Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Geelong

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As someone allegedly knows something about property, I have to confess I didn't participate in Melbourne's property market through its recent stellar run, having been focused on Sydney, and more lately Brisbane. 
 
At least I won't miss out on Geelong, though.
 
Geelong had always looked to be a likely contender for the ripple effect from Melbourne, being located less than 50 miles from the capital, and being a generally good city in its own right.
 
And then the Labor government more or less nailed it on by announcing a series of measures to stimulate the market.
 
I broke a golden rule of thumb when discussing possible price impacts here when I estimated that median house prices in the city could feasibly rise by 20 to 30 per cent by 2020 (never use numbers; they always go for the numbers...).
 
Somehow, that became a median price of $600,000 ("it's not hard to envision prices in Geelong moving 20 to 30 percent higher by June 2020, particularly in the sub-$600,000 bracket").
 
Anyhoo, the point was that prices could rise as a result of the stimulatory measures, not least because the new legislation doesn't take full effect for months, affording opportunists a free kick at buying before 1 July. 
 
And it looks like prices are teeing off already.
 
Last weekend the auction clearance rate in Geelong moved above 90 percent, the highest regional or non-capital city clearance rate in the country.
 
And there are now regular stories of street records being smoked.
 
This weekend a house that last sold for $310,000 in 2009 sold for an astonishing $836,000 at auction. 
 
It looks like a rocket has been put under house prices in Geelong West.   
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/23/A1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/03/23/A1.jpg" alt=""> 
All the hallmarks of a nascent boom.
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/">blogger</a>.
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
 
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Geelong prices teeing off early

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A 237 square metre retail shop at Geelong has been sold.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-geelong-502225758" target="_blank">80 Ryrie Street</a>, the CBD property, close to the Corio Bay Foreshore Reserve, was offered with a guidance of $550,000 plus GST.
It has frontage and exposure in a professional services district.
It was offered through Colliers International agents Ben Young and Jonathon Lumsden.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Geelong CBD retail shop sold

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Geelong had the highest auction clearance rate in the regional regions over the weekend, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that 94.4% of Geelong’s 18 auctions were successful.
This is followed by the Hunter region with 78.6% and Wollongong with 77.3%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-13%20at%2011.08.21%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/03/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-13%20at%2011.08.21%20am.jpg" alt="">
Gold Coast had the lowest auction clearance rate with only 46.7% of auctions cleared.
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-indented+head-124753110" target="_blank">49 Henderson Street</a>, Indented Head (above) was sold for $350,000.
Similarly a two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-portarlington-124695830" target="_blank">4 Grassy Point Road</a>, Portarlington (below) was sold for $730,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/03/13/4%20Grassy%20Point%20Road.jpg" alt="">
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Geelong secures highest regional auction clearance rate: CoreLogic

