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.
</section>
</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

Brisbane

<html><body>
Property sale numbers and figures increased slightly in the past three months, according to CoreLogic's latest Brisbane Cityscope.
The property data firm said the last three months to the beginning of May 2017 recorded 13 sales for a total of $441.6 million, with $429.2 million for commercial, $11.9 million for commercial strata and $500,000 for other.
In comparison, the three months to the beginning of February 2017 had 11 sales for a total of $329 million, with $191.2 million for commercial, $2.6 million for commercial strata, $99.6 million for retail, $1.6 million for retail strata and $34 million for other.
The 12 months leading up to the beginning of May 2017 recorded 57 sales for a total of over $1.4 billion, well below the recorded figure for the same time period the year before.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of Brisbane Cityscope:
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-24%20at%2010.32.44%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-24%20at%2010.32.44%20am.jpg" alt="">
The most significant sales recorded this quarter were:
<ul>
<li>In December 2016 Eagle Street Investment Trust sold its one-third interest in One One One Eagle Street for $284,166,667 to GPT Funds Management 2 Pty Ltd as trustee for the Eagle Street Trust, which in turn is controlled by GPT Wholesale Office Fund. The 47-storey office building has six levels of basement car parking and was completed in April 2012; it was officially opened in August 2012.</li>
<li>The State Law Building at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-qld-brisbane+city-501109743" target="_blank">50 Ann Street</a> (above) was purchased for $145 million by Propertylink Enhanced Partnership, with settlement due in May 2017. JLL, CBRE and Inc RE negotiated the sale which represented an initial yield of 8.18% on passing income of over $11.86 million. The building is leased by The State of Queensland and includes a cafe on the ground floor.</li>
<li>The whole of level 2 at 344 Queen Street was bought for $4.5 million by Kooee Mobile Pty Ltd.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-24%20at%2010.33.16%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-24%20at%2010.33.16%20am.jpg" alt="">
Properties currently listed for sale include:
<ul>
<li>160 Ann Street – a 22-storey office building which was extensively refurbished in 2016. For sale by expressions of interest, closing June 1, 2017; agent, Knight Frank (Justin Bond and Neil Brookes) in conjunction with CBRE.</li>
<li>Unit 406 (lot 802), Oaks Festival Towers, 108 Albert Street – a 184 sqm unit on the fourth floor, with 15 sqm in the basement. Scheduled for auction on June 1, 2017; agent, Ray White Commercial Brisbane (Nick Wedge and John Dwyer). The unit was advertised with vacant possession from July 1, 2017.</li>
<li>Shop 15 (lot 38), Anzac Square Arcade, 198 Adelaide Street – an 82 sqm retail unit on the first floor. For sale with an asking price of $800,000; agent, CBRE Brisbane (Lachlan Tully and Callum Short).</li>
</ul>
Properties under contract (conditional or unconditional) include:
<ul>
<li>366 Queen Street – a four-storey office building which was built in 1984. Under conditional contract in early May 2017; agent, CBRE Brisbane (Tom O’Driscoll, Mike Walsh, Andrew Adnam).</li>
<li>545 Queen Street – a ten-storey office building plus a lower ground area to Adelaide Street. Under contract unconditionally for approximately $70 million; agent, Savills (Ben Azar).</li>
<li>Shop 22 (lot 34), Anzac Square Arcade, 198 Adelaide Street – a 67 sqm commercial unit on the first floor. Under contract unconditionally; agent, Blocksidge &amp; Ferguson Ltd (Tom Chan). The unit was advertised with an estimated fully leased income of $44,000 p.a net.</li>
</ul>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Brisbane commercial property sales on the rise: Cityscope

