Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

&nbsp;

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Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

Queensland

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Most rental markets in regional Queensland saw a general tightening in the September quarter as more job opportunities arise, while Brisbane LGA and Greater Brisbane eased slightly, according to the REIQ’s latest vacancy rate data.
Overall, Brisbane LGA moved from 3.3 per cent to 3.6 per cent, just crossing into weak territory. The Brisbane inner ring (0-5km) edged over from a healthy 3.5 per cent last quarter to a weak 3.7 per cent this quarter. The middle ring (5-20km) eased from 3.1 per cent to 3.4 per cent, which is still a healthy rental market. 
REIQ chief executive Antonia Mercorella said the Brisbane LGA rental market was easing slightly, as expected supply levels come online. 
“Brisbane has undergone an incredible transformation, with unprecedented levels of apartment supply coming onto the market in the inner and middle rings over the past few years,” said Mercorella.
“We are starting to see the impact of that supply as it finally catches up to high levels of pent-up demand.
“We are confident that this will be brief because Queensland’s population is continuing to grow, particularly in the southeast corner, and growing population means growing demand for housing.” 
In regional Queensland, the number of weak markets fell to six from 10 in the previous quarter. 
“These markets are showing the green shoots of recovery and there is reason to be optimistic about the future of the property market in regional Queensland,” she said.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/10/25/REIQ.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/10/25/REIQ.png" alt="">
Gold Coast’s vacancy rate eased by 0.2 percentage points to 1.9 per cent. This market remains in the tight range with demand for rental accommodation outstripping supply. 
The Sunshine Coast SD (incorporating Noosa and the Sunshine Coast LGA) is a similarly tight market, at 1.4 per cent. Caloundra Coast is the tightest market in the state, with vacancies at just 0.6 per cent. 
“Tenants may struggle to secure rental accommodation in this region and it is fair to say this area would benefit from additional supply being built to help improve market conditions,” she said. 
The Fraser Coast also tightened to 2.2 per cent. 
Regional markets of Mackay and Rockhampton experienced the largest improvements, with vacancies falling 1.7 percentage points each. 
Mackay has moved from the weak range, with vacancies at 4.5 per cent last quarter, into the healthy range this quarter with vacancies at 2.8 per cent. 
“This is a reflection of generally improving conditions in Mackay, and local agents have been telling us all year that this market is on the move. We are seeing evidence of this in rental data and also with the recent quarterly sales data,” Ms Mercorella said. 
“We see confidence returning to the market and this is encouraging. We’re optimistic these improving conditions will continue,” she said. 
Rockhampton has reported its second consecutive quarterly fall to reach 5.5 per cent. This market is still operating in weak conditions, however, the trend is positive. 
“We are hoping to soon see signs that this market is stabilising. It is encouraging to see vacancies falling and local agents reporting improving levels of demand for rental properties,” Mercorella said. 
Livingston is reporting similar vacancy levels, at 5.6 per cent. Apart from Gladstone, which has vacancies of 5.7 per cent, Livingston has the highest vacancy rate in Queensland. 
“The good news is that in one quarter, Livingstone has fallen from 9.3 per cent to 5.6 per cent, which is a remarkable improvement,” Mercorella said. “This market has shown the single biggest improvement this quarter of all the markets we monitor.”
The Townsville market has reported its fourth consecutive fall in vacancies, to reach 4.3 per cent, its lowest level since September 2013.
“Other property experts share our view that the Townsville market is poised to move into recovery phase,” Mercorella said. 
“Technically the rental market is still weak, with vacancies at 4.3 per cent, but there is a clearly established positive trend of four quarterly falls. We are hopeful that the sales market will soon echo the rental market’s positive direction,” she said. 
The tourism-based city of Cairns tightened from 1.8 to 1.7 per cent. This is the tightest this market has been since 2012. 
“Domestic visitor numbers are up in this region, which of course creates jobs and this drives demand for housing, so when the tourism industry is thriving, the property market is doing well also,” Mercorella said. 
“This market attracts workers who will typically stay in rental accommodation before they make a longer term decision about living in Cairns permanently.”
With tourism numbers up and tightening vacancy rates, REIQ expects the Cairns market will benefit from additional housing supply coming online soon. Landlords have a steady level of demand for rental accommodation. 
She added that investors in Cairns benefit from some of the best gross rental yields in the state, which is an added incentive to buying an investment property.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Brisbane rental markets soften as regional Queensland shines: REIQ

