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

Investment

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GUEST OBSERVER
Moves by regulators and banks to curb the growth in investment lending in response to spiralling Sydney and Melbourne property prices could cool the investment market nationwide.
The decision by lenders to raise interest rates on investor loans and other changes to tighten up investment lending was penalising investors.
Changes aimed at trying to simmer the property hot spots of Sydney and Melbourne would needlessly harm investors in other parts of Australia
Not only have there been interest rate rises for investors but also changes to loan servicing calculations and Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) requirements, with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) encouraging the crackdown.
Our economy is in a two speed cycle with the big property price increases focussed on Sydney and Melbourne.
Regulators and lenders need to be careful with how they deal with this as they risk hindering the market in others parts of the country where real estate is not booming.
The lending landscape is changing with a mixed bag of LVR requirements which are now causing a great deal of uncertainty in the market.
Investors in places such as Brisbane and Perth are being unfairly targeted over the property boom in Sydney and Melbourne.
 
Kent Leicester is managing director of Cigna Wealth and can be contacted <a href="https://www.cignawealth.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Investor lending changes could backfire: Cigna Wealth's Kent Leicester 

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Four out of the top five most clicked homes for sale on realestateview.com.au for the last week are located in Victoria, with only one entrant from NSW.
The listing that gathered the most interest online was a stylish three bedroom home belonging to Nick and Chris from the first season of House Rules.
The property, <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/25-barry-street-kew/Property-Details-buy-residential-9273376" target="_blank">19 Jackman Street, Preston, Victoria,</a> is the only house on the street with dual car access and is being sold through hockingstuart Preston auction on Saturday, August 29.
<img src="/images/2015/08/21/19-Jackman-Street-Preston-VIC-3072-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-9273376.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="267">
 
A four bedroom three bathroom Doncaster house listed with $1.2 million hopes was the second most clicked property.
The <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/25-barry-street-kew/Property-Details-buy-residential-9204246" target="_blank">77 Church Road, Doncaster, Victoria</a> home faces north, is ripe for development and is for sale through Fletchers.
 
<img src="/images/2015/08/21/77-Church-Road-Doncaster-VIC-3108-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-9204246.jpg" alt="" width="410" height="273">
  
A sold five-bedroom home with three living areas, a pool next to the outdoor room and deck complete with custom fit out is the third most popular listing.
The <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/25-barry-street-kew/Property-Details-buy-residential-9218950" target="_blank">44 Cummins Road, Brighton East</a> home sold for $1,850,000 through Marshall White Brighton.
 
<img src="/images/2015/08/21/44-Cummins-Road-Brighton-East-VIC-3187-Real-Estate-photo-8-large-9218950.jpg" alt="" width="447" height="298">
 
The only home to feature on the list in New South Wales is a brand new property located at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/25-barry-street-kew/Property-Details-buy-residential-9156442" target="_blank">10 Lauren Close, Gol Gol</a>, for sale at $490,000. 
The four bedder with a massive family room and study nook features 9ft ceilings and spotted gum timber floors throughout.
It is for sale through Roccisano Real Estate.
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<img src="/images/2015/08/21/10-Lauren-Close-Gol-Gol-NSW-2738-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-9156442.jpg" alt="" width="483" height="321">
 
The final home on realestateview's top five most clicked houses for the last week is <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/25-barry-street-kew/Property-Details-buy-residential-8547722" target="_blank">Lot 210 No 3 Vibrandia Way, Truganina, Victoria</a>, available through Wyndham Lakes Real Estate.
Homes in the estate are available from $305,000 to $335,000.
<div>
<h2><img src="/images/2015/08/21/Lot-210-No-3-Vibrandia-Way-Truganina-VIC-3029-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-8547722.jpg" alt="" width="546" height="410"> </h2>
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

House Rules home dominates most clicked house listings: Realestateview.com.au

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Marketed as Australia's most affordable Woolworths, Burgess Rawson have secure the sale of the George Town, Tasmania premises for $4.95 million at recent auction.
The 8 Bathurst Street, George Town tenants come with an established lease with 20 + 10 year lease through to 2042. 
The rent is $336,682 pa.
The 1978 square metre Woolworths at <a href="https://www.burgessrawson.com.au/3P1087#.Va8OqSqqqko" target="_blank">8 Bathurst Street, George Town</a> has been described as a "consistent and progressively performing investment" with a captive trade catchment. 
The single tenant offering has minimum management investment with income tax saving depreciation. 
George Town is described as a residential and service centre for major industry including Bell Bay Aluminium generating a 1,500 workforce. 
George Town is a large town in north-east Tasmania, on the eastern bank of the mouth of the Tamar River. 
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George Town Woolworths sells at $4.95 million

