Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

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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You can be assured that as we enter a new year we are inundated with real estate predictions. 2014 will be no different so let’s try and make it easier and more understandable for you. Since September 2000, we have been writing our weekly post, Virtual Realty News, which provides an in-depth assessment of what the markets are doing. Despite the banter and hoo-ha that Sydney markets are set to boom in 2014, the most consistent statistic that we have observed over the last six years is that property sales numbers are in a rapid decline.
Here is what we consider the vital property performance indicators:
1. Cash rate
At the beginning of 2013 Macquarie Bank predicted that the cash rate in 2013 would drop to 2.00% whilst most thought it would go up. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cash rate today sits at 2.50% and this is where we expect it to sit for 2014 – we expect to see it start rising again in 2015.
2. Australian dollar
At the time of writing this report it was sitting at 0.87 AU$/US$ which is the weakest point since July 2010. Last week the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that the unemployment rate remained at 5.8% in December. The world’s biggest money manager BlackRock sees Australia’s dollar falling 10% as a result of disappointing economic growth reporting in 2014 which would then see the RBA cut its cash rate to 2.00%. There would be a number of expats hoping this to be the case as they have been sitting waiting for the Australian dollar to start declining.
3. Inflation
Overall the inflation rate has been well controlled by the RBA over the past few years with the RBA settings from 2.00% to 3.00%. In the 12 months to December, prices rose 2.7%, compared to 2.4% in November. This economic data is confirming that Australia’s record – low 2.5% cash rate is stimulating consumer spending. Across Australia spending has now risen over the past 16 consecutive months.
4. Supply/demand
This is the data I rely on the most as Sydney is comprised of 637 suburbs and growing and reporting generally throws all the suburbs into the one analysis. In 2012 Mosman houses recorded on 23 occasions more than 100 houses on the market over the one particular week – in 2013 it only managed to break 100 on four occasions so we are witnessing significant reductions in stock levels. In 2012 the greatest number of houses on the market in one week was 168, in 2013 it peaked at 144. To see on how many occasions the number of houses on the market breaks 100 will be fascinating given the markets are off to their weakest start ever in terms of volume.
<img height="237" width="470" src="https://www.rwm.com.au/files/2014/01/15-01-2014-1-18-21-PM.jpg" alt="15-01-2014 1-18-21 PM"><img height="296" width="470" src="https://www.rwm.com.au/files/2014/01/14-01-2014-2-56-15-PM.jpg" alt="14-01-2014 2-56-15 PM">
In 2013 the highest house sale was Altona – Wunulla Road, Point Piper for $52 million. For the first time in years the only property to sell outside the eastern suburbs of Sydney top 20 sales was Julian Street, Mosman which was sold by Richardson &amp; Wrench Mosman &amp; Neutral Bay (RWM) for $13.9 million. From the Sydney top 20 sales in 2013 just four went to Chinese buyers so don’t believe everything you read in the newspapers.
We don’t see any great changes in 2014 to the 2013 real estate markets given that they are now more than ever before consumer sensitive. Like everything markets are controlled by supply v demand mechanisms and if anything we believe again we will see fewer properties on the market in 2014.
Just before Australia Day last year there were 61 houses on the market, the year before 83 and this week just 47. Mosman apartments have 40 on the market this week, last year 68 and the year before 129. It’s quite extraordinary that the combined number of houses and apartments on the market in Mosman is just 87 – which clearly identifies a vendors market.
It’s going to be very interesting to see what happens to the stock volumes this week as the markets historically move into what we call the peak selling period.
Robert Simeon is a director of <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/" title="RWM" style="font-size: 14px;">Richardson  Wrench Mosman and Neutral Bay </a>and has been selling residential real estate in Sydney since 1985. 
He has also been writing real estate blog <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" title="Virtual Realty News">Virtual Realty News</a> since 2000. 
The RWM real estate model has sold in excess of $1 billion in database sales globally.
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robertsimeon-hRNTwJyXkQ

