Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Joel Robinson

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]

Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place

Property market

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Research shows that over the 12 months to December 2017, 16.1% of all houses and 9.5% of all units sold nationally transacted with a price tag excess of $1 million.
By comparison, 12 months earlier 14.8% of houses and 8.1% of units sold for more than $1 million.
At 16.1% of all house sales and 9.5%all unit sales in excess of $1 million, more houses and units sold for more than $1 million than sold for less than $200,000.
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Across the combined capital cities, 23.8% of all houses and 11.6% of all units sold over the year sold for more than $1 million.
The number sold for more than $1 million was up from 21.7% and 9.8% respectively a year earlier.
Five years ago just 9.8% of all houses and 3.9% of all units sold for more than $1 million. A greater number of houses sold for more than $1 million over the past year than sold for under $400,000. 
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Across the combined regional markets, 4.6% of houses and 3.8% of units sold over the year transacted at or above $1 million. The share of million dollar sales was up over the year from 3.8% for houses and 3.6% for units.
Five years earlier, 1.7% of houses and 2.2% of units sold throughout the year sold for $1 million. While in the combined capital cities the share of $1 million sales is significant it remains relatively small in those areas outside of the capitals. 
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Sydney is the region that recorded the highest proportion of sales of at least $1 million throughout 2017. Over the year, 49.3% of all houses sold were at least $1 million which was up from 45.4% at the end of 2016 and 18.8% at the end of 2012.
Over the 2012 calendar year, 5.4%  of all Sydney units sold over the year were at least $1 million, by 2016 the share had increased to 18.7% and 25% then by the end of 2017 it was up to 22.3%. More recently, values have begun to fall in Sydney, particularly for higher value properties, so there is a possibility in2018 Sydney will see a decline in the share of sales of at least $1 million. The share of $1 million plus sales in Melbourne has climbed significantly over recent years.
Throughout 2017, 28.3% of all houses and 8.3% of all units purchased were at least $1 million. The share of $1 million sales was up from 23.7% for houses and 7.2% of units a year earlier. The share of $1 million sales has risen substantially from five years ago when 9.7% of houses and 3.5% of units sold for at least $1 million. 
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Although value growth has been fairly moderate in Brisbane over recent years, the share of $1 million sales has continued to climb. Throughout 2017, 8.3% of all houses and 3.4% of all units sold, transacted for at least $1 million. A year earlier, 7.5% of all houses and 2.8% of all units sold for at least $1 million and five years earlier just 3.6% and 2.1% of houses and units sold for at least $1 million.” 
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Dwelling values in Adelaide have increased by just 2.2% over the past year, however, the share of stock selling for $1 million or more has continued to climb. Over the  2017 calendar year, 5.5% of all houses sold for at least  $1 million with the share climbing from 5.0% a year earlier and 2.8% five years previous.
For units, 1.6% of all sales were at least $1 million 2 years ago compared to 1.7% in 2016 and 1.9% in 2017. Over the past year there were more Adelaide houses sold for at least $1 million than there were sold for less than $200,000. 
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Perth has been recording falls in values since 2014 and the most expensive properties have recorded falls more substantial than the city wide average. The share of sales of $1 million or more has fallen over the year for house(10.4% to 10.3%) and units (4.5% to 3.2%). Although the share of sales of $1 million property has declined over the year it remains higher than it was five years ago for houses but lower for units when those sales accounted for 7.2% and 3.4% of all sales respectively. 
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As the nation’s most affordable capital city housing market, Hobart has far fewer sales of $1 million properties than other capital cities. Notwithstanding, values of all capital cities and has seen a fairly significant lift in the share of $1 million sales over the past year.
Over the 2017 calendar year, 2.8% of all houses sold transacted for $1 million or more, up from 2.3% a year earlier and 1.4% five years earlier. The share of $1 million unit sales was steady over the year at 0.9% of all sales and down from five years earlier when 1.3% of all sales were at least $1 million. 
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Darwin has been the nation’s weakest performing capital city housing market for a number of years. At the end of February 2018, dwelling values were -22.3% lower than their peak. Predictably, such substantial value falls have led to a significant decline in $1 million sales.
Over the 2017 calendar year, 3.1% of all houses sold were at least $1 million compared to 4.1% a year earlier but a lower 2.4% five years earlier. 1.3% of all unit sales in 2017 were at least $1 million compared to 2.3% a year earlier and 1.7% five years earlier. 
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Dwelling values in Canberra have increased by 3.2% over the 12 months to February 2018 and as aresultthe share of sales of properties worth $1 million or more has also risen. At the end of 2017, 12.6% of all house sales throughout the year had been at least $1 million, up from 10.4% a year earlier and 4.8% five years earlier. For units, 2.5% of all sales were at least $1 million, up from  2.3% a year earlier and 1.3% five years earlier.
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The latest data is showing that a number of capital cities have now recorded falls in values, in particular the most expensive city, Sydney. 
Additional data also indicates that values are falling by the greatest amount across the premium sector of the housing market. Should these declines continue, it may result in a decline in the share of sales of properties at or in excess of $1 million throughout 2018. 
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CAMERON KUSHER is head of research for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>. 
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Nearly 25 percent of capital city houses sell for over $1 million in 2017

