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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Nationally, RP Data estimates housing wealth at $5.2 trillion, however Queensland now accounts for more than 15% of this estimation, according to CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) Anton Kardash.
In fact, with Brisbane become increasingly popular for investors, and values ticking up, this is only set to increase.
“Queensland residential housing is more popular than ever with investors, who see an enormous upside as confidence rebounds in the local real estate market,” said Kardash, pointing to strong buyer sentiment and sales activity assisting the Gold Coast and north Queensland in particular since the GFC.
Confidence was also noted to be returning in north and central Queensland, as well as the south-east, with particular reference to the Sunshine Coast.
“The state’s real estate renaissance is reflected by a wide range of indicators, from strong price growth and higher sales volumes to more new housing construction and finance approvals.”
He noted that the national value of residential property is more than superannuation, listed stocks and commercial real estate combined.
He provided the following house values by region across Queensland:
<ul>
<li>
Brisbane $393 billion 
</li>
<li>
Gold Coast $123 billion 
</li>
<li>
Sunshine Coast $74 billion 
</li>
<li>
Far North Queensland $36 billion 
</li>
<li>
Wide Bay-Burnett $34 billion 
</li>
<li>
Fitzroy $33 billion 
</li>
<li>
North Queensland $31 billion 
</li>
<li>
Mackay $28 billion 
</li>
<li>
Darling Downs $26 billion 
</li>
<li>
West Moreton $12 billion</li>
</ul>
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

What is the value of real estate in Queensland? REIQ analysis

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Several have claimed, in response to our recent posts, that Queensland’s rising population growth, fuelled by interstate inflows from both Sydney and Melbourne, will create a ‘mini-real estate boom’ in south-east Queensland.
Could they be right?
Well, sadly, the stats tell a very different story.
Just spend a few seconds looking at the three charts below.
<img src="/images/2014/04/14/matusik%20april%2014%20one.png" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/04/14/matusik%20april%2014%20two.png" alt="">
 <img src="/images/2014/04/14/matusik%20april%2014%20three.png" alt="">
One would think that rising house prices would get more residents to start leaving both Sydney and Melbourne.  But maybe it is more than just this that matters.
Migrants, mostly – from interstate or overseas – need to work.  Unless more jobs are created in Queensland and wages start to accelerate, then Queensland’s population growth will continue to slow.  As we have been saying for some time, the key to a sustainable Queensland recovery is job and wage growth.
Amenity is higher in Sydney and Melbourne – it is and don’t bother trying to argue otherwise. There is nothing wrong with Brisbane; I have chosen to live here.  It just hasn’t got the 24/7 lifestyle that the southern capitals offer.  And that appears to be increasingly important to many.
Climate alone doesn’t cut it anymore.  In fact, it never did – jobs and lower taxes attracted most interstate migrants in the past.  Those attracted mainly because of Queensland’s weather were often the underemployed or unemployed.  Yet, increasingly these days, it would appear that even the down and out prefer to live somewhere else. 
So Queensland’s population growth - my recalcitrant correspondents – maybe isn’t doing what you think it is.  Fewer people are migrating to Queensland from interstate than ever before.  In contrast, population growth is increasing in NSW and Victoria.
Now, we do expect more to move north from Sydney and Melbourne as their housing markets peak.  But this ‘priced-out of home’ movement northwards looks like it has lost a lot of its previous oomph.
Queensland’s declining market share of interstate migration – as the third chart clearly shows – has been a long trend.  Something is amiss; a past connection broken.  Maybe it cannot be fixed.
In short, it looks like there is no magic influx coming to float Queensland’s real estate boat.
Visit Michael's <a href="https://www.matusik.com.au/" target="_blank">website</a>, read <a href="https://www.matusikmissive.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">his blog</a>, follow him on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThinkMatusik?fref=ts" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/michaelmatusik" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a>, or connect via <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmatusik" rel="nofollow">LinkedIn</a>.
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michaelmatusik-49YzLvdmNv

