<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

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.

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

<main data-perf-region="main">
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]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

Data

<html><body>
The Top Sellers’ Markets from realestate.com.au has seen Parkside, South Australia take out top billing.
<a href="/news">Parkside</a> also received the top honour in August 2013, while it came in second in May this year.
However, New South Wales was also highly represented on the total list, with two Victorian suburbs scraping a mention, and another South Australian area in third place.
The data compares the number of people looking per listing, to come up with the top sellers’ markets.
The August 2014 top 10 list:
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Parkside</a>, SA 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Cherrybrook</a>, NSW 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Norwood</a>, SA 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Winston Hills</a>, NSW 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">East Melbourne</a>, VIC 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Engadine</a>, NSW 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">South Penrith</a>, NSW 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Bella Vista</a>, NSW 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Drummoyne</a>, NSW 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Surrey Hills</a>, VIC</li>
</ol>
May 2014 (previous quarter) saw the following take out the top spots:
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Albert Park</a>, VIC 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Parkside</a>, SA 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Freshwater</a>, NSW 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Belair</a>, SA 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Blackburn North</a>, VIC 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Kirrawee</a>, NSW 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Cherrybrook</a>, NSW 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Norwood</a>, SA 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Balgowlah</a>, NSW 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Holland Park</a>, QLD</li>
</ol>
August 2013 (one year prior)
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Parkside</a>, SA 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Freshwater</a>, NSW 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Belair</a>, SA 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Newmarket</a>, QLD 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Surrey Hills</a>, VIC 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Ashwood</a>, VIC 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Blackburn South</a>, VIC 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Fitzroy North</a>, VIC 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Stanmore</a>, NSW 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Fullarton</a>, SA</li>
</ol>
Comparing the quarters, South Australia have moved up as Victoria has fallen a little out of favour. Queensland has completely dropped off the top 10.
Parkside has been in the top spot for six times over the past 10 quarters, while South Australia’s Malvern has also been first in two consecutive quarters.
General manager of sales and operations at realestate.com.au Arthur Charlaftis said increased buyer interest is the metric behind the result.
“Top Sellers’ Markets data is derived from the supply and demand in each suburb and ranks the suburbs based on the ratio of buyer demand. A suburb that features in this list suggests that it could be a good time for property owners in these areas to consider selling as there are a high number of buyers searching for property in that area,” said Charlaftis.
</body></html>

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

South Australia’s Parkside takes out top spot, but who else made the cut? Top 10 sellers’ markets

<html><body>
Melburnians are twice as likely as the rest of the country to have a holiday home, the latest data from Roy Morgan Research shows.
It found 1 in 20 Melbourne residents (5.0%) have a holiday home.
The rest of Australia the overall holiday home-ownership rate is just 1 in 40. 
Some 2.8% of people in Sydney or Brisbane have a holiday home, ahead of 2.7% in Adelaide and 2.4% in Perth.
Only around 1 in 50 non-capital city residents have a holiday home.
Nationally around 560,000 Australians report having a holiday home.
Angela Smith, group account director consumer products, Roy Morgan Research, says aside from Melbourne, residents of Canberra and Hobart are also more likely than average to have a holiday home.
% of Australians with a Holiday Home by Mainland State Capital City
<img src="https://www.roymorgan.com/~/media/Files/Morgan%20Poll/2014/October/5847%20Custom.png" alt="" width="700" height="456">
 
 
Source: Roy Morgan Single Source, July 2013–June 2014, sample = 16,809 Australians 14+
 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Melburnians love their holiday homes

