Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

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

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

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

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

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

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

First look: Winx billionaire’s beachfront Surfers Paradise apartment development greenlit

Off the plan

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Gold Coast’s off-the-plan property market is booming with numerous projects achieving record sales amid COVID-19.
There remains a very strong market awareness and interest in the finite supply of waterfront land on the Gold Coast, said Keylin executive Louis Cheung.
The sale of Serenity 4212, a joint venture from development groups <a href="/developers/keylin-group?utm_source=PropertyObserver%20" target="_blank">Keylin</a> and Kinstone and the last waterfront land project on the northern Gold Coast, "defied" the market as the city’s best-selling land estate.
The $650 million waterfront project revealed $55 million in land sales during the pandemic, with 75 of Serenity Waters’ 110 blocks sold to local and interstate buyers.
The sales result, which includes first home buyers taking advantage of up to $40,000 in government incentives, comes as Serenity accelerates its construction program.
A number of luxury, off-the-plan apartment projects across the Gold Coast have achieved high interest.
Such projects include the $74 million <a href="/buildings/flow-residences-rainbow-bay-1-petrie-street-rainbow-bay">Flow Residences at Rainbow Bay</a> by S&amp;S Projects and Spyre Group’s $77 million <a href="/buildings/natura-burleigh-heads-112-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads">Nature project at Burleigh Heads</a>.
Serenity Green received over 350 enquiries in just three weeks and deposits for a third of the townhomes on offer.
The Serenity Green, a collection of 60 four-bedroom, two-bathroom, were priced from just $489,000.
Kinstone’s James Chou said Serenity 4212 will become an exciting multi-year, multi-staged master-planned project which will include retirement living, additional townhomes and a mini marina precinct.
“We’re proud of the success of Serenity Waters and Serenity Green and look forward to continuing to develop this emerging community over the coming years,” said Chou.
First settlements of the land release in Serenity is set to occur towards the end of this year.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Gold Coast's off the plan property market activity booms amid COVID

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R.Iconic, an inner-city South Melbourne apartment block developed by R.Corporation, has secured more than 150 off-the-plan sales during Melbourne's various lockdown stages.
In the past fortnight to the 8th of October, they secured a further $10 million in apartment sales.
The 456 apartment complex at 253-273 Normanby Road has been targeting first home buyers, with the addition of the HomeBuilder Grant seeing homebuyers able to get on the ladder for $30,000.
It is the only project within Melbourne's CBD fringe area to qualify for the HomeBuilder Grant, in an area emerging dubbed CBD South, between Southbank and South Melbourne.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/10/7/Screen%20Shot%202020-10-07%20at%2010.33.08%20am.png" alt="">
One bedroom, one bathroom apartments in the complex, <a href="/buildings/r-iconic-south-melbourne-259-normanby-road-south-melbourne">which is slated for completion in December 2022</a>, starts at $507,000.
The two bedroom apartments start from $722,500 without parking, and three bedroom start at $1,092,500.
Residents will have access to the extensive onsite facilities including a swimming pool, podium garden and 300m infinity running track on the rooftop.
The project also features a wine vault, garden pavilions for private dining and water views.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/10/7/Screen%20Shot%202020-10-07%20at%2010.32.56%20am.png" alt="">
The building is connected to the CBD by light rail, as well as the Crown precinct and the arts precinct.
Colliers International is marketing the property.
Established in 2000, R.Co is an Australian-owned real estate developer who have built a portfolio spanning nearly 30 buildings approaching $2 billion in value.
One of their latest projects is four mid-rise buildings known as <a href="/buildings/the-york-8-olive-york-way-brunswick-west?utm_source=PropertyObserver">The York</a>, located at 8 Olive York Way in Brunswick West.
 
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South Melbourne's R.Iconic the only Melbourne CBD development to offer HomeBuilder Grant