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/72351/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
There are few more telling signs of conflict in urban spaces than calls to send in the police.
Geelong’s Little Malop Street Mall has been the subject of many such calls, as regular incidents keep the space in the media spotlight.
But Geelong-based writer Ross Mueller’s 2015 call for the police to be called in to investigate “criminal neglect of our public place” comes at the problem from a new angle.
“That’s right,” Mueller began. “We need a whole division to investigate exactly who approved the brilliant idea of building two massive shopping (centres) right next door to each other.” He proposed “the biggest working bee in our history” to rip up the space and start from scratch.
Even if said working bee came to pass, the spatial issues behind the mall’s malaise need to be understood. While an influx of police has often been seen as a way to “fix” the mall, such approaches deal with symptoms rather than the causes of conflicts in such spaces.
The mall’s story has vital lessons for cities around Australia. Chief among them is that public spaces not designed for all can become stages of conflict and alienation. While the centre may hold the focus, the edges of these spaces hold the key.
Haven of the ‘mall rat’
In the 1860s, the area comprising today’s Little Malop Street Mall was part of Market Square, then a large public reserve in the east of the city centre. Its story has been controversial, with privatisation for commercial interests gradually eroding the space over time.
In 1985, what remained of the square and a network of streets was replaced by the Market Square Shopping Centre. This left the narrow rump of public space to the south that is now the mall.
The shopping centre, and another built on the other side of the mall soon after, closed over a connected network of streets similar in form to Melbourne’s celebrated Hoddle Grid. This loss of lively streets and laneways has made this section of Geelong’s city centre less permeable and less pedestrian-friendly.
While the introverted centres have prospered, the mall has become a space as feared and fretted over as the people locally derided as “mall rats” who have become associated with it.
Public perceptions of the space have declined in spite of various interventions, including redevelopments and communications campaigns targeting antisocial behaviour.
Conflicted messages and purposes
The conflict between users of Little Malop Street Mall is rooted in two larger interrelated conflicts. One is between the operation of space as a public common and space for profit. The other stems from the conflicted messages that the space sends to users.
People interpret spaces, and the messages we receive are shaped by several factors. These range from our interaction with physical factors like objects within the space, the space’s edges and how we navigate through spaces, through to discourses or texts that French philosopher Henri Lefebvre identified as “representations of space”.
A successful public space or commons sends messages that make it welcoming to all. The space encourages interaction and invites people to linger.
In this context, defensive interventions aimed at excluding particular groups, such as playing loud classical music to deter so-called “mall rats”, are particularly problematic. Measures that seek to exclude one group often generate a space that deters all.
More successful interventions to activate the mall have involved organised programs of events such as food trucks and live entertainment. But when the carnival moves on, the design problems remain.
Conflict by design
The shopping centre’s opening was clearly a decisive blow in favour of privatised space. Even more significant, though, is the way the centre is designed to turn its back on the public spaces and streets around it.
This speaks to the importance of edges in urban design. While the centre’s boxy form and bulky scale overshadow the mall, the biggest issue is at street level. Here, long stretches of blank concrete walls, loading docks, tagged shopfronts and security grilles form the centre’s face to the mall.
This stark edge sends a message that the space is unsafe and unwelcoming, positioning the mall’s public function as secondary to the profit-driven centre. While in theory the mall is a public space, these hard edges send the clear message that it is not a place for people.
Contrast this with a lively space where the edges between streetfronts and shops are open, with lots to attract eyes and people. Danish architect Jan Gehl, a key figure in the reinvigoration of inner-city Melbourne, writes in his 2010 book Cities for People:
When the city’s edges work, they reinforce city life. Activities can supplement each other, the wealth of experience increases, walking becomes safer and distances seem shorter.
The good news is that hints for creating a better mall are literally metres away. In Little Malop Street, west of the mall, narrow shopfronts on both sides of a one-way street and pedestrianised area form lively edges. These have laid the foundation for a renaissance of city life: dining, activity and a totally new vibe.
The mall’s edges are not the only issue confronting the space, but they are fundamentally important. Other interventions such as streetscape works will be of little use if the inactive edges remain.
Matt Novacevski is research fellow, Deakin University and author for The Conversation. He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matt-novacevski-312329" target="_blank">here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Contested spaces: living off the edge in a city mall where design fuels conflict