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Alceon Captrans JV have sold regional Brisbane shopping centre, Town Square Redbank Plains for an estimated $160 million to Singapore based Rockworth Capital Partners.
Simon Rooney, JLL’s head of retail investments for Australasia said he is seeing a very clear trend towards offshore investors increasingly driving acquisitions of quality Australian sub-regional assets – a trend that’s been building and gaining momentum in 2017.
“Sub-regional retail is the preferred asset class for many offshore groups seeking quality retail exposure, given the defensive and resilient characteristics and positive in built growth outlook," he said.
"Assets which are predominately food, service and convenience-based, with a high proportion of non-discretionary retail and limited fashion, offer enhanced and consistent returns and limit trading volatility.
"The lower rental profile of sub-regional centres also provide attractive opportunities for income and capital growth, via asset repositioning and tenancy re mixing.
“The comparative attractive yield profile available in the Australian retail sector, continues to offer strong relative value for offshore investors as evidenced by the recent transactions of Town Square Redbank Plains to Rockworth Capital and Casey Central, also sold by JLL to M&amp;G Real Estate.
“Domestic institutions are also keenly pursuing sub-regional centres to secure above-benchmark total returns through active management and asset repositioning.
“The latest being the Charter Hall acquisition last week of Salamander Bay (NSW) for circa $175 million and reinforces the significant current interest in the sub-regional sub-sector.
Recent major sub-regional transactions above $50 million:
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Centre
</td>
<td>
Purchase price
</td>
<td>
Cap Rate
</td>
<td>
Sale date
</td>
<td width="68">
Vendor
</td>
<td width="71">
Purchaser
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Redbank Plains Town Square, QLD
</td>
<td>
$160,000,000
</td>
<td>
6.25%
</td>
<td>
Dec-16
</td>
<td width="68">
Alceon Captrans
</td>
<td width="71">
Rockworth
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Salamander Bay Centre, NSW
</td>
<td>
$174,500,000
</td>
<td>
5.80%
</td>
<td>
May-17
</td>
<td width="68">
Vicinity
</td>
<td width="71">
Charter Hall
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Arana Hills Plaza, QLD
</td>
<td>
$67,100,000
</td>
<td>
6.00%
</td>
<td>
Dec-16
</td>
<td width="68">
ISPT
</td>
<td width="71">
Charter Hall
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Casey Central, VIC
</td>
<td>
$220,750,000
</td>
<td>
5.25%
</td>
<td>
Dec-16
</td>
<td width="68">
Scentre Group
</td>
<td width="71">
M&amp;G
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Campbelltown Mall, NSW
</td>
<td>
$197,000,000
</td>
<td>
6.00%
</td>
<td>
Sep-16
</td>
<td width="68">
Perron Group
</td>
<td width="71">
Charter Hall
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
“Combined with the current circa $3.5 billion Blackstone retail portfolio sale process, the current series of transactions would be expected to drive retail investment activity in Australia to a new record high in 2017.”
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Australia's sub-regional retail sector continues to attract strong offshore and domestic demand

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 One bedroom units topped new apartment sales in Brisbane in the March quarter, even though sales volume in the city fell nearly 40 percent in the March 2017 quarter from the previous quarter, according to new research by Urbis.
Brisbane’s new apartment market recorded 302 sales in the quarter, but despite the lesser numbers, the weighted average sale price has strengthened compared to a year ago. 
The overall weighted average sale price was $670,861 –  the second highest weighted average sale price ever it said. The price was $595,664 in the comparable quarter a year back, the Urban Developer reported.
The proportion of foreign investor buyers also fell down to 4 percent compared to 20 percent one year ago.
Urbis associate director Paul Riga said some results were surprising.
The one-bedroom one-car product made up the majority of sales (39 percent) for the first time since 2014.
“This quarter we saw some survey results which the market didn’t anticipate, in addition to others we knew were coming,” Riga said. 
“Firstly, one-bedroom one-car product took on the two-bedroom market. These one-bedroom sales were split across a range of developments and precincts, the majority being evenly split between the Inner South (26 percent), Inner West (24 percent) and Inner North (22 percent).”
The one-bedroom one-car product is also the most in demand rental type in addition to the most sold stock type, the Urbis Inner Brisbane Apartment Rental Review said.
“Developers need to look close to home and deliver product attractive to the local investor and owner occupier. The split between owner occupier (19 percent), local investor (26 percent) and interstate investor (32 percent) purchases remained relatively even. However, over the last 12 months foreign investor buyers has gone down from 20 percent to 4 percent. With regulatory changes to our lending, we were expecting this decline,” Riga said.
New apartment supply fell in line with the sales decline, with just 225 units launched this quarter compared to 668 in the previous quarter.
There were more sales than apartment launches  – a good sign because it allows absorption of supply. 
“We will continue to see a slowdown in supply,” Riga said. “Once again apartment approvals dropped to 1,299 units – the lowest number we have recorded since 2014. It is important that the market continues to self-regulate.”
In spite of lesser sales and supply numbers, there was no noted difference in pricing across Inner Brisbane, according to Urbis.
“One-bedroom one-car product pricing did decrease by $20,000, which may have contributed to the increase in sales but it was also location and product specific,” Riga said. “However two, three, four bed and penthouse product all registered an increase in the weighted average sale price.
Riga doesn’t expect a drastic fall in new inner city apartments.
“I don’t expect to see any drastic reduction in price, especially for quality new product in inner city locations.” 
Some recent sales include a one-bedroom apartment with car parking at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-newstead-125046862" target="_blank">210/28 Masters Street, Newstead, Qld 4006</a> that changed hands for $318,000. The selling agency was Professionals.
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Another one-bedroom apartment with car park at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-qld-teneriffe-124862434" target="_blank">507/113 Commercial Road, Teneriffe, Qld 4005</a> sold for $415,000 through The Place.
 
