Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]

Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3823]

Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3826]

The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=372542]

The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]

North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]

McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]

A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]

Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]

More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Iwan Sunito secures approval for $1.9 billion Five Dock mixed-use precinct

Rental market

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GUEST OBSERVER
One of Australia’s biggest comparison sites finder.com.au reveals ‘lifestyle renting’ is sweeping the housing market, and warns the trend is putting some under dangerous housing stress.
According to the new research, Australians are shelling out up to 38 percent of their weekly income to rent in desirable locations – well above the 30 percent threshold for housing stress.
The finder.com.au analysis showed across the capital cities, renting a house in Sydney takes a staggering 37.9 percent of the NSW average wage. On average, Melbourne renters are handing over 30.7 percent of their weekly earnings on rent. Brisbane rent was also a potential source of stress, requiring 28.4 percent of the average Queensland wage. Renting an inner-city property that is close to trendy bars, cafes and work trumps the home ownership dream for a growing number. This new generation of renters are not renting while they save for their dream home – they are renting their dream home instead. It’s alarming that they are overstretching themselves. It’s a case of ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ for some who are living in properties they can’t afford. Interestingly Sydney renters spend a higher proportion of their weekly income paying rent than what some people are committing to their mortgages.
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<img src="/images/2016/02/10/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-10%20at%2010.01.03%20AM.png" alt="" width="806" height="785">
If you’re forking out more than 30 percent of your income to pay for housing, then you are considered to be in housing stress. The old real estate belief that people rent because they couldn’t afford to buy was not the case anymore. Some have just become accustomed to the ‘good life’ of being close to everything and are not prepared to give that up to get onto the property ladder. ‘Rentvesting’ is also becoming a more popular option for Australians – this is where people buy an investment property in a more affordable suburb as a way to enter the property market sooner, and proceed to rent in their desired location. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows an increase in households who are renting over the past two decades. In a 2013-14 report on Housing Occupancy and Costs, the ABS noted that 25.7 percent of households were renting their home privately, up from 18 percent in 1994-95. The proportion of private renters will likely continue to increase, with renters avoiding the hidden costs of homeownership, which include maintenance, council rates and insurance, Ms Hassan says. Hobart was identified as the most affordable capital city to rent where you will sacrifice 25.2 percent of your weekly wage on rent. Ms Hassan says renters could be forced out of capital cities with rents between 4.9 and 15.5 percent higher than regional areas in those states. The biggest gap was in New South Wales where the proportion of the average weekly wage to rent in the capital city (37.9 percent) was 15.5 percent higher than regional areas (22.4 percent). Renting in areas outside of the capital cities was much more affordable with the percentage of weekly earnings ranging from a modest 19.9 percent (in Victoria and Tasmania) up to 23.1 percent (in Queensland). Queenslanders pay the highest proportion of their average weekly salary on renting a home outside of the capital cities, where the average weekly salary is $1512.20 and median rent is $350. But even then, this is well within the housing stress threshold making regional living, unsurprisingly, an attractive option for some renters.
<a href="/images/2016/02/10/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-10%20at%2010.02.32%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/10/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-10%20at%2010.02.32%20AM.png" alt="" width="837" height="763">
Top 5 tips on how to reduce housing stress
Rental costs increase almost exponentially the closer you get to the city centre, so moving a couple of train stops further away could save you hundreds of dollars a month.
If you have a good relationship with your landlord, it's always worth asking for a rent reduction if you're prepared to sign a longer term lease.
Put more aside for rent than the required amount. This will give you a buffer if you are faced with challenges.
Be in the habit of budgeting before you start a tenancy. Know what you can afford and only rent what’s reasonable. 
Give yourself a financial makeover. Go online and compare what you're paying for things like contents insurance and utilities to make sure you aren’t paying too much.
Bessie Hassan is consumer advocate at <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Lifestyle renters suffering ‘housing stress’, new research reveals: Finder.com.au's Bessie Hassan

