Walk past a new apartment development promoting its sustainability credentials and it's easy to picture rooftop gardens, mature trees, landscaped courtyards and residents surrounded by nature.

But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.

Australia's leading environmental rating tools have played a significant role in improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings. Yet despite their focus on reducing emissions, many don't require developers to include trees, biodiversity or meaningful green space.

In other words, a building can achieve one of the country's highest sustainability ratings while containing little more than concrete, glass and hard landscaping.

That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.

The concept goes beyond designing buildings that consume less energy. Instead, it encourages developers to treat nature as essential infrastructure, integrating biodiversity, tree canopy, living landscapes and green spaces into projects from the earliest stages of planning.

Research has consistently linked access to nature with better physical and mental health, cooler neighbourhoods, improved biodiversity, stronger climate resilience and more connected communities. As Australia's cities continue to become denser, advocates say those outcomes should be considered just as important as energy efficiency.

Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.

Founded by Hamton Executive Chairman Paul Hameister OAM, the not-for-profit was created after research highlighted a significant gap in Australia's sustainability framework. While existing environmental rating tools rewarded energy performance and emissions reductions, they placed little emphasis on the inclusion of living landscapes.

"We've always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren't there," Hameister says.

"In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that's concrete and glass with not a blade of grass.

"The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn't been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities."

Since its launch, NBC has developed independent design guidelines and accreditation frameworks that encourage developers to prioritise ecology, biodiversity, tree canopy, walkability and living landscapes alongside traditional sustainability measures. The organisation first focused on medium and high-density residential developments before recently expanding into precinct-scale communities and masterplanned neighbourhoods.

Jan Talacko, founder of sustainability consultancy Ark Resources and a member of the Nature Based Cities Advisory Council, says the initiative addresses an area that has largely been overlooked by the property industry.

"Throughout my 25 years of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the property sector, I've always favoured a pragmatic approach to sustainable design which encourages initiatives that not only meet environmental expectations but also improve amenity," Talacko says.

"Whilst we are making steady progress in relation to energy and carbon emissions from buildings, there has been much less emphasis on encouraging biodiversity and tackling the urban heat island effect.

"The Nature Based Cities initiative responds to a gap in the suite of tools currently used by the property development sector, which don't provide sufficient incentive, or recognition, for the integration of landscaping and greenery."

For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.

Rather than assuming a sustainable building will naturally include abundant green space, buyers are increasingly being encouraged to look beyond environmental ratings and ask what nature is actually being delivered. How much tree canopy will the development create? Has biodiversity been considered? Are landscaped spaces designed for people as well as appearance?

As Australia's cities continue to grow upwards and outwards, the next generation of sustainability may not simply be measured by lower emissions, but by how successfully developments bring nature back into everyday urban life.

Joel Robinson

What does it really mean for a building to be 'green'?

A who's who of Australian surfing, business and entertainment has emerged on title records following the completion of Esprit Rainbow Bay, the latest boutique beachfront apartment development by former professional surfer Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects.

The completed project has attracted an enviable collection of owners, many with long-standing ties to the southern Gold Coast and the surf culture that has helped define Rainbow Bay and neighbouring Kirra for generations.

Given Gedoun's own background in surfing, it perhaps comes as little surprise that some of Australia's most recognisable surfers have chosen to buy into the development overlooking one of the country's most celebrated stretches of coastline.

Pezet Matheson directors Jayde Pezet and Todd Matheson launched the project in late 2021, and have managed the sales campaign all the way through to its sell-out and recent completion.

<img alt="Esprit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08fc6261-b84e-4b09-8a44-66d3067fd0d1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-29%20at%208.51.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4AOcb6ETZwNUnMPdTtz1B3pZAIB_jgZ2" />

Former world champion Mick Fanning, who grew up in Coolangatta, secured an apartment in 2023. He paid&nbsp;$2.07 million. Last year he sold his Bilinga home for over $16 million.

