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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Tasmania isn't exactly well known for being pricey, and for good reason. With just five suburbs recorded with a median house price of above $500,000, according to Australian Property Monitors figures, the top 10 is starkly different from other states and territories.
Here are the 10 most expensive Tasmanian suburbs, by median price.
<ol>
<li>
Battery Point $878,000 
</li>
<li>
Sandy Bay $630,000 
</li>
<li>
Glebe $510,000 
</li>
<li>
Mount Nelson $510,000 
</li>
<li>
West Hobart $510,000 
</li>
<li>
Tranmere $498,000 
</li>
<li>
Coles Bay $483,000 
</li>
<li>
Dynnyrne $460,000 
</li>
<li>
Taroona $456,000 
</li>
<li>
Seven Mile Beach $450,000</li>
</ol>
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Tasmania's 10 priciest housing markets: APM

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The 47,000 hectare NSW Riverina farming aggregation owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been listed for sale with estimates of between $100 million and $120 million.
US-based Westchester Group (owned by American financial services giant TIAA-CREF), Auscott (owned by J. G. Boswell Co of California) and the Harvard Endowment Fund are reportedly contenders for the four farms, according to the Australian Financial Review.
The Murrumbidgee River/Lachlan Valley freehold aggregation include Kooba Station at Darlington Point, Bringagee and Benerembah stations at ­Carrathool, and Booberoi near Euabalong.
Kooba Station, between Narrandera and Hay, was first settled by Europeans after explorer Charles Sturt charted the Murrumbidgee in 1830.
Records show that in 1837 it was held by John Peter as Cuba Station, covering 153,000 acres (62,000 hectares).
Cuba was sold to John Tooth in 1861. In 1879, it was transferred to the McGaw family and renamed Kooba. In 1926 the McGaws sold to F. W. Hughes, a noted pastoralist. In 1959 the properties were purchased by one of Adelaide's oldest and wealthiest wool broking family companies, G. H. Michell &amp; Sons Pty Ltd.
AgReserves Australia bought the four properties, which grow wheat, corn, beans and other crops, in 1997 for about $70 million from the South Australian family business G. H. Michell &amp; Sons through Wesfarmers Dalgety agent Kerry O'Connell.
At the time the diverse agribusiness ran 30,000 sheep and 13,000 cattle and was the nation's biggest maize and sweetcorn producer. Founded in 1830, it was the first Australian rural purchase by the Utah-based Church which owns an enormous portfolio of farming properties across the United States, Canada, England, Argentina and Mexico through various corporations.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Mormons list NSW Riverina farm

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It's great to look at property where a tenant is already in situ. You'll get rental income straight away, and it can take a few hassles out of the picture.
There will be no vacancy, no letting fees, and you have a ready-made income generating asset.
However, it's not always a fail safe process. Here are five things you should ask before purchasing the home.
<ol>
<li>
How much is the property being rented for? Finding out what the tenant is paying will quickly help you do your sums – and it will also give you some indication of the current market. However, even if a tenant pays less than you expect and is on a long-term lease, it doesn't necessarily mean the property is a dud, or that you can't get more. If they are nearing the end of their tenancy and paying a lower rate of rent than is appropriate for the area, you may be able to negotiate a higher rate or get a new tenant. A property attracting a low rate of rent may also put off other investors who are doing their own calculations, which might mean there are fewer interested parties to compete with. A relatively high rate of rent should prompt you to ask whether that rent is sustainable, and how long the tenant has been paying it for. If they are on a short lease, with the rent jacked up, you can't always be sure it hasn't been done to make the property seem more attractive. Always question strange-looking figures, particularly when you've compared them to other local rental homes.</li>
<li>
How long has a tenant been in the property for and what is their lease agreement?
If a tenant is on a fixed agreement, in most states <a href="/news/act/purchasing-a-property-with-existing-tenants-what-you-need-to-know">you cannot make them leave and the tenant cannot break the lease just because the property has changed hands</a>. Both can aim to negotiate a break-lease situation on mutually agreeable terms, but there is no obligation for either to accept. When a property is sold, a lease is transferred to the new owner, not voided. Occasionally, special clauses have previously been inserted to allow the void of a lease in the situation of a sale, but this is very uncommon.
A periodic lease, which is sometimes adopted automatically after a fixed term has lapsed (also known as "off lease"), will often see the tenant able to provide a shortened period of notice to vacate. If you're hoping for a long-term renter, this may not be an attractive prospect. However, if you are unhappy with the current tenant, this can provide you an opportunity to re-advertise the home for rental.
Tenants on longer term leases, who have kept the property in decent condition, obviously have a successful history with the home.
New tenants in the property, particularly those not paying market rent, may set off your internal alarm bells. Ask why the landlord decided to bring in a new tenant when there was an intention to sell. Remember, you usually cannot increase the rent on a fixed agreement.
</li>
<li>
Has the landlord agreed to anything with the tenant you need to know about?
If the landlord has promised a tenant a clean-up, or new air conditioning, then in many situations you may be bound to this. You need to ask whether there have been any verbal, or otherwise, agreements about inclusions for the tenant. You also want to check for unusual additions, or extra allowances in the lease.
This may include pets, or the payment of certain bills by the landlord, or even allowing the tenant to sub-let a room.
</li>
<li>
How savvy is the property manager?
Firstly, you are not required to keep the current property manager. However, it makes sense to keep the process as smooth and simple as possible – particularly if you want to keep those long-term tenants.
Having a property manager who is familiar with the tenants, and who has done the previous inspection reports and can provide information about repairs, renovations and arrears, can be a true gift. However, not every property manager will have this knowledge. Remember, if you want to change property managers it is prudent to provide around a month in notice, or 28 days.
</li>
<li>
 How easy would it be to tenant the property if there wasn't a renter in place?
Lastly, it's worth asking yourself whether you could easily get a tenant like this in another property in the area. If you can get a similar home for a better price, with a strong rental market and the ability to run through your own checks and balances, it may be a false economy to go after the one that is already tenanted.
Asking yourself about the strength of the rental market will also protect you should the current tenant vanish or become in arrears. Do not assume that the property will always be tenanted just because someone is renting it at present.
</li>
</ol>
 
