Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Newcastle

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We have just completed this fantastic corner block duplex project for our client Bob in Newcastle. 
Total cost of project; includes land, DA and CC consents, Torrens title subdivision, full turnkey construction, legal fees and stamp duty:  $785,143
Both villas sales price (have exchanged now):  $1,035,000
Equity created within 14 months (before any tax applicable):  $249,857
Return on Investment in 14 months after project management fee: 19.6% 
Key highlights of this project:
•      The villas have uninterrupted views
•      Equity creation $249,857
•      ROI within 14 months is 19.6% (after PM fee deducted)
•      Both villas sold before Handover
 
Jo Chivers is chief executive officer of property development project managers <a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/about" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a><a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/">.</a>
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jochivers-wq5Bp59R5a

Creating equity in a residential development: Jo Chivers

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Australia has one of the most residentially mobile populations of any country. This means we don't mind moving house.
Researchers refer to this as Net Internal Migration, or NIM. With so much attention focused on Sydney's hot property market and the rapid growth in the city's house prices recently, it is easy to see how regional migration starts, as people move from cities to regional areas.
We are already seeing many families priced out of Sydney looking for more value for their money. This migration pattern has been creeping up into the Central Coast and Newcastle over the past few months.
In fact, Newcastle experienced the second largest influx of domestic migrants between 2010 and 2011.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in the 2010-11 period Newcastle was second only to Perth in receiving the highest amount of people moving from other capital cities.
Newcastle was also the sixth highest net gainer of domestic migration as a percentage of its population between 2006 and 2011.
With Newcastle experiencing some of Sydney's spillover, there seems to be a local problem emerging.
Some Novocastrians are now looking to do the same and eyeing off other areas within the Hunter Region in which to start their families. A quick search online for houses for sale around $400,000 in Newcastle throws up a few apartments and small, unrenovated two bedroom homes on very small lots.  In Sydney of course, the pickings are much slimmer.
Rachael Brecht from Jurds Real Estate in Cessnock says: "We have been getting more enquiry from Newcastle and the Central Coast buyers. We even see some Tree Changers coming from Sydney. They are looking for good quality renovated houses with large backyards and good schools and good sporting and shopping facilities.  We have all this and more in Cessnock with the beautiful Hunter Valley vineyards and their world famous cafes and restaurants at our doorstep, we really do have lots to offer."
She's currently marketing a three bedroom house on 800 square metres of land, with a price guide of $399,000.
With the Hunter Expressway now offering quicker access, you can be in the Newcastle CBD within 50 minutes. Cessnock is a two hour drive from Sydney. There are good local employment opportunities, as in this city which has a population of over 54,000, there is a strong, diverse economy.  The health, tourism, retail, manufacturing (wine) and training and education industries are the <a href="https://economy.id.com.au/cessnock/Employment-census" target="_blank">highest employers in the area</a>. 
For buyers from Sydney or Newcastle a three bedroom house on 800sqm of land for $400,000 is very good value. When you combine the low interest rates we are experiencing now, then this may be a great way of getting ahead.
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The search widens for families priced out of cities