Three-time world champion Joel Parkinson also purchased in the development, alongside big wave surfer Mark Mathews. Mathews bought the most expensive apartment in the building, spending just over $4 million.

Joining them is Rip Curl founder Doug Warbrick, whose company helped shape Australia's global surfing industry over the past five decades.

The appeal of Rainbow Bay has extended well beyond the surfing community.

International DJ Paul Fisher purchased an apartment through his investment vehicle, YLB Developments, an abbreviation of his trademark phrase "You Little Beauty".

The purchase comes as Fisher and his wife Chloe are developing their own luxury apartment project further north in Palm Beach. Their boutique beachfront development, Pescado, comprises just seven apartments on Jefferson Lane, which start from just shy of $6 million. The couple intend to retain the two-level penthouse as their Australian base between international touring commitments.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy and his wife Wendy have also invested in Esprit, purchasing two apartments after spending decades holidaying on the southern Gold Coast. They also have a luxury apartment in Joe Adsett's Rockpool, less than 400m away from Esprit.

<h2>Boutique project draws owner-occupiers</h2>

Esprit launched in 2021 and sold strongly, with buyers drawn to its boutique scale, beachfront position and contemporary design.

The completed development comprises 94 apartments across 11 levels, offering expansive floorplans designed primarily for owner-occupiers rather than the investor market.

Crowning the building is Club Esprit, pitched as being the Gold Coast's first residential rooftop wellness centre. The roof features a&nbsp;25 metre magnesium lap pool, which is surrounded by wet daybeds and poolside cabanas,&nbsp;multiple barbecue areas,&nbsp;a yoga and relaxation play lawn, and a private dining room with a kitchen scullery, bar, lounges, and an outdoor terrace.

The wellness centre is&nbsp;fully equipped with a Technogym, ice bath, infra-red sauna, steam room, thermal room, and treatment room. The roof has views spanning&nbsp;Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks and the Pacific Ocean.

<h2>S&amp;S Projects continues to shape Rainbow Bay</h2>

S&amp;S Projects founder Paul Gedoun has become one of the key figures behind Rainbow Bay's evolution over the past several years.

After establishing S&amp;S Projects, Gedoun has focused on delivering lifestyle-driven apartment developments designed primarily for owner-occupiers seeking a permanent coastal home.

Esprit is Gedoun's third completed project in Rainbow Bay, following Flow and Awaken, both of which achieved record prices for the suburb.

He is now delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, a 38-apartment development on Boundary Street that is currently selling, and has no plans to leave the precinct anytime soon. S&amp;S Projects has also lodged plans for its fifth Rainbow Bay development, an 88-apartment project on Boundary Street featuring a strong wellness focus.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">First look: S&amp;S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street</a>

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Who's who of buyers revealed as Esprit Rainbow Bay settles

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

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Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

