The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
</section>
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

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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