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

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Guest observation
What really happened in Melbourne's property market last year, now that we have the benefit of hindsight?
What started out reasonably even turned into, without a doubt, a seller’s market. This also looks set to continue on in 2015, particularly as interest rates are confidently forecasted to remain at the current low levels for some time. If 2015 performs as scripted, vendors can continue to expect to achieve results more in their favour.
The Victorian state election played a significant role in the final quarter of 2014 and provided an excuse for the more cautious buyer to delay purchasing – a wait and see mentality.
This temporary withdrawal from the market place may prove to be ill advised inaction, as property prices continued to be buoyant and look likely to further increase (albeit moderately) this year. This predicted rise in property prices looks as though it will continue throughout 2015.
The imbalance between the number of buyers (more) and the number of vendors (less) will continue to be apparent as buyers compete for each property.
Low interest rates and no suggestion of movement encouraged many to invest in property during 2014. Purchasing property will continue to be one of the top investment choices for Australians in 2015 and we may also see more people using their self-managed super funds as the vehicle to invest in property.  This is unless some of the recommendations by David Murray in his recent financial system review are adopted.
With low interest rates predicted to be the norm, buying property is seen as a ‘safe’ and sensible long-term investment for many.
Mid 2014 saw a significant number of planning amendments with the creation of new residential zones allowing for much higher building density in areas with good access to shopping, transport and services. These changes will affect the growth and development focus in 2015, but is very dependent on the particular area. Positions close to all the sought after facilities (good schools, shops, transport etc.) will continue to perform well in 2015.
Early 2014 saw the owner/occupier market much stronger than the investor market. However, this became more balanced as the year progressed and, with the Australian dollar at a reduced level, we are likely to continue to attract foreign investors to our shores during 2015.
In particular, the Asian market which is enticed by high-quality public schools and universities.
Property owners can relax as the demand for property will stay strong in 2015 and low interest rates will give buyers both the confidence and the ability to purchase.
At Hodges, we are already preparing properties for sale for the first quarter of 2015. Expect to continue to see growth in 2015, albeit on a slightly more conservative scale than the previous year as there will be some economic uncertainty resulting from the Australian budget position.
Campbell Cooney is Principal and Franchise Director of Hodges Real Estate in Victoria.
 
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CampbellCooney-Zu8e5u5KU2

Demand for Melbourne property will stay strong in 2015: Hodges

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Happy New Year!
I hope you have made some awesome New Year resolutions around property.
My year is off to a great start, I'm happy to say. Do you remember the <a href="/expert-insights/investing/i-have-a-confession-to-make-i-tried-to-sell-a-poorly-presented-home">apartment I was selling</a> late last year?   
I tried to use the hot Sydney market as an excuse to not present it in its very best light. Trying to sell an apartment with messy tenants in place was a real mistake.
This was reinforced when I attended one of the open houses and actually saw how cluttered it was. After this, my selling strategy completely changed.
We immediately took it off the market for a few weeks until the lease expired on 3 December.
<img src="/images/2015/01/09/lounge%20room%20before.jpg" alt="">
The lounge room before it was styled.
It took literally two days to do some small repairs, replace a few old fashioned light fittings and have my professional stylist, Kylie from <a href="https://propertyrevamped.com.au/" target="_blank">Property Revamped</a>, give it her magic touch. 
The exciting news is the property exchanged within 17 days of going back onto the market.
<img src="/images/2015/01/09/lounge%20room%20after%20styling.jpg" alt="">
The lounge room after it was styled.
I've got some impressive stats to share with you, which really go to show that styling a property can make a massive difference.
First campaign performance on one of the real estate portals: 3,407 views with 6,795 engagements.
A view is someone opening the advertisement in full and an engagement is opening just one element, perhaps a photo, floor plan, map view, or video.
During the second campaign the views increased to 6,688. That's a 96% increase, or basically double the views. Engagement increased by 121%, to 15,023.
Our agent Felice Cotroneo from <a href="https://www.innercity.com.au/" target="_blank">Innercity Property Agents</a> said: "Whilst enquiry was a lot stronger, the big shift was in the vibe or feeling at the open homes. Before the apartment was styled we received a lot of negative feedback. After it hit the market again with the staging in place, there were many nice comments and a lot of 'wows' which is always a good thing to hear at your opens. People enjoyed just being in the apartment and spent on average two thirds more time at the property."
In the first campaign we had a total of 29 people through the apartment. In the second campaign this increased by 41% to 41 people.  The offers were no longer low and we sold it at full asking price, which was $65,000 over the offer we received on the previous campaign's auction day.
We paid about $2,000 for Property Revamped to do the styling, so that's a return of $63,000 for 17 extra days – a good lesson learnt.
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jochivers-wq5Bp59R5a