Property investment

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If there's one thing I've learnt from developing property, it's that you definitely need a 'can do' attitude.
This week, I've come across so many 'can do' people that it's inspired me to write about them.
So what's the definition of 'can do'?  It's basically, when everything goes to shit and things seem totally not doable, then a person with a 'can do' attitude always finds a way.  So today, this goes out to the many people who've I've crossed paths with and who've reminded me of how we really can achieve anything we put our minds and hearts to.
Meet Bob from Port Macquarie, he's an older gentleman who has been emailing me for the past five years on and off. Every now and then I'll get a message from Bob. He may be responding to one of my Property Observer stories or our newsletters, but he always asks different questions. Well, this week Bob decided to take a big step and to be the property developer he'd wanted to for some time. His purpose?  Well, it is to use the equity he creates to help his daughter buy her first property.
Then there's my step daughter who rang me today to tell me that whilst planning her thirtieth birthday party she'd also set herself the goal to buy her fourth investment property by the time she turns thirty. Her birthday is in May 2016 and my heart sang as she described the type of property she's looking for.  Go girl, you have the 'can do' attitude.
This goes out to a dynamic young couple who called my just a week ago and who were so focussed they made calculated decisions to be able to secure their development site within a week and are now Property Bloom clients. They explained they have their sites set on building their wealth quickly and they've asked me to find their next site soon. Did I mention they also have seven dual occupancy projects underway in Queensland?
This goes out to my little brother who celebrated twenty-five years in the NSW Police Force this week and whom I proudly watched being awarded special things from Commissioner Scipione. His focus and hard work has seen him rise through the ranks, raise a family and build their dream home.
This goes out to the client who was recently turned away from the four big banks, despite being on a $300,000 plus salary because of the ridiculous changes in their serviceability calculators. I referred him to Rams who more than welcomed his business and gladly offered him the finance he wanted for his development project with Property Bloom.
This goes out to my project manager who after approaching many lenders has used creative strategies to source finance for her first development project.  She has drive and determination which comes from her desire to become financially independent.
This goes out to my builder and the amazing staff who always use the 'can do' attitude which means we'll be completing many of our development projects before Santa arrives this year.
Finally, this goes out to all of you reading this who refuse to let life's ups and downs stop you from driving forward with your goals and dreams. You all have the 'can do' spirit. As the famous Walt Disney said "If you can dream it, you can do it." 
 
Jo Chivers is chief executive officer of property development project managers <a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/about" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a>.
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Keeping a can-do attitude in the property game: Jo Chivers

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Tim Mackay, principal of financial advice firm Quantum Financial, says property investors struggling to pay higher demanded deposits on off the plan purchases through their SMSFs need to be careful they do not breach Australian Taxation Office rules.
Abrupt lending policy changes on required deposit has meant some buyers have lost out on valuable tax deductions given the top up deposit balance was a non-concessional (or after-tax) contribution. 
His other recommendations to Australian Financial Review readers included:
<ul>
<li>Consider if the investment is worth keeping. It might be worth cutting losses rather than losing generous tax concessions or being forced to liquidate scheme assets on unfavourable terms;</li>
<li>Reduce costs;</li>
<li>Sell other assets in the fund to reduce the debt;</li>
<li>Contribute more to your super – either through personal contributions or salary-sacrificing (making pre-tax contributions);</li>
<li>Seek a better deal on your loan;</li>
<li>Review existing advice and question how it allowed you to get into mortgage stress.</li>
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Last week it was suggested one in three off-the-plan Bankstown district investors are facing financial distress completing purchase of their properties because of tough new lending rules for higher deposits.
Chan &amp; Naylor partner Peter Ristevski's analysis suggested he had not had anyone's sale fall through yet with second mortgages being secured at higher interest rates.
Financial planner Sam Henderson, chief executive of Henderson Maxwell, says he thinks buying a property using SMSF was a great idea for a solid long-term strategy, but only for the right people and under the right conditions. 
"The idea of an off-the-plan development diminishes my excitement owing to potential onerous sunset clauses (whereby developers can change the terms and price), banks altering their lending criteria between exchange of contract and settlement, developers potentially going bust and the common issue of being surrounded by scores of similar properties in overdeveloped suburbs," he suggested to AFR readers.
"Consider, for example, that you buy a $700,000 property and put down your 10% deposit of $70,000.
"Let's assume the bank has agreed to fund your loan of 80% (thereby allowing you to use $140,000 of your fund as a deposit) and that you will fund the stamp duty via your next contribution of $30,000.
"Let's say the bank changes its view on SMSF loans and drops its LVR (loan to value ratio) so it will lend to 60 per cent, as many of the banks do for commercial properties.
"Well, you've just done your $70,000 deposit!"
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Off the plan SMSF investors face challenges under higher deposit era