<html><body>
There are now 191 suburbs across New South Wales with a median house price of $1,000,000 or more.
Here's the list of suburbs, and their respective median prices (from RP Data), so you can see whether your suburb slipped onto the list.
ABBOTSFORD
$1,290,000
ALEXANDRIA
$1,007,000
ALLAMBIE HEIGHTS
$1,050,000
ANNANDALE
$1,152,000
ARTARMON
$1,562,000
ASHBURY
$1,008,000
AVALON
$1,231,000
BALGOWLAH
$1,377,000
BALGOWLAH HEIGHTS
$1,815,000
BALMAIN
$1,337,000
BALMAIN EAST
$2,075,000
BAR BEACH
$1,231,000
BAYVIEW
$1,240,000
BEACON HILL
$1,011,000
BEECROFT
$1,242,000
BELLA VISTA
$1,150,000
BELLEVUE HILL
$3,395,000
BELROSE
$1,060,000
BILGOLA
$1,075,000
BIRCHGROVE
$1,700,000
BLAKEHURST
$1,155,000
BONDI
$1,713,000
BONDI BEACH
$1,950,000
BONDI JUNCTION
$1,369,000
BOX HILL
$1,975,000
BREAKFAST POINT
$1,550,000
BRIGHTON-LE-SAND
$1,053,000
BRINGELLY
$1,050,000
BRONTE
$2,263,000
BURRANEER
$1,525,000
BURWOOD
$1,380,000
BURWOOD HEIGHTS
$1,106,000
See over page for suburbs beginning with C and D.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
CABARITA
$1,685,000
CAMMERAY
$1,500,000
CANADA BAY
$1,220,000
CARINGBAH SOUTH
$1,088,000
CARSS PARK
$1,240,000
CASTLECRAG
$1,730,000
CHATSWOOD
$1,550,000
CHATSWOOD WEST
$1,266,000
CHELTENHAM
$1,331,000
CHIFLEY
$1,110,000
CHISWICK
$1,680,000
CHURCH POINT
$1,345,000
CLONTARF
$2,250,000
CLOVELLY
$2,000,000
COLLAROY
$1,470,000
COLLAROY PLATEAU
$1,195,000
CONCORD
$1,300,000
CONCORD WEST
$1,230,000
CONNELLS POINT
$1,095,000
COOGEE
$1,725,000
CREMORNE
$1,550,000
CRONULLA
$1,245,000
CROWS NEST
$1,175,000
CROYDON
$1,208,000
CURL CURL
$1,710,000
DARLING POINT
$5,775,000
DARLINGHURST
$1,230,000
DAVIDSON
$1,089,000
DENISTONE
$1,100,000
DENISTONE WEST
$1,055,000
DOLANS BAY
$1,250,000
DOUBLE BAY
$2,500,000
DOVER HEIGHTS
$2,625,000
DRUMMOYNE
$1,339,000
DULWICH HILL
$1,028,000
Turn over page for suburbs beginning with E, F and G.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
EAST KILLARA
$1,740,000
EAST LINDFIELD
$1,738,000
EAST RYDE
$1,110,000
EASTGARDENS
$1,140,000
EASTLAKES
$1,075,000
EASTWOOD
$1,280,000
EDGECLIFF
$1,583,000
ELANORA HEIGHTS
$1,052,000
EPPING
$1,220,000
FAIRLIGHT
$1,320,000
FIVE DOCK
$1,067,000
FOREST LODGE
$1,128,000
FORESTVILLE
$1,060,000
FRENCHS FOREST
$1,020,000
FRESHWATER
$1,450,000
GLADESVILLE
$1,315,000
GLEBE
$1,135,000
GLENHAVEN
$1,023,000
GORDON
$1,575,000
GREENWICH
$1,800,000
Turn over page for suburbs beginning with H to L.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
HABERFIELD
$1,488,000
HOMEBUSH
$1,070,000
HUNTERS HILL
$1,800,000
HURLSTONE PARK
$1,005,000
HURSTVILLE
$1,100,000
HURSTVILLE GROVE
$1,055,000
