Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

Joel Robinson

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

&nbsp;

Developer GURNER™ Group has revealed $1.65 billion in residential sales nationally across the 12 months to December 2025, driven largely by the continued momentum of its Docklands wellness-focused precinct, Elysium Fields.

The sales result was generated across seven projects in Victoria and New South Wales, headlined by Elysium Fields, GURNER™’s $2.75 billion mixed-use precinct planned for Harbour Esplanade in Docklands.

The project has recorded more than $500 million in sales across the first three towers, equating to around 580 apartments sold.

The first tower, Helios, has now sold out of its 240 private residences, with GURNER™ preparing to release a premium penthouse collection comprising 15 three-bedroom penthouses in coming weeks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370975]

Elysium Fields is being developed on the long-held 20,000 sqm Docklands site at 208-226 Harbour Esplanade, which had remained undeveloped for more than two decades prior to GURNER™ taking over the project around four years ago.

Construction has now commenced across four towers ranging between 18 and 30 storeys, with Hamilton Marino and Maxcon appointed as builders.

Once complete, the precinct is expected to comprise around 1,100 residences, alongside retail, hospitality and public realm uses integrated throughout the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370981]

Designed by Fraser &amp; Partners in collaboration with GURNER™ Design House, the project has been positioned around the developer’s broader focus on wellness-led residential living.

“We don’t sell apartments. We create a true luxury lifestyle that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the market today,” Founder and Executive Chairman Tim Gurner said.

“To deliver that requires an extraordinary level of detail, coordination and discipline across multiple verticals, from design and hospitality through to wellness and service.”

“We’ve always believed that living extends far beyond the physical residence. It’s about how you feel the moment you arrive, how you live day-to-day, and the ecosystem that supports that.” 
[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370977]

The project’s design places a heavy focus on landscaping, wellness amenities and biophilic design principles.

Plans include around 3,700 sqm of landscaped gardens and open space throughout the precinct, alongside a retail and dining offering spanning approximately 5,000 sqm.

The broader public realm strategy centres around what GURNER™ describes as the “Path of Life”, an urban forest and landscaped pedestrian environment intended to connect the various buildings and wellness spaces across the precinct.

The apartments themselves will incorporate a range of wellness-focused inclusions, including purified air and water systems, circadian lighting, antimicrobial surfaces, and optional in-home wellness upgrades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370980]

Gurner said the company’s experience through its Saint Haven wellness clubs had directly informed the residential offering now being incorporated into Elysium Fields.

“We’re seeing a clear global shift toward longevity, performance and proactive health,” Gurner said.

“Our role is to deliver that in a way that feels seamless, highly private and beautifully resolved within the environments we create.”

A large component of the wellness offering is planned through the resident amenity and health facilities proposed within the precinct.

That includes plans for bathing and recovery facilities spread throughout the towers, incorporating mineral pools, saunas, steam rooms, flotation therapy, red light therapy and wellness lounges.

The developer is also seeking approvals for what it describes as a “reverse ageing medical clinic” within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370978]

According to project information released by the group, the proposed facility would include cryotherapy, IV infusion therapy, infrared and dry saunas, PEMF beds, MRIs, DEXA scans, brain scans and blood analysis services.

Within the first tower, Helios, residents will also have access to a dedicated amenity offering known as the Sky Private Club.

The upper 15 levels of the building will include private lounges, dining spaces, rooftop amenities and optional private wellness studios integrated within residences.

The Helios tower itself comprises 260 apartments ranging between 60 sqm and 300 sqm, including a collection of penthouses.

That includes a planned two-storey penthouse spanning around 600 sqm with uninterrupted bay views.

The Elysium Fields precinct is being delivered in partnership with Digital Harbour Holdings, a consortium that includes the Liberman family, which controls the development rights across the Docklands site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370979]

The sales result comes as GURNER™ continues expanding its national development pipeline beyond Victoria.

“We have a strong pipeline across Australia and are now focused on scaling into key markets including New South Wales and Queensland, while continuing to build on our Melbourne base,” Gurner said.

“We currently have more than $3 billion in the market, growing to over $5 billion by October, and expect to materially outperform last year in the 2026 calendar year.”