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The fringe Sydney suburb Zetland has become a very high density area with predominantly large unit complexes built within the past ten years, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's latest report.
The November report suggested due to the high density and relative price points, investor demand has always been high.
"Large developers such as Meriton have a high presence in Zetland and although now starting to become established, there are still plenty of new unit complexes under construction.
"Overseas investors seem to be in the majority in Zetland especially of new order stock and may be less influenced by interest rates and APRA changes.
"We are yet to see any slowing in this sector of the market."
The HTW report goes on to show that the median unit sale price according to CoreLogic RP Data’s suburb statistic report rose from $795,000 in October 2014 to $885,000 in September 2015.
It also reports the indicated gross rental yield at 4.2% with a median asking rental price of $650 per week. 
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Overseas investment in Zetland apartment yet to slow: HTW

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Investors in South Western Sydney have been very visible in the property market in the past 12 months, the November report from Herron Todd White advises.
The HTW report suggests that typically investors are from out of town and are using the equity in their current dwellings to purchase an investment property in an outer ring suburb of Sydney which they expect will grow in value and provide consistent rental return due to the number of families moving to these areas for their affordability and general population sprawl.
"South Western Sydney has been a popular hunting ground for investors because of new stock which draws their attention for a number of reasons such as tax benefits, low maintenance and the ability to draw high quality tenants," the month in review suggests.
"Price points have generally been in the sub $750,000 range and being below the Sydney median price is one of the key factors.
"Yields have not generally been the attraction for investors - the capital growth has been the driving factor.
"Therefore with the new APRA regulations and the reported slowing of the market, investors may leave the market allowing for first home buyers to finally gain a foot hold."
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South West Sydney property investors still looking for price growth: HTW

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Investors are very active in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, in particular Glen Waverley, says valuation firm Herron White Todd.
The HTW month in review suggested that typically investors in the Glen Waverley residential investment market are from overseas.
"Residential stock located within the Glen Waverley Secondary College zone and within walking distance of The Glen shopping centre and Glen Waverley metropolitan train station are particularly appealing to investors.
"This is typically due to Glen Waverley Secondary College’s academic reputation among the local and Chinese communities and the practicality of being near a major transport hub and shopping centre.
"Looking at detached housing specifically, investors can be attracted to dated dwellings in original condition on at least circa 650 square metres which may be suitable for future subdivision or redevelopment."
The HTW report goes on to state that under the Monash Planning Scheme, dwellings within close proximity of Glen Waverley Secondary College and The Glen shopping centre are typically located within a General Residential Zone Schedule 2 (GRZ2).
"The planning schedule to this zone outlines that there is no maximum building height requirement for a dwelling or residential building within the zone. This feature encourages higher density living and development in the area.
"The entry price point for a typical original single level detached brick veneer dwelling on a 650 square metre site located within the Glen Waverley Secondary College zone is around $1.3 million.
"The entry price point for a typical circa 650 square metre original single level detached brick veneer dwelling located outside the Glen Waverley Secondary College zone is around $900,000."
Typical yields for newly completed two storey brick veneer detached dwellings with a double garage range from circa 2% to 3%, says the November review.
"Typical yields for newly completed townhouses in Glen Waverley range from circa 3% to 4%.
"Typical yields for newly completed apartments range from circa 4% to 5%."
The review also notes that speculative off the plan apartments have been of considerable interest to investors in the Glen Waverley area.
"Recent apartment developments within walking distance of The Glen shopping centre have almost sold out within hours of being put to the market for sale with strong interest from investors.
"Such apartment complexes include the Galleria tower  that media reports have said sold 100 apartments in just 90 minutes in early October 2015.
"The Ikon apartment complex located directly adjacent to the Glen Waverley train station also experienced a similar rush in under 24 hours from overseas investors wanting to buy in the popular area when they were first offered to the market in 2012."
The HTW report suggests that 2015 has seen a strong increase in capital values in the area, however recent legislation changes to foreign investment regulations in conjunction with lenders tightening lending criteria to investors (both local and foreign) has led to signs of market conditions cooling in recent weeks.
However premium properties or properties which offer a point of difference are still hotly contested and achieve strong results, says the valuation firms review.
"Should a significant change in current market conditions occur whereby investor demand significantly dropped we would expect to see a decline in property values in the area, especially in those properties which have risen sharply over the past 24 month period."
 
