<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

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The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

First Home Buyers

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First home buyers in Victoria have seen the biggest increase in the time needed to save for a deposit for a median priced house across all of Australia, according to a new report by Bankwest.
Victorian first time buyers (FTBs) are having to save for seven months longer than they did last year, the biggest increase in the country, thanks to a buoyant property market in the state.
FTBs have to save for 5.4 years to save the necessary $126,187 needed for a deposit, up from 4.9 years last year and well above the 4.6 year national average, said the 2017 Bankwest First Time Buyers Report.
Despite this shows, first time buyers are not being put off from trying to get their foot on the housing ladder with 26,369 first time purchases in the year to June 2017 (roughly stable YoY).
Furthermore, ABS data shows the number of FTBs buying in the year to August 2017 rose by 3% to 27,758 (accounting for 15.1% of all homes purchased in the same period).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/12/1/VicMostTime.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/12/1/VicMostTime.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/12/1/VicLeastTime.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/12/1/VicLeastTime.png" alt="">
Victoria’s FTBs have been responding to a number of factors, according to Bankwest general manager Personal &amp; Small Business Banking, Donna Dalby.
“Victorian house prices rose by 14.0% in the 12 months to August 2017 but also in 2017 we saw the introduction of stamp duty discounts for Victorian first time buyers on properties up to $750,000,” she said.
“While Victorian wages only grew by 2% this stamp duty discount will have encouraged first time buyers into the market. There were approximately 3,162 FTBs in Victoria in the month of August 2017 alone, the highest number since December 2009.”
In Melbourne, it takes more than four years for FTBs to save for a deposit in every local government area (LGA) in the city - the first time in the history of the report. Two in three (67.7%) LGAs require FTBs to save for more than six years, up from 54.8% in 2016.
FTB couples in Melbourne will need an average of 6.4 years to save the $153, 008 deposit needed on a median priced house, eight months longer than in 2016 (5.7 years) and 1.5 years above the capital city average of 4.9 years.
Melbourne’s Boroondara area is the least accessible as FTBs there will require an average of 15 years to save a median deposit of $436,738.
The saving time here rose by 1.4 years year onn year, driven by a 12.8%1 increase in Boroondara median house prices.
A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-farmlet-vic-gannawarra-7913094" target="_blank">50 Lake Road, Gannawarra</a> (picture above) is on the market for $350,000. It was previously listed in 2013 for $355,000.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Victorian FHBs hampered by buoyant housing market 

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The number of first home buyers in Queensland grew in double digits in the year to June 2017, reaching the highest number in seven years, new data from Bankwest reveals. 
The number of first time buyers (FTBs) in the state rose by 11.2% in the year to June 2017 to 22,465, a new report from Bankwest reveals. This was the strongest growth in the nation during the reporting period, it said.
Meanwhile, there was a drop of 1% in second time buyers and investors in the same period.
FTBs account for 17.4% of dwellings purchased in Queensland in the year to June 2017, up 1.6% compared to 2016. 
These findings are part of the 2017 Bankwest First Time Buyers Report.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/12/1/QldMostTime.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/12/1/QldMostTime.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/12/1/QldLeastTime.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/12/1/QldLeastTime.png" alt="">
Bankwest general manager personal and small business banking, Donna Dalby said Queensland’s FTBs have been responding to a number of factors. 
“The strong growth in first time buyer numbers is largely a result of relatively affordable housing in the sunshine state, as well as the extension of the $20,000 home owners grant for new homes until December 31, 2017,” said Dalby. 
“Whats more, with the benefit of being able to see the latest ABS data, we know this growth has continued, with the number of Queensland first time buyers increasing by 15.0% in the year to August 2017 to a total of 23,315,” she said. 
The time need to save for a deposit is also less compared to the other East Coast states.
FTB couples will need to save for an average of just 4 years for a $92,240 deposit on a median priced house, on par with 2016 (3.9 years) and below the national average of 4.6 years. 
This saving time is also well below New South Wales (6.0 years) and Victoria (5.4 years). 
At a city level, Brisbane FTBs will need to save for an average of 4.5 years for a deposit on a median priced house, in line with 2016 (4.4 years) and below the capital city average of 4.9 years. 
While most FTB couples will be looking to get a house as quickly as possible, those in no hurry could look to try to buy in Queensland’s Noosa area. 
FTBs there will require an average of 6.3 years - the only area in Queensland to need more than six years - to save a median deposit of $127,895, making the area the least accessible in the state. The saving time here rose by seven months YoY, driven by a 13.6% increase in house prices. 
A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-blackall-124098898" target="_blank">9 Gidyea Street</a> (picture above) in Blackall sold for $190,000 in October 2017.
A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-blackall-123984470" target="_blank">63 Garden Street, Blackall</a> sold for $185,000 in August 2017. It previously sold for $160,000 in 2011, according to CoreLogic data.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/12/1/Blackall2.png" alt="">
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Number of FHBs at their highest in seven years in Queensland: Bankwest

