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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Seemingly focussed on the old proverb "the more the merrier", Harry Triguboff’s Meriton group has a record eight cranes on its mega inner Sydney development site Mascot Central.
Given that the number of cranes to dot a skyline has long been an economic barometer, it seems that Sydney is abundantly healthy.
The crane craze is a result of Meriton’s decision to develop the master planned project as a single venture rather than over stages. 
It will have 1000 apartments, 255 serviced apartments, a 3,200 square metre Woolworths and 16 other retailers. There will also be a lap pool, kids pool, a gymnasium and childcare centre.
 
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/Mascot-Central-1.jpg" alt="">
Above: An artist's impression of Meriton's Mascot Central. 
Harry Triguboff said: "We can build all at once here because 60% of the site we will sell; 20% will be serviced apartments; and 20% will be leased residential." 
"So we don’t have to find so many buyers at once. We will not depress the market. To do all this, we put up four tower cranes and when necessary, we also have mobile cranes,” said Triguboff.
The site was purchased last year for $100 million from the Goodman Group.
The company was responsible for 0.03% of the nation’s GDP in 2013.
Picture supplied. 
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Eight cranes for Meriton's Mascot Central

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Commercial Property Group is supporting the event ‘Ride For Kalydeco’.
Alex Strachan is riding his jet ski from Cronulla to Port Macquarie in order to raise money to increase awareness for Kalydeco – a drug that targets the cause of Cystic Fibrosis.
Strachan plans to raise $25,000.
The Commercial Property Group staff will be at South Cronulla beach from 7am on October 4 to see Alex off.
For more information you can visit the website: <a href="https://www.rideforkalydeco.com.au" target="_blank">www.rideforkalydeco.com.au</a>
Donate <a href="https://www.chuffed.org/project/ride-for-kalydeco" target="_blank">here</a>.
Kalydeco is the first medication that fixes the underlying CF defect. Kalydeco represents a major breakthrough in CF research as current medications only treat the symptoms, not the cause.  Kalydeco adds approximately 18 years to life expectancy of a CF sufferer; the less damage there is when Kalydeco is started, the more years that can be added to lives. 
Doctors in Australia have found that cystic fibrosis patients who surfed had healthier lungs than non-surfing CF patients. 
They found that the inhalation of a sterile saltwater mist helps clear the thick, sticky mucus from the lungs and therefore a beneficial therapy to CF patient.
As a result of this discovery, hypertonic saline was developed to mimic a “surf session” for CF patients.
 
Main image courtesy of Ride For Kalydeco.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Commercial Property Group supporting cystic fibrosis treatment awareness

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A Chinese developer has paid $7.6 million for a 1334 square metre property in Kew.
Savills brokered the tender sale of 140-142 Cotham Road.
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-kew-501264539" target="_blank">It has a permit to develop 33 apartments and four stores</a>.
The property sold at $4.76 million in 2010.
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Kew development site sold at $7.6 million

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The underlying demand for office markets fell in August 2014 to just 125,000 square metres nationally, according to BIS Shrapnel’s latest statistics.
The decline that had been expected by BIS Shrapnel has seen underlying demand remain modest in recent quarters and far below the long-term average.
The 10-year average demand is 660,000 square metres.
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/Picture%2018.png" alt=""> Source: BIS Shrapnel
Net absorption may, however, improve, according to senior project manager Maria Lee.
“Underlying demand is usually a lead indicator of net absorption (the change in occupied floorspace from one period to the next). We haven’t yet seen the improvement in underlying demand after the slump in 2013 fully feed through to net absorption. As such, we should see net absorption move back into positive territory by the end of 2014,” said Lee.
She noted that underlying demand is expected to pick up in the November 2014 quarter as the November 2013 data drops out of the calculation.
Employment, obviously a key data set for individual industry areas, has seen property and business services rebounding, a decline in public administration and safety, and stability in the financial and investment services sector.
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Demand for office space falls across August: BIS Shrapnel

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The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) have recorded a small uptick over September in the median house price, despite a softening sales volumes.
The new $544,000 median, up 1% in the three months to September, is largely due to first home buyers holding out of market, according to REIWA’s president David Airey.
He noted that a compositional shift in sales had occurred, with an increase in turnover closer to the CBD and weakness in the outer suburbs.
“This may be a result of the numbers of first home buyers slipping away,” he said.
Notably, September is usually a seasonally slow sales month.
“Although there was a pick-up in sales at the end of September, numbers overall for the September quarter were down by 7% on the June quarter and down 15% on the same time last year,” he said.
“Despite some modest monthly variations, there has been very little movement in the Perth median house price between recent quarters, with Landgate data, for example, indicating a revised median for the June quarter of around $541,000.”
Western and eastern parts of the City of Stirling, as well as Fremantle, Vincent and Melville all saw sales pick ups.
Weaker sales were recorded in Joondalup and Belmont.
Rents were recorded as dropping since June, despite the overall metropolitan rent remaining at $450 per week at present. This is $10 down on houses from three months ago, with units and villas $15 down to $430.
There were 150 fewer rentals recorded over September than the month prior for Perth, but it maintains a 4% vacancy rate.
{mijopolls 44}
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Perth price uptick a “compositional shift” due to lack of FHBs: REIWA