KANGAROO POINT
$2,455,000
KENSINGTON
$1,700,000
KENTHURST
$1,333,000
KILLARA
$1,851,000
KILLARNEY HEIGHTS
$1,245,000
KINGSFORD
$1,360,000
KIRRIBILLI
$2,100,000
KOGARAH BAY
$1,213,000
KURRABA POINT
$3,113,000
KYEEMAGH
$1,045,000
LANE COVE
$1,323,000
LANE COVE NORTH
$1,250,000
LANE COVE WEST
$1,420,000
LEWISHAM
$1,023,000
LILLI PILLI SHIRE
$1,388,000
LILYFIELD
$1,131,000
LINDFIELD
$1,725,000
LITTLE BAY
$1,200,000
LONGUEVILLE
$2,638,000
Turn over page for suburbs beginning with M to O.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
MALABAR
$1,335,000
MANLY
$1,908,000
MANLY VALE
$1,115,000
MAROUBRA
$1,348,000
MCMAHONS POINT
$1,733,000
MELROSE PARK
$1,078,000
MIDDLE COVE
$1,200,000
MONA VALE
$1,160,000
MORTLAKE
$1,117,000
MOSMAN
$2,400,000
NAREMBURN
$1,400,000
NARRABEEN
$1,298,000
NEUTRAL BAY
$1,400,000
NEWPORT
$1,132,000
NORTH BALGOWLAH
$1,390,000
NORTH BONDI
$1,850,000
NORTH CURL CURL
$1,505,000
NORTH EPPING
$1,159,000
NORTH MANLY
$1,220,000
NORTH RYDE
$1,000,000
NORTH SYDNEY
$1,530,000
NORTH TURRAMURRA
$1,100,000
NORTH WAHROONGA
$1,200,000
NORTH WILLOUGHBY
$1,628,000
NORTHBRIDGE
$2,185,000
NORTHWOOD
$2,720,000
OATLEY
$1,050,000
Turn over page for suburbs beginning with P to S.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
PADDINGTON
$1,580,000
PAGEWOOD
$1,231,000
PALM BEACH
$2,518,000
PETERSHAM
$1,000,000
PORT HACKING
$1,450,000
PUTNEY
$1,320,000
PYMBLE
$1,580,000
PYRMONT
$1,180,000
QUEENS PARK
$1,790,000
RANDWICK
$1,590,000
REDFERN
$1,020,000
RHODES
$1,155,000
RIVERVIEW
$1,649,000
RODD POINT
$1,563,000
ROSE BAY
$2,152,000
ROSEVILLE CHASE
$1,723,000
ROZELLE
$1,090,000
RUSSELL LEA
$1,320,000
RYDE
$1,047,000
SANDRINGHAM
$1,411,000
SEAFORTH
$1,525,000
SOUTH COOGEE
$1,700,000
SOUTH TURRAMURRA
$1,033,000
ST IVES
$1,256,000
ST IVES CHASE
$1,261,000
STANMORE
$1,160,000
STRATHFIELD
$1,667,000
SUMMER HILL
$1,072,000
SURRY HILLS
$1,300,000
SYLVANIA WATERS
$1,200,000
Turn over page for suburbs beginning with T to Z.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
TAMARAMA
$2,300,000
TAPEN POINT
$1,180,000
TENNYSON POINT
$2,128,000
TERREY HILLS
$1,011,000
ULTIMO
$1,250,000
VAUCLUSE
$3,380,000
WAHROONGA
$1,200,000
WAITARA
$1,143,000
WAREEMBA
$1,081,000
WARRIEWOOD
$1,005,000
WATSONS BAY
$2,083,000
WAVERLEY
$1,629,000
WAVERTON
$1,562,000
WEST PENNANT HILLS
$1,070,000
WEST PYMBLE
$1,100,000
WILLOUGHBY
$1,425,000
WILLOUGHBY EAST
$1,730,000
WOLLSTONECRAFT
$1,256,000
WOOLLAHRA
$1,955,000
WOOLLOOMOOLOO
$1,040,000
YOWIE BAY
$1,955,000
ZETLAND
$1,095,000
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Did your suburb make the New South Wales $1 million plus list?