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GUEST OBSERVER
Those who find Sydney a tad rich don’t have to go too far to find major markets with greater affordability and good growth prospects.
Newcastle has a rising economy, a strong property market and appears to be settling into a sustained period of growth.
The city, about 160km north of Sydney, presents an appealing formula for property investors: relatively affordable prices, an overall solid growth record and major impetus from economic activity in and around the city.
It has delivered steady price rises over the past three years and in the past 12 months several Newcastle suburbs have recorded double-digit median price growth. There’s more to come, I think.
Key projects keeping the Newcastle economy strong include the CBD revitalisation, residential construction, upgrades to transport infrastructure and expansion of the Newcastle port.
Newcastle is already the world’s biggest coal export port and major upgrades to export facilities occur regularly. A $1 billion upgrade to the Newcastle Airport and RAAF Base is also under way.
The airport – where the runway is shared with the RAAF Base Williamtown – is already a major employer, with around 3,000 military and civilian personnel working at the base.
Newcastle is Australia’s seventh largest city and one of its oldest. It has a busy harbour, many beaches and plenty of elegant historic buildings. Despite its reputation as an industrial city, Newcastle is ranked the sixth most visited place in Australia, attracting 9.6 million visitors per year.
It thrives as part of the Hunter Region, which is the largest economic base in NSW outside of Sydney. The Hunter region is also well known for its primary industries, notably equine breeding and winemaking. It’s also a key area for mining and power generation.
But in recent years, much of Newcastle’s employment growth has been experienced within the services sector, especially in health and the tertiary education sector.
Generally, Hotspotting regards Newcastle as one of Australia’s most under-rated markets. It has strong prospects as an affordable alternative to Sydney, offering an attractive beach lifestyle, proximity to the Hunter Valley and to Port Stephens, plus solid job prospects in a growing economy.
The impetus of the State Government’s Urban Renewal Strategy for Newcastle has become clearly evident; building activity has been rising for the past 3-4 years – especially with unit construction – as the city strives towards higher-density living to cater for population growth.
Over 100,000 new dwellings will be needed in the Lower Hunter region by 2031, according to the NSW State Government.
The affordability of Newcastle relative to Sydney is shown in the median house prices in the Mayfield suburbs ($445,000 to $484,000), Shortland ($380,000), Wallsend ($415,000) and Waratah ($500,000), as well as the median unit prices in New Lambton and Waratah (both $380,000), and Adamstown ($405,000).
There are good prospects for real estate in Newcastle, based on extensive spending on infrastructure and property developments.
Newcastle has recently been the beneficiary of investment activity, largely stimulated by the $6.55 billion State Government investment mandate covering projects such as the new light rail system on Hunter Street, the transport interchange at Wickham and construction of the Newcastle City University Campus.
A June 2016 map of Newcastle building activity showed 28 residential projects with a combined value of $1.6 billion in the construction pipeline, with more proposals in planning. Around 3,000 apartments will be added to the city’s housing stock as a result, including 1,200 in the west end.
Work on revitalising the CBD began in December 2014, with the $73 million transport interchange at Wickham expected to open late in 2017. The interchange will integrate trains, buses, taxis, light rail, cyclists and car drop-off and pick-ups, alongside a light rail service from Wickham to the beach.
The Hunter Street Mall is also receiving a serious makeover, transforming the CBD into 50 percent residential and 50 percent commercial/retail. Included in the plans are an “eat street”, an entertainment precinct and around 500 apartments.
The State Government plans to move sections of Newcastle University into the CBD to help revitalise the inner-city.
Key projections for the university over the coming decade include increasing its student numbers to 40,000, making it one of the top three regional universities in Australia.
Construction has started on the $95 million NewSpace campus, with the NSW Government contributing $25 million towards the cost. By 2020, the university expects to have moved its business, law and creative arts faculties entirely to the CBD.
All this activity is helping to keep the Newcastle economy vibrant, providing a strong underpinning to a growth property market.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can  <a href="mailto:%20%3Cscript%20type='text/javascript'%3E%20%3C!--%20var%20prefix%20=%20'ma'%20+%20'il'%20+%20'to';%20var%20path%20=%20'hr'%20+%20'ef'%20+%20'=';%20var%20addy38821%20=%20'ryder'%20+%20'@';%20addy38821%20=%20addy38821%20+%20'hotspotting'%20+%20'.'%20+%20'com'%20+%20'.'%20+%20'au';%20document.write('%3Ca%20'%20+%20path%20+%20'/''%20+%20prefix%20+%20':'%20+%20addy38821%20+%20'/'%3E');%20document.write(addy38821);%20document.write('%3C//a%3E');%20//--%3E/n%20%3C/script%3E%3Cscript%20type='text/javascript'%3E%20%3C!--%20document.write('%3Cspan%20style=/'display:%20none;/'%3E');%20//--%3E%20%3C/script%3EThis%20email%20address%20is%20being%20protected%20from%20spambots.%20You%20need%20JavaScript%20enabled%20to%20view%20it.%20%3Cscript%20type='text/javascript'%3E%20%3C!--%20document.write('%3C/');%20document.write('span%3E');%20//--%3E%20%3C/script%3E">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting">Twitter.</a>
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Housing affordability and price growth prospects in Newcastle

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A trophy apartment in Newcastle, overlooking the harbour city, has been sold for $3,562,500.

The three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment is in the Newport building that dates back to its construction in 2000.