How I increased my property’s value by $65,000

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Rents across Australia's capital cities grew by just 1.8% over the last year, according to CoreLogic RP Data's quarterly Rental Review.
The data provider noted the rental markets performance is the weakest it has been since the mid-2000s.
The median weekly rent for a capital city unit now sits at $410, with Darwin commanding the highest rental rate. Landlords in the Northern Territory capital are asking for $550 per week in rent at the median, which is down 1.8% from the previous quarter.
The fifth floor two bedroom, two bathroom apartment at  <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nt-woolner-414659271" target="_blank">22/3 Brewery Place, Woolner</a> is currently advertised to rent at $550 per week.
<img src="/images/2015/01/8/dawin%20unit.jpg" alt="">
It was last advertised to rent for $450 per week in April 2008, and was listed as vacant with an asking rent of $350 per week the year before. Having paid $475,000 for the apartment in April 2012, the vendors will achieve a 6% rental yield if they secure a tenant at its current advertised price.
Hobart remains the cheapest capital city in Australia for unit rentals, with a median advertised rent of $280 per week.
CoreLogic RP Data notes that overall, the performance of the unit rental market was somewhat weaker than that of the house market over the past quarter, with Hobart and Brisbane the only capital cities to see an increase in rents over the three months to December. Hobart's unit rents were up 1.8% for the quarter, with Brisbane's up 1.3% over the same period.
Canberra's unit rental declines slowed towards the end of the year, with no change recorded over the quarter, but the rents down 7.3% on a year-on-year basis. This one bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/rental-properties/78-10-ipima-street-braddon/Property-Details-rent-residential-8099006" target="_blank">78/10 Ipima Street in Braddon</a> is currently advertised to rent at the city's median of $380 per week.
<img src="/images/2015/01/8/canberra%20unit.jpg" alt="">
The asking rent for the 61.6 square metre apartment has not changed since December 2013. Canberra recorded the greatest drop in unit rents over 2014, while Perth landlords lowered their asking rents for units by 4.4% in the same period.
CoreLogic RP Data research analyst Cameron Kusher said declines in Perth, Darwin and Canberra were the exceptions, but capital city rental growth remained slow across all markets.
"Given the recent high number of dwelling approvals and commencements coupled with the high level of purchase activity from investors, we would anticipate that the rate of rental growth will remain soft throughout 2015," said Kusher.
While rents in Adelaide also remained unchanged the three month period, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Darwin all recorded declines. Sydney's median unit rent was recorded at $495 for the quarter, down 1%.
Melbourne asking rents for apartments and units have declined by 1.4% for the quarter, but were up 1.4% on a yearly basis. A two bedroom apartment in the complex pictured below is currently advertised at Melbourne's current unit median, $360 per week.
<img src="/images/2015/01/8/21-14-Mitford-Street-St-Kilda-VIC-3182-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-8117090.jpg" alt="">
The advertised rent for the apartment at <a href="https://%20http:/www.realestateview.com.au/rental-properties/21-14-mitford-street-st-kilda/Property-Details-rent-residential-8117090" target="_blank">21/14 Mitford Street, St Kilda</a> has increased by only $10 per week since September 2011. Prior to that, it was advertised at $265 per week in March 2006.
According to Kusher, the performance of rental markets will largely depend on broader economic conditions.
To see CoreLogic RP Data's summary of the capital city rental markets, click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 CoreLogic RP Data's capital city unit market summaries for the 2014 December quarter: 
Sydney
<img src="/images/2015/01/8/Picture%2032.png" alt="">
Melbourne 
 <img src="/images/2015/01/8/Picture%2024.png" alt="">
Brisbane 
 <img src="/images/2015/01/8/Picture%2026.png" alt="">
Adelaide 
 <img src="/images/2015/01/8/Picture%2027.png" alt="">
Perth 
<img src="/images/2015/01/8/Picture%2028.png" alt=""> 
Darwin 
<img src="/images/2015/01/8/Picture%2029.png" alt=""> 
Canberra 
<img src="/images/2015/01/8/Picture%2030.png" alt=""> 
Hobart/Tasmania 
<img src="/images/2015/01/8/Picture%2031.png" alt=""> 
Source: CoreLogic RP Data
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Unit performance weak as rental growth slows to decade low