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Information overload: Your guide to defeating data paralysis

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The Australian Bureau of Statistics' finance statistics have seen strong results for 2014's first two months, particularly in comparison to the past five years. However, it may not mean that prices will continue to surge upwards. Loan Market director, Mark De Martino, said that 13% more home loans were approved in the first two months of this year, than 2013, and that the results saw the highest total for January and February since 2009.
<blockquote>
De Martino expected March and April may be in the running to set new records.
</blockquote>
“The data released today by the ABS confirms that 2014 is off to a great start - home owners and buyers are returning to the market and they’re building momentum,” he said. He also said that he expected March and April may be in the running to set new records. “In the shortest month of the year there were only 227 fewer home loan approvals than the best month in 2013. Considering this, we should expect to see demand for finance growing and reaching new highs throughout 2014,” he said.   Meanwhile, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) were pointing to new home lending as showing encouraging signs. HIA economist, Diwa Hopkins, said that owner occupier loans for the construction of new dwellings increased in Feburary by 0.8%, with the three months to February seeing a 7.2% uptick. “This strong growth in housing finance is consistent with other leading indicators of the residential construction sector, including dwelling approvals and new home sales,” added Hopkins. She also pointed to a strong uptick in the value of lending to investors for the purpose of constructing new dwellings for rent or resale. "In the three months to February 2014, the value of this form of finance increased by 13.2%,” she said. Commbank's Craig James also pointed to the value of loans to fund the construction of homes, which soared by 22.3% to a record $2.75 billion in February, however he also noted that consumer confidence is a mixed bag - rising in Western Australia and New South Wales, but falling in all other states. "Anyone concerned about rising home prices need only look at the latest lending data for home construction. In February, loans to the tune of $2.75 billion were committed to fund home construction with the main driver being investors. In short, the supply of homes is set to rise to meet strong housing demand and as a consequence the growth of home prices will soften," said James.
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Home loan 'new construction' strength may point to future price drops

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Housing finance data for February 2014 was released yesterday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
The data showed that over the month there were 52,460 owner occupier housing finance commitments.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3092" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Chart-1.jpg" alt="Chart 1" width="500" height="179">
The number of owner occupier housing finance commitments was at its highest level since October 2009 over the month.  Owner occupier housing finance commitments increased by 2.3% over the month and 13.8% year-on-year.  Owner occupier housing finance commitments are split into refinance commitments and non-refinance commitments. 
Refinance commitments have increased by 6.0% over the month and 15.8% higher over the year.  Non-refinance commitments rose by 0.6% over the month and by 12.9% over the year.  Refinance commitments are currently at their highest level since April 2008.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3093" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Chart-2.jpg" alt="Chart 2" width="500" height="183">
Looking at the value of housing finance commitments, owner occupier non-refinance commitments are up 0.3% over the month, owner occupier refinance commitments are 6.0% higher and refinance commitments are 4.4% higher. 
On a year on year basis, owner occupier non-refinance commitments have increased by 17.5%, owner occupier refinance commitments are 27.9% higher and investment finance commitments are 32.3% higher.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3094" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Chart-3.jpg" alt="Chart 3" width="500" height="183">
As a proportion of all housing finance commitments over the month, owner occupier non-refinance commitments accounted for 43.4% of lending, investment commitments accounted for 38.8% of lending and owner occupier refinance commitments accounted for 17.8%. 
As the chart shows, the proportion of lending to investors is high on an historical basis and remains at their highest levels since late 2003.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3095" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Chart-4.jpg" alt="Chart 4" width="500" height="185">
As a proportion of all lending to owner occupiers, first home buyers continue to show a relatively small level of market participation.  In February 2014, first home buyers accounted for 12.5% of all lending to owner occupiers.  The 12.5% was down from 13.2% in January 2014 and also down from 14.4% at the same time in 2013. 
Although the proportion of lending to first home buyers is lower, the number of first home buyer loans was 0.6% higher over the month but -1.5% lower year-on-year.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3096" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Chart-5.jpg" alt="Chart 5" width="500" height="219">
The RP Data Mortgage Index (RMI) shows a strong correlation with the ABS owner occupier housing finance commitments data. 
The benefit of the RMI is that it is a more timely indicator of finance commitments produced each week. 
At the end of March 2014 the index had recorded a further increase in activity indicating that the housing finance data results for March 2014 (when released in a month’s time) are likely to show a further rise in owner occupier housing finance commitments.
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Housing finance data for February 2014

