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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Mackay Grande Suites, a 4.5 star hotel in central Queensland, is set to come to the market through CBRE Hotels.
The hotel has been marketed by several agencies over the past three years but now the ownership has been placed into administration.
The companies, directed by John Cowley, went into administration earlier this year and were also listed earlier this year with expectations of $30 million, according to the Northern Star.
Mackay Grande Suites has a site area of 2,029 sqm, and the seven-story building comprises 91 rooms, a bar and bistro, swimming pool, 45 electronic gaming machines and other amenities.
It has internal access to the adjoining Centrepoint Shopping Centre.
According to the brochure, the hotel has a  strong cash-flow business with diverse income streams and is being offered with vacant possession.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/17/Mackay2.png" alt="">
Although the decline of the resource sector in 2012/13 hit the economies of Mackay, Gladstone and Emerald, there has been renewed investor interest and activity in the Mackay region due to the recent announcement of the proposed $22 billion Adani Carmichael project, the approval of the $555 million Mackay Ring Road infrastructure project and the resurgence in major industries including agriculture and mining, says CBRE.
Added to that, in 2016, sugar prices surged to the highest level in four years, while the mining sector also recovered with mining services companies benefiting from increased production due to higher coal prices. 
Tourism in the region has also risen off the back of extensive tourism campaigns and the record low Australian dollar.
All these factors are expected to drive the recovery in the Mackay economy in the short to medium term, according to CBRE, and the acquisition of the Mackay Grande Suites could be counter cyclical opportunity. 
The agency also says that “it is not unlikely that the asset will be sold below replacement value”.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/17/Mackay3.jpg" alt="">
The Mackay Grande Suites and associated properties are being marketed by CBRE Hotels’ Wayne Bunz and Paul Fraser under instruction from voluntary administrators, Sam Freeman and Justin Walsh of Ernst &amp; Young. 
 
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Mackay Grande Suites hotel in central Queensland to hit the market

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An architecturally designed new home with panoramic ocean views in Yandina Creek, Queensland has been for sale.
It comes with a price guide of $765,000 plus.
The three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-yandina+creek-124563622" target="_blank">28-30 Carnarvon Court</a> (above) sits in a private cul-de-sac on a 0.8 hectare block.
It is set against a serene bush backdrop and views of Mt Coolum to Noosa.
Yandina Creek is located just minutes to Coolum Beach.
With a median house price of $591,250, Yandina Creek commands higher than Queensland's state average of $462,500.
A six bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-yandina+creek-124018110" target="_blank">75 Musgrave Drive</a> (below) was sold for $1.52 million in Apr 2017.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-16%20at%209.23.41%20AM.png" alt="">
A four bedroom family property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-yandina+creek-123965190" target="_blank">19 Country Coolum Drive</a> (below) traded for $715,000 in December 2016.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-16%20at%209.24.38%20AM.png" alt="">
The property is represented through McGrath Buderim agent Ambre Perry. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Yandina Creek trophy home listed for sale 

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A waterfront property located at Lake Somerset in Queensland is on the market after having spent the last 40 years in the same ownership.
Known as Braeside at <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/qld/hazeldean/1648155/?lang=en" target="_blank">3964 Esk Kilcoy Road, Hazeldean</a>, the elevated 202ha allotment provides 180 degree views of Lake Somerset.
“We have owned the property for nearly 40 years through my family. My dad Alex Brown was Mayor in this area for 10 years at Kilcoy Council,” said vendor Priscilla Macmillian.
She said there isn't a single room in the house that doesn't have a water view.
“One of the things I love is to come home and sit on my front verandah with Mt Beerwah in the background and Lake Somerset in the foreground and take in the beautiful surrounds and amazing bird life.
"The birdlife is amazing here, they come in their millions. I don’t think I’ll ever see such a sight wherever we go.”
Ray White Rural Queensland agents Jez McNamara and Andrew Goodall have set a May 19 auction date.
The sale includes leasehold country that has been cleared and fenced for cattle. It has sheds, paddocks, cattle yards, stables and a tack room.Separate independent living quarters sit near the main house.
"Due to the leasehold the property could very well sell for half of what a property of this quality and location would normally achieve," Jez McNamara noted.
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Queensland lakefront property listed for the first time in 40 years 

