<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.</p>

<p>The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.</p>

<p>Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.</p>

<p>The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.</p>

<p>The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments</p>

<p><img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" /></p>

<p>Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.</p>

<p>But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.</p>

<p>Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.</p>

<p>The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.</p>

<p>Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.</p>

<p>SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.</p>

<p>The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.</p>

<p>The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.</p>

<p>Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.</p>

<p><img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" /></p>

<p>SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.</p>

<p>Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.</p>

<p>If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

<p>Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.</p>

<p>Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.</p>

<p>The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.</p>

<p>“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.</p>

<p>"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.</p>

<p>“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”</p>

<p><img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" /></p>

<p>The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.</p>

<p>The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.</p>

<p>The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.</p>

<p><img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" /></p>

<p>The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.</p>

<p>It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.</p>

<p>Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.</p>

<p>The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.</p>

<p>Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.</p>

<p><img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" /></p>

<p>Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.</p>

<p>A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.</p>

<p>A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.</p>

<p>Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.</p>

<p>Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.</p>

<p>The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.</p>

<p>Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.</p>


Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

<p data-end="288" data-start="269"><strong data-end="288" data-start="269">Article summary</strong></p>

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289"><strong data-end="374" data-start="291">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development</strong>, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443"><strong data-end="513" data-start="445">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences</strong>, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574"><strong data-end="646" data-start="576">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project</strong>, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718"><strong data-end="787" data-start="720">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road</strong>, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<p data-end="1011" data-start="790"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.</p>

<p data-end="1296" data-start="1013">The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion</p>

<p data-end="1296" data-start="1013"><img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" /></p>

<p>The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.</p>

<p>“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."</p>

<p>Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."</p>

<p>"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”</p>

<p><img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." /></p>

<p>The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.</p>

<p>A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.</p>

<p>Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.</p>

<p><img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" /></p>

<p>Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.</p>

<p>“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.</p>

<p>“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.</p>

<p>“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”</p>

<p><img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" /></p>

<p>Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.</p>

<p>With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]</p>


DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<p><a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.</p>

<p>Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.</p>

<p>The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.</p>

<p>The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.</p>

<p>A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" /></p>

<p>The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.</p>

<p>"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.</p>

<p>"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."</p>

<p>The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."</p>

<p>Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.</p>

<p>Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.</p>

<p>The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.</p>

<p>The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.</p>


First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]</p>

<p>The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.</p>

<p>"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]</p>

<p>Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.</p>

<p>The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]</p>


The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Gardner Vaughan Group breaks ground on first Gold Coast development, Bronze on Chevron

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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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

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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