<p data-end="256" data-start="0"><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.</p>

<p data-end="446" data-start="258">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.</p>

<p data-end="645" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="448">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>.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.”</p>

<p data-end="626" data-start="350">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.</p>

<p data-end="928" data-start="628">“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.”</p>

<p data-end="1147" data-start="930">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”.</p>

<p data-end="1510" data-start="1149">“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.”</p>

<p data-end="1510" data-start="1149"><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" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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<p data-end="305" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="0">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.</p>
</section>


Joel Robinson

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

<p style="text-align:start">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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“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.”</p>


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

<p>Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.”</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>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.”</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

First Home Buyers

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<p>A typical home owner in Mount Gambier could be a first home buyer, a family or an empty nester, according to a recent report from the Herron Todd White valuation firm.</p>
<p>First home buyers are generally younger and look for a property that is within the $150,000 to $250,000 price range.</p>
<p>Families are generally after a home that has 3- to 4-bedrooms and perhaps two living areas and is within the price range of $250,000 to $450,000.</p>
<p>"For empty nesters it is varying," the report said.</p>
<p>"They may be looking to downsize from a large family home.</p>
<p>"They are pretty flexible and may choose to either buy or build a modern, smaller dwelling for easier maintenance.</p>
<p>"A lot of empty nesters are also selling and following their children to university or even packing up and travelling."</p>
<p>Recently, a three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-mount+gambier-120791109" target="_blank">61 Acacia Street</a>, picture above, in Mount Gambier recently sold for $185,000.</p>
<p>Another three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-mount+gambier-126405418" target="_blank">81 Cardinia Street</a> recently changed hands for $220,000.</p>
<p><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/MtGambier2.jpg" alt=""> </p>
<p>HTW noted with the construction grant still in place for first home buyers, it is still common for first home buyers to build their first home.</p>
<p>These homes are generally within the price range of $250,000 to $350,000.</p>
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Mount Gambier first home buyers spending $150,000 plus

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<p>The Bendigo residential market has seen consistent growth over the past 12 months, according to the valuation firm, Herron Todd White.</p>
<p>Bendigo's growth comes with increasing government support for first home buyers in regional areas.</p>
<p>"This increase in funding has seen a lift in new home construction rates in the Bendigo area particularly in the new estates around Epsom, Marong and Huntly," HTW noted.</p>
<p>With property prices rising in the capital cities, regional centres such as Bendigo offer first home buyers an opportunity to live in a new home within 20 minutes of a CBD for less than half a million dollars.</p>
<p>For homes under $350,000 in value, rental rates are only marginally cheaper than paying a mortgage.</p>
<p>A two-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-bendigo-125275950" target="_blank">2/10 Larritt Street</a> (picture above) sold for $292,500 recently.</p>
<p>Another two-bedroom house at 7/83-87 Arnold Street (below) changed hands recently for $338,000.</p>
<p> <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/2017/11/15/Bendigo2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>HTW noted with the Calder Highway and V-line trains connecting Bendigo to Melbourne within two hours of travel, "Bendigo is far from isolated." </p>
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Bendigo attracting first home buyers

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<p>Home ownership in Mildura is still a realistic goal, with the median house price being around $260,000 and $180,000 for units.</p>
<p>Herron Todd White said in a recent report that families and older couples make up the largest percentage of people living in Mildura.</p>
<p>The majority of buyers in Mildura are owner-occupiers.</p>
<p>Statistics from Corelogic show the average time a home in Mildura is held is around eight years, which supports the theory that many buyers gradually trade their way up from entry level homes to better standard homes as their financial circumstances improve.</p>
<p>Over the past 10 years, first home buyers have shown a willingness to take on more debt in order to acquire more expensive first homes.</p>
<p>"No doubt the low interest rate environment has contributed to this confidence, however it appears that many first home buyers have much higher expectations than previous generations," wrote HTW.</p>
<p>"Most first home buyers in Mildura are looking for modern detached dwellings in better locations and will typically spend from $280,000 to $350,000."</p>
<p>The presence of attractive first home owner grants has made building a home an attractive option for many young people.</p>
<p>"Currently there is $20,000 available to first home buyers who build a home in Victoria and $10,000 in NSW, which when combined with the stamp duty exemptions currently available make this attractive for many people.</p>
<p>"We note however, that the cost of land and building has increased in recent years by at least this amount, making this option less attractive than it once would have been."</p>
<p>As an example, a three-bedroom house at 40 Golden Ash Drive (picture above) sold recently for $320,000 through Ray White’s Luke Hermans.</p>
<p>Another recent sale was a four-bedroom house at 281 Eighth Street for $256,000, (below) close to the median house price.</p>
<p><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/2017/11/15/Mildura2.jpg" alt=""></p>
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<p><span>The HTW report noted that townhouses and units are mostly being purchased by either investors or retirees, attracted by the lower maintenance requirements.</span></p>
<p><span>"There has been a trend in the past five to ten years for many empty nesters to move from their large family homes to new townhouses on compact lots."</span></p>
<p><span> The development of around 70 residential lots within part of the Mildura golf course has met with strong demand from this buyer segment who are typically spending between $450,000 and $650,000 to acquire good standard housing on lots of around 500 square metres, HTW advised. </span></p>
<p><span>Buyers in Mildura still have a preference for detached dwellings and the relative affordability of land makes this possible. </span></p>
<p><span>"Our constant theme is that owner-occupiers (and tenants) always show a preference for homes which have functional outdoor living areas designed to be shaded in the summer months. </span></p>
<p><span>"Mildura has long, hot summers, and the ability to spent time outdoors is an important consideration for home buyers," it added. </span></p>
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Mildura's first home buyers have higher expectations than in the past: HTW