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Can anyone explain the absence of rental growth in our major markets?
Are we not suffering from a housing shortage crisis, with an accumulated undersupply of hundreds of thousands of dwellings?
Can the economists who speak constantly of this dwelling shortage explain how three of our eight capital cities recorded declines in house rentals in the March quarter, while four others recorded no growth?
Can the Housing Industry Association, the great champion of the shortage theory, explain why four of the capital cities recorded marked declines in apartment rentals, while two others recorded no change?
Do the laws of supply and demand no longer apply to residential property, such that Perth, Canberra and Hobart now have house rentals lower than a year ago (6% lower, in the case of the national capital), Sydney and Darwin have recorded zero growth, and only one city has recorded annual growth of more than 3%.
<blockquote>
The only capital city experiencing a boom worthy of the name is Sydney – which was overdue after a decade of under-performance.
</blockquote>
Out of eight capital city house markets and eight apartment markets, there is only one instance of solid annual growth in median asking rents – a 7% rise in Darwin’s apartment market.
Otherwise, according to the March Quarter Rental Report from Australian Property Monitors, it’s a story of stagnation or decline in residential rents in the capital cities.
This result, which is similar to the outcomes with rental reports from previous quarters stretching back to 2012, runs counter to the notion of shortages.
It’s also inconsistent with the idea of a national property boom, with markets rising as “a blistering pace”, as the ABC’s News 24 morning program misinformed us recently.
And speaking of research evidence that makes nonsense of claims about market performance, I continue to disbelieve the notion of a booming Melbourne market and I note similar sentiments expressed by SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher this week.
Christopher’s research on the number of residential properties listed for sale in each of the capital cities shows there are exceptionally high levels of supply available in Melbourne.
Melbourne currently has about 44,500 residential properties listed for sale. To put that into perspective, Sydney has only 24,200 properties listed.
This can be explained, partly at least, by the extraordinarily high levels of inner city apartments being marketed.
Christopher writes, “There are no new trends that have come out of the data this month - other than we note that Melbourne still has an elevated amount of listings in the market and so this has made us sceptical of recently-reported large increases in dwelling prices for that city.
“There is also further evidence that Melbourne vendors overall have struggled to lift their asking prices.”
Notions that the Melbourne market is rising strongly have been created by rubbery figures from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria and the rude haste with which RP Data spits out statistics under the “publish and be damned” principle.
In my view, the only capital city experiencing a boom worthy of the name is Sydney – which was overdue after a decade of under-performance.
You can contact Terry via <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email</a> or on <a href="https://www.twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. 
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

If the market's so hot then where's the rental growth?

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Across Australia, it's not a secret that rent has generally been ticking upwards - much to the dismay of renters - with revealingly stronger growth in some areas than others.
The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics details show that Western Australia is the state that has grown more than any other, with a 77% uptick from 2006 to 2011. In 2006, it was recorded at $170 per week, however in 2011 it was noted as $300.
Speaking of growth in the statistics, the ABS director of rural and regional statistics, Lisa Conolly, said that while Western Australia overall grew the most, the area with the biggest uptick was in Queensland.
This was a terrifying headline figure of 570% growth over the period in Weipa, in Queensland's far north, and the picture overall looks fairly drab on the surface for renters.
<blockquote>
Rental costs increased from $191 in 2006 to $285 in 2011 - an increase of 49%. Mortgage repayments have increased 39% during this time.
</blockquote>
"Rental costs have also increased by twice as much as wages with the median weekly household income increasing from $1,027 in 2006 to $1,234 in 2011, up 20%," she explained.
However, Conolly said that it wasn't quite the unexpected drastic growth, for Weipa at least, that the figure suggests.
"Local government areas in Western Australia recorded some of the biggest growth in median rent payments in Australia, with eight out of the 10 fastest growing regions located in Western Australia. However, Weipa, in far north Queensland, came in at the top, reflecting a change from employer owned housing to private rental arrangements," recorded Conolly.
Despite this, in what will come as a surprise to almost no one, it remains local government areas (LGA) in Sydney that record the highest rent. And, as can be attested by the overwhelming 'red' on all of the zoomed in capital cities, it's costly to rent in Australia's capitals.
 
