For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

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Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

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Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

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The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

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The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

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Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

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Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

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Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

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La Vera closes in on completion as Macquarie Park continues residential transformation

Shopping Centre

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A new retail and commercial precinct in Casuarina is heading for completion in February 2018, with six operators already committing to long term leases within the centre.
Developed and owned by Bruce Coulson, ‘The Commons’ is located between Casuarina Way and Grande Parade in the heart of Casuarina.
On completion, it will have 12 food, medical, health and general retail services as well as a childcare centre with 175 places. 
Rents range from $450/sqm to $725/sqm.
The project is being marketed by Kelly Buxton and Luke McGrath of Colliers International.
The leased six tenancies within the centre to date have tenancy sizes ranging from 40sqm to 227sqm and leasing terms ranging from 5 to 10 years.
The businesses include: Blackboard Coffee - a licensed café and coffee roaster; The Crafty Cow – a smokehouse and bar; Nikkou - women’s and kids fashion; Child psychologist and speech therapist; Chiropractor; and F45 – a fitness training studio.  
The owners of The Crafty Cow are two couples that will be relocating their families from Brisbane to Casuarina to follow the relaxed beach lifestyle and their passion for food. 
One of the owners, Jodie Daley, whose background is in hospitality said that they are very excited about bringing a new concept to the area, a smokehouse and bar that will serve craft beer, tapas, burgers, finger food and platters. 
“Considering Casuarina is one of favourite holiday destinations, we always knew we were going to relocate one day and set up a business here.” 
Buxton of Colliers said the remaining tenancies within the centre range in size from 41sqm to 147sqm and would suit fast food operators, general retail, real estate agency, medical centre, dentist or another health practitioner. 
The main trade area includes about 24,000 residents, made up of mostly retirees, young families and first home buyers, with the annual population growth rate projected at approximately 3.6 per cent.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Soon-to-be completed retail centre 'Commons' in Casuarina has six leases already

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A Coles-anchored neighbourhood shopping centre in Cairns has sold to Shopping Centres Australia for $24.75 million. 
Sugarworld Shopping Centre is a convenience-based neighbourhood centre, 15 km south of the Cairns CBD.
Apart from Coles, it has 12 specialty retailers and a Coles Express service station pad site.
The deal was negotiated by JLL’s Sam Hatcher and Jacob Swan on behalf of IRAPT.
“The Coles Supermarket (also encompassing Liquorland and Coles Express outlets) accounts for 66% of the shopping centre’s fully leased net income, and has a strong 3.7% MAT year on year growth,” said Sam Hatcher.
The centre is expected to continue from the forecast 3.7% average annual population growth in the main trade area till 2031.
National director of Retail Investments, Jacob Swan said, 
It has a 10.91 year WALE (by income) while Coles is on a 20-year lease, offering long-term secure income.
Neighbourhood transaction volumes in Queensland increased by 15% in the last 12 months to September 2017 despite being 10% lower on a national basis over the same period.
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Sugarworld Shopping centre in Cairns changes hands for $24.75 million

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A shopping centre in the riverside city of Launceston in Tasmania has been sold through Savills for $38.55 million.
The off-market transaction for <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/2588298/" target="_blank">Mowbray Marketplace &amp; Target Centre</a> adds to Savills’ recent track record of more than $128 million worth of Tasmanian retail investment deals. 
The sub-regional shopping centre is anchored by Woolworths and Target, in addition to 16 other shops.
It has a total lettable area of more than 12,000 sqm.
The selling agent was Pat De Maria.
 
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Tasmanian shopping centre fetches $38.55 million: Savills