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
From Christmas to Easter, to school holidays, to which day of the week certain public holidays fall, the way the calendar looks each year will impact on the movements of house hunters and dictate the way you should market a property.
<h3>The New Year’s resolution rush</h3>
The New Year almost always brings new interest in the property market. That’s partly because over the Christmas/January holiday period people are busy with family and holidays rather than house hunting. It’s also partly because the low stock levels over that period have come to an end – so buyers actually have something to look at again. And, it’s also partly because a lot of people are acting on their New Year’s resolution to make a move this year, or get into the market.
We also find many in this group are only in a very preliminary stage of looking.
<h3>24 February 2018: the serious selling season begins</h3>
In Sydney, a typical auction campaign last four weeks. And, given agents are often hesitant to list a property prior to Australia Day, that means February’s final Saturday is often the year’s first big auction day, as well as the first real barometer of where the market is at.
In 2018, this fell on Saturday 24 February, when 893 Sydney properties went under the hammer, achieving an auction clearance rate of 71.7%, according to CoreLogic. In Sydney’s east, we saw strong sales and good competition.
<h3>The effects of an early Easter</h3>
School holidays and public holidays tend to be times when agents and sellers shy away from auctions or even open homes, reasoning that buyers will be doing other things. Usually, that means the first real slowing of the property market after its late February season launch, comes with the Easter school holidays.
This year, however, Easter falls on the final weekend in March, with the school holidays not coming until late April. We think that’s likely to have a “twin peaks” effect, where the property market gets going early before stock dries up in March. Then a new batch of listings will be released again in April giving buyers properties to choose from come May.
<h3>The winter chill really isn’t that bad</h3>
A lot of people will tell you that winter isn’t a great time to list a property. For this reason, the June long weekend – in 2018, Saturday 9 June – traditionally becomes the time of year that the number of listings falls. We take a different approach.
It’s true that there are often fewer people out and about in winter but the ones who are looking tend to be genuine buyers. When this combines with a lower number of listings, it means that the middle of the year can be a great time to sell.
<h3>Spring in the air</h3>
Along with autumn, Spring is the traditional selling season and there’s a lot of debate over which of the two seasons is the best time to list. That’s because buyers come out in force, gardens look at their best, and people generally begin feeling upbeat as the weather starts to look up. In September, particularly after the grand final/Labour Day long weekend which falls on Saturday 30 September 2018, things really start to pick up.
In Spring, increased buyer interest usually means increased auction numbers and that can help drive up property prices. On the flipside, a higher number of listings means that it can also be harder to stand out from the crowd.
That said, the end of Spring is when a lot of people start to feel time pressure, especially if they’ve pledged to be in their new home by Christmas. That means it’s a time of year when people get serious about putting their best foot forward.
<h3>The holiday mood sets in</h3>
Usually, the first weekend in December is the last big auction weekend of the year. After that, the listings begin to fade and people begin to think of holidays. We don’t usually advise anyone to start an auction campaign around this time of year. But that doesn’t mean we don’t sell any property. Instead, this can be a great time of year for off-market campaigns because people who are still looking for property tend to be serious. Also, new buyers in the form of expats and offshore buyers often come into the market, combining their property search with a Sydney holiday.
<h3>And finally…</h3>
There is always debate over the <a href="https://bencollierteam.com.au/timing-the-property-market/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best time of year to sell</a>. And, while the calendar shapes the property market, there are advantages and disadvantages to selling at any time of year.
Ben Collier is Property Partner and co-founder at The Agency.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Calendar events can have a dramatic impact on the property market: The Agency's Ben Collier