The result also reflects the continued strength of the upper-end apartment market in Melbourne, particularly for owner-occupier-focused product with large-scale amenity and lifestyle offerings.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144441]

Record result anchored by the Group’s “utopian” Elysium Fields precinct – defying market headwinds in Docklands.

Elysium Fields drive Gurner to $1.65 billion in apartment sales over 2025

National Australia Bank (NAB) will fund <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera</a>, a $1 billion, 52-level luxury residential tower being developed by Central Equity in one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held coastal locations at Northcliffe.

The project, launched recently by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a>, one of Victoria’s largest private residential developers, comes at a time when construction funding for large residential developments has become increasingly competitive as lenders tighten exposure to the sector.

Multiplex has been appointed the builder, and construction is now underway.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365784]

Since its first project, Central Equity has delivered more than 85 residential developments with a combined end value exceeding $8 billion.

Palmera reflects Central Equity’s growing focus on the Gold Coast luxury apartment market and continues a relationship between Central Equity and NAB that dates back to the late 1980s, when the bank funded one of Melbourne’s earliest inner-city residential towers at a time when high-rise apartment living in the CBD was largely unproven.

“NAB’s funding of Central Equity’s $36 million CBD development in the late 1980’s to the financing of the billion-dollar tower today highlights the long-term relationship between the two organisations in delivering major residential projects” said Central Equity Founder and Chairman Eddie Kutner.

He said NAB’s early support was instrumental in helping establish the company’s development model.

“When we commenced our first residential tower in the late 1980s the concept of funding off-the-plan apartments was still largely untested in Australia,” Kutner said.

“NAB recognised the opportunity early and supported the project when others were uncertain. That relationship has now continued for more than 37 years across many developments.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Central Equity was established in 1987 when Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank precinct were still dominated by warehouses and commercial buildings. Fewer than 100 residents lived in Southbank at the time, and large-scale residential development in the inner city was not widely considered.

Recognising changing demographics and lifestyle preferences, the company began developing high-rise residential projects designed to bring permanent residents into the city centre.

Central Equity has provided accommodation for approximately 40,000 residents across Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank, while also incorporating supporting infrastructure including essential lifestyle facilities like retail spaces, childcare facilities and neighbourhood activity centres.

Central Equity has spent many years assembling the Palmera development site on the corner of Garfield Terrace and Frederick Street in Northcliffe, creating a supersite of around 3,300 sqm.

The developer said the Palmera apartment tower reflects its long-term view of the Gold Coast as a growing and increasingly diversified economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365768]

Supported by infrastructure including the light rail network, major road upgrades expanded education, hospital and medical facilities and continued expansion at the Gold Coast Airport with more international and domestic flights.

Positioned in the tightly held Northcliffe precinct, the 52-level tower will deliver 347 apartments, targeting buyers seeking a high-end coastal lifestyle, from downsizers to interstate investors.

Designed by Marchese Partners with interiors by DBI, Palmera has been conceived as a next-generation residential offering, featuring a collection of oversized apartments, with premium three-bedroom residences offering sweeping northern views stretching from Surfers Paradise through to Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

NAB funds $1 billion Surfers Paradise apartment development, Palmera

Two years after completing one of the newest developments in North Sydney, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> is turning its attention to the rapidly evolving St Leonards apartment market.

The developer, which completed AURA by Aqualand on North Sydney's Walker Street, has lodged plans for a 5,918 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/33-37-herbert-street-st-leonards-nsw-2065">33-37 Herbert Street, St Leonards,</a> seeking approval for a pair of residential towers rising above a shared podium opposite Royal North Shore Hospital.

The proposal forms part of the broader transformation underway across the St Leonards-Crows Nest precinct, where former industrial and commercial sites are increasingly being redeveloped into high-density mixed-use projects tied to major transport infrastructure.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cc428cf-fe70-4cac-9cd5-264ad53af62c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=otKSnHtbjAvAddOnovyXQMgcAwE6DMe1" />

According to the planning documents, the site sits “within the St Leonards–Crows Nest Strategic Centre, identified by the NSW Government as a key area for accommodating future jobs and housing across Sydney.”

The proposal has been designed by fjcstudio, formerly FJMT Studio, and is being progressed through the State Significant Development pathway due to its scale and affordable housing provision.