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The Hobart housing market has soared 11.5 percent over the year, more than any other capital city, with its gross rental yields also competing with the bigger states.
With Melbourne the exception having grown just over 10 percent, the Hobart market has seen more than double the growth of the other capital cities.
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Due to the affordability in Hobart, the gross rental yields are too stronger than Sydney or Melbourne.
Only second to Darwin (5.7 percent), the Hobart gross rental yield one of the strongest at five percent.
The price of the Sydney and Melbourne markets sees them with the worst yields. Sydney sits at 2.9 percent and Melbourne 2.6 percent.
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CoreLogic's head of research Tim Lawless said the Hobart housing market has been the strongest performer over the past year.
"Over the past three months values have increased by 3.3% however, over the month, the 0.6% increase was much more moderate," he said.
"Low inventory levels against a backdrop of rising demand are a key driver of the Hobart market, with advertised stock levels 36.3% lower than a year ago."
Launceston and the north east of Tasmania, as well as the south east, have been among the top performers in the country away from the capital cities.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/12/1/Hobart3.jpg" alt="">
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Hobart market still the cheapest, but growing quicker than any other capital

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First home buyers have significantly reprioritised what matters most when searching for their ideal home, according to the Westpac’s 2017 Home Ownership Report.
The research, commissioned by Westpac in September, surveyed over 1,000 Australian home owners and first home buyers, and features trend data from the past two years.
The latest report demonstrates in 2017 first home buyers are less focused on buying a home in an area that is trendy or close to work, with both significantly decreasing in the ranking of “essential features” by 83 percent and 48 percent respectively, compared to 2016.
A quiet neighbourhood, access to public transport, and safety are features that have also become less important during the decision-making process, with each decreasing by 37 percent, 21 percent and 9 percent respectively.
Andy Wright, Head of Home Ownership for Westpac Group, said in the face of housing affordability challenges and rising household costs, the research suggests first home buyers are becoming increasingly flexible and willing to shift their priorities in order to achieve their ultimate goal.
“These attitudinal shifts among first-home buyers towards home ownership suggest we may see more looking to buy in areas that they hadn’t considered, with many previously thought ‘essential’ features now just ‘nice-to-have’,” Wright said.
“In fact, the market saw home loans to first home buyers rise to a four year high of 17.4 percent in September of this year, which suggests we may be already seeing the positive results of these shifts, combined with government incentives in New South Wales and Victoria.”
First home buyers are turning their attention to the inside of a home instead, as modern bathrooms and kitchens become more essential, increasing by 25% and 10% respectively since 2016.
Nearly one in five first home buyers plan to support the purchase of their first home with help from family or friends, including guarantor loans.
Meanwhile, home owner-occupiers are opting to maximise their current home and are increasingly considering renovating, growing 14 percent since 2015. The number of those considering selling a home has decreased by 11 percent compared to last year, bringing it back to the same level as 2015.
“Our data shows that home owner-occupiers are increasingly choosing to focus on improving their current home rather than selling and relocating,” Mr Wright said.
The majority of home owners (62 percent) prioritising renovating plan to use their savings as their main funding method to renovate, and 17 percent of home owners who are dipping into their savings will complement this with their home loan, possibly accessing the equity they’ve built up.
“No matter what your housing priorities are in the next year, it is important to do thorough research, make a realistic plan, and consider the best pathway to purchase that suits your individual situation,” Wright said.
“At Westpac, we have specialised home lending experts available to chat to anyone considering their next move. We’re committed to helping our customers with information and products that are best suited to their needs, and personalised advice based on their circumstances.”
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KEY TRENDS AND FINDINGS:
 Among first home buyers, many aspects of a property’s location have become less essential since 2016:
o Trendy (3% in 2017 vs 15% in 2016) o Proximity to work (25% in 2017 vs 48% in 2016) o A safe area (67% in 2017 vs 2016 73%) o Access to public transport (37% in 2017 vs 2016 47%) o Quiet (36% in 2017 vs 2016 56%)
 Among first home buyers, modern bathrooms (45% in 2017 vs 36% in 2016) and kitchens (44% in 2017 vs 40% in 2016) are increasingly considered to be essential
 Trends among home owner-occupiers who are considering a house-related action: o Renovating up by 14% since 2015 (33% in 2017, 30% in 2016, 29% in 2015)
o Selling a home down by 11% since 2016 (18% in 2017, 21% in 2016, 18% in 2015)
 Pathways to purchase: o 17% of first home buyers will complement their primary funding method for the purchase of their first home with help from family and friends
o 62% of home owners considering renovating plan to use their savings as their main funding method
o 17% of home owners will complement their savings with their home loan, possibly accessing the equity they have built up
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First home buyers reprioritised what matters when buying their first home: Westpac

