Apartment developers in the Gold Coast are finding new, creative ways to differentiate themselves from competing projects, as new supply starts to flow through up and down the Coast.

Developer Big Projects brought in the renowned Sydney-based design studio YSG to craft the interiors for The Frederick, Big Projects' new Mermaid Beach project and YSG's first move into the multi-residential development space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5346]

It was a strategic move for Big Projects to bring in a Sydney eye to the development.

“Our role is to give our design partners the space and freedom to explore,” says Matt Barrett, Director of Big Projects.

“We wanted YSG Studio to capture the essence of Nobby’s, to design a building that embraces life, light and connection, while creating a genuine sense of place.”

There are only 39 apartments in The Frederick, including a striking beach house, just 100 metres from the booming Nobby Beach precinct.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5347]

Yasmine Ghoniem, Director of YSG Studio, says their vision&nbsp;for The Frederick "reinvents coastal living."

“Nobby’s has such an iconic energy, it’s one of those rare pockets of the Gold Coast where the community, the beach, and the streets all feel connected,” Ghoniem says.

"Responding to the neighbouring coastline, soothing curves add a relaxing regional overlay, while unique detailing really sets it apart. It’s a place that feels lived in from the moment you step inside.”

A standout feature of The Frederick is its rooftop terrace, an uncommon inclusion for a boutique, low-rise building, where amenity is typically concentrated at ground level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5360]

Positioned to capture panoramic views from the hinterland to the ocean, the rooftop has been designed as a series of intimate zones. It includes a pool, sauna, sun decks, workspaces and dedicated entertaining areas.

“The rooftop was conceived as a collection of spaces where residents can unwind and connect, an extension of the Nobby’s lifestyle,” Barrett says.

Architecture for the project was led by Plus Architecture, with landscape design by LDG.

SRQ Projects Director Nick Clydsdale, who is handling sales at The Frederick, says the majority of enquiry is coming from South East QLD and Victorian buyers who have been actively searching between Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach for some time.

"They’ve reviewed a number of projects, however this one has stood out for its design flair/ appeal,"&nbsp;Clydsdale says.

Site demolition is slated for this month, with construction commencing soon after. Big Projects is targeting a late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110588]

Joel Robinson

Big Projects taps Sydney’s YSG for first multi-residential project at The Frederick Mermaid Beach

Melbourne-based property developer ALTA Property has this week achieved planning approval for the adaptive re-use of a former commercial tower into a $200 million, 169-apartment project at 10 Queens Road, one of the last developable sites along the Albert Park Lake-fronting boulevard.&nbsp;

Set within one of Melbourne’s most sought-after precincts and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser and Partners</a>, the illustrious building will offer unparalleled views across Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne CBD.&nbsp;

The mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom residences will be complemented by a ground-floor amenity featuring private dining, a lounge bar, gym and wellness spaces, co-working, outdoor communal gardens, and retail.&nbsp;

The 17-storey building is a masterclass in adaptive re-use, with the existing commercial building’s façade, shell and internal structure to be retained, before high-end residences are built from the ground up in a newly built Albert Park facing addition to the building.&nbsp;

Sitting atop the building will be two 320+sqm penthouses with private rooftop terraces, which are expected to be priced between $9 - $11 million.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa11211b-5581-43f9-940c-fc84d30a0e61" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/C_04.png?VersionId=Yhf5p_1EgGDu_zOIMFgvA8Ug8j3sTFQs" />

Architecturally, the building will feature a curved, geometric façade that celebrates and elevates the existing structure, with warm, muted tones which were selected to extend the materiality of the existing building rather than contrast it.&nbsp;

Interiors will bring together three metre high ceilings with waffle concrete in some spaces, natural timber, granite and Australian materials, culminating in crafted, generous and considered spaces that are defined by authenticity.&nbsp;

The adaptive re-use means that the Queens Road project will be a sustainability led, high-quality finished product, with a 62% saving in carbon emissions by re-using the existing structure rather than knocking it down and rebuilding.&nbsp;

ALTA Property was launched by Nigel Givoni in 2023, bringing over 25 years of experience in multi level residential delivery.&nbsp;

Melbourne’s property market growth is currently led by apartments. According to RPM VIC Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report (April 2026), units are outpacing houses, especially in the middle ring suburbs where median prices hit $757,500 – a four-year high that represents 2.9 percent growth quarter-on-quarter.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="647e13d7-b4bc-433a-9bc9-fe3c3dd4f2ec" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/V_06.png?VersionId=ou4NUCWUgA3NAy.6CQJlEdKX50j3dOk6" />

For ALTA Property Founder Nigel Givoni, this performance speaks to the confidence he has in the Melbourne market.&nbsp;

“Queens Road represents a rare opportunity to continue to shape our presence in the Melbourne market.,"&nbsp;Givoni says.

"With a considered project team and a premier site along one of the city’s most sought-after boulevards, we look forward to contributing to the fabric of this established address.

“Other Australian markets are getting a lot of attention, but I believe the depth of value in Melbourne is being overlooked. The fundamentals are strong, population growth is steady and, based on our preliminary conversations with a leading builder, construction costs are beginning to normalise, creating further opportunity."

Givoni says the project is a&nbsp;highly considered example of adaptive re-use, delivering quality, high-end residences, premium hotel-inspired amenities and an architecturally striking façade, all achieved without the need to remove the existing structure.

