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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Stockland Group has reported an underlying profit full year of $555 million, a 12% increase a year ago, with its residential business the standout.
The managing director Mark Steinert, said its core businesses performed solidly with year on year profit growth in retail, residential, logistics and business parks, and retirement living.
“Our new residential projects at Calleya in Perth, <a href="https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/nsw/willowdale-living-at-willowdale.aspx" target="_blank">Willowdale</a> in Sydney’s south-west, and Elara in Sydney’s north west, have all seen strong customer demand.” 
Stockland’s residential business grew strongly with operating profit up 57% on the prior year. The company achieved 5,219 lot settlements for the year and started FY15 with a record 3,185 contracts on hand. 
Stockland’s head of residential, Andrew Whitson said all states were experiencing generally positive housing market conditions.
“Demand in Sydney remains very strong with relatively low supply impacting affordability in the established housing market.
"In Victoria, the market is steady with good demand balanced by higher competition. 
"The outlook in Queensland is particularly strong, underpinned by positive economic indicators and a slower start to the housing market recovery,” Mr Whitson said.
Stockland agreed last Friday <a href="/expert-insights/investing/stockland-accepts-frasers-australand-offer">to sell its 19.9% stake in Australand Property Group</a> to property group Frasers Centrepoint, booking an $80 million profit.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Stockland profit up 12% with strong Willowdale Sydney residential sales

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Swann House at 22 William Street, Melbourne, has been sold by Kliger Wood Real Estate for $21.6 million.
Chinese interests secured the property after 140 plus enquiries were received from Asian, Middle Eastern and local investors.
Kliger Wood director Eugene Wood says the purchaser was a Chinese group with other recently acquired holdings in the Melbourne CBD.
The 10 level commercial office building on the corner of William Street and Flinders Lane has a gross building area of 7,000 square metre with a net building area of 5,700 square metre.
The building, which is about 90% leased at present to show a net income of $1,328,000, was marketed with potential hotel or residential conversion.
Eugene Wood gave no indication on buyer intention.
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Swann House, Melbourne sold for $21.6 million to Chinese buyers

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One of the best pieces of advice I've received as a property investor is to "follow the jobs growth".
Australia is in the midst of a significant structural shift towards knowledge and services based industries and the data shows that increasingly jobs growth, population growth and economic output is flowing to the centre of our major capitals.
With just over 60% of Australia's population located in the five largest capital cities it might seem reasonable to expect that around 60% of jobs created would be in those five largest capital cities too.
However, this is nowhere near being the case as this week's <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6291.0.55.001" target="_blank">Detailed Labour Force</a> data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirmed.
Over the years our analysis shows that jobs growth has been much stronger in the five largest capital cities at well over 70% of the total for their respective states.
And over the past five years, of the jobs growth in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia, some 77.4% of the jobs added have been in the capital cities, with only regional Queensland contributing significantly.
Not only is there a structural shift afoot in favour of capital cities and centralisation, our analysis of the data below shows that the trend is actually now accelerating.
Full-time employment growth
Looking at full-time jobs growth over the long-term we can see that while regional New South Wales has added jobs until relatively recently, the overwhelming majority of employment growth has been in the capital cities:
 <img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dt8z9s3UOG4/U_B05mGAQMI/AAAAAAAAPQ4/9Tm5vYiGNrM/s1600/a.jpg">
In the other states we expect to see something similar playing out, with one exception: Queensland.
Queensland is home to some large and growing conurbations outside Brisbane including Gold Coast/Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Toowoomba and Townsville, for example, and as such the rest of state figures for Queensland have tracked relatively strongly. Not so elsewhere...
 <img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1tKh0E-aoNw/U_B07TRQUcI/AAAAAAAAPRU/_i04FRUITmA/s1600/b.jpg">
Total employment growth 
In recent times many jobs added are not of the full-time variety and therefore we have run the same charts for total employment growth over the long run. Note that regional Victoria has added more part-time jobs, but still it is the capital cities which overwhelmingly lead the way.
 <img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHIgsX1gC1g/U_B03-q19FI/AAAAAAAAPQo/p3i7sUidN8E/s1600/1.jpg"> 
And it's a similar story in the other states. 
 <img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AxBZkLXhp2k/U_B04C2vmyI/AAAAAAAAPQk/YJCm3-l5Buo/s1600/2.jpg"> 
These figures are sometimes easier to interpret in a column chart, and here the evidence in favour of Australia's increasing dependence upon its capital cities for total employment growth and prosperity is compelling (click chart):
 <img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpnmuqCiJ3c/U_B04DvW1aI/AAAAAAAAPQg/bsf_ncP_K1M/s1600/3.jpg"> 
We note that jobs growth in regional Australia has stalled, and with the mining construction boom transitioning into the production phase, this trend is likely to become worse rather than better.
Unemployment
Finally, we note that employment growth is not yet occurring fast enough in this cycle to offset population growth in the capital cities and thus the trend in unemployment is up.
 <img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d5ufWNhUMmM/U_B05okGE_I/AAAAAAAAPRA/yXtI3XyDhvM/s1600/5.jpg"> 
Our analysis of population growth in the 'rest of state' regional areas over recent years has shown the growth in regional population to be comparatively weak, and therefore unemployment should not be rising. However, regional jobs growth in Australia has almost totally stalled and the the recent unemployment trend is therefore still up in most cases. 
 <img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d5ufWNhUMmM/U_B05okGE_I/AAAAAAAAPRA/yXtI3XyDhvM/s1600/5.jpg">
In short, the capital cities are increasingly becoming the job and population growth magnets, and as the data continues to show, this is becoming more and more so the case as the years progress.
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Structural shift towards capital city employment accelerates