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With university offers finalised, tertiary students across NSW have commenced the urgent quest for accommodation for the 2016 academic year, which will put the squeeze on already tight rental vacancy rates across NSW.
Gerard Hill, of Raine &amp; Horne Newtown, said the rental market in Sydney’s Inner West, which is home to Sydney University, the University of Technology, and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA), a major teaching hospital, remains tight with vacancy rates well under 1%.
“We currently have six properties out of 1100 available for rent, with as many as 43 parties at inspections.”
“We expect vacancy rates will be squeezed further as new and existing university students flood the rental market in February.
“Therefore the best advice is to get in now before the bulk of students start to make their presence felt at open for inspections in suburbs closest to the universities such as Newtown, Darlington and Erskinville.”
Underlining the fierce rivalry for rental properties in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Terry Brandtman, Principal of Raine &amp; Horne Randwick, says there were 30% fewer properties available for rent in early January than at the end of spring 2015. 
“Two-bedroom apartments in Clovelly, Coogee and Randwick rent for between $550 and $750 a week depending on the age of the stock, which compares very favourably to apartments in the newer developments in Waterloo, Alexandria and Mascot, where weekly prices can be closer to $850,” said Mr Brandtman.
“Many rental properties are tightly-held, as existing tenants don’t want to leave for fear of paying more.
“However at this time of year there is usually some attrition with some people shifting outside the region and others looking to move to the area,” Mr Brandtman added.
Rental accommodation is also tight in NSW’s second biggest city, Newcastle, with virtually nothing available within walking distance of the CBD.
“Anything in inner city Newcastle is being snapped up almost immediately,” said Jason Maxwell, Principal of Raine &amp; Horne Newcastle. 
A one bedroom apartment within a 1 minute walk of the Newcastle CBD, at 408/21 Newcomen Street, Newcastle[i], hit the market on Thursday last week, and had been leased by Monday for $400 a week.
Demand for student accommodation in Newcastle remains robust, despite the University of Newcastle’s decision to develop additional on-campus housing in recent years.
“We are seeing more students returning to the private rental market this year due to cheaper room costs and a desire for more privacy,” said Mr Maxwell. Rooms in student share-house accommodation in Newcastle start from $90 a week.
Angus Raine, Executive Chairman of Raine &amp; Horne, said a combination of persistence, punctuality and presentation will be critical in helping rental market contenders into a home. 
“There’s no escaping the fact you have to wear out some shoe leather and inspect as many rental homes as you can,” said Mr Raine.
“Treat a meeting with a property manager like a job interview – smart casual attire including polished shoes rather than shorts and thongs won’t hurt your rental chances either. 
“It wouldn’t be a bad idea to consider taking mum and dad along to inspections. It might sound cheesy for some, but it often works.
“Even getting parents to countersign a lease agreement can help as this makes them jointly responsible for the lease,” said Mr Raine.
Angus Raine’s tips for beating the rental squeeze in 2016 
<ol>
<li>Treat appointments with property managers like a job interview.</li>
<li>Be punctual and present professionally.</li>
<li>For younger people, it helps if mum and dad are with you at appointments and/or they can offer a rental guarantee.</li>
<li>References from employers, university lecturers, school teachers, a family doctor or solicitor – and especially past property managers or landlords – are essential.</li>
<li>Take along paper work such as your motor vehicle licence and/or passport, bank statements and so on.</li>
<li>If you’re offered a property, take it immediately or you could miss out.</li>
</ol>
 
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

University students put squeeze on already tight NSW rental vacancy rates

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The latest Domain Rental Market Report has noted median weekly house rents across Melbourne Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra are at record high and predicts the worst is yet to come for the Perth housing market. 
Domain Senior Economist, Dr. Andrew Wilson, said Sydney house rents were steady, with even a drop in median unit rents.
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"While unit rents remained steady overall, higher unit vacancy rates are providing more choice for tenants in most capitals,” he said.
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<img src="/images/2016/01/14/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-14%20at%2011.15.41%20AM.png" alt="">
“Most capital cities have seen an increase in median weekly rental prices over the December quarter. Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, and Canberra were the standout performers in terms of housing rental market growth while Sydney saw a steadying of house rents and even a drop in median unit rents. 
“Sydney unit rents fell for the first time in more than three years reflecting significant numbers of new apartments entering the market. Sydney house rents, however, remain at record levels – and with the already low vacancy rates still falling there is no relief in sight for tenants."
He said Melbourne house rents have continued to soar to new record highs with low vacancy rates signalling that tenants can expect more increases to come.
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<img src="/images/2016/01/14/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-14%20at%2011.21.16%20AM.png" alt="">
"Melbourne unit vacancy rates, however, are increasing with new apartment stock surging,” he said. 
“It’s a good news story for Brisbane tenants with house rents remaining steady for two years straight and vacancy rates still rising for both houses and units."
VACANCY RATES
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Rents hit record highs in most Australian capital cities: Domain

