Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

Coronavirus

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Australian estate agents will set out this week to ascertain if they can continue to transact their property sale listings and leasing managements given the social distancing shutdown regulations.
In the absence of any official industry edict as at Monday morning, some estate agents will seek to adapt how they can continue to transact their property listings and managements.
Many agents are hoping it is business as usual.
On Sunday both the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrew announced they will enforce a comprehensive shutdown of “non-essential services.”
But neither Premier indicated that the real estate industry was restricted from trading.
The later official advisory on stage one of the measures from the Federal Government advised the following facilities will be restricted from opening from midday 23 March 2020:
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<li>Pubs, registered and licenced clubs (excluding bottle shops attached to these venues), hotels (excluding accommodation)</li>
<li>Gyms and indoor sporting venues </li>
<li>Cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs</li>
<li>Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery</li>
<li>Religious gatherings, places of worship or funerals.</li>
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The Urban Taskforce CEO, Tom Forrest, has called on State and Commonwealth Governments to be clear with their messages.
“The announcement must be clear and targeted”, Mr Forrest said.
Mr Forrest said that the messaging to date has too often been clumsy and ambiguous.
“If there is to be a close-down of business in NSW, what does this mean for construction workers? What does it mean for those working out-doors or indoors? What does it mean for delivery drivers or manufacturers?
Mr Forrest called on the NSW Government to be clear about if businesses should continue to operate remotely or shut down altogether.
“Urban Taskforce members support measures to prevent the spread of COVID 19. But support for the property, construction and development industry is critical to the economy and the hundreds of thousands of jobs involved,” Mr Forrest said.
The real estate industry appears spared from the extreme of the first stage of the shutdown if it enforces social distancing that doesn't put the participants at risk.
One of the ways agents can adapt to these measures is using available technology.
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Whether open for inspections for multiple unknown parties can continue is highly questionable. 
Limiting auctions to registered bidders practising social distancing appears wise.
Requesting that visitors to open inspections come in small private groups and keep hands in their pockets while doing so are among measures being taken by some agents.
Last week some auction slated for inroom or indoor were moved outdoors to stay within the government's 100 person limit on indoor non-essential social gatherings
All non-essential indoor gatherings of less than 100 people must have no more than one person per 4sqm. 
"All Australians should expect their local businesses to be following this rule," the latest official update advises.
There are around 115,000 sale listings on the market, according to CoreLogic. SQM calculate 68,079 vacant residential properties.
 
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Real estate industry in testing social distancing shutdown amid coronavirus fears

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EXPERT OBSERVER
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The State and Commonwealth Governments need to be clear in their messages regarding any “closedown” of “non-essential services or businesses”. 
If any closedown is being contemplated, the announcement should not come through leaks. The announcement must be clear and targeted.
The messaging to date has too often been clumsy and ambiguous. 
It is no wonder thousands of people turned up at Bondi Beach on Friday or that thousands of people simply walked off an infected cruise liner last week. 
Bars in the CBD of Sydney near Martin Place and Phillip St were full as late as Friday afternoon. 
If there is to be a close-down of business in NSW, what does this mean for construction workers? What does it mean for those working out-doors or indoors? What does it mean for delivery drivers or manufacturers? What does it mean for those that produce the goods sold in supermarkets or who work in any part of the supply chain?
Does the “shut-down” apply to bars, restaurants, non-grocery retail, cafes, or is it wider? What are the implications for office staff, banks, cleaners, non-news TV and radio?
The NSW Government need to be clear about if businesses should continue to operate remotely or shut down altogether. 
Urban Taskforce members support measures to prevent the spread of COVID 19. But support for the property, construction and development industry is critical to the economy and the hundreds of thousands of jobs involved. 
This starts with clear messages for everyone. 
 Tom Forrest is the <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/about-us/urban-taskforce-staff/tom-forrest-2/" target="_blank">CEO of Urban Taskforce</a>.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

There needs to be clear messaging for all sectors if there is to be a "close down"