The four key property performance indicators for 2014

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There were 4430 bookstores in Australia during the 2004-05 financial year. Now, there are just 2921 bookstores owned by 2700 companies, and industry forecaster IBISWorld isn’t optimistic for those that remain.
According to a new report by IBISWorld analyst Claudia Burgio-Ficca, industry revenue will decline 8.1% during the coming financial year, with annual revenue declines moderating after that. By 2018-19, the forecaster believes annual revenue falls will stabilise to just 3.8% a year.
It’s been a perfect storm for booksellers over the past five years, Burgio-Ficca says. On the one hand, retail generally has had a challenging time, battling low consumer sentiment and lacklustre spending.
The industry is also facing structural change, with a rising breed of online-only booksellers operating with leaner business models, broader catalogues and lower prices forcing the industry to cut costs and become far more competitive.
Discount booksellers haven’t helped either. IBISWorld notes that discount department stores have increasingly been making bulk purchases of books, and then offering them at bargain-basement prices to customers during key selling periods such as Christmas. This limits the ability of bookstores to profit from the flurry of gift-buying at the time.
“Bookstores have fought to stay afloat,” Burgio-Ficca says. “A host of issues have plagued the industry.
“As a result, profitability has trended downwards.”
Despite the presence of big-name brands like Dymocks and Collins Booksellers, bookselling is a small business industry. The top four players together hold under 40% of the market share, and barriers to entry are relatively low.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Despite catering to a far smaller share of the market, speciality bookstores have performed better.
“Niche bookstores such as those specialising in languages are projected to remain in demand, and face relatively little external competition,” Claudia Burgio-Ficca says.
Discount bookstore chain allbooks4less.com.au was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/32568-discount-book-chain-turning-over-21-million-goes-under-after-directors-death">placed into administration in July</a>. As the figures show, it’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/28192-collapse-of-iconic-adelaide-bookstore-mary-martin-highlights-ongoing-pain-in-book-market">far from the only bookstore</a> to face such a fate.
This article first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.SmartCompany.com.au">SmartCompany</a>.
 
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mrobin-TVRYiru7si

Another 300 bookstores set to go, but further chapters remain in saga: IBISWorld

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The bayside glamour couple, Carlton footballer Chris Judd and his wife, weather presenter Rebecca, have leased their four-floor Prahran townhouse abode given last year's sale marketing campaign didn't secure its desired $1.7 million buyer interest.
Their <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/second-baby-prospect-prompts-chris-judd-and-wife-rebecca-to-list-their-prahran-warehouse/2013101765771" target="_blank">second baby prompted the listing back in October</a>.
It's the warehouse conversion undertaken in 2006 by Michelle Forsyth of Ethereal Design with skylit staircase and a dumb waiter from top to bottom.
The townhouse, which overlooks park and rooftops, all within walking distance of Greville and Chapel streets, was up for $1,999 a week rental. The asking rental would reflect a gross 6% yield based on its unmet asking price. RP Data puts the <a href="/news">Prahran</a> rental typically at around 3.5% for houses and 3.7% for apartments, reflecting $575 weekly rental and $369 weekly rental for apartments.. 
Rebecca had Sara and Amy Chamberlain, from The Real Estate Stylist undertake the sales marketing campaign styling, but the property was leased unfurnished through came with optional extras and appliances.
The star midfielder bought it for $1.66 million in late 2007 after he moved from Perth on signing with Carlton. It had been listed with $1.95 million hopes by Michelle Forsyth, and Christian Janko, in late 2006.
Offers inexcess of $1.7 million were being sought last November through Paul Castran of Castran Gilbert. Its rental was through Castran Gilbert leasing agents Gabby Mercuri and Sarah Holder.
Paul Castran says the laneway is almost wall to wall stylish town residences.
"It delivers four levels of uber-chic contemporary living with a generous offering of space, light and luxury touches throughout," the Castran marketing says. It features a full-floor, dedicated entertaining precinct comprising an open plan living and dining zone with wood fireplace, Smeg kitchen and private terrace with cafe-style ceiling heating and BBQ.
Accommodation wise, the property provides a lavish top floor master suite complete with a gas fireplace, indulgent double vanity en suite, expansive robes and balcony with park views; as well as three additional bedrooms with robes and en suites. One bathroom has a freestanding bath that looks like a giant half eggshell. Its other features include a secure double garage, laundry, split-system air conditioning, slab heating, polished timber floors, monitored alarm, CCTV security and intercom.
There was a video <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://vimeo.com/82085186" target="_blank">starring Rebecca produced by Goldeneye Media</a> on the initial listing.
It was 2010 when Judd and his then model fiancee Rebecca Twigley bought their 671 square metre Brighton property for $2.125 million through Kay and Burton agent Justin Follett.
<a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank"> </a>
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Chris and Rebecca Judd lease redundant Prahran home as $1,999 a week rental