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It’s worth knowing your rights around booking holiday accommodation, warns NSW Fair Trading Minister Matthew Mason-Cox after complaints about hotels and resorts increased by almost 7% in the past year.
He said that the usual complaints received each year range from cancellation issues to the misrepresentation of hotel accommodation.
“Last year was no different, with NSW Fair Trading receiving 437 consumer complaints in the 12 months up to 24 November, 2014. That compares to 409 complaints lodged in the previous corresponding period,” he said.
“It’s important that consumers know they have rights if something goes wrong with their holiday accommodation and that they have options to deal with disputes.’’
Many of the complaints are in regards to mystery destinations, otherwise known as ‘secret deals’, where holiday goers purchase a stay in an unknown hotel based on a few details of description.
One complaint came from a mystery deal sold for a hotel on the Gold Coast that was supposed to come with an ocean view. Instead, it had views of a construction zone.
“There was mould throughout the bathroom, the pool and the spa were dirty, and the tennis court was out of service,” said Mason-Cox.
“After the consumer complained to the regulator, NSW Fair Trading negotiated a partial refund with the trader.”
He said that consumers should know their rights as described by Australian Consumer Law.
“Goods and services must be of an acceptable quality and match the description, sample or demonstration provided,” he said.
“It is equally important that hotel operators do the right thing by consumers and properly display all term and conditions, as well as provide accurate information about the quality and service of the hotel.”
There may be fines of up to $1.1 million for corporations and $220,000 for individuals for hotel and motel operators that breach the Australian Consumer Law.
He recommends contacting NSW Fair Trading with issues requiring resolution.
Here are NSW Fair Trading’s top four tips:
<ul>
<li>Services must be carried out with due care and skill, be fit for the purpose and delivered within a reasonable timeframe. People need to make sure they get what they pay for and check cancellation and refund policies for restrictions or special conditions. 
</li>
<li>Make sure you are paying the amount you were quoted and check all goods and services offered are included in the final price. 
</li>
<li>In serviced accommodation, be wary of add-ons or in-house services like room service, the mini bar and pay-to-view movies. 
</li>
<li>Always review your final account before checking out to ensure you have only been charged for what you have used.</li>
</ul>
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Mystery and ‘secret deal’ accommodation complaints rise: NSW Fair Trading

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The Reserve Bank's Chart Pack is always worth a gander, being consistently and independently produced... and free from spin.
You can view the full chart pack <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/chart-pack/index" target="_blank">here</a>.
Let's run through what the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has found this month for households and the housing market.
Part 1: Households and finances
Retail sales growth is humming along both in terms of values and volumes, largely driven by Sydney retail.
<img src="/images/2015/01/8/graph%201.gif" alt="">
Savings ratios have been elevated since the financial crisis as households shored up their finances, but the ratio now appears to be gradually declining again as low interest rates encourage investment in growth assets.
<img src="/images/2015/01/8/graph%202.gif" alt="">
Consumer sentiment has been knocked around a little by budgets and other adverse news, but remain fairly close to where it has been averaging for the last 34 years.
<img src="/images/2015/01/8/graph%203.gif" alt="">
Household wealth in Australia is now at record highs in absolute terms. In terms of net worth as a percentage of annual household disposable income, asset values are growing nicely, and liabilities are holding steady.
<img src="/images/2015/01/8/graph%204.gif" alt="">
Interest paid as a percentage of household disposable income has declined in tandem with mortgage rates . Indeed, mortgage serviceability is at its best level in more than a decade.
<img src="/images/2015/01/8/graph%205.gif" alt="">
Part 2: The housing market
Stimulated by rising dwelling prices, building approvals brushed record highs, but have now seemingly passed their peak. We will see an oversupply of dwellings <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/melbourne-continues-to-hammer-high-rise" target="_blank">in a few regions</a> – one would be wise to steer clear of these, of course.
<img src="/images/2015/01/8/graph%206.gif" alt="">
Housing loan approvals rise to record highs, largely driven by investors in this cycle, the direct result of low borrowing rates.
<img src="/images/2015/01/8/graph%207.gif" alt="">
And finally, to housing prices. As we expected some years ago, due to an inherent undersupply of dwelling stock and infrastructure, Sydney prices are soaring towards $1 million.
With both the M2 and the M7 closed again earlier this week, and barely a day passing without news of diabolical traffic woes, expect there to be a continuing surge of demand for properties located close to key transport hubs such as rail or light rail links.
<img src="/images/2015/01/8/graph%208.gif" alt="">
Elsewhere, Melbourne has been looking peaky for months but has held up reasonably well to date.
Perth's market is trending slightly up but only moderately, while Canberra is now all set for a downturn. The Adelaide market – and particularly its economy – remains unconvicing,
Counter-cyclical investors should be scoping out opportunities in Brisbane, where housing finance is gathering momentum – as reconfirmed this week by <a href="https://www.afgonline.com.au/mortgage-index-january-2015/" target="_blank">AFG's December Mortgage Index data</a>.
 