"We are really looking forward to the market’s response,” he said.&nbsp;

ALTA Property to deliver $200 million Queens Road apartment tower

Construction is set to begin at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/orchard-mews-glen-iris-18-scott-grove-glen-iris-vic-3146">Orchard Mews</a> in Glen Iris, with&nbsp;PC Whitehall &amp; Sons&nbsp;now appointed as the townhome development moves into its next phase.

The development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/montcoeur">MontCoeur</a>,&nbsp;located at 18 Scott Grove, is now around 30 per cent sold, with completion targeted for late-2027.

Orchard Mews comprises a curated collection of three- and four-bedroom customisable townhomes, positioned within one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>’ more tightly held residential streets. The low-density project has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo</a>, bringing together a team known for high-end residential projects across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150128 project_image_fid=366285]

The development is defined by its focus on flexible living and long-term usability. Each residence includes multiple living zones and a customisable multipurpose room, allowing buyers to tailor spaces to suit changing needs, whether as a home office, additional bedroom, wellness area or entertainment space.

Architecturally, the townhomes emphasise natural light and spatial volume, with dual-aspect layouts and double-height living areas incorporated into the design. Interiors feature natural stone benchtops, premium appliances, and a neutral material palette intended to support everyday functionality rather than statement-driven finishes.

All residences are all-electric and include private lifts and secure double garages, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainability and future-focused housing in Melbourne’s established suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150128 project_image_fid=366277]

Outdoor connections are also central to the offering, with a mix of private courtyards and terraces extending internal living spaces and integrating with the landscaped surrounds.

The Scott Grove address places Orchard Mews within close proximity to some of Melbourne’s key lifestyle and education amenities, including Scotch College, Sacré Cœur, Cabrini Hospital and the retail hub of Chadstone. Public transport access is also nearby, with trams and Gardiner Station providing connectivity to the CBD and surrounding suburbs.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150128]

Construction to commence at luxury Glen Iris townhome project, Orchard Mews

A rare new apartment development has been proposed on the fringe of St Ives Village.

Developer Newquest Property has lodged plans for a low-rise apartment project designed by well-regarded architecture firm Warren &amp; Mahoney, which is best known for its work in the multi-residential sector in Melbourne.

The building, proposed for a 1,916 sqm site on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-ives-residences-3-5-memorial-avenue-nsw-2075">Memorial Avenue</a> opposite St Ives Village Green, has been designed to blend into the surrounding natural environment.

<img alt="St Ives" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c1c7437-2fba-4345-a6d7-05321714ad3e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-04%20at%201.28.46%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=KrYyMaJvNqR7vbx0xbB3Ef8sJ6FuHpmn" />

“Drawing inspiration from the pale trunks and flowering canopies of the scribbly gums and blue gums prevalent in the area, a considered material palette was developed,” the architectural design report states.

“This palette references the established materiality of the suburb while elevating it through refined finishes to achieve a more luxurious architectural expression.”

Of the 33 apartments proposed, 21 will be three-bedroom residences. The remaining mix includes nine two-bedroom apartments, one one-bedroom apartment and two four-bedroom residences. The development will be supported by 62 car parking spaces and 33 secure bicycle spaces.

The proposal would replace two single-storey brick buildings currently on the site.

<img alt="St Ives" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21422eaf-09a9-4439-9278-b9bd9daf22a1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-04%20at%201.38.10%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=v.fXSgcUcEscvOZzqcjG5nk3gVqk_Amt" />

St Ives remains a relatively untapped market for new apartment development. North Shore developer WINIM has a number of projects in the area, while INCA is nearing completion of Ellis Residences.

More recently, Traders In Purple has lodged plans for one of the denser projects proposed in the suburb, a 75-apartment development on a 5,900 sqm site on Cowan Road.

NewQuest, a construction, design and development firm, has delivered over 24 projects across commercial, residential, industrial, and lad markets.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

First look: NewQuest Property proposes new St Ives apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/centa-property-group">Centa Property Group</a> has achieved two major milestones at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bilinga-house-107-golden-four-drive-bilinga-qld-4225">Bilinga House</a> apartment development in the sought-after southern Gold Coast.

They've almost sold 50 per cent of the Golden Four Drive building, while at the same time announcing the commencement of construction through reputable builder Greyburn Construction.

The boutique 10-storey building, with 47 two- and three-bedroom apartments, now has a mid-to-late 2028 completion date.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150037 project_image_fid=5333]

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed project is positioned just 200 metres from Bilinga Beach and brings a relatively rare apartment offering to a market that has seen limited new supply in recent years.

Residences have been designed to maximise natural light and ventilation, with open-plan interiors, generous glazing, and material palettes that reflect the surrounding coastal landscape.

Interiors incorporate engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, and custom joinery, with layouts designed to adapt to both permanent living and lock-and-leave use.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150037 project_image_fid=5336]

Rothelowman Senior Project Leader Matthew Tencate said the design approach centres on liveability and community.

“Providing curated on-site amenities and communal spaces for residents that facilitate a sense of community, liveability, and wellness,” Tencate said.

Residents will have access to a suite of private amenities including a pool, gym, sauna, and communal alfresco areas, alongside practical features such as surfboard storage and bicycle facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150037 project_image_fid=5336]

Centa Property Group Director Jason Yuen said the project has been designed to appeal to a range of buyers seeking flexibility in how they use their property.