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The property market downturn in Western Australia has brought in an opportunity for first home buyers, with homes in 30 entry-level suburbs cheaper today from a decade back. 
First home buyers might have to shell out $150,000 less than what they would have paid in 2007 for a house in suburbs with a median price of less than $450,000, according to REIWA figures.
Analysis by The Weekend West revealed that recent and prospective first-homebuyers are the big winners from the property downturn.
The median price has also dropped in the same period in another 21 middle and top-level suburbs.
The 30 suburbs are:
1. Byford
2. Two Rocks 
3. Kelmscott
4. Pearsall
5. Medina
6. Secret Harbour
7. Armadale
8. Balga
9. Camillo
10. Mount Nasura
11. Butler
12. Coolongup
13. Ridgewood
14. Ellenbrook
15. Baldivis
16. Nollamara
17. Rockingham
18. Swan View
19. Shoalwater
20. Port Kennedy
21. Gosnells
22. Sinagra
23. Merriwa
24. Waikiki
25. Spearwood
26. Leda
27. Maddington
28. Midland
29. Beechboro
30. Seville Grove
A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-byford-107390470" target="_blank">24 Pomera Drive, Byford</a> sold in October 2017 for $470,000, according to RP Data.
Built in 2007, it was on the market in the range $530,000-$560,000 in April 2008.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/11/27/PomeraDriveByford.jpg" alt="">
Overall, the median price in 75 entry-level postcodes, as well as 116 mid and top-tier suburbs in the metropolitan area, have dropped since the height of the property boom in 2014.
About two-thirds of those suburbs suffered a double-digit price fall in that period.
Real Estate Institute of WA president Hayden Groves told The West Australian that there were signs prices were starting to rise.
REIWA statistics reveal that the median price in the three months to October was $520,000.
It had stayed at a low of $515,000 for several quarters.
 
 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

First home buyers are the winners in WA property downturn 

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Hervey Bay has traditionally been an owner-occupied market generally due to its beachside location and affordability, according to the valuation firm, Herron Toddy White.
The boom period of 2006 to 2008 saw investors take advantage of cheap property compared to their local southern markets however some of these initial investors are now local residents.
"There are many different housing options for home owners including villas, townhouses and units close to the foreshore, existing detached housing or vacant land with a view to building their new home," HTW's recent report noted.
Land generally starts from around $150,000, established older housing ranges from $250,000 to $450,000 up to esplanade and beach front property in excess of $750,000.
A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-torquay-126626730" target="_blank">43 Ann Street, Torquay</a> (picture above) has recently sold for $265,000, comfortably in the price range that HTW highlights. And it is close to the beach as well.
A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-urangan-126827282" target="_blank">53 Hansen Street, Urangan</a> has sold for $270,000. It is close to the beach as well. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/11/22/HerveyBay2.jpg" alt="">
New turn key house and land packages generally offering 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom accommodation with a double garage ranges from $375,000 to $500,000 depending on the estate.
Land sizes also vary considerably from the older, traditional 800 square metre to quarter acre block down to 400 square metres in some of the new estates.
Some acre or larger lots are still available however zoning changes have seen quite a lot of these larger blocks now being subdivided, HTW advised.
First home owners were active over the past two years however this now appears to have slowed as a consequence of local government incentives no longer being offered or offered at a reduced level.
Appetite for homes requiring renovation is improving with older beach shack property being prime targets due to location.
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The rental market has also been strong for a number of years now with a 4-bedroom home receiving $360 to $400 per week.
"This return has maintained an investor presence in our market.
"Most investor activity is, however, in the new estates which also has tax benefits for new homes."
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Hervey Bay sees decline in first home buyer activity