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Stockland Group has accepted Frasers Centrepoint’s offer to acquire its 19.9% holding in Australand.
Stockland will sell its holding of 113 million Australand shares at $4.48 a security.
The property group will net more than $80 million from the transaction.
It comes eight days after Frasers secured its effective takeover of Australand with around a 56% acceptance when the initial deadline fell.
“We have been disciplined with our investment in Australand with a clear strategic intent and view of value, and are pleased to have achieved a significant profit,” Stockland chief executive Mark Steinert told the stock exchange today.
The group plans to reinvest back into medium density residential and mixed use projects, and to grow its string of logistics and business parks.
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Mark Steinert recently announced the appointment of two new executives to its executive committee, with its Chief Investment Officer, and Group Counsel and Company Secretary, elevated to the executive team.
Darren Rehn has been appointed Group Executive and Chief Investment Officer with responsibility for capital transactions, capital partnering and business development activities. 
Mr Rehn joined Stockland as Chief Investment Officer in October 2013. 
Katherine Grace has been appointed Group Counsel and Company Secretary, coming with over 15 years’ experience including several years at Westfield Retail Trust. 
Phillip Hepburn, who has served as Stockland Group Counsel and Company Secretary since 2001, will be leaving Stockland.
Stockland’s executive committee will now comprise Mr Steinert and the following executives: 
<ul>
<li>
  Stephen Bull – Group Executive and CEO Retirement Living 
</li>
<li>
  Katherine Grace – Group Counsel and Company Secretary 
</li>
</ul>
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</div>
</div>
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  Tiernan O’Rourke – Chief Financial Officer 
</li>
<li>
  Darren Rehn – Group Executive and Chief Investment Officer 
</li>
<li>
  Michael Rosmarin – Group Executive and Chief Operating Officer 
</li>
<li>
  John Schroder – Group Executive and CEO Commercial Property 
</li>
<li>
  Simon Shakesheff – Group Executive Strategy and Stakeholder Relations 
</li>
<li>
  Andrew Whitson – Group Executive and CEO Residential 
 
</li>
</ul>
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Stockland accepts Frasers' Australand offer