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From inflationary figures, a Prahran office Block, and prestige listings; here are the most important property investment numbers of the week:
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" width="25" height="34" alt="flagtitletat" style="font-size: 14px; margin: 5px; float: left;">
<a href="/news"><img width="400" height="59" alt="0.8" src="/images/stories/2014/01/23/0.8.jpg"></a>
The 0.8% quarterly rise in the consumer price index surprised the nation’s markets on the upside – most had been factoring in a 0.5% rise.
It puts <a target="_blank" href="/news">a stop to speculation that the RBA could cut interest rates</a> – already at record lows – to stimulate the economy and ease its transition away from the mining boom.
 
<a target="_blank" href="/news"><img alt="flagtitletat" height="34" width="25" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="font-size: 14px; margin: 5px; float: left;"><img width="400" height="59" alt="10.75-m" src="/images/stories/2014/01/23/10.75-m.jpg"></a>
<a target="_blank" href="/news">The Block is coming to Prahran</a>. The production company of the hit Channel 9 show, Watercress, has spent $8.25 million on the 1980s office building (pictured below) with $2.5 million Brenchley Architects infill works scheduled.
<img width="470" height="286" src="/images/stories/2014/01/23/prahran_jan_23_one.jpg" alt="prahran_jan_23_one">
 
<a target="_blank" href="/news"><img alt="flagtitletat" height="34" width="25" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="font-size: 14px; margin: 5px; float: left;"><img width="400" height="59" alt="5.44" src="/images/stories/2014/01/23/5.44.jpg"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="/news">National Australia Bank has lowered its four-year fixed home loan</a> package rate by 0.2% to the lowest point since September 1993, as the battle between the banks intensifies. The bank so cut its three-year fixed home loan by 0.05% to 5.14%.    
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/hotspots/regional-hotspot-toowoomba-shows-great-investor-potential/2014012267307?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=upperright"><img alt="flagtitletat" height="34" width="25" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="font-size: 14px; margin: 5px; float: left;"><img width="400" height="59" alt="1.5" src="/images/stories/2014/01/23/1.5.jpg"></a>
Toowoomba’s unemployment rate is about 1.5 percentage points below the national average, one factor which <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/hotspots/regional-hotspot-toowoomba-shows-great-investor-potential/2014012267307?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=upperright">Terry Ryder believes shows its great potential for investors</a>.
 
<a target="_blank" href="/news"><img alt="flagtitletat" height="34" width="25" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="font-size: 14px; margin: 5px; float: left;"><img width="400" height="59" src="/images/stories/2014/01/23/1.7-MILLION.jpg" alt="1.7-MILLION"></a>
Situated in the affluent suburb of <a href="/news">Sandy Bay</a>, this chateau inspired house (pictured below) was the <a href="/news">most expensive sale of the week at .7 million</a>, according to RP Data.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/01/23/sand]}
 
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/finance/proportion-of-first-home-buyer-loans-down-finders/2014011967232?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news&amp;utm_source=Property+Observer+List&amp;utm_campaign=affb0303e2-June_21_1_29_2013&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_a523fbfccb-affb0303e2-245386345"><img alt="flagtitletat" height="34" width="25" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="font-size: 14px; margin: 5px; float: left;"><img width="400" height="59" alt="12.5" src="/images/stories/2014/01/23/12.5.jpg"></a>
According to the latest report released by financial comparison website finder.com.au, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/finance/proportion-of-first-home-buyer-loans-down-finders/2014011967232?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news&amp;utm_source=Property+Observer+List&amp;utm_campaign=affb0303e2-June_21_1_29_2013&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_a523fbfccb-affb0303e2-245386345">proportion of first home buyer loans are at an all-time low</a>.
Drawing on data from the ABS, the report notes that first home buyer loans now make up just 12.5% of all loans financed in November 2013, down 3% from the same month in 2012. 
 