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Experts say now may not be the best time to buy property, according to Finder, Australia’s most visited comparison site.  In this month’s <a href="https://finder.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc5e9bce699fa1d71a67cf499&amp;id=9834d9a8b8&amp;e=f2176dbcf8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Finder RBA Cash Rate Survey™</a> – the largest of its kind in Australia – 43 experts and economists weighed in on future cash rate moves and other issues related to the state of the Australian economy.  While all experts surveyed expect a cash rate hold in July (43/43), just one third of respondents (15, 35%) said that now is a good time to buy property.  Another third (13, 30%) believe that buyers should sit tight and wait for the property market to settle, while the others were unsure (15, 35%).
Cooke said recent reports have indicated that 1 in 10 apartment buyers who purchased off the plan are choosing to default on their loans.  ”This is the most shocking report I have seen since the onset of COVID-19. It is a huge decision to default, as it means losing your deposit." “There are two main things that would put a buyer in this position: either they’ve lost their job and can no longer afford the loan, or the property has dropped in value so far that the banks are not willing to issue funds." “Both are terrible positions to be in, and paint a truly dreary picture for our economic future as it’s only likely to get worse from here,” Cooke said. 
A Finder consumer survey from June of more than 1,000 Australians found that consumers feel more bullish than experts. More than half of (59%) believe now is a good time to buy property – a sentiment that hasn’t been shared by so many Aussies since months before the pandemic hit. Economic Sentiment Tracker  Finder’s Economic Sentiment Tracker gauges experts’ confidence in five key indicators: housing affordability, employment, wage growth, cost of living and household debt.  This month, positive sentiment about household debt improved slightly, while wage growth positivity stayed at 0% for the fourth consecutive month. Positive sentiment for housing affordability dropped from an all-time high of 59% in June 2020 back to 44% this month.  <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/GeqW5Pt2FDt5S5U6sPZwWpFyl3lqjmh0PxRbyPGU-LwmEwpgazPtCLZByxYdTIqrHMqEiqUXufPUWPc88DXsSr8r5J0HtKT9UwMScjY2AWy_hmXd285DE2uAEElyZytHwOjcaMo_" data-imagetype="External">
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1 in 10 off the plan apartment buyers choose to default: Finder.com.au

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One in 10 off-the-plan apartment buyers have lost their deposits in the last quarter, according to analysis by Digital Finance Analytics.
Out of around 35,000 off-the-plan settlements between March and June, 3000 have collapsed.
Off-the-plan values have dropped between 10 and 15 per cent during the past 12 months on average, Digital Finance Analytics principal Martin North said.
In Sydney's inner west and eastern suburbs about 551 apartments failed to settle, as did 457 in Melbourne's inner suburbs.
There was an $87 million potential loss in deposits, excluding how developers impose penalties when buyers pull out of the sale.
The analysis by Digital Finance Analytics suggested lower valuations due to weaker demand and oversupply had prompted banks to reject final loan approvals, forcing buyers to give up millions of dollars in deposits.
"Values are likely to fall further, given the oversupply in the sector," he said.
The proportion of off-the-plan apartments racking up large losses in values at settlement has surged over the three months to May, CoreLogic data shows.
More than half (52 per cent) of the 3389 off-the-plan properties across Sydney had a lower value at settlement compared to the contract price.
Values fell by more than 10 per cent for one in four (26 per cent) Sydney apartments since the contracts were signed circa 2017.
Melbourne saw 51 per cent of the 4173 off-the-plan apartments were worth less at settlement compared to their purchase price.
Values fell by at least 10 per cent for one in five (20.9 per cent) apartments since the contract was signed, North told Nine Entertainment.
In Brisbane, 41 per cent of off-the-plan properties have lost value since being purchased.
It was 49 per cent in Perth, 25 per cent in Canberra and 20 per cent in Adelaide.
CoreLogic noted the trend was not just a result of COVID-19.
Undervaluation of off-the-plan apartments across Sydney and Melbourne has been rife over the past two years, averaging 46 per cent in Sydney and 42 per cent in Melbourne, CoreLogic advised.
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One in 10 off-the-plan apartment buyers lost their deposits in June quarter