The scheme would comprise 413 apartments, including 46 affordable housing units, alongside retail and commercial uses fronting Herbert Street. The project would also include communal open space, landscaping, a swimming pool, gymnasium, children’s play areas and podium-level resident amenities.

Planning documents show the development would consist of a part-13, part-39 storey tower form positioned above a four-storey podium.

“The development comprises a unified podium that activates the street interface, and two setback towers to accommodate new housing supply while maintaining an appropriate human scale at ground level,” fjcstudio noted in its Design Report.

The northern and southern towers have been shaped to respond to the surrounding skyline while also limiting overshadowing impacts to nearby public open space, particularly Talus Reserve.

The design report said the differing tower heights were intended to “contribute to a varied skyline while responding to the surrounding built form context and solar access considerations.”

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36da62dc-ff9e-41f2-a7e3-7be38373751c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.45%E2%80%AFAM_0.png?VersionId=Mo6Rp2r.XRLTzIfg_PEEpw8NepDH8UBs" />

The site sits directly opposite Royal North Shore Hospital and within walking distance of both St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

While the site itself sits just outside the formal Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development boundary, the planning documents repeatedly reference its alignment with the broader TOD objectives reshaping the Lower North Shore.

“The site is located adjacent to St Leonards Station and in close proximity to Crows Nest Metro which is within the Crows Nest Transit Orientated Development Accelerated Precinct which has been identified by the NSW Government to support housing delivery,” the Design Verification Statement noted.

According to fjcstudio, the project has been designed to respond to the broader transition occurring across St Leonards, where increasing residential density is being concentrated around transport infrastructure and employment hubs.

“The broader precinct is undergoing significant change, with a mix of existing mid-rise buildings and newer high-density developments,” the report stated.

“Recent and approved projects indicate a consistent shift toward taller built form, typically organised as tower-and-podium typologies with more active ground levels.”

The proposal includes close to 6,000 sqm of retail and commercial space across the ground floor and podium levels, designed to create a more activated street edge along Herbert Street.

Aqualand’s plans would also introduce a landscaped podium shared between the two towers, with communal open space in the form of a podium rooftop designed to support resident interaction and improve urban greening outcomes. The scheme would also introduce pocket parks at the northern and southern ends of the site, including a landscaped area at the corner of Herbert and Ella streets designed to improve pedestrian amenity and soften the streetscape.

&nbsp;

The proposal is being progressed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, which was introduced to accelerate housing supply across the state. The application was declared State Significant Development in April 2025 following an expression of interest process.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faf6d97d-2671-454f-b85a-fe1c6a7be608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=diVd28OBVr5.YV.7prrOz.uAanwwwm7a" />

St Leonards has been particularly active with new developments in recent weeks. Developer SP Setia’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-sp-setia-targets-st-leonards-skyline-with-40-storey-tod-tower">plans for a new 42-storey tower</a> recently went on exhibition through the same pathway, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">Stockland’s 52-storey tower proposal</a> was also recently unveiled.

Aside from the St Leonards project, which is expected to take around nine months to move through the approvals process ahead of a potential 2027 launch, Aqualand is also preparing to launch Boronia, a new apartment project in Roseville comprising around 111 apartments on Larkin Street.

The developer also has approvals in place for the next stage of the Barangaroo precinct, which will feature new residential, retail, hospitality and community uses, alongside a new metro entry across the five-hectare site.

More than 50 new retail destinations are planned for Central Barangaroo, alongside a 270-metre-long boulevard connecting Hickson Park to Nawi Cove. Together with Harbour Park, more than 50 per cent of the precinct will comprise public open space and parkland.