“Bilinga House is designed for those who want the best of both worlds – a modern beachside escape with the flexibility to generate income when you're not there,” Yuen said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150037 project_image_fid=5338]

Bilinga remains one of the quieter pockets of the Gold Coast, sitting between the more established hubs of Coolangatta and Palm Beach. Its appeal has strengthened in recent years, supported by proximity to the Gold Coast Airport and the Oceanway coastal path.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150037]

Bilinga House apartments snapped up as Greyburn commences construction

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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The latest housing finance figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show that total lending for housing continues to grow steadily in response to interest rate cuts and the positive housing outlook, but that first-home buyers are missing out.
Housing finance figures for July 2013 show, in trend terms, that the number of owner-occupied finance commitments rose by 1.6% – following increases of 2.1% in June and 2.4% in May.
If refinancing is excluded, the increase, in trend terms for July, is 1.5%. 
Increases were recorded in all states with the largest increases in the ACT and Queensland, up 2.0% and 1.9% respectively, in trend terms.
There are increases in the purchase of established dwellings (up 1.8% in trend terms), the purchase of new dwellings (up 1.4% in trend terms) and the number of commitments for the construction of new dwellings (up 0.2% in trend terms).
The proportion of first-home buyers in the number of owner-occupied housing finance commitments fell to 14.7% compared to the June figure of 15.1%. The figure remains persistently low compared to the long-run average proportion of 20.1% despite seven interest rate cuts since November 2011.
In large part, this drop can be attributed to state governments withdrawing previous levels of support for first-home owners buying established dwellings and it is established dwellings that 80% of first home buyers prefer.
The value of investment housing commitments rose by 0.8%, in trend terms, in July resulting in over a year of consecutive monthly increases.
With the proportion of first-home buyers remaining consistently below the long term average, this needs to be a high priority issue for the incoming government.
 
<hr>
 Peter Bushby is president of the <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reia.com.au/">Real Estate Institute of Australia.</a>
 
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pbushby-raYjLUQBrZ

First-home buyers missing out amid positive outlook for nation's housing market: Peter Bushby

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Last night's episode of Location Location Location Australia showed buyer's agents Veronica Morgan and Bryce Holdaway helping out two relocating couples.
Though one couple was upsizing and the other downsizing, they were both forced to negotiate the tricky realities of moving far from home.
Veronica was working with retirees Sue and Barney. After living in Port Macquarie for 16 years, they wanted to relocate to Wagga Wagga, where their son and his young family lived.
The couple, who have been married for 47 years, raised their own family in Wagga Wagga before moving northward to the beach.
For their return to Wagga, they wanted a three bedroom house with a double garage and a shed, which was close to the grandkids.
Their move, which they think might be their final one, had to be done on a tight budget of $350,000.
With limited stock on market in Wagga, Veronica was tasked with finding them the perfect final home among very few options.
She started by taking the couple to their preferred area of <a href="/news">Turvey Park</a>, in the heart of Wagga and only minutes from their son Ben. The three bedroom house, on the market for $329,000, had three bedrooms, a shed and a backyard.
The recently renovated home was a lot smaller than what Sue and Barney were used to, and the couple believed it would take a lot of hard work to make it worthwhile. It was immediately struck from the list despite its great location and the search continued.
The second house they inspected was in <a href="/news">Kooringal</a>, south of Turvey Park but only four kilometres from their son's home. The bigger house, with three bedrooms, only had a single car garage and the shed was on the small size.
While Sue loved the brick bungalow with an open plan kitchen, Barney was pretty skeptical. At $339,000, the house fell under their budget - but only just.
The third home they inspected was in <a href="/news">Bourkelands</a>, four kilometres from Central Wagga. The former site of a military base, developers have recently taken a liking to the area, with new builds popping up.
The house, which also had a $339,000, had a double garage, an open plan kitchen and living room layout. The master bedroom came with a walk in robe and ensuite, which also appealed.
With somewhat shabby bathrooms, the house (pictured below) would require a little bit of work. It <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bourkelands-116920539" target="_blank">remains on the market</a>, with its asking price now at $332,500. 
<img src="/images/2014/09/24/1.jpg" alt="">
After visiting three homes, none of which ticked all the boxes and all a step down from their dream home in Port Macquarie, the true reality of downsizing began to set in.
Sue and Barney showed just how difficult it is to downsize, especially from a home you love. Though they both wanted to be closer to their family, they weren't quite ready to make the final purchase of their life - especially if it meant settling for a home they weren't happy in.
In the end, although they couldn't find the perfect home, Sue and Barney decided they needed to be in Wagga. So they sold their Port Macquarie home and set out to rent a house in Wagga while waiting for the right home to come onto the market.
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 Bryce teamed up with Melbourne couple Ben and Amelia, who had the opposite move in mind.
They were planning to migrate northward, to the Gold Coast. After watching prices skyrocket in Melbourne, they decided they wanted more warmth and luxury for their dollar.
The upgraders, who want a family home they can grow into, had a budget of $1 million. They've been searching for a home in the Gold Coast for some time, but were finding the interstate property inspections a little impractical.
Enter Bryce. He was tasked with finding them a four bedroom home with a minimum of two bathrooms, a pool and canal views. Ben and Amelia wanted something close to the beach, with plenty of entertaining space.
Bryce was optimistic about their prospects, especially on their budget. The property market's downturn means that homes are more affordable than before, and it's a buyers' market.
According to Bryce, good capital growth potential can again be found in the Gold Coast, with high price growth in the southern states spurring on upgraders just like Ben and Amelia.
Their hunt began in <a href="/news">Broadbeach Waters</a>, at a home situated right on the canal. The four bedroom, four bathroom house had a pool and a six car garage. Unfortunately, it required some renovations - but with a price of $800,000, there was plenty of money leftover in the couple's budget for that.
It seemed, however, that Ben and Amelia had other things in mind. They weren't interested in extensive renovations, and wanted at least two living areas.
So house number one was a bust, and they moved along to house number two: a <a href="/news">Mermaid Waters</a> house with two open plan living areas. The contemporary tiled house had four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a spot to tie up the boat.
There was also an outdoor entertaining space by the pool. On the market for $995,000, it was within their budget, and made a good first impression.
But Ben and Amelia, it turned out, wanted a home with a better indoor-outdoor flow. So house number two was also out.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-broadbeach+waters-116288195" target="_blank">third home they inspected</a> was one on main road, which caused some concern. But its huge contemporary interior space and layout, pictured below, won them over. The home, on a wide plot, also included a pool and spa facing the canal, with its own jetty.
<img src="/images/2014/09/24/2.jpg" alt="">
While the home's bedrooms weren't amazing, the outdoor entertaining area was enough to win them over.
The house had a $1 million asking price, but it turned out that the vendors had accepted a $950,000 offer previously, and finance had fallen through.
They inspected a final house, a single storey home with two large living areas and four bedrooms in Broadbeach. The house, which the couple wasn't keen on, had an asking price of $950,000.
The price gave Amelia and Ben a point of comparison, and solidified their preference for the third home.
Knowing that the vendors had accepted a $950,000 offer, Bryce proposed a $930,000 to $950,000 price for the home. Amelia and Ben decided to put in a $920,000 bid, and were happy to play the waiting game.
However, so was the vendor, who rejected the bid. Amelia and Ben pushed up their offer to $945,000 - which, after a few days of waiting, was accepted by the vendor.
By knowing the previous offers put in on the house, Amelia and Ben were able to gauge the vendor's needs, securing the home for $55,000 under the asking price.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Location Location Location: Big moves and big decisions