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

How Australian households will look in 2015

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Guest observation
Losing a close relative or friend is a difficult time for anyone, and dealing with the deceased’s estate — although a necessity — can add to your suffering. Whether you have been bequeathed a property or made responsible for its sale, there are a few simple but vital steps you can take to ensure the process is as smooth as possible.
Change the locks 
It’s a good idea to change all the locks in the house as soon as possible. It’s likely that your relative has given spare keys to friends, neighbours, cleaners or repairmen, and it’s important that you know who has access to the property. This way you can take charge of who has a key, including home staging professionals and your real estate agent.
Have mail forwarded 
Even if you have access to the deceased’s property, you should still arrange for mail to be forwarded to your own address for the foreseeable future. This means you will be able to tie up any outstanding matters relating to the property, such as water charges, council rates and mortgage repayments. Forwarding mail also means you can let friends and family know of the death when their mail arrives.
Arranging to forward mail should be done in-person at a post-office, using a Mail Redirection application form. More info can be accessed <a href="https://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/redirecting-your-mail">here</a>.
Gather important documentation
If you’ve been left in charge of the deceased’s estate, there are financial matters that you will need to attend to as quickly as possible. You should attempt to collect all of the following documents and ensure they are dealt with accordingly. All of these documents may already be with a solicitor that you can contact directly, but the responsibility to attend to any outstanding issues may fall upon you.
<ul>
<li>Rates notices and statements</li>
<li>Creditor letters</li>
<li>Bank account information</li>
<li>Home insurance — contact the provider to inform them of the death and arrange cover accordingly</li>
<li>Any documentation relating to ownership or maintenance of the home</li>
<li>Mortgage statements</li>
</ul>
Maintain payments 
Many mortgages are issued with the condition that adequate life insurance is in place, which will pay off the mortgage upon death. However, this doesn’t always happen automatically and you may need to contact the bank or mortgage company to inform them of the change in ownership status. You may also need to maintain repayments until the matter is resolved. If you are the legal owner of the property, you will need to keep up to date with council and water rates. These issues can be time-consuming, stressful and costly, so if you don’t intend to keep the house, securing a quick sale can be important.
Hire a real estate agent  
Given that the deceased relative may not have lived nearby to you, you will need a real estate agent who you trust and who you know will take a proactive approach when selling the property. For the best results, you should look for an agent who has specific experience selling homes quickly — and remotely, if that is your case. Particularly if you are in a different state, you should do your research to compare several agents in the area to get a good idea of their sales history and what their previous customers have to say about them.
Prepare the house for sale 
If you don’t intend to keep the property, achieving a quick sale at a fair market price is essential. Holding onto the house for too long could cost you money, so you and your real estate agent should select a listing price that represents value and attracts buyers. If you sell the property via the private treaty route, the original listing price just acts as a guide and if you can instil competition between buyers, you can drive up the price. You can ensure real certainty in terms of timescale by selling at auction. This decision can be made with the help of your agent.
If you’re looking to sell quickly, you should ensure to the best of your ability that it is ready to move into. This may require some quick repairs and alterations.
<ul>
<li>Remove old and tired furniture, and possibly temporarily furnish with some simple, modern items (you may consider hiring a professional staging company)</li>
<li>Remove personalised photos</li>
<li>Give the walls a lick of paint, and stick to neutral shades to appeal to broadest range of buyers</li>
<li>Make the rooms look as light and spacious as possible by removing unnecessary drapes and curtains.</li>
<li>Repair leaky taps, wobbly doors, and replace light bulbs.</li>
<li>Spruce up the garden as it’s often the first thing people see</li>
<li>Ensure your agent has access to the property at all times, especially if you don’t live close by</li>
</ul>
Selling the property of a deceased relative isn’t something most people are prepared for, and can often be someone’s first experience selling. Following the tips above will hopefully take some of the stress out of the process, so it’s important to surround yourself with people that you can trust have your best interests at heart.
Marta Higuera is the co-founder and co-CEO of real-estate startup <a href="https://www.openagent.com.au/" target="_blank">OpenAgent</a>.
 