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Real estate experts, commentators and industry members are regularly listened to carefully for tips and information on where to invest next and how the market is performing, among other advice.
However, every expert had to start somewhere. Property Observer asked a number of industry experts about their first homes, where they were, when they bought them and why. The results, which span across Australia, are a fascinating insight into their first step on the property ladder.
TERRY RYDER - <a href="https://www.Hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">Hotspotting.com.au</a> <img src="/images/authors/fullbody/Terry-Ryder.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
<ul>
<li>Location: <a href="/news">Bundamba</a> in Ipswich City in the south-west of the Brisbane metropolitan area.</li>
<li>Price purchased for: $25,000</li>
<li>Year purchased: 1981</li>
</ul>
 Do you still own the property? 
No, I sold it in 1984 for $40,000 (which was 60% growth in three years, proving that ugly real estate in downmarket suburbs can show exceptional capital growth). I then bought a house in the eastern suburbs of Brisbane for $50,000, which I later sold for $110,000.
Why did you buy that property? 
It was what I could afford at the time: a small weatherboard box on a noisy road in a fairly dismal suburb, but it was affordable and it was close to a commuter train station.
Did you renovate?
No, no renovations.
Why did you want to buy? 
I was fed up with being mistreated by landlords, so I decided to buy my own place.
TODD HUNTER - <a href="https://www.wheregroup.com.au/" target="_blank">wHeregroup<img src="/images/authors/fullbody/hunter-profile-2.png" alt="" style="float: right;"></a>
<ul>
<li>Location: <a href="/news">Cronulla</a>, Sydney NSW</li>
<li>Price purchased for: $112,000</li>
<li>Year purchased: 1993</li>
</ul>
 Do you still own the property? 
No I don't, it sold for $256,000
Why did you buy that property? 
It was my first home, a one bedroom unit very close to the water with a tandem car space. It started a love for property for me that is still there.
Did you renovate? 
Paint and carpets only.
Why did you want to buy? 
It was my first home and my parents instilled the property bug in me early as I purchased when I was 19 (after much saving for the 20% deposit is set up costs with my girlfriend... There was no first home owners grant then either).
ANDREW WILSON - <a href="https://apm.com.au/" target="_blank">Australian Property Monitors<img src="/images/authors/fullbody/Andrew-Wilson.png" alt="" style="float: right;"></a>
<ul>
<li>Location: <a href="/news">Camberwell</a>, Victoria</li>
<li>Price purchased for: $95,000</li>
<li>Year purchased: 1986</li>
</ul>
 Do you still own the property? 
No. Good growth as purchased at bottom of the cycle before the 1988 boom.
Why did you buy that property? 
Great location, big block in a sleeper street - but in original condition (plenty of upside potential).
Did you renovate? 
I completely renovated and rebuilt.
Why did you want to buy? 
I’m Australian – the aspiration for home ownership is in our DNA.
MICHELLE COLEMAN - <a href="https://www.wfinancial.com.au/" target="_blank">W Financial<img src="/images/authors/fullbody/coleman-uly24-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;"></a>
<ul>
<li>Location: <a href="/news">Quinns Rock</a>, WA</li>
<li>Price purchased for: H&amp;L for $95,000</li>
<li>Year purchased: 1995</li>
</ul>
 Do you still own the property? 
No, I bought it with my partner at the time.  He does actually still own the property and it is estimated to be now worth around $550,000 to $600,000.
Why did you buy that property? 
It was what we thought we could afford at the time (that was closest to the beach of course), but also we thought the area would have good growth.
Now I look back with all my knowledge with finance and investing and wonder how we could have made our decision that way!
Did you renovate? 
We had to do some landscaping as it was house and land.  
At one point I really wanted a spa - it wasn't ever fully installed (when I was there) but I'd sit in it anyway.
We didn't have fences though at the time, so random people in the neighbourhood would wander by to have a chat.
Why did you want to buy? 
It's the great Australian dream; I wanted that like everyone does. That property didn't quite go to plan, but it did give me an appetite that has made me the investor I am today.
Article continues on next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
BRAD BEER - <a href="https://www.bmtqs.com.au/" target="_blank">BMT<img src="/images/2014/08/15/Bradley-beer-aug-15-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;"></a>
<ul>
<li>Location: The property is located slightly to the west of the main city of Newcastle in a suburb called <a href="/news">Georgetown</a>, NSW. It’s quite close to the Newcastle Knights stadium and the University of Newcastle, right near a bus stop and 300 metre from a Coles.</li>
<li>Price purchased for: The property is a four bedroom, one and a half bathroom house on 400 odd square metres of land with a big shed in the rear. I purchased it for $170,000. The current rental of the property is around $440 per week.</li>
<li>Year purchased: 2002</li>
</ul>
Do you still own the property? 
I still own the property, which has been well-performing since the day I purchased it. In fact, I’m generally a believer in not selling property, particularly when it has demonstrated a great deal of growth. I haven’t actually sold a single house to date.
