Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<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/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Savills

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Savills Melbourne has just sold another major Box Hill property suitable for high-rise residential development.
It sold to a local developer with Chinese connections. 
The property at 843 Whitehorse Road, corner Wellington Road, in central Box Hill is currently used as a BP petrol station.
It will likely be developed for high-rise residential or hotel use.
According to Savills’ Clinton Baxter, who brokered the deal with colleagues Nick Peden and Jesse Radisich, the property sold at a price of $22,550,000 representing a land rate of $11,400 per square metre.
Zoned Commercial 1 and recently added to Box Hill’s “Major Development Precinct” giving it a huge uplift in development potential, the 1972 square metre site benefits from a corner position and uninterrupted views towards the CBD.
Mr Baxter said the property had been the focus of intense interest from numerous local and Asia-based developers seeking to secure the site for development, with the long-term owner ultimately electing to accept a compelling offer made in private negotiations.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/27/76186_markup.jpg" alt="">
“Box Hill is the most dynamic and rapidly evolving suburb of Melbourne – the transformation occurring currently is absolutely breath-taking.  Within 3-5 years, Box Hill will have a more impressive skyline than some capital cities such as Hobart or Canberra” Mr Baxter said.
Mr Peden said that “with most major sites throughout Box Hill having been sold to developers over the past 2 years, a genuine shortage of suitable sites for high-rise development is starting to occur, pushing up land value throughout the suburb.”
He said the location in close proximity to Box Hill Central Shopping Centre and Railway Station, Box Hill Institute and Box Hill Hospital were attributes which would enhance the prospects of the future redevelopment of the property. 
The vendor was a local private family that had held the property for an extended period.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Developer snaps up major site in dynamic Box Hill for $22.55 million

<html><body>
Asian travellers, mainly from China, Japan and Malaysia, drove double digit growth in both Visitors and Visitor Nights, according to Savills’ latest Hotel Market report.
For the year to date 2017, Sydney had the highest Average Daily Rate (ADR) at $227.24 with an occupancy of 85.8 percent, well above the national average occupant of 74.5 percent and ADR of $185.06.
Growth was impressive for most cities, with Cairns at the top with an ADR growth of 7.4 percent followed by Canberra at 6.6 percent.
Sydney had a 5.5 percent growth, but Melbourne’s was surprisingly low at just 1.1 percent.
Among the capital cities, only Perth, Brisbane and Darwin showed falls in their ADRs with Perth highest with an 8.4 percent drop.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/26/SavillsADR.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/26/SavillsADR.png" alt="">
Highlights 
<ul>
<li>Sydney wide market establishes a RevPAR, or revenue per available room gap of $40+ over next best market performers (Melbourne wide market) 
</li>
<li>Sydney Luxury hotels achieved 89% Occupancy and $353 ADR, contributing to double digit RevPAR growth of 10.4% to record $315 RevPAR, which is $40+ ahead of Melbourne’s Luxury market (90% Occupancy, $304 ADR and $273 RevPAR).</li>
<li>Melbourne continues its struggle to grow occupancy (as new hotel supply and generic apartment product enters the market). 
</li>
<li>Hobart maintains its leisure destination popularity and achieves third highest RevPAR of $152 across Australia.</li>
<li>Canberra government and corporate activity boosts room night demand to drive highest RevPAR growth for the period.</li>
<li>Gold Coast grows ADR and holds RevPAR despite softer demand.</li>
<li>Adelaide continues its steady RevPAR growth performance buoyed by room night demand growth 
</li>
<li>Cairns lures Chinese visitors to record the second highest RevPAR growth for the period 
</li>
<li>Brisbane ADR’s fall as hotels fight to hold/ attract business 
</li>
<li>Darwin builds occupancy on room night demand growth as ADR falls to achieve static RevPAR 
</li>
<li>Perth occupancy and ADR fall as new supply exceeds room night demand growth</li>
</ul>
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Sydney well ahead of other Australian cities in hotel rates and revenue: Savills

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Victoria’s economy continues its impetus with the strongest population growth in the nation and a major focus on jobs growth. Latest ABS figures reveal that the largest increases in employment were recorded in Victoria (up 103,900 persons) over the 12 months to May 2017. 