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Earlier this year, I started a conversation <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-foundations-of-a-great-residential-project">here</a> about what in today's market contributes to the great foundations of an exceptional residential development.
From the buyers' perspective, it's a topic worth continuing, because while there are always lots of property options there's also almost endless daily market commentary.
It’s also impossible not to notice that this commentary is starting to become increasingly polarised. And so I think it’s constructive to suggest that if buyers concentrate on some core elements or great foundations, then despite shifting market conditions, a project that 'ticks the boxes' will always be a good choice; a good home or investment.
I find the best way to do this is to take time and look at individual projects. While I continue to see up-side in the Brisbane market, it’s a project like Cornerstone Living in Brisbane (pictured above) that’s a great example. Not so much a case study, but more a real time example of a solid opportunity.
The Brisbane market might be somewhat in the shadow of Sydney and Melbourne, but, as I detailed <a href="/news/qld/brisbanes-growth-will-fundamentally-change-its-residential-market">back in August</a>, it’s a solid emerging market with great potential, currently offering exceptional value.
So let’s take a closer look at Cornerstone Living and see just why it has great foundations, and as such is an exceptional long-term project.
Markets Never Stand Still
As we look at some key features of Cornerstone let’s also keep in mind that market conditions are always changing, prices are not static they do not always rise, and despite being at sustained and historically low levels, interest rates will eventually increase and supply levels will shift. However by strictly checking the fundamentals of a project, a buyer’s choice can be reassured and it’s possible to move with confidence.
Before looking at my selected Brisbane project, I want to restate the common factors making for great project foundations. From buyer feedback and experience they are usually centred on a few common factors such as being infill locations, the use of existing infrastructure, environmental credentials and sustainability.
Other key points include easy access to open space, the quality of design, good communications, the appeal of mixed use developments, the liveability of the development and finally sales appeal, which is one test that Cornerstone Living has in its first stages already easily past, as the first release stages one and two are now sold out.
This article continues on the next page. Please click below to continue.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Infill locations
In every capital city and many regional centres, infill locations have been in favour with planners and buyers now for at least a decade, and it’s the same with Cornerstone Living. Consolidated Properties and Hutchinson Builders are building this long-term project, located some 12 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and just 1.5 kilometres from Sunnybank Plaza.
The site also has easy connections to the major facilities of Mount Gravatt and via the Pacific Motorway to the Gold Coast.
Infill sites are usually (but not always) blessed with access to existing infrastructure, and planning is required to ensure these facilities are not over-run by an influx of new residents. As a key foundation that buyers now look for, we need to think of the full spectrum of schooling and educational facilities from pre-schools to university and for Cornerstone Living that starts with a 10-minute walk to some local schools and an easy bus connection to Griffith University Nathan Campus.
A five or 10 minute drive to get a carton of milk is not anyone's idea of convenience, so 400 shops, cafes, restaurants and services to a regional centre level give the project a better than good start.
The $600 million 10 hectre master planned community site spans a 10 year development period and will deliver 1200 dwellings.
It’s a planing initiative of the Brisbane City Council and as a classic infill site is aligned to existing train and bus services. This combination and the use of existing infrastructure gives the location its core appeal and like other such locations sustains value and buyer support.
The infrastructure is a long-term benefit that always adds value as urban centres like Brisbane scramble to create new services.
Design
In today’s market I think that location, price and design are the big three standout considerations for any buyer or developer. The key design aspects at Cornerstone Living have a lot to do with the sub-tropical environment, the demands of modern living and a clear goal to ensure that the development would fit with the existing urban landscape. It’s an important aspect of infill projects that is not always easy to achieve.
Sales appeal
This is the big test, which in some markets is starting to be taken for granted, but it should not be. Cornerstone Living has great sales appeal and at this early stage in the projects life the architect-designed homes consisting of one, two and bedrooms offering houses and apartments have been designed appeal to varied markets. These include first home buyers, young couples, families and retirees which are increasingly seen as the benefits of multi-generational living.
Good value homes for a wide cross section of buyers, first class community services – add to the appeal of an area in Brisbane which is being rejuvenated – and Cornerstone Living is being integrated into an existing and well-established local community a great foundations that buyers should always be looking out for.
Next I will look at Cornerstone Living’s design, the projects environmental credentials, the use of open space, leisure facilities and employment opportunities and the always-important factor of communications, which from every point of view are always of critical importance.
Peter Chittenden is the managing director for residential at Colliers International. Colliers International are project partners and the sales agents of Cornerstone Living.
 