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While it seems that the national growth rate has moderated somewhat, a number of capitals are still recording solid growth figures.
However, the month of September was largely flat across the board, according to RP Data. Over the three months to September 2014, Sydney remained the stand out, recording 4.1% price growth, while Hobart dropped by 1.0%.
RP Data national research director Tim Lawless said that September’s overall growth across Australia, at 2.9%, was indeed driven by Sydney and Melbourne. Melbourne recorded 3.7% growth, while Adelaide also saw a strong uptick of 3.1%.
"The annual rate of appreciation in dwelling values has actually been moderating since reaching a peak in April this year," said Lawless.
"The fact that the annual trend of capital growth has been trending lower is an important factor to note as it highlights that the rate of capital gain is no longer accelerating," he said.
He did not that housing market conditions remain buoyant, but said that the 12 month trend is drifting lower since an 11.5% peak in April. 
"A moderating annual trend, as well as the relatively flat September result, is likely to be welcome news to policy makers and potential buyers after the winter months recorded the largest capital gain since 2007.
"The softer September result is also likely to be seen as a positive indicator by the Reserve Bank which has recently raised concerns about the level of value growth and speculative investing in the Sydney and Melbourne housing markets," Lawless said.
CAPITAL CITY SEPTEMBER MONTHLY GROWTH, MEDIAN DWELLING
 Sydney Month: 0.8% Quarter: 4.1%  Year on year: 14.3%  Median: $655,000 Melbourne Month: -0.8% Quarter: 3.7%  Year on year: 8.1%  Median: $535,000 Brisbane Month: 0.7% Quarter: 0.6%  Year on year: 6.4%  Median: $440,000 Adelaide Month: 0.9% Quarter: 3.1%  Year on year: 5.8%  Median: $390,000 Perth Month: -0.4% Quarter: -0.6%  Year on year: 3.2%  Median: $515,000 Hobart Month: -0.3% Quarter: -1.0%  Year on year: 4.6%  Median: $300,000 Darwin Month: -1.0% Quarter: 1.4%  Year on year: 1.7%  Median: $545,000 Canberra Month: -0.5% Quarter: 1.4%  Year on year: 1.7%  Median: $500,000 
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Capital gain no longer accelerating, slowdown will be welcomed by policy makers: RP Data’s latest statistics

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With interest rates low and property prices high, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, Residex’s John Edwards has warned property purchasers to be diligent about overpaying.
He noted that while interest rate increases will only cause problems to a limited extent for investors, due to tax deductibility of the interest, home buyers will be impacted more.
“Will there be people who are going to get into trouble as a consequence of the current high house price growth cycle and the low interest rates?
“Yes, there are always people who over leverage and have changes in personal circumstance which cause issues,” he said.
He said it’s crucial to recognise that house price growth is, indeed, slowing.
“It is easy to overpay for a property at this point in time, and over payment will not be covered by increasing property values over the balance of this growth cycle,” he said.
His word of warning to those tempted to stretch to borrow more than they can justify to themselves is simple. Don’t.
“This is not the time to do that. Buy a lower cost investment property and avoid the stress,” he said.
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Residex’s John Edwards warns against overpaying in current market