 
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

How to cope with selling the home of a deceased relative

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GUEST OBSERVATION
As 2015 begins, many of us will undertake the annual ritual of enacting a new set of New Year resolutions.
Common resolutions (some kept, many broken) that are guaranteed to come up again in 2015 are spending more time with the family, volunteering, getting fit and reading more books. But what about increasing your wealth?
Improving one’s financial position is a common resolution and there are many different ways to go about this, such as investing in shares, property, bonds or funds.
Being a real estate agent, my area of expertise is of course, property. Here are some of the pros and cons of buying an investment property in the New Year.
One of the most obvious benefits of buying an investment property is earning rental income. Rental income can act as a significant supplement to your regular income, providing you with the financial means to improve your quality of life, save for the future, or even invest further.
While this increased income is a huge drawcard, it’s important to remember that owning an investment property can pose challenges too. Realistically, there will be times when a property is vacant, resulting in no rental income, even though you have to keep up with your repayments if you’ve taken out a loan.
While most tenants pose no issues, unfortunately, sometimes a property does get damaged or rent is paid late. The simplest and most effective way to manage vacancies and tenants is to hire a quality real estate agent to handle the property management on your behalf. It’s also better for your tenants as it allows them to easily access information and assistance seven days a week.
In addition to earning from rental income, by being strategic about the investment property you buy, you can also benefit from capital growth. To ensure you buy an investment property with the right profile to achieve strong capital gains, it pays to be thorough in your research, both of the individual property and the local area. It is also worth noting that many property expenses can be offset for tax benefits.
Equity markets can be volatile, making investing in property a safer and less unpredictable investment. Due to the relative stability offered by buying an investment property, it is becoming an increasingly popular investment for those with self-managed superfunds (SMSFs).
Holding property in a SMSF offers excellent tax benefits particularly in regards to capital gains tax. The recent revision of Australia’s super rules means that it’s now easier for Australians to invest in property using their superannuation.
By ensuring that you can effectively manage your property, whether that be personally or through a real estate agency, the potential rental income and capital growth of an investment property can prove incredibly financially rewarding, both in 2015 and the future.
Now, what were those other resolutions…?
Julian Augustini is director of<a href="https://www.hodges.com.au/" target="_blank"> Hodges Brighton</a>.
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JulianAugustini-CWBpkiJwAX

