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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Strong residential sales contributed to Mirvac posting a strong profit for the year, up from $139 million to $447 million.
And Mirvac signalled plans to "accelerate releases and pushing price where appropriate." 
The property group secured $1.2 billion in residential pre-sales contracts and settled 2,482 residential lots. 
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Some 50% of Mirvac’s future expected revenue will be derived from apartments, the veteran apartment developer announced. 
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The Mirvac CEO Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz described the year as “tremendously successful” on the profit release today.
"Our residential business performed well in FY14 with market conditions improving in key locations.
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"We acquired $248 million of residential development projects over the year, substantially restocking the development pipeline to provide long-term earnings benefits to the group. 
"All acquisitions were on-strategy and are expected to deliver a weighted average IRR of more than 18%.
"In addition to this, we completed seven englobo sales ahead of schedule, providing an opportunity for the redeployment of cash across the business." 
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Total revenue rose 26% to $1.982 billion for the year. Operating profit was $337.6 million.
Lloyd-Hurwitz said Mirvac achieved a 10.5% development return on invested capital at year end, ahead of its target of 10%, and "we substantially restocked our residential and commercial development pipeline to deliver future earnings”.
However the result suggested the strong sales and price momentum in 1H14 carried through at "slightly reduced" pace into 2H14.
"Further price growth expected, albeit at a more modest pace," it suggested though ncreased stock levels were insufficient to overcome national undersupply.
The report acknowledged high levels of activity from offshore buyers in select locations and product types.
"Demand volumes will continue to grow; driven by tight rental vacancy, population growth and strengthening economy."
The report suggested the residential recovery was "likely to extend beyond Sydney into other capital cities" as a result of population growth, sustained low interest rate environment and general undersupply nationally.
Mirvac said it was focussed on "developing and acquiring residential development projects in line with strategic mandates targeted to deliver gross margins of 18% to 22%."
 
Mirvac said the residential market was supported by strong financial fundamentals 
—  Modest credit growth does not indicate signs of overheating
—  Role of investors in the market is strong, although upgraders have grown by a greater proportion across all markets
—  Households have improved net debt positions significantly driven by increased savings.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Mirvac joins the strong profit season for property developers

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Contrary to popular perception, the average tenant is not a student, nor even an individual living alone.
A Tenants Union of Victoria report notes that around a quarter of all households across the state are lived in by tenants – more than a million people. The report, based on the 2011 Census, found that 42% of private tenants were couples with children or single parent families.
Another 23% were couple only households, while less than a third of tenants were group households or living alone.
Tenants Union of Victoria policy and liaison officer James Bennett said that renting is no longer the transitional step towards home ownership.
“We know that more people are renting for longer but our culture and laws don’t always reflect this. Over a third of all private tenants in Australia have been renting for over 10 years; however this doesn't necessarily mean a decade in the same rental house,” he said.
Bennett noted that overseas, greater security of tenure in rental housing, with longer leases becoming the norm and more narrowly defined reasons for eviction are seen.
“There is no good reason for ‘no reason notices to vacate’ to exist. Secure and appropriate housing leads to better outcomes for tenants and society - it is good public policy and should be reflected in our tenancy laws,” Bennett said.
The TUV has been calling for minimum standards for rental properties to be introduced in Victoria – a change that will be seen from October 1 in Tasmania.
At present, landlords can legally rent out a property with no heating, weatherproofing, window coverings or hot water.
“Investment in good housing stock is a good investment – the cost of any improvements are easily outweighed by the longer term value to the landlord, the tenant and society. In addition, owners of investment properties can negatively gear the cost of improvements, reducing the cost impact of implementing minimum standards. There is no reason to believe landlords will ‘disinvest’ due to minimum standards."
YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO READ
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/is-your-tenant-living-in-squalor-this-video-is-hard-to-watch">Is your tenant living in squalor? This video is hard to watch</a>
<a href="/news/nsw/vandals-set-the-garage-on-fire-and-three-fire-alarms-failed-to-work-is-your-tenant-living-in-squalor">Vandals set the garage on fire, and three fire alarms failed to work: How it happened</a>
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