First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party

Sydney

<html><body>
Like most other assets, transaction volumes for Sydney retail assets can be seasonal, however volumes are more likely to be a response to economic drivers, according to the latest report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The property valuation firm found, buyer activity for retail assets is typically a result of several factors. These include local businesses looking to purchase their existing tenancies, owneroccupiers wishing to secure their location, investors seeking retail assets with strong, long term lease covenants, and demand from developers wishing to secure and amalgamate sites.
Sales activity for retail is primarily driven by fluctuations in capital values.
In a strong market, investors typically look to capitalise on their investment and reinvest in other areas with greater growth prospects. In some instances we have also noted some businesses upsizing or expanding.
Conversely, some sellers are motivated by increasing vacancies and it is not uncommon to see a newly leased asset placed on the market for sale.
Increases in holding costs and perceived risks can also drive retail assets onto the market. The move to online shopping has forced some retailers to close storefronts thus increasing the sales volumes.
A driving factor of supply and demand for retail in some areas is the surge of residential property values which has coincided with an increase in the redevelopment of mixed use sites. This trend has been ongoing for some 10 years.
This surge in redevelopment has seen an increase in the supply of ground floor retail space, which is often required under the planning provisions. A good example of this trend can be seen across South Sydney, which saw a surge in retail supply when developments reached completion.
This has led to an oversupply of such stock, which has now been an issue in some areas for some five to ten years.
In other areas, adaptation to changing demands has resulted in renewed tenant demand. Examples of this can be seen in Redfern and Summer Hill. These two local retail precincts have traditionally been dominated by local businesses that service the local population and whilst this remains the case, both of these areas have seen an increase in demand as they become go to locations for small restaurants and bars.
HTW Valuers noted, "the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have implications for the Sydney retail property market. We are currently concerned about smaller retail precincts, particularly inner-city areas that rely heavily on food and beverage sales."
"Some areas have seen severe increases in vacancies. In other areas we are witnessing a slow return to normal with increases in trade leading to a revival and the slow reopening of some businesses."
"Overall, we are predicting rental reductions and an increase in required incentives in some areas, which we anticipate will result in a decline in capital values. Whilst there are currently few sales to demonstrate the impact the pandemic is having, some of those that have occurred have shown a decline in value."
"We have also noted an increase in properties available for both sale and rent in some areas and some difficulty with off the plan strata retail that is now coming up to settlement in a diminished market."
"We maintain the view that investment in retail assets will diminish as they are considered to be highly volatile and, as a result, we anticipate a decline in values. The retail market is facing a long recovery period for which we cannot know the full extent as yet", they concluded.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Investment in Sydney retail assets will shrink: HTW

<html><body>
There are 968 capital city auctions being tracked by CoreLogic this week, increasing on the previous week when 816 auctions were held.
Over the same week last year, 1,983 homes were taken to auction across the combined capitals.
There are 726 Sydney homes scheduled for auction this week, increasing on both last week when 600 Sydney homes were taken to auction, and one year ago, when 646 auctions were held across the city. 
Melbourne auction volumes remain at levels usually only seen over the seasonally quiet early January period with just 14 auctions on the radar this week, compared to 13 last week. Over the same week last year 1,020 auctions were held across the city.
The REIV is expecting about 20 auctions this week, only slightly more than CoreLogic's figures.
Across the smaller auction markets, Canberra is set to hold the most auctions this week (74), followed closely by Adelaide (73). Brisbane is expecting to host 66 auctions, while Perth has 13 auctions on the radar. Once again, Tasmania is set to see just 2 properties up for auction.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/9/18/CL%20SEPT%2018.JPG" alt="">
Australia’s largest property market is shaking off the cold weather as spring selling season continues to bring in premium stock for the leading agency.
In Sydney’s inner city suburbs, Ray White Surry Hills | Alexandria | Glebe | Erskineville Associate Director Matthew Carvalho said first home buyers have been lining up to inspect 5/191-195 Bridge Rd, Glebe (pictured in title).
The auction will be called by Ray White NSW CEO Jason Andrew. Mr Carvahlo noted that feedback has been at the $1 million to $1.1 million mark.
<img src="https://f.datasrvr.com/f1/220/74656/Petersham.JPG" width="640" data-imagetype="External">
The successful buyers may need to cool off at Bondi Beach after what is expected to be a hot auction 5/312 Bondi Rd.
The two bedroom apartment is being sold through Ray White Woollahra | Paddington Director of Sales Clay Brodie who said he has overseen roughly 100 inspections on the home.
“Buyers are interested in the beachside location but have also been really impressed by the scale and quality of the renovations the owners have done,” Mr Brodie said.
The Bondi Road apartment has a price guide of $1,100,000 and the auction will also be conducted by NSW CEO Jason Andrew.
Ray White Petersham Director Nicholas Arena has also had a huge amount of interest on 38a Constitution Rd, Dulwich Hill (pictured above) after more than 120 groups inspected the four bedroom home. Mr Arena said he is confident of a great result this weekend.
</body></html>