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/western-australia/tenant-fined-%241000-for-ruining-rental-with-pet-faeces-and-urine-midland-magistrates-court/2014012167296?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news&amp;utm_source=Property+Observer+List&amp;utm_campaign=7db808fac5-June_21_1_29_2013&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_a523fbfccb-7db808fac5-245386345"><img alt="flagtitletat" height="34" width="25" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="font-size: 14px; margin: 5px; float: left;"><img width="400" height="59" alt="1000" src="/images/stories/2014/01/23/1000.jpg"></a>
A tenant in Western Australia has been <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/western-australia/tenant-fined-%241000-for-ruining-rental-with-pet-faeces-and-urine-midland-magistrates-court/2014012167296?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news&amp;utm_source=Property+Observer+List&amp;utm_campaign=7db808fac5-June_21_1_29_2013&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_a523fbfccb-7db808fac5-245386345" target="_self">fined $1,000 after leaving a rental property in disarray</a>. Apparently, the carpets were wrecked by pet faeces and urine and no forwarding address was left.
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trophy-homes/point-piper-harbourfront-bound-angela-fleming-lists-bellevue-hill-mansion/2014012167239?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=upperright&amp;utm_source=Property+Observer+List&amp;utm_campaign=7db808fac5-June_21_1_29_2013&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_a523fbfccb-7db808fac5-245386345"><img alt="flagtitletat" height="34" width="25" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="font-size: 14px; margin: 5px; float: left;"><img width="400" height="59" alt="30-million" src="/images/stories/2014/01/23/30-million.jpg"></a>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trophy-homes/point-piper-harbourfront-bound-angela-fleming-lists-bellevue-hill-mansion/2014012167239?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=upperright&amp;utm_source=Property+Observer+List&amp;utm_campaign=7db808fac5-June_21_1_29_2013&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_a523fbfccb-7db808fac5-245386345" target="_self">Sydney's prestige eastern suburbs listings are well underway</a>. For instance, a $30 million plus offering on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-vaucluse-nsw-2030/204612" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">Coolong Road, Vaucluse</a> (pictured below) with tennis court, slipway and marina berth.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/01/22/vau]}
jrobinson@propertyobserver.com.au
 
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jake-cSmGT7VXVf

The most important property investment numbers of the week

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The two fundamental characteristics of property investment are rental income paid by tenants and the value of land and buildings which form the income and capital return components of property returns. Return characteristics of residential property differ significantly from commercial property.  
Chart one (below) shows the income returns or yield of residential property and retail, office and industrial property sectors for periods to September 30, 2013.  
Chart one – Income returns – Periods to September 30, 2013
 <img src="/images/stories/2014/01/23/easton_jan_23_one.png" width="470" height="283" alt="easton_jan_23_one">
Source: REIA, IPD/PCA, Atchison Consultants  
Income returns are calculated by dividing the net annual rental income by the value of the property. As shown in chart one, commercial property income returns over medium to very long-term periods are reasonably consistent across each sector. The income return for residential property at around 3%-4% per annum is significantly lower than that of the commercial property sectors at around 7%-9%.  
Owners of commercial property receive substantial rental income as the location of the businesses that are its tenants is vital to the profitability of those businesses. Rents for commercial property are dictated by demand, with premium locations providing premium rents. Retailers require the right demographics and access to foot traffic; industrial tenants require access to suitable infrastructure such as freeways and rail and office tenants require the proximity to key markets, clients and qualified staff.  
The attractiveness of residential or commercial property investment is heavily reliant on the ability to attract and retain tenants. Appraised value of commercial property is directly related to the quality of the leasing schedule and the current or expected level of vacancies.  
Chart two (below) shows compound annual capital returns over five, 10 and 20 year periods to September 30, 2013 for residential and commercial property sectors.  
Chart two – Capital returns - Periods to September 30, 2013
 <img src="/images/stories/2014/01/23/easton_jan_23_two.png" width="470" height="283" alt="easton_jan_23_two">
Source: REIA, IPD/PCA, Atchison Consultants  
Residential property has outperformed commercial property sectors in terms of price growth over all measured periods, particularly the 20 year period. A range of factors has contributed to this significant growth, including government incentives such as the first home owners grant, population growth and booms in industries such as mining. The absence of tax on capital gains for owner-occupiers and the tax deductions for investors through negative gearing are also significant contributors to residential property capital gains.  
Residential property is generally considered as a capital return investment, rather than an income producing investment. Commercial property investment returns comprise relatively high income returns and is less reliant on capital gains. Capital gains for commercial property tend to be around inflation levels (when positive), reflecting leases that are indexed to inflation or a fixed rate in years between market rental reviews. Capital gains for residential property tend to reflect demand drivers, such as population growth and affordability, and supply drivers such as the availability of finance and the feasibility of development projects.
Investment in residential property is limited to direct purchase of single assets, whereas commercial property can be accessed through purchase of an asset or indirectly through property syndicates, unlisted property funds or listed AREITs.  
Paul Easton is a senior analyst at <a href="https://atchison.com.au/" target="_blank">Atchison Consultants</a>.
 