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pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

What makes great foundations for a property investment

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One does not need to be Albert Einstein to see that for decades and decades the Australian real estate industry has been running blind – so it's very interesting to observe that now a cavalcade of seeing eye-dogs have been brought in to add some vision and clarity.
Having said that, there is plenty of work to do, and the Federal and State Governments will have to do plenty of the heavy lifting for a change. Again, the spotlight keeps shining away from the main accelerants that have seen investors not just entering the market but dominating it, coupled with overseas investors lunging at every off-the-plan sale that hits the market.
Australia simply does not have enough property to meet demand given our population keeps increasing at a growth rate of 1.7%. In the year to March 2014 the Australian population increased by 388,400 to reach 23.4 million.
Instead of continually slugging the taxpayers, overseas investors should be hit with a surcharge and the investors who prefer to keep their properties vacant should be hit with a Vacancy Tax.
The Senate Inquiry into overseas investors has shown glaring holes in how the Foreign Investment Review Board operates (or attempts to) with a staff of under 10 people. Again, this highlights that Australia does not even have a Housing Minister – so who then is taking responsibility and managing this?
Yes – it's reasonable to suggest that Australia is fast becoming a country of landlords and renters, although one needs to ask, had the Rudd Government implemented the recommendations from the Henry Tax Review, how would the Australian property landscape look today? We will never know – however, isn't it time we had this conversation again?
We have the David Murray Financial System Inquiry deadline now just over two months away and there is much speculation about how much they will recommend the banks keep in their piggy banks. How much capital should the banks hold in the event of a property market downturn to avoid the domino effect?
This week the worst kept secret was all but confirmed, where the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority have almost certainly agreed to introduce macro-prudential policies in an attempt to ease property prices.
It's a start. However; the measures will hardly put a dent in prices.
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
To really have a closer examination; look no further than the report filed last year by Saul Eslake: 50 Years of Housing Policy Failure.
In a nutshell, he writes that cynical politics had kept policies in place that made it harder for people to buy their first home.
"While political parties and governments profess to care about first home buyers, the reality is that in a typical year fewer than 100,000 people succeed in attaining home ownership for the first time; whereas there are some 5.8 million households (and over eight million people) who already own at least one property."
This week RP Data revealed that the number of properties listed for sale in all capital cities, excluding Perth, is 11.6% lower than in September 2013. So introducing macro-prudential policies will hardly affect investors who are borrowing against their existing property portfolios.
<img src="/images/2014/09/30/24-09-2014-9-34-41-AM.jpg" alt="">
Property investors have entered the market with "eyes-wide-open" given that just a few years ago they witnessed firsthand what happens to property prices when we inherited the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) – this is a long term investment. Many are taking a safer punt on property and have walked away from the share market (which has had a shocking run of late) to lock and load into bricks and mortar.
There will be major changes ahead for Australia's tax system where many of the changes will be made to the property taxation benefits that investors are currently taking full advantage of. It's a win-win for the property investors given with all new taxes they are generally retrospective so the investors will be working from a 100 base – history shows this very clearly.
 <img src="/images/2014/09/30/24-09-2014-1-30-26-PM.jpg" alt="">
On the assumption that eventually the GST will be increased to 15%. construction will slow down further, which is exactly what happened in Australia previously following the introduction of the GST.
The developers wear the GST so that it then comes off their respective bottom lines by significantly reducing their profit margins – GST on construction has been a dismal failure which clearly explains why construction is in decline.
So there is a lot of method to the present investor madness – where for those looking at this from a different perspective the vast majority are on a win-win property formula.
No doubt they will be smiling even more when the read a recent article in The Economist, Birth Right – Where to be born in 2013, where Australia was ranked second from the top.
 