Spring selling season is starting to show results in Sydney

<html><body>
Apart from one standalone area, it is cheaper to buy a house in Greater Sydney than it is to rent, according to RiskWise Property Research.
Ryde is the only SA4 where the interest-only loan repayments for owner-occupiers in all of Greater Sydney are higher than the annual rent. In all other areas interest-only loan repayments are low, and in some cases well below the annual rent. There are also areas where only a small additional amount is required to also cover the ‘full mortgage’, i.e. both the principal and the interest repayments.
Co-founder of Buyers Buyers, an aggregator providing affordable buyer’s agency services to all Australians with its national panel, Pete Wargent said that while there are multiple factors that should always inform a buying decision, the buy versus rent equation has shifted this year due to lower mortgage rates.
“In the current environment prospective buyers need to consider the reliability of their employment and whether they have a reasonable buffer” Mr Wargent said.
“However, it’s clear that without as much from competition from investors many first-time buyers are now looking to get in”.
RiskWise CEO Doron Peleg said ultra-low interest rates had created a unique environment where buying a house in many areas was cheaper than paying rent on one.
He said in many areas, rent money was dead money, and that renters with secure jobs were better off buying a house than continue paying someone else’s mortgage.
“Except for Ryde, interest-only loan repayment amounts for owner-occupiers in Greater Sydney are below the equivalent annual rent, so it often makes sense to take advantage of the current ultra-low interest rates rather than continue to rent,” Mr Peleg said.
“In addition, except for in the Inner West, North Sydney and Hornsby, and Ryde, it's also cheaper to buy than rent for interest-only property investors in the whole of Greater Sydney, despite declining apartment rents in some areas”.
He said for principal and interest loans, owner-occupier repayments were higher than the annual rent of Greater Sydney, however, the monthly difference was less than $500 in five SA4 areas which included the Central Coast, with only a $15 difference, and outer suburbs such as Outer South West, Outer West and the Blue Mountains.
“Areas such as the city’s western suburbs and the Central Coast have enjoyed exceptional capital growth over the past 10 years with further positive projections in the medium to long term, especially as more and more people work remotely and can enjoy a sea or tree-change without having to seek accommodation close to employment hubs, but rather move for lifestyle benefits,” he said.
“If you buy a house you can start building equity, particularly when you take a long-term strategic view and are in a good position to negotiate well and buy a ‘Grade A’ property that will serve your family to many years to come.
“Our research also shows that nationally the interest-only repayments for both owner-occupiers and investors is lower than the annual rental cost of renting in most of the 88 areas at the statistical area level 4 (i.e. SA4s). Therefore, funding costs are lower than rental payments across all states and territories.
“And, except for Sydney and Melbourne, in all other states and territories, even the principal and interest repayments are lower than the annual rent, assuming that you have a 20 per cent deposit.
“No interest rate rises are expected in the foreseeable fortune and the intense competition between the banks is only going to further intensify, meaning buyers are in a very strong position to continue enjoying ultra-low interest rates.”
Mr Peleg said the biggest savings were in the capital cities where rental returns were the highest.
Mr Wargent of Buyers Buyers said “a sustained period of ultra-low interest rates seems almost certain in the foreseeable future and is likely to have a positive impact on the market during 2021. In fact, RBA research has found that for every 1 percentage point reduction to the cash rate, property values may increase 8 per cent over the following two years.”
Ultra-low interest rates have led some lenders to offer introductory home loan variable rates of 1.99 per cent, a move which follows the launch of the first fixed rate of less than 2 per cent.
Over the medium and the long term, Mr Wargent said solid price growth was highly likely for houses, particularly due to a systematic undersupply in the inner and middle rings, and also in the more affordable outer areas with good access to the CBD, such as the western suburbs.
Mr Peleg of RiskWise said “what this all means is now is the time to buy if you are a first home buyer or an owner-occupier as this current slowdown in the property market is only temporary, with houses in popular areas likely to experience solid capital growth in the medium to long term. However, it must be stressed that units carry a higher risk and at this point of time so this strategy should only be considered for houses.
“Once the COVID-19 issue is resolved, most likely in 2021, the traditional connection between low interest rates and increase in dwelling prices is likely to take place."
Mr Wargent of Buyers Buyers said investors with a long-term view could also benefit despite interest repayments for investment properties being slightly higher.
“If the rent covers their monthly interest repayments, they are in a good situation. There is a relationship between low interest rates, low out of pocket expenses and stronger demand and this is very attractive to investors,” he said.
</body></html>

