<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" 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/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Canberra

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The market has improved significantly in Canberra with a 7.6% spike in property values over the first eight months of the year compared to a decline of 0.9% for the same period in 2015, according to the latest McGrath report.
Underpinning this growth is an undersupply of houses for sale; greater stability in the federal government following many years of unrest; and a very low unemployment rate of just 3.6%, boosted by the lifting of a two-year hiring freeze in the public service in mid-2015.
There is a distinct new confidence in the marketplace following the federal election, their latest report advised.
Canberra is always directly affected by elections because one in three workers are employed in the public service.
Unlike the last federal election, there was no threat of mass job cuts on either side of politics, so the market maintained its momentum during the long campaign.
The Coalition’s return meant continuing stability for government employees; no changes to negative gearing or capital gains; and a tax cut that would benefit a large proportion of residents, who are among the highest paid workers in the country.
Opens have been well-attended and auction clearance rates for houses have remained just shy of 70% for the 12 months to June 2016, according to Domain research.
Interest rate cuts are no longer having a stimulatory effect, with buyers now used to record lows.
However, young couples and families are leveraging rates to stretch their budgets further and buy in premium locations close to the best schools.
The $1 billion ‘Mr Fluffy’ buyback and demolition of 1,022 homes across 56 suburbs by 2018 continues having a big impact on the market.
Approximately 260 homes have already been demolished with 176 scheduled for demolition between July and December 2016.
The scheme has displaced hundreds of families who all need to buy or rent.
They have been paid well for their homes and the stamp duty concession on their next purchase is giving them extra buying power and the ability to buy quickly and compete strongly at auction.
Some are staying in their area, others are upgrading elsewhere.
For example, many Mr Fluffy sellers in Belconnen are heading to nearby Gungahlin where they can purchase bigger, newer homes.
Meanwhile, the incredibly rare opportunity to buy vacant land in premium established suburbs following the demolition of Mr Fluffy homes is really exciting buyers.
The first 10 blocks were taken to auction in April. Among the sales was a block in Pearce for $605,000 and one in Chapman for $610,000 – both close to the city’s median house price of $607,000.
This signalled to other home owners just how valuable their land has become due to limited release of new supply in recent years.
<a href="/images/2016/10/31/Canberra.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/31/Canberra.jpg" alt="">
Original housing stock in Canberra’s prized inner north and south is more than 60 years old and due for an overhaul.
Owners are realising the best way to capitalise on their land value is to re-build and families are out in force looking for knockdown opportunities in prime locations.
Downsizers are among these buyers, with many not ready for apartment living.
Townhouses are hard to find so many downsizers are looking to build dual occupancies instead – sometimes in joint venture deals with friends.
The Over 60s Home Bonus Scheme provides downsizers with a market advantage due to a substantial discount on stamp duty.
"On a $660,000 purchase, just $20 is payable. We are finding that many people are still unaware of this opportunity but once informed they feel incentivised to sell," the report stated.
Canberra’s apartment oversupply continues, comprising 51.2% of all homes for sale, according to CoreLogic RP Data. However, property values and rental yields are holding up well.
The median apartment price has risen 1.7% in calendar year 2016 and rental yields are among the highest in the country at 5.1%.
The rental market is being supported by extra demand from Mr Fluffy sellers as well as usual strong demand from young workers, students at two universities and public service contractors who do not want to settle in Canberra permanently.
<a href="/images/2016/10/31/Audi%20Canberra.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/31/Audi%20Canberra.jpg" alt="">
John McGrath's top suburb picks in the ACT:
1. Kambah
Underrated and prime for growth, Canberra’s largest suburb with 6,140 homes offers better value than Woden and Weston Creek and a diverse range of properties. Centrally located, it is the most northern suburb of Tuggeranong with good access to arterial roads for the CBD commute.
2. Curtin
Big money is being spent in Curtin, which has undergone a changing of the guard over the past few years. Ex-government housing has been sold off, knocked down and re-built and family buyers priced out of Deakin, Hughes and Garran have bought and renovated.
3. O’Connor
Adjoining Turner where houses are in very short supply, O’Connor offers great value. However, strong buyer demand has made it Canberra’s number one suburb for growth in FY2016, with house prices rising 21.5% to a median of $960,000 and apartment/townhouse values up 15.3% to $490,000.
4. Franklin/Harrison
Sitting on opposite sides of Flemington Road, the main arterial road leading out of Gungahlin to the city, these two suburbs will directly benefit from the new light rail. Both are family-oriented neighbourhoods with good schools and close proximity to the CBD.
5. Cook/Aranda
These two suburbs are well positioned to benefit from Belconnen’s gentrification. A lot of new townhouses and apartments are being built in the area, creating residential precincts with great amenities including shops, restaurants and cinemas.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Canberra property market significantly improved since federal election: McGrath