LGAs with the highest rent: (Note: the suburb linked to each LGA is that closest to the relevant council chambers. For more specific suburb data, you can use our free data tool here) 
New South Wales and ACT
<img src="/images/2014/04/09/nsw.jpg" alt="">
<ul>
<li>
<a href="/news">Ku-ring-gai</a> - $575 per week 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Woollahra </a>- $550 per week</li>
</ul>
The LGA in New South Wales with the fastest growth over the period was <a href="/news">Gwydir</a>, and it was noted that while areas outside of the capital city had lower overall rental payments, they showed the most significant growth over time.
The ACT was noted as having the highest median rent overall across Australia - recorded at $380 per week. The<a href="/news"> Queanbeyan</a> area grew from $185 per week in 2006 to $289 per week in 2011, a 56.2% increase.
Western Australia
<img src="/images/2014/04/09/wa.jpg" alt="">
<ul>
<li>
<a href="/news">Cottesloe</a> - $450 per week 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Perth</a> - $440 per week</li>
</ul>
The fastest growth costs in Greater Perth occurred in <a href="/news">Serpentine-Jarrahdale</a>, which doubled from $155 per week to $306 per week, or a 99.4% rise, however it is noted that the LGA has one of the highest proportion of home ownership (with a mortgage) areas across the country, with just 14.7% rentals.
Victoria
<img src="/images/2014/04/09/vic.jpg" alt="">
<ul>
<li>
<a href="/news">Melbourne</a> - $400 per week 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Bayside</a> - $390 per week</li>
</ul>
The LGA across the state with the fastest growth was <a href="/news">West Wimmera</a>, despite maintaining a lower rent than other LGAs. In Greater Melbourne, <a href="/news">Maribyrnong</a> saw the fastest recorded growth with a 64.7% increase to $280 per week from $170 per week.
Queensland
<img src="/images/2014/04/09/qld.jpg" alt="">
<ul>
<li>
<a href="/news">Brisbane</a> - $350 per week 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Gold Coast</a> - $350 per week 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Redland</a> - $350 per week</li>
</ul>
In Greater Brisbane, <a href="/news">Somerset</a> was one of the fastest growing, rising 60% to $240 per week, from $150 per week.
Northern Territory
<img src="/images/2014/04/09/nt.jpg" alt="">
<ul>
<li>
<a href="/news">Darwin</a> - $360 per week 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Palmerston</a> - $360 per week</li>
</ul>
The LGA with the fastest growth across the territory was <a href="/news">Palmerston</a>, which grew 89.5% over the recorded period.
South Australia
<img src="/images/2014/04/09/s.jpg" alt="">
<ul>
<li>
<a href="/news">Adelaide</a> - $320 per week</li>
</ul>
The fastest growing LGAs across South Australia included <a href="/news">Peterborough</a>, and <a href="/news">Southern Mallee</a>, which both saw a 66.7% uptick, while in Greater Adelaide it was <a href="/news">West Torrens</a>, 54.4% growth to $247, from $160 per week, that took out the growth record.
Tasmania
<img src="/images/2014/04/09/tas.jpg" alt="">
<ul>
<li>
<a href="/news">Kingborough</a> - $275 per week</li>
</ul>
The fastest growing LGA in Tasmania was in the <a href="/news">Central Highlands</a> and the <a href="/news">Tasman</a>, with a 60% uptick. In Greater Hobart, <a href="/news">Brighton</a> rose 58.1% to $185, from $117 per week.
 
Conolly reminded viewers of the statistics that the cost of renting in a region can change due to a number of factors.
These may include:
<ol>
<li>Workforce demand</li>
<li>Population growth or decline</li>
<li>Changing tenure arrangements</li>
</ol>
"Nationally, rental costs increased by more than mortgage repayments with the median weekly household rent rising from $191 in 2006 to $285 in 2011 - an increase of 49%. Whereas mortgage repayments have increased 39% during this time," she said.
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Revealed: The areas with the highest rent across the country