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Signs of cooling but Glen Waverley still active investment hub for Chinese: HTW

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Misinformation is the scourge of real estate consumers.
And too much of it comes from people who present themselves in public as experts providing “analysis” when in reality they’re mis-diagnosing situations and adding to the media pipeline of misinformation.
It’s extraordinary how often economists, mortgage brokers, researchers, valuers, Reserve Bank officials and others do that.
This connects to my comments earlier in the week about the way many commentators arrive at their conclusions: if Event A coincides with Event B, then Event A must have caused Event B.
That’s about as sophisticated as real estate analysis gets for most cases. 
Therefore, if low interest rates coincided with Sydney’s boom, then low interest rates are obviously the cause of the Sydney boom. This is accepted as fact by almost everyone out there among the chattering classes with almost-knowledge of real estate.
Question: why have low interest rates not caused equivalent booms in Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart and most of regional Australia?
Many markets have been going backwards, un-stimulated by the level of interest rates.
Here are some other things Sydney’s property boom coincided with: the change in state government in 2011, the subsequent massive rise in infrastructure spending and the surge in the NSW economy to No.1 in the nation. Perhaps those events had something to do with it.
Here’s another thought. The other city market that’s shown some buoyancy in recent years is Melbourne, though not as much as Sydney. Is it not relevant that Victoria’s economy has been the No.2 in the nation, not as strong as NSW but above the national average? Melbourne also has a fairly big infrastructure spend happening, though not as big as Sydney’s.
The relative performances of the property markets in those cities have mirrored the health of their respective state economies and their outlay on new infrastructure, which generates economic activity, jobs and housing demand.
The issue of the week has been housing finance data and how it has been interpreted by commentators with almost-knowledge of property.
Regulatory authorities have introduced “macro prudential measures” to slow down property investor activity. The latest ABS data on housing finance shows a decline in lending to investors.
There’s only one conclusion a reasonable observer could draw from that, right? Clearly the regulatory measures are working. I mean, duh!
Well, that’s what you would say if you’re a business with a lust for limelight and your vision extends no further than the length of your upturned nose.
And multiple commentators rushed out press releases saying just that, including the ever-hungry RateCity which claimed: “Today's sharp drop in investor housing commitments shows that differential pricing is having a dramatic effect on the housing market.”
There were many others expressing similar views. APRA makes announcement, lenders lift interest rates for investors, investors stop taking out loans – simple, obvious and clear-cut.
Except it’s not.
Investors haven’t stopped staking out loans. They’ve switched the status of their borrowing from investor to home-buyer, thereby accessing cheaper rates and easier terms.
The apparent fall in investor borrowing reflects a trend towards reclassifying loans as owner-occupier. Most commentators have missed that. 
“The (APRA) moves are having a dual impact: weakening investor loans but indirectly boosting owner-occupier loans as these become more appealing for both lenders and borrowers that have the option of purchasing as an owner-occupier,” Westpac economist Matthew Hassan says.
And National Australia Bank economist Tapas Strickland says that while there appears to be a decline in investor lending, “caution is warranted”.
A dose of caution generally, before commentators rush to shallow analysis in the pursuit of profile, would be welcome.
 