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Noosa real estate agency Reed &amp; Co. Estate Agents have released a wave of new online virtual home tours as part of their effort to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The tours are live and in 360 degrees for a full viewing experience.
Reed &amp; Co. owner and principal, Adrian Reed, said his company offers buyers the ability to freeze frame, zoom in, and ask questions to the agent in real-time at any time of the day, all from the comfort of their home.
Mr Reed predicts that some would feel the pull of Noosa, "as people start to really assess where they want their best days to be spent."
"We have been creating beautiful property films with the support from Luke Soanes Media for years. They play a critical role when you are selling prestige property. This is the next step to enable a virtual experience in the current environment," he said
"Given we have only started rolling out virtual inspections in the last 24 hours and we have booked 7 private virtual inspections, it is safe to say that there is an appetite from the market to find their dream home."
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While the housing market is set to experience a turbulent time over the next few months, Reed &amp; Co. expect this to have an excellent take-up by both buyers and sellers alike.
An example can be seen here in this <a href="https://youtu.be/xUS8bFACFQ4" target="_blank">introductory video produced by Luke Soanes</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Reed & Co. Estate Agents release virtual reality home tours to curb coronavirus

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Opteon has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, launching a zero-contact virtual property valuation solution for the Australian market.
Their solution is a new Virtual Valuation that uses a combination of visual verification aides and a guided interview.
The independent property advisory said that the Virtual Valuation comprises the same quality of data and accuracy as the onsite valuation that lenders are required to obtain to manage risk to their portfolios. 
Opteon’s CEO Chris Knight said, “Opteon wants to enable lenders to keep operating as normally as possible, and we know we can help them manage their risk profile with this solution."
"Lenders can be assured that this solution meets all regulatory requirements so that they can continue to approve mortgages with confidence.” 
“We’re proud that we’ve been able to bring a zero-contact valuation solution to the market so quickly, and that we’re able to fully support our customers and the broader property industry through this pandemic,” Knight concluded.
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Opteon launch zero-contact property valuation to combat COVID-19

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As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread around the globe <a href="https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/">with no signs of slowing down</a>, several countries have won praise from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for effectively containing the spread of the virus. Singapore and Hong Kong have some of the highest apartment-dwelling populations in the world: <a href="https://data.gov.sg/dataset/estimated-resident-population-living-in-hdb-flats?resource_id=a7d9516f-b193-4f9b-8bbf-9c85a4c9b61b">over 80% of Singaporeans</a> live in flats and <a href="https://www.thb.gov.hk/eng/psp/publications/housing/HIF2017.pdf">nearly 50% of Hong Kong citizens</a> live in apartments. Yet, they serve as shining examples of what apartment-dwelling residents can do to slow down the pandemic. 

The <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/2071.0~2016~Main%20Features~Apartment%20Living~20">Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports</a> that one in ten Australians live in apartments, and the number is likely to increase in the near future as more young people opt to rent apartments in major cities such as Melbourne and Sydney. This indicates that the density of urban areas will increase over the next few years. Under circumstances like this, a high-density space means a greater risk of being exposed to the Coronavirus, as people are in close contact with one another. Therefore, for residents living in apartments, it is more crucial than ever to protect yourself and to be considerate of others.

Social distancing and self-isolation are the key buzzwords under this social climate. For apartment-dwellers, keeping yourself safe during the COVID-19 outbreak is certainly doable:

<h2>APARTMENT LIVING</h2>

If you live alone in an apartment, stay at home. The <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/state-of-emergency-declared-in-victoria-over-covid-19/">state of emergency</a> declared by the Victorian government means that it is time to be socially responsible and do your part to <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-flatten-the-curve-of-coronavirus-a-mathematician-explains-133514">flatten the curve</a> and not overburden hospitals and healthcare professionals. Only go outdoors when necessary, for example, grocery shopping. Maintaining good personal hygiene is essential — wash your hands regularly for at least twenty seconds and clean your home as often as you can.

Take note of the safety measures that have been put in place within your apartment building. In the unlikely event of an apartment evacuation for the disinfecting of shared living spaces, ensure that you comply with the authorities’ protocol. During this time, it is best to avoid using public facilities in the apartment, such as the gymnasium or swimming pool.