 Knowledge and Public service industries have been a key feature underlining the office leasing demand into the CBD which has continued its momentum with Savills latest research showing a significant lift in the June quarter over the previous 12 months.
According to Savills Associate Director, Research &amp; Consultancy, Monica Mondkar, 426,914 square metres of space was leased in the Melbourne CBD in the 12 months to June 2017 (leases greater than 500sq m), of this 79 percent was prime grade. Total leasing activity is up a staggering 54 percent on the previous corresponding period and 53 percent above the prior five year average of 279,612 square metres.
Ms Mondkar said Savills research also revealed a strong pre-commitment market at 164,942 square metres – up 237 percent over the past year, accounting for 39 percent of the leasing activity. Direct leasing activity continued its upward trend at 161,481 square metres, accounting for 38 percent of the total take-up.
Victoria’s steady economic growth was the key driver while the lure of attractive new Docklands space accounted for significant tenant migration within the market, said Ms Mondkar.
The State’s economy is expected to grow at 3.4 percent in 2017-18, above the national average of 2.9 percent*. “We expect this economic trend to continue with business optimism supporting growth in tenant demand, resulting in a higher level of leasing activity in the near term,’’ Ms Mondkar said. 
According to Deloitte Access Economicsfigures Melbourne CBD’s white collar employment grew by 25,000 workers from 2012 to 2017, and is forecast to rise by another 30,000 workers over the next five years, while Dun &amp; Bradstreet’s Business Expectations Index was recorded at 17.3 points for the third quarter of 2017, up from 12.4 in the previous corresponding period, and 8.1 points above the 10-year average.
Savills State Director of Office Leasing, Mark Rasmussen, said office leasing activity in 2017 featured an above average absorption of space, rising rents and falling incentives. 
He said whilst significant tenant requirements remained in the market - current enquiry levels (above 500sq m) are at 263,275 square metres for the CBD market – the outlook over the next 18 months was very positive. 
“The market has definitely continued to strengthen over the course of 2016-17 and especially since the federal election last year. We have seen a rebound in business confidence leading to the dramatic rise in pre-commitment activity. We expect this demand to continue in the medium term. 
“The Melbourne CBD office market has traditionally been home to a wide range of occupiers including Finance &amp; Insurance, Property &amp; Business and IT &amp; Communication, however tenant demand from the Government and community sector over the past two years has seen robust growth along with the rise in the sub-sector of Education’’ he said.
The Government and community sector was the dominant tenant sector, leasing 40 percent of the stock, or 168,219 square metres over the 12 months, while Property and Business services was second accounting for 24 percent, followed by IT &amp; Communication at 18 percent of the total office leasing activity. The Education sub sector absorbed 53,577 square metres of office space in Melbourne CBD over the past 12 months, up from 16,410 square metres leased a year ago, a massive climb of 226 per cent from the previous year. This unabated demand is expected to continue with current enquiry levels at 18,500 square metres to be leased in next six months.
Mr Rasmussen said net face CBD rents now typically range from $490 to $600 per square metre for A Grade quality stock, and between $390 and $455 per square metre per annum for B grade buildings. Vacancy rates in 2017-18 will continue to tighten, reducing the number of options and incentives for tenants. Falling incentives will boost the effective rental growth which will continue its upward trajectory until the new supply comes online in 2019-20.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/24/Savills%20chart.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge.</a>
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/24/Savills%20chart.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/24/SavillsGraph.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge. </a>
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/24/SavillsGraph.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
Click here to read the <a href="https://www.savills.com.au/research/australian-research/office-market.aspx" target="_blank">full report.</a>
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Melbourne CBD office leasing continues its strong momentum

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Nine separate bulky goods retail properties leased to electronics retailer The Good Guys across four states have sold for a total of $92 million.
The deals were the largest group transactions of its kind in the Australian market this year, according to Savills which negotiated them on behalf of the Muir family.
The properties are located in Victoria (Thomastown, Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat), New South Wales (Caringbah and Ballina), Queensland (Ipswich and Cairns) and Western Australia (O’Connor), and all are leased long-term to The Good Guys, a wholly owned subsidiary of ASX-listed JB HiFi.