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This year we will learn, yet again, the simple truth that Australia is not a single property market.
You could be forgiven for thinking that the nation has just one united market, because most of the commentary in mainstream media discusses “the Australian property market” and what will happen to “Australian property prices”.
But success in 2018 will be achieved by those who understand that we do not have a single property market, but myriad different ones all doing their own thing, dictated by local conditions rather than national ones.
Have a look at the latest figures from the ABS on annual growth in dwelling prices in the eight state and territory capital cities in the past 12 months.
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Hobart rising and now the national leader with annual growth of 14 percent.</li>
<li class="li1">Canberra rising but still moderate, with growth at 7 percent.</li>
<li class="li1">Melbourne still strong, with annual growth at 13 percent.</li>
<li class="li1">Sydney fading, with the annual growth rate now in single digits.</li>
<li class="li1">Brisbane and Adelaide going nowhere fast, with growth around 3-4 percent.</li>
<li class="li1">Perth (down 2 percent) and Darwin (down 6 percent) still going backwards.</li>
</ul>
Across regional Australia there were multiple market scenarios, with some growing strongly (like Newcastle, Geelong and the Sunshine Coast), others showing moderate growth, many stagnating with little in the way of price growth, some falling moderately and some (notably resources-related markets) down a lot.
You could argue we have a five-speed property market in Australia.
But you’re still going to see twits standing up on ABC Television making statements like “property price growth will be zero this year” and “the national property boom is over”.
You will also read various members of the chattering economist class discussing Australia as a single market and making meaningless forecasts about the future of Australian house prices. 
These sad bastards just don’t know any better. They’re not real estate specialists and they only occasionally turn their attention to residential property, by calling up a couple of graphs on their computer screens to examine what’s happening in what they see as a single homogenous one-size-fits-all real estate industry.
Forecasting that “Australian property prices” will rise 3 percent in 2018 is a pointless exercise, quite useless for the average consumer. The Reserve Bank governor said as much in a speech late last year.
The coming year will have similar variations to the last, with Canberra behaving very differently to Sydney, and Melbourne moving in an opposite direction to Perth.
Even within a single city, there will be different scenarios paying out in various parts of the metropolitan area. 
In Brisbane, there will be good growth in some of the more affordable areas, not much action in the middle market and price decline in the inner-city apartment markets.
Perth generally is moving into a solid recovery phase, but it won’t be evenly spread across the metropolitan area. Vacancies remain very high in the inner-city apartment suburbs and out in suburbia some precincts are moving forward more strongly than others. 
There are a couple of middle-market areas doing well, the Melville and Stirling local governments areas, while more affordable precincts in the north are leading the fight-back, notably the Joondalup and Wanneroo LGAs.
Such is the reality of our myriad real estate markets. Feel free to ignore anyone who generalises.
Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au
<a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au">ryder@hotspotting.com.au</a>
twitter.com/hotspotting
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

My 2018 message - Australia is not a single property market

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CoreLogic's head of research Tim Lawless gives a national property market update.
 