<h2>SHAREHOUSES + FAMILY HOMES</h2>

If you live in a shared apartment, or if you are living with someone under quarantine, minimise personal contact during the quarantine period. It is encouraged for everyone to stay in their respective rooms. Avoid sharing bathrooms. If there is only one bathroom in the apartment, clean and/or disinfect the bathroom thoroughly after using. The same goes for the kitchen — make sure to clean kitchen utensils and appliances after cooking. Woolworths and Coles offer doorstep delivery service to those under quarantine, so it is advised to make use of those services. Food delivery companies including <a href="https://www.uber.com/au/en/coronavirus/">UberEats</a> and <a href="https://www.menulog.com.au/help/article/900000288863/what-is-menulog-s-response-to-coronavirus">Menulog</a> are implementing ‘contactless delivery’ to comply with current public health guidelines, hence ordering delivered meals is also another alternative to consider.

<h2>WORKING OR STUDYING FROM HOME</h2>

For those working or studying from home, creating a healthy and conducive environment is important for productivity. As tasks are being shifted online, staring at computer screens for hours strains your eyesight. Make sure that the work or study room has good natural lighting, and make sure to rest your eyes every twenty minutes or so. Get up from your work or study table and do some light exercises around the house.

Mental health is just as important during times like this — an overflow of information in the digital age and having to live in an isolated space for an extended period of time certainly takes a toll on one’s mental health. It is anxiety-inducing. The WHO has <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1059542">published an article</a> on managing your mental wellbeing during the outbreak. Those staying at home should try to stick to their regular routine: eating healthy food, ensuring you get enough sleep and exercising regularly to ease feelings of anxiousness and agitation. Only obtain updates on COVID-19 from reputable sources, such as the WHO and the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/story-streams/coronavirus/">Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC)</a>, as seeking information from uncredited sources only stirs up unnecessary panic.

We are living in an unprecedented time of uncertainty, and the only way to combat it is that everyone works together and plays their part. As urban apartment-dwellers, living in a space more populated than suburban areas means more protective measures to take, especially when it comes to social distancing. However, as long as everybody cooperates and looks after one another, the situation can be overcome. Lastly, stay calm and wash your hands.
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COVID-19: How apartment-dwellers can keep themselves safe during self-isolation

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As more Australians are venturing into self-isolation and social distancing during this tough time as a <a href="/expert-insights/buying/how-will-the-coronavirus-impact-australia-s-property-market">result of COVID-19</a>, Apartments.com.au has noticed a 52% increase in visits to its <a href="/developments">off-the-plan property listings</a> over the past week.

With fewer people leaving their homes, seeing billboards and visiting display suites, we expect to see more of the buying journey for off-the-plan property occur online.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-03-19_at_5.05.23_pm.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Week on week comparison of project listing views. Source: Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-03-19_at_5.05.23_pm.png?itok=F5_tfiq1" title="Week on week comparison of project listing views. Source: Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Week on week comparison of project listing views. Source: Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure>Anecdotal feedback from agents within the industry suggests that walk-in traffic into display suites has reduced considerably, however, buyers who are still taking tours of display suites, are doing so safely and responsibly, and are more likely to be serious buyers. Consequently, a steady number of sales and reservations are still being made.  

The effects of social distancing are likely to impact traditional out of home advertising (billboards, display suite signage), creating greater importance for the industry to adapt and transition their focus to enabling their online property buying journey.

Earlier this week Ooh!media (one of the country’s largest out of home advertising companies) <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/oohmedia-abandons-earnings-guidance/news-story/5c8ce770f66c88359f0a3e9ceb206116">abandoned their earnings guidance</a> as a result of the decline in campaign spending, and ability to generate customers for their clients. Ooh!media released a statement explaining why the company has withdrawn its 2020 earnings guidance, “for the time being”.

<blockquote>
“The deteriorating macroeconomic conditions and resultant market uncertainty caused by COVID-19 has made forecasting full-year revenue in the current environment difficult," 
</blockquote>

Ad News Australia <a href="https://www.adnews.com.au/news/analysis-outdoor-advertising-trampled-in-the-coronavirus-rush-indoors">weighed in on the issue</a> commenting that media streaming services are likely to experience an increase in traffic. 