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Well, the Andrews Labor Government is really throwing the kitchen sink at the regional Victorian housing market. 
Two days ago, it was announced that there will be a $20,000 first home owners grant for buyers in regional Victoria: 
"The First Home Owner Grant will be doubled in regional Victoria, helping thousands of Victorians buy their first home...the Grant will increase from $10,000 to $20,000, commencing 1 July 2017."
The increased grant will also be available to first home buyers building homes valued up to $750,000.
With some first home buyers struggling to get into the Melbourne market, the most clear-cut beneficiary of this policy will be the Geelong housing market being located ~45 miles south-west of the state capital. 
Around 17,000 persons presently commute from Geelong to Melbourne daily, about 12,000 by road and the remainder by train.
The other likely beneficiaries will be the 'B cities', being the housing markets of Bendigo and Ballarat respectively.
Stamp duties waived
Going an inflationary step further, the Andrews Labor Government chimed in again over the weekend with another price-boosting policy:
"Stamp duty will be abolished for first home buyers for purchases below $600,000, helping thousands of Victorians find their first home, as the Andrews Labor Government tackles housing affordability head on.
Those buying a home valued between $600,000 and $750,000 will also be eligible for a concession, applied on a sliding scale. 
The exemption and concession will apply to both new and established homes, in a move that is expected to help 25,000 Victorians find their first home."
This is also very significant, particularly given that Victoria has more punitive stamp duties than New South Wales and a number of other states and territories.
Some buyers with a 5 per cent deposit will also be afforded the opportunity to co-purchase a dwelling with the government from next year.
Timing blunder?
How the above measures will serve to boost entry level prices in the regional housing markets of Victoria is clear enough. 
What may be slightly less obvious is that since the grant will only become applicable for contracts signed from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2020,  by telegraphing the policy changes months in advance the government has perhaps inadvertently presented opportunistic investors a window within which to hoover up entry level stock.
In a similar vein the ALP's election pledges to restrict negative gearing deductions and remove the capital gains tax 'discount' have to some extent drawn more investors into the market in order to beat any potential future deadline.
These newly-announced measures are therefore potentially a mixed blessing for the first home buyers in Victoria.
On the one hand the announcements make entering the market potentially easier by offering both a $20,000 grant and a stamp duty exemption.
On the other hand, those unable or not feeling compelled to buy are all but certain to see entry level prices gravitate higher. 
Finally, if all of the above wasn't enough meddlesome manoeuvring, Treasurer Morrison noted that the Coalition is working on a housing affordability package of its own, with all to be revealed in the May budget. 
The wrap 
Evidently this will be a boost for regional Victorian housing markets. 
It's worth noting that such measures may inflate housing markets by a greater magnitude than the apparent dollar value of the twin benefits, since market participants can potentially use greater leverage as a result of needing a lower deposit and requiring no savings for stamp duty.
It's not hard to envision prices in Geelong moving 20 to 30 percent higher by June 2020, particularly in the sub-$600,000 bracket.
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
 
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.
 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
 
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Threefold boost for Geelong housing market: Pete Wargent

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Geelong is ranked among the regional regions with the highest auction clearance rate, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The data firm says that out of the 31 auctions known to CoreLogic over the weekend Geelong sold 80%.
This is followed by Wollongong with 76% and the Hunter with 71%.
<a href="/images/2016/11/10/Regional%20regions.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/10/Regional%20regions.jpg" alt="">
The region with lowest auction clearance rate was the Gold Coast where out of the 35 auctions known to CoreLogic over the weekend only 42% were sold.
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Geelong leads with 80% auction success: CoreLogic

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Former Geelong Football Club champion Cameron Ling has been announced as an ambassador for Oakdene Estate, a development along the Bellarine Peninsula.
Oakdene Estate is an established community in the heart of Ocean Grove.
The three-time premiership hero is a resident in nearby Geelong and has further extended his interest in the property. He said that every aspect of Oakdene Estate has been thoughtfully considered and carefully planned.
"There’s no doubt Oakdene Estate is an ideal place to build a home and raise a family," Ling said.
"The community is rich with great lifestyle factors and a friendliness that you just don’t get anywhere else".
Oakdene Estate features single dwelling covenants and architecturally designed homes.
An expanding coastal town, Oakdene Estate’s stage eight land release is now selling, with Oakdene Estate representative, Nicholas O’Donohue saying that he believes the strong interest in the development will continue to grow.
"With six stages already sold out and strong buyer interest from baby boomer downsizers and young families, Oakdene Estate is set to redefine Ocean Grove living," O’Donohue said.
"Oakdene Estate has been very successful with 11 out of the 38 lots being sold on the first weekend.
"This sensational collection of these family size blocks range in size from 476 square metres to 1,467 square metres.
"A variety of lots are also still available in stage seven ranging in size from 326 square metres to 828 square metres."
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Former Geelong champion Cameron Ling announced as Oakdene Estate ambassador