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A total of 18,074 residential houses and agricultural properties transacted across the regional areas of Queensland over the 12 months to November 2016, according to Landmark Harcourts’ latest Benchmark Report (<a href="https://content.landmarkharcourts.com.au/Content/Benchmark-Property-Data-Report" target="_blank">bit.ly/LHBenchmark</a>).
This represents a fall in sales volume when compared to the previous year, down -8.4% or 1,651 fewer transactions.
The 18,074 sales are made up of 16,454 residential properties and 1,620 agricultural properties and they account for $7.2 billion worth of sales over the last 12 months, down -8.1% from one year ago.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%201.55.01%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%201.55.01%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Over the year to November 2016, 1,620 agricultural properties sold across regional Queensland.
Although sales volumes fell by -6.8% over the last 12 months, the total value of sales increased by 7.8% to $1.8 billion over the same period.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%201.55.17%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%201.55.17%20pm.jpg" alt="">
The 1,620 agricultural properties accounted for just 9% of the total transactions across regional Queensland this year, and of these sales, 14.2% were on less than 40 hectares, 35.7% between 40 to 100 hectares.
35.6% were on lots between 100 to 1,000 hectares and 14.4% were on land greater than 1,000 hectares in size.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%201.55.29%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%201.55.29%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Of the $1.8 billion worth of agricultural sales for the year ending November 2016, sales over 1,000 hectares accounted for 52.1% of the overall value of agricultural sales.
This is followed by properties on lots ranging from 100 to 1,000 hectares (26.9%), 40 to 100 hectares (15.2%) and less than 40 hectares (5.8%).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%201.55.42%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%201.55.42%20pm.jpg" alt="">
A 40 acre rural property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-qld-jones+hill-7876738" target="_blank">24 Macadamia Road</a>, Jones Hill (above) has been listed for over $800,000.
Similarly a 110 acre mixed farming property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-mixed+farming-qld-theebine-7891118" target="_blank">572 Kanyan Road</a>, Theebine (below) has been listed for $750,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/04/4/572%20Kanyan%20Road.jpg" alt="">
A 50 acre rural property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-other-qld-lower+beechmont-7859346" target="_blank">72 Freemans Road</a>, Lower Beechmont (below) was sold this March for $980,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/04/4/72%20Freemans%20Road.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a 15 acre rural property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-lifestyle-qld-kureen-7832078" target="_blank">LS1286 117 Peeramon Road</a>, Kureen (below) was sold this March for $520,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/04/4/LS1286%20117%20Peeramon%20Road.jpg" alt="">
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Queensland rural sales volume falls by 8%: Harcourts

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GUEST OBSERVER
It’s been two weeks since the category four cyclone, Cyclone Debbie, struck the east coast of Queensland, causing widespread destruction to homes, businesses and the environment.
Hamilton Island faces a five month rebuild following destruction to private homes, luxury hotels and yachts. Across Airlie Beach and Proserpine, roofs were ripped from houses, power lines blown down and trees littered the roads, while Bowen suffered flash flooding and severe agricultural crop damage. 
The natural disaster has now been declared a catastrophe, with the damage expected to cost more than $1 billion. 
To view interactive images of the destruction, click on the links below.
<a href="https://inlapse.com.au/m/l/3ACS4VR" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-12%20at%208.49.43%20AM.png" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://inlapse.com.au/m/l/3ACS4VR" target="_blank">Hamilton Island</a> above (boats washed on shore near the marina) 
<a href="https://inlapse.com.au/m/l/B2HVTXH" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-12%20at%208.51.17%20AM.png" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://inlapse.com.au/m/l/B2HVTXH" target="_blank">Hamilton Island</a> above (roofs ripped off) 
<a href="https://inlapse.com.au/m/l/FVZ5B1C" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-12%20at%208.52.08%20AM.png" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://inlapse.com.au/m/l/FVZ5B1C" target="_blank">Hamilton Island</a> above  (tennis court destroyed) 
<a href="https://inlapse.com.au/m/l/IRPBVXH" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-12%20at%208.53.07%20AM.png" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://inlapse.com.au/m/l/IRPBVXH" target="_blank">Hamilton Island</a> above (damage to the shopping mall pool)
<a href="https://inlapse.com.au/m/l/LJTTUKV" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-12%20at%208.53.55%20AM.png" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://inlapse.com.au/m/l/LJTTUKV" target="_blank">Mackay</a> above (river banks flooded)
Nearmap captures, manages, and delivers the most frequently updated location content in Australia to transform how emergency services, government agencies and businesses work by letting them see what is on the ground now, in high resolution, and how it has changed over time.
It’s truly devastating to see the impact Cyclone Debbie has had on communities and businesses across Queensland.
Our high resolution aerial images reveal the true extent of the damage from above, and we hope will prove to be a useful tool to help Queensland communities, insurance companies and the local government as they plan for cleanup and recovery. 
Rob Newman, is chief executive officer, Nearmap, and can be contacted <a href="https://www.nearmap.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Cyclone Debbie aftermath: aerial imagery reveals destruction 