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<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro">
The Foreign Ownership of Land Register released by the State Government has revealed overseas Chinese buyers purchased over 7600 land parcels over the past 12 months, totalling $1.47 billion, up from $463 million in 2013/14.
</div>
It is the first time China has topped the list, taking over from the United Kingdom as the most prolific buyer of Queensland land.
China’s investment in Queensland totals nearly $1 billion more than any other country in the world over the same time period.
The total amount of foreign investment in Queensland land has risen from $1.6 billion in 2013/14 to over $4.2 billion last year.
The Foreign Ownership of Land Register released by the State Government reveals the United Kingdom maintained its position as the premier buyer of Queensland land when it comes to size.
UK owners purchased 2.2 million hectares over the year, ahead of the Netherlands with 1.9 million hectare and China with 1.6 million hectare.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Chinese buy 7600 properties last year in Queensland 

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The top 150 real estate sales performers across all markets in Brisbane and Queensland regional centres has been released.
The A List initiative was established five years ago by the Ray White Group, with the data is sourced and verified by Pricefinder.
The list of 150 agents uses sales data from the 16,500 registered salespeople based on three criteria; number of sales, value of sales and the number of listings for the previous calendar year.
The data found that one in eight properties in Queensland were sold by an A Lister in 2016, who make up just 2.2 per cent of all active agents.
They sold 12.4 per cent of all Queensland properties in 2016 typically with 45 sales against the average salesperson in Queensland making seven sales.
The average sales person in Queensland had a total sales value of $3.6 million but A-Listers averaged $23 million.
All up the 150 A List salespeople made 6831 sales, worth $3.4 billion in 2016.
Vicki Hodges of PRDnationwide Bundaberg, Jane Doogan of LJ Hooker Nerang, Judy Eddy of Action Realty, Harcourts Kingsberry Townsville agent Julie Mahoney, Nyree Ewings of LJ Hooker at Cleveland, Judi O’Dea of SPACE Property Agents Paddington, Sam Guo of Ray White Broadbeach, Dion Saab of Coronis Bracken Ridge, have all been on the list for five years in a row.
All 150 agents on the A List, sponsored by Mercedes Benz Brisbane, will gather together on 21 November 2017 in Brisbane.
2017 A Listers.
Listed in alphabetical order / not rank.
Aaron Woolard – Place New Farm Adam Cook – Yeppoon Real Estate Aidan Wales – Ray White Ipswich Alex Stassen –  Harcourts M1 Alex Telegin – Coronis Burpengary Alexandra Porter – Coronis Aspley Alli  Paterson – Freemans Residential Allison Gough – Explore Property Townsville Amanda Cepero – First National The Pines Andrew Dobbie – Ray White Beerwah Andrew Weston – Place Projects Andy Hogarth – McGrath Palm Beach Angela Duncan – Ray White Aspley Angela Mastrapostolos – Ray White Paddington Ann Vella – Raine &amp; Horne Beenleigh Barbara Harris – Ray White Rockhampton Ben Leong – LJ Hooker Sunnybank Hills Benjamin Hyrapietian – Kindred Property Group Brad Munro – Position Property Project Marketing Brad Scott – All Properties Group Brad Sissons – Coronis Coorparoo Brett Anderson  – Hillsea Real Estate Paradise Point Cain Scheiwe – Page &amp; Pearce Cameron Cole – Re/Max Excellence Cara Bergmann – Ray White Aspley Carmen Briggs – Harcourts Solutions Catherine White – Harcourts Pinnacle Chris Rhode – Coronis North Lakes Chris Wease – LJ Hooker Woodford Christine McKay – Harcourts Solutions Christopher Hubka – LJ Hooker Algester Clare Dawson – Raine &amp; Horne Tin Can Bay Clare Robins – Ray White Deception Bay Clint Hynes – Ray White Oxenford Clint Smith – McGrath Noosa Heads Craig Johnston – David Deane Real Estate Daniel Burrett – RE/MAX Success Danny Woolbank – Ray White Broadbeach Darrell Johnson – Knobel &amp; Davis Property Services Darren Bonehill – Place Coorparoo