 
 
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robertsimeon-hRNTwJyXkQ

A broken system: investors are laughing all the way

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Good grief, do they ever learn? Or do they just not care?
They're declaring the "property boom" over, yet again.
And, yet again, it's based on a single figure for a single month from a single source, published in haste.
This is the fourth time (or is it the fifth?) the so-called boom has been pronounced dead within the past 12 months. This week I've observed radio news bulletins, online news services and newspapers making the claim, or otherwise placing great significance of an isolated statistic.
The alleged growth in Australian house prices in September was small, therefore it's all over, red rover.
To illustrate how silly this is, let me take you back four months.
Early in June, data was published indicating a decline in capital city prices in May. People rushed to be first to declare the end of the property boom.
They generated lots of headlines for themselves – which evidently was the only objective – but they got it horribly wrong.
They simply added to the great seething mass of misinformation which confuses and misleads real estate consumers – for no better reason than to develop their profiles or advance their businesses.
The organisation which made the biggest play for profile in June was an obscure valuation practice. We won't publish its name to protect the guilty. Early in June the firm issued a press release which sought to ensure everyone knew that it had been the first to declare that the market had peaked and the boom was over.
"This has been well and truly demonstrated now that the May figures are out," it shouted in its 3 June press release. "At the beginning of May, other forecasters were still looking for a rebound in activity in May following a weaker Easter period, but now it is clear that we were correct in calling a change in the market."
Well, actually, NO. They were wrong. Prices have continued to rise in Sydney and, to a lesser extent, Melbourne – and now other cities have begun to move (moderately), including Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart.
Its mistake, apart from a shameless push for I-told-you-so publicity, was its reliance on a single data figure, describing a single month's price movement, from a single company. You would have to think they've been around real estate long enough to know that price graphs are never smooth and that a single month's data can be an aberration. That's particularly so for May, which often is a month in which the market dips slightly, but temporarily.
Even worse was basing an assessment on one figure, which describes the average change across a very large nation. That was naïve in the extreme. But they weren't alone.
Economists and financial analysts just can't resist preaching about real estate, notwithstanding their lack of expertise. So in June, a multi-national financial services corporation jumped on board and declared that "the housing boom is finally over". We'll overlook the reality that there was no housing boom, just a Sydney boom.
"If you're an investor, you've missed the boat," said one of their analysts, who put out a note to investors tell them that, without further interest rate cuts, the currently housing cycle was a dead duck.
So, four months later, here we are again. The commentators and analysts have forgotten June, or just don't care, and so have the media workers who publish their nonsense.
While the attention-seekers were clamouring this week to grab a bit of profile from the September price data, valuation firm Herron Todd White published the October edition of The Month in Review and made this pertinent observation: "There continues to be talk of the Sydney property boom, but not all markets can lay claim to this sort of activity. Our real estate is as varied as our landscape in Australia, and market performance is just as diverse."
It also said this: "It's funny. These almost daily calls of 'property bubble vs no property bubble' feel a bit like a couple of grade one school boys attempting classic sledges such as At least I'm not ugly and I know you are, but what am I?. It looks like Sydney and, to a lesser part, Melbourne are driving the property market agenda again. Let's just say that there are other markets outside of these that would really, really like to see some capital gains, but may be doomed to legislative tightening designed to cool New South Wales and Victoria. It's further evidence that, in our big nation, there is no such thing as an average property or a typical market."
So true. But try telling that to your (very) average economist, who knows little about real estate but a lot about generating cheap publicity.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can reach Terry via <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">twitter</a>.
 
 
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Apparently, the property boom is over – again

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Perhaps our easing cycle is not yet over?
Posssibly so. Markets have all but priced out any further interest rate cuts in this cycle - partly due to worries about cuts bringing more speculators into the housing market, and partly due to one seemingly very strong set of employment data - but it still seems to be very much in the balance to me.
One of several reasons I think that another cut or two might be needed is the decline in mining construction, which has yet to gather any real pace but remains a threat.
Construction phase of the mining boom fading
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released its Engineering Construction activity data yesterday, which is something of a proxy for mining construction activity.
We are now clearly beyond the peak of this construction phase of the mining boom as production begins to ramp up in its stead.
The total value of engineering construction work done across all sectors has now declined by 2.3% over the past year on a seasonally adjusted basis.
In chain volume measures terms the charts show that although activity remains at a highly elevated level, the peak of the mining construction boom appears to have been way back in the September 2012 quarter.
And while the decline has not been devastatingly steep, in chain volume measures terms we are now tracking at around 9% lower than we were, with 3.8% of that decline taking place over the past year.
<img src="/images/2014/10/2/ENG1.jpg" alt="">
In terms of the construction activity by state, it was the mining states which benefited most from the boom, so it will be the same states which feel most of the pain as the construction boom unwinds.
<img src="/images/2014/10/2/ENG2.jpg" alt="">
As recently as March 2014 there were still major resources projects getting underway in Western Australia, but the big ticket items are now largely visible in the rear view mirror.
<img src="/images/2014/10/2/ENG3.jpg" alt="">
In terms of the value of activity yet to be completed, work in the pipeline for Queensland has tanked. The full data set for Western Australia is not available from the Bureau of Statistics, but the sub-indices imply that the work in the pipeline is almost certainly declining there too.
<img src="/images/2014/10/2/ENG4.jpg" alt="">
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
With the weighted index of commodity prices continuing to "ease" by another 2.4% in September (and another 16% over the past year in Aussie dollar terms) according to the Reserve Bank of Australia, marginal projects will certainly not be commenced in the current environment.
<img src="/images/2014/10/2/commodity-prices-small.gif" alt="">
In short, mining construction activity has not collapsed, but it is set to keep declining for several years to come.
This leads me to think that another interest rate cut or two could still be at least an each-way bet, but only if the large number of investors pouring into the housing market slows. We will know more in the next week or two on that front.
WA property bust?
There has been some talk of whether or not the collapse in mining construction will result in a property bust in Western Australia.
The answer to that riddle is: that depends.
The Pilbara has transitioned into the export phase of the mining boom. which is the less labour intensive phase of the boom, and unsurprisingly several property markets have crashed, both in terms of rentals and prices.
This is hardly a shock, except to perhaps investors who were lured in by promises of fast returns and sky-high monthly rents.
The Perth property market is a different matter entirely. Western Australia, and especially Perth, has benefited from by far and away the strongest percentage rate of population growth in Australia over recent years.
The key to successful property investment in Perth has always been to own well located land. Unit and apartment prices may well feel some pain ahead, but with rapid population growth having underpinned the market the price of well located houses will fare much better.
Indeed, the median price of land in Perth reportedly "skyrocketed" by $40,000 in the past year.
This represents a 7.5% increase in the median value of Perth land, which outpaced Adelaide (+7.3%) and Sydney (+5.2%).
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Has the market mispriced the odds of a rate cut?