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Off-the-plan buyers are understandably looking past the Coronavirus crisis.
The continued construction at apartment project work sites will bring on their completion close to their intended schedules.
It is one of the telling achievements of this time of pandemic.
Off the plan buyer interest continues too, abeit at reduced levels.
But the use of virtual property technology has been key in off-the-plan projects enabling prospective buyers to see what their acquisition will provide.
With online tools like e-contracts, sales are being done.
Every day sales agents are also seeing potential buyers in their display suites, but digital tools are assisting in a big way.
The sector’s embrace of digital tools, such as virtual inspections, amazing graphics and 3D, means buyers are able to see past the current uncertainty and make long-term decisions.
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Customisation is an important offering these days.
Not only can buyers see what they are set to get upfront, they can also make selective changes to the floor plans so the property better suits their needs.
Some buyers may pick up two apartments and amalgamate them into a large three-bedroom apartment.
Others may turn a two-bedroom unit into a large one-bedroom apartment.
Most developers can offer buyers choices of finishes and a variety of upgrades.
A serious foodie might want the dream kitchen with the best appliances, stone bench tops and a pantry.
An asthmatic would probably opt for a timber or stone floor rather than carpet installation.
The current isolation will likely have long-lasting impact on the apartment design. Maybe it will see the installation of better functioning balconies. Some that are bigger, others that offer a Juliet-style garden patio.
Separate rooms being proposed rather than just open plan.
A real study - collaquallily known as Zoom rooms - not just a study nook in the hallway to provide picture-perfect, acoustically sound video conferencing opportunities.
Developers in their own isolation will be rethinking the ideal apartment interior.
Expect more inner city apartments that allow pets as they provide joy for their owners who can't all seek out a sea or tree change.
Trendy architects are releasing that the apartment blocks of the 1920s got it right.  
When buying off the plan, buyers must rely on the reputation, honesty and goodwill of the developer which is why it's crucial to research the developer, their financial strength and capacity to deliver rectification after issues arises.
The economy ahead is going to remain challenging for the property industry, with the risk of buying in a poor growth markets, so buyers need to be prepared to withstand bumps along the way.
Especially since many who purchased off-the-plan a few years ago are now going to have issues, perhaps given loss of income, along with the prospect of valuations coming in on completion at below contract price.
Ofcourse the apartment construction industry had hopes of seeing restored buyer confidence after the startling exposures during 2019 of neglectful building practices with the cracking at the Opal Tower high-rise just the tip of the industry poor practice.
Apartment markets across Sydney and NSW had reached new heights last year with record residential prices highlighted by a $100 million penthouse sale at Barangaroo.
While the pullback by buyers has taken momentum out of the market, and we could see some price falls amid a weakened rental market, the web traffic suggests buyer interest remains strong.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Off-the-plan buyers looking past Coronavirus crisis