 
 
</body></html>

 Looking to buy a property that already has tenants? Five things to ask

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Bourke Street Bakery has confirmed they will take up space at Lend Lease’s Barangaroo South project on Sydney harbour.
Bourke Street Bakery will be located in the development’s Lime Street Shops precinct.
“For us, Barangaroo seemed like the perfect location as it capitalises on the CBD position with strong population numbers and it also enjoys a connection to Sydney Harbour,” Bourke Street Bakey co-founder Paul Allam said.
“We’re not trying to replicate <a href="https://www.barangaroosouth.com.au/retail/discover-retail-at-barangaroo/bourke-street-bakery" target="_blank">our Surry Hills store</a>, but we will bring a sense of familiarity to our Barangaroo store when we open mid next year.”
Paul Allam and David McGuinness, both baker/chefs, began Bourke Street Bakery in Surry Hills in 2004. 
The original store, for which the company is named, has become a cult favourite with Surry Hills locals and those from afar who appreciate quality coffee and the finest in baked goods. 
Bourke Street Bakery has grown to over six stores with expansion plans for two more and employing circa 120 staff across the company.
McGuinness and Allam met when they worked at Brasserie Bread in Banksmeadow in 2002.
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Bourke Street Bakery expands to Barangaroo South

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Few things make me more cynical than the sound of a politician mouthing concern about housing affordability.
In my lifetime, there have been hordes of politicians and governments claiming to want to solve the problem, but none willing to take any real action.
When it comes to improving affordability, many politicians talk a good fight, but none is capable of delivering a knockout punch.
The latest masquerade in this regard is being led by MP Kelly O'Dwyer.
O'Dwyer has obviously watched a few episodes of Yes Minister before deciding on a course of action: bring on an inquiry, issue lots of press releases, target an unpopular minority and take "strong action" against these alleged perpetrators of the perceived problem – but essentially do nothing meaningful so that the status quo remains intact.
The truth is, 40% of the cost of a new house in Australia comprises government fees, charges and taxes. Remove those and the cost of a $400,000 house-and-land package would drop to $240,000.
In all the froth and bubble coming out of the federal inquiry, we haven't heard O'Dwyer or any other politician confront this reality. Why not? Because if they did, their advancement within the party would suffer a sharp U-turn.
Governments are addicted to the revenue they milk from their favourite cash cow, the real estate industry. That's sacred and the possibility of scraping stamp duty, for example, is not up for discussion.
So what to do? How to create the illusion of doing something while changing nothing?
<blockquote>
Many Australians have a big issue with Chinese investors, although they don't seem to mind American, British, Dutch, Italian or New Zealand investors.
</blockquote>
The answer, as always, is this: target an unpopular minority, talk tough, issue lots of press releases, look strong, do nothing. Works a treat every time.
O'Dwyer has a bee in her bonnet about foreign investors. I'm not sure whether she truly believes that foreign investors are the cause of the perceived affordability problem. I seriously doubt that she does, because someone armed with all the relevant information, as she should be, must know that foreign investors are not impacting the price of suburban houses in Australia.
But foreign investors are a great scapegoat, particularly as this currently means Chinese investors. And many Australians have a big issue with Chinese investors, although they don't seem to mind American, British, Dutch, Italian or New Zealand investors.
So tough-talking Kelly is going a come down hard on Chinese investors. It'll be good for some media sound bytes and it'll help to advance the career of a politician no one had heard of until recently.
But will it make housing more affordable? No, it won't change a thing.
A quote from Shakespeare comes to mind: "It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."
Chinese investors are not impacting the price of houses in first-home buyer markets in Australian cities. Overwhelmingly, they are buying high-rise apartments in the CBDs of Melbourne and Sydney, as well as the Gold Coast, which is a perennial favourite for Asian investors who enjoy losing money.
If they're buying suburban houses, it's primarily top-end homes in the millionaire suburbs.
The Federal Government could pass a law tomorrow banning all foreign investment in Australian residential property – and the price of houses in the suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne would not change.
But if they removed the taxation component of a house-and-land package, that would make a dramatic difference.
Any chance of that happening? Not remotely.
This is a publicity exercise. Meaningful change is not on the agenda.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email</a> him or contact him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">twitter</a>.
 