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Upon returning to Queensland Reds, former ACT Brumbies captain Stephen Moore has sold his Canberra family home.
Peter Blackshaw Real Estate agent Rowan Glanville sold the four bedroom home pre-auction to a local family.
Rowan said more than 40 groups had inspected the house since it hit the market three weeks ago.
Set on 1960 sqm, the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-yarralumla-123745438" target="_blank">Yarralumla home cost $1.65 million in 2014</a>.
The property is almost double the size of the traditional quarter-acre block that characterises many of Canberra’s established suburbs.
<div>“We’re very sad to leave Canberra,” Moore told Domain.</div>
<div>
“The decision to move up to Queensland happened very quickly.
"Now that it’s happened we’re excited by the challenge, particularly for me with my career, [but] Canberra’s been such a big part of my life.
“It’s where both our kids were born, it’s the only place in Australia where Courtney, my wife, has lived, so for her it’s very much home in terms of Australia.”
</div>
Moore and Courtney have bought into Queensland, paying $1.5 million for a three bedroom home in Bardon.
 
 
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Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore sells in Canberra

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One of the few remaining commercial-scale grazing properties in the historic Bungendore district has been listed for sale.
It will bring to an end five generations of continuous occupation by the Hyles family.
Woodlands was taken up more than 150 years ago by Richard and Jessie Hyles.
It is being sold now as part of a succession plan by Bruce Hyles and his family.
Meares and Associates will offer the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-livestock-nsw-bungendore-7850266" target="_blank">1157 hectare property at online auction</a> on November 15-16.
It is expected to draw competition from grazing interests, serious investors and lifestyle seekers alike.
Situated eight kilometres south of Bungendore with views northwards to Lake George, Woodlands is under three hours’ drive from Sydney.
Although still managed successfully as a commercial grazing operation, based on Merino sheep, the property has obvious potential for subdivision up to a maximum of 14 lots, to meet the steady demand from Canberra for small holdings. 
More than 200,000 pine trees have been planted, either in a 120ha dedicated woodlot or in strategic shelter belts.
Average rainfall is 640mm and the property is watered by 43 dams, an equipped bore and semi-permanent creeks.
As presently managed, “Woodlands” is operated as a woolgrowing concern, with a self-replacing Merino flock of Hazeldean bloodlines producing adult fleeces of 4.5-5kg and 19-19.5 microns.
In recent years a proportion of the ewe flock has been mated to Border Leicester rams to produce first-cross lambs, the ewe portion of which has commanded ready competition at the annual regional summer restocker sales.
The property’s estimated carrying capacity of 2600-3000 DSE offers considerable upside potential, with further investment in pasture establishment and infrastructure.
Woodlands has a Victorian-style homestead built in the 1870s as a wedding present for Jessie Hyles.
Bidding for Woodlands is expected to reach $2.8 million to $3 million.
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Pastoral Woodlands on Canberra's doorstep

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Woodlands, located at Bungendore on the edge of the ever expanding Canberra, has been listed for online sale.
The sheep/wool farm is being <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-livestock-nsw-bungendore-7850266" target="_blank">offered for sale via Meares Online Auction</a> by Meares &amp; Associates on 15th/16th November, 2016.
Woodlands comprises 1157.81 hectares with 420 ha established improved pastures including phalaris, cocksfoot and clovers.
The property was selectively top dressed with fertiliser up until approximately 2010.
It is a five minute drive from the historic tourist mecca Bungendore, 30-40 minute drive from the nation’s capital Canberra and its international airport and a three hour drive from Sydney CBD.
Woodlands was taken up by the Hyles family over 150 years ago, and has been managed by five generations of the family over that time. 
The property is currently conservatively carrying 2,600 – 3,000 DSE’s.
However agent Chris Meares says there's the ability to produce beef cattle, run a horse or stud operation, as well as viticulture including wine grapes.
The homestead, set in an attractive garden with a decomposed granite tennis court, is an 1870’s styled Victorian abode where renovations and extensions have been carried out over the years,
Ther's a 5 Stand electric woolshed and shearer’s quarters that can accommodate 12.
Its former school house is used for bunk accommodation.
"This offering would ideally suit an existing farmer or an ‘off farm’ investor,” Chris Meares suggests.
Woodlands is expected to sell for around $3 million with offers closing at 2pm 16th November, 2016 AEDT.
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Bungendore's Woodlands for online auction

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<div>A bit of early disclosure: I'll admit here straight away that I had a few gripes with the Grattan Institute during the recent election campaign when I felt they were twisting 'facts' to suit their arguments. For example:</div>
<a href="/images/2016/10/24/Grattan.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/24/Grattan.jpg" alt="">
 