Sales range from $5.2 million for the Bendigo property, up to almost $30 million for the Caringbah property.  
Purchase yields range from around 6.25% for the capital city properties up to almost 8.00% for regional properties – compelling returns for a yield starved market.
A Sydney-based investment fund and sell the other properties individually.’’One investment group
Selling agents Clinton Baxter, Nick Peden and Steven Lerche of Savills said the sale had been one of the most anticipated divestment of Australian retail stock in the last 12 months.
"We expected strong interest from private investors seeking individual properties, but were particularly surprised by the numerous portfolio buyers seeking multiple properties across several states,’’ Baxter said.   
“We simply couldn’t satisfy all the portfolio offers due to overlapping property requirements, and ultimately chose to transact 5 of the properties with a Sydney-based investment fund and sell the other properties individually.’’
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/19/Good%20Guys_Thomastown.03.jpg" alt="">
Peden said that the wide price range of the assets, exceptional main road locations in key commercial precincts, attractive rental returns, together with blue-chip tenancy profiles appealed to a wide range of investors ranging from SMSFs, private investors, syndicators and property funds, whether based locally or off-shore.
"With The Good Guys being owned by ASX-listed retail powerhouse JB Hi-Fi Limited, investors feel extremely comfortable with the long-term security of the investment. 
"All properties are in proven commercial locations, with a long history of successful trade” Lerche said.
The properties are all owned by the Muir family. 
Savills will be selling several additional properties also leased to The Good Guys in coming weeks, to complete the divestment.
“Of the original portfolio of properties we have been handling for the Muir family, it was crucial to the process that we finalised the single portfolio transaction before allowing individual properties to be sold. 
Now that has occurred, we are busy transacting the individual properties, with the opportunity offering exceptional value for investors at attractive yields” Mr Baxter said.
The Good Guys was founded in Melbourne’s northern suburbs in 1952, and remained a family owned business until late 2016 when the company was purchased by JB Hi-Fi Limited for $870 million.
The business has grown to be one of Australia’s leading retailers in the sale of white goods and electronics, with an approximate annual revenue of $2.1 billion.
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Savills sell nine properties leased to The Good Guys in $92 million disposal

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Following the recent sale of the iconic Exchange Centre building at 20 Bridge Street for $335 million, its neighbour at 10 Bridge Street is also set to hit the market, through Savills.
Exchange House at 10 Bridge Street is being listed with price expectations of more than $130 million, following several off-market offers that prompted vendor Coweley Australia (part of ST Real Estate Group) to take the B grade commercial office to market. 
Last month, offshore investor Early Light International Ltd Group secured 100 percent interest in the Australian Exchange Centre for $335 million on a fully leased 4.5 percent yield.
The property is being marketed by Graeme Russell, Simon Fenn and Ben Azar of Savills Australia and Rick Butler and Josh Cullen of Inc RE. Simon Fenn and Ben Azar were also part of the Exchange Centre building.
As for the current listing, the 14-storey office building is fully leased with a Weighted Average Lease Expiry (WALE) of 3.5 years and a four star NABERS rating.
Graeme Russell of Savills said the building was stripped back to its core in 1997/98 and fully refurbished.
“10 Bridge Street is an iconic building in the heart of the city, adjacent to the Stock Exchange and offers a new opportunity to capitalise on the strong Australian market, in particular, the Sydney CBD,” he said.
“Just like 20 Bridge Street, we have already received a lot of unsolicited global and local interest in 10 Bridge and believe potential buyers will range from Hong Kong and Singaporean groups to large domestic private investors and a number of REITS.”
The property is 100 per cent leased with high-profile tenants including ASG Group, Kessler Financial Services Australia, Centrepoint Services and Boeing Australia Holdings.
The property is moments from Circular Quay, Wynyard Train station and the George Street Light Rail development and within close proximity to ANZ, Westpac, NAB, Commonwealth Bank and major hotel groups including The Four Seasons, Intercontinental, and the Marriott.
The property will be sold via an international expressions of interest campaign commencing in August.