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Urbis Brisbane Apartment Essentials Q1 2017 Snapshot
The Brisbane Apartment Essentials Report found:
•302 sales were recorded in the March 2017 quarter, a 37 percent drop in sales from the previous quarter which recorded 480 sales.
•The weighted average sales price for the March 2017 quarter was $670,861, only a $2,420 decrease compared to the December 2016 quarter. This is the second highest weighted average sale price ever recorded.
•One-bedroom one-car product made up the majority of sales at 39 percent of total sales, this is the first time since 2014 that we have seen one-bedroom sales overtake two-bedroom sales.
•Less than a third of new apartments launched in the March 2017 quarter (225 units) compared to the previous December 2016 quarter (668 units).
•Foreign investor buyers down to 4 percent compared to 20 percent one year ago. Split between owner occupier (19 percent), local investor (26 percent) and interstate investor (32 percent) purchases relatively even.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

One bedroom units outnumber two bedders in Brisbane: Urbis

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Buy an apartment  off the plan, get a new car!
That’s the selling pitch for a luxury apartment complex at West End on the edge of Brisbane’s CBD.
The car offer is for buyers if they secure a contract before the end of the financial year, i.e. June 30. 
Online property agency iBuyNew is offering on behalf of a Brisbane developer 10 Toyota Yaris hatchbacks for purchases made in the recently launched ‘The One’ apartment complex.
The One is located at 89 Victoria Street, West End.
One-bedroom apartments are 51 sqm in size and start from $418,000, while two-bedroom apartments range in size from 70-92 sqm and are priced from $570,000-$710,000.
There are 16 individual floor plans to suit buyers of different tastes.
Chief executive of iBuyNew, Alex Caraco, said this was a good time to invest in Brisbane.
“With Brisbane’s residential developments on the rise, there’s no better time than now to invest in property that shows high appreciation,” Caraco said.
“The developer’s offer provides buyers with the perfect opportunity to own an exceptional property in West End plus secure a fabulous new car.”
Construction on The One is expected to start in July.
The apartment complex is close to cafes, restaurants, shopping and recreational spaces.
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Brisbane developer lures buyers with car

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Metro Property Development has sold a prime apartment development site in Brisbane for a huge 35 per cent discount after buying it for $20 million just two years back.  
Metro bought the 1,890 sqm block on <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property-profile/13-17-manning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101" target="_blank">Manning Street </a>in South Brisbane with plans to build a 30-storey tower with 380 apartments, according to The Australian Financial Review.
The what it purchased it for two years ago, in what is a clear sign of the apartment market turning.
The site was bought by local developer ARIA for $13 million.
Property Observer had reported earlier that the Brisbane apartment market is in decline.
This is the first major transaction to show such a dramatic fall in price.
Ironically Metro, co-founded by property identity David Devine, gamed the market in Brisbane three years ago when it booked a $24 million profit in just over six months by selling a separate site in South Brisbane to Chinese real estate giant R&amp;F Properties.
That Hong Kong-listed, Guangzhou-based R&amp;F paid $46 million for that site, the AFR said.
Metro managing director Luke Hartman didn’t give details on the latest Manning Street site sale, just saying the sale was part of a "reweighting of our national development site property portfolio".
"We are recycling capital into the Sydney and Melbourne acquisitions we have made," Hartman said.
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He defended the discounted sale and added that the Brisbane market was slowing. 
"We have traded seven sites in past three years for a minimum of double what we have paid for them. Both in Brisbane and Melbourne," he said.
The Manning site was being marketed through Colliers International and JLL.
On Metro’s other projects, he said they “have been settling well”. 
“It takes longer to settle than usual but it's not all doom and gloom.”
Metro, which deferred the float of of its company two years ago, has developed thousands of apartments Australia wide and received financial backing from a range of groups such as Alceon and Credit Suisse.
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Developer Metro sells off Brisbane apartment site at 35 percent discount