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One of Victoria's most impressive pastoral homestead, Mount Mitchell at Lexton, 40 kilometres northwest of Ballarat, has been listed for sale.
The five bedroom 100 squares bluestone home with 14 open fire places, that dates back to the Robertson family pioneering connection, has been listed through Pat Rice &amp; Hawkins.
Offers on the 310 hectare holding <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-vic-lexton-7684059" target="_blank">close November 11 with $4.5 million plus hopes</a>.
Constructed around the central courtyard with its historic horizontal elm tree, the Mount Mitchell homestead was designed by the Charles Webb, who was the architect for a number of Melbourne’s foremost buildings including Tasma Terrace in East Melbourne. 
The bluestone homestead, of Italian conservative classical design, sits within a four hectare garden.
The vendors, the fourth owners, have been there thirty plus years, buying it in a neglected state in 1981. 
Construction of the homestead began in 1860 and was completed some twelve months later with a further replica section added in 1910. 
Peter Hawkins, director of Pat Rice &amp; Hawkins, advised 766 acres was currently let under contract for cropping to a local farmer and also comprises highly productive red loams to heavier and darker soils considered to be volcanic in origin. 
The land is on a corner with the Sunraysia Highway and Dawson Road.
The building of the homestead commenced in 1860 and was completed during 1861 for Thomas Robertson senior and his eldest son James. Thomas lived there until his death in 1873 with James and his family remaining at Mt Mitchell until James death in 1893. In 1910 Thomas Robertson senior's grandchild engaged another architect to design the additions which almost doubled the size of the original homestead. 
In 1926 Mt Mitchell was sold to the new owner, Thomas Barrett who extended the garden and planted the pine trees which still grow along the full length of the driveway.
 In 1936 Thomas Barrett sold Mt Mitchell to the Muller brothers and for a period of time the homestead was left neglected and in disrepair until it was purchased by the current owner Richard Salter.
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Ballarat district bluestone Mount Mitchell homestead listed

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Vendor discounting figures are regularly collected by research house SQM Research. Now, they’ve compiled the 10 most discounted individual properties in Western Australia.
They note that Western Australia is a locality that has undergone substantial change in recent years for residential property, with the mining boom and subsequent downturn.
“Many of the properties we see below can be easily recognized from our national top ten most discounted properties, as over the past few months, Perth properties (and other properties from Western Australia) have made up the bulk of the list,” their research notes.
Just one of the homes on SQM Research’s Western Australian list had an initial asking price below $1 million, which is certainly not the norm for discounted properties across the country. After discounting, just two dropped of the Western Australian properties dropped below the seven figure mark.
Across the entire list, two were from South Perth, with the top two in Carabooda.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-wa-carabooda-200627671%20" target="_blank">292 Carabooda Road, Carabooda</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/1.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $1,650,000 Now asking: $1,032,000  Discount: 37%  Days on market: 404 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-carabooda-114289451" target="_blank">219 Bernard Road North, Carabooda</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/2.jpg" alt=""> 
Initial asking price: $3,500,000 Now asking: $2,272,000  Discount: 35%  Days on market: 404 In terms of the dollar figure, this has been reduced by the most on the list – copping a $1,228,000 reduction on asking price. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-wa-bicton-115389839">28a Malsbury Street, Bicton</a>
 <img src="/images/2014/10/1/3.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $1,500,000 Now asking: $1,000,000  Discount: 33%  Days on market: 308 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-doubleview-116544475" target="_blank">1 Princess Road, Doubleview</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/4.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $2,700,000 Now asking: $1,800,000  Discount: 33%  Days on market: 175 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-yanchep-115004491" target="_blank">48b Brazier Road, Yanchep</a> 
 <img src="/images/2014/10/1/5.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $985,000 Now asking: $699,000  Discount: 29%  Days on market: 350
This article continues on the next page. Please click below to continue.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-wa-south+perth-113923551" target="_blank">12/4 Scott Street, South Perth</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/6.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $3,650,000 Now asking: $2,600,000  Discount: 29%  Days on market: 481 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-duplex+semi+detached-wa-burswood-116984079" target="_blank">21b Hampton Street, Burswood</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/7.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $1,400,000 Now asking: $1,000,000  Discount: 29%  Days on market: 126 <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/townhouse/wa/perth/?adid=2010865160" target="_blank">211 Bulwer Street, Perth</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/8.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $1,500,000 Now asking: $1,100,000  Discount: 27%  Days on market: 930 Of all the properties on the list, this one has been on the market for longest – at 930 days. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-sorrento-116607811" target="_blank">2 Marine Terrace, Sorrento</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/9.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $3,990,000 Now asking: $3,000,000  Discount: 25%  Days on market: 161 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-wa-south+perth-114534271" target="_blank">32/39 South Perth Esplanade, South Perth</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/10.jpg" alt=""> 
Initial asking price: $1,295,000 Now asking: $990,000  Discount: 24%  Days on market: 406
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The top 10 most discounted properties in Western Australia: SQM Research