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Three central Queensland cattle stations are up for sale by US coal mining giant Peabody Energy.
They are tipped to fetch around $60 million.
The properties known as Iffley, Deverill and Twenty Mile near Moranbah have a combined 41,500 hectares, currently leased to Australian Cattle and Beef Holdings.
The three cattle stations are being marketed by CBRE's Geoff Warriner and Chris Holgar.
Geoff Warriner said the property sizes, value and strength of current management match investment mandates of both major industry participants and institutional investors.
“The opportunity to secure an aggregation of this scale within such a renowned and highly productive livestock region that offers direct access to transport routes and close to end markets, is both unique and strongly sought after," he said.
Mr Holgar said the opportunity was also positioned to capitalise on the strength of Australia’s beef sector.
“Given the strong interest in large scale grazing land, the sale of these properties comes at an opportune time for the industry,” he said.
The properties are located approximately 38 kilometres south east of Moranbah, 130 kilometres south west of Mackay and 240 kilometres north west of Rockhampton.
The properties are offered in one line or as separate assets via a forthcoming expressions of interest campaign.
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Peabody Energy lists three central Queensland cattle stations

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There was a relatively large number of cane farm sales in 2016 at central Queensland due to improved market sentiment caused by higher sugar prices, according to a Herron Todd White’s recent report.
The property valuation firm says that values remained generally firm.
Prospects for value growth through 2017 appeared likely up until milling reliability prevented the 2016-17 crop from being fully harvested.
It has been reported that approximately $20 million of crop has been left to stand over after one of the longest crushing seasons in history.
Growers who had hoped to expand in 2017 will now be reconsidering because of lower returns from the 2016–17 crop and expected lower yields from the 2017–18 crop due to follow on effects from the most recent crushing season.
Milling reliability is a now a major concern to cane farmers and will be a critical issue to farm values in the years ahead.
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Central Queensland cane farms selling fast due to high sugar prices: HTW

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Each fortnight I update my chart of the titles registry figures for Queensland, although I don't post the results here all that often.
When figures aren't seasonally adjusted, it pays to be wary of drawing conclusions from individual weeks or months of data. 
After all how many times have new home sales figures "peaked" in this cycle, or how may times has housing finance "tanked", or buying intentions "cratered", or consumer confidence been "smashed", and so on?
Every other month in each case, pretty much. 
By drilling trendlines through the titles registry figures you can see that Queensland's mortgage and transfers market has ground its way through a long, slow recovery since bottoming around late 2011. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/15/QLD1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<div id="post-body-8620627539950330204" class="post-body entry-content">
<div class="separator"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/03/15/QLD1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>There was a blip in activity following APRA's initial salvo of macroprudential measures - and part of the increase in activity relates to a surge in multi-unit construction - but for now the uptrend in activity remains in place. </div>
 <div>Brisbane land values rise</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Queensland Government updated its annual land valuations for 2017 last week, which showed a very wide range of outcomes across the state. The post-2012 malaise continues apace across many of the resources regions. There was more excruciating news for Gladstone which recorded another massive 20.6 per cent drop in median land values (although the Mayor kindly noted that residents shouldn't expect a reduction in their rates bill). Over the past four years Gladstone land values have recorded losses of -5.4 per cent, -14.6 per cent, -4.8 per cent, and -20.6 per cent respectively. Brutal, with land prices declining to just $113,000, Dwelling prices have often seen drops of well over 50 per cent since 2012, and in many case rents have fallen by at least an equivalent amount. The news wasn't much brighter in Mackay which racked up a third year of declines, and the Central Highlands saw land values fall for a fourth year, while Rockhampton saw land prices fall by 8.7 per cent from the preceding valuation date. Townsville has also recorded moderate declines across the last five years. There were bright spots, though, with the Gold Coast recording another year of recovery, and land prices notching up solid gains in Brisbane City Council (BCC), with the usual variances at the suburb level.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/15/A1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a> <div class="separator"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/03/15/A1.jpg" alt=""></div>
 It is wise to exercise caution in interpreting suburb level median land values, not least because the Queensland Government rather likes to see those rateable land values rising for all-too-obvious reasons (though rates aren't based only on land valuations, the Government assures us!). Changes in land use resulting from the BCC 2014 City Plan may also potentially skew the results in suburbs with increasing multi-unit development, for example. Nevertheless, the figures are well worth a look, for the Valuer-General's figures logically cannot diverge too far from the reality over the long run. Residential land values increased across some 132 Brisbane suburbs over the past year according to the 2017 report, although there were some declines in commercial and industrial valuations on the city fringe, according to the Valuer-General. Over the past couple of years the greatest dollar value increases have largely been seen in the inner suburbs where land values are highest. The following suburbs, for example, saw their median residential land values increase by $100,000 or more in only two years: New Farm, West End, Windsor, Wooloowin, Newmarket, Holland Park, Albion, Kedron, Annerley, Wilston, Carina Heights, and Carindale. A vast wave of Chinese money has also seen Sunnybank and Sunnybank Hills notch outlandish increases in land values since 2014, the pocket known as Brisbane's "Little Asia".</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/15/A2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a> <div class="separator"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/03/15/A2.jpg" alt=""></div>
 The largest two-year gains in percentage terms have been driven by a popular school catchment, however. Suburbs located within the Mansfield State High School (SHS) catchment saw land prices rise by between 37 and 43 percent over the two-year period, including in the suburb of Mansfield itself, Wishart, Mackenzie, and Upper Mount Gravatt. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/">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">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
</div>
</div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