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The landscape of the Gladstone property market in Queensland has changed dramatically in five short years, the valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW) said in a recent report.
During the boom, the market was dominated by investors trying to cash in on the hype that surrounded Gladstone, it advised.
"Value levels and rents were the highest Gladstone had ever seen, vacancy rates were essentially 0%, motels were running at 150% occupancy," the report said.
"Fast forward five years and the property market could not be more different!"
HTW suggest you would be hard pressed to find a property owner who has not suffered some sort of loss in the past few years.
"On the other hand, the buyer’s market we currently find ourselves in has attracted many different types of home owners to the market," it said.
"The affordability of property in Gladstone has turned us from one of the most expensive places to live in the state to one of the cheapest.
"Value levels have not been this low for nearly two decades.
"We have seen a large contingent of first home owners enter the market."
First home buyers appear more active in the sub $400,000 market for both existing and newly constructed homes, however if purchasing existing homes they are generally looking to buy at a lower price point, it said.
A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-south+gladstone-126628662" target="_blank">9 Eden Street, South Gladstone</a> (picture above), close to the Gladstone CBD, recently sold for $230,000. It sold in 2010 at $385,000.
In another sale, a five-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-west+gladstone-126788558" target="_blank">16 Norris Street, West Gladstone</a> recently sold for $197,500. The price point meant that it was well suited to first home buyers.
It last sold for $348,000 in 2010. It's price was just above its 2004 sale at $195,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/11/22/Gladstone2.jpg" alt="">
It noted upgraders are also taking advantage of the current affordability with buyers typically looking for detached housing with space for the children, both internally and externally.
"Proximity to infrastructure such as schools and shopping play an important role in these buyers’ decisions," the HTW report advised. 
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Gladstone now one of the cheapest locations in Queensland: HTW

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Activity in Townsville’s residential property market is currently dominated by owner-occupiers with a number of these buyers being first time participants, the valuation firm Herron Todd White (htw) has signalled in a recent report.
"Sentiment is building in Townsville’s residential property market which is consolidating at the start of recovery phase, although the market is showing a dichotomy with the recovery in the housing sector advancing, whilst the market for land and units continues to teeter," it advised.
First time buyer participants in the local market are buying houses across most suburbs of Townsville and include a mixture of new, semi modern and older style homes.
"This sector of the market would appear to be mostly active in the $300,000 to $400,000 range," it noted.
"It would appear that first time participants in the market have realised that now is the time to buy with record low interest rates, good affordability and a buyer’s market creating favourable conditions for these buyers." 
A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-townsville+city-125624582" target="_blank">251 Wills Street</a> in Townsville City (picture above) recently traded for $400,000. The house is perched on the foothills of Castle Hill.
Another house in Townsville City, this one a two-bedroom dwelling, changed hands earlier this year for $329,000. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/11/22/Townsville2.jpg" alt="">
Other owner-occupiers include upgraders moving from units to houses, renovators, those moving to superior locations and downsizers.
"This market encompasses a wide range of values and suburbs."
The valuation firm noted Townsville’s median house price remained soft.
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First home buyers think it's time to buy in Townsville: HTW