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More young Australians are taking to rent-vesting, a trend where young buyers – typically Gen Y, purchase their first property for investment purposes rather than living in it, says John McGrath in his latest blog in Switzer.
Rent-vesting is one of the most important emerging property investment trends in Australia today.
"Unlike the Gen X and Baby Boomer buyers before them, Gen Y is not willing to sacrifice their lifestyle in order to own real estate," McGrath says.
"While Gen X and the boomers didn’t mind purchasing in affordable locations on the outskirts of a city and often far away from work, beaches and CBD nightlife, Gen Y doesn’t want a bar of it. They certainly share their predecessors’ desire to own property but lifestyle is priority one."   
So they’re buying for investment first in affordable suburban areas while renting in the trendy inner city locations that are priced beyond their means, he says.
Other Gen Ys are remaining at home with mum and dad to save as much money as possible before flying the coop.   
These junior investors are typically buying in middle to outer ring suburbs where rental yields are strong and the bulk of the rent covers the mortgage, meaning little out-of-pocket expenses and minimal impact on their lifestyles while getting great start in property.
"Once you’re in the market, it becomes much easier to buy other properties (either more investments or the dream family home) down the track with accrued equity," he says.
"Hats off to these buyers. This is a fantastic example of markets evolving as property values rise and lifestyle areas become unaffordable for those just starting out in real estate."  
According to McGrath, Rentvesting really took off after the First Home Owner Grant changed. When it was first introduced, the grant was available for all types of first home properties. When the rules changed and the grant became only available to newly built or off-the-plan properties, the incentive for young people to buy their first property for owner occupation was reduced.
A recent Mortgage Choice survey shows rentvesting has increased from 21% of investors to 37% over the past 12 months alone.
McGrath lists two important trends among junior investors.
First, they are getting in early. Domain research shows the average age at which Gen Y buys their first property investment is 25 years compared to 35 years for Gen X and 45 years for Baby Boomers.
Secondly, junior investors are building larger investment portfolios than their predecessors, who typically aimed to own their own home outright with maybe one investment.
The reasons could range from trying to mitigate uncertainty over the future of the pension and the understanding that superannuation is unlikely to be enough on its own when they retire. Hence the need for income assets. 
 
For your free Property Observer eBook from RAMS, 12 tips for first-time buyers, covering everything you need to know when it comes to purchasing property, click here.
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Gen Y make early entry into property through rent-vesting: John McGrath

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<div>
SQM Research found that listings fell slightly by 0.4% in November, with monthly falls being seen in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This is fairly unusual to see as the spring selling season typically reaches its peak, although the decline did follow on from a surge in October. </div>
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<div>Over the past year listings are up in Sydney (+11.8%) and Darwin (+11.4%).</div>
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<div>On the other hand Melbourne (-7.0%) and Hobart (-9.1%) listings have declined sharply over the year.</div>
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<div>Despite the increased vendor activity in Sydney over the past 12 months, the harbour city still only had 28,597 listings as at November 2015 compared to more than 44,000 in Melbourne.</div>
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<div>A market slowdown is to be expected in Sydney given that house prices have increased by +59.4 per cent since July 2012, or nearly $400,000.</div>
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PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Slight listings decline in November: Pete Wargent

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Combined capital city rents remained unchanged from October to November however falls were recorded in Perth, Hobart and Darwin, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
Rental rates in increased by a record low of 0.3% over the past 12 months.
New housing supply across capital cities, combined with slowing population growth, low mortgage rates and an increase property investors are all driving the slow down in rental growth. 
Record rental rises have been felt in Sydney and Melbourne however at a slower pace of growth compared to 12 months ago.
<a href="/images/2015/12/7/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-07%20at%202.55.23%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/7/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-07%20at%202.55.23%20PM.png" alt="" width="724" height="366">
CoreLogic RP Data state rental demands for apartments is holding up better than rental demand for houses, with house rents increasing by 0.1% while units have recorded a much greater 1.7% annual rise.
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Weekly rents unchanged in November 2015: CoreLogic RP Data

