High-profile apartment defect cases have changed the way many NSW buyers approach purchasing, putting greater scrutiny on building quality, strata records and the parties behind a development before a contract is signed.

The industry buyers are assessing today, however, is also different from the one in which cases such as Opal Tower and Mascot Towers emerged.

NSW has introduced a series of regulatory measures aimed at strengthening oversight of apartment construction, including Building Commission NSW, the Residential Apartment Buildings Act 2020 and the Strata Building Bond and Inspections Scheme. Under the latter, developers are required to lodge a bond, with independent inspections forming part of the process for identifying defects in new strata developments.

Those changes provide another layer of protection, but they haven't removed the importance of buyer due diligence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

For purchasers considering an apartment, that means looking beyond the residence itself. Building and strata history, strata reports, the track record of the builder and developer, the condition of common property and any known or planned expenditure by the owners corporation can all form part of assessing a building before purchase.

Whether the development is already complete can also materially change what can be assessed.

An off-the-plan purchaser is necessarily buying before the finished product exists. A completed apartment, by comparison, can be walked through before contracts are signed, allowing the purchaser to see the finishes, common areas and broader building as they have actually been delivered rather than relying solely on plans and renders.

It also removes exposure to some of the uncertainties that exist between an off-the-plan purchase and completion, including construction delays, cost pressures and builder insolvency during the delivery period.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=927]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a> National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said that greater focus on tangible evidence is increasingly evident among apartment purchasers.

“The biggest shift we're seeing is buyers wanting proof, not promises,” Hamblett said.

“That's exactly why we deal in completed stock - you can inspect the building before you commit - and why we've backed every purchase with a cash bond against special levies.”

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> in Parramatta, that emphasis on a completed, inspectable product is already in place.

The 413-apartment, 46-level tower at 12 Phillip Street is being marketed by Projects by Equitifund, allowing prospective purchasers to inspect the residences, common areas and resident facilities before committing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=375255]

The Lennox also introduces another layer to the due-diligence conversation through Strata Surety.

The vendor-funded arrangement provides purchasers with a cash-backed bond held in their own solicitor's trust account from settlement. According to Equitifund, the bond covers any special levy raised during the applicable cover period and is provided at no cost to the purchaser.

Special levies can create an unexpected cost for apartment owners where an owners corporation needs funding beyond its existing strata contributions. Under NSW strata law, a special levy requires approval by owners at a general meeting.

Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said Strata Surety was designed to provide something more concrete than reassurance about that potential exposure.

“Buyers have every right to ask hard questions about strata risk - the industry has given them plenty of reasons to,” Huxley said.

“Our answer isn't a reassurance, it's a bond. Strata Surety puts real money behind that confidence, held by the buyer's own solicitor, not by us.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=375281]

For The Lennox, its completed status also means purchasers can assess not only the apartment itself, but a building that has already been occupied and operating for several years.

Completed in 2021, the $300 million development, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, with open-plan living areas extending to private balconies. Interiors incorporate engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops and integrated appliances, while many upper-level residences have views across the river and surrounding district.

Its established amenity can similarly be inspected in operation. Resident facilities include the Watermark precinct with a 20-metre pool, outdoor terrace, barbecue areas, gym, fitness studio and conference room, while ground-floor retail addresses the river walk and surrounding public space.

The Lennox is also home to the Southern Hemisphere's first fully robotic residential car park, which has now operated for several years. Its nine-level basement combines three conventional parking levels with six automated levels, accommodating 327 vehicles using technology from German firm Lödige Industries.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

The riverfront address puts The Lennox close to much of central <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a>'s existing infrastructure, including Parramatta Station, Westfield Parramatta, Parramatta Park, and the Church Street dining precinct.

The remaining apartments form part of a limited release secured by Equitifund, following the sale of the majority of residences before and shortly after completion.

The regulatory environment around NSW apartment construction has changed considerably since the defect cases that reshaped public discussion around the sector. For purchasers, however, regulation is only one part of the equation. The ability to investigate a building's history, review its strata position and, where possible, inspect what has actually been delivered remains central to making an informed apartment purchase.

At The Lennox, its completed status provides that opportunity before contracts are signed, while Strata Surety adds a financial backstop against special levies beyond the protections already provided under NSW strata law.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

Joel Robinson

Buying with confidence: What NSW apartment buyers should check beyond the defect headlines

Too often, heritage buildings become the podium for a contemporary tower. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/623-collins-607-623-collins-street-melbourne-vic-3000">623 Collins</a>, <a>Sterling Global</a> challenged its design team to reverse that process.