Acting on a New Year's resolution - buying an investment property

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Note: This is the second part of Peter Chittenden's 2015 outlook. 
To read Part 1, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-residential-property-outlook-for-the-year-ahead">click here</a>.
Looking further into prospects for 2015: currently, the collapse of commodity prices is making hard work of local economic policy settings.
An interest rate cut looks to be more firmly on the agenda and employment prospects look shaky. Consumers are hesitant, but there is good news at the petrol bowser.
Beyond these leading factors, the residential market and in particular the demand for new apartment projects may slow at the margins in 2015, while remaining strong in key areas.
While the health of the wider economy will have an impact, there are a number of specific policy areas that will more directly influence demand. These include a review of taxation policy, the delivery of major infrastructure projects and planning policy. The falling dollar may, however, act as an incentive for off-shore buyers. This time last year, the AUS$ to US$ exchange rate was $0.89. Today it’s $0.81. Although this is a four and a half year low, the Reserve Bank has suggested the possibility of a greater fall, with the dollar valued closer to US$0.75.
Looking towards 2015, it appears that everything financial will have an impact on the residential property market.
The influence of lower rates for anyone with a home loan or looking to finance will be positive. However, with more caution now apparent in the market, lower rates are not likely to push up demand and hence prices.
What lower rates will do is make it easier to service loans, and as history shows, people tend to use lower rates to boost their mortgage repayments. Cheaper home loans may help to boost spending in other areas, and so benefit the wider economy. Currently, bad residential mortgage loans are at historic lows, which further reinforces how cautious and conservative this market is.
Henry &amp; Murray
In 2010 we had the Henry Review of the Taxation System. Now we have had the Murray Review of the banking system, and it appears that 2015 will at last be a time to act. The Murray Review was wide ranging, but areas impacting superannuation, competition and the taxation system may hold particular focus for the residential market.
While an increase to the GST does not look to be an immediate prospect, the reality is that an increase in the GST would lead to almost irresistible pressure to reduce other taxes, such as stamp duty, which for NSW has delivered a wind-fall in revenue this year.
Already the Federal Government has signaled such a structural change is not possible, given the state of the Federal budget.
However, the Murray report does create pressure for tax reform, that may well involve changes to negative gearing and how superannuation is taxed. Changes here would impact the residential market. Buyers would, of course, welcome a reduction of stamp duty, but any changes to negative gearing could cause investors some pain.
The growth in self managed super funds, and the flow of funds into property, in part highlight the sensitivity of this sector. There are some concerns that over-regulation could have the long-term affect of reducing the pool of savings people can access in their old age.
I think there is a natural tendency for many people to be anxious to manage the fate of their own investments, and so property will remain a popular choice with this group of retirees.
While the banking and tax systems have been under the spotlight, I wonder if there is room in the housing and development market for even more creative forms of finance?
Peer to Peer lending is a new financial tool that is only starting to emerge with some areas of personal finance. Could such ideas spread to the housing market? Could we one day see a Bitcoin revolution in housing finance?
Outside of these policy areas, supply will remain a key issue, supply in some markets is still to catch up with demand, and so this will keep pressure on prices, but this is not a universal trend. Investors are also less geographically focused on their own backyard, and so capital will flow to the stronger markets.
For developers, another emerging reality is that development sites have increased in value and demand remains very strong and competitive. Eventually, high site costs have to be absorbed into the final cost of apartments delivered to the market.
This article continues on the next page. Click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Infrastructure &amp; Planning
In 2015, there needs to be an acceleration of infrastructure delivery, moving from what can at times appear to be endless planning.
Major projects are now more visible across Sydney, for example, and urgency might accelerate as both the State Government and Federal Governments look to election in March 2015 and early 2017 respectively.
In any election setting, activity on the ground is what counts. Activity means jobs, and delivery of infrastructure is an important goal as construction investment in the mining industry continues to fall.
However, beyond any political will to accelerate the delivery of infrastructure, the other reality is that values and demand are also impacted as areas associated with these works become more attractive to buyers.
Across Sydney there’s now a growing list of major projects underway including the South West and North West Rail links, the light rail to the Inner West already in operation, and the CBD and East light rail, plus the West Connex. Areas near these projects will see further growth in the demand for project sites.
The NSW state Government has also now released its vision for Sydney in an expansive document, <a href="https://www.strategy.planning.nsw.gov.au/sydney/" target="_blank">A Plan For Sydney</a>. The plan includes an important step as it applies to the 41 local government areas and sets up a new body to deliver the vision. Planning issues are always central to the delivery of new homes and apartments, and so it is to be hoped that the policies outlined in the document become a reality.
Quality To Improve
Finance, taxation, infrastructure and government policy are all factors that impact the residential market, but in a more immediate way, there is also a continued trend towards an ongoing improvement in the design and quality of projects.
As buyers approach the apartment market more as a long-term home, and investors also look for quality, we are seeing some inspirational new projects emerge.
This quest for quality and innovation will continue throughout 2015, as will demand for projects with access to established local services and facilities, including transport.
The market in 2015 looks complex than it did this time last year. The current bull run has been with us since mid 2013, so there is a need to remain alert, as possible changes to interest rate settings and taxation policy may yet hold surprises. The resilience of the local economy will be key.
To read Part 1 of Peter Chittenden's 2015 outlook, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-residential-property-outlook-for-the-year-ahead">click here</a>.
 