Why did you buy that property?
I actually went to Newcastle University myself, so I was familiar with the area which I still think is quite a good area. I wanted to invest into property and someone I knew who was buying property was looking at the area and brought it to my attention.
It looked pretty rough when I bought it, so we negotiated hard because it was originally listed at $198,000. I also liked that it had a sizeable shed, because I thought I might have been able to use it in some way for storage purposes – every man needs a good shed in his life!
Did you renovate? 
I renovated it a couple of different times actually. When I bought it in 2002, I basically spent the first few months on a pretty decent internal renovation. I pulled the kitchen apart and discovered that it was full of cockroaches, it was an absolute mess, even the bathroom was a mess – it was all in pretty bad shape. So I got stuck into it and put together a new kitchen and a new bathroom.
I also had to put in new flooring and piers, and completely reline the bathroom. I polished floor boards, I painted, I basically just spruced up the whole of the inside. Even though I didn’t change any of the internal walls there was still a fair bit of work to be done, but I probably only spent about $20,000 because I did just about all the work myself.
I worked nights and weekends in the middle of winter in the freezing cold, but then about six months later we did a re-evaluation and it came in at about $240,000. This was great because I hadn’t done any exterior renovations by that point, so it had still gone up even though it still looked pretty bad from outside. There was probably also a bit of market movement around that time which would have helped, so I was able to leverage into my second property pretty quickly.
Then in about 2005, I did a fairly extensive external renovation also. It had those old forever boards on it, which I ripped off to put new weatherboards around the whole of the house. I painted the roof and did a fair bit of landscaping, adding in a picket fence, a new driveway – just basically renovated the whole of the exterior. In 2007 I revalued it at $425,000.
I’m still going on it. About three years ago I put on a new roof because it was old and needed replacing. It probably needed replacing when I bought it actually, but I’d just patched it up and put up with it for a while until I could do it properly.
Why did you want to buy?
I’d been at BMT for about three or four years by that point, and had the opportunity to learn a great deal about investing in property. I’d also been to a number of different property seminars then, and have been to a lot more since, and believed I wanted to invest into property based on what I’d learnt about investing in property to generate wealth. I’d also saved up my deposit by then and so was just ready to go.
Essentially, being at BMT and being surrounded by investors all the time, learning about investing in property and the fundamental ways to do that – I decided: right, now it’s my turn.
VICTOR KUMAR - <a href="https://www.rightpropertygroup.com.au/" target="_blank">Right Property Group<img src="/images/2014/08/15/kumar-aug-15-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;"></a>
First home:
<ul>
<li>Location: <a href="/news">Currans Hill</a>, NSW</li>
<li>Price purchased for: $137,000</li>
<li>Year purchased: 1998</li>
</ul>
 Do you still own the property? 
Yes. It was valued by the bank last week at $420,000. I lived in this untill 2006 and it is currently rented at $410 per week.
Did you renovate?
Removed carpets and put in floating floorboards because of my allergies. Also starting painting the trims at one stage, following a Peter Spanns renovation seminar in 1999, they are still half complete! During tenancy the only works I have done has been to replace a powerpoint... having said that I will now probably jinx myself!
First investment property:
<ul>
<li>Location: <a href="/news">Campbelltown</a>, NSW</li>
<li>Price purchased for: $70,000 (two-bedroom unit)</li>
<li>Year purchased: 1999</li>
</ul>
 Do you still own the property? 
No, I sold it in 2001 to fund the business startup for $185,000.
On purchase it was rented for $130 per week, on sale it was rented for $230 per week with the same tenant. Under the current market value it would be around $290,000.
I wish I hadn't sold and had bought more of these units back then!
MARGARET LOMAS - <a href="https://destiny.com.au/dotnetnuke/en-au/home.aspx" target="_blank">Destiny</a><img src="/images/authors/fullbody/Margaret-Lomas3.png" style="float: right;">
My first investment property, a one-bedroom unit. It had a green shag pile carpet and a weird T-shaped lounge, which we sectioned off with a wall to make a second bedroom.
<ul>
<li>Location: <a href="/news">Cabramatta</a>, New South Wales</li>
<li>Price purchased for: $28,000</li>
<li>
Year purchased: 1980 
</li>
</ul>
Do you still own the property? 
Back then no one understood leveraging.  I sold it to buy a three-bedroom townhouse in <a href="/news">Macquarie Fields</a>. In the two years we owned it, it grew by $6,000. That's probably pretty good!
Why did you buy that property?
My dad said we had to get into the property market, I was 20 and engaged.  It was the only area we could afford.
Did you renovate? 
We painted it, and added a shower screen to the tiny bath but that was all.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Where the experts bought their first homes