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“Vacancy” is not a good word for any investor looking to keep a stable cash flow and a decent tenant, and yet it seems many areas are facing rents decreasing in the capital cities, according to SQM Research, with Canberra and Perth suffering the most.
Similarly, Perth has recently had a tough run with tenants breaking leases and vacancy rates increasing - late last year, in fact, Property Observer reported that <a href="/news/perth-landlords-lower-rents-to-dissuade-potential-buyers">Perth landlords were lowering rents to dissuade tenants from leaving</a>.
<blockquote>
52% of Gen Y said they’d like to live in the inner suburbs.
</blockquote>
Realestate.com.au have released the top 10 suburbs searched online for apartment rentals over the past six months (September 2013 to February 2014) based on their internal statistics.
The top 10 list:
<ol>
<li>Brisbane (QLD) 4.7% vacancy rate (SQM Research) Daniel Argent from Urban Property in Brisbane says that the rental demand for inner Brisbane apartments is increasing.“There is definitely a high level of rental demand for inner city apartments. There are a lot of people looking for two-bedroom apartments that are close to shopping and transport. With such high demand we find that most of the properties are tenanted within two weeks of listing,” said Argent. </li>
<li>Canberra (ACT) 2.5% vacancy rate (SQM Research) </li>
<li>Perth (WA) 5.7% vacancy rate (SQM Research) <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-wa-perth-412854299" target="_blank">This two bedroom, two bathroom apartment</a> is currently available to rent in Perth. Sitting on the border of East Perth and Perth, it’s available at $750 a week. </li>
<li>Melbourne (VIC) 6.2% vacancy rate (SQM Research) </li>
<li>Docklands (VIC) 5.8% vacancy rate (SQM Research) A renter could lease an apartment in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-docklands-412777379" target="_blank">this Docklands complex at $400 a week</a>. Unfurnished studio apartments at Victoria Point are leasing from $315 per week. Docklands' difficult conception and towering cranes previously saw Property Observer take a deeper look at the area, expected to have attracted $17.5 billion by 2025 in private sector investment, in this <a href="/news/vic/docklands-finding-its-feet-after-a-difficult-conception">suburb spotlight</a>. </li>
<li>Southbank (VIC) 2.3% vacancy rate (SQM Research) An unfurnished <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-southbank-412778263" target="_blank">one bedroom apartment in the Victoria Tower</a> will set a renter back at least $405 per week. Shared facilities include a gym, tennis court, spa, sauna and pool. </li>
<li>Braddon (ACT) 1.5% vacancy rate (SQM Research) This <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-act-braddon-412841911" target="_blank">three bedroom, two bathroom townhouse in Braddon</a> is significantly more affordable, at $670 per week. </li>
<li>Nathan (QLD) 3.3% vacancy rate (SQM Research) </li>
<li>Parramatta (NSW) 2% vacancy rate (SQM Research) The booming Sydney "second CBD" suburb of Parramatta is currently seeing <a href="/expert-insights/buying/slab-to-be-set-on-highest-residential-tower-in-parramatta-v-by-crown-today">the tallest residential tower in the area, V by Crown</a>, under construction. The impressive development may just underpin the longevity of the area. </li>
<li>Chatswood (NSW) 2.8% vacancy rate (SQM Research) <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-chatswood-412715351" target="_blank">T</a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-chatswood-412715351" target="_blank">his freshly painted and two bedder</a> in Sydney’s Chatswood is available for $525 per week. </li>
</ol>
For more data, including median prices and rents on each of these areas, you can use our free suburb data pages. 
 
Interestingly, as noted above, the vacancy rates are still high on a number of these areas - and SQM Research's Louis Christopher has since tweeted Property Observer that he has put out warnings to investors on a number of these suburbs. Docklands and Southbank, in particular, have long had a <a href="/expert-insights/buying/melbourne-residential-unit-market-oversupplied-and-its-going-to-get-worse-terry-ryder">reputation of an apartment market oversupply</a>.
The number of tenants and sharers seeking apartments rather than other types of property, both established and new, is up to 39% of the market – an increase of 7% since 2012, according to the realestate.com.au figures.
<blockquote>
The number of tenants and sharers seeking apartments is now at 39% of the market.
</blockquote>
Tenants under the age of 35, earning between $50,000 and $99,000 are those driving this trend. Within this, 52% of Gen Y said they’d like to live in the inner suburbs.
While only 6% of Gen Y tenants nominated regional suburbs as their ideal location, 15% of baby boomers preferred regional suburbs, in their 2014 Consumer Insights Report on Tenants and Sharers.
Of all tenants, 72% of Gen Y said they’d take care of the property like it was their own, with 84% of Baby Boomers citing the same. Six in 10 tenants have said they spent money to make improvements to a rental property.
The general manager of sales and operations at realestate.com.au, Arthur Charlaftis, said that the key for tenants is research and knowing the key statistics about the area, as well as the amenities and lifestyle available.
<a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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