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Developers must change their business strategies and pricing for off-the-plan units to avoid insolvency, according to RiskWise Property Research. 
RiskWise CEO Doron Peleg said the selling price of most off-the-plan units should be far more attractive to investors, the majority of off-the-plan buyers, and developers should not expect high property prices.
“In the past three years a few big events have had a major impact on developers and have resulted in bankruptcy,” Mr Peleg said.
“These events include oversupply, credit restrictions, the potential introduction of changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, construction defects and now coronavirus. The entire business model of developers is based on meeting pre-sales and sales targets and for that they simply need buyers. Therefore, the risk assessment for each project should also address the potential events with a material impact on home buyers and particularly investors.”
He said the best case scenario in areas of oversupply was they simply underperformed the market, but the worst case scenario was they were actually losing money. And these days investors are well aware of these risks.
“For example, while Domain’s House Price Report shows in the 2019 December quarter prices rose 4.3 per cent, this was not the case in suburbs with high oversupply and particularly those affected by construction defects, such as Mascot where prices fell 4.6 per cent to $880,000. In Homebush West, where the Centenary Park building is located, prices also fell 9.3 per cent to $565,000.
“These areas not only have the risk of being in the Danger Zone due to oversupply but also the construction defect risk – and the reputational damage from the construction defects has also carried through to high-rise towers across Australia.
“The number of transactions, which is a key factor when assessing the risk of not meeting pre-sales and sales targets, is often very low. For example, the number of apartment sales in Sydney Olympic Park fell dramatically by 75 per cent following the defects identified in Opal Tower with buyers showing little interest for apartments across the suburb.
“What we are seeing is that new units in high-supply suburbs either resulted in a loss or underperformed the market, even during periods of strong price increases. This has an adverse impact on investor confidence and particularly their expectations regarding the potential price increases of these dwellings.”
Mr Peleg said the introduction of credit restrictions in 2017 completely altered the landscape of the housing market with investors demonstrating their responsiveness to the changes.
Overall investor market share in Sydney decreased between January 2017 to March 2018 from 50.4 per cent to 43 per cent. A similar trend was witnessed in Melbourne with a reduction in investor activity from 39.1 per cent to 34.9 per cent during that period.
“In addition, the potential introduction of the changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, as RiskWise projected in June 2018, also increased uncertainty and fears due to the creation of two markets (a primary and secondary market) and this led to a major reduction in the sales of units.
“According to the ABS, the number of new homes approved for construction in the month of November 2018, dropped by 2.2 per cent from the previous month and 18.3 per cent from November 2017. Westpac break reported in August 2018 that sales volumes had dropped to a 28-year low.
“The Brisbane unit market is a case study in poor risk management. When a developer pays inflated prices for the land, the risk will be realised, and you will have loss. Even as early as June 2016 in Statistical Area Level 4 (SA4) Brisbane Inner-City, price growth was -1.8 per cent with a massive oversupply of units (17,417 in the pipeline - an addition of 24.5 per cent to the current stock).
“As a developer when you are paying for a piece of land based on the potential selling price of the end product, you must factor in the risks rather than base it on optimistic scenarios. If you do factor in very tangible financial risks, you will see that the fair-value of the lot is lower in comparison to an optimistic scenario. In a vast majority of developments, the lot price is the major variable on the selling price.”
He said the risks included not meeting presales or that sales targets have a major impact on the financial results. Even if the targets are eventually met, the funding costs associated with those targets increase and add up to material amounts. However, even after meeting the presales and sales targets, there’s still a settlement risk that buyers who paid very low deposits could back away from the deal completely if there was a significant reduction in the pre-settlement valuation, and cash flow issues.
Mr Peleg said Covid-19 added another layer of complexity as its significant impact is yet be fully determined.
Meanwhile, there has already been a sharp reduction in auction clearance rates over the past couple of weekends falling to a preliminary rate of 61.3 per cent as of March 22 across the combined capital cities with the final result expected to be in the 50s within a couple of weeks.
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of House Price Expectations Index fell 6.6 per cent in March, the largest monthly decline since February last year.
Risk identification and assessment
“We need to identify and assess the key risks. There are some very obvious and common risks that must be addressed by developers and these are oversupply and inflated selling prices that are included in the financial models of the developers when they make their decision to develop the property,” Mr Peleg said.
“On top of that there are other risks that should be identified by implementing proper risk-management practices. In addition, there are obviously other risks that cannot be foreseen, such as the coronavirus, which create major and unexpected economic shocks.
“The point is that we don’t know and do not expect to know all the potential major events that could occur in the period of at least two years or more (until a developer meets their financial obligations). Many things can happen and what developers need to do is to factor that in and improve risk-management practices to include them in the prices they are proposing.
“Then if they see the discounted pricing, including the risk aspects, is too low – and that others are willing to pay more inflated prices for a lot – they should move on.
“The decision should be very structured, risk based and non-emotional. The first step is risk management, where we need to assess the obvious risks (e.g. oversupply) and the potential risks that are less obvious (e.g. a major economic downturn) and then, based on that, we need to set the price taking into consideration the results of the risk assessment."
Mitigating the risks – develop in the ‘missing middle’
Mr Peleg stressed the importance of risk mitigation by developing properties in popular areas in the middle rings of Sydney and Melbourne, i.e the ‘missing middle’.
“Due to lower supply for house-and-land packages in the missing middle, even when there are some negative shocks, due to limited supply and generally good demand, these shocks are better absorbed with lower price reductions. Another development option in the missing middle is family-suitable units that are more attractive to owner-occupiers looking for larger floor space, lower price per square metre and in smaller building blocks generally close to transport hubs, employment and schools.
“There are actually many areas that have great potential and carry a low risk, it is only a matter of business strategy and proper risk-management practices.”
“Marketing expenses are, in many cases, materially lower for development in the missing middle in high-demand areas where they can be done through the local real estate agents with the standard, up to, 2 per cent commission (as opposed to high commissions required for intrastate and international property marketers).
“And usually in the missing middle, the scale of the development is far smaller which makes them easier to sell.
“The point is developers are at risk of insolvencies and this means they need to mitigate this risk by ensuring they have a sustainable business model, focus on the missing middle ring and address imbalances in the property market.
“Focusing on the missing middle is by far more of a solution than taking the risk of off-the-plan high-rise development.”
DORON PELEG is the <a href="http://www.riskwiseproperty.com.au" target="_blank">CEO of RiskWise</a>
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Apartment developers must rethink their business model: RiskWise's Doron Peleg