What does the average tenant look like? Hint: Not a student, or single

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Victorian real estate agencies Barry Plant and hockingstuart have partnered to launch YourPorter.
The new industry-run business allows real estate agents to connect renters with electricity, gas, water, telecommunications and pay television services, and delivers benefits YourPorter to agents. 
According to Nigel O'Neil, managing director and chief executive of hockingstuart, agents will receive commissions and equity in exchange for referrals to utility suppliers including AGL, Origin, Telstra and Foxtel.
“Agents are the sole source of leads for utility connections businesses, yet traditionally their commissions have been relatively low,” says O'Neil.
“YourPorter’s mandate is to ensure that real estate businesses derive maximum value from utility connections on both an income and capital basis.
“We’re doing this by paying industry leading commission rates and allocating 47% of the equity in the YourPorter business directly to the agencies that refer utility connections. This type of opportunity does not exist with our competitors,” he explains.
Barry Plant Real Estate chief executive Mike McCarthy says "YourPorter is about regaining a level of control over our data and relationships", given the "concerning level of influence" third party businesses like property portals have with clients. 
"As real estate agents, we’re increasingly realising the importance of leveraging our client relationships to create value in our business," he notes.
Tony Zarka, the former national business manager of Direct Connect Australia, will oversee YourPorter as general manager. He claims the service is a "game changer".
"It’s taking the reins off external providers and provides consumers with a service that is convenient, fast and reliable because it’s in the hands of the people who really understand the property market and the dramas of moving house – real estate agents,” he says.
The business offers a same-day connection guarantee, and an emergency accommodation option if required. Through the "Porter Club" incentive scheme, individual real estate agency offices can also give employees "points" that can be converted into dollars on a personal debit card.
YourPorter had a "soft launch" in late 2013 across Barry Plant and hockingstuart agencies, and is now offered to the national real estate industry. According to O'Neil, Buxton, Hodges, Fletchers and Jellis Craig have supported the business.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Barry Plant and hockingstuart launch utility connections service for renters

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GUEST OBSERVATION
With limited stock available for buyers to choose from and the average amount of bidder at an auction still sitting comfortably around two, buyers are likely to be feeling the pressure when it comes to trying to ‘win’ the home they want at auction.
Now, more than ever, strategy is likely to play an even more important role in your success on the day.  Having been involved in over 50 properties for sale this year, our success (or purchase) rate is sitting at almost 90%.
Some buyers may believe professional bidders are more successful just because the buyers they represent have more money.  It would be great if this were true. However, why would someone who is guaranteed to have more money than everybody else need to use a buyer advocate? The fact of the matter is that it is almost impossible to guarantee anyone will have the most money. So maybe it’s not about money, maybe it’s about strategy.
One example is a property bought earlier in the year in <a href="/news">Hampton</a>.  The strategies resulted in the property being purchased for $102,000 less than the underbidder paid for a near identical home in a lesser street, less than one month later.  There were three parties bidding, yet the underbidders stopped – why?  The first underbidder’s later purchase shows they had more money.  Why did they choose to stop? Was it just they assessed value at a $102,000 difference? Maybe, but probably not? So
<ul>
<li>Was it lack of preparation?</li>
<li>Was it uncertainty?</li>
<li>Was it nervousness?</li>
<li>Was it stress?</li>
<li>Was it inexperience?</li>
</ul>
Nobody knows for sure, all we know is, it wasn’t lack of money.
Some buyers may believe that the next best solution is to just keep bidding. However, this could be a risky strategy if you haven’t done your research on the property’s strengths and weaknesses and values, particularly if you find yourself needing to sell in a market that may not be moving in the same direction as the one we are currently experiencing.
Kristen Hatt is principal buyer advocate at <a class="company-profile-public" href="https://au.linkedin.com/company/james-buyer-advocates?trk=ppro_cprof" target="_blank">James Buyer Advocates</a>, which advocates on behalf of buyers of property over $1 million. Weekly auction reports, advice and in-depth market analysis are available on James' website.
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Winning at auction isn't amount having the most money, it's about strategy