Dave Cooper – Positive Property People David Brown – LJ Hooker Coomera David Kopelke – Ray White Warner Dean Dank – Explore Property Townsville Dean Hamilton – LJ Hooker Stafford Debbie North – Elders Cairns Deon Calder – Coronis Mooloolaba Dion Saab – Coronis Bracken Ridge Dwight Colbert – Ray White Aspley Ed Hollingworth – Century 21 at the Pier Ela Milne – Ray White Eight Mile Plains (Eddie) Fai Nguyen Ly – Red Rocket Gary Kowaltzke – Ray White Toowoomba Range George Vuong        – RE/MAX Profile Georgia Tritton – Ray White Southport Georgie Haug – Belle Property Samford Heather Murray – Jan Jones Real Estate Ian Cuneo – Ray White Ascot Ilona Barry – LJ Hooker Robina Varsity Jack Harvey – Coronis Bracken Ridge Jacq Hackett – Coronis Springfield Lakes Jacqueline Farag – Elders Hervey Bay Jacqui Walker – RE/MAX Success James Gwynne – Harcourts Solutions Project Marketing Jamie Baker – Ray White Birkdale Jane Doogan – LJ Hooker Nerang Jared Young – Amber Werchon Property Jason Read – LJ Hooker Coomera Jayne Finlay – Page &amp; Pearce Jeanny Boyd – Coronis Burpengary Jess Nguyen – All Properties Group Jo  James – LJ Hooker Ipswich Joan Robb – RE/MAX Real Estate Services John McEwan – Bambling Property John Ryland – Professionals Cairns South Jonathan Wein – LJ Hooker Albany Creek Josie Smith – Crowne Real Estate Judi O’dea – SPACE Property Agents Indooroopilly Judith Crawford – Ray White Clayfield Judy Eddy – Action Realty Julie Mahoney – Harcourts Kingsberry Townsville Julie Munro – Ray White Townsville Justin Hagen – Calibre Real Estate Justine Dill – RE/MAX Success Kate Pade – PRDNationwide Toowoomba Kyle Davies – Henzells Agency Kym Saunders         – LJ Hooker Brisbane West Lee Doyle – LJ Hooker Kallangur Lee Sutherland – RE/MAX Property Sales Liam Booker – LJ Hooker Kallangur Lincoln Tatnall – Coronis North Lakes Lisa Etri – Ray White Rochedale Liz Brown – Ray White Rural Atherton Mal Lucas – Elders Morayfield Mark Daniel – Explore Property Mackay Mark Flinn – Ray White Port Douglas &amp; Mossman Mark Jensen – Ray White Palm Beach Mason Niari – Hillsea Real Estate Paradise Point Matt Boettcher – Yong City West Matthew De Maid – Belle Property Toowoomba Matthew Jabs – Place Newmarket Megs Walker – McGrath Cairns Melita Bell – RE/MAX Success Michael Folkard – LJ Hooker Nerang Michael Loader – Australian National Properties Michael Mills – Denovans Real Estate Michelle McLeod – Ray White Indooroopilly Michelle Wheeler – Harcourts North Lakes Nadine Edwards – LJ Hooker Cairns Edge Hill Narelle Lorensen – Place Nundah Nathan Strudwick – Elders Shailer Park Neil Mundy – Ray White Ipswich Nick Baxter – Ray White Benowa Nicole Devine – SPACE Property Agents Indooroopilly Nicole Plozza – Ray White Douglas Nyree Ewings – LJ Hooker Cleveland Patrick Kenny – Ray White Cairns South Patrick McKinnon – Coronis Hamilton Peter Houliston – LJ Hooker Cleveland Phil Edmunds – One Realty Maryborough Renae Duff – Elders Jimboomba Rob Karaka – All Properties Group Rob Williams – David Millar Real Estate Robbie Witt – Colliers International – Toowoomba Robert Taylor – PRDNationwide Whitsunday Robert Waterson – Hillsea Real Estate Parkwood Rory Wex – Cooke Property Agents Sam Guo – Ray White Broadbeach Sam Hargrave – Hargrave Real Estate Sharee Minnett – First National Toowoomba Shaun Bourke – Harcourts Coastal Shirley Chow – LJ Hooker Sunnybank Hills Shona McKenzie – Coronis Springwood Simon Booker        – LJ Hooker Kallangur Simon Salm – RE/MAX Bayside Properties Sonia Poole – Ray White Cairns Beaches Sonya Treloar – Ray White Bridgeman Downs Steve  Lane – Coolum Beach Realty Steve Venn – Harcourts Caloundra Steven James – LJ Hooker Gladstone Stuart Legg – RE/MAX Agency Stuart Thomas – McGrath Buderim Tait Batton – Coronis Springfield Lakes Todd Gerhardt – RE/MAX Advantage Tracey Child – All Properties Group Vern Gilbert – Plum Property Vicki Hodges – PRDNationwide Bundaberg Will Torres – Place Coorparoo Will West – Lacey West Zora Liu – LJ Hooker Sunnybank Hills
Source: Pricefinder, 2017.
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Eight Queensland estate agents rank on top 150 sales list for five consecutive years