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National market update for November: CoreLogic

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Property buyers can save a six-figure sum by purchasing in the next suburb along the train line, according to an analysis of new median house price data from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.
In the September quarter, the Belgrave line recorded the largest price difference between stations with Canterbury’s median house price ($2,875,000) almost a million dollars more expensive than those serviced by the Chatham station in Surrey Hills ($1,930,000), the REIV data shows. The two stations are less than a kilometre apart.
As an illustration, a four-bedroom townhouse at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/61a-broughton-road-surrey-hills-vic/property-details-buy-residential-11311455/" target="_blank">61A Broughton Road, Surrey Hills</a> (picture above) has been advertised for sale on realestateview.com.au for $1.525 million. 
The listing agents are Tim Heavyside and Harley Toyle of Fletchers.
Buyers who purchased a home in Heidelberg, rather than the previous suburb on the Hurstbridge line, Eaglemont, can expect to save up to $896,000. 
Savings of around $600,000 are also possible further on the South Morang line by purchasing in Thomastown instead of nearby Thornbury, serviced by the Keon Park railway station. 
In Thomastown, a four-bedroom house on a 695 sqm block at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/8-barbara-court-thomastown-vic/property-details-buy-residential-11432808/" target="_blank">8 Barbara Court</a> (below) is up for sale with a price tag of $790,000.
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A number of city locations have delivered six-figure savings when compared with the median house price in the previous suburb on the train line, according to REIV president Richard Simpson.
“Many of these areas are only one or two kilometres further from the city but provide a more affordable alternative for those who may have their heart set on buying in a particular suburb.”
In fact, one stop can make a difference of up to a million dollars, suggests the REIV data. Commuters were able to save more than half a million dollars by purchasing one stop further along the Werribee train line in Laverton, rather than Westona.  
In Noble Park on the Pakenham line, buyers were able to purchase homes for $142,500 less than the previous suburb of Springvale, serviced by the Sandown Park station.
“Areas that offer value without the need to compromise on location or amenities are highly attractive to buyers, with many of these bridesmaid suburbs also experiencing solid capital growth in recent years.”
Simpson added that with a majority of inner and middle suburbs having median houses prices above $1 million, there was more competition further from the CBD.
“Homebuyers willing to commute for a few extra minutes each day are able to consider a greater number of suburbs, including new growth areas which may not have peaked in terms of price growth.” “Access to public transport is a key factor for many buyers, and can increase the value of a property.”
 
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Buying near the next train station out can save millions for Melbourne home buyers

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Guest Observer 
The past two months have seen a rapid slowing in house price growth in tier 1 cities. 
For new housing, annual price growth in tier 1 has now slowed to 1%yr at September, from 8%yr two months ago and its peak of 31%yr in April 2016. 
Whereas it was initially Shenzhen that led the tier 1 aggregate down, now the weakness has a broad base. In addition to the 4%yr fall seen in Shenzhen, prices are also flat in Shanghai and Beijing. Guangzhou continues to experience robust annual gains, 9%yr in September. But that is half the growth pace of three months earlier, signalling a marked shift in momentum there as well. 
While the deterioration in momentum has been most obvious in the tier 1 cities, where authorities’ actions have been focused, annual price gains are also decelerating in tier 2 and tier 3. 
Of the 70 cities that report across tier 1 to 3, seventeen experienced monthly price declines in September. That compares to just six three months ago.
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In tier 2, annual price growth has now fallen below 6%, from 9% three months ago and a peak near 12% in October 2016. Only one of the tier 2 cities has experienced price declines over the past year (Chengdu, –2.8%yr). 
Similarly in tier 3, price growth has slowed to 7%yr after remaining near 9% between November 2016 and August 2017. None of the tier 3 cities are yet to see price declines versus a year ago, despite the increase in monthly losses. 
Price action in the established market continues to map to the new home market. Prices are up 4%yr in tier 1 and 6% in tier 2/3. In September, thirteen cities reported price declines for established homes, up from just two in March. 
It is evident from the activity data that real estate investment will slow materially in 2017/18. Growth in project starts has followed sales growth down to near zero. And the increase in floor space under construction is negligible versus history. Still, contrasting the construction activity trend to the rate of gain of land prices highlights that developers remain optimistic over the longer-term, shoring up their pipeline of land while limiting current new dwelling supply. 
 