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a>
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Investors switching borrowing status: Terry Ryder

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The latest HTW report notes that Newcastle residential yields are in the 3.5% to 4.5% range - which they describe as exceedingly low.
The Herron Todd White report suggested investors were in such instances having an over-reliance on capital growth to keep their investment equation in balance.
"This is also likely to mean that unless rental rates start increasing again, values may have to correct themselves," it tipped.
The valuation firm Herron Todd White noted the recent rate rises by the banks did not come without warning.
"APRA has been making noises about the capital raising of lenders for some time" the HTW November report states.
"The general consensus appears to be that several markets are overheated and a correction could be a major economic issue for Australia.
"The recent move to increase the interest rate for investors has had the effect of subduing the ardour from some investors to portfolio build, likely the prime goal of the rise.
"While the actual increase itself is minor, the psychological effect is something more substantial.
"We have had a long sustained period of interest rate decreases."
The HTW report highlights that the last increase by the RBA dates back to November 2010 and since that time investors have seen capital values rise, rental rates rise and portfolio values increase with little to no effort.
"To suddenly see an interest rate increase is a fundamental shift in mindset that may rock a few and place on the back foot those investors who have leveraged their portfolios too high."
The report goes on to suggest that discussions with agents indicate that investor enquiry in the Hunter is waning slowly.
"Previously agents could sell investment stock to a list on a database without the irritating hard work that open homes and general listing duties generally require.
"Instead of setting a price on the off chance that someone takes the hook, prices now require a little bit of prep work prior to unleashing them on the market.
"One might say that purchasers are at that point where they are exercising a small, but increasing amount of power to be choosy. Are the days of the seller’s market over?
"We aren’t that keen to declare that statement fact yet, but fledgling signs are there, as if a tiny seedling is emerging in the first few days of spring from the damp, steaming ground.
"What could stop it? Why, your retired dad doing you a favour and attacking your weeds with Roundup TM of course.
"Nothing like dad maintaining a garden.
"Rental rates in the Hunter region have been stagnant for a period of time now, unless you are in an area impacted by mines where the rates have been falling for a number of years now", says the HTW November review.
"Rental rates are one side of the yield/value/income triangle."
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Newcastle property investors having over-reliance on capital growth: HTW

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Property investors across Australia must be cursing themselves because they didn’t find out about the great Clayton Bay property boom of 2015 before it was too late. 
They could’ve had 50% capital gains in a single year if they’d been more on the ball. 
Others will be giving themselves an upper cut because they overlooked the hotspot potential of Canyonleigh and missed out on $300,000 in overnight equity.
Still others will be demanding answers from their advisers who failed to alert them to the 34% rental yields on offer in Mission Beach. How could they have missed that?
50% price rises in 12 months? Rental yields above 30%? Are such things possible?
In reality, no. They’re the product of computer glitches, careless research companies and media that doesn’t give a damn.
Much of this startling misinformation about booms that never were comes to the Australian public via a relatively new part of the property reporting landscape – the online “magazines” with daily bulletins.
Most of these products, which purport to be information services, are anything but that. The content is created by recycling press releases and contributed blogs. Most of it is propaganda from organisations with a vested interest in their message or the outpourings of publicity-addicted research companies that believe media will publish anything labeled “research”, particularly if it contains a list of the top five/ten of almost anything.
They regularly publish lists from researchers who seek publicity without caring too much about the data quality. 
Examples are “Top 20 locations with the highest yields” and “Locations where values have risen 40% in 12 months”.
These lists are the worst kind of nonsense, because most of the entries are computer-generated statistical aberrations – often because a small sales sample means the median price is meaningless.
Media reports a 40% rise in the median price as a 40% rise in values and it’s nothing of the sort. Usually it’s a mathematical glitch and the researchers don’t care enough to clean up their data. 
A recent example declared that the capital growth king of the nation, with a 49% rise in prices over 12 months, was Clayton Bay.
Where? I hear you ask. Clayton Bay is a town of just 200 residents near Hindmarsh Island south of Adelaide. Its property values have not increased 49% - a statistical glitch created by a very small sales sample (one sale per month, on average) has produced a 49% rise in the median house price.
Close behind of this fool’s gold list was Canyonleigh in the NSW southern highlands which, according to one breathless media report, “achieved 49.13% growth on a median house price of $857,500”. 
Canyonleigh, like Clayton Bay, is so small it doesn’t have a property market worthy of the name. It has insufficient sales to produce price data that makes any sense. 
Every other entry on this list was similar. The information was worse than worthless.
But it gets worse.
Did you know you could get 37% rental returns on residential properties in Mission Beach, Queensland? According to media (quoting figures from the same research firm), you can.
So why aren’t investors stampeding to Mission Beach to snap up every home in sight? Because it’s nonsense – yet another computer-generated statistical anomaly.
This blunder is created by recording the peak season rents achieved by holiday lettings and not telling the computer that properties are vacant for most of the year. If those peak holiday season rates were achieved 52 weeks of the year, the rental return might indeed be 30%-plus. But they’re not.
What’s the true median rental yield for Mission Beach? According to more reliable research sources, it’s 4.9%.
And would you want to buy there? Prices have been falling (a lot) for the past three years and it takes six months to sell the average property.
Lovely place to visit but you wouldn’t want to invest there.
Every location on the national list of best places to buy for the best rental yields was, yet again, a furphy. It makes for entertaining reading – as long as you understand it’s rubbish. 
But, week after week, the online “news services” pump out this nonsense as credible information. So I have to wonder how many people read it, believe it – and act on it.
 