No magic interstate migrant influx coming to float Queensland’s real estate boat

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The Queensland government has raised the possibility of ‘calling in’ the application of a $30 million Masters Home Improvement store in Bundaberg. If the call in goes ahead, appeals against the development will effectively be ceased.
Deputy Premier and State Development, Infrastructure and Planning minister Jeff Seeney has issued a ministerial call in notice for the retail development, which has undergone a series of setbacks and is the subject of community concern.
As per the 2009 Sustainable Development Act, if the development is called in Seeney will become the assessment manager for the development application, allowing him to assess the merits of the application against state interests. 
According to Seeney, the Masters store development is of interest due to its significant investment potential for the region. 
 “Bundaberg Regional Council has informed me this proposed development could benefit the eastern growth corridor of Bundaberg,” said Seeney. The government’s proposed call in notice for the development notes that the council believes that the project represents a $13 million investment in Bundaberg’s eastern growth corridor.
“The development proposal for 128 FE Walker Street, Kepnock, has the potential to create 186 jobs during construction and 130-150 ongoing operational jobs,” Seeney said.
He noted that proposed retailer could have flow on effects for investment in the area. 
“The development could also spur on other business investment in the Kalkie/Ashfield growth corridor, areas identified in council’s draft planning scheme and the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan 2009,” said Seeney.
A 2011 Economic Impact Assessment report by advisory firm Duane Location states that upon completion the Masters Home Improvements store will achieve total sales of about $34 million (approximately $2,500 per square metre) this year. 
The development received council approval on January 24 earlier this year despite a number of submissions from local residents and businesses opposing the development which will take place on formerly residential land. However, three appeals have since been lodged against the approval. One was lodged by the Kepnock Residents Action Group, another by Mirvac and the third by AMP Capital. 
Mirvac, which owns the local Hinkler Central shopping centre, cited the site’s Residential A zoning as grounds for its objection to the development, as well as the potential detrimental impact the Masters store would have on existing retailers. AMP Capital raised inconsistencies in the council’s planning and development practices.
If Seeney does call in the development, his subsequent decisions cannot be appealed in the Planning and Environment Court. 
Affected parties will have until 12 May to make a submission regarding the development and ministerial call in. Seeney must decide on whether or not to call in the application by June 6.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Queensland government considers call in for Bundaberg Masters store

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GUEST OBSERVATION
According to news reports it looks like the ban on price guides for properties up for auction in Queensland will go ahead when Parliament sits in May - with one minor amendment.
Vendors and selling agents will still be able to categorise the property in a price bracket for buyers searching on real estate websites. 
How will it affect the auction climate in Queensland?  Not much - auctions aren't as popular there and price guides have always been frowned upon.  But the debate has captured the attention of the major players in Sydney and Melbourne where auctions are the sales method of choice for many. A change such as this in these markets would dramatically alter the real estate landscape and make auctions less popular - a result many in the industry don't want despite the flaws in the current process. 
<blockquote>
Underquoting is a cruel, misleading and deceptive practice that needs to be stamped out for good.
</blockquote>
This is why I believe so many industry players have been so outspoken against the proposed changes. Their main claim has been that "buyers want pricing information". Yes, they are on the right track - buyers do want pricing information - however, they have left off the most important words in that statement which I believe to be "honest and transparent". 
The Queensland government's position can be summed up as "no price guides are better than phoney ones", and I have to agree.
Underquoting, or bait advertising as it’s also known, is a cruel, misleading and deceptive practice that needs to be stamped out for good.  
However, I believe the Queensland government is set to miss the mark here. They have the opportunity to make a real change for the better with the eyes of Australia's real estate industry watching.
Instead what is proposed is a half measure that doesn't really address the lack of transparency issue.
Naturally I much prefer my idea of making it mandatory to publish auction reserve prices seven days prior to auction as I've outlined in <a href="https://www.epspropertysearch.com.au/go/eps/blog/bringing-down-the-hammer-on-dodgy-auction-price-guides" target="_self">previous blogs</a>.  I believe my proposed changes would achieve a much better outcome for both the buyers and sellers.  Further my proposed changes would more than likely make auctions more popular with buyers due to this transparency.  If they are more popular with buyers they will be more popular with sellers, so everybody wins. 
In just a few weeks my <a href="https://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/the-honourable-stuart-ayres-mp-nsw-government-make-it-compulsory-to-advertise-auction-reserve-prices-to-stamp-out-underquoting-and-dummy-bidding" target="_blank">‘publish auction reserve prices’</a> petition has had hundreds of comments supporting the idea, but I believe it needs more support before the Minister is likely to look at the proposal - if you haven't already please take three minutes to read it and support it if you agree.   
Please let anyone you know who has recently purchased a property or who is currently searching for one know about it so they can also have their say! 
Patrick Bright is the founder of Sydney-based buyer’s agency <a href="https://%20www.epspropertysearch.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">EPS Property Search</a>.
Patrick is the author of four best-selling real estate books known as “The Insider’s Guide to Buying Real Estate Series.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.epspropertysearch.com.au/" rel="nofollow">www.epspropertysearch.com.au</a>.
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pbright-aNtgvRfvJN