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Exchange Centre neighbour set for listing through Savills with $130 million expectations

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Development activity in the retail space is projected to increase in 2018 to more than 400,000 sqm gross lettable area (GLA) from the little more than 300,000 sqm of GLA this year, according to Savills’ Quarter 1 Retail times.
However, activity is expected to drop sharply in 2019 and then rise again the following year.
The most significant activity will be in regional centres in 2018, while large format centres will also surge.
The most stock under construction has Queensland leading the states with 274,206 sqm of activity, followed by Western Australia at 206,052 sqm. Victoria and NSW are way behind.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/14/RetailAnalysis.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/14/RetailAnalysis.png" alt="">
 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/14/RetailStock.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/14/RetailStock.png" alt="">
 New South Wales and Western Australia will see the maximum refurbishment, data shows, while it will be minimal for Victoria where a majority of retail spaces are new developments.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/28/DevAct1.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/28/DevAct1.png" alt="">
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Development activity in retail likely to surge in 2018: Savills  

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SPONSORED POST
The Property and Construction sector has rightly been identified by the Queensland Government as one of the four pillars of the economy, alongside Tourism, Agriculture and Resources.
 The sector consistently contributes approximately 11% of Queensland’s gross state product. After Health and Retail, it is the third largest employer.  
Worryingly, of the $42.75 billion allocated to infrastructure over the next four years, only $4.8 billion will be invested in regional Queensland. Historically, on average, less than 12% of infrastructure spending is invested into regional infrastructure development. 
The question then is: is that distribution equitable and can our budgets be brave enough to significantly shift the historical balance in favour of regional over metropolitan infrastructure and development? The arguments in favour of being brave are compelling. 
For their contribution and according to Regional Australia Institute (RAI), regional cities will have added $375 billion to the national economy by 2031. With the Queensland economy in a transitional phase and on a continued downward slide from the resource boom, taking advantage of the opportunities that regional cities provide has never been more important.
Regional cities north of Brisbane are optimistically investing in long rather than short term strategies. Geographic opportunities in the agri-foods and freight logistics sub-sectors offer possibilities that the north is able to yoke through harnessing untapped water supplies and developing agricultural potential in its vast plains. A northern food bowl would help sustain the emerging and ever increasing demographic realities that the likes of China and Singapore face. 
The resultant logistic hubs could in parallel, sustain other economic stimulators. Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Airport for example has had a significant impact on local food and horticultural production for which commercial freight flights have commenced. 
Further north, Mount Isa Regional Council predicts that the new Mount Isa to Tennant Creek rail link will be the stimulus for an economic corridor that will boost local economies along its route and diversify that particular region’s mining focused economies into other sectors. 
Airports could unlock the two-stop long-haul flights to Europe and therefore lure large carriers who currently use Dubai or Hong Kong as a preferred international stopover. How? Qantas, for example, has already commenced direct flights from Perth to London. 
By making Broome or Mackay the first stopover for a long range ‘Dreamliner’ or similar flight to London, Australia’s regional tourist hubs could be the next mega transit hubs in their own right. Bernard Salt suggests that this will help create new secondary cities equitably spread (geographically) across Australia.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/14/Savills2.jpg" alt=""> 
Regional cities are recognising that the knowledge worker can work from anywhere as long as they have access to their tools and technology. Sunshine Coast Council for example plans to link its region directly to global communications systems in Asia, the Pacific and the United States by encouraging the private sector to deliver an international submarine broadband cable connection that would land at Maroochydore. Initial economic modelling indicates that this initiative will generate an additional $700 million to the Sunshine Coast economy every year and $1.1 billion annually to the state’s economy. 
The Commonwealth Government’s embracing of the UK’s City Deals, Growth Deals and Smart specialisation concepts is a step in the right direction to managing regional infrastructure growth and investment. City Deals are agreements between the Commonwealth Government, a state or territory government, and local governments to enhance economic activity and liveability. 
They work by developing collective plans for growth and commitments to action, investment, reforms and governance from the associated stakeholders. Already, the first city deal agreements have been signed this year for Townsville and Launceston. 
It is demonstrably evident that regional cities are now starting to think bigger than ever and making their own luck in the process. However it is only with sound equitable funding of infrastructure initiatives with strong leadership that sustainable and long term success can be achieved. 