<div>Over years of experience in housing markets, I've literally never heard of anyone paying a huge lump of stamp duty only to sell their investment property because the rents had become too high (before buying another loss-making investment property, and incurring yet more stamp duty). Would never happen in a month of Sundays.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Anyway, I generally don't bear grudges, so we can let bygones be just that! Let's move on from that to today's op-ed from Grattan, which recommended that other states follow the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) lead in phasing out stamp duties for a broad based property tax. 
</div>
<div>Land tax in the ACT</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In theory, phasing out stamp duty - a pro-cyclical levy which discourages labour force mobility (if, for some unknown reason, not landlord churn!) - in favour of higher recurrent property taxes is a sound economic principle.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Of course, one always fears that new and additional taxes raised will be frittered away on infrastructure white elephants, while those of us that have already paid their stamp duties are naturally inclined to be grouchy (in the same way that I'm bound to think that Chartered Accountants shouldn't have open book exams, because we didn't 'back in my day'). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Overall, I tend to agree with most of Grattan's points, with stamp duties being an inefficient if extraordinarily lucrative levy. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In fact, I wrote a piece myself for Property Observer back in 2013 which discussed precisely the potential benefits of introducing a progressive and recurrent property tax (i.e. not necessarily a straight land tax). </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/10/24/ACT4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/24/ACT4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div>
 Canberra housing
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>That said, five years in to the experiment, there was no analysis provided by Grattan of the impact of the tax reforms to date on the housing market in the nation's capital itself. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>As always, of course, it's impossible to isolate the impact of shifts in property taxes. We can't after all run a parallel universe wherein another version of Canberra sticks with the old regime as a control experiment (Lord knows, just the one Canberra existing in our own Universe is plenty!).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In any event, here's a quick look at what's been going down.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The ABS Residential Property Price Indexes to 30 June 2016 showed established house prices rising by +8.0 per cent, and a +6.0 per cent increase for all dwellings - rates of price growth which in a healthy market should be resulting in a strong supply response. Anecdotal evidence suggests that house prices have been going a bit silly in parts of Canberra, though I do worry about the outlook for the new apartment market in the city.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Investor loans have understandably declined due to the inevitable uncertainty of change. This may in part be due to tighter lending restrictions introduced by APRA in 2015, and in any case many would argue that lower investor loan activity is on balance a good thing.  </div>
<a href="/images/2016/10/24/ACT1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/24/ACT1.jpg" alt="">
 Less thrillingly, detached house approvals have tanked.
<a href="/images/2016/10/24/ACT1-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/24/ACT1-1.jpg" alt="">
<div>The trend in monthly new house commencements has basically crashed in the ACT, down by more than 50 per cent since the beginning of 2011. Attached dwelling commencements, on the other hand, have held up much better, perhaps reflective of record low interest rates, a structural shift towards attached dwellings, as well as strong pre-sales to offshore investors. Long lead times Whatever the causes, with the long lead times for apartments there are presently more than 5,000 dwellings under construction in the ACT, of which only 600 or so are detached houses. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>As a result of the above dynamics, vacancy rates in the capital have nosedived from 2.5 per cent in 2014 to just 1.1 per cent, even though population growth in the entire territory is tracking at just 5,000 per annum.</div>
<a href="/images/2016/10/24/VR.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/24/VR.jpg" alt="">
 
<div>According to SQM Research, after a lag asking rents have soared lately, up by +12.3 per cent over the past year for houses, while even apartment asking rents have ripped +9.3 per cent higher. And this through a period when nationally rental growth is tracking at two decade lows.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Granted this vast increase in asking rents is yet to be reflected in the ABS consumer price indexes, which lag significantly. The figures for Q3 2016 will be released next week. But in any case, when the 5,000 dwellings under construction eventually hit the market, rents for apartments at least should eventually return to flat or falling in real terms. <div class="separator"><a href="/images/2016/10/24/Z1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/24/Z1.jpg" alt=""></div>
</div>
The wrap
<div>No strong conclusion either way here. As noted, we can't readily know the counter-factual, while some of the prevailing housing market dynamics in Canberra may be related to restricted land release, in particular the lack of responsive detached housing supply. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>On taxes, my view is that homeowners shouldn't have to pay twice, and that will no doubt be the view of most other homeowners too. Therefore in the real world the most populous states would find it extremely difficult to phase in such a tax with the required long exemption period for existing homeowners, due to the initial revenue shortfall (look at the unprecedented stamp duty windfalls being delivered in New South Wales, for example).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I'd also be very wary of declaring the ACT experiment an unqualified success while even in a low density market such as Canberra with moderate population growth asking rents for houses are rising at more than twelve times the rate of inflation!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Nevertheless, it looks to me as though the rental market will probably correct itself in time with a flood of new apartment stock in the supply pipeline.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
</div>
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Asking rents soaring in Canberra, but why? Pete Wargent