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Rent.com.au recorded 526,280 unique visitors to its website during November 2015.
It was the second consecutive month it has registered audience numbers in excess of its 500,000 unique visitor target.
Rent.com.au managing director Mark Woschnak said November was the start of a period typically characterised by a seasonal downturn in national audience numbers.
 “We are pleased to have maintained our audience share relative to the rest of the market which, we know from independent AC Nielsen reporting, typically declines 3% to 5% in November and as much as a further 25% in December each year.
"This proven seasonal effect on traffic is normal and expected as people naturally shift focus to the festive season and defer finding their next rental place until the New Year.'
He said compared with October 2015, rent.com.au had increased the total time that visitors spent on site, with the total advertising impressions up 19% to 18 million, capturing the attention of some of the biggest advertisers in the country interested in targeting its high‐demand audience demographic of the 18‐35 year old market.
Upon listing on the ASX in June 2015, the company also set a business objectives of increasing levels of rental property listings from non‐agent landlords.
<a href="https://www.rent.com.au/admin/landlords/19125/properties/new" target="_blank">The site is offering a period of free listing for landlords</a>.
With more than 6,500 estate agencies nationally, its typically provides over 58,000 national listings, representing over 80% of what is on offer.
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Rent.com.au secures November spike ahead of seasonal rental downturn

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November property market offerings showed vendors in four capital cities -- Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra -- having to increase discounts from the previous month to sell homes.
The latest APM heat chart showed only Perth and Gold Coast vendors needing to offer lower discounts. 
Sydney property vendors needed to knock 5.6% from asking prices, while for Melbourne it was 6%. 
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 <img src="/images/2015/12/4/apmav.jpg" alt="" width="896" height="1686">
For your free Property Observer eBook from RAMS, 12 tips for first-time buyers, covering everything you need to know when it comes to purchasing property, click here.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Vendor discounting up across east coast: APM