Located at 17/71 Scott Street, the complex has 18 apartments.

It was offered by the Ainsworth family who were the builders of the complex, selling within a month of its listing.

The penthouse has views of Newcastle Beach to Fort Scratchley, and north across the harbour to Stockton Bight.

Set over 484sqm, the home includes two separate living areas, two entertaining terraces, exclusive use of the rooftop and the potential for a fourth bedroom.

<img alt="" height="1334" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/newcastle_2.jpg" width="2000">

The sale came with two secure parking spaces and a storage area.

The apartment's strata fees are over $12,500 per annum.

PRD Newcastle agents Mark Kentwell and Chasse Ede marketed the listing.

It was the first sale to occur in the complex this year, with the last sale being $1.125 million last December. It was a first floor unit that last sold at $520,000 in 2003.

After picking up earlier this year, Newcastle’s housing market appears to be softening, JLL’s Newcastle housing market overview recorded. 

However, as the mid and lower-end of the markets begin to show signs of weakening, the prestige and upper-end of the Newcastle property market have continued to perform relatively well. 

Newcastle’s rental market remains tight with the rental vacancy rate increasing to 2.1 per cent, up from 1.4 per cent a year ago. 

<h2>Apartment construction likely to pick up on the back of strong approvals</h2>

According to JLL's overview, the total number of dwellings approved in Newcastle more than doubled over the year to March 2020 to reach 2,000. This is in contrast to Sydney, which has seen dwelling approvals decline sharply over the same period.

64 per cent of dwellings approved were apartments, which increased by more than threefold over the year to March 2020.

SKY Residences is a new high-rise development in Newcastle, with prices for one-bedroom apartments beginning at $380,000. 

SKY offers a choice of 180 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments with access to entertainment, transport and hotel-quality amenities, including heated outdoor pool, fully-equipped gym and landscaped garden terrace retreat.

 

 
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The three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment is in the Newport building that dates back to its construction in 2000.



jchancellor

Newcastle penthouse sells for over $3.5 million

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While the full effect of COVID-19 on the property market will take months to become clear, Herron Todd White's latest report found current evidence is showing that the predicted deterioration has just not occurred within the Newcastle area.
HTW valuer Liz McAllister said local builders are confirming that their work pipelines are remaining strong after a dip at the beginning of the pandemic. This has largely been due to to government support in the form of the HomeBuilder Grant.
"We have seen an increase in the price of vacant land within larger land developments with developers looking to capitalise on the grants," she said.
Despite some of the grants being also available for apartments, HTW is not as positive about the apartment market.
It warns owner occupiers and investors that new properties are very frequently being sold at prices exceeding their resale value.
It suggests there is an oversupply in the rental vacancy situation with overall demand for units deemed "soft."
These investment opportunities are the 41 ongoing or new residential developments on Apartments.com.au. 
In their August report HTW noted that whilst buyer uncertainty has not stopped investors purchasing property, the volume of quality houses on the market has not fully recovered but was on its way up.
"Property prices in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie rose ever so slightly in the last three month period even with the region shedding 24,000 jobs," the HTW valuer's said.
It was highlighted that agents have noted that investors from outside of the region are showing interest in purchasing investments. 
Major investment in infrastructure is under way including the newly revealed concept design for the seven-storey Acute Services Building for John Hunter and John Hunter’s Children’s hospitals.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the $780 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct would drive significant economic growth in the Greater Newcastle region.
“John Hunter hospital is one of the busiest hospitals in NSW and this investment will provide enhanced health facilities ensuring the region has a world-class hospital to cater to its growing population,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Construction of the precinct will support more than 3,000 jobs over the life of the project helping stimulate the economy, a key component of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 recovery plan.”
Early works on the new Acute Services Building are expected to commence in 2021 with main works construction scheduled to commence in 2022.
Observing the Newcastle commercial market, the workplace is described as pivoting as business leaders are seeing a reduction in business costs with staff working from home and for many this arrangement has become permanent.
Herron Todd White noted that companies are utilising less office space and using only meeting rooms and boardrooms, while hot desking and part time office use is becoming the norm.
However it did note this trend had yet to fully take hold in Newcastle.
"We see vacancy rates in some sectors rising in coming years as leases expire," Director Ed Thwaites said.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