Cheaper to buy than rent in Sydney everywhere except for Ryde: RiskWise

<html><body>
BVN, one of the six shortlisted architecture firms, has won the rights to redevelop the iconic 125-year-old City Tattersalls Club in Sydney.
The shortlist comprised five Australian companies including Hassell, Bates Smart, SJB, and Candalepas Associates, as well as international architectural practice DP Architects, who joined forces with local firm Scott Carver.
BVN impressed the judging panel with an efficient floor plan and “elegant” and “calm” facade. City Tatts chairman Patrick Campion said that BVN will work closely with FJMT, the architect overseeing the redevelopment of the heritage components of the original club buildings, to ensure continuity.
The Design Excellence Competition Brief was the result of a close collaborative process with the City of Sydney and relates, to the 49-storey tower above the historic site, with a Stage 1 DA for circa 245 residential apartments and a 100-room hotel.
The vision of the development group, a consortium led by Singapore-based First Sponsor Group Limited and ICD Property – in collaboration with the City Tattersalls Club – is to deliver a building that “sensitively integrates with the Heritage Component and provides a contribution back to Sydney by facilitating the restoration and renewal of the historic Club.”
“The six shortlisted firms were chosen based on their expertise with hotels and residential projects, heritage architecture and their experience with the Sydney CBD,” said ICD Property’s Development Director Alice Smith on behalf of the development group.
“We sought firms that were innovative and pushed the boundaries and weren’t afraid to challenge the norm, while still being able to create a timeless design that would contribute to Sydney’s urban fabric,” she said.
The brief outlined that the Tower Component should provide future residents and visitors with a desirable place to live and stay - an environment that responds to their needs through excellence in interior planning, exemplar urban design and architecture, environmentally sustainable design, together with the quality of built form.
The shortlisted candidates have been given a five-week window to design their schemes before presenting to six jurors, who ultimately, will select a winning scheme which they believe achieves design excellence.
In November last year, the high-profile Sydney project received envelope approval from the council’s Central Sydney Planning Committee for the Stage 1 Concept Development Application.
As part of the redevelopment, the City of Sydney gave envelope approval for plans to rejuvenate the entire clubhouse, including retail, restaurants, a combined hotel and Club reception on the ground level, as well as an event space, a premium co-working centre, health and wellbeing facilities and other great member facilities.
Located at 194 - 204 Pitt Street, redevelopment signifies a bigger revitalisation of the entire precinct.
</body></html>