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Electronics retail chain JB Hi-Fi and chocolatier Max Brenner will open new stores at Australia Fair shopping centre on the Gold Coast later this year, as the iconic Southport complex completes its $25 million upgrade.
JB Hi-Fi, Australia’s largest home entertainment retailer and Max Brenner are the latest tenants to join the new-look retail hub, expected to begin trading by December.
JB Hi-Fi will be located next to Telstra on the ground floor, while Max Brenner will operate a café and dessert bar, situated by the Scarborough Street entry.
Australia Fair’s upgrades include modernisation of the ground floor and its exteriors.
“We are thrilled to welcome JB Hi-Fi and Max Brenner – both household brands known and loved by Australian families – to Australia Fair’s retail family,” Australia Fair general manager Ramon Otten said.
“It is certainly exciting to see the transformation progressing so well and we look forward to unveiling a vibrant and contemporary shopping experience ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games,” he said.
Meanwhile, work is also under way for the expansion of Coles into the former outdoor food court, expected to be open before Christmas.
The exterior facelift is creating a contemporary facade for the retail, dining and entertainment complex, with the new structure to feature lighting and fresh signage bearing Australia Fair’s new branding.
<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/2017/09/11/AustFair2.jpg" alt="">
Other new tenants include Colette by Colette Hayman, Ted Ross, U Grill, Joy Stylist and Green Valley Butcher. Brazilian restaurant and bar The Grill House, Vintage Grind, Stella Saigon Street Food, Chikor, Wrap and Roll and LiquorLand.
Stage one of the redevelopment project is expected to be completed by Christmas.
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JB Hi-Fi, Max Brenner to open stores in Gold Coast's Australia Fair shopping centre

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Benowa Village Shopping Centre on the Gold Coast is on the market through an expressions of interest campaign closing 5 October.
Coles Supermarkets Australia listed the property through JLL.
The centre was built in 2016 and features a Coles supermarket, McDonalds drive through, Coles Express service station and 13 specialty stores.
Sam Hatcher, JLL Director of Retail Investments said the centre contains the largest supermarket in the Main Trade Area, allowing it to capitalise on the considerable forecast population growth and retail expenditure in the trade area.
“We see growth in the retail spend and rental profile being realised through a large population of almost 41,000 in the Main Trade Area, projected to grow strongly at 1.5 percent to just under 50,000 persons by 2030,” he said.  
“ The Gold Coast has traditionally had an undersupply of full line supermarkets; as prime development sites have been absorbed by high density residential developments. This further highlights the dominant outlook for Benowa Village.”
JLL’s Jacob Swan said that neighbourhood shopping centres remained tightly held with only 28 transactions recorded nationally in 2017 to-date (totaling $893 million), compared with 65 in 2016 ($1.6 billion).  
“Queensland has had a disproportionately high level of activity relative to the other states," he said.
"Interestingly, of the 28 neighbourhood shopping centre transactions that have occurred this year, 14 have been in Queensland compared with only nine in Sydney and just four in Melbourne, highlighting investor confidence within Queensland’s retail market. 
“Given the shortage of available investment opportunities in New South Wales and Victoria, interest in Queensland assets has grown significantly.
"There is strong pent-up demand for prime neighbourhood centres so we anticipate considerable domestic and offshore interest for this centre.”  
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Benowa Village Shopping Centre, Gold Coast, listed for sale

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A large format retail centre, anchored by JB Hi-Fi and TK Maxx in south-western Brisbane is being listed.
The Zone Oxley centre also has five mini majors and two supporting tenancies. It is fully leased to leading retailers including JB Hi-Fi (1,958sqm), TK Maxx (1,980sqm), RT Edwards, Eureka Street Furniture, Sleepy’s, School Locker, Pet Stock and Subway. 
The majority of the tenants are on their second lease terms, highlighting the popularity of the shopping centre. 
The Zone Oxley is located within a prime, metro-Brisbane large format retail precinct, which includes The Good Guys, Bunnings Warehouse, Harvey Norman, Officeworks, Super Amart Furniture, Super Cheap Auto and First Choice Liquor. 
In total, the Oxley large format precinct has more than 35,000 sqm of gross lettable area.
The site is being sold through an expressions of interest campaign closing September 7.
It is being marketed by JLL’s Jacob Swan and Sam Hatcher.  
“Large-format retail market fundamentals have been well-supported by a strong rebound in household goods spending and very limited supply of floorspace in recent years,” said Hatcher.
“Household goods spending is growing at 3.8% per annum in Queensland as at May, which is the second strongest state, nationally. The high level of housing construction activity will drive household goods spending over the short to medium-term, underpinning retailer demand for Large-Format Retail space.”
He said Large-Format Retail has been re-rated in 2016 and 2017, reflecting the improvement in leasing conditions and the attractive yield spread relative to more traditional shopping centres – such as sub-regional shopping and neighbourhood.
“Only $475 million of retail assets have transacted in Queensland in 2017 year-to-date, compared with $2.1 billion in 2016. The slowdown in transaction activity reflects the limited number of investment opportunities in the first half of the year.” 
In June, a neighbourhood centre anchored by Woolworths and Aldi in Brisbane’s northern suburb of Warner was listed. MarketPlace Warner is a ‘best in class’ shopping centre, with the Woolworths supermarket believed to be one of the best performing Woolworths in Queensland by MAT, with turnover well above Urbis benchmarks for a double supermarket anchored shopping centre.
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Large format retail centre in Brisbane listed