Are our leaders brave enough to push for a strong catalytic stimulus to regional infrastructure development and fundamentally shift the balance of growth, population, economic benefit and employment?  
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Lawson Katiza is an Associate Director of <a href="https://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/project-management.aspx">Savills Project Management</a>, and Queensland lead for Advisory and Commercial sectors. Savills Project Management is a Tier 1 project management and social infrastructure advisory specialist and a division of <a href="https://www.savills.com.au">Savills Australia</a>, an integrated property solutions company.
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Being brave in budgeting for regional infrastructure

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Over the past 30 years, ‘The Hills’ has transformed from a mostly rural area to a part of suburban Sydney.
The area is characterised by new residential development, access to amenities and plenty of green space.
The Government is supporting the area’s evolution.
According to Savills Spotlight Research Report – ‘Residential Property in The Hills’ the area is set to benefit from improved transport links and parts of the area overlap with priority growth area of North West Sydney, one of the locations the government have identified to provide new homes and jobs for Sydney’s growing population.
For the purpose of this report, the Hills area is defined as the following suburbs: Baulkham Hills, Beaumont Hills, Bella Vista, Castle Hill, Glenwood, Kellyville, Kellyville Ridge, Kings Langley, Parklea, Rouse Hill, Stanhope Gardens and The Ponds.
According to Sophie Chick, Head of Residential Research at Savills and author of the Spotlight report, traditionally The Hills’ residential development has been focused on large residential subdivisions and low density housing.
“Across the area, just 17 percent of the dwellings are medium or high density compared to 40 percent across Greater Sydney.
"This varies by suburb, in Baulkham Hills and Castle Hill, neighbouring the Norwest Business Park, a quarter of the residential stock is units compared to Beaumont Hills and The Ponds where there are next to none.
“However, the forecast improvement in transport infrastructure, particularly the Sydney Metro Northwest, has led to an increasing number of apartment and townhouse developments, particularly around existing and forecast railway stations.
“Across the area just 38 percent of the development approvals from the start of financial year 2015 to December 2016 were for houses while the rest are ‘other’, which are primarily apartments or semi-detached dwellings” she continued.
As well as the improving access a number of employment centres throughout Sydney, The Hills is also home to a number of growing employment hubs including the Norwest Business Park, Castle Hill Town Centre and Rouse Hill Town Centre.
Norwest Business Park has already grown to accommodate over 20,000 employees with expansion expected to increase to over 35,000 employees.
Ms Chick said house prices across The Hills have experienced strong growth over the past 10 years, increasing by 119 percent, outperforming the average growth seen across Sydney as a whole.
“More recently, the double-digit growth has continued with values rising 11 percent over the year to April 2017.
“The median value across The Hills in April 2017 was $1.21 million, slightly higher than the Sydney average of $1.15 million but offering a substantial discount when compared to central Sydney, the inner west and the north western suburbs”.
The Hills has one of the fasting growing populations of area in Sydney. From 2011 to 2016, estimates show the population across The Hills local government area has increased 12 percent.
This has significantly added to the demand for real estate in the area, equating to 3,520 new residents per year.
Ms Chick said The Hills area has already experienced higher population growth than many other areas in Sydney and this is set to continue.
“Over the next 20 years, the Hills local government area population is forecast to increase by 76 percent to 291,000 people compared to a 37 percent increase across Greater Sydney.
"This equates to an additional 6,300 people per year and is likely to contribute to the already high demand for residential property in the area.
“The population growth is being driven by a combination of residential development activity, infrastructure improvements and new employment opportunities.
"These factors are anticipated to improve the quality of life for existing residents and make the area accessible to a wider demographic of people” she said.
For more information go to Savills' home <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/savills.com.au" target="_blank">page</a>
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Savills shines the spotlight on The Hills area

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The changing landscape of Liverpool is perfect for residential investors, according to Savills’ latest report.
“Despite strong price growth over the past decade, Liverpool remains a relatively affordable location to buy residential property in comparison to the rest of Sydney.
“The average price in the suburb of Liverpool in December 2016 was $777,000 for a house and $412,000 for a unit.