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<p>Warrnambool’s residential market is somewhat removed from the affordability issues which dominate the metropolitan markets, the valuation firm Herron Todd White recently noted.</p>
<p>First home buyers there are currently operating in the $300,000 to $400,000 price range.</p>
<p>However, a recent trend is for first home buyers looking for a house and land package.</p>
<p>"This is on the back of recent government incentives that offer stamp duty exemptions and construction allowances for properties built within regional areas," HTW said in its report.</p>
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<p>Demand from home buyers remains focused on traditional detached housing. </p>
<p>"The great Australian dream of home ownership is alive and well in Warrnambool. This is due to the continuing release of new residential land supply on the city’s extremities, a steady median price as well as the existing low-cost, affordable pockets in area such as Dennington and North Warrnambool." </p>
<p>A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-dennington-123536578" target="_blank">24 Nina Street</a> (picture above) sold for $329,900 earlier this year.</p>
<p>Another three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-warrnambool-125653970" target="_blank">25 Rawlings Drive, Warrnambool</a> sold (below) for $395,000 in August.</p>
<p><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/2017/11/15/Warrnambool1.jpg" alt=""></p>
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Warrnambool first home buyers seeking out house and land opportunities

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<p>Construction of EPV Developments’ $60 million The Wellington apartment building in East Brisbane is complete, with the development officially opening its doors to residents.</p>
<p>The Wellington comprises 127 one and two Bedroom apartments as well as expansive recreational facilities including a roof-top pool area, barbecue garden and dining area, and ground floor retail precinct.</p>
<p>With titles being issued and settlements underway, residents have started moving into the boutique 10-storey apartment building to start their new metropolitan lifestyle just 1.5km from Brisbane CBD.</p>
<p>EPV Developments Director Karl Jameson said the milestone was cause for celebration for everyone involved in the project.<br>“Since construction began in April of last year the build has progressed on schedule, with our vision for The Wellington being delivered for all our residents to now enjoy,” he said.</p>
<p>“Now that settlements have begun, we are enjoying seeing residents move in and experience the luxury inner-city apartment lifestyle that we have developed at The Wellington.</p>
<p>“We are very pleased to see our overall vision for The Wellington come together seamlessly, with the high-quality onsite facilities now a reality, apartments complete with contemporary design finishes, and tenants on the ground floor retail precinct beginning to open for business.”</p>
<p>The apartments feature the highest-quality finishes in their price range, with ducted and zoned air conditioning, 40mm benchtops, Bosch appliances, 2pac joinery, floor to ceiling tiles in the bathrooms and concealed toilet cisterns.</p>
<p>Thomas Bellew secured his brand new contemporary apartment at The Wellington by paying a deposit and using the construction period to save money for settlement.</p>
<p>“I am very pleased with how smooth the process of purchasing my first apartment at The Wellington has been,” he said.</p>
<p>“Now the big day is imminent and I can’t wait to unlock the door on my brand new one bedroom apartment.</p>
<p>“I am looking forward to making the most of social lifestyle at The Wellington with friends and family visiting my new place and exploring the local restaurants, bars and cafes with me.”</p>
<p>TOTAL Property Group Managing Director and Marketing Manager for The Wellington, Adrian Parsons, said the new development was continuing to attract strong interest from buyers, with less than 20 available apartments remaining.</p>
<p>“Our existing purchasers are keen to move into their new apartments and start living the East Brisbane lifestyle,” he said.</p>
<p>“We have a number of first-time home buyers that are celebrating the milestone of moving into their first property, which is all the more exciting.</p>
<p>“With the completion of construction and the extension of the Queensland Government’s First Home Owners Grant, there are still opportunities for first home buyers to purchase and move into their first home at The Wellington before Christmas.”</p>
<p>The Wellington has been designed to integrate with East Brisbane’s growing young professional market, as well as the area’s already-established retail and foodie culture, providing residents with the ultimate inner-city lifestyle where they can live, work and play within the one location.</p>
<p>The remaining one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments are available in a variety of floorplans designed to offer contemporary living, and are priced between $339,000 and $560,000.</p>
<p>The Wellington is perfectly positioned on the corner of Wellington Road and Overend Street in the high-demand suburb of East Brisbane, just a short walk from The Gabba stadium and the dining and shopping destinations of Logan Road and Stanley Street.</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">For more information <a href="http://thewellingtonbrisbane.com.au/" target="_blank">click here</a>. </p>
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Construction complete at the Wellington in East Brisbane