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An office building at Braddon, ACT is currently up for sale, just seven years after selling at $44 million.
The A-grade property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-act-braddon-502120266" target="_blank">82 Northbourne Avenue</a> has striking architecture on the CBD fringe of Canberra.
The seven storey building is the latest to hit the market on Northbourne Avenue.
The highly visible structure is expected to sell for about $60 million.
<img src="/images/2016/10/03/82%20Northbourne%20Avenue.jpg" alt="">
The building was designed by architects BVN and occupied by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
The land is 2090 square metres with a floor area of 7,001 square metres, plus it includes basement parking.
The building is offered through joint agencies Colliers International agents Tim Mutton and Paul Powderly and Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Canberra agents Nick Cotis and Frank Morella.
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Braddon office building tipped for $60m plus sale 

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This year has been a strong period for the ACT property market with most Canberra suburbs recording a median price growth, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that active sections of the market include standard housing at the entry level price points in some Canberra fringe and outer suburban locations.
Generally purchasers are looking for large blocks within established suburbs that provide access to good education and employment services.
Entry level price point for this style of housing ranges between $450,000 and $550,000. Most homes within this section of the market provide three and four bedroom accommodation, generally built circa 1975 and in many cases are ready for some renovation and upgrading. An example would be a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-queanbeyan-122913366" target="_blank">34 Brereton Street</a> (pictured above) that is for sale for $549,000.
Inner suburban locations in Canberra’s north and south set a higher price point at generally $1 million plus. This section of the market is also relatively buoyant with families looking to move up the property ladder with their second or third purchases.
Again block size, location and proximity to schools and other services are the main drivers. This section of the market ranges from $1 million to around $2.5 million. Market activity for property in the $3 million plus price point is slower, although transactions have still been recorded at the higher levels throughout 2016.
Herron Todd White noted that property prices in medium density areas is impacted by strong supplies.
"Price points in the medium density market range from $250,000 to $300,00 for a one bedroom unit recently constructed in a fringe Town Centre location, to $400,000 to $500,000 for a centrally located unit in Canberra’s inner north or inner south," said the report. "Both investors and owner occupiers are active, however strong supply within the medium density market has had an impact on activity."
With similar results expected for next year, this year’s hottest suburbs include entry level areas on the fringe of the ACT right through to prestige suburbs in Canberra’s inner south.
Domain senior economist Andrew Wilson says that pinpointing the strongest suburbs is trickier in Canberra than it is in other cities.
The nation’s capital is home to a compressed market, with a higher entry point in affordable suburbs and a lower entry point in prestige suburbs, when compared to Sydney and Melbourne, Dr Wilson says.
“When the market rises, it rises as a whole. Most suburbs will record price growth in 2016.”
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Property market in Canberra strong with suburbs recording median price growth: HTW

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Following their recent $1.5 million purchase of a Queenslander in Brisbane's Bardon, Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore and wife Courtney have listed their Canberra home.
Canberra had been home for the Moore family for more than seven years whilst Stephen represented the Brumbies. Moore has returned the Queensland Reds where he started his career.
They bought the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-yarralumla-123745438" target="_blank">Yarralumla home</a> for $1.65 million in 2014.
Peter Blackshaw Real Estate are marketing the four-bedroom, two-bathroom home on a 1960 square metres of land.
Agent Rowan Glanville puts it to auction on October 29.
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.
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Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore lists Canberra home

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The longtime Hohnen family residence at Forrest in Canberra was the capital's top auction result last month when sold for $2.1 million.
It was an early 1950s house built for the late Ross Hohnen, a pioneer ANU administrator from the late 1940s and first Canberran of the Year. 
He'd founded the Industrial Design Council of Australia in 1957.
The classic red brick, heritage home sits back on its 2614 sq m Empire Circuit corner block with two entrances. It sold through Peter Blackshaw Real Estate Manuka agent Mario Sanfrancesco.
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.
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Longtime Hohnen family residence at Forrest in Canberra sold

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Over the three months to June 2016, 2.9% of Canberra houses and 21.7% of units re-sold at a loss, according to the latest CoreLogic Pain and Gain report. 
The report compares the most recent sale price to the previous sale price in order to determine whether the property sold at a gross profit or gross loss.
<a href="/images/2016/09/28/pain%20and%20gain%20canberra.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/28/pain%20and%20gain%20canberra.jpg" alt="">
The proportion of house resales at a loss increased over the quarter while the proportion of unit resales at a loss fell slightly.
<a href="/images/2016/09/28/canberra%20pain%20and%20gain%20chart.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/28/canberra%20pain%20and%20gain%20chart.jpg" alt="">
Get the full report <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news/file-download?id=56fe4d38-98f3-4f82-b763-e91283945def">here</a>
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