The brief to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> was deliberately simple: "Don't design around the heritage. Design from it." It became the philosophy behind a project that draws inspiration not only from two landmark heritage buildings, but from Collins Street itself, a street layered with architectural history and civic significance.

That philosophy has shaped one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a> CBD's most considered residential projects, where the 1924 State Savings Bank and neighbouring Batman's Hill Hotel have become the architectural foundation for 623 Collins rather than remnants preserved beneath a new development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145324 project_image_fid=372749]

Rather than approaching the site as a blank canvas, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sterling-global">Sterling Global</a> saw the existing buildings as the beginning of the story.

"Sites like this rarely become available," the developer said.

"623 Collins wasn't simply an opportunity to develop a prominent CBD site. It was an opportunity to restore and reimagine one of Melbourne's important heritage landmarks while contributing to the continued evolution of Collins Street. For us, the existing buildings weren't constraints. They were the beginning of the story."

Instead of mimicking the ornate heritage architecture, Plus Studio studied the proportions, rhythm and craftsmanship of the original buildings before translating those characteristics into a contemporary 42-storey tower.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145324 project_image_fid=372748]

"The brief challenged us to create a contemporary landmark that respected Melbourne's architectural history without becoming nostalgic," Plus Studio said.

"Rather than mimicking heritage, we sought to understand its proportions, rhythm and material language before translating those qualities into a distinctly contemporary architectural expression."

The practice says the State Savings Bank and Batman's Hill Hotel became the project's primary source of inspiration, allowing the heritage buildings and contemporary architecture to exist "in conversation rather than contrast." Generous planted terraces further soften the transition between old and new, creating elevated green spaces while reinforcing the dialogue between the restored podium and the contemporary tower.

That dialogue continues throughout the interiors, where Melbourne designer Fiona Lynch developed a material palette inspired by the idea of alchemy, balancing contrasting materials that reference both the Neo-Grec detailing of the original bank and contemporary urban living. The result is a series of spaces that feel timeless rather than trend-driven.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145324 project_image_fid=354343]

The project will deliver 316 residences across four collections, Heirloom, Signature, Reserve and the Penthouse Collection, with each responding differently to its position within the building, from the restored heritage podium through to the upper levels of the tower. The Heirloom Residences retain defining heritage elements including original heritage windows, generous proportions and high ceilings, while the tower introduces contemporary homes with expansive layouts and elevated views.

Amenities have likewise been designed to support long-term city living rather than short-stay convenience. Residents will have access to concierge services, wellness facilities including a pool, cold plunge, sauna, steam room and gym, alongside private lounges, entertaining spaces and dedicated resident clubs.

Sterling Global says that approach is resonating with buyers seeking permanence rather than novelty.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145324 project_image_fid=354347]

According to the sales team, purchasers are looking for enduring architecture, generous floorplans, heritage character and long-term value, with many commenting that 623 Collins "doesn't feel like another apartment development" because of the way the architecture has been curated around the site's history.

Situated on the prominent corner of Collins and Spencer streets, the project occupies one of Melbourne's most recognisable gateway sites, marking the western entrance to the city's best-known street. For Sterling Global, it also reflects a broader shift in city-making.

"Rather than maximising development yield, the project embraces adaptive reuse as a design philosophy, allowing heritage to inform architecture, interiors and the overall resident experience," the developer said.

"The result is a building that feels uniquely connected to Melbourne."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145324]

How Sterling Global designed 623 Collins from Melbourne's history

Avant Townhomes is adding to Ivanhoe’s family-sized housing options with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/three-82-ivanhoe-382-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Three 82</a>, a collection of just 16 four-bedroom townhomes on Upper Heidelberg Road.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/intrapac-property">Intrapac Property</a> townhome division has taken a contemporary approach to the traditional family home, pairing larger floorplans with the lower-maintenance format of a townhouse.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374394]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/arcadia-studio">Arcadia</a>, with landscaping by Landsite, the homes feature generous open-plan living and dining areas that connect directly to outdoor spaces, with layouts also designed to maximise natural light and privacy.

Natural stone is used throughout the interiors, including in kitchens that pair stone surfaces with bespoke cabinetry, considered storage and SMEG appliances.