Queensland's price guide bans don't go far enough, what we need is real transparency

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The proposed Queensland price guide ban is back on the radar, with a number of industry members speaking out in support of the legislation.
For those who are not aware of the potential changes, you can<a href="/news/new-queensland-legislation-to-leave-buyers-without-price-guides-reinsw"> see the passage in the legislation that has caused the outcry in this article here</a>.
Damian Hackett, CEO of Place Estate Agents, has said that banning the price guides will not make a significant change from what is currently in place, and will improve the professionalism of the real estate industry.
In fact, said Hackett, putting a price guide on an auction is contrary to its intended purpose – to let the market determine the final value of the property.
<blockquote>
DEBATE POINT: Is putting a price guide on an auction contrary to its intended purpose?
</blockquote>
“The notion of putting a price or a price range on a property going to auction is the reverse of what the process is trying to achieve,” he said.
Director of Place, and <a href="https://www.reiq.com/about-us/board-members" target="_blank">board director of the REIQ</a>, Paul Curtain, said that many currently did not put price guides on auctions – which is the intention of the current legislation.
“The current legislation was designed to move away from price guides, but over time it has been interpreted differently – it confused people,” he said.
“If you read it a particular way it allows for a price guide to be advertised, as long as you have the vendor’s permission in writing and some agents were interpreting it in this way.”
Hackett continued by noting that vendors still do have the option of providing a price guide.
“A seller should absolutely have the right to put a price on their property, but in simple terms, if they want to do this then it should be taken to the market via a tender campaign, rather than an auction.”
<blockquote>
DEBATE POINT: Vendors can still provide price guides by opting for private treaty sales
</blockquote>
Unsurprisingly, this echoes official sentiments from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland's CEO,<a href="/news/qld/letter-from-the-editor-more-information-not-less-please-queensland"> Anton Kardash, who said that other auctions go ahead without price guides</a>.
"Art, horses and motor vehicles, to name but a few, are regularly auctioned without a fixed price or a price guide because that is the very nature of auctions. The market will decide on the day of auction what it is prepared to pay for that particular asset," he said.
"It should also be highlighted that if a seller wishes to market a property with a price or using a price guide, they may do so by instructing their agent to sell via the much more popular private treaty method."
Curtain said that the changes would “tidy up” ambiguity at present, and help with the policing of real estate agents in the way they represent pricing, which in the past led to a lot of misrepresentation and complaints from disadvantaged consumers.
<blockquote>
DEBATE POINT: Currently there is ambiguity in the legislation that needs clearing up.
</blockquote>
“Agents would lead a buyer to a property on which they’d underquoted by 10 to 20% and the buyer would go the expense of getting building inspections and the like and then on auction day would realise they weren’t even in the running for the property,” he said.
“Essentially banning auction price guides is designed entirely to safeguard consumers and ensure we don’t return to those dark ages of misrepresentation. Arguments for price guides to be allowed potentially takes us back to those days, and this is something we categorically do not want.”
In fact, Curtain also pointed to other states as perpetrators, again much like the REIQ’s stance.
“It is with great pride that Queensland can say that it has largely avoided claims of misleading and deceptive conduct in relation to property price guides. Unlike in some other states where such complaints are rife, Queensland has not been subject to constant complaints of such a nature and will continue to prevent any future issues with the passing of this legislation,” said Kardash.
It appears Curtain agrees with this.
<blockquote>
DEBATE POINT: Other states are rife with underquoting, and they have price guides.
</blockquote>
“Certainly in other states underquoting is a huge problem – it has almost become the norm in states like Victoria for a price to be quoted and the property to sell above that level, sometimes significantly above, and this is only disadvantageous to the consumer,” said Curtain.