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A Woolworths-anchored Beaudesert Central shopping centre has been snapped up by a fund manager for $16.85 million in an off-market deal through Savills.
Beaudesert is a town 70 kilometres south of Brisbane and Beaudesert Central is the dominant centre servicing the region. 
Following this deal, Melbourne-based MPG Funds Management has now added the centre to its open ended MPG Retail Brands Property Trust, which now operates 11 retail assets across Australia with a combined value of more than $100 million. 
The transaction reflected an initial yield of 6.5%.
It was brokered by Savills’ Peter Tyson and Jon Tyson on behalf of a private vendor. 
“The MPG Retail Brands Property Trust had been seeking a suitable Queensland asset for the portfolio for some time. The Beaudesert Central acquisition is the first Queensland asset in the fund,” Tyson said.
The shopping centre comprises a single-level, open neighbourhood shopping centre developed in 2007 and is anchored by a 3,279 sqm Woolworths supermarket with 12 specialty tenants. 
The centre sits on a 14,230 sqm site fronting the Mount Lindesay Highway, adjacent to the central business precinct.
MPG managing director Brett Gorman said the Beaudesert Central is located in an area with strong forecast growth, so “it is a great fit for our business”. 
“The other emerging economic driver of the region is the recent catalyst development of the long-mooted in-land port road–rail hub of the Bromelton State Development Area which is now under development. This major project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities going forward,” added Tyson.  
Other recent transactions brokered by Savills this year include SCA’s acquisition of both Mudgeeraba Market and Worongary Town Centre on the Gold Coast for a combined $82.1 million, the sale of Park Village in Brisbane’s west for $35.2 million, and the sale of Pittsworth Plaza for almost $10 million. 
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Beaudesert shopping centre sold for $16.85 million through Savills  

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Perth-based property company M/Group has purchased Wodonga Plaza in regional Victoria for $43.5million.
Lloyd Clark, M/Group Managing Director said the company’s targeted approach to identifying regionally located assets with good lease covenants and value-add potential has attracted significant investment interest from those looking for more than just a passive vanilla return. 
“Every company aspires to having a network of investors that trust what they do and how they do it. We are really excited to be taking this group of loyal and new investors into the eastern states,” he said.
“Rather than target fully leased assets at capped rates of 5 percent to 7 percent, our interest is in securing properties that not only offer excellent income but also present development, refurbishment or lease re-positioning potential with the aim of achieving capital uplift as well as delivering excellent cash flow income.
"It is a similar strategic and considered approach we take across all our property activities and historically we have delivered quality investments and good returns.
“Wodonga Plaza is a great opportunity in a great regional city that is the gateway to Victoria from NSW. It is currently and will continue to be the largest centre in the region and we have already secured a new 10-year lease with Best and Less with multiple other tenant negotiations underway.
Wodonga Plaza is on a 4.4ha island site with four street frontages and gross lettable area of 17,200 sqm. Key anchor tenants include Target and Coles, with three current mini majors Amcal, Reject Shop and Best and Less, and around 55 specialties stores.
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Wodonga Plaza settles for $43.5 million