The four-bedroom layouts include built-in wardrobes and a main bedroom with its own ensuite, while family bathrooms service the additional bedrooms. Each home also includes a lock-up double garage and intercom entry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374399]

Energy efficiency has been incorporated into the design through solar panels, double glazing and reverse-cycle heating and cooling, with the homes targeting 7-star energy ratings.

Rather than incorporating extensive communal facilities, Three 82 has been conceived around private residential amenity, with the 16-home scale keeping the focus on individual homes and their own indoor and outdoor spaces.

The development is located at 382 Upper Heidelberg Road, around one kilometre from Ivanhoe Village's cafés and retail and a short drive from Eaglemont Station and Ivanhoe Station.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374393]

Several of Ivanhoe's established schools are also nearby, including Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar and Ivanhoe Grammar School. The address also provides access to the suburb's parklands and the wider Yarra River corridor.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/nelson-alexander">Nelson Alexander</a> has been appointed to handle sales.

Construction is underway and progressing well, with Three 82 currently tracking toward completion in Q2 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152069]

Three 82 brings boutique four-bedroom townhome collection to Ivanhoe

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">Graya</a> has secured a prime Newstead site from fellow developer Fraser, subsequently lodging plans for The Silo, a major mixed-use residential project in Newstead designed around a new public laneway linking the James Street precinct with the wider Gasworks and Newstead neighbourhood.

Proposed for the corner of Chester and Morse streets, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bureauproberts">Bureau^Proberts</a>-designed project places its strongest emphasis at ground level, where retail, landscaping and a new cobblestone pedestrian connection would open the site to the surrounding neighbourhood. The design team describes The Silo as “more than a residential building”, positioning the development as an extension of Newstead’s public realm rather than a standalone apartment tower.

“A new cobblestone laneway and landscaped connection between James Street and Gasworks unlock a missing pedestrian link, improving walkability and stitching together two of Brisbane’s significant urban destinations,” Bureau Proberts said in its Urban Design Report.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ea1b06a-75f5-40a5-b2c5-33c97bc86052" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/silo%20bldg.png?VersionId=KmjsAtNePu57_B31EM_DJ5T6KPJHtcmo" />

The Silo is planned as a mixed-use development incorporating apartments alongside a bar and centre activities including food and drink outlets, indoor sport and recreation, office and retail uses.

Architecturally, Bureau Proberts has conceived the building as a collection of vertically expressed, stepping forms rather than a single uniform tower. The composition rises from an articulated podium before being broken by a triple-height landscaped recreation level, with the upper section becoming more compact before terminating in a landscaped rooftop garden.

The project's name and architectural language draw directly from Newstead's industrial history. Patterned off-form concrete is proposed as the principal façade material, complemented by slender metal rod balustrades and extensive planting. The cylindrical and vertically ribbed elements give the building its silo-like expression, while curved balconies and planted edges introduce a softer subtropical layer.

“The Silo reinterprets its robust forms, scale and materiality through a contemporary subtropical architectural expression, creating a building that acknowledges its industrial legacy, while responding to the way the precinct is occupied today,” Bureau^Proberts said.

The recreation level is one of the defining breaks in the tower. Plans include a lap pool, mature subtropical planting and shared resident facilities within an elevated communal garden. Landscaping continues through the podium and onto the rooftop, where a further garden forms what the architects describe as a “subtropical crown” to the building.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8451036-35a4-49a9-8d88-2ef4438eba3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Silo%20Lane.png?VersionId=h8N31_rYmCEqoNrpt4kbYVQhJGZn60LH" />

At street level, the development has been designed to establish a more permeable block. Retail and hospitality tenancies address the public realm, while landscaped pedestrian spaces lead into the new laneway connection. Renders in the design report show the proposed “Silo Lane” as a substantial opening through the podium, framed by cylindrical concrete forms with cascading planting above.

The Silo continues Graya's move into larger apartment developments after building its reputation across high-end residential projects in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Graya buys Frasers Newstead site, plans The Silo between James Street and Gasworks precincts

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/wickton">Wickton</a>’s completed Linacre Rise development in Hampton is giving Bayside downsizers the opportunity to move into a spacious apartment near the beach, with the developer covering stamp duty for a limited time.

The 27-residence development has been designed for buyers who want to simplify their living arrangements without giving up the space, warmth and quality associated with a long-term family home. Most apartments have already been secured by Bayside locals, leaving a select collection of two and three-bedroom residences and penthouses available.