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China sees rapid slowdown over last two months: Westpac's October property update

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/83872/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Tiny houses are now so popular that someone was recently charged with stealing one.
A social media campaign tracked its journey from Canberra to Hervey Bay. My research to date has found a marked increase in people who want their own tiny house, particularly among older women.
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This tiny house was tracked across the country last week.
Since the first tiny house groups appeared on Facebook in 2013, such groups and pages have proliferated. The original Facebook pages, such as Tiny Houses Australia, have nearly 50,000 followers. Some groups, such as Tiny Houses Brisbane, are extremely active and hold regular meetings.
Based on earlier research, I argued that tiny houses could be part of a solution to the perennial and wicked problem of unaffordable housing, as well as improving urban density and the environmental sustainability of housing. In 2015, very few people had actually built one.
A repeat of the 2015 survey has found a marked increase in people building or wanting to build a tiny house. Some 20% of current respondents (173 to date, but the survey is ongoing) had built or were building a tiny house. Another 61% intended to build one.
Most of these tiny houses were fully mobile, partly mobile (that is, a container house) or on skids. Only 20% were intended to be permanent. Interest was equally divided between urban and rural residential areas. 
There was a statistically significant relationship between preferred location and type of tiny house. Most of those preferring rural locations wished to build a permanent or container-type tiny house. Those wanting urban locations preferred mobile tiny houses. This is likely the result of urban land costs, although more than 50% of survey respondents stated that they would prefer to build on their own land.
<h2>Tiny houses appeal to older women</h2>
Demographically, interest in tiny houses is biased towards older women. The majority of respondents were women over 50. 
Although this could be a result of sampling bias (more women than men tend to complete surveys), it also could reflect other research showing that single women over 50 are the fastest-growing demographic for homelessness in Australia. This is due to relationship break-ups, employer bias against older women, and lack of superannuation savings.
Tiny houses are an ideal housing form for single women, as they could site one on property belonging to an adult child or other relative, yet maintain their independence and privacy. As one respondent said:
I am 53 and am finding it hard to get employment, so this reduces the pressure on me by paying less rent in a tiny house. Hopefully will free me up to have a better lifestyle, health and fitness and time…
A tiny house with a small fenced-off yard for my small dogs is really all I need. I’d be happy to live in a TH community with communal gardens etc. This is my only viable option to own a home and homelessness in the future is a real fear.
As with the previous survey, the drivers for tiny house living were predominantly economic, then environmental. 
In a possible reflection of the strong demand for urban living, the most important driver was “too expensive property in preferred area”. Then came: wanting to reduce overall debt, not wanting a mortgage, wishing to downsize, and housing too expensive in general. 
This respondent summed up the economic drivers:
I just want to own my home. I have been a renter for 30 years and long to own my own space and have more freedom to do things I love and work less.
Environmental sustainability and conscious consuming were seen as the second-most important benefits. The backlash against the McMansions of previous decades is strong:
I support the ideas of tiny houses for conscious consuming. We all consume too much land. Infrastructure and space for what we need. We then choose to fill up the spaces with more stuff and also travel further to our destinations using more fuel to get there. It’s a downward spiral, which could be contained by more sensible accommodation choices and a more thoughtful attitude towards resources.
Another respondent said:
Maintaining and building/sustaining standard stock (4 bed 2 bath) is time-consuming and soul-destroying. I own a 6-bedroom house now … the upkeep and the way it gets in the way of real relationships is something I have come to realise and do something about.
<h2>What does this mean for urban planning?</h2>
In keeping with previous research, respondents noted significant barriers, particularly inflexible planning schemes, and then the cost of land. However, these barriers were ranked much lower than the drivers – only two (planning scheme inflexibility and complexity) were given a mean score more than four (out of five). 
This might indicate that local governments are becoming more open to the idea of tiny houses as an alternative to high-rises for increasing density in what is known as the “missing middle”. 
Indeed, architects, consultants, planning professionals and academics collaborated on the recently released Tiny House Planning Resource for Australia 2017. It aims to assist planners, policymakers and the wider community to better understand the tiny house movement and its potential to contribute to greater choice in housing supply and diversity.
Yes, tiny houses are one, possibly extreme, end of the housing form continuum. They don’t suit all demographics, but the increasing interest shows that local governments need to seriously consider allowing tiny houses in urban areas.
They have significant potential to be a catalyst for infill development, either as tiny house villages, or by relaxing planning schemes to allow owners and tenants to situate well-designed tiny houses on suburban lots.
 