<blockquote>
“Much of the call to action billboard advertising, such as attending an event or going to a sale, is fast becoming redundant as consumers stay at home with streaming media services running hot.”
</blockquote>

Apartments.com.au is seeing parallels in the off-the-plan market, with the average number of listings visited by users more than doubling this week. In addition to this, our <a href="/news/urban-s-tour-of-the-escala-newquay-display-suite">display suite walkthrough videos</a> have shown a 208% click-through rate increase over the past weekend alone. 

At Urban, we’re endeavouring to give prospective buyers as much of the information and assistance they need to be able to continue with their property search without leaving their home. This initiative is supported by the likes of video display suite tours, supplying buyers with plenty of information for their due diligence research, and facilitating engagement between the buyer and developer to ensure there is an excellent level of communication maintained between both parties, despite the current circumstances. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-03-19_at_5.05.02_pm.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Project listing visits by unique user. Source: Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-03-19_at_5.05.02_pm.png?itok=uusmfaU0" title="Project listing visits by unique user. Source: Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Project listing visits by unique user. Source: Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
“We’ve seen the average projects visited per Urban user more than double in the space of a week, this is a major shift in browsing activity.

Our view is that there is a significant first-mover opportunity available to developers that can enable consumers to move further through the decision making process online. They can capture this opportunity through display suite videos, making floor plans more readily available online and delivering a quick phone-based response to new sales enquiries.

As with any time of change, there is opportunity.”
</blockquote>

Mike Bird, CEO @ Apartments.com.au

As the property industry strives forward with resilience, we can reinstill positivity that there will be economic recovery on the horizon once the situation is under control. 
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Olivia Round

Report: COVID-19 changes off-the-plan property buying behaviour

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GUEST OBSERVATION
 
The precautions taken by some employers over the coronavirus mean you may find yourself working from home, some for the first time.
For example, Telstra <a href="https://exchange.telstra.com.au/coronavirus-precautions/">says</a> it wants any Australian-based office staff who can work from home to do so until the end of the month “at a minimum”. Many <a href="https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/twitter-indeed-foxtel-media-tell-staff-to-work-from-home-201423352">other employers</a> are encouraging their staff to do the same.
You might feel this is a chance to stay in pyjamas all day, graze your way through the kitchen cupboards, and balance work tasks with online shopping and social media entries.
But that won’t help the work get done, and it won’t do much for your sense of well-being. So here are some useful strategies to help if you want to be productive and still feel connected to your workplace over what might be a long working-from-home period.
Work as normal
First prepare yourself for a normal working day. Get up as normal, shower, dress for a casual work day, brush your hair, look as normally presentable as you usually do.
This will put you in your normal work mindset. It will also help if you’re suddenly included in a work meeting via <a href="https://www.skype.com/">Skype</a>, <a href="https://zoom.us/">Zoom</a>, <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT204380">Facetime</a> or Google <a href="https://hangouts.google.com/">Hangouts</a>.
Next the physical environment. If you can, have a dedicated work space in a quiet room. It’s really preferable not to work in bed or in your bedroom.
 