Hackett said that Place applauded the Property Occupations Bill 2013, with much of the other changes resulting in the reduction of red tape, despite the “controversy” surrounding price guides.
“Most of the members of the REIQ are supportive of the Bill as a whole, as are the majority of real estate agents, and indeed even consumers,” he said.
“The only issue that has been blown out of proportion is the section clarifying the rules surrounding auction price guides, but overall people are excited about the changes as a whole.”
Meanwhile, managing director of RE/MAX Australia, Michael Davoren, has urged the Queensland government to “stick with their plan and legislate for there to be no price indicators… despite a small number of people publicly lobbying for the opposite.”
One person publicly speaking for the other side of the argument is McGrath Estate Agents’ John McGrath, who has <a href="/news/qld/dark-ages-descending-on-queensland-as-auction-price-guide-ban-defies-common-sense-john-mcgrath">taken out full page advertisements in Queensland newspapers to argue against the proposal</a>.
"It does the people of Queensland a great disservice, in my opinion, to deny them such a fundamental right when it comes to the most important financial asset that any of us will ever own,” said McGrath.
"The banning of price guides will be a barrier to business for this great state. We should be open for business. Making it easy for others to research our property and invest in Queensland," he said.
However, despite the suggestion of a "small number" of people lobbying against the change, the REA and News Limited are also in opposition, and the <a href="/news/nsw/real-estate-institutes-go-head-to-head-over-queensland-auction-price-guide-debate">Real Estate Institute of New South Wales also spoke out against the ban</a>, suggesting that there is a heavy tide of opposition being faced. Notably, an online petition prompted by News Limited has <a href="https://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/jarrod-bleije-mp-amend-proposed-legislation-aimed-at-banning-price-guides-on-properties-going-to-auction-in-qld?recruiter=83952376&amp;utm_campaign=signature_receipt&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=share_petition" target="_blank">achieved 1,918 signatures</a>.
Davoren said that the reality in the industry is that the topic has been debated at length, and most accept the REIQ’s position on having no price guidance.
“While I accept that real estate practitioners and commentators from other jurisdictions can express an opinion on Queensland real estate, their own systems are far from perfect with cases of over quoting and underquoting regularly brought to public and legal attention,” said Davoren.
Despite this, it appears it’s uncertain how many agents actually are underpricing.
<blockquote>
DEBATE POINT: Could providing reserve prices one week before auction be an alternative solution?
</blockquote>
“A minority of agents are over quoting to the seller but then underpricing when going to the public – there is no transparency in that,” he said.
“The Bill proposes that an agent or auctioneer can provide a comparative market analysis in writing with the written consent of the seller and at the direct request of the buyer,” he said.
“We’ve invested so much already into making our real estate industry as transparent as possible; to encourage the use of price indicators is a backward step.”
He also said that, contrary to what some have been saying, the Bill will not stop buyers from using real estate portals to find properties in their price range, with any search parameter based on the property’s price range to be seen as a “search tool only” and not taken as the agent’s pricing guide or opinion.
Another solution to the underquoting issue has been suggested through the publishing of reserve prices a week out from the auction date. An <a href="/news/nsw/real-estate-institutes-go-head-to-head-over-queensland-auction-price-guide-debate">online petition for this change in New South Wales is circulating, launched by buyer’s agent Patrick Bright</a>, and has seen vocal support from SQM Research’s Louis Christopher. Bright has suggested to Property Observer that should the model be successful in New South Wales, other states may be interested to implement it.
Observer Terry Ryder, based in Queensland, has also been vocal on the issue of the Queensland price guide ban, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/dont-like-the-auction-price-guidance-ban-you-can-only-blame-yourself">telling those who dislike the ban that they can only blame themselves</a>.
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Queensland price guide ban garners support, with claims debate is “blown out of proportion”