One respondent summed it up well:
Regulations need to be freed up to allow more than a small secondary dwelling on a typical suburban lot in a general residential zone. Financiers, valuers and mortgage insurers need to be coached into the benefits of small as arguably the only way to move forward in this current affordability and sustainability crisis. 
The tiny house on its own freehold lot - whether in a community or Torrens title - has to be a way to enable ease of financing. This means that if a local government is serious about affordability, planning regulations need to change to enable freehold titling and increased density without having to go through costly and time-consuming development approval processes.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/heather-shearer-138992" target="_blank">Heather Shearer</a> is Research Fellow, Cities Research Institute, Griffith University and author for <a href="https://theconversation.com/au" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Interest in tiny houses is growing, so who wants them and why?

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Airtasker co-founder Jonathan Lui,  who stepped back from the the peer-to-peer job outsourcing marketplace due to personal reasons, is launching a startup he says is the "LinkedIn for property”.
Lui’s latest venture, Soho, is a portal that allows property owners to manage their asset profile online from rental payments to body corporate statements.
Its uniqueness, according to Lui, lies in members’ ability to connect with other property owners, much like a "digital doorknock".
"Today, if you want to buy an apartment in an apartment block you'd have to wait for it to eventually come to market at some point. Or you have to go and knock on the door and get in touch with the owner," Lui told The Australian Financial Review.
"We're breaking down those boundaries and letting those conversations happen."
Lui was forced to step back from Airtasker in October 2016 when his father in-law took ill and the family needed to move to Singapore. Lui had to sell his property in Sydney, sparking the idea for his next company.
He still has a significant shareholding in Airtasker, remains on the board and travels back to Sydney frequently.
Soho will be headquartered in his new home of Singapore, but it will launch globally this week and Australia and Singapore will be its first markets.
The company raised $1 million in May, mainly from high net-worth investors who have also backed Airtasker, according to the AFR.
"With entrepreneurship, when you experience a problem it just kind of eats away at you. Especially the ones you experience personally," Lui said.
"When we were relocating last year ... I listed my property online and had 30 people through the door and four offers within a few days. It made me realise there were lots of buyers who knew what they wanted and what they wanted to spend, but they couldn't buy what they couldn't see and it got me thinking there had to be another way."
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Soho has properties signed up within metro regions and owners will have the option to manage the property privately as well, so that it's not visible to the public.
Lui isn't focused on generating immediate revenue, but in the longer term the platform will have premium features and subscription options and it will also facilitate rental payments.
"CoreLogic data shows a property sells once every 10.5 years on average. We want to have that 10.5 year relationship because it's the most important investment you make," he said.
"Our short-term goal is to get as many properties onto the network as possible. Contrary to many other property tech start-ups coming out of the woodwork, we will work closely with industry. Our aim isn't to cut out agents."
Since starting Airtasker in 2012, the peer-to-peer job outsourcing marketplace has raised $32 million, including $22 million in a round led by Seven West Media in June 2016.
It also has more than 1.3 million users and has been rumoured to be in the process of raising an additional $20 million.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Airtasker co-founder's latest venture is a 'LinkedIn for property'  