Two-bedroom apartments are priced from $1.275 million, three-bedroom residences from $2.25 million and penthouses from $3.375 million, with the completed homes available to inspect and move into now.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366760]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/linacre-rise-hampton-8-10-linacre-road-hampton-vic-3188">Linacre Rise</a> occupies an elevated position on one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a>’s quiet, tree-lined streets, around 250 metres from the bay and 500 metres from Hampton’s village centre. Its setting gives residents access to the beach, local cafés, shops and Hampton Train Station while retaining the feel of an established residential neighbourhood.

Architecture and interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a> draw on the warmth and permanence of traditional brickwork, with the building integrated into terraced landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>. Ground-floor apartments are elevated above the street and include private garden courtyards, while several upper-level residences have generous balconies and outlooks toward the bay.

Inside, the residences favour natural materials and generous proportions. Herringbone-pattern European oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, premium joinery and Swiss V-ZUG appliances are among the key inclusions, while integrated storage has been incorporated across kitchens, bathrooms, studies and living areas.

The kitchens have been planned as practical spaces for both everyday use and entertaining, with substantial island benches, detailed cabinetry and adjoining dining and living zones. Full-height wardrobes, plush bedroom carpeting and carefully considered lighting reinforce the residential character Wickton sought to retain for buyers moving from larger homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366769]

A Linacre Rise purchaser said the completed apartment had delivered the space, outlook and construction quality they had been seeking.

“The unit is very light, has views to die for over the bay, all construction materials and fittings are premium quality, we have secure parking for three cars, EV charging at very competitive rates, the neighbours are friendly and there is just a lovely ambiance about the place,” the purchaser said.

Environmental features include solar panels, shared electric vehicle charging stations, rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, double-glazed windows and water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366762]

The development was built by Balmain &amp; Co, with Wickton managing the broader development process through its in-house team.

For downsizers, the project’s completed status removes much of the uncertainty associated with buying off the plan. Purchasers can inspect the finished apartments, understand their outlook and proportions, and move in without waiting for construction to conclude.

The remaining selection includes north-oriented balconies, corner configurations and penthouses with elevated bay views. The developer-paid stamp duty initiative is available for a limited time, with potential savings of up to $200,000 depending on the residence purchased.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95289]

Limited-time stamp duty offer at completed Linacre Rise apartments in Hampton

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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Perception and reality seldom coincide in real estate.
The perception created by media misinformation is that "prime" delivers the best capital growth. Reality disagrees. Constantly.
During my recent trip to Perth, I visited the City of Gosnells (downmarket, affordable, a long way from the CBD) and I visited some of the beach and river suburbs like <a href="/news">Mosman Park</a> and <a href="/news">Cottesloe</a> (upmarket, millionaire homes, close to the city).
The perception is that the prime stuff would trounce the cheap areas on capital growth. The reality is the contrary.
In the past year, five years and 10 years, those cheaper areas have had superior growth rates. Here are some comparisons.
<a href="/news">Kenwick</a> in the City of Gosnells (median price $390,000) recorded a 16% rise in its median price in the past 12 months. It has averaged 4% per year in the past five years and 10.4% per year over the past decade. The median rental yield is 5.7%.
Everyone I told about my trip to the Gosnells had this reaction: “Why would you want to go there?”
Here’s why. The suburb of <a href="/news">Gosnells</a> in the City of Gosnells is a highly popular market. Over 500 house sales in the past 12 months. The median has risen 10% to $355,000, but yields remain solid around 5.6%. The 10-year capital growth average for Gosnells is 10% per year.
<blockquote>
Buying in affordable areas with good infrastructure is often a win-win-win situation: cheaper prices, better rental yields and superior capital growth rates.
</blockquote>
The vacancy rate is well under 1%.
So while real estate snobs may not want to go there, plenty of home buyers and tenants do. The result is outstanding data, from the investor’s viewpoint.
Let’s look at some of the places beloved by the real estate snobs.
Mosman Park, wedged between beach and river, has a median house price of $1.17 million. It grew 1% in the past year. It's median has fallen an average 2.3% a year over five years and has risen 7.5% a year over 10 years. Typical yields are around 3%. 
<a href="/news">City Beach</a>, median price $1.73 million, has performed better than Mosman Park, but only marginally. It grew 7.5% in the past 12 months. But in the past five years, it has dropped an average of 2% per year. Over the past decade it has averaged growth of 8% per year.
The vacancy rate is around 5% and typical yields are 3.5%.
Remember, we’re not discussing where you might want to live, but where you should buy investment properties. Do you want to impress a dinner party by saying you own a property in City Beach? Or would you rather make money by owning four properties in growth markets like Gosnells?
If your answer is the former, maybe you’re not suited to property investment.
Where is the opportunity in this?
Buying in affordable areas with good infrastructure is often a win-win-win situation: cheaper prices, better rental yields and superior capital growth rates. "Prime" real estate means better quality homes, not better investments.
All that’s required is to be driven by your brain rather than your ego.
<a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au">ryder@hotspotting.com.au</a>
<a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">twitter.com/hotspotting</a>
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