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A fully leased retail investment property in Richmond is set to go under the hammer with expectations of around $1.5 million.
The 160 square metre, Commercial 1 zoned site at 142 Bridge Road is currently a restaurant with function area on the first floor.
Teska Carson’s Tom Maule said the property will be sold subject to a three year lease to Chuck Taylor’s Pty Ltd, trading as Mister Jennings, at a current income of $72,100 per annum from June 2014 with two further terms of four years and 3% annual rental reviews with a market review at the option. 
The property will be auctioned on Friday, August 21 at 1 pm on site.
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Richmond Hill restaurant has $1.5 million hopes

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House rents have increased 0.7% of the past year, with rental for units increasing 1.6% for the combined city capitals according to new figures from CoreLogic RP Data.
CoreLogic RP Data's July Rental Index also found rental rates for houses down 0.5% and units up 0.2% over the three month period ending July.
According to the report, the rental growth rate slowed due to new housing supply and 'historically high levels of housing investment'.
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Property investors are warned growth in rent could possibly slow more in the next few months given the activity in residential construction and high investment demand.
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House rents up 0.7%, units greater: CoreLogic RP Data

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House price growth in the Albany Urban Area in West Australia grew 5.3% over the year, with the new median house price at $389,750, according to new figures from the REIWA.
Albany was named best performing regional centre for property over FY14/FY15, with 456 house sales, 42 unit sales and 200 land sales over the last year.
The Busselton Urban Area was second with a 3.4% growth over the financial year, with the local suburb Abbey recording a median house price of $625,000, up 15.7% over the year. 
REIWA’s Branch Chairman for Albany, Barry Panizza, said the lift in median price over the last year really only brings us back to where we were five years ago, because the market has been weak for that long. 
"However, it’s encouraging to think that we might now be returning to a better position of forward growth and it gives buyers and sellers a bit more confidence," Mr Panizza said.
“Turnover, however, was down 10 per cent on last year which could be attributed to fewer properties on the market and this also helped with price growth.
“I also think there may have been some renewed interest in Albany following the hugely attended ANZAC commemorations over the last 12 months. Thousands of people from all over Australia got to see and experience Albany last October and again in April this year, and it wouldn’t surprise me if that resulted in a few people relocating here or acquiring an investment holiday home for the future,” he said.  
Bayonet Head prices are up 8.8% with a median of $397,000, Mount Melville up 5% to $380,000 and Spencer Park, up 4.9% to $350,000. 
Karratha dropped 32.3% to a median price of $440,000.
 
 Regional Centre results – Year to June 2015 
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
REGION
</td>
<td valign="middle">
NUMBER OF HOUSE SALES
</td>
<td valign="middle">
PERCENTAGE GROWTH ONE YEAR  
</td>
<td valign="middle">
MEDIAN PRICE 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
Albany Urban Area
</td>
<td valign="middle">
456
</td>
<td valign="middle">
5.3%
</td>
<td valign="middle">
$389,750
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
Broome Urban Area 
</td>
<td valign="middle">
125
</td>
<td valign="middle">
- 6.5%
</td>
<td valign="middle">
$575,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
Greater Bunbury 
</td>
<td valign="middle">
1,097
</td>
<td valign="middle">
1.3%
</td>
<td valign="middle">
$385,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
Busselton Urban Area 
</td>
<td valign="middle">
464
</td>
<td valign="middle">
3.4%
</td>
<td valign="middle">
$460,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
Carnarvon Urban Area
</td>
<td valign="middle">
36
</td>
<td valign="middle">
0.4%
</td>
<td valign="middle">
$333,750
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
Esperance Urban Area 
</td>
<td valign="middle">
125
</td>
<td valign="middle">
10.7% *
</td>
<td valign="middle">
$387,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
Geraldton/Greenough
</td>
<td valign="middle">
412
</td>
<td valign="middle">
-2.6
</td>
<td valign="middle">
$370,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
Kalgoorlie/Boulder
</td>
<td valign="middle">
364
</td>
<td valign="middle">
1.5%
</td>
<td valign="middle">
$345,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
Karratha Urban Area 
</td>
<td valign="middle">
145
</td>
<td valign="middle">
-32.3
</td>
<td valign="middle">
$440,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
Mandurah/Murray
</td>
<td valign="middle">
1,885
</td>
<td valign="middle">
0.7%
</td>
<td valign="middle">
$405,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
Northam
</td>
<td valign="middle">
124
</td>
<td valign="middle">
-3%
</td>
<td valign="middle">
$263,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
Port Hedland 
</td>
<td valign="middle">
97
</td>
<td valign="middle">
-6.3%
</td>
<td valign="middle">
$750,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
REGIONAL WA 
</td>
<td valign="middle">
7,484
</td>
<td valign="middle">
0.8%
</td>
<td valign="middle">
$383,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
*The varied composition of sales and small sample sizes skewed the result in Esperance so the figure of 10.7% growth in median price should be treated with caution. 
 