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Weekly rents across Australia’s capital cities rose by just 0.3% over the 12 months to November-end, the lowest annual growth rate on record, according to the latest CoreLogic RP Data monthly rental review.
Sydney and Melbourne were the only cities where rental rates rose at least 2% for the year.
Rates fell over the year in Brisbane, Perth and Darwin, while the remaining capitals have seen rents rise by less than 1.5% over the year.
The combined capital city rental rates are $486/week for houses $464/week for units, according to the data.
“It is anticipated that the rate of rental growth will continue to slow over the coming months due to increased supply of housing and rental stock coupled with slower migration rates which has reduced rental demand,” CoreLogic RP Data research analyst Cameron Kusher said.
Dwelling rental rates across the combined capital cities were recorded at $483 per week, an increase of just 0.2% over the first 11 months of the year while over the past 12 months, they have risen by a record low 0.3%.
“Today’s results point to a broad trend of weakening rental growth, particularly throughout this year. With less than one month to go before year's end, it is apparent that rental growth will be very soft over 2015," Kusher said.
“The construction boom across the capital cities, coupled with slowing population growth, low mortgage rates and the recent heightened level of activity from investors who add to the pool of rental stock are the major contributing factors to the slowing rental growth.
“Sydney and Melbourne, which have seen the largest ramp up in new housing supply and investor activity over recent year, continued to record rental rises over the past year.
"However, each city is seeing a slowing in the pace of rental growth relative to 12 months ago.
He said the increase in investment stock gives landlords little scope to lift rental rates, while the low mortgage rate environment offers little incentive to push yields higher.
Looking across the individual capital cities, over the past year, Sydney and Melbourne have recorded the greatest increases in weekly rents, albeit at low levels compared with the pace of capital gains, while rents have fallen in Brisbane, Perth and Darwin.
Over the past three months rents are lower in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin, are unchanged in Hobart and have increased in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.
Over the past month, house rents were unchanged while unit rents rose 0.2%. For the three-month period, house rents fell -0.2% compared to a 0.4% rise in unit rents.
Demand for units , while still weak, is holding up better than rental demand for houses, the data shows.
Over the past year, house rents have increased by 0.1%, while units have recorded a much greater 1.7% annual rise.
Annual rental growth has slowed over the month but has reached a new record low level. Across each capital city, the current annual rate of rental growth is lower than the decade average, highlighting the weak rental growth conditions compared with the historical trend.
Canberra is the only city where the annual change in rent over the past year has been greater than growth a year ago.
The current building boom and recent record high levels of investment purchasing is causing oversupply at a time where the rate of population growth is slowing.
The slowing population growth is continuing to hit the rental market demand and contributed to a record low rate of rental growth.
The report said growth in rental rates is expected to slow even further over the coming months, and possibly rental rates will start to fall on an annual basis over the coming months.
The large pipeline of residential construction activity as well as high levels of investment demand (albeit slowing) means that people choosing to rent are likely to continue to have more accommodation choices and landlords limited scope to increase rents.
Capital city rents are increasing at their slowest annual pace on record, however, a decline in home values over the month has halted the decline in gross rental yields.
At a combined capital city level, gross rental yields were at 3.4 percent for houses in November 2015 and at 4.3 percent for units. Combined capital city house and unit rental yields are currently both at record lows.
A year earlier, gross rental yields were recorded at 3.7% for houses and 4.5% for units across the combined capitals.
The report says that the sluggish rental market may result in a further compression of yields over the coming months.
From an investment perspective it means that capital growth, which is slowing, is going to remain a much more important factor for a return from an investment.
Gross rental yields are lowest for houses in Melbourne (3%) and highest in Hobart (5.4%).
Gross unit yields are lowest in Sydney at 4.1% and highest in Darwin at 5.5%.
Sydney unit yields are currently at a record low. Gross yields have edged slightly higher in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra after sitting at record lows in October.
Across every capital city except for Hobart, house rental yields are lower now than they were at the same time last year. The general decline in yields is reflective of sluggish rental increases for houses and stronger value growth.
The unit market shows different trends to the detached housing market largely due to the weaker value growth conditions for units and the fact that rental growth is a little stronger than it is for houses. Yields are higher than a year ago in Canberra and unchanged in Melbourne and Brisbane while elsewhere yields have softened over the past year.
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Capital city rental growth lowest on record: CoreLogic RP Data

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Silverdale - and the 2752 postcode - was identified as one of the most affordable rental suburbs closest to Sydney's central business district, according to Australia's first rental affordability index.
The index is a joint project between peak housing advocate National Shelter, Community Sector Banking and SGS Economics &amp; Planning.
Property Observer selected a few properties in NSW's Silverdale that formed the top and bottom ranges for houses/units. Four are listed below: 
1. A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.thehomepage.com.au/property/rental/335a-taylors-road-silverdale/1081729" target="_blank">335a Taylors Road, SILVERDALE 2752</a> (above) is up for rent for $600 a week and tops the rentals. The property was bought in 2013 for $687,000.
2. A four-bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/rental-properties/35-gibson-street-silverdale/Property-Details-rent-residential-9685830" target="_blank">35 Gibson Street, SILVERDALE 2752</a> (below) can be rented for $550 a week. 
<img src="/images/2015/12/4/35-Gibson-Street-Silverdale-NSW-2752-Real-Estate-photo-2-large-9685830.jpg" alt="" width="437" height="325">
3. A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/rental-properties/23-gibson-street-silverdale/Property-Details-rent-residential-9734130" target="_blank">23 Gibson Street, SILVERDALE 2752</a> (below) is available for $400 a week. The property was sold for $365,000 in 2013.
<img src="/images/2015/12/4/silver.jpg" alt="" width="418" height="266">
The median rent for houses in Silverdale is $435 per week with a median gross yield of 3.4%. The median rental is higher than the national average of $395 per week, according to data from <a href="/news">www.propertyvalue.com.au</a>.
There were no units listed for renting at present nor data available on <a href="/news">www.propertyvalue.com.au</a> for apartments over the last 12 months.
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