Set up some desk space similar to your office space at work, aiming to replicate your real work space will also help you achieve that work mindset. Plus you want a neutral background behind you for that work video call.
Use software and apps to help you stay connected, such as <a href="https://slack.com">Slack</a>, <a href="https://www.cisco.com/c/en_au/products/unified-communications/jabber/index">Jabber</a> or other similar tools.
Your household data usage will likely increase as you become home-bound. Boost your Wi-fi facilities if you need to – refer to the support offered by your telecom company or internet provider. Some are already <a href="https://www.whistleout.com.au/Broadband/Guides/every-telco-COVID-19-coronavirus-assistance-package">offering free upgrades</a> to customers.
Have a plan
Book in daily work meetings via video hook-ups to stay connected and plan work tasks (now you’ll be glad you got out of your PJs!).
You’ll likely still have as much work to do, so plan for a full work day and prioritise your tasks as usual. Make sure you know what is expected of you. Discuss your work tasks with your supervisor as you normally would, it’s important both you and they are clear about your daily work tasks and due dates.
If part of a team, then make sure you know what each member is working on and when their work is due, and follow this up by calls and emails. As always, tell your supervisor of any problems you experience with completing your work.
And remember it’s preferable to discuss any problems via a phone or video call, rather than multiple emails, to better clarify the issues involved.
It’s also important to look after your psychological health, during what could become long periods of isolation. Your may feel a bit overwhelmed by the directive to work from home, and also anxious about the broader coronavirus situation.
Social contact is very important. If you’re used to having lunch or coffee with colleagues, plan a quick social phone or video call to each other at lunchtime or after you have finished a few hours of work. It’s really important to stay connected with your colleagues as usual and to make sure all feel supported.
Get some fresh air. If you can, have a daily walk to your local shop, or at least get outside in your garden or balcony. Hang out some washing, walk the dog, water a plant, pick some fresh veggies, just take a break from your desk and move around.
Call family, friends and colleagues to see how they’re doing. Stay socially connected.
That work/life balance
It’s also important to think through your work-home boundaries. We’ve become used to blurring these boundaries a little, which is often beneficial, helping us to manage our multiple demands.
But when your home and work are located in the same place, the boundary setting needs some consideration.
Be aware of home demands interfering with your work. Don’t procrastinate work tasks by first doing some housework. Set yourself a target to complete a work task and when you’ve finished it then spend ten minutes doing the tidying.
Equally, don’t let work take over your home life - just because work is always there doesn’t mean you have to be. Finish about the time you normally would.
Walk away from your desk. Engage with your family and friends. A period of psychological recovery from work is vital to make sure you feel rested and productive for working from home tomorrow.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/133775/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paula-brough-6145">Paula Brough</a>, Professor and Director, Social &amp; Organisational Psychology Research Unit, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/get-dressed-and-set-goals-some-routines-not-to-break-if-coronavirus-means-you-have-to-work-from-home-133775">original article</a>.
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Advice for working from home with the Coronavirus outbreak

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The RBA's emergency March meeting saw the official cash rate dropped to deal with the ongoing economic threat of COVID-19.
The governor Philp Lowe published a monetary policy announcement, today, after it meet on Wednesday.
The coronavirus is first and foremost a public health issue, but it is also having a very major impact on the economy and the financial system. As the virus has spread, countries have restricted the movement of people across borders and have implemented social distancing measures, including restricting movements within countries and within cities. The result has been major disruptions to economic activity across the world. This is likely to remain the case for some time yet as efforts continue to contain the virus.
Financial market volatility has been very high. Equity prices have experienced large declines. Government bond yields have declined to historic lows. However, the functioning of major government bond markets has been impaired, which has disrupted other markets given their important role as a financial benchmark. Funding markets are open to only the highest quality borrowers.
The primary response to the virus is to manage the health of the population, but other arms of policy, including monetary and fiscal policy, play an important role in reducing the economic and financial disruption resulting from the virus.
At some point, the virus will be contained and the Australian economy will recover. In the interim, a priority for the Reserve Bank is to support jobs, incomes and businesses, so that when the health crisis recedes, the country is well placed to recover strongly.
At a meeting yesterday, the Reserve Bank Board agreed to the following comprehensive package to support the Australian economy through this challenging period:
<ol>
<li>
A reduction in the cash rate target to 0.25 per cent.
The Board will not increase the cash rate target until progress is being made towards full employment and it is confident that inflation will be sustainably within the 2–3 per cent target band.
</li>
<li>
A target for the yield on 3-year Australian Government bonds of around 0.25 per cent.
This will be achieved through purchases of Government bonds in the secondary market. Purchases of Government bonds and semi-government securities across the yield curve will be conducted to help achieve this target as well as to address market dislocations. These purchases will commence tomorrow. The Bank will work closely with the Australian Office of Financial Management (AOFM) and state government borrowing authorities to ensure the efficacy of its actions. Further details about the implementation of this are provided in the accompanying notice.
</li>
<li>
A term funding facility for the banking system, with particular support for credit to small and medium-sized businesses.
The Reserve Bank will provide a three-year funding facility to authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) at a fixed rate of 0.25 per cent. ADIs will be able to obtain initial funding of up to 3 per cent of their existing outstanding credit. They will have access to additional funding if they increase lending to business, especially to small and medium-sized businesses. This facility is for at least $90 billion. Further details are available in the accompanying notice.
The Australian Government has also developed a complementary program of support for the non-bank financial sector, small lenders and the securitisation market, which will be implemented by the AOFM.
</li>
<li>
Exchange settlement balances at the Reserve Bank will be remunerated at 10 basis points, rather than zero as would have been the case under the previous arrangements.
This will mitigate the cost to the banking system associated with the large increase in banks' settlement balances at the Reserve Bank that will occur following these policy actions.
</li>
</ol>
The Reserve Bank will also continue to provide liquidity to Australian financial markets by conducting one-month and three-month repo operations in its daily market operations until further notice. In addition, the Bank will conduct longer-term repo operations of six-month maturity or longer at least weekly, as long as market conditions warrant.
The various elements of this package reinforce one another and will help to lower funding costs across the economy and support the provision of credit, especially to small and medium-sized businesses.
Australia's financial system is resilient and well placed to deal with the effects of the coronavirus. The banking system is well capitalised and is in a strong liquidity position. Substantial financial buffers are available to be drawn down if required to support the economy. The Reserve Bank is working closely with the other financial regulators and the Australian Government to help ensure that Australia's financial markets continue to operate effectively and that credit is available to households and businesses.
Today's policy package from the Reserve Bank complements the welcome fiscal response from governments in Australia. Together, these measures will support jobs, incomes and businesses through this difficult period and they will also assist the Australian economy in the recovery.
There will be a press conference with further details at 4.00pm AEDT today.
 