$780 million John Hunter hospital plans revealed amid continuing Newcastle construction

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The Newcastle and Hunter region property market has continued to hold steady through the ongoing pandemic, according to the August Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm presented an 'investor playbook' of real estate performance. 
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Whilst buyer uncertainty has not stopped investors purchasing property, the volume of quality properties on the market has not fully recovered but it’s on its way, the report noted. 
"Property prices in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie rose ever so slightly in the last three month period even with the region shedding 24,000 jobs," the valuation firm said. 
Agents have noted that investors from outside of the region are showing interest in purchasing investments. With the pandemic and with people still working from home, investors looking for a sea change have Newcastle and regional properties under the microscope.
Property experts are predicting there could be market movement later in the year which we will be monitoring for future discussion.
"The good news is that properties in the areas are still selling even though there is less stock on the market. 
"The overall volumes are quietly increasing as we get further into the back half of the year. Areas around Lake Macquarie and Maitland areas are still popular for investors looking to buy land and build property," the valuation firm said. 
 Vacant blocks of land are still selling for similar prices before Covid 19 hit earlier this year, the report noted. 
The suburb of Eraring in Lake Macquarie saw the sale of one of the largest waterfront properties available.
The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-eraring-132448006" target="_blank">17B Payten Street </a>(pictured below) was sold for an undisclosed amount which is believed to be around the $4 million mark which would be a suburb record and also one of the highest in the Lake Macquarie region.
<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/2020/9/14/eraring%20.jpg" alt="">
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In the Port Stephens region north of Newcastle a property overlooking Dutchies Beach at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-nelson+bay-132935906" target="_blank">2 Gloucester Street, Nelson Bay</a> (pictured below) recently sold for a record $3.195 Million which is the highest price paid in the Nelson Bay area for a residential property, the report noted. 
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Newcastle property market continues to hold steady: HTW

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San Jose, a Spanish Mission style home in The Hill, Newcastle has sold for $2,080,000.
Situated on a 921sqm block, the 12 Lemnos Parade home was offered to the market for the first time in 50 years. 
It comprises master bedroom, two additional bedrooms plus study, two bathrooms, and open plan living, dining and kitchen.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/Screen%20Shot%202020-08-28%20at%2012.44.55%20pm.png" alt="">
The home also features twin fireplaces, fenced garden with carport and single garage and views of the beach and mountain ranges. 
San Jose is situated within close proximity to King Edward Park, beaches, coastal walks and schools. 
Michael Look of Robinson Property The Junction sold the property.
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A Spanish Mission style home in Newcastle has sold

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Former Screaming Jets drummer, auctioneer and sales agent Craig Rosevear, aka ‘Rosie’, has taken the helm of The Agency’s Newcastle operation. 
Craig Rosevear, joined by his wife Belinda, have decades of property experience between them and are much-loved local identities. “I am so excited about Craig and Belinda Rosevear joining The Agency and representing us in Newcastle. Their varied creative talents, property market knowledge and community networks are quite extraordinary,” Matt Lahood, The Agency’s CEO, explains.
 “They are wonderful people with the community at heart and have been passionate about property for 20 years. Craig is an extremely talented auctioneer and licensed agent, Belinda has been successfully flipping houses for 15 years.” 
In the 90s Craig Rosevear travelled the world with the Screaming Jets, eventually landing in Los Angeles. 
Two things happened when Craig and Belinda Rosevear returned to Newcastle in 2005, they set up Rosie’s School of Rock to teach young people the art of music and give them confidence in life, and they purchased their first property in Hamilton North. This was the beginning of their love affair with property.  Rosie’s School of Rock grew to a team of 23 and became a local institution. Belinda Rosevear focussed on flipping Newcastle-based properties, while Craig Rosevear became a licensed agent and auctioneer in 2016, joining Damien Cooley’s highly-awarded Cooley Auctions’ team.
On top of all of this, Craig Rosevear also became a TV presenter on the 9NBN property lifestyle show, Location...Lifestyle...Living.
“Belinda and I have always been passionate about property, when Covid-19 took hold earlier in the year, we decided to close Rosie’s School of Rock and focus on real estate,” Craig Rosevear says. 
As Matt Lahood shares, the connection with Craig Rosevear was a fortuitous alignment, given Cooley Auctions became our key NSW auctioneering partner in July this year.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/8/24/Craig%20Rosevear%20Rosie%20Screaming%20Jets%20and%20now%20The%20Agency%20Newcastle.jpg" alt=""> “Craig had already been calling The Agency’s Newcastle auctions for some time, he was our first choice. Then Damien Cooley and his team became our official auctioneering partners in July, strengthening our already close relationship with Craig.
"And now, he and Belinda will be leading The Agency sales charge and building an amazing local team!” Matt Lahood says. 
Craig and Belinda Rosevear will be focused on building The Agency brand and team in Newcastle. The duo are already in discussions with key individuals who fit the premium property market they will be targeting.
According to Craig Rosevear, it was The Agency’s positive energy, vibrancy and close-knit team that drew him and Belinda to the brand.  “The agents connected with the brand have always seemed so supportive of each other and there’s a general ‘abundance’ mentality within the brand,” Craig Rosevear shares. 
“We’re Newcastle born and bred, but having lived in Sydney and LA, we truly understand the unique appeal of where we live. In recent years Newcastle has transformed from a town to a city and I’ve never been a prouder Novocastrian.
"Covid-19 has shown that you can successfully work remotely, or perhaps a hybrid of work from home and a couple of days in the office. Newcastle’s role as a satellite town to Sydney has never been more appealing.”
 