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<p>When the developer Dyldam launched its South Quarter project at Parramatta – on the former Auto Alley – last  month they noted there was especially strong interest from first time buyers amid high local interest.</p>
<p>The average off the plan sale price was $750,000 in what will become a $876 million residential mixed-use project on the former Holden car yard.</p>
<p>It is a sign that after a lengthy absence, first time buyers are emerging across NSW, perhaps lured by the expansion in the available government grants. </p>
<p>The latest ABS data calculated 2,426 first home buyer commitments in August which represented the biggest monthly number for five years.</p>
<p>Though still below the longterm average, NSW first home buyers accounted for 12.9% of owner occupier commitments over the month, the highest proportion since 2012.</p>
<p>It was up from a recent NSW low of 7.5% in February 2017 when it looked easy to conclude that our higher housing prices had significantly reduced the probability of many ever becoming an FHB.</p>
<p>There's been research recently done by the Reserve Bank of Australia which confirmed that ‘generation rent’ is a reflection of higher housing prices rather than any shift in preferences.</p>
<p>It seems young households still have a desire to become home owners, however, fewer potential FHBs are actually able to enter the housing market.</p>
<p>It particularly noted the underlying desire to become an FHB has not changed since the global financial crisis.</p>
<p>"However, people’s ability to, or comfort with doing so, has been affected," it noted.</p>
<p>The research suggests the decline in home ownership was not as much influenced as previously thought from social and demographic and factors, including key life-cycle events such as exiting the family home, marriage and having children. </p>
<p>The research paper, comparing FHB loan characteristics in this pre- and post-financial crisis periods, shows the major consequence of the current higher prices is that FHBs have to save a much larger deposit.</p>
<p>That is despite maintaining a similar median loan-to-valuation ratio of around 83%.</p>
<p>The median deposit size increased by around $28,000 to almost $70,000 in the 2008–14 period.</p>
<p>The median purchase price of FHB homes across Australia in the 2008–14 period was $387,000, which was almost $100,000 higher than the price paid by FHBs in the 2001–07 period</p>
<p>The transition from being a renter to a first home buyer is the riskiest of steps in one's fiscal life. And I'd suggest those doing so currently are doing it with heightened risk.</p>
<p>But interestingly despite higher debt levels, households who became FHBs post-2007 appear to be paying down their mortgages and reducing their debt-to-income ratios at the same rate, or slightly faster, than households who took on a mortgage before 2007.</p>
<p>The research noted in the year after taking out a loan, the reduction in the debt-to-income ratio for FHBs in the post-2007 period was around 8%, compared to 5% for the pre-2007 borrowers. No doubt low interest rates being a key factor.</p>
<p>It also noted recent FHBs have been less likely to have ever been behind schedule on their loan.</p>
<p><em>This article first appeared in </em>The Daily Telegraph. </p>
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FHBs at heightened risk, despite great repayment track record 