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GUEST OBSERVATION
As little girls growing up, we have all seen the Disney animated fairy tales where the prince rescues the commoner and falls in love, or the Hollywood movie ‘happy ever after’ endings.
As women, we have been conditioned from a very young age by the media, the entertainment industry and even our families to assume we will meet our dream man (or woman), settle down and maybe even have children.  And of course, we will live happily ever after…
While there is always the chance of that coming to fruition, what they don’t tell you is how it can turn to muck very quickly and what the consequences of this can be if it happens!
For those of us who have been around the block a couple of times, we have all seen, heard of, or experienced the effects of a marriage or de facto coupling and an ensuing separation or divorce. For those who haven’t experienced it, you may well have grown up in a single parent family yourself and witnessed the emotional and financial devastation that can be wreaked upon a family when this happens.
Did you know, 40 years after equal pay, women still earn on average 21% less than men? Which means they have less income to meet their everyday expenses - and less to contribute to their superannuation.
And that’s before we factor in the need for many of us to leave workforce to have children. Taking time out from our careers to raise kids results in less contributions to our super and study after study shows that once women return to work they find less opportunities for career advancement.
What this all adds up to is that women, by definition, have a harder time achieving their financial independence.
That can leave women socially and economically vulnerable to the three deadly financial Ds if they are reliant on their partners: divorce, death and desertion.
If these strike, a woman approaching middle age can find herself without her financial independence or worse facing retirement with what some have coined ‘Middle class homelessness’; facing old age with precious little income and the indignity of having to share accommodation.
At the end of the day, the most important way women can empower themselves is by being financially independent. This allows a woman to have choices - be it to leave an abusive or controlling relationship or simply take time out between jobs if so desired.
As a child in the 1970s, I got to live first hand with all of the consequences of the divorce when my parents parted ways. What was most evident to me in this situation as a female, was the importance of a solid education (beyond the limited education my mother had as a result of growing up in Europe during WW2). And especially the importance of having your own money and savings. This in itself would have provided so many more options for my mother once divorced. We were luckier than many as Dad paid his maintenance and were always fed, clothed and had a roof over our head, but I dread to think of the consequences if this wasn’t the case.
Fast forward a few decades, and looking back after my own divorce, I can see how my emotions and the consequences of social conditioning got in my way and ultimately cost me money.
For example, when I divorced, my ex benefited financially from my investment activity (I should have stayed firm about us signing a pre-nup but I allowed emotions to get in the way).
Even though I came out of it still being able to buy my own home and with some investments still intact, the biggest lessons for me were;
<ol>
<li>Don’t wait for others to get the ball rolling when it comes to creating your own financial independence because time is of the essence. This thing called compound growth has a massive impact on your financial outcome and for every 10 years you wait, your wealth decreases by half!</li>
<li>Always keep your emotions out of it when making financial decisions. This is what leads to bad decisions being made time and time again. Deal in facts and move forward on that basis.</li>
<li>While the fairy tale may happen, hope for the best but always plan for the worst. Seek professional advice around investment structuring and how to protect your assets that you bring into a relationship, especially if you plan to have children. Think pre-nup, even if your assets are equal going into the defacto or marriage arrangement.</li>
<li>If you have or plan to have children, you must factor in the time you will have away from the workforce and how this will affect your income and your ability to fund your retirement via superannuation contributions.</li>
<li>Consider the ‘sandwich’ generation of women and plan accordingly. These are women with older kids still living at home who may also need to take time out of work to care for ageing parents.</li>
<li>
As nurturers, many women tend to put others ahead of themselves, sacrificing their own needs and financial security in the process. It is not selfish to create your own financial security ahead of helping your children. In fact it’s important to teach your daughters in particular to look after themselves first. I see plenty of 50 year old female clients who are torn trying to decide if they should buy their children a home to give them a helping hand, or buy themselves a home or create income for retirement. To be blunt - stop it! If women don’t look after themselves first, they can’t help their children and never assume your kids will look after you in return. They simply may not be able to, or could have a spouse who could prevent it from happening. This is a contributing factor to the increase of ‘middle class homelessness’ among women aged 50 plus.
</li>
<li>Don’t assume gold digging is a female only trait. As I have gotten older I see plenty of men seeking to hook up with women who are financially secure. They may be toy boys looking for a sugar mummy or older men who have themselves hit hard times or divorced, so protect your assets and learn what situations, such as living with a partner, can make you financially vulnerable. Then put agreements in place to protect yourself.</li>
</ol>
While it may appear that I am painting a picture of doom and gloom, it’s a sad reality for many and will only get worse over time if women don’t start taking action to empower themselves financially.
In the meantime, go forth and prosper!
<a href="https://www.miriamsandkuhler.com.au/">Miriam Sandkuhler</a> is the founder of <a href="https://www.propertymavens.com.au/" target="_blank">Property Mavens</a> - a specialist property advisory firm based in Melbourne.
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MiriamSandkuhler-brdvzrAYV2