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Tenants and landlords are equally responsible for gas and appliances in rental properties, according to First National Real Estate’s Amanda Kohler.
Kohler warns investors not to be lulled into a false sense of security even as Winter ends, and warns that gas ovens, cooktops and hot water systems need a close watch to avoid potential injury and property damage.
State legislation varies, however safety and good repair should be ensured by the landlord and property manager.
“Managing agents should make sure they arrange periodic appliance checks, using qualified inspectors, in all managed rental properties. They should also educate their landlords regarding their legal obligations,” she said.   “Equally, tenants are obliged to use appliances in accordance with instructions and report any faults or suspected faults to their landlord or managing agent immediately.”
A qualified technician should ideally service the appliances once every second year, as faults can produce carbon monoxide – which can be lethal.
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Investor alert: Double check your gas and appliances this weekend

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According to a new nationwide survey, 46% of Australians have been forced to reduce their spending on "essential" items.
The independent consumer body CHOICE reports that renters are the hardest hit, with 45% of renters reporting that they are struggling to get by on their current income, compared to 27% of mortgage holders. Low-income households and parents with school-aged children also reported financial hardship.
Of the 1,001 survey respondents, 31% said they were finding it difficult to get by on their current income, with 11% finding it "very difficult". Only 18% said they were "living comfortably", with 5% responding that they were living "very comfortably".
CHOICE chief executive Alan Kirkland says one in every five respondents reported they have relied on credit cards or borrowing from friends or family to cope until payday.
"This reveals some striking concerns with cost-of-living, which is perhaps not surprising at a time when inflation is outstripping sluggish wages growth, retail sales are fragile and the political debate remains focused on household expenses,” says Kirkland.
Government cutbacks were a major concern for consumers, with 72% worried about government spending cuts. Kirkland calling public spending reductions "the major consumer worry".
Major household concerns include electricity bills, fuel and food and groceries. The survey, which saw 52% of respondents claiming they were "very worried" about electricity prices, was conducted before the repeal of the carbon tax.
“With such a drawn-out debate over the carbon tax it is not surprising to see electricity at the top of the list, although clearly prices have been driven by a number of factors, including rising infrastructure costs,” says Kirkland.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Renters the hardest hit by costs of living, 46% of Australians cutting back on essentials: CHOICE