<hr>
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<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/wednesday-may-8-flicker-3-commercial-property-and-shares-offers-better-returns-than-residential-property-yields-amps-shane-oliver/2013050861127" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/tax/smsf-gearing-versus-personal-gearing-in-residential-and-commercial-property/2012030753629" target="_blank">SMSF gearing versus personal gearing in residential and commercial property</a> by Michael Laurence
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/commercial/should-you-invest-in-residential-or-commercial-property-mark-armstrong/2013012358907" target="_blank">Should you invest in residential or commercial property?</a> By Mark Armstrong
<hr>
 
 
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peaston-2dTB6MdgmG

Residential v commercial property: The different return characteristics

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A seminar featuring residential properties in Phuket will take place in Sydney this week. The Phuket Property Show at the Four Points Sheraton hotel will showcase real estate and investment opportunities in the Thai resort island.
The seminar will be hosted by Siam Real Estate, assisted by the Ray White Group. According to Siam Real Estate CEO Richard Lusted, a variety of residential properties would be highlighted, including townhouses and villas in gated communities.
“Some of the attractions of buying property in Phuket include investment returns of between 15-25%, historically low interest rates, stable market prices and no property taxes. There’s no capital gains tax after five years for private investors and low taxes,” said Lusted.
He noted the current trend of urbanisation in Phuket and the ongoing construction of new hotels, apartments and houses on the island.
Property will be available to purchase at the Sydney seminar, with special accommodation deals available for buyers.
The Phuket Property Show will be held from 10am-7.30pm in Sydney on January 24 and January 25.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:jrichardson@propertyobserver.com.au">jrichardson@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Thai properties showcased in Sydney

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In an article last year, I flagged <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/office/activity-based-wokplace-formats-translates-to-bottom-line-savings-but-require-the-space-to-implement-chris-lang/2013081364152">the growing trend of "hot desking"</a> among mid- to larger-business services firms employing our knowledge workers, around Australia.
This trend (since the early 1990s) has been driven by the inevitable cost savings — resulting from a reduction in their office space requirements.
And if this trend were to continue it would clearly have the potential to adversely affect the overall demand for office space going forward.
However, a recent article challenged the underlying wisdom of this penny-pinching fad.
First, the logic
The current rationale contends that by replacing individual offices with workstations (even removing the dividers), this significantly reduces the space requirement per employee. At the same time, the aim is to improve staff collaboration.
And now many of these firms are simply issuing their staff with a mobile phone, a laptop and a locker, adopting a "virtual office" and "clean-desk" policy — where you (as an employee) have no fixed location within the office from one day to the next.
What does the latest research reveal?
Diane Hoskins (of big US office design firm, Gensler) has researched 90,000 people, from 155 companies, across 10 industries.
As a result, her team found that Knowledge Work comprised four separate functions:
<ul>
<li>
Focus (individual work involving concentration and attention to a particular task);
</li>
<li>
Collaboration (working with others to achieve a goal);
</li>
<li>
Learning (acquiring knowledge or skill through education or experience); and
</li>
<li>
Socialising (interactions to create trust, bonds and values, collective identity and productive relationships).
</li>
</ul>
What they discovered was that collaboration was not the most significant factor in workplace effectiveness. Rather, it was individual work focus!
Furthermore, they found that these new-style office layouts actually make focus virtually impossible.
Instead, workers experienced constant "interruptions, auditory and visual distractions (which) all combine to make focus the modern office's most compromised work mode."
Bottom line: This is great news for commercial property investors.
While current office design seeks to improve collaboration, it actually sacrifices individual focus. Thereby, reducing worker efficiency — resulting in far lower productivity overall.
Apparently, the Gensler research also found that workers who can focus effectively are able to do the following things more effectively in the workplace:
<ul>
<li>
57% more able to collaborate;
</li>
<li>
88% more able to learn; and
</li>
<li>
42% more able to socialise.
</li>
</ul>
As the penny starts to drop, more and more firms will begin reverting back to a more conventional (larger) office layout.
And therefore, you will see demand for office space accelerate over the next three to four years — with a resultant increase in both rentals and capital values.