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Rockstar, auctioneer and agent Craig Rosevear leads The Agency Newcastle

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Much like last month, with COVID-19 still present in Australia, it is quite difficult to pinpoint exactly what is going to happen with the Newcastle local property market, according to the July Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at how a budget of $700,000 could be invested in property markets across the nation. 
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The report first provided a COVID update.
"With restrictions around open houses and auctions being lifted, there has been an increase in potential buyers visiting properties for sale; however, we are still not seeing anywhere close to the sales volumes we would normally expect," the valuation firm said. 
Agents in the area are reporting numbers of properties being listed are on the increase but they are down on the same period last year due to the ongoing pandemic. 
The most recent weeks have seen widespread activity with properties still being sold and the savvy investor on the lookout for a bargain. 
Across the Newcastle and Hunter region house prices have remained relatively flat across the board with the region proving to hold its own in light of recent global events.
"Now onto this month’s topic. With our lazy $700,000 we’ve chosen to spend in the suburb of Woodberry NSW, and buy not just one, BUT TWO houses.
"Where is Woodberry you ask? Great question. Woodberry is located between two of the largest towns in the Hunter region, approximately 21kms south east of Maitland and 22kms north west of Newcastle,," the valuation firm said. 
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The suburb is well serviced by shopping facilities and schools with the Stockland Greenhills major shopping centre located in East Maitland and a number of primary and secondary schools close by. Public transport is readily available with a number of buses running the entire suburb and Beresfield Train Station just 1.5kms away.
Commuters to Newcastle are only a 20 minute train ride or 25 minutes by car or a short 15 minute train or car ride from Maitland.
Woodberry is also strategically located close to the new Maitland Hospital (approximately 10kms) which is currently under construction, and on track to open early 2022. 
The new hospital will provide great employment opportunities within the area and meet the growing health service needs for the Hunter Valley, the report noted. 
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"Now that we’ve established its strategic location close to major CBD’s, shopping, schools, hospital and transport. Let’s look at some stats!" the valuation firm said. 
According to Corelogic the median sale price for houses in Woodberry NSW is $330,000 (for the 12 months to 31/03/2020).
 Over the last 5 years the suburb has seen growth of 4.2% per annum and 3% per annum over 10 years. 
The median sale price for houses in the Maitland LGA over the same period was $480,000; with growth of 4.6% per annum and 4.0% per annum over 5 years and 10 years respectively.
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The median rental yield in Woodberry is 5.7% gross with a median rent of $359 per week (for the 12 months to 31/03/2020). That sure beats a 1% return on a term deposit, the report noted. 
The median rental yield in the Mailtand LGA over the same period was 4.6% gross.
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The HTW report provided some examples of recent sales and rentals in the area.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-woodberry-132856638" target="_blank">8 Curlew Crescent Woodberry </a>sold for $340,000 in March 2020 (pictured below).
The property was purchased by an investor and rented at settlement for $360 per week. Representing a gross yield of 5.50%.
<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/2020/8/3/woodberry.jpg" alt=""> 
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<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-woodberry-133531378" target="_blank">16 Kookaburra Parade Woodberry</a> recently sold for $323,000 in May 2020 (pictured below).
 The selling agent advises the property would rent for approximately $340 per week. Representing a gross yield of 5.47%.
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What a lazy $700,000 can buy in Newcastle: HTW residential  