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There are two sides to a trade.
If you are buying an investment someone is selling it.
Ask yourself, then, a simple question: why are they selling?
It might be for personal reasons. 
They could be selling some shares before financial year end to reduced a tax liability, for example.  
Or it might be for another genuine reason.
In the property markets, vendors often sell an apartment because they want to trade up and move into a house. 
Or, maybe, they don't like the investment as much as you think you do, and that's why they selling.  
Group think
Group think can be dangerous.
When everyone is piling into an asset class or certain investment, this may not be a great sign for future returns.
Try to become a contrary thinker.  
This is not necessarily a skill you are born with, but it can certainly become a learned habit over time.
Question everything - not to the point of inaction, or sleepless nights - but don't simply blindly trust widely held beliefs. 
Try to think of counter-arguments your investment decision, or list potentially dissenting views. 
Think of some worst case scenarios, and what you would do or feel if they played out. 
Asymmetric information 
Could the seller know more than you?
Real estate is an imperfect market which offers amazing opportunities to buy below market value or add value. 
But asymmetric information is a common hurdle that needs to be overcome via thorough market research. 
Almost by definition, the vendor of a property tends to know more about the potential problems and challenges than the buyer.
In the share markets insider information is also rife.
People often like to think they know more than the market, but the truth is, they often don't.
Therefore, before you pull the trigger on an investment, think to yourself:
"Why are they selling?"
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Why are they selling? Pete Wargent

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One in three respondents to a recent survey who don’t own a home say they need parental assistance to get onto the property ladder.
The survey of 1,006 people nationwide, conducted for non-bank lender State Custodians Home Loans, found 29 per cent of Gen Y aged 18 – 34 say they’re relying on their parents to either gift or lend them money towards the deposit and 26 percent are waiting for their inheritance.
Some 37 per cent consider they will have to move back in with mum and dad to save enough money for a deposit.
Joanna Pretty, State Custodians General Manager said everyone would agree it’s a good idea for adult children to be as financially independent as possible, but the reality is more and more young people are simply not able to get ahead in property without some kind of financial assistance from their parents.
"Whilst new financial year budgetary measures will help first home buyers a little, the reality of scraping together a deposit will still be challenging," she said.
“Being able to salary sacrifice for a deposit from pre-tax pay and use voluntary superannuation contributions up to $30,000 towards a deposit on a home will provide some benefit for some buyers. However, across-the-board first home buyer grants would be far more helpful as far as a lump sum goes.
"Four in 10 respondents (39 per cent) say saving wages from their current job would realistically be the main way they will get the money together for a deposit, whilst 28 per say that money saved from a new, more highly-paid job would get them into property.
"This is a tough challenge, considering that Australian wage growth is currently at a low. The ABS reports that the Australian average annual wage is $78,832, and that the average first home buyer loan across all states to June 2016 was $335,000.
"To come up with a 20 per cent loan of $67,000, a person on the median wage with an after-tax monthly pay packed of $4,434, would need to put aside $1,116 every month for five years. That’s on top of what they’d be paying for rental costs and other expenses, and given that in some cities many loans would be much higher than the average.
“It is definitely tough to buy in metro areas these days, especially if you’re struggling to make ends meet on your current wage.
“The deposit requirements are significant, even if you’re an expert saver. Unfortunately buying your ‘forever home’ right off the bat is not always a feasible or quick option like it has been in the past."
For those struggling to stump up a deposit, and tackle the property ladder Ms Pretty has this advice: 
<ul>
<li>Save as much as you possible can for a deposit. It takes sacrifice and real commitment.</li>
<li>When you are first starting out it’s important to keep your mind open about the type of property that you choose to buy, and the area it’s in.</li>
<li>Have a plan in mind to upgrade or move to other areas over time, as your budget allows and the property value increases.</li>
<li>Consult experts to help you with your planning so you get to your dream home sooner</li>
</ul>
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