"Prime" areas better for capital growth? Here's where perception meets reality

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It was a pub that no one knew about until Paul Hogan put it on the map. Now the Walkabout Creek Hotel - which became famous in the blockbuster hit movie Crocodile Dundee has been sold. 
Empty-nesters Frank and Debbie Wust emerged as the buyers of the pub at McKinlay in Northern Queensland for a "significant six figure sum".  
It is believed the couple are committed to maintaining the hotel’s iconic status.  
Mr Wust, who since 1990 has been a miner at the Callide Mine, 120 kilometres south-west of Gladstone, was attracted to the idea of buying the Walkabout Creek Hotel on his way to the Boulia Camel Races.
“We were visiting a friend in Boulia, who previously owned an outback hotel himself, and on the way home we stopped at the Walkabout Creek Hotel and the rest is history,” he says.
The vendor was publican Paul Collins.
“After 28 years behind the bar, Paul had decided to call time on his stint at the illustrious pub, which was originally built in 1900 as the Federal Hotel,” says sales agent, Nathan Henderson - principal of Raine &amp; Horne Ingham &amp; Beaches. 
The Walkabout Creek Hotel has 18 single rooms and a caravan park which provides 30 powered and unpowered sites, plus two residential houses. 
Picture courtesy of Ken Hodge/flickr.
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kjiminez-eaYKfU7qd2

Crocodile Dundee's watering hole, the Walkabout Creek Hotel, sold

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Canberra Airport has selected Toga Far East Hotels (TFE Hotels) to be its operating partner for a new hotel to be built adjacent to the airport’s new terminal.
The new hotel, scheduled for opening in late 2015, will operate under the 4.5 star Vibe Hotel brand.
TFE Hotels is a joint venture between Toga Group and Far East Orchard and it is a leading operator in Australasia with a network of over 65 accommodation assets across Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
Among some of the hotel brands it operates are Medina Serviced Apartments and the Rendezvous Hotels.
The new $480 million terminal was opened in March 2013 and currently handles about three million passengers a year. But the terminal is built to process up to eight million domestic and international passengers a year.
Karen Wales and  Ross Beardsell of JLL's Hotels &amp; Hospitality Group led the selection process on behalf of Canberra Airport.
"The expansion of Canberra Airport is expected to underpin accommodation demand over the medium term and could well be enhanced should the Airport be successful in attracting short haul international flights", said Ms Wales.
Construction of the Bates Smart-designed Vibe Hotel Canberra is due to start in May. The hotel, which will be just 150 metres away from the new terminal, will have a business travel focus and feature a 191-rooms.
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Canberra Airport partners up with TFE Hotels for new hotel

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Potential takeover target Australand Property Group has upgraded its full year earnings by up to 20%, thanks to positive conditions in the residential property market.
The upgrade, which also included a 19% lift in its distribution guidance to 25.5c, comes less than a week after rival property group Stockland swooped on a 19.9% strategic stake in the company - a move widely considered to be a prelude to a full takeover. 
Australand now expects its operating earnings per security for 2014 to be 17-20% higher than the previous year.
In a market update, the company said that "as part of its usual quarterly review process, the Group has revisited its earnings expectations, having particular regard to positive market conditions in the residential sector."
Specifically, it said the group’s residential division continued to experience strong demand and price growth across a number of projects and as a result it now expects that the 2014 residential earnings contribution will be higher than previously expected.
Australand managing director Bob Johnston said: “We are very pleased with the continued momentum in our Residential division.”  
“Year to date sales activity has been encouraging, particularly in NSW.” 
Management also announced that it had commenced the process of closing out its existing interest rate derivatives book and was re-hedging its interest rate exposure at prevailing market rates.  
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Australand upgrade full year earnings by up to 20%