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pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

My residential outlook for the year ahead: Part 2

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Guest observation
One of the appealing aspects of property investment is that it requires relatively little time, once you've made an initial purchase – particularly if you use the services of a professional  property manager.
However, there are some things a property manager can't do for you which could pay off  handsomely over time.
Here are a few New Year's resolutions to consider:
I will check that my interest rate is competitive.
 Both fixed and variable interest rates are currently low, and, in many cases, a phone call to your bank's customer retention team can yield a further drop – particularly if you can point to competitors who are prepared to charge you less. Rates of less than 5% are easily achievable.
I will order a depreciation report – and keep it up to date. 
Many property investors aren't aware of the benefits of depreciation, which can be claimed  against your taxable income each year and improve your cash flow. To claim, you'll need a  once-off "depreciation schedule" which can be prepared by a quantity surveyor and used  year after year.
Once you've got the schedule, it is worth keeping it up to date by advising  your accountant about any new equipment purchases such as a replacement hot water  service or a new air conditioner.
I will keep track of what my property portfolio is worth. 
Long-term investors, in particular, can sometimes be pleasantly surprised by what their  investments are worth. An accurate understanding can help you work out when you have enough equity to consider further investment – either in more property or other assets.
I will read my insurance policies, and check my sums insured.
 Landlord and building insurance policies are not created equal but many investors fail to read their policy until they need to make a claim. For example, some policies exclude cover for accidental damage, arson by a tenant, clandestine drug laboratory clean-up or properties leased month-to-month. Under-insurance is also a common problem, so make sure your sums insured are accurate and include sufficient allowance for demolition and rebuilding.
I will compare the rent I'm charging against the market. 
By researching the rents for comparable homes in the area, you can determine whether  you're charging an appropriate amount or whether a rise might be warranted. It will also help  you decide if extra features, such as air conditioning, are worth adding.
Your property  manager can help advise you in this area.
I will examine the performance of my investments and, if necessary, cut my losses.
 It is very difficult to admit you've made a mistake and sell, particularly if that means incurring  a loss. However, hanging on to a poorly-performing investment can hamper your ability to make better investments elsewhere. The aim of the game in property investment is to make  money. If you're not making money (whether through capital gain or rental returns) and  nothing looks set to change, then what's the point?
I will redirect all property bills to my property manager.
 The vast majority of property managers will pay bills such as rates, land tax and water on  your behalf from rent without charging you extra. They will then send you a neat and tidy summary at the end of the financial year which you or your accountant can use to easily do  your tax. It takes a little effort to get bills redirected to your property manager in the first place, but it pays off.
I will keep learning. 
There are some excellent free and inexpensive resources around which you can use to  further your property investment knowledge. Blogs, e-newsletters, investment forums,  magazines and electronic publications such as this are useful sources of information.
I will build my network.
 A team of knowledgeable contacts can prove invaluable. Think builders, trades people,  property managers, mortgage brokers, town planners, fellow investors, real estate agents...  By fostering positive relationships, you can call on them for advice down the track.
I will do my homework. There are unfortunately some sharks in the property investment waters. It can pay to keep alert and question the motivations of anyone who seeks to advise you. Always double check  their assertions with your own independent research before making any decisions.
Sharon Fox Slater is the Executive General Manager of landlord insurance provider  RentCover, a division of EBM Insurance Brokers. 
 
 
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sfoxslater-oVy9VUHSz9

New Year's resolutions for property investors

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Singapore’s Government Investment Corporation has listed the Westin Sydney hotel for sale.
There are reported hopes of more than $400 million for the five star hotel purchased in 2002 for $160 million. 
The sovereign wealth fund sold the Park Hyatt in Melbourne for $135 million last year to Fu Wah International.
The 414-room Westin Sydney has been listed through JLL Hotels.
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