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A keenly contested bidding process saw two hotel investments owned by Coles in Queensland and Western Australia sell for a total of $13.22 million.
The Old Bundy Tavern in Bundaberg, Queensland, sold for $7.7 million to a  Brisbane-based family. The sale reflected a yield of 8.18 %. 
A Sydney-based doctor was the end buyer of the Victoria Park Hotel in Perth (pictured above) for $5.525 million - equalling a yield of 5.79%. 
CBRE’s Joel Fisher, Glenn Price and Ryan McGinnity, in conjunction with Billy Holderhead of Burgess Rawson handled the sale. 
The Old Bundy Tavern and First Choice Liquor outlet is leased to Liquorland for a 15-year term with five 10-year options. 
The refurbished hotel is on a 3,380 square metre site and includes an 886 square metre freestanding First Choice Liquor store. The hotel includes four bars, a large bistro, gaming lounge with 30 machines, function room and on-site parking for 28 cars. 
The Victoria Park Hotel also has a 15-year lease to Liquorland and features four bars, a function centre, underground cellar, drive-through bottle shop and alfresco area. 
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Coles sells off two hotels for total of $13.22 million

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The starter’s gun has fired on the countdown to the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Queensland’s Gold Coast and the positive impact of this major catalyst event is already being felt in the local commercial property market.
History shows that cities around the world have seen a pick-up in property activity up to four years out from global events such as the Commonwealth Games, and the Gold Coast will be no exception.
Indeed, the momentum of the approaching games is already evident and is likely to surpass that experienced by other host cities, given it is the first time a global event of this magnitude has been held in a regional Australian city.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games is the trigger for increased activity across the board for the Gold Coast commercial property market.
On the sales front, the Gold Coast is again back on the radar of domestic and overseas investors and the increasing weight of money entering the market will drive continued investment activity. This can be seen in the increase in enquiry for prime development sites, particularly in key locations such as Southport overlooking the water.
In terms of leasing, some national and international firms have already made the move into the Gold Coast and more are expected as global attention on the city increases in the lead up the Commonwealth Games. Vacancy rates are tightening and both commercial office and retail leasing enquiry has been strong in the opening moments of 2014, and is expected to continue to rise.
Importantly, the catalyst effects of the Commonwealth Games coincide with a period of renewed infrastructure activity on the Gold Coast, namely the light rail project and major new hospital and health developments.
All of this activity, and indeed much of the focus of the Commonwealth Games including the athletes’ village and new aquatic facilities, is centred on the Southport precinct which has been designated as a priority development area (PDA) by the Queensland state government.
This PDA status is crucial to the emergence of Southport as the true CBD of the Gold Coast, as opposed to the undisputed standing of nearby Surfers Paradise as the city’s tourism capital, and allows for development approval fast-tracking and innovation.
<blockquote>
The Gold Coast is again back on the radar of domestic and overseas investors and the increasing weight of money entering the market will drive continued investment activity.
</blockquote>
Southport is the business and administrative heart of the Gold Coast and its maturing into the city’s official CBD is long overdue. All regions need a recognisable CBD, just as much as capital cities do, to attract national and international firms, create a distinct employment hub and facilitate all the commercial, social and community benefits of agglomeration.
The Southport CBD is the key to unlocking the future economic sustainability of Gold Coast and positioning it to fully capitalise and build on the attention and flow-on benefits provided by the Commonwealth Games.
The Gold Coast is Queensland’s, and indeed Australia’s, premier tourist playground and that is not going to change. It is an exciting coastal city, blessed with surf, sand and good weather and has been the focus of tourist attention, both domestic and international, for decades.
By its very nature of being driven mainly by tourism, the region can be more prone to booms and busts than those cities with more diverse economies.
However, with a permanent population of circa 550,000 residents, the Gold Coast is now home to a growing number of diverse industries and services that stand it in good stead for the future.
This is clearly reflected in the evolving nature of the Gold Coast commercial office market, which is far more mature than in was in the 1990s as the scope of local businesses now spans much more than just pandering to the tourist market. There are now local and national firms across all industry sectors represented in the region, which are well positioned for sustainable future growth.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games is a once in a lifetime catalyst moment for the Gold Coast and the ongoing maturing of its local economy and commercial property market. Combined with a number of important infrastructure and planning initiatives centred around the Southport CBD, the games will deliver a great boost to a wide range of existing and new businesses in the region.
We are already seeing this starting to translate to increased investment and leasing activity, with more much to come over the next four years.
Paul Day is <a href="https://www.savills.com.au/" target="_blank">Savills</a> Queensland head of research.
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Gold Coast to ride wave of Commonwealth Games momentum