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a>
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Property investors must ignore nonsense research data: Terry Ryder

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As many property investors know, the city you currently call home isn’t always the best location to invest.
But there are many steps to the buying process, and they can differ from state to state.
There are plenty of reasons to purchase property interstate.
You may want to diversify your portfolio to lower your risk profile.
Perhaps you're planning a move next year, but you know that now is the right time to buy.
Or maybe you've heard that the next big up and coming suburb isn't on your doorstep, but 2,000 kilometres away.
Even if you are a seasoned property investor in your local area, there are some key differences between buying locally and purchasing further away.
Investing interstate can be difficult, especially if you're not experienced and you're looking to invest somewhere you haven't lived before.
There are a range of experts who can assist you with an interstate purchase and help alleviate the costs of travelling back and forth.
Conveyancers or specialist lawyers can help prepare and lodge your legal documents (including your contract), handle your deposit, research the property and calculate your expenses. They can also assist in the settlement process.
A buyer's agent can help you inspect properties and do a lot of the footwork for you. They may also be able to refer you to reputable local experts to help carry out inspections.
Make sure you communicate honestly and often with those helping you invest interstate, and make the most of the experts available.
While buying property interstate can seem like a daunting task, there are a lot of benefits to developing your property portfolio beyond the bounds of your local neighbourhood. Make sure you contact reputable, independent experts and do your homework.
Don’t forget that stamp duty or land transfer taxes change from state to state, and depend your property’s intended purpose.
Each state’s revenue office website has a stamp duty calculator that can help you estimate how much you’ll be charged.
Purchasing interstate is a great way to spread risk across your property’s portfolio or capitalise on growth areas – just make sure you do your homework.
 
For more real estate traps and tips visit <a href="https://realestatetraps.com.au/">realestatetraps.com.au</a>
 
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Tips for buying property interstate

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Many children look to their parents for property advice. 
And with affordability a real challenge for today's young adults, substantial media attention centres on parents providing financial assistance to their children.
The Melbourne buyers agent Richard Wakelin has noticed never far from the surface of the discussion is an intergenerational tension as to whether young people "deserve" financial help.
"This combative context is unfortunate," says Richard Wakelin, a director of Wakelin Property Advisory, an independent firm specialising in acquiring residential property for investors.
"Not only does it threaten to sour what is generally a wonderful expression of love within a family, but it also obscures a more important role for parents to their child: that of mentor and a source of wise counsel.
"Tread carefully is my advice for parents in these circumstances," he told Fairfax Media recently.
"Follow mum and dad's 1980s-fashioned advice and the kids may end up with a property that isn't home sweet home but a financial burden," he warned.
Wakelin Property Advisory is presenting a webinar How to advise adult children about property 12.30pm, Thursday 29th October. <a href="https://wakelin.com.au/fpb_webinar" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>
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