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RBA cuts again in March: governor Philip Lowe's emergency March meeting statement

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The RBA have officially cut the cash rate to a record low 0.25 per cent at its emergency March meeting amid the economic downturn, as COVID-19 continues to dominate financial markets. 
It's the lowest the interest rate is set to given, as the RBA has already said 0.25 per cent is its lower bound.
The board met on Wednesday with the announcement made this afternoon.
"The RBA will not increase the cash rate target until progress is being made towards full employment and it is confident that inflation will be sustainably within the 2–3 per cent target band RBA Governor Philip Lowe said.
They want to hit 4.5 per cent unemployment rate. Today's ABS figures were at 5.1 per cent, although Westpac's Bill Evans says the unemployment rate could rise to seven per cent.
The Reserve Bank will provide a three-year funding facility to authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) at a fixed rate of 0.25 per cent. 
They will have access to additional funding if they increase lending to business, especially to small and medium-sized businesses. 
This facility is for at least $90 billion.
Lowe opened with the coronavirus implications.
"The coronavirus is first and foremost a public health issue, but it is also having a very major impact on the economy and the financial system" Lowe said.
"As the virus has spread, countries have restricted the movement of people across borders and have implemented social distancing measures, including restricting movements within countries and within cities", Lowe added.
"The result has been major disruptions to economic activity across the world. This is likely to remain the case for some time yet as efforts continue to contain the virus."
They Reserve Bank also have said they will also continue to provide liquidity to Australian financial markets by conducting one-month and three-month repo operations in its daily market operations until further notice.
The RBA closely watch the US Federal Reserve, who cut their rates out-of-cycle earlier this month, cut again on Sunday night, slashing 100 basis points to a near zero cash rate.
In 2009 following the GFC, Labor's second stimulus package was around four per cent of GDP, which saved a recession.
In today's economy, that's around $80 billion.
 
 
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RBA cut rates to 0.25 at emergency March meeting

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EXPERT OBSERVER
More carnage overnight with US stocks down another -10 per cent again in early trade to smash into the circuit breakers, with the Dow Jones shedding -36 per cent in less than a month, before a late rally.
<div id="post-body-2582528096951691734" class="post-body entry-content">
The oil price (WTI) was down at nearly $20 at one stage, before a bouncing to $22, nestling in at the lowest level since the early 2000s...so there are some value plays emerging there.
But overall, cash is king at the moment while stock market valuations continue to mean revert.
This risks sounding like a broken record, but it bears repeating that overall US stocks are still far too expensive given the outlook, and could yet fall another -30 per cent even from here (if things got really bad they could go much lower).
 