<hr>
Chris Lang is an advisor to commercial property investors, sell-out author and regular speaker on how to invest in commercial property. You can visit his website <a href="https://property-edge.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Property Edge Australia</a> to help you get the most out of your commercial property investing.
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://his-best.biz/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Commercial Property Made Easy</a>.
 
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chrislang-EQKojcgJPV

The penny has dropped: Failing hot desking fad will benefit commercial investors

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The Property Observer team spends more time than most looking at real estate listings, and finding either bizarre rentals (such as this latest one, sent to us on Twitter, that has <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/a-toilet-in-the-kitchen-a-strange-unit-layout/2014012067267?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=newsplus" target="_blank">a toilet in the kitchen</a>, or this one that was <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/advertising-your-property-to-drug-dealers-this-owner-is-doing-just-that/2013111266323" target="_blank">advertised to South Australian drug dealers</a>) or disturbing photographs.
We've collected the following photographs from real estate listings into an ongoing collection of strange Australian real estate marketing attempts. Send your weird and wonderful photographs to <a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a> and we will add them to the collection below.
Here are some of our current highlights:
The 'interesting' lighting effects
<img width="470" height="353" src="/images/stories/2014/01/21/2.jpg" alt="2">
<img width="470" height="353" src="/images/stories/2014/01/21/5.jpg" alt="5">
Apocalypse now?
<img width="470" height="353" src="/images/stories/2014/01/21/bardon_dec_12_sky_end_of_the_world.jpg" alt="bardon_dec_12_sky_end_of_the_world">
Mirror, mirror
<img width="470" height="353" src="/images/stories/2014/01/21/mirror_mirror_jan_21_one.jpg" alt="mirror_mirror_jan_21_one">
Do you come with the house?
<img width="470" height="353" src="/images/stories/2014/01/21/model_dec_3_one_901_480_Riversdale_Road_Hawthorn_East_Vic_3123.jpg" alt="model_dec_3_one_901_480_Riversdale_Road_Hawthorn_East_Vic_3123">
<img width="470" height="353" src="/images/stories/2014/01/21/model_dec_3_two_901_480_Riversdale_Road_Hawthorn_East_Vic_3123.jpg" alt="model_dec_3_two_901_480_Riversdale_Road_Hawthorn_East_Vic_3123">
<img width="470" height="353" alt="image21" src="/images/stories/2013/11/21/image21.jpg">
<img width="470" height="353" src="/images/stories/2014/01/21/wtasons_bay_dec_11_funny.jpg" alt="wtasons_bay_dec_11_funny">
Your move
<img width="470" height="353" src="/images/stories/2013/11/21/unique_nov_21_seven.jpg" alt="unique_nov_21_seven">
You might also be interested in our other articles about <a href="?option=com_googlesearch_cse&amp;q=photography" target="_blank">real estate photography, and some of the creative ways that properties are marketed</a>.
<a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

The strangest real estate photographs: Add yours to the collection

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Hi Margaret,
We are looking to buy an investment property in the next couple of months, preferably a house on the Gold Coast, because we've lived there before and it's affordable.
 We have a house in Penrith, but Sydney is too expensive for what we're after at present.
 Do you think the Gold Coast would be a wise move?
Kind regards and many thanks,
Stacey
 