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Retail giant Woolworths has revealed its home improvement chain Masters continues to operate at a loss.
Woolworths reported yesterday financial losses this financial year at the big box retailer exceeded the year before.
<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/41756-masters-has-machismo-but-needs-aldi-smarts" target="_blank">Masters</a> recorded sales of more than $1.5 billion in the 2014 financial year but will not break even in 2016 as previously forecast.
Woolworths chief executive Grant O’Brien said in a statement he is “disappointed” but still “confident” Masters will make it into the black eventually.
“The rationale for entering this [home improvement] market remains strong,” he said.
“It is a $45 billion market with 5% annual growth and one significant retailer with approximately 17% market share. It is a fragmented market that is in the process of consolidation as demonstrated by the 42% Masters sales growth in financial year 2014.”
The “one significant retailer” which serves as Masters’ main competitor is of course <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/legal/intellectual-property/30259-hardware-fight-gets-nasty--bunnings-registers-masters-business-name-in-new-zealand" target="_blank">Bunnings</a>.
Stephen Kulmar, founder of retail consultancy Retail Oasis, said when Bunnings entered the home improvement category and consolidated the market Woolworths clearly saw an opportunity.
“But Masters is so similar to Bunnings that it is hard to see how they differentiate or compete against them,” he says.
“They haven’t done a good enough job in targeting females, that casual DIY market is where they should have pitched the market.”
Kulmar says, if anything, Bunnings has enjoyed the challenge of having Masters in the market.
“I also don’t think you can discount the performance of Mitre 10, which has targeted trade and serious DIY,” he says.
“The two of them have made it very difficult for Masters to establish a position in the market.”
If it’s difficult for Masters to compete, Kulmar says it is even more difficult for independent retailers in the sector. 
“There has been natural consolidation in the market anyway,” he says.
“But it is tougher for independents today than it was 10 years ago.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.SmartCompany.com.au" target="_blank">SmartCompany.</a>
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ: 
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/masters-could-learn-a-lot-from-aldi">Masters could learn a lot from Aldi</a>
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cwaters-YrtBR88nBe

Woolworths reveals Masters failure: Financial losses continue to build

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Harry Triguboff’s Meriton Group has bought the DEXUS Property Group business park in Rosebery spending $190 million for the 4.9-hectare offering.
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DEXUS Property Group sold <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-rosebery-5497126" target="_blank">5-13 Rosebery Avenue</a> (pictured above) and 25-55 Rothschild Avenue in Rosebery, Sydney, with trading profits to be realised in FY15 and FY16. 
It is expected that the sale will contribute approximately $17 million to FY15 trading profits and materially increase trading profits in FY16 contributing approximately $74 million pre-tax. 
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The business park which had a book value of about $100 million was sold through JLL’s Michael Fenton, Sam Brewer and Blair Peterken.
Meriton now has 14,000 units in its pipeline as more than 1000 apartments will be built at the 4.9-hectare site.
There are eight mature Hills Fig trees on the boundary of 5-13 Rosebery Avenue with City of Sydney studies having identified these trees as a local landmark and as a defining feature of the precinct. 
5-13 Rosebery Avenue is a recently refurbished, 10 level office building within close proximity to Southern Cross Drive, the Eastern Distributor and Sydney Kingsford Smith airport.
During the year DEXUS undertook a total of $5.4 billion transactions across the group, including the joint acquisition of the $3.4 billion CPA portfolio with CPPIB. 
The CPA transaction, completed in April 2014, increased the value of the office portfolio to $7.6 billion.
DEXUS today announced its 30 June 2014 results. 
Dexus Property Group said its full-year net profit fell to $406 million. Revenue in the year rose 7.2% to $700 million.
In FY15, DEXUS has a trading profit target of $40 million.
DEXUS chief Darren Steinberg said it had progressed the sale of 40 Market Street, Melbourne which is expected to contribute to FY15 trading profits.
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Amid heritage fig trees Meriton spends $190 million on DEXUS Rosebery business park

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The Roche family has secured $58 million plus for its Balmain waterfront industrial site, the former headquarters of their former Nutrimetics cosmetics business.
Toga Group is believed to be the buyer of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://search.knightfrank.com.au/1634869" target="_blank">100 Elliott Street</a>, according to the Australia Financial Review.
It is a 12,375 square metre site - with development approval for 121 apartments - on the banks of the Parramatta River.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://search.knightfrank.com.au/1634869" target="_blank">Knight Frank agents Peter Krieg and Domenic Ong</a> marketed the property which had a 30 July expressions of interest deadline.
Bill and Imelda Roche sold Nutrimetics to the Sara Lee Corporation in 1997.
 
{qtube vid:=dP0MxvqrwsE}
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