The good and the ugly behind Queensland's recovery: Pete Wargent

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The housing market in Queensland grew moderately in 2016 with Q4 results showing a weaker result for units, according to the REIQ.
The REIQ Queensland Market Monitor: December 2016 quarter report found the Brisbane LGA median house price grew 1.6 percent this quarter, to a new high of $655,000.
The annual median house price grew 4.1 percent over the past 12 months. The unit market performed less well, falling 4 percent this quarter. CoreLogic has Brisbane's unit median price currently at $488,000.
Antonia Mercorella, chief executive officer, REIQ  said this is the consistent, sustainable growth that the Brisbane house market has become known for and it is great that it’s such a solid performer.
"The unit market performed less well, falling 4 per cent this quarter, with supply issues finally gaining traction that many had forecast.  
"However, over the past 12 months the unit market has only fallen 1.1 percent and over the past five years the market is still in positive territory, having grown 11.3 percent.
“These supply issues have, as expected, had a small impact on prices, however, we know that the market is an excellent self-regulator and developers are already scaling back projects scheduled for this year and in 2018," she said.
Ipswich: The Ipswich median house price increased marginally this quarter, by 0.8 percent, to $332,700.
"This market is holding steady. While it has only grown by a slender 0.9 per cent over the past 12 months it is about 5.5 per cent higher than five years ago," she said.
"The Ipswich unit market is much more volatile than the house market and this is partially due to the stuttering nature of supply coming onto the market.
"The median unit price fell 10.6 percent this quarter, to $272,750, however, over the past five years the market is still showing modest growth of 7.1 percent.    
"Logan and Moreton Bay: Logan and Moreton Bay houses were the strongest growth markets in the Greater Brisbane region this quarter, with Logan’s median house price growing 2.4 percent to $384,500 and Moreton Bay’s median house price growing 1.8 percent to $422,250.  
"Logan’s unit market is the most affordable in Greater Brisbane and fell 1 percent in the December quarter, to $250,500.
"Moreton Bay’s unit market fell 2.9 percent this quarter, however, with a median price of $330,000 it remains the second-most expensive unit market in Greater Brisbane after Redland.
"Redland: The Redland house market is the cream of the Greater Brisbane crop.
"With a quarterly median house price of $510,000, even though this market showed zero growth over the quarter, it remains the most expensive house market after Brisbane LGA.
"The Redland annual median house price grew 4 percent over the year, which is similar to Brisbane LGA levels, and has grown almost 15 percent (14.8 percent) over five years.
"Similarly, the unit market is also the most expensive in Greater Brisbane.
"Even though the quarterly price fell a startling 10.2 percent in just one quarter, the market is 7 percent higher than it was five years ago.
"It would be fair to say this is a fragile market at the moment.
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Apartment prices weaken in Brisbane: REIQ

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Building firm Bold has opened its new headquarters in Queensland's North Lakes Business Park complete with cafe and million dollar design studio.
The 2,500sqm site at 49 Flinders Parade includes the 500sqm Evolve Design Studio, offices on the second level and a roof top entertainment deck, with lounge and bar.
Bold owner-director Brett Boulton said Bold was focused on developing high-quality displays in strategic corridors, with a total of nine opening or underway and more in the planning stages.
"It is the largest showroom of its kind in Queensland, with full scale kitchen, bathroom, media and bedroom displays, along with every fitting, finish and colour scheme available," he said.
"Over the past six years we've established a reputation in Brisbane, Ipswich and the Sunshine Coast and now is the prime time to expand to the Gold Coast.
"As one of Australia's fastest-growing regions, it is exactly the type of market we want to be in.
"Our plan has always been to have an active presence across the four key growth areas in the South East corner." 
"The Queensland Government's boosted first home owner's grant is stimulating interest at the lower end of the market, allowing first home buyers to get into a brand new home from as little as a couple of thousand in savings.
"At the same time, the low interest rate environment has led to a spike in demand across a variety of market segments, as more people are able to access finance."
For further information visit <a href="https://www.boldliving.com.au" target="_blank">www.boldliving.com.au</a>.
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