Hi Stacey,
You sound like you are about to make some of the classic first time investor mistakes, so well done for writing to me first so that we can make sure that you don't!
You have said "preferably a house on the Gold Coast" and then quoted two reasons - that you lived there before and that it's affordable.
Living in an area doesn't turn it into a viable place to invest!  In addition, while investors always state that they have lived in an area, and so 'know it well'  as a reason for choosing it, it's highly unlikely that you 'know' the investment fundamentals about that area.
For example, can you quote the current vacancy rate?  Population growth statistics?  Median household income?  Council plans for infrastructure? Employment stats and industry spread?  I'd say no, and unless you start at least with those basic questions then you might as well throw a dart at a map of Australia and invest where it lands. You have the same chances of success using that method as you do using the 'we know it' method.
Investors must take care not to fall into the trap of believing that living in an area gives them special knowledge, and also that unless you live somewhere you cannot know it well.  There's absolutely no added safety investing in a market you've previously lived in.
In fact, there is often added danger as your familiarity makes you careless and you fail to adequately perform the due diligence needed to make sure that, at that moment in time, you are choosing the very best area to invest in.  Contrary to the rubbish that property spruikers spout, property investment can, and does, fail dismally and until you have learned how to recognise a viable investing area, you shouldn't be buying at all.
The second mistake you are about to make is that your decision making process is being 'price driven'.  This is common and is a situation where an investor uses a price range or price point to determine where they buy.  The reality is that it is never price which determines how well an area will grow. If you are driven by price you may well end up in an area where the returns you see mean that keeping your money in the bank would have been a more profitable venture.
Instead, you should learn how to select an area by doing the research first, and then, if properties in your price range are not available in that area, go looking again for another area which also shows the growth drivers.  I can assure you this 'Sydney' obsession will soon end and those buying there may land quite disappointed with the overall results.  There are many, many areas today with significant growth drivers, showing great promise and with affordable property - you just have to learn how to find it!
Regards,
Margaret
Margaret Lomas is a best-selling author and writes and hosts the popular 'Property Success With Margaret Lomas' and heads up the panel on 'Your Money, Your Call', both on Sky News.
She is the founder of <a href="https://destiny.com.au/dotnetnuke/en-au/home.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Destiny</a>.
Have a property question? <a href="mailto:askmargaret@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">Ask Margaret!</a>
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mlomas-KC9MUPZ6Ca

A couple of classic first time investor mistakes

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House prices have been rising.  But the rises are not uniform across the country.  The current recovery is against a period of relative weakness in house prices.
The housing market in Australia is quite cyclical, influenced by broad economic factors and in particular the cost and availability of money.  Low interest rates and easier credit access could drive the current cycle too high.
At present, price <a href="https://matusikmissive.com.au/2013/12/18/2014-outlook/" target="_blank">levels</a> (outside of Sydney, Melbourne and to some degree Perth) whilst above those in the US and Europe, are at the upper end, not beyond, the range of price to income ratios for developed countries.  At present, arrears rates on housing loans remain relatively low in Australia.
<img alt="matusik-jan-21-one-small" height="349" width="470" src="/images/stories/2014/01/21/matusik-jan-21-one-small.gif">
<img alt="matusik-jan-21-two-small" height="310" width="470" src="/images/stories/2014/01/21/matusik-jan-21-two-small.gif">
<a href="https://matusikmissive.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/House-prices-1-PNG.png"></a>
<a href="https://matusikmissive.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/house-price-2-PNG.png"></a>
The two graphics show that:
<ul>
<li>
House prices are cyclical.  Gains made now and into 2014 and 2015, could be eroded if prices grow too fast over the next 12 to 18 months.  Some of the current price forecasts (15% to 20% for 2014 alone)  will mean, if they eventuate, a potentially big slide in prices come late 2015 and beyond.  There is really little wriggle room for house prices to move.  Something in the order of 5% to 8% over the next 12 to 18 months is, for mine, much more viable.   Again for mine, if price growth exceeds, say, 10% this year, then budget on price falls post mid-2015.
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Not all capitals are enjoying the rush.  Some haven't seen any improvement really in house prices yet.  Everything is Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and some locations (like every other cycle) will miss out.  I cannot see Hobart, Adelaide, Canberra or even Darwin enjoying much house price growth this year.  In contrast, South East Queensland is in the box seat.  Perth is likely to slow.  I also think that Sydney and Melbourne will see price growth this year, but they are already 'over cooked'.  Both markets can expect a correction - and maybe big ones - in late 2015.
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
With stubborn, high unemployment, full-time job losses and benign inflation - and despite its inflationary impact on house prices - interest rates need to fall further.  The collateral damage will be an overheated house price cycle.  This is why house prices cycle.
</li>
<li>
What will stop this current cycle is any rise in interest rates and an increase in mortgage defaults (which will lead to tighter lending practices).  Care must be taken not to borrow too much.
</li>
</ul>
Michael Matusik is the founder of <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.matusik.com.au/" style="font-size: 14px;">Matusik Property Insights</a>, which has helped over 550 new residential projects come to fruition.
Read <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.matusikmissive.com.au/">Michael’s Blog</a> or follow him on <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/ThinkMatusik?fref=ts">Facebook</a> and <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.twitter.com/michaelmatusik">Twitter</a> or connect via <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmatusik">LinkedIn</a>.
 
 
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