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Guest observation
Is there a national housing supply problem? No, but there is a problem of access to affordable housing in certain regions.
Last month, Reserve Bank Governor, Glenn Stevens commented on the need for “<a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2014/sp-gov-200814">animal spirits</a>” to respond to the exceptionally accommodative monetary policy setting and boost the supply of housing. More than 12 months have passed since the RBA last adjusted the cash rate to the current record low of 2.5%. This has stimulated investor demand, particularly in metropolitan Sydney and (to a lesser extent) Melbourne. Yesterday’s <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/statistics/frequency/fin-agg/2014/fin-agg-0814">Reserve Bank of Australia aggregate credit demand figures</a> show loans to investors rose 9.2% year-on-year.
Housing supply, however, is “sticky” and lags in responding to changing demand. The resulting mismatch between demand and supply has led to a year-on-year increase in the <a href="https://www.rpdata.com/research/monthly_indices">RP Data residential property index</a> for Sydney of 16.20%, relative to a long-term average of closer to 4% per annum.
This in turn is affecting people’s ability to pay for their housing needs and places vulnerable households at risk of affordability stress. Housing affordability is a complex issue, affected by housing market and economic conditions as well as labour force and demographic trends.
Federal and state governments have for a number of years recognised the need to address the joint issues of housing affordability and supply, having introduced at the 2008 COAG meeting a multibillion dollar National Affordable Housing Agreement. Yet housing affordability and supply remain on the political agenda with no clear policy response.
Can’t we just build more houses?
A simplistic approach to the problem advises increasing the stock of housing. However this ignores the myriad frictions in property development. Vacant land itself is costly and takes a significant amount of time to develop, including provision of infrastructure and transport.
An additional factor that must be considered is the asymmetry between incomes and property types. In other words, the “right” properties must be built to supply the people who are looking.
Currently, there is a lack of suitable land for residential property expansion that is also accessible and suitably positioned for instance, near employment opportunities and social and physical infrastructure.
Traditional models of housing costs argue that houses are expensive as a consequence of the land they are built on being expensive. More recently, housing economists have studied the effect of government regulation on house prices and property development. Research from the US-based <a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w8835.pdf?new_">National Bureau of Economic Research</a> identifies zoning laws, and the barriers to development that such regulation creates as a more significant factor driving prices and affordability stress than undeveloped land values.
For many Australians looking to purchase a property, the transaction costs and duties are a major impediment to an efficient property market. Furthermore, fragmented government policies on land use and development, with separate rules at each level of government and typically involving a range of regulatory bodies further compound this.
In Australia, it has been identified that the current lack of a “<a href="https://dd8gh5yx7k.scholar.serialssolutions.com/?sid=google&amp;auinit=M&amp;aulast=Berry&amp;atitle=Why+is+it+important+to+boost+the+supply+of+affordable+housing+in+Australia%E2%80%94and+how+can+we+do+it%3F&amp;id=doi:10.1080/0811114032000147430&amp;title=Urban+policy+and+res">whole of government approach to housing</a>” needs to be addressed in order for an effective response to housing supply shortages.
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
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Time to consider other options
In the mean time, regulators should consider their other policy options to increase the supply of affordable housing.
On Thursday, the RBA will appear in front of the Senate Standing Committee on Economics investigating the issue of housing affordability. One expected proposal is <a href="https://theconversation.com/macroprudential-regulation-where-central-bankers-stand-depends-on-how-they-think-32093">a tightening of lending standards to property investors</a>. There is only cautious support for any such measure. Renters are among the most exposed groups to housing affordability stress. Reducing the availability of rental properties through constraining investment activity will further exacerbate the effect of price pressures and record low vacancy rates.
An alternative policy may reconsider regulation of foreign investment and stronger regulation of the flow of cash through the “grey economy”. The research is mixed as to the national impact of relaxed foreign investment rules, though growing evidence suggests the current rules, intended to help stimulate those animal spirits and increase supply, has seen foreign investors effectively push potential local homeowners out and keep them in the rental market. The government could look to adapt these policy incentives so as to promote co-investment in affordable developments.
Surplus bedrooms
Another possibility may be exploring how to better utilise the existing housing stock. The ABS’s <a href="https://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/subscriber.nsf/0/F7B1C824CA185E15CA257BD40015751E/%24File/41300_2011-12.pdf">2013 Survey of Income and Housing</a> found that over three-quarters of Australian households had surplus bedrooms. Share housing picks up some of this space and now account for around 1-in-10 households. Legal and taxation uncertainties may reduce this as an option, following recent reports of local governments threatening <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/councils-threaten-home-owners-with-1-million-fine-for-renting-rooms-20140926-10mchq">$1 million fines for households</a> offering short-term share accommodation service through Airbnb.
There is no single solution to the range of issues relating to housing supply. Government at all levels and regulators need to work together.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/32278/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
Danika Wright is affiliated with Sirca, as a member of the Sirca-RP Data Advisory Board. She is a lecturer in Finance at the University of Sydney.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/its-too-simple-to-argue-lack-of-supply-pushes-up-house-prices-32278">original article</a>.
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