“This is in line with the average across the wider Liverpool/ Fairfield area but offers a substantial discount of 27 percent and 42 percent respectively when compared to the Sydney average.
“Over the past ten years, house and unit prices in Liverpool have increased significantly with values rising by 137 percent and 122 percent respectively, outperforming the Sydney average.
“Over the past year, the rate of annual growth has slowed to 4 percent for units and 7 percent for houses, reflecting a more subdued housing market seen across Sydney,” the report stated.
Investors in Liverpool focus more on income return rather than price growth Savills comments.
“Since the slowdown in capital value growth across Sydney, an increasing number of investors are placing more emphasis on income return rather than relying only on price growth.
“In Liverpool, the median weekly rent is $480 for houses and $390 for units, resulting in average yields of 3.2 percent and 4.9 percent respectively.
“These are higher than the Sydney average, particularly for units where the median yield across the city is 4.1 percent, and as such, Liverpool is attracting an increasing number of investors.
“The supply of units in Liverpool nearly doubled in 2013 compared to the previous four years as a number of large-scale developments came to the market.
“These units have been absorbed and the number of unit sales has fallen to back in line with the long-term average.
“This has had a positive impact on the vacancy rate across the city of Liverpool, which has been falling over the past six months from 2.2 percent in January 2016 to 1.5 percent in January 2017,” the report advised.
The number of new residents coming to Liverpool has outperformed the Sydney average Savills head of research Sophie Chick reports.
“Over the past 10 years, population growth across the City of Liverpool has outperformed the Sydney average, increasing by 26.0 percent compared to 16.6 percent.
“This has significantly added to the demand for real estate in the area, equating to nearly 4,500 new residents per year.
“Families with children make up a higher proportion of the population in Liverpool than across Sydney, accounting for 60.9 percent of residents compared to an average of 47.0 percent.
“This drives strong demand for housing suitable for children with outside space.
“International buyers are an important source of demand for the housing market across Sydney as both owner- occupiers and investors.
“Liverpool is a culturally diverse city and already has a large international community. Just one-third of residents describe their ancestry as Australian or English compared to over half across Greater Sydney.
“There is a range of employment opportunities in Liverpool, meaning one-third of the residents work locally.
“Beyond Liverpool, Sydney CBD is the largest employment location, accounting for 10 percent of Liverpool’s working population, followed by neighbouring Fairfield and Bankstown. Sydney CBD is the next largest employment location followed by neighbouring Fairfield and Bankstown.
“Health care and social assistance is one of Liverpool’s largest employment sectors, reflecting the fact that the city is home to the largest hospital in NSW,” she commented.
Savills say that Liverpool’s population growth is set to continue.
“The city of Liverpool has already experienced higher population growth than many other areas in Sydney and this is set to continue.
“Over the next 20 years, the City’s population is forecast to increase by 55 percent to 331,000 people compared to a 37 percent increase across Greater Sydney.
“This is likely to further contribute to the already high demand for residential property in the area.
“The construction of Badgerys Creek Airport and surrounding infrastructure to support the new airport is expected to have a significant impact on Liverpool.
“The upgraded and newly formed road networks will increase Liverpool’s connectivity between the surrounding suburbs and greater Sydney.
“With a number of major projects and regeneration schemes underway, the desirability of the area for existing and new residents is forecast to continue to grow,” the report stated.
For more information go to Savills' home <a href="https://www.savills.com.au" target="_blank">page</a>.
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Liverpool perfect for residential investors: Savills

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Popularity for residential properties in St Ives has increased, according to Savills latest report.
“The predominantly residential suburbs of St Ives and St Ives Chase are situated on the Upper North Shore of Sydney, approximately 18km from the Sydney CBD.
“St Ives has recently experienced an increase in popularity and is now considered a suburb of choice, whereas it was once viewed as a more affordable alternative to the neighbouring suburbs of Pymble and Gordon.
“Amongst other attributes, shopping centre and parks, as well as access to city and bus services mean residential property in the St Ives area is in high demand.
“Given the suburb developed later than neighbouring suburbs, the primary architecture style is modern homes on larger than average blocks of land as opposed to period homes.