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A 2,385 sqm site with a two-bedroom cottage in the Queensland town of Emu Park on the Capricorn Coast is up for auction on October 21.
The mortgagee is exercising the power of sale for two-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-emu+park-126517238" target="_blank">52 William Street</a>, according to its description.
The property settled for $160,000 in 2005, CoreLogic RP Data showed.
Prior to that, it was put on the market in 2004 with expectations of $209,000.
The site has two street frontages of 40 m and 60 m that would allow scope to redevelop the site or renovate the existing house.
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Emu Park's CBD is close, as also a primary school.
The listing agent is Lindsay Lodwick of Ray White.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/finding/location/suburb-data?utm_source=Property+Observer+List&amp;utm_campaign=3fcbe356d1-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_09_28&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_a523fbfccb-3fcbe356d1-" target="_blank">median house price for Emu Park</a> was $310,000, according to CoreLogic data. 
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Emu Park site with cottage listed for auction as mortgagee sale

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A four-bedroom house at Rural View in Queensland’s Mackay district has been sold for $420,000 under mortgagee conditions.
The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-rural+view-126263814" target="_blank">22 Rural View Drive</a> was marketed as ‘Mortgagee in Possession’.
The selling agent was Mandy Hall of Hall &amp; Co.
The rustic home is spread over 2.4 acres, or 9,880 sqm.
It last changed hands for $550,000 in 2009, according to CoreLogic data.
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Rural View, Queensland mortgagee sale at a loss 

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Some rural property listings in Queensland are being initiated by a lot of door knocking, not always by agents say Herron Todd White.
This additional demand to find an asset at this high point in the market cycle suggests some caution and one hopes that proper due diligence is being considered in these buying decisions.
"Access to water is a key comment this month with the latest Queensland allocations release," HTW said.
"Roger Hill has provided a high level overview on this market relative to the previous three rounds and proves interesting reading.
"The access to, use of and reliability of water continues to be a strong driver for land sales where higher value crops or permanent plantings are replacing traditional land use.
"There is still capital for such new developments but nding the right combinations of land, water, region and supporting infrastructure is proving a challenge for this capital.
"Fingers are crossed for some good spring rains to lead into a better summer season for all broad acre industries and hopefully the continuing of positive on farm returns can be seen again in 2017/18."
Valley View, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-qld-goombungee-7918530" target="_blank">372 Goombungee-Meringandan Rd</a> Goombungee, Qld, is on the market with interest above $799,000.
The property features extensive fencing to suit horses including day paddocks and shelters as well as cattle yards with loading ramp, race and small round yard. 
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Some Queensland rural sales circumventing agents: HTW