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<p>Due to changes in the market in recent times the valuation firm, Herron Todd White noted they have seen investors become less active in the Alice Springs market, with the vast majority of transactions relating to home occupiers. </p>
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<p>"We are currently seeing activity from first home buyers after a quiet period for the occupiers.</p>
<p>"We are also seeing good activity to upgraders locally, however the empty nesters and downsizers are very quiet due to these purchasers typically leaving town to be close to family, making way for new entrants."</p>
<p>In the first home buyers category HTW typically see activity up to around $500,000 with a broad range of property from older style units to renovation projects or new larger homes.</p>
<p>"More recently we have seen a trend more towards newer property, particularly with the emergence of the newest suburb in Alice Springs, Kilgariff.</p>
<p>A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nt-kilgariff-123652386" target="_blank">Lot 7305/3 Cramer Street, Kilgariff</a> (picture above) sold for $526,500. The selling agent was Gail Tuxworth of LJ Hooker.</p>
<p>"This is largely as a result of the first home buyers grant available for builds or newly constructed dwellings," the HTW report noted.</p>
<p>There had also been an increase in the range of property available to first home buyers such as newly renovated bedsit units, not previously available in the local market.</p>
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Alice Springs first home buyers heading to Kilgariff

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<p><span>Like other parts of Sydney, investor demand has </span>declined in recent months in Southern Sydney, while home owners are generally remaining active in the market, according to the valuation firm Herron Todd White.</p>
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<p><span>First home buyers generally budget up to $1,000,000, which generally restricts property options to units, villas and townhouses. </span></p>
<p><span>There are a number of new unit developments in the Sutherland Shire which are attractive for rst home buyers including those at Woolooware Bay and the South Village development currently under construction at Kirrawee. </span></p>
<p><span>For the latter, 1-bedroom units are selling off the plan for between $600,000 and $700,000, and 2-bedroom units for between $680,000 and $900,000, HTW noted</span>.</p>
<p>First home buyers, downsizers and young professionals were prominent in the successful sales weekend of Crest at Woolooware Bay.</p>
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<p><span>Upsizers and families require a budget of $1 million up to $3 million in more popular beachside and riverside suburbs. </span></p>
<p><span>Duplex properties are becoming increasingly attractive, allowing a more affordable option of a good sized modern home on a smaller low maintenance block of land. </span></p>
<p><span>The valuation firm noted a sale at 32B Carabella Road, Caringbah, which sold for $1.562 million in August, comprised a new two storey semi- detached duplex with 4-bedrooms, 2-bathrooms and 1-car garage on a 280 square metre lot. </span></p>
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Southern Sydney FHBs spending up to $1 million

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<p><span>Home ownership is still the dream for most people living on the Sunshine Coast and owner-occupiers are again making up the majority of sales, particularly since APRA announced changes to investor lending, the valuation firm, Herron Todd White has advised. </span></p>
<p><span>They are seeing first home buyers still very active throughout the more affordable hinterland townships as well as in the new small lot residential estates at Caloundra and Palmview. </span></p>
<p><span>"Land in these estates is selling before titles are issued and is very popular amongst first home buyers," the firm's latest report noted.</span></p>
<p><span>"The Sunshine Coast is seeing some change with several new high density unit developments recently completed around the new hospital precinct and a large supply of small lot developments providing affordable housing.</span></p>
<p><span>"Lot sizes above 500 square metres are becoming scarce along the coastal strip and the number of attached housing developments is increasing. </span></p>
<p><span>"Both of these residential options provide an opportunity for first home buyers to get into the market at around $400,000." </span></p>
<p><span>Investors are also active for these types of properties at this price point, the valuation firm noted. </span></p>
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<p><span>Upgraders are also active given the ability to exit out of their current home.</span></p>
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Sunshine Coast still seeing active first time buyers

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<p>First home buyers, downsizers and families looking to upgrade have all been active in the property market as well as those who are new to Canberra, according to the valuation firm Herron Todd White.</p>
<p>First home buyers have affordable detached housing options in the outer suburbs of Belconnen and Tuggeranong, while Gungahlin provides newer detached housing at more of a premium.</p>
<p>"Alternatively, there are affordable unit options available throughout the Canberra region with new developments being completed in the city and town centres," HTW added.</p>
<p>There is also a large supply of older units close to the city and in the suburbs that would be suitably priced for first home buyers, the report advised.</p>
<p>The strong detached housing market has forced most first home buyers to look to apartments to climb onto the property ladder.</p>
<p>New Canberra residents have been active mainly in the Gungahlin market where they can buy new homes in a newly established suburb.</p>
<p>"Demand has been very strong from these buyers with land selling at a similar rate per square meter to land in established inner suburbs.</p>
<p>"This demographic has also been active in the new apartment market especially dwellings in close proximity to universities and town centres," HTW said.</p>
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