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A new residential development in Brisbane’s waterfront Hamilton district has released a new range of apartments.
Brookfield Residential Properties’ Gallery House has released 12 new two bedrooms apartments which also come with a multi-purpose room.
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Brookfield’s general manager Lee Butterworth said the release comes after sales of two bedroom apartments, with 40, two bedroom apartments already sold.
The new floorplan was created in response to market demand for flexible living spaces, Butterworth said.
"Our fastest selling apartments in Gallery House have been the two bedroom floorplans, and with limited two bedroom apartments remaining, we saw an opportunity to release the new design to fill a gap in the market," he said.
"The multi-purpose room in the new two bedroom apartments can be used as a study, media room, play room or even as a spare room if extra guests or grandchildren come to visit."
They have worked closely with architect, Cottee Parker.
The 'River Collection' at Gallery House features two and three bedroom apartments with two car spaces and river views; while the 'City Collection' comprises one and two bedroom apartments with either suburban or river views.
One bedroom apartments in Gallery House start from $419,000; the new two bedroom plus multi-purpose room start from $715,000; and penthouses starting from $2.6 million.
For more information, <a href="https://gallery-house.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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New layout released for Brisbane waterfront development Gallery House

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Queensland’s economic recovery remains on track, recording its fourth consecutive quarter of growth, expanding by 0.9 percent in Q4 2016, the strongest quarterly result in more than four years, according to Cushman &amp; Wakefield's latest report. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.42.26%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.42.26%20am.jpg" alt="">
"Growth in public investment and stronger household consumption underpinned the positive result, offsetting weakness in private investment.
Brisbane’s occupier market continues to be driven primarily by transport, logistics and construction industries.
Tenant demand continues to improve as tenants take advantage of competitive rents and attractive terms in the prime market," the report stated.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.42.37%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.42.37%20am.jpg" alt="">
Volvo has recently committed to a long-term lease, of ~10,000 sq m in the Metroplex Westgate industrial park, for their Australian head office and service centre.
Rental values have remained mostly stable over the last six months, with North and Trade Coast at a premium to other markets in Brisbane.
Prime net face rent in these areas are generally $10-$20 more per sq m for assets &lt;4,000 sq m.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.42.53%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.42.53%20am.jpg" alt="">
"Infrastructure projects, such as Transurban’s Logan Enhancement Project, are likely to result in increased tenant demand in the South and West markets, potentially leading to greater upward pressure on rents than seen recently.
"Investment volume totalled $88m in Q1 2017, down from $173m in Q4 2016.
"The South led again in terms of total investment volume, underpinned largely by Deutsche Asset Management’s acquisition of 60-80 Southlink Avenue, Parkinson for approximately $37m," the report said.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.43.08%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.43.08%20am.jpg" alt="">
"As a result of ongoing investment, prime yields in the South have compressed a further 25 bps over the past six months.
Occupier and investor demand is expected to strengthen in line with Queensland economic and industrial production growth," the report predicts.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.43.18%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.43.18%20am.jpg" alt="">
"While we expect investor demand to remain robust, more restrictive financing terms may see potential owner-occupier refocus on leasing assets rather than acquiring them.
This should provide further support for increased leasing activity going forward," the report advised.
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Private investment in Brisbane's industrial market weakens

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The outlook for retail markets in Brisbane continues to be generally positive, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property valuation firm says that however there is now an increasing perception that yields may finally have reached a low point.
“To put the story of recent years into perspective, we have seen retail yields generally move by between 150 and 200 basis points, which based on a starting yield of say 8 percent, translates to capital growth of upwards of 25 percent over a three year period.
 In some instances, capital growth has been upward of 35 percent,” the report stated.
Sales activity has been moderate for the quarter.
Major transactions include Arana Hills Kmart at $67 million, Everton Plaza at $27.5 million and Caboolture Square at $27.5 million.
These showed yields of between 6 percent and 7.25 percent.
At the convenience end of the spectrum there has been less activity with only two centres selling under $10 million.
Both of these were in the North Lakes region and showed yields of between 6.5 percent and 7 percent, the report stated.
Overall, the volume of sales activity has generally been low, primarily as a result of a shortage of stock and lack of other strong yielding investment options.
“With the perception however that yields will be bottoming out, we anticipate a rise in investment sales activity, particularly if interest rates start to rise and there is any suggestion of capital values starting to fall,” the report predicted.
Retail rentals continue to be reasonably restrained with ongoing difficult trading conditions in many sectors putting the brakes on rental growth.
The weakness is evident across the board as high levels of competition, flat wages, internet retailing and changing consumer shopping patterns all contribute to a very tough retail environment.
Good buying opportunities in the market are limited at present as all reasonable assets are heavily scrutinised by a wide number of investors.
There is potentially some more opportunity to value add with secondary centres but even these are holding their value fairly well making owners reluctant to sell.
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Brisbane's retail market outlook remains positive: HTW