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Brisbane, Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast continue to drive the property market growth in Queensland, according to a new report from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland.
The Brisbane LGA median house price grew 3.6 per cent in the 12 months to June, to reach a new high of $655,000, which demonstrates that affordability and amenity deliver consistent growth, says the latest REIQ Queensland Market Monitor.
In comparison, prices in Gold Coast surged 6.8 per cent over the 12 months to June, reaching an annual median house price of $595,000.
The Sunshine Coast SD grew 6.2 per cent over the year to June, to a median house price of $550,000.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said Queensland’s southeast corner once again stood out as the ideal housing market, delivering steady, sustainable growth.
“There is no denying the consistency of Greater Brisbane’s yearly median house price growth – we have grown steadily for about four years – which is proof that affordability combined with jobs and lifestyle are the recipe for a pretty close to perfect house market,” said Mercorella.
Capital city data, which looks at house prices to 31 May 2017, also clearly supports the case for Greater Brisbane compared with Greater Melbourne and Greater Sydney, according to the REIQ.
“Looking at Greater Brisbane compared with Greater Melbourne and Greater Sydney our median house price has grown 4 per cent to Melbourne’s 9 per cent and Sydney’s 6 per cent (for 12 months to 31 May) but as those markets start to cool people are naturally growing concerned about a potential correction.
“However, throughout the southeast corner, our growth is based on an improving value proposition, which means it is reliable, sustainable capital growth” she said.
The number of million-dollar suburbs held steady at 14 suburbs, with Auchenflower joining the club and replacing Paddington, which fell out of the club with a median of $994,050:
<ul>
<li>Ascot ($1,520,000)</li>
<li>Auchenflower ($1,055,000)</li>
<li>Bulimba ($1,110,000)</li>
<li>Chelmer ($1,035,000)</li>
<li>Clayfield ($1,075,000)</li>
<li>Fig Tree Pocket ($1,028,000)</li>
<li>Hamilton ($1,065,000)</li>
<li>Hawthorne ($1,200,000)</li>
<li>Highgate Hill ($1,141,119)</li>
<li>New Farm ($1,600,000)</li>
<li>Robertson ($1,078,000)</li>
<li>St Lucia ($1,255,000)</li>
<li>West End ($1,100,000)</li>
<li>Wilston ($1,200,000)</li>
</ul>
According to Corelogic RP Data, more than half (almost 56 per cent) of Sydney suburbs have a median house price of $1 million or more. By comparison, just 5.9 per cent of Brisbane suburbs have a median house price of more than $1 million.
Teneriffe remains Brisbane’s only $2 million suburb.
Brisbane LGA’s top five suburbs for annual median house price growth in the 12 months to June were:
 
<ol>
<li>Wilston (18.8%)</li>
<li>Auchenflower (19.2%)</li>
<li>Gaythorne (21.6%)</li>
<li>Ascot (21.6%)</li>
<li>St Lucia (21.8%)</li>
</ol>
 
Queensland’s top five suburbs for annual median house price growth in the 12 months to June were:
 
<ol>
<li>Woodend in Ipswich LGA (34.5%)</li>
<li>Murgon in South Burnett LGA (26.0%)</li>
<li>Clear Island Waters in Gold Coast LGA (24.0%)</li>
<li>Oonoonba in Townsville LGA (23.6%)</li>
<li>Sunshine Beach in Noosa Shire (23.1%)</li>
</ol>
 