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Pollies prefer to milk the property cow than to make meaningful change

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The boutique 1770 Beach Shacks in the Queensland town 1770, south of Bundaberg, has been listed for sale for the first time in 17 years.
The town of 1770 is about 130 kilometres from Bundaberg in the north and Gladstone in the south and 494 kilometres from Brisbane.
Located on Captain Cook Drive, the 1770 Beach Shack has four Balinese-inspired pole houses with private decks, overlooking the 1770 swimming beach. 
The ‘Stone Cottage’ is an adjoining bungalow on 809 square metres of land that holds a separate title and is on Elliot Street. It is currently used as a manager’s residence. The combined land area is about 1,585 square metres.
1770 is named for Captain Cook's second land fall.
Agent Leon Alaban of Ray White is seeking expressions of interest, closing on November 19, in the property as a freehold with a business.
According to RP Data, a house on 610 square metres of land at 632 Captain Cook Drive has been for sale for several years with a price tag of $1.2 million.
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andreadixon-oif3j7eKne

1770 beach shacks listed

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A question I have been asked on more than a few occasions: What are some of the real game changers that I have seen in my time selling real estate?
My first response is the obvious: how long have we got?
The greatest innovation for me was when the newly elected Labor government back in 2007 required the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to be transparent (for the first time) by publishing the minutes immediately following their last meeting.
What we seem to forget (all too quickly) is that prior to this, all the RBA would do was advise that the cash rate had either remained the same, increased or decreased. That was it – so we were left to draw our own conclusions about the state of the Australian economy.
This greatly assisted the Australian economy, given just a few months later we were drawn into the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). It was an opportune time during this period of uncertainty to read the thoughts of Australia's central bank.
What has mostly managed to fly under the radar, until recently, is that Australian investors then decided that the best investment in Australia was 'bricks and mortar'.
This decision was certainly greatly assisted by the fact that the Australian government also provides the most generous tax relief via negative gearing.
This week, we heard RBA assistant governor Guy Debelle issue a stern warning that financial markets face a "violent" and rapidly escalating sell-off. This is otherwise known a crash.
Few would remember Black Monday, which also went on (for a brief period) to decimate property prices as many share market investors were wiped out. It's interesting to note that now the RBA is firing warning signs across the bows of the Australian economy – which again goes back to transparency.
It's interesting to note that the apartment market sales barely changed during the GFC, as investors went on a quiet rampage acquiring nearly everything that came on the market. The standout performers were those apartments within a ten kilometre radius of the Sydney CBD.
Nothing has changed since then, as investors keep marching on. However, we are now for the very first time in decades starting to witness a change in this property landscape.
In March this year the vacancy rate in the Sydney CBD area fell to 1.4%, which is at emergency levels – although since then they have been gradually increasing and now sit at 1.8% and climbing higher. It will be a fabulous result when the vacancy rate hits 2.0% and then hopefully 2.5% – although some will say what about the investors as rents are not increasing?
The latest Rental Report from Australian Property Monitors shows that Sydney recorded an annual growth of 2% for houses and 3.1% for apartments. The reality being  that property investors are interested in two things – a sound tenant who can pay their rent and long term capital appreciation.
They are simply insulating themselves from a global stock market crash and a piece of paper (share script) that is now worth next to nothing.
By moving back to 'bricks and mortar' during the GFC, these investors are now streets ahead, with many reinvesting back in, given Australia's property markets are now global. The National Australia Bank's latest residential property survey identified that foreign buyers are flocking to buy Australian property, with one in every six new home sales going to foreign buyers.
Based on these statistics this would make residential real estate apartments the number one investment buy in Australia – although this has easily been the case for the last seven years or so.
The reality that this market is now global simply reinforces the argument, given rents for the first time in decades are easing which then takes immense pressure of those renting who now have a greater opportunity to save more so that eventually they too can buy into the market.
No doubt there will be many who disagree with this, and are of the belief that a 'bubble' does exist and prices will be decimated. In the meantime, we can expect a monumental correction in the share market and property prices will continue to register modest gains.
Yes – you're right – I did say modest. Sydney is made up of 38 municipalities so when you look at each individually you will see that recorded capital appreciation has been modest to average based on previous years.
I guess the best way to settle the argument is to ask: Where would you want your investment capital at the moment?
Following this month's RBA meeting, property hardly rated a mention in the minutes, although the same can't be said for the stock market.
The most notable difference that we see today is differentiating where the safe money is – which explains why investors are all over real estate.
 