The most important way women can empower themselves is by being financially independent

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A corner development site at the junction of Main Road and Fairbank Road, Clayton will go to auction this Friday with $900,000 expectations through Crabtrees Real Estate.
The site known as 91-93 Main Road has a land area of 1,885 square metre with an older style brick workshop building that has been occupied by a motor repairer for many years. 
It has a building of 388 square metre with the remainder of the level site vacant. 
Crabtrees agent Casper Janholt notes that the property holds an Industrial 1 zoning.
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Clayton industrial site with development potential to go under the hammer this Friday

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Shopping centre income growth is expected to be steady but falling behind CPI for the next five years, according to BIS Shrapnel’s Retail Property Market 2014 to 2024 report.
According to senior project manager and report author Maria Lee, there are a number of factors that are constraining income growth prospects. These fundamentally relate to economic growth and household spending in aggregate.
Lee pointed to these four reasons:
<ol>
<li>Modest GDP growth as the economy transitions away from resources investment to more broadly-based growth.</li>
<li>Slowing population growth as 457 visas decline and net long term departures increase.</li>
<li>Household disposable income growth averaging just 2.6% per annum compared with a 25 year average of 3.3%.</li>
<li>Retail turnover growth averaging 2.9% per annum—slightly ahead of income growth due to an easing in the savings rate, but well below the 3.8% long-term average.</li>
</ol>
<img src="/images/2014/08/20/chart%20of%20the%20day%20aug%2020%20breakout.png" alt="">
Source: <a href="https://www.bis.com.au/" target="_blank">BIS Shrapnel</a>, ABS.
Lee also pointed to factors that impact the distribution of aggregate expenditure between physical shops and online, as well as between differnet shopping centres. Online shopping, for instance, was estimated to be set to remove 0.5% per annum from turnover growth to shopping centres and retail building commencements hitting a new high over the next financial year having an effect.
“Add all these factors together, and we predict that shopping centre incomes will average around 2.6% annual growth over the next five years, failing to keep pace with inflation," she said.
“The saving grace for shopping centres is that the bulk of their income is subject to fixed annual escalations, putting a support under the rate of growth and reducing volatility from year to year."
The report suggested that retail investors work to mitigate the impact by changing tenancy mixes, marketing in smarter ways to consumers and even adding attractions.
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Four reasons shopping centre incomes will continue to fall below inflation: BIS Shrapnel

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Gloria Jean’s Coffees has leased a 22 square metre retail space at Melbourne’s Flinders Street train station.
The rental was not disclosed, however deals in the area have been done in excess of $5,000 per square metre per annum.
It is Gloria Jean’s ninth in the Melbourne CBD, including two Docklands stores.
It is a sublease from Melbourne Metro Trains with Gloria Jeans taking a 10 year lease for the space at the Elizabeth Street junction.
Savills’s Michael Di Carlo and Jock Thomson brokered the lease deal.
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Gloria Jeans takes Flinders Street Station space

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An undisclosed religious group has purchased Hobart’s historic Gasworks Village, located at the entrance to Hobart City.
It sold for around $7.5 million, its first sale for 21 years when sold for $300,000 to developer Robert Hosken.
Located at 2 Macquarie Street, the property forms part of the historic Sullivans Cove Precinct.
Knight Frank’s Tasmania chief Scott Newton negotiated the sale reflecting a yield of 7%.
The historic strata property was redeveloped in 1995 as a commercial hub currently tenanted to Vantage Hotel Group and Hogs Breath Café.
The remaining three lots were sold as vacant.
The Hobart Gas Company was established by an act of parliament in 1854 and started pumping gas from the site in 1857.
The town gas supply ended in 1978.
The buildings that remain include the original engine house and the stables.
 
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Hobart's historic Gasworks site sold for $7.5 million

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The Sydney Opera House has signed a 10 year agreement with the Solotel group to operate the Opera Bar.
The group includes principals Bruce Solomon, Anna Solomon and John Gallas from Solotel, and Matt Moran and Peter Sullivan from MorSul. 
Solotel has operated the venue since 2001.
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