The unit market performed with less strength this quarter, as weakening demand and continued supply issues deliver flat to negative growth throughout the state.
The standout suburbs where units performed well in Brisbane LGA were:
<ul>
<li>Norman Park (15.6%)</li>
<li>Highgate Hill (15.3%)</li>
<li>Mount Gravatt (14.4%)</li>
<li>East Brisbane (13.0%)</li>
<li>Annerley (10.1%)</li>
</ul>
However, regional Queensland did not perform as strongly this quarter, although Mackay was the stand-out as it delivered strong quarterly growth of 7.4 per cent and second consecutive fall in vacancy rates.
“This market is finally showing the positive impact that we have been seeing in other parts of the local economy,” Mercorella said.
“Mackay is a really positive town, with the housing market finally reaping some small uplift of what has been promising economic activity earlier this year.
“To be clear, however, the annual median house price eased by 5.6 per cent compared with this time last year, so we don’t want to overstate this result. There is still some way to go before this challenged market recovers its position.
“But, we are encouraged to see good quarterly growth and we are keenly awaiting next quarter’s results to see if this represents the green shoots of recovery,” Mercorella said.
The data revealed that Gladstone is Queensland’s most affordable unit market, with a median unit price of $218,750, while Rockhampton was the most affordable house market with a median house price of $270,500.
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Brisbane house prices hit new high, Gold Coast surges in growth: REIQ

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Citrus and grape producers in Far North Queensland are looking for farms to development into table grape and lime orchards, with strong sales activity in the Mareeba Dimbulah area according to Herron Todd White.
HTW said there is also activity from sandalwood producers with two farms on good quality granite soils recently acquired at premium values. 
"An irrigation water shortage remains the main worry for farmers in the Mareeba Dimbulah irrigation area," HTW said.
"Two consecutive failed wet seasons is now likely to result in irrigators receiving only 60% of their nominated allocation, down from 75% the year before.
"Growers in the Atherton locality who rely on groundwater are likely to fare better on remain, on 75% of their nominated allocation. 
"Values of good quality red soil country continue to rise in the Atherton, Tolga and Kairi localities with a number of sales now over the $50,000 per irrigated hectare excluding structures.
"An avocado farm on good red soils at Atherton has sold for over $100,000 per irrigated and planted hectare excluding structures.
"The farm was planted to Hass variety avocadoes, which are currently in strong demand on the back of high fruit prices.
"Strong prices has led to a large increase in new Hass avocado tree plantings throughout all growing areas from Dimbulah through to Atherton."
A property in Dimbulah featuring <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/dimbulah-qld-4872-2013282307" target="_blank">146 acres of fenced boundary</a> is on the market for $3.4 million.
It features 2464 producing lime trees, a 4 Bedroom home plus 2 bed worker's quarters and new packing and machinery sheds.
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Market ripe for citrus and grape producers in Far North Queensland

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GUEST OBSERVER
The Property and Construction sector has rightly been identified by the Queensland Government as one of the four pillars of the economy, alongside Tourism, Agriculture and Resources.
The sector consistently contributes approximately 11% of Queensland’s gross state product. After Health and Retail, it is the third largest employer. 
Worryingly, of the $42.75 billion allocated to infrastructure over the next four years, only $4.8 billion will be invested in regional Queensland. Historically, on average, less than 12% of infrastructure spending is invested into regional infrastructure development.
The question then is: is that distribution equitable and can our budgets be brave enough to significantly shift the historical balance in favour of regional over metropolitan infrastructure and development? The arguments in favour of being brave are compelling.
For their contribution and according to Regional Australia Institute (RAI), regional cities will have added $375 billion to the national economy by 2031. With the Queensland economy in a transitional phase and on a continued downward slide from the resource boom, taking advantage of the opportunities that regional cities provide has never been more important.
Regional cities north of Brisbane are optimistically investing in long rather than short term strategies. Geographic opportunities in the agri-foods and freight logistics sub-sectors offer possibilities that the north is able to yoke through harnessing untapped water supplies and developing agricultural potential in its vast plains. A northern food bowl would help sustain the emerging and ever increasing demographic realities that the likes of China and Singapore face. 
The resultant logistic hubs could in parallel, sustain other economic stimulators. Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Airport for example has had a significant impact on local food and horticultural production for which commercial freight flights have commenced. Further north, Mount Isa Regional Council predicts that the new Mount Isa to Tennant Creek rail link will be the stimulus for an economic corridor that will boost local economies along its route and diversify that particular region’s mining focused economies into other sectors. 
Airports could unlock the two-stop long-haul flights to Europe and therefore lure large carriers who currently use Dubai or Hong Kong as a preferred international stopover. How? Qantas, for example, has already commenced direct flights from Perth to London. By making Broome or Mackay the first stopover for a long range ‘Dreamliner’ or similar flight to London, Australia’s regional tourist hubs could be the next mega transit hubs in their own right. Bernard Salt suggests that this will help create new secondary cities equitably spread (geographically) across Australia.
Regional cities are recognising that the knowledge worker can work from anywhere as long as they have access to their tools and technology. Sunshine Coast Council for example plans to link its region directly to global communications systems in Asia, the Pacific and the United States by encouraging the private sector to deliver an international submarine broadband cable connection that would land at Maroochydore. Initial economic modelling indicates that this initiative will generate an additional $700 million to the Sunshine Coast economy every year and $1.1 billion annually to the state’s economy.
The Commonwealth Government’s embracing of the UK’s City Deals, Growth Deals and Smart specialisation concepts is a step in the right direction to managing regional infrastructure growth and investment. City Deals are agreements between the Commonwealth Government, a state or territory government, and local governments to enhance economic activity and liveability. They work by developing collective plans for growth and commitments to action, investment, reforms and governance from the associated stakeholders. Already, the first city deal agreements have been signed this year for Townsville and Launceston. 
It is demonstrably evident that regional cities are now starting to think bigger than ever and making their own luck in the process. However it is only with sound equitable funding of infrastructure initiatives with strong leadership that sustainable and long term success can be achieved. Are our leaders brave enough to push for a strong catalytic stimulus to regional infrastructure development and fundamentally shift the balance of growth, population, economic benefit and employment?  
Lawson Katiza is Project Director, Savills, and can be contacted <a href="https://www.savills.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Being brave in budgeting for regional infrastructure: Lawson Katiza

