-sized block opposite the lake and approximately 500 metres from the boat ramp.
Actor Michael Caton headed the cast including Sophie Lee as his daughter Tracy, Eric Bana as son-in-law Con and Bud Tingwell as Lawrence Hammill, the QC who helped them save their cherished home under the flight path.
The cast only spent one day there - with the entire film shot in just 11 days.
Buyers are advised to bring their own modern mozzie zapper.
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Dreamin, so The Castle Bonnie Doon holiday shack gets cheaper

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Brisbane (5.7%) and Sydney (4.1%) are expected to lead the market for capital growth in capital cities over this year, followed by Melbourne (2.7%), Adelaide (2.1%) and Perth (1.8%).
Then in 2016 the NAB Group Economics forecast Brisbane (3.8%), Sydney (2.3%) and Melbourne (2.3%) to remain the best cities for capital gains in the year to end-2016, with house prices rising by just 2.2% in Adelaide and 1% in Perth. 
The latest NAB report identified 28 suburbs within the capitals that are tipped to enjoy above average capital growth (click on the suburb name below to go to CoreLogic RP Data suburb data page).
No reasons are given for the selection. The forecast comes from a survey questionnaire on the Australian residential market to around 300 industry panellists. 
NEW SOUTH WALES
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Eastwood</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Glebe</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Manly</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Marrickville</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Newtown</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Oran Park</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Penrith</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Ryde</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Surry Hills</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Sydney</a></li>
</ul>
QUEENSLAND
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Brisbane</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Gold Coast</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">New Farm</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Toowoomba</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">West End</a></li>
</ul>
VICTORIA
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Essendon</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Glen Iris</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Ringwood</a></li>
</ul>
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Mile End</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Norwood</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Parkside</a></li>
</ul>
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Baldivis</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Belmont</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Bentley</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Kelmscott</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Mandurah</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Perth</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Subiaco</a></li>
</ul>
But with more signs emerging that the residential housing market is loosing steam, NAB Economics expects overall average capital city house prices to cool to around 4% over the year to end-2015 and 2% over the year to end-2016.
"Our assessment of the market remains that house price growth will continue to moderate because of rising unemployment, sluggish household income growth, affordability concerns, cost of living pressures and high levels of household debt," the report said.
"We are also forecasting two further interest rates cuts of 25 basic points in March and 25 bps in August 2015 (bringing the official cash rate down to 2%) which should support house prices a little more than previously expected."
The latest report shows the NAB Residential Property Index falling as house price expectations pared back and rents weaken.
The sentiment was softer in all states and still deeply negative in WA. 
Survey highlights:
<ul>
<li>NAB Residential Property Index fell to +12 points in Q4 (+19 in Q3). NSW overtook QLD as strongest state; sentiment notably lower in SA/NT and still deeply negative in WA. QLD and VIC most optimistic looking forward and WA weakest by some margin. 
</li>
<li>Outlook for house prices over next one to two years pared back in all states (NAB also expects price growth to slow). Expectations for rents unchanged, with mildly stronger expectations in VIC and QLD masking softer outlooks in NSW and SA/NT. 
</li>
<li>Foreign buyers in new property markets less active in all states, except VIC where they accounted for 32.5% (or one in three) of all sales - a new high. Around 17% of first home buyers in the new property market were for owner occupation and 8% for investment. 
</li>
<li>Around 53% of foreign purchases were for apartments, 31% for houses and 16% for re-development. By price point, 40% of purchases were between $500,000 to less than $1 million and 29% less than $500k. Around 5% were for premium property ($5 million plus). 
</li>
<li>Housing affordability, construction costs and a lack of development sites seen as the biggest constraints in new housing market, while employment security and price levels the biggest impediment to buying established property. 
</li>
<li>Established property dominated by owner occupiers (42.6%). Local investors account for 22% of total demand, with FHBs (owner occupier) 16.1% with FHBs (investor) 9.3%. Foreign buyers more active (8.7%), led by NSW (11.3%) and VIC .(12.8%). 
</li>
<li>Prospects for capital growth over the next 12 months were pared back at all price ranges in both the established housing and apartment markets in Q4, except for apartments valued between $1-2 million. </li>
</ul>
 
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