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The Burnside Village Shopping Centre located near Nambour on the Sunshine Coast has sold to a Queensland investor for $6.2 million.
Burnside Village is a 1,895 square metres single-level convenience centre anchored by an IGA Supermarket. 
Built around 2008, the centre offers parking for about 90 cars and has 12 specialty shops including a medical centre, pharmacy, bottle shop, bakery, café, hairdresser, Indian restaurant and Pizza Capers.
The selling agents were Jon Tyson and Michael Harcourt of Savills Retail Investments. 
Mr Tyson said the sale of Burnside Village demonstrated the continued strong appetite of private investors to secure quality, well-located Queensland retail investments. 
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Sunshine Coast shopping centre sells for $6.2 million

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In a further sign of confidence in the Brisbane residential market, Walker Corporation has snapped up a 3,500 square metre development site in the city's Fortitude Valley for $22.2 million.
The 80 McLachlan Street site is in the early stages of planning for what will be a 15 level twin tower residential development of 336 apartments.
The site has been purchased with a delayed settlement period which will allow Walker to develop a full plan for the site, which pending on local council approval, will end up being a mixed use residential, retail and lifestyle development, linking the city to the Valley.
The vendor was AP Eagers. 
Walker is "bullish about the future of residential development in Brisbane", following the success of its $150 million Westmark Milton development in Milton, where 68% of the 171 apartments in tower one have been pre-sold. 
"With construction on the site to commence in June, 2014, buyers are being driven by an inner city undersupplied by quality stock and interstate buyers seeking a toehold in fast-moving Brisbane residential market", said the company. 
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Walker Corporation purchase Fortitude Valley development site

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More than 200 people turned up to see a retail shop in Melbourne's St Kilda sell under the hammer for $3.6 million - some $600,000 above the price expectations. 
Such was the strong competition for the two-storey retail property, at 143 Acland Street, that more than 70 bids from eight individual parties were received, with the majority of interest coming from Chinese and Malaysian buyers. The buyer was a Victorian private investor. 
The sale price equated to a building rate of $19,355 per square metre and reflected a tight yield of 3.7%.
The building is situated on a 236 square metre block in the middle of an iconic retail strip and had not been offered to the market for more than 60 years.
CBRE’s Josh Rutman, Mark Wizel and Rorey James were the selling agents.
“This record auction result is yet another example of the significant financial benefit vendors are recognising when offering their property to the public in an on-market basis when compared to off-market," said Mr Wizel.
He added that the strong interest from Asian investors is an indication that these offshore groups were becoming more aggressive and gaining further confidence in investing outside of the Melbourne CBD.
Mr James said the record building rate, which translated to $19,355 per square metre, was a strong result that set the benchmark for 2014.
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Acland Street, St Kilda retail shops sells under the hammer for $3.6 million

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The YMCA Brisbane has outlaid $1.3 million for a vacant aged care facility in Brisbane's Southport. 
YMCA Brisbane plans to use the 69 Walton Street premises to provide community services in the region and may look to redevelop the site in the future.
Selling agent James Crawford of Colliers International said the property attracted a range of different buyers with a 22 bedroom facility offering numerous options for use and development.
The campaign attracted 60 enquiries from array of local and interstate buyers looking at options for childcare, mental health, accommodation, offices and residential redevelopment, said Crawford.
The vendor - a private interstate investor - had operated the 2,955 square metre property as an accredited aged care facility up until November 2012.  
The existing brick building on the site is about 40 years old with 22 bedrooms on the ground level. A large private two bedroom care takers residence occupies the entire first floor. It also has about 10 parking spots.
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YMCA Brisbane acquires vacant Southport facility with redevelopment potential

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A building firm has taken out 425 square metres of office space at the Breakfast Creek Wharf in Brisbane's Newstead. 
Tantallon Construction secured a three year lease at the two level retail and commercial complex, at 192-194 Breakfast Creek Road.
The lease was struck at an initial rental of $350 gross per square metre. 
CBRE’s Michael Irvine negotiated the deal on behalf of vendor BMI Group.
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Building firm signs office lease at Newstead's Breakfast Creek Wharf 

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National retailer The Reject Shop has secured a seven year lease in a new retail development in Melbourne's Hastings.
The retailer has taken up 700 square metres, on a rental of $240,000 per annum. The deal is over seven years, with two further seven year terms.
The Hastings development is due to open in April and is being anchored by Aldi. It will house eight shops plus the supermarket.
Fitzroys agent Chris Kombi negotiated the lease. 
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