“These large homes are attractive to growing families, particularly given the lack of preservation restrictions, which are found in neighbouring, older suburbs.
“As well as the housing stock, in the past ten years there has been a large growth in the development of apartment blocks, particularly around the shopping centre.
“This is part of the government mandate for more medium density housing throughout Sydney,” the report stated.
Savills says that property prices in St Ives and St Ives Chase has significantly increased in the past decade.
“Property values in St Ives and St Ives Chase have experienced significant growth over the past decade with house prices increasing by 95 percent and 110 percent respectively, in line with the Sydney average.
“Over the past year, price growth has remained in double digits while a slowdown was recorded across other parts of Sydney, reflecting a lack of supply in the area.
“Apartment prices in St Ives recorded a more subdued rise over the longer term, increasing by 45 percent over the past ten years.
“However, much like houses, growth over the past year has outperformed the Sydney average with a rise of 9 percent.
“The average sale price for a house in St Ives and St Ives Chase in December 2016, was $1,905,000 and $1,756,000 respectively.
“This is significantly higher than the Greater Sydney average of just over $1,000,000 but offers a discount compared to the neighbouring suburbs of Gordon and Pymble where the medium house price is $2,445,000 and $2,302,000 respectively.
“However, this gap in prices is beginning to narrow as the popularity of St Ives increases,” the report advised.
The current median price of houses in St Ives and St Ives Chase in 2017 according to CoreLogic is $1,985,000 and $1,840,000 respectively.
A five bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-st+ives-125275902" target="_blank">10 Kitchener Street</a>, St Ives (above) has been listed with a price guide of $1.95 million.
Similarly a five bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-st+ives-123591890" target="_blank">39 Douglas Street</a>, St Ives (below) has been listed for $1.895 million.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/31/39%20Douglas%20Street.jpg" alt="">
The median rent in St Ives is higher than Sydney averages according to Savills.
“While the private rented sector in St Ives is much smaller than other areas across Sydney, it is growing.
“At $1,200 per week for a house and $710 per week for a unit, the median rent in St Ives is higher than the Sydney averages of $650 and $560 per week.
“However, rental values vary significantly depending on property type and size,” the report commented.
Downsizers play a key part in St Ives’ housing market Savills says.
“Downsizers play a key part in the housing market in St Ives as the majority have paid off the mortgage on their larger, family homes, giving them significant buying power on their next, smaller property.
“Across the suburb, just over a quarter of the population are aged over 60 compared to 18 percent across Greater Sydney.
“International buyers are an important source of demand for the housing market across Sydney as both owner occupiers and investors.
“In St Ives, there has traditionally been a large South African population.
“This is still the case with 12 percent of the population born there compared to just 0.8 percent across Greater Sydney.
“There is also a growing Asian population in the area.
“The most recent census data from 2011 recorded 9 percent of residents describing their ancestry as Chinese, slightly over the Sydney average.
“This is likely to have increased over the past six years, as Chinese buyers look further afield.
“Accessibility to employment locations is high priority for many house hunters.
“Residents in St Ives work in a number of locations, reflecting the suburb’s connectivity to both the centre of Sydney and other key employment locations.
“The largest employment industry for people living in St Ives is the Professional, Scientific and Tech sector accounting for 18 percent of employees compared to an average of 10 percent across Sydney.
“This industry is the fastest growing in Sydney meaning St Ives is well placed to draw on the newly created wealth in these industries,” Sophie Chick, Head of Savills Residential Research stated.
Savills says that low interest rates, population growth and investments are some of the factors that will determine the outlook for St Ives.
“It is important to assess the outlook for the St Ives area in the context of the Sydney market.
“Factors such as low interest rates, population growth and infrastructure investment point to a positive economic outlook for NSW over the next five years.
“These factors are expected to continue to support demand for housing, particularly in Sydney.
“However, we do expect the rate of house price growth to slow, given the affordability pressures and the regulatory measures implemented to slow the amount of bank lending to investors.
“The St Ives area continues to offer good value in comparison to neighbouring suburbs as well as having high quality housing stock, an abundance of open space and good schools.
“We expect these factors to continue to appeal to buyers, particularly families,” the report commented.
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