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Western Australia's top ranked suburbs for house price growth: REIWA

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The majority of potential property investors remain undeterred by APRA's recent changes in investment policy, according to new research by Mortgage Choice. 
54% of respondents to Mortgage Choice's 2015 Investor Survey plan to continue with their investment plans regardless of changes to investment lending policies.
Mortgage Choice chief executive office John Flavell said 70% of respondents believed now was still a good time to invest.
“While on average 54% of investors said the changes wouldn’t affect their investment plans, the story was a little different for Gen Y buyers,” Mr Flavell said.
“Baby boomers by comparison, were far less likely to be put off by the changes, with just 30% saying any changes would affect their property investment plans.
“Our data shows an increasing number of investors are actually Gen Y’s who are purchasing property for the first time. For many younger buyers, purchasing an investment property before an owner occupied property gives them the opportunity to purchase where they can afford while still living where they want."
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Investment changes fail to deter property investors: Mortgage Choice

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The financial services group AMP has appointed Adam Tindall to succeed Stephen Dunne as managing director of its AMP Capital division.
Adam Tindall will assume the role following Stephen Dunne’s upcoming retirement.
Adam Tindall is currently AMP Capital’s chief investment officer, property. 
He will start in his new role in October 2015 after a period of transition alongside Stephen Dunne.
AMP Capital is a specialist investment manager that manages over $160 billion across a range of asset classes including equities, fixed interest, property and infrastructure.  
Adam has 28 years of experience in the property industry, joining AMP Capital Property in 2009 from Macquarie Capital.
Prior to this, Adam spent 17 years with Lend Lease, ultimately working in various business leadership roles including chief executive officer, Asia Pacific for Bovis Lendlease.
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AMP Capital appoints Adam Tindall as MD

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A developer has paid $3.22 million for a double-fronted street level Ashburton property with the intention of seeking approval to build a multi-level residential block.
The site, 237-239 High Street Ashburton property is on a 460 square metre site, has two levels split between 194 square metres in total and features ground floor retail space with 12 metre frontage onto High Street. It was sold subject to a short term tenancy at $74,807 per annum.
Around 100 onlookers attended the Teska Carson auction.
It last sold in 1995 at $570,000 when sold by Westpac.
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Developer pays $3.22 million for Ashburton property

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GUEST OBSERVER
Not since 1998 have banks charged a higher rate for investment property loan as compared to owner-occupiers. You may have seen the news that ANZ have decided to slug heaps of their mortgage clients. Independent of any RBA movement, they are increasing the standard variable rate by 0.27% for investment home loans.
Unfortunately, CBA today announced the same thing. The interest rate for existing variable investment CBA home loans will rise by 0.27% from August 10th. 
The stance of iChoice is that these tactics are opportunistic, and ANZ &amp; CBA clients should think again. 
The APRA directive is for investment lending growth to be limited by 10%. So the unpublished interest rate discounts offered to us high-end brokers will be stronger for those taking a loan against their home. We have accepted this, in fact since some banks are much more flexible than others (some not discounting at all) the importance of a knowledgeable broker is becoming more apparent.
So why are ANZ &amp; CBA slugging EXISTING clients, if the APRA directive related only to growth? These questions should be asked. The beauty of some banks is that their home loans, whether for a home or an investment, is actually the same product, so they wont have the ability to pinpoint the investors to discriminately slug them. maybe check your statement and see if the name of your product includes the word ’investment’.
So will this intervention in market forces negatively affect the run of the property market? Will cashed-up foreigners be laughing as local investors get further priced out? What we do know immediately, is that CBA clients with an Investment Home Loan will be fuming as they watch the news tonight, like ANZ customers were last night!
iChoice will be emailing our client base with facilities at ANZ and CBA this weekend with our recommendation for next steps.
Off-the plan buyers know that some banks lend against the valuation at completion (not the LOWER of purchase price and valuation like the nasty banks). I say this because I have heard of many people getting slugged with thousands of dollars of LMI because they just don’t know (do they know that us mortgage advisors are free??). 
Also, Westpac for a limited time are lending 85% with no LMI, for purchases OR refinances but applications must be in by the end of August.
As usual, Citibank have an 85% no-LMI as their standard, and great fixed rates too.
As an acclaimed Flame broker, I can often lend 90% with no LMI to doctors, pharmacists, dentists, vets, accountants, barristers and solicitors.
Jason Khoury is principal, iChoice Mortgage Brokers and can be contacted <a href="mailto:jason=ichoice.com.au@mercurymail.connective.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>. 
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