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Geelong has regularly taken the top spot for Victorian regions with the highest auction clearance rates, according to CoreLogic.
Last week the region had an auction clearance rate of 80 percent amid its 52 auctions.
Now Leopold, Corio, Norlane and Lara have joined the top 30 suburbs where Terry Ryder has predicted house prices will take off this spring.
Hotspotting founder Terry Ryder listed Geelong suburbs Corio, Lara, Leopold and Norlane in his top rising markets in his spring Price Predictor Index.
Ryder recently described Geelong as the superstar of the Victorian property market.
The local paper, the Geelong Advertiser noted expansion of Leopold’s Gateway Plaza shopping centre, including Bunnings, Kmart and Aldi, was a catalyst for interest in the suburb, Allpoints agent Janet McIntosh said.
“People see us as a suburb with lots of extra facilities that’s got the potential to keep growing to become like another Waurn Ponds,” Ms McIntosh said.
New land estate Estuary sold out early this year, increasing demand in the suburb, Ms McIntosh said
“It’s very hard to get any houses under $300,000 now,” she said.
Leopold and Lara’s median house price is $380,000, the report shows.
<img src="/images/2016/10/27/14%20Teesdale%20Court.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-lara-122910142" target="_blank">14 Teesdale Court</a> (above) was recently sold for $380,000.
Ryder sees Geelong as an affordable alternative to Melbourne.
Corio and Norlane, which were in July’s survey, have median prices of $240,000 and $222,000 respectively.
Overall Hotspotting listed eight Geelong suburbs that were rising steadily and another 12 suburbs were sales volumes were steady, outranking any council area in Melbourne.
<a href="/images/2016/10/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-10-27%20at%2012.59.42%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-10-27%20at%2012.59.42%20PM.png" alt="">
 
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Geelong outranks Melbourne in Hotspotting property location list

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A former Geelong church is currently for sale as retail space. The property was on the market earlier this year for $1.3 million.
The property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-geelong-501979202" target="_blank">7/74 Gheringhap Street</a> has a floor space of 270 sqm.
It is leased until February 2020 with a possibility of extensions.
Situated within the former 1860s St Giles Church, the space features stained glass windows and slated roof.
The whole building has undergone considerable improvements to turn it into the state-of-the-art facility it is today.
The premises on sale comprise two separate entry areas, one from the common property area and another one directly off Gheringhap Street as well as including three basement car spaces.
The ground floor includes an entry area, waiting room, reception area and three treatment rooms and bathroom. Carpeted stairs lead to the first floor that contains an open landing area, treatment room, laser room, spray tan room and kitchenette among others.
Similarly the second floor leads to offices, storage cupboard and landing area among others as well as a small mezzanine level accessible from the second floor that comprises of an open plan space.
Other internal features include ceramic floor tiles in treatment rooms, given it is currently fitted out with a cosmetic centre and is suitable for medical use.
The net rent is $73,000 p.a. plus GST and outgoings.
It is offered through Maxwell Collins Real Estate agent Tom Fonay.
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Former Geelong church office for sale

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Based on data to June 2016, the median house value across Geelong was $452,657, which is 5.6 percent higher over the year, rising faster than unit values, which were up 3.4 percent over the 12 month period, to $332,864, according to CoreLogic's regional market report.
<a href="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2011.52.08%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2011.52.08%20AM.png" alt="">
Longer term, detached housing has outperformed the smaller unit market across the region, with the median house value now 21.4 per cent higher than it was five years ago, compared to a more moderate 9.8 per cent rise over the past five years for units.
<a href="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2011.52.15%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2011.52.15%20AM.png" alt="">
Both house and unit rental markets have recorded a similar performance over the 12 months ending June 2016, with rents rising 3.0 per cent and 3.6 per cent respectively, while units (4.9 per cent) are expected to offer greater returns to investors than detached houses (4.5 per cent) across the region.
<a href="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2011.52.26%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2011.52.26%20AM.png" alt="">
<a href="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2011.52.35%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2011.52.35%20AM.png" alt="">
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