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Investor purchasing has increased in Tasmania, and according to the valuation firm, Herron Todd White (HTW) currently represents a 20% to 25% quota of residential property transactions.
Interstate investor activity has also increased, it noted.
"With Tasmanian investors achieving average gross yields of 5.2% and Hobart out performing all other capital cities it seems the returns on offer in Tasmania are capturing more investor attention," a recent report by HTW advised.
Some property market commentators are predicting that 2017 could see Tasmania turn over its highest volume of residential property sales in more than 10 years if property sales continue at the same pace as they have in the first half of this year.
The north has experienced the greatest percentage increase in residential sales volumes when compared to the same period last year.
"This may be as a result of reported stock shortages and capital growth in the south with buyers looking further a field for investment opportunities," HTW's report noted.
The upgrader or second home buyer price bracket is where buyers are most active within Hobart’s residential property market.
Glenorchy and Claremont are experiencing the greatest amount of entry level sales activity. Both suburbs are north-west of Hobart approximately 10 and 15 kilometres respectively north-west of the city centre.
It noted the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), a popular tourist destination sits within a three kilometre radius of both Glenorchy and Claremont.
Examples of recent sales in Glenorchy include an older style, two bedroom, one bathroom unit in original condition which sold for $225,000 and an older style, dated, three bedroom, one bathroom home with single garage that backs onto Hobart’s show grounds that was purchased for $297,500.
In addition, a three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-tas-glenorchy-126658902" target="_blank">46 Tolosa Street, Glenorchy</a> (picture above) recently sold for $333,000.
Another three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-tas-claremont-126929134" target="_blank">1-15 Malabar Road, Claremont</a> sold for $317,500.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/11/22/Claremont.jpg" alt=""> 
Sandy Bay, Kingston and Howrah are areas where upgraders or second home buyers are focusing their attention.
Sandy Bay is popular due to its position immediately south of the city with the Derwent River forming its southern border.
Contained within the suburb are the University of Tasmania campus, casino, private and public schools, local shops and recreational facilities. Recent sales within this price bracket in Sandy Bay include an older style, first floor, renovated, waterfront two bedroom, one bathroom unit with uninterrupted water views and single carport which recently sold for $850,000 and a renovated, four bedroom, two bathroom, period terrace that transacted for $985,000.
Within Hobart’s prestige market a modern Sandy Bay home offering five bedrooms, five bathrooms, indoor pool and double garage with views of the Derwent River recently sold for $3 million.
Similar levels of activity are occurring in the first home buyer and upgrader price brackets of the northern residential market, it noted.
The greatest activity occurring in Launceston’s more affordable suburbs is taking place in Newnham, Invermay and South Launceston.
Newnham is located approximately ve kilometres on the northern outskirts of Launceston and is predominantly residential with the University of Tasmania and The Australian Maritime College located nearby.
Properties that have recently sold in Newnham include a modern, two bedroom, one bathroom unit with one off street carpark which sold for $255,000 and an older style, renovated, five bedroom, two bathroom home with double garage that sold for $270,000.
Within the upgrader residential market segment Riverside, Newstead and Legana are proving to be the most popular with purchasers, HTW said.
Riverside is located along the western side of the Tamar River and is well contained with a shopping centre, public and private schools and sporting facilities. It is approximately a six kilometre commute to the city centre. A modern, four bedroom, three bathroom home with double garage and river views was recently sold in Riverside for $610,000 and a modern, three bedroom, two bathroom unit with river views and double garage sold for $360,000.
A recent notable sale in Launceston was for $1.4 million for a modern, four bedroom, three bathroom home located at Launceston’s Seaport overlooking the Tamar River. 
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Why property investors are heading to Hobart: HTW

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The dream of home ownership in Mackay has become that much easier, according to a report from the valuation firm, Herron Todd White (HTW).
It noted prior to 2013, Mackay had one of the highest median house values in regional Queensland sitting around the $430,000 mark in 2012.
Mackay had a reputation as a mining town and was often not on the radar for professions such as teachers, police, ambulance or entry level job seekers not related to mining because of the high rents and purchase price for dwellings.
"Even in our own business we found it extremely difficult to move our trainees to Mackay because of the high costs associated with housing," the HTW report noted.
However, since the downturn in the resource industry and flow on effects to the Mackay residential market, we saw significant falls in both house prices and rental levels across the board.
This downward cycle lasted well into 2016 and saw median house prices drop by over $100,000 to sit at around the $315,000 mark, with many properties available for under and in some cases well under $300,000.
While this result was has been difficult to take, it has presented opportunities in Mackay not seen in over 13 years.
The issue of affordability and the ability to move non- mining related staff and employees into the region has become easier.
"For example, we had an assistant valuer move to Mackay in 2012 to further her training and she was paying $375 per week rent for a small two-bedroom walk up at with poor quality tout, with virtually no prospects of being able to purchase," HTW said.
"This level of rent was unsustainable and she moved south to further her training.
"Since the downturn, we have been able to transfer one of our junior valuers to Mackay who now rents a 3-bedroom dwelling in Beaconsfield for $250 per week and is on the hunt to purchase a dwelling."
A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-mackay-126478638" target="_blank">36 George Street</a> (pictured above) sold recently for $410,000. the house was built in the 1920s.
Another four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-mackay-124839494" target="_blank">8 George Street</a> changed hands for $420,000 earlier this year.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/11/22/Mackay-new.jpg" alt="">
HTW suggested this scenario is being played out across a variety of industries in Mackay.
"This new level of affordability isn’t just rewarding the lower end of the market," it said.
"We have seen this across most sectors of the market from first home owners to middle level upgraders, even to the top end prestige market.
"For example, in the boom to purchase good quality executive dwellings in the newer estates such as Northview Gardens, you were looking at the $600,000 plus.
"Since the market has fallen, we have seen a number of sales within the estate at between $450,000 and $500,000, which when combined with record low interest rates becomes more achievable."
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