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The Terrace Central Shopping Centre at Raymond Terrace, north of Newcastle, has sold for $33.5 million to Panthera Property Group on a passing initial yield of 6.55 percent.
David Mathews, JLL’s Director, Sales &amp; Investments, New South Wales, said Terrace Central generated significant interest from a range of investors such as institutions, syndicators and private investors.
“We continue to see institutions divesting assets within their portfolio which are non-core to their investment strategy," he said.
"Conversely, private investors, syndicates and boutique funds management groups are seeking to grow their exposure to the tightly-held neighbourhood shopping centre sector.
“JLL has recorded just 17 neighbourhood transactions in Australia so far in 2017 totalling $381.1 million, but only 5 have been in NSW - including Terrace Central.
“The market has been somewhat stock constrained, and investors are broadening the range of assets under consideration in terms of risk profile,” said Mr Mathews, who worked in conjunction with Queensland Retail Investments Sam Hatcher and Jacob Swan."
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Raymond Terrace retail centre sold for $33.5 million

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Australia’s major shopping centre landlords are recognising the need for a mall to also play the role of a community centre as the sweeping pace of changes in technology and society makes a big impact on retail.
In fact, the retailing environment is the most challenging it has ever been, driven by both structural and cyclical headwinds, writes Adrian Harrington, head of funds management at Folkestone in Cuffelinks.
The arrival of global names in recent years has reshaped the retail landscape – Zara, H&amp;M and Uniqlo to name a few. Amazon’s imminent arrival is already creating flutters in the market, he says.
At the same time, local retailers such as Dick Smith, Payless Shoes and Rhodes &amp; Beckett have disappeared from the scene. The latest ABS retail sales numbers reveal anaemic retail spending, while online retail spending continues to gain momentum.
In spite of the buzz around Amazon’s entry some in the retail community say it won’t be easy for the online retailing giant.  Harvey Norman founder Gerry Harvey recently said in news.com.au that “Amazon in Australia, it is not going to be as easy as the US … most of the retailers there rolled over but they won’t here.”
In fact, a report from Colliers International says that Amazon’s value proposition combined with its need for immense space may make it difficult to find a suitable base within Sydney.
Figures 1 and 2 highlight the relative underperformance of retailers and the listed retail A-REITs in the past 12 months, as investors become increasingly concerned about how both components of the retail marketplace respond to the significant headwinds.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/09/Retail1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/09/Retail1.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/09/Retail2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/09/Retail2.jpg" alt="">
Given retail assets comprise more than 55% of the listed A-REIT sector, it is not surprising that the relative performance of the A-REIT sector has been impacted. Westfield, Vicinity and Scentre, the three largest retail A-REITs, have all significantly underperformed the Index in the past year.
Harrington cites Victor Gruen — the designer of the first US shopping mall in 1956, saying, “The merchant has always been and will always be most successful where his activity is integrated with the widest possible palette of human experiences and urban expressions.”
Gruen envisaged that shopping centres need not be just a place of selling, but a place where the retail space is complemented by entertainment, cultural and community services. 
Harrington says shopping centres need to be recast as they recognise that people don’t just come there for a transaction. 
“They need to create a unique customer experience, one that engages with consumers, embraces technology to enhance the experience and inspires people to visit not because they have to, but because they want to. 
“In effect, they need to become a community gathering-place where people shop, play, work and live.”
Australia’s major shopping centre landlords are recognising Gruen’s vision almost 60 years ago. 
Harrington says retailers are revisiting their retail strategy, with the longstanding model of rolling stores out in every shopping centre changing to fewer but more innovative retail stores located in the larger, more productive ‘destination’ centres that offer consumers more than just a retail experience.
Southdale incorporated many of the features that have become synonymous with today’s modern shopping centre, he says. Southdale incorporated enclosed and climate controlled, anchor stores at either end of the mall, escalators connecting different levels and a public area in the middle.
Some of the best shopping centres in the country are becoming mixed-use spaces comprising hotels, residential and community facilities. 
Chadstone Centre, Australia’s largest shopping centre, has introduced the first Legoland Discovery Centre, and is adding a hotel and a 17,000 sqm office tower. Scentre, owner of the Westfield centres in Australia, is looking at residential and other entertainment options to complement their retail space.
However, the biggest impact of retail disruption will be on sub-regional and lower quality centres. These centres tend to have a higher exposure to discount department stores, limited space to incorporate non-retail drawcards, and lower productivity of their retail space.
He says investors looking at the retail sector are at a cross-road. With Amazon’s entry, the market will get more competitive and the gap between the winners and losers will widen and picking winners will be lot more difficult.
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