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GUEST OBSERVATION
When I speak to someone looking to buy an off the plan property, one of my first questions is usually “investor or first-time buyer?”
Recently it was claimed that there is currently a ‘property war’ between first time home buyers and investors, each one vying for in-demand properties throughout Australia. If there is a property war, then the investors are winning. They have more experience, better credit, and in most cases, the confidence to act quickly.
Last year saw a lot of first time buyers forced out of the market due to high property prices and excessive demand. The proportion of first home buyers of all owner-occupied loans financed in January increased .5% from December. Although this is a good development for buyers and the market, this stat is still five times less than investment loans financed. But for those intimidated by the investor presence, first time buyers can easily move into top quality properties.
One of the priority issues for first time buyers is location. Most buyers are looking for something close to the city and close to work, which is where the investors begin driving competition. Smart investors will recognise these areas as the key hotspots and are also looking in these areas. But there are brand new developments in Surry Hills, Rosebery and Alexandria that pose fantastic opportunities for those looking to take a step into the market.
Most inexperienced buyers don’t realise how cost effective off the plan purchases are. Many assume that because it is a new development it is going to cost them more. But seeing as many off the plan purchases occur months ahead of moving in, they afford you the time to save a larger deposit and allow you to qualify for the First Home Owners Grant if applicable.
Off the plan purchases represent some of the best opportunities for first time buyers to not only move out of home, but to move into the market as investors. Now more than ever, buyers are taking the opportunity to buy a new apartment and rent it out to pay off their mortgage faster. With the large number of young professionals looking for homes and willing to pay higher prices for better locations, the potential for return off a purchase can be significant.  
Sam Elbanna is managing director of <a href="https://www.cpmrealty.com.au/" target="_blank">CPM Realty</a>.
 
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jake-cSmGT7VXVf

Not according to ‘the plan’: First home buyers missing out on off the plan opportunities

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As of 1 January 2015, Northern Territorians looking to buy their first home will only be able to get the First Home Owners Grant if they buy new, under recently announced changed.
The current property value limit of $600,000 will be removed, and the value of the grant for building or buying new homes has increased $1,000 to $26,000.
These changes are in effect as of tomorrow.
Dave Tollner, treasurer, said that the removal of the value limit will remove the requirement that the buyer pay for a valuation of the property.
“These are practical changes that will make the grant more appealing and flexible to first home buyers that are buying or building new homes,” Tollner said.
At the moment, a $12,000 grant can be obtained for established dwellings in an urban area, or in Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield. A $25,000 grant is available for those outside of the urban area.
These grants for established homes will be gone from next year, with hopes of stimulating new home construction and to encourage a take up of the accelerated land releases.
“By targeting the first home owners grant towards the purchase of newly built homes, the grant is more likely to contribute to growth in housing supply and employment in the construction sector,” said Tollner.
Those looking to buy an existing dwelling have an opportunity for the next eight months to take advantage of the existing grant.
“This will ensure an orderly transition and allows buyers who are currently in the process of buying a home, or intending to do so in the near future, with sufficient opportunity to take advantage of the FHOG as part of that purchase until the end of the year,” he said.
“But ultimately, we want this grant to encourage the construction of new homes, create more jobs in the residential construction sector and improving housing affordability by increasing housing stock.”
In announcing this decision, the government acknowledged that providing a grant for existing property is <a href="/expert-insights/investing/northern-territory-government-acknowledges-that-fhogs-for-established-houses-have-inflationary-effect">“widely regarded” as contributing to higher property prices</a>, noting economist Saul Eslake’s comments.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Northern Territory’s FHOG directed to new builds only from 2015