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Medium density housing approvals in the 12 months to March fell by the greatest margin in Queensland, more than in any other state or territory in Australia.
That is one of the key findings of the new Bankwest Housing Density report which analysed approvals in medium density and low density housing over both the long and the short term.
The report reveals the amount of medium density housing approvals in Queensland dropped by over a quarter (25.6%), down 6,789 approvals to just 19,693.
Bankwest General Manager Broker Sales Stewart Saunders says the state’s surplus of apartment style accommodation was the likely driver behind the drop.
“This sharp fall in medium density housing approvals in Queensland can be attributed to a high number of vacant properties, contributing to weaker investor expectations in the state’s hot property markets,” said Mr Saunders.
The drop is mirrored in the report’s findings that the proportion of medium density housing as a percentage of all approvals in Queensland fell by almost a half (45.3%) in the 12 months to March.
Despite this fall, the state’s medium density approvals in this period accounted for almost a fifth (17.8%) of all the approvals in the country over that period.
“The report also shows what’s happening at a more local level with pronounced decline in approvals in inner Brisbane City (down by 54.5% in the 12 months to March) but also a really healthy growth – the second highest in the whole country – in the Nerang area.
The report reveals the top ten fastest growing areas in the country for medium density housing, topped by Cottesloe-Claremont in Perth.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-16%20at%201.05.45%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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“The increased demand for medium density housing in Nerang in Queensland is also seen in other Gold Coast areas such as a Surfer’s Paradise, Robina and Southport where virtually all of the approvals in the year to March were for medium density housing,” said Mr Saunders.
On a national level, the report paints a picture of a country experiencing a continuing, long term trend towards apartment style living.
“What is noticeable in the short term analysis of the whole country is that we see that over the 12 months to March the country has experienced its biggest decline in the proportion of medium density approvals for four years,” Mr Saunders added.
Medium density approvals declined by 6.5% in the 12 months to March to 110,471, down from 118,156 the previous year.
This national decline was largely driven by declines at a state level in Queensland (down 25.6%), and Western Australia (down 27.1%).
Mr Saunders said the annual Housing Density Report had been produced as part of Bankwest’s ongoing commitment to offer insights on economic data, trends and issues of value to its customers, businesses, communities and policy makers.
“Bankwest is committed to helping customers and local businesses achieve what matters, contributing to the development of our communities and being a positive voice in the debate on the future of the economy.”
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