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lq18M1eZhts/XnKhiiXFqbI/AAAAAAAA0vY/zUHAiE2ggegAqwyOYEAT9qR84VyY8a3tQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/CAPE.jpg" width="640" height="308" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="1090"></div>
 <div>Source: Shiller PE</div>
 Don't forget that previously healthy earnings are about to be decimated, with JPM forecasting US GDP to shrink by 4 per cent in Q1 and 14 per cent in Q2. I can't watch another fund manager video demanding that you stay fully invested with them. It's time to step away from the noise and remember the <a href="https://lowrateshighreturns.com/2020/03/16/applying-the-8-timeless-principles-in-a-bear-market/" target="_blank">8 timeless principles</a>! The <a href="https://lowrateshighreturns.com/2020/01/04/maximising-your-long-term-wealth-with-the-kelly-criterion/" target="_blank">Kelly criterion</a> demands that you keep cash aside and live to fight another day - especially when markets are as overvalued as they have been - as better opportunities will always come around in the future. Remember Rule #1: don't lose money. The Aussie market stock index may catch a bid after a European stimulus announcement this morning. This is Lagarde's own 'whatever it takes' moment, but the ECB promising no limits to its commitment to the Euro, and another massive asset purchase programme. Still on the balance of probabilities the Aussie index increasingly looks likely to hit late 2009 levels this week in the 4,800s range this month. This is a swift and brutal lesson in the importance of <a href="https://lowrateshighreturns.com/2019/12/29/the-magic-of-rebalancing/" target="_blank">rebalancing</a> and keeping cash aside for future opportunities arising, with a decade of price gains erased in about 20 trades. Buy and hold at all times has been mistaken at times as a panacea or even a religion, but it's not; you need and do whatever it takes to keep yourself around to capitalise on the opportunities. 'Whatever it takes' moment
 
A historic An historic A momentous day ahead for Australian financial markets.
The Reserve Bank is set to make a landmark announcement at 2.30pm Sydney time, with Governor Lowe lined up to speak thereafter at 4pm.
Lowe will likely discuss an emergency cut in the official cash rate to 0.25 per cent, central bank purchases of government bonds, the ongoing conducting of repo operations, and other measures to ensure that credit continues to flow to households and businesses. 
Global cases of the coronavirus continue to increase at this stage, suggesting that a serious disruption to the global economy lies squarely ahead, although known cases in Australia remain relatively low at this stage. 
 
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PpQcwNO9df0/XnKlqpCKgHI/AAAAAAAA0vg/zHXvgYR03PYK6i4HO-HDdOhrRudmyWKYACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/CV.jpg" width="640" height="388" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="828">
Daily new cases hit fresh highs yesterday (the February 12 spike was a data collation or measurement issue).
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QesSeFEsy4A/XnKs4AK_b6I/AAAAAAAA0vo/i5BTQupD2EEaQuoc-z-AD4xeoeGEq6pVACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/Cases.jpg" width="640" height="342" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="897"></div>
 The biggest surge in cases lately has been in Italy, with 35,713 cases and 2,978 deaths recorded to date. Recession ahead Major bank economists see the Aussie unemployment rate rising to 7 to 8 per cent (not that you can really forecast in the present environment), while the government's initial stimulus package probably isn't enough to save the economy from printing negative growth for both the first and the second quarter of the year.  
This would lock in Australia's first recession in three decades. 
Recent years been characterised by the Reserve Bank 'leaning against' asset prices and continually undershooting the inflation target, with persistently slow growth in wages and living standards.
Nobody could've predicted the great trifecta of drought, bushfires, and a global pandemic, of course, but the economy was already running well below potential before these shocks. 
At this stage all we have is mostly anecdotes about the likely state of the economy, but so many of them reflect sharp drops in revenue, income, commissions, and profits, that this is no time for half measures.
Markets will be looking for a 'whatever it takes' pledge and from Lowe, and the use of unlimited monetary ammunition until things stabilise. Anything less than that will be brushed aside in the savage market conditions. From the government's perspective infrastructure programs and tax cuts aren't going to cut it. What's needed is putting cash into the hands of households and small businesses today...to prevent the R from becoming a D. They'll write books about all this next year; it's been a momentous month. 
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.
</div>
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