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The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released housing finance data for March 2014 earlier this week.
The data showed that the number of owner occupier housing finance commitments fell by -0.9% in March.  In value terms, lending to owner occupiers was -1.2% lower over the month and lending to investors was down -0.8%.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3222" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Chart-11.jpg" alt="Chart 1" width="500" height="182">
Looking at the break-down of housing finance commitments by value over-time, you can see that on a 12 month average basis, the greatest proportion of lending over the past year has gone to investors (37.7%) followed by: owner occupier subsequent purchasers (non-first home buyers) (36.7%), refinances by owner occupiers (17.6%) and owner occupier first home buyers (7.9%). 
As the above chart shows, investment lending is at its highest level in a number of years and there has previously only ever been one period where investment lending was greater than lending to subsequent purchasers. 
The proportion of lending to first home buyers is at a record low, accounting for an average of 7.9% of the value of finance commitments over the 12 months to March 2014.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3223" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Chart-21.jpg" alt="Chart 2" width="500" height="179">
Turning the focus to the monthly data on the number of owner occupier housing finance commitments, as mentioned these were -0.9% lower with refinance commitments down -1.0% and non-refinance commitments falling -0.9%. 
Despite the monthly fall, as the above chart shows, both refinances and non-refinances are trending higher albeit non-refinances in particular remain well below historic average levels.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3224" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Chart-31.jpg" alt="Chart 3" width="500" height="182">
Over the month, owner occupier housing finance commitments to first home buyers increased by 12.2% which was the largest monthly rise since May 2012.  Despite the monthly rise, first home buyer commitments remain slightly lower than a year ago (-0.8%). 
As a proportion of total owner occupier finance commitments, first home buyers accounted for 12.6% of commitments in March, up from 12.5% in February but down from 14.1% in March 2013.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3225" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Chart-41.jpg" alt="Chart 4" width="500" height="181">
The total value of investment housing finance commitments fell by -0.8% in March 2014 however, it has increased by 27.9% year-on-year.  As mentioned, the proportion of investment commitments has, on average, been higher than owner occupier subsequent purchases over the past year. 
In March, investment finance commitments accounted for 39.1% of total finance commitments.  The level of investment activity remains at a level which is well above average and of a magnitude not recorded since late in 2003.  Although it is hard to bed down any timely and accurate statistics on overseas buyers it is important to note that if foreign buyers are purchasing with funds sourced from abroad, they are not captured in these figures.
<blockquote>
The last time we saw investment activity at these levels we also witnessed a marked slowdown in value growth nationally.
</blockquote>
With the level of investment remaining stubbornly high, it is no wonder that the Reserve Bank continues to repeat its warning that housing in Australia is not a one-way bet.  Obviously low mortgage rates coupled with strong value growth, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne is attracting the attention of investors. 
The potential challenge will be what happens next with investors once value growth slows and mortgage rates rise. 
The last time we saw investment activity at these levels we also witnessed a marked slowdown in value growth nationally. As an example, in Sydney values began falling shortly thereafter and values took five and a half years to return to their previous peaks.  Investors jumping into the market at this time should definitely bear this in mind.
Overall, the monthly read on housing finance data was weak, however, the trend shows that demand for finance is continuing to escalate. In particular, investors and upgraders are really driving the housing market at the moment.
However, the level of activity by owner occupiers purchasing homes (as opposed to refinancing) remains well below average levels.  Obviously the rise in investment lending is to some extent restricting the level of lending to owner occupiers.
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Level of investment remains stubbornly high in housing finance data

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I think there’s a strong argument that the strongest property market in Australia right now is not Sydney, nor Melbourne, but the Queensland regional city of Toowoomba.
This is the market which has not only delivered outstanding growth in the past year but has the credentials to keep on doing it. It has one of the nation’s most vibrant local economies, it has the lowest unemployment in the land, it’s affordable, it has above-average rental yields and there is a massive infrastructure spend under way.
That’s an investment cake with lots of tasty ingredients. And the icing on the cake is the resources activity in the nearby Surat Basin.
A question I always ask when a location is being boosted by exceptional circumstances is this: if all that activity suddenly stopped, would the location still be a good investment?
In the case of Toowoomba, this means: would the cake still be tasty without the icing? If all the coal seam gas and related activity stopped tomorrow, would Toowoomba still be a good buy?
The answer, unequivocally, is yes.
Toowoomba has long been an important regional centre. It’s Queensland’s largest inland city and it has that most important of ingredients, economic diversity – including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, health &amp; community services, construction and government administration.
I’ve been shouting about Toowoomba for several years now and recently the city has been widely recognised for its many qualities.
A 2012 report by the Queensland Chamber of Commerce and Industry rated the <a href="/news">Toowoomba</a> region as the backbone of the state economy. The chamber’s Queensland Pulse Report ranked the south-west region, centred on Toowoomba, as the leader in all key criteria except one. The region led the state on business confidence, general business conditions, sales and revenue, employment levels and capital spending.
A 2013 report by Suncorp Bank rated Toowoomba as the employment capital of Australia. It had the lowest unemployment rate at 1.9%, ahead of Darwin 2.1% and Canberra 2.9%. This was reinforced in a September 2013 report which found Toowoomba’s unemployment rate was 1.5 percentage points below the national average. Toowoomba was also rated the third most “family friendly” of Australia’s 30 largest cities.
Affordability and strong rental returns are a big part of the Toowoomba appeal for invesetors. The standard house purchase is something in the high $200,000s or low $300,000s, with apartments in the mid to high $200,000s. It’s fairly easy to find 6% gross yields on houses and 6.5% on units. Vacancies are consistently low.
According to Australian Property Monitors, there has been exceptional capital growth in the past 12 months. Most suburbs have had double-digit growth in their median prices, with several recording 15% to 18%.
Prospects for ongoing performance are strong. The infrastructure spend is considerable and there is the bonus of resources activity via the coal seam gas which is feeding the new processing plants at Gladstone.
The Wellcamp Airport is well advanced in construction, there is massive investment in roads (including the $1.6 billion second range crossing, which has state and federal funding), there are plans for two major new rail links to serve the resources sector, a $300 million convention centre is in the offing and there are upgrades to medical facilities including Toowoomba Hospital.
Property developers are active, with projects that include a $350 million re-development of inner-city retail facilities, major industrial estates and an array of housing and apartment projects.
In terms of what many investors would see as the ideal investment venue – affordable prices, strong rental returns and great future prospects, underpinned by a vibrant local economy – it doesn’t get much better than Toowoomba.
You can contact Terry via <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email</a> or on <a href="https://www.twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.
 
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