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REIWA is warning against dropping the current 75 per cent rebate on off-the-plan purchases.
Stamp duty is one of the biggest barriers to home ownership so REIWA is asking all political parties to focus on ways to extend this initiative.
REIWA president, Damian Collins said REIWA supports the concept of relief for apartment buyers off-the-plan and believe it would be a step backwards to remove the rebate.
"Stamp duty relief for off-the-plan sales not only helps the government to meet its target of 47 per cent of new dwellings in infill locations, but it helps increase the speed of transition from apartment sales to actual construction activity," said Mr Collins.
“Rather than removing an initiative that is already in place to help people get into their home sooner, we should be looking at expanding this to include completed projects to help reduce current stock levels, and projects that are currently under construction.
“In addition, any relief provided for off-the-plan sales should be made permanent to give the development industry certainty when planning for future projects.
“REIWA asks all political parties to commit to stamp duty relief for off-the-plan purchases. There is a lot that can be done to help both the WA economy and the property market. Let’s focus on moving forward rather than backwards.”
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REIWA warns against dropping rebate on off-the-plan purchases

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Former Feberal Government minister Peter Reith and wife Kerrie have bought off the plan in Melbourne's Brighton.
They've secured an apartment in the soon to be built Amano development on Well Street, slated for completion next year.
Reith has been commuting between apartments in St Kilda Road and Canberra, as well as Trenavin, their farm in Stonyford which was sold earlier this year for $700,000.
Amana, which means 'by hand' in Italian, has been designed by Rigney Scerri Architects.
<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/2019/12/19/Amano%20Brighton%202.jpg" alt="">
It comprises five apartments.
Marshall White Projects now have just three apartments remaining.
Reith represented the electorate of Flinders for the Liberal Party from 1984 to 2001 including being the party's deputy leader for three years.
This article was first published in The Weekend Australian.
 
 
 
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Peter Reith buys Brighton apartment off the plan

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Prospective homebuyers will be better protected under sweeping changes to the law governing off-the-plan contracts. 
Changes to the Conveyancing Act, which take effect on 1 December 2019, will see much tighter requirements imposed on developers regarding disclosures, cooling-off periods, holding of deposits and sunset clauses. 
Minister for customer service Victor Dominello said the number of off-the-plan purchases in NSW had increased significantly in the last decade from 2,646 in the 2008/09 financial year, to 17,218 in 2018/19, which represents 10.6 per cent of residential property sales.  
“We are delivering on our commitment to better protect home buyers by closing down loopholes and increasing disclosure standards across the board,” Mr Dominello said.
The changes include:
·         Buyers being provided with key information about the development, including  copies of the proposed plan, proposed by-laws and a schedule of finishes before contracts are signed;
·         Requiring vendors to notify purchasers of material changes to what was disclosed;
·         Allowing buyers to end the contract or claim compensation in some cases if they are materially impacted by changes made from what was disclosed; 
·         Vendors providing a copy of the final plan at least 21 days before the buyer can be compelled to settle;
·         Widening existing legislation to clarify that the Supreme Court can award damages where the vendor terminates under a sunset clause; and
·         Extending the cooling-off period to 10 business days with any deposit to be held in a controlled account until settlement.
“Buying off-the-plan is a popular option, particularly for first home buyers, but there can be risks and uncertainties involved,” Mr Dominello said.
Minister for better regulation and innovation Kevin Anderson said the changes are "vitally important for the NSW Government’s building reforms which aim to deliver greater protections for consumers, while increasing the transparency, accountability and quality of work in the sector.”
For more information visit <a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/dHuoCXLWL0u7qA0KT6kyFG?domain=registrargeneral.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/dHuoCXLWL0u7qA0KT6kyFG?domain%3Dregistrargeneral.nsw.gov.au&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1575324325478000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEXTjDk3d_48SClm18G02DcTMIgdg">www.registrargeneral.nsw.gov.au</a>.
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New off the plan rules for NSW apartment developers

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The entire retail component of The Mill Central Precinct's first mixed-use development has been sold.
Brocke Hambrecht of the Ray White Commercial Northern Corridor Group managed the sale. 
All units were purchased off-plan by southern investors.
The complex, comprising 28 residential units and five strata retail tenancies, is the first of its kind within the new Mill Central Precinct. 
Ray White Commercial Northern Corridor Senior Investment Analyst Ashley Rees believed this was a sign of a new trend in commercial investment for the region. 
Mr Rees said, "we expect to see more of this speculative investment into vacant properties.” 
“Competition is just too fierce for the traditional secure investments," he concluded. 
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