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Named after Sir George Bowen, the first governor of Queensland, Bowen Hills’ The Governor boutique apartment complex is more than 70% sold and is positioning itself as an affordable option in Queensland’s Bowen Hills.
Two kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, on Bowen Hills’ Brookes Street, the 40-apartment complex includes 20 one-bedroom apartments and 20 two-bedroom apartments, with prices from $384,000 and $557,000 respectively. However, their advertising material suggests that those looking for a penthouse can get in for $430,000. This is the upper end of the one-bedroom price range and has a balcony.
With some boasting views of the city, and each with a maximized north-facing aspect where possible, there will also be a basement area with bicycle amenities and a rooftop lounge. Professional on-site management is also included.
The 12-level development, of which residential spans 10 with car parking on the lower two, offers car parking for the upper level one-bedroom properties and for all of the two-bedroom apartments.  The two-bedroom apartments are around 80 square metres, with one-bedroom apartments around 50 to 60 square metres.
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Initially launched to the investor market through Rocket Property Group by BlueSky Alternative Thinking, the developers of the group, sales were fairly quick. Currently, 70% of the project is sold.
BlueSky also has developments underway in Townsville, Bundaberg, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, and managing director Keiran Foster explains in his presentation to the Rocket Property Group investors that it’s a good time to buy into the market with strength expected over the next six to 12 months.
“In the Brisbane residential market I’m seeing that sales rates are picking up, revenues are starting to move a bit stronger as well, we’re certainly not seeing a full blown property boom as yet. The properties need to be well-located, well-priced, good layouts and then you’ll get buyers looking at them,” he explained, pointing to business opportunities in Brisbane’s CBD, as well as population growth.
Located on the top of a hill in an area that he notes will not flood, evidently a concern to those in the “southern states”, he says they’re targeting the affordable end of the market and not looking to compete with developers building towers in the city.
Completion, mentioned in February, was expected within the next 18 to 20 months, around mid-2015, with expected gross rental yield around 5.5% to 6%.
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Bowen Hills, Queensland, The Governor apartments advertise $430,000 penthouse

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A former construction project manager has pleaded not guilty to a charge of fraud in the Gladstone District Court. Bruce Alfred Little, of Clinton, has been accused of using $30,000 of his former employer’s resources to carry out home improvements at his property.
The Gladstone Observer reports that Little faces fraud charges relating to a series of offences that allegedly took place between July 2006 and March 2010.
Crown Prosecutor Melissa Wilson told the court on Wednesday that Little, a former employee of engineering group Monadelphous, used surplus money from projects he managed for the company to make personal home improvements.
According to the Gladstone Observer, these included works on Little’s pool and outdoor decking areas. Wilson alleges that Little attributed the costs to a project Monadelphous was carrying out for Queensland Alumina Limited at the time. She also told the court that Little made use of company equipment and the time of other Monadelphous employees to carry out works at his home.
On Thursday, Adrian Bubb, one of Little’s former co-workers at Monadelphous, claimed to the court that he had no knowledge of Little’s alleged illegal activity. However, he did admit that he had seen labour costs transferred from less-profitable projects to more-profitable jobs at Monadelphous in the past.
The trial continues tomorrow.
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Gladstone man facing court over allegations he misused company funds for home renovation

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The Gold Coast is set to have a new central business district at Southport, which is to undergo an economic and commercial transformation.
The Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jeff Seeney, has put out the draft development scheme, which looks to establish the Southport Priority Development Area. This is, Seeney notes, a joint vision between the Queensland government and the local council.
Now, however, it is open for public consultation.
“Our government is committed to growing the economy of the Gold Coast and a key strategy to achieve this is building on the potential of Southport as the CBD,” Seeney said.
“We are also achieving this goal through a number of other initiatives including the Gold Coast Light Rail and investment in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, which will bring in an estimated $2 billion to the coast."
Southport was announced as the next CBD in October 2013, with the priority development area spanning 195 hectares of land including Southport CBD, Broadwater Parklands and some residential communities.
“Development will include opportunities for residential and non-residential development and the draft scheme was prepared by council with assistance from Economic Development Queensland," he said.
Meanwhile, Member for Southport, Rob Molhoek, said that this would be a 'coming of age' for the area.
“In the lead up to the Commonwealth Games and coincidently Southport's centenary, the declaration of this PDA ensures development and investment proposals have every chance of success," said Molhoek.
“My number one priority is to work with local business leaders to facilitate the reinvigoration of Southport as a centre for health, knowledge and business. I want to see new jobs created and opportunities maximised and this PDA will deliver that.”
The Mayor of Gold Coast City, Tom Tate, said that this CBD would be the "definitive centre".
“It has already attracted a large amount of investment and the proposed development scheme aims to attract more through a streamlined and facilitated approach to planning and development," he said.
“Southport is already a hub for commercial activities and community services, but the proposed development scheme wants to shape an appealing and active urban lifestyle for local residents as well.”
The final scheme is looking to be in place in late-2014. Those wanting to make a submission can do so until 22 May.
According to the plan, zones with high density highrise dwelling opportunities will be permitted. Highrise towers will be set above podiums or perimeter blocks, open spaces and roof terraces, and will open up some opportunities of 16-storeys plus in Precinct 2.
In Precinct 3, the Garden Residential Neighbourhood, opportunities for high density medium-rise developments will be available. This includes townhouses to medium-rise, and appears to span to a maximum of 15 storeys.
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