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Feedback from agents in and around the Hunter Valley has largely been the same as pre-COVID-19-a lack of stock for sale, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm suggest in locations across the nation, the downtime delivered by isolation has spurned on owners looking to improve their assets through maintenance and upgrade. This month’s HTW report highlights where renovations are on the rise and the price points and outcomes those markets can expect.
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"It’s becoming increasingly evident at the time of writing that we simply don’t know what is going to happen to the property market.
"We are at that uncomfortable point in the cycle where we have to rely too much on gut-feel and anecdotal evidence, hardly the best basis for making rock solid decisions. Until we get to a stage where we have more transactions completed entirely in a post-COVID-19 world, anecdote is the best we can hope for," the valuation firm said. 
The report suggests agents in Newcastle have had their movements severely curtailed over the past several months and a lack of face to face encounters has resulted in a noted lack of listing activity.
It appears as though potential vendors have decided to wait out the lockdown before deciding to list. Whether this is because other events have taken over their focus or they have surmised that current restrictions are not conducive to a favourable sale is unknown.
"Given that interest rates are still low, the government has put in place significant stimulus packages and there is a lack of stock presently on the market, it’s not inconceivable to expect the market to remain relatively stable in the short term," the valuation firm said. 
Required elements are in place for this, but as always the market can change overnight with every news update. A surge in second wave cases could change everything.
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In COVID-19 times an alternative to buying and selling your property is the trusty renovation, the report noted. 
There were rumours going about that Bunnings was running out of its paint supply simply in anticipation of lockdown, the assumption being that plenty of people would have a lot of spare time on their hands and renovation would come to the fore.
In reality, that spare time seems to have morphed into TikTok videos and accessorising bookshelves to appear in Zoom meetings. No Zoom meeting is complete without a cerebral biography or two by someone inspirational or Russell Brand.
"If you have been skillful enough to write a book, you should also heavily consider having it over your left shoulder, cover out. We’re looking at you, Malcolm Turnbull," the valuation firm said. 
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Renovation in times of uncertainty is often the popular option to flipping property.
The financial cost to buy and sell a property can be quite expensive and if we keep in mind what was discussed in the first few paragraphs, choice in the marketplace is limited at present.
"You may not find what you are looking for in a ready-made package or the cost may be prohibitive. Presumably your current property had enough features about it that made you invest and move in.
"Sometimes it makes financial sense to improve what you currently have without suffering the significant transactional costs of buying and selling," the valuation firm said. 
"Given the uncertainty in the marketplace at present and the underlying macro-economic conditions, we would expect to see minor renovations continuing. We are aware of larger more significant renovations that would have occurred previously, being placed on hold in the short term," the valuation firm said. 
The report suggests this is in part due to many homeowners facing different economic pressures than they did pre-COVID-19. Many people have seen their salaries either reduced or deferred while the present crisis works its way through the system.
Some will have found that their jobs and therefore income are suspended whilst businesses are closed. Many have lost employment and are in no position to do large-scale works to properties.
It may be that with reduced demand, building contracts and contractor’s quotes can be reworked within the new market climate due to a shortage of work.
A three bedroom cottage in New Lambton with potential for renovation has recently been sold for $777,000.
The home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-new+lambton-133584362" target="_blank">51 Orchardtwon Road</a> (pictured below) comprises three bedrooms, central lounge room, well-kept kitchen and alfresco area. 
It is located within close proximity to Blackout Village and schools. 
<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/2020/6/15/new%20lambton.jpg" alt="">
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A current listing is a recently renovated house in Adamstown priced at $495,000 -$540,000.
The three bedroom, one bathroom home is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-adamstown-133599358" target="_blank">2/5A Brown Street </a>(pictured below). 
It comes with renovated kitchen, open plan living and dining and covered alfresco. 
<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/2020/6/15/adamstonw.jpg" alt="">
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