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robertsimeon-hRNTwJyXkQ

Bricks and mortar are a safe bet for investors

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A new website called Rate My Building, an initiative to allow the actual end-users of buildings to rate and provide their opinions on their functionality, is being widely discussed on Twitter.
Everyone who lives in a home, works in an office or uses buildings in some other way is encouraged to share their thoughts on their building.
There are four options at present, including Rate My House, Rate My Townhouse, Rate My Apartment and Rate My Office, created in partnership with Urban Melbourne.
From architects Atelier Red+Black, the idea is to research the designs of existing buildings to better inform future developments.
Questions include: Are they the right size? Are they functional? What functions do they perform well? How can they be improved?
They also ask you to rank your property on a number of points, and to provide some qualitative information if you want. You are asked to provide a postcode.
So far, their research is <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/Rate_MyBuilding/status/522161505085562880" target="_blank">proving interesting</a>.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/Picture%2021.png" alt="">
They shared that 20% of respondents find their kitchens difficult to use. Other research has found that over half of respondents find their house sizes too big or small for their needs.
Office blocks see a large number unsure about the availability of health and safety equipment, such as first aid kids and defibrillators.
Atelier Red+Black hope to share the research with architects across the country to assist with evidence based design.
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Rate your home: Tweet of the day

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While Melbourne’s median house price was recording as stabilising in the quarter to the end of September, it seems that a number of suburbs, including those in the middle ring, are outperforming, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV).
In the previous quarter, the median price for Melbourne grew 2.1%, and auction numbers increased, however a moderating effect is now being seen, explains REIV chief executive office Enzo Raimondo.
The median house price was recorded as $649,000, with the median unit price up 1.2% over the period to $503,000.
"But price growth was variable across the city, according to buyer demand," Raimondo says.
“A number of suburbs saw significant increases, especially Melbourne’s middle suburbs.”
These suburbs included:
Coburg – up 16.7%, potentially due to buyers being priced out of nearby Fitzroy North, Northcote and Thornbury
Balwyn – up 16.3%, potentially on the back of its access to desirable schools
Mount Waverley – up 12.5%
Doncaster – up 11.9%
Noble Park – up 14.3%
South Morang – up 11.7%
Box Hill North – up 10.9%
Seaford – up 10.6%
Wantirna South – up 10.3%
Forest Hill – up 9.4%
Craigieburn – up 9.4%
"As buyers have been priced out of the higher priced suburbs, they have looked for more affordable options further out, but with infrastructure such as schools and shopping,” Raimondo says.
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The 11 suburbs outperforming in Melbourne: REIV

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A new individual rating of the 11 funds participating in SQM Research’s Domestic Property Securities Funds Review has revealed positive signs for the Australian real estate investment trust (A-REIT) market.
With eight of the funds receiving a four star or higher rating, SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said there is a high calibre of funds in this year’s review.
Four funds were upgraded, one was downgraded and a further six remained unchanged from the last review.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/domesticreview.png" alt="">
Source: SQM Research, Note: Principal Property Securities Fund and Folkestone Maxim A-REIT Securities Fund were last reviewed in August 2012
“Contrary to a recent report from another research house, we see positive things in the A-REIT market,” said Christopher.
He noted that there are a number of active managers consistency outperforming the local A-REIT index, and that the market is not as overvalued as some may be suggesting.
“We still see opportunities for A-REITs over the next 12 months,” he said.
“Those generalist research houses that put equities based analysts in charge of real estate research should be careful in putting forward uninformed opinions," Christopher said.
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