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For first time industrial property investors, the entry point into Brisbane’s industrial markets is typically strata-titled industrial units and small freestanding properties, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White’s May commercial update. 
In more recent times, the development of workstores (very small industrial units) has enabled market entry at very low price points. These are emerging in the market with units in the vicinity of 60 to 100 square metres with entry-level pricing of sub $300,000. 
This compares to industrial units and freestanding properties which now typically start at above $500,000. 
Workstore developments are emerging throughout Brisbane’s industrial precincts and include locations such as Enoggera, Tennyson, Geebung, Tingalpa, Eagle Farm and Northgate. 
Price points for workstores and small strata titled industrial units generally range from $2,200 per sqm to $3,300 per sqm. Investment opportunities also exist for astute investors to acquire B or C grade properties within core locations and value add through refurbishment or reconfiguration. 
The industrial investment market has been relatively strong in contrast to the flat leasing market. The prime leasing market is, however, improving slowly although incentives are expected to continue to rise, say HTW.
“Future rental growth will largely depend on economic conditions, future supply and business confidence,” says the note.
Lease up periods for secondary assets are now up to 12 months. Across Brisbane, prime grade net face rents are ranging from $104 per square metre in the southwestern corridor to $115 per square metre in the Trade Coast precinct. Incentives for prime grade products are averaging 15.7 percent. 
Demand for prime grade stock has been strong with yields across Brisbane reflecting between 6.25 percent and 7.25 percent. Prime yields have tightened by circa 100 basis points over the past 12 months, whilst secondary grade yields have tightened by circa 25 basis points. Yields for secondary properties reflect a range of 7.95 percent to 8.6 percent. Approximately 241,500 square metres is expected to be added to the industrial market by the end of 2017 in the Trade Coast precinct and the southern precinct. 
“We see 2017 as a good time to invest in Brisbane’s industrial property market,” say HTW.  
It outlines a range of factors including: 
• The limited pipeline of new supply, limiting competition and providing price stability; 
• The low interest rate environment at present, which is supporting loan serviceability; 
• Brisbane’s expected growth both in infrastructure investment and economic productivity – the duplication of the runway at Brisbane Airport is one example. This will bolster the productive capacity of the region and will have flow on effects for Brisbane’s industrial property markets; 
• High land values which limits speculative activity; and 
• Brisbane’s relative affordability compared to other capital cities (particularly Sydney and Melbourne). 
Location and building quality are critical in the current market. In terms of location, precincts offering ease of access to major arterial roads and highways throughout 2017. Prime investment opportunities are scarce indicating that further yield compression is possible in 2017. 
“We do however consider that we are getting towards the bottom of the yield compression cycle. Nonetheless, there is ongoing strong demand from investors across all price levels and we anticipate on the whole that value levels are likely to hold firm for the foreseeable future,” say HTW.
On the quality measure, prime buildings offering modern tilt panel construction, higher internal clearances (above nine metres) and drive through or around access are more appealing to occupiers and investors compared to sheet metal buildings with lower clearances and inferior access. 
For investors, the third critical element is the quality of the leasing covenant, including tenant strength, lease term and rent review profile. There is very strong demand when investments tick the right boxes. A low interest rate environment will continue to support sales and leasing activity within the sector.
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Brisbane’s industrial market, strata-titled units provide good entry point

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Queensland's oldest Banyan Fig tree will be part of a new residential development in Brisbane's Cleveland Point.
The development is to feature 33 apartments integrated with the heritage-listed tree and is designed by architecture firm The Buchan Group.
Gerry Holmes, director, The Buchan Group director said Banyan Fig tree on site has a 12-metre trunk with an extensive root system underneath, so it was important for us to develop a design that would not impact the tree, both now and in the future," he said.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/19/rsz_1banyan1.png" alt="">
“The building has been significantly set back from the streetscape to provide a buffer between the tree and the apartments and to ensure a generous landscaped area adjacent to North Street’s pedestrian link.
“This also creates an enjoyable space to be used by residents and visitors, while also showcasing the Banyan Tree.
“The design pays tribute to the surrounding urban, historical and coastal context of the area, whilst enhancing the visual amenity of the site for residents, visitors and the local community.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/19/rsz_banyan2.png" alt="">
“The upper floor of the complex is terraced to soften the building’s impact from the street. This design strategy reduces the visual bulk of the building and also allows the project to sit comfortably in the surrounding landscape."
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