BVN architects win City Tatts redevelopment redesign

<html><body>
Research released by Knight Frank confirms that despite lockdowns in response to COVID-19 around the world, 153 residential real estate transactions above US$10m (AU$14.3m) have taken place globally between March and June 2020, with a total value of US$3.2bn (AU$4.6bn). 
However, despite positivity that the global super-prime market didn’t buckle during lockdown, transaction levels to the end of H1 2020 are below the levels seen in H1 2019, with 281 super-prime (US$10m+ / AU$14.3m+) transactions taking place January to June 2020 compared to 594 over the same period 2019. 
The research looks at how 12 key super-prime markets around the world performed in H1 2020 compared to H1 2019 and delves into the number of transactions completed since March 2020 when COVID-19 was officially labelled a pandemic, lockdowns were enforced around the world and international travel ceased.  
Total Transaction Volumes 
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="118">
Market
</td>
<td valign="top" width="118">
H1 2019
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
H1 2020
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
March – June 2019
</td>
<td valign="top" width="151">
March – June 2020
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
Hong Kong
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
155
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="113">
60
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="132">
111
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="151">
41
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
Los Angeles
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
77
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="113">
52
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="132">
58
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="151">
35
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
New York
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
137
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="113">
41
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="132">
100
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="151">
19
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
London
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
75
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="113">
24
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="132">
56
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="151">
16
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
Palm Beach and Broward
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
29
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="113">
24
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="132">
24
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="151">
10
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
Singapore
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
29
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="113">
27
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="132">
24
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="151">
8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
13
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="113">
15
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="132">
12
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="151">
6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
Dubai
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
17
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="113">
8
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="132">
13
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="151">
6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
Miami
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
25
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="113">
12
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="132">
16
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="151">
4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
Orange County
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
24
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="113">
9
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="132">
21
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="151">
4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
Geneva
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
10
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="113">
8
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="132">
9
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="151">
3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="118">
3
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="113">
1
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="132">
2
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="151">
1
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Knight Frank’s Erin van Tuil, Partner, Crown Residences at One Barangaroo, said: “In half one of 2020 transactions were down in 11 of the 12 markets analysed. Sydney was the stand out market and the only one to record an increase in sales compared to half one 2019, from 13 to 15 transactions respectively.
“Looking at the period between March and June 2020, there were six sales in Sydney compared to 12 in the same period last year. However, Sydney’s super-prime market is set for a successful year thanks to its fundamentals as a city, poising it for resilience, strength and stability.”
Leading on the sales of Crown Residences at One Barangaroo, a development which will consist of 82 super-prime and ultra-prime homes, van Tuil experiences first-hand the positive performance of Sydney’s prime market, despite the effects of the pandemic. From her commentary on viewer testimonials, it is clear to see why appetite for high end homes remains.
van Tuil said: “We are receiving a record number of enquiries for Crown Residences at One Barangaroo, Australia’s first fully-integrated hotel branded residences. While we had a quieter April, we received the highest number of enquiries to date in February and June 2020, and sales are performing phenomenally well.  
“After a period of dislocation, the flight to quality property from active participants in the market has increased dramatically. Buyers are looking for a more intimate connection to their homes with space, ceiling height, privacy, services, and the beauty of a building being front of mind. These feelings are evident in viewers of Crown Residences at One Barangaroo, who are attracted by the private sanctuary of the Residences amidst the proximity to public space, with the services and amenities from the hotel below having become more appealing than ever.”
Overall, four markets were within seven of their March to June 2019 levels of transactions, Melbourne only one below, Geneva six below and Dubai seven below, with a total of six sales. 
Total Sales Volume 
Despite the falling number of transactions, deal values were generally higher. Overall, the global average transaction value increased by 15 percent for the March to June period, at US$20.7m (AU$29.6m) compared to US$18m (AU$25.8m) for the same period in 2019.
Sydney recorded a significant rise in average transaction value to US$16.8m (AU$24m), up from US$12.6m (AU$18m) in 2019, an increase of 33 percent. London saw the largest increase and takes the top spot with an average transaction value of US$38m (AU$54.5m), compared to US$16.9m (AU$24.2m) over the same period as last year.  
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="218">
Market
</td>
<td valign="top" width="218">
Total Sales Volume March - June 2019 (US$ million)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="218">
Total Sales Volume March - June 2020 (US$ million)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
Hong Kong
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
2,351 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
812 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
Los Angeles
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
1,098 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
693 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
New York
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
1,793 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
363 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
London
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
944 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
608 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
Palm Beach and Broward
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
333 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
170 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
Singapore
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
454 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
130 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
152 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
101 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
Dubai
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
173 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
80 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
Miami
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
255 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
52 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
Orange County
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
309 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="218">
59 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
However, Hong Kong ranks highest for the number of transactions and total sales volume with 60 having taken place in 2020 so far worth a combined US$1.2bn (AU$1.7bn). There have been 41 since March and, whilst this is less than half of the 155 in the first half of 2019, it is only marginally down from the 74 in the second half of 2019 when the city grappled with social unrest. 
New York has the third highest number of super-prime sales this year with 41, behind 52 in Los Angeles, and almost half of these (19) have taken place since March. With the city being particularly hard hit by COVID-19, accounting for approximately one in six of all US cases in April, this demonstrates resilience and that the fundamentals remain.
Ultra-Prime Market (US$25m / AU$35.8m)
The research also takes a look at the ultra-prime market (above US$25m / AU$35.8m) in these 12 areas. It highlights that eight of these markets saw one or more transactions in the ultra-prime market over the March to June 2020 period. Two saw more sales than the same period last year and two held steady, with a total of US$1.3bn (AU$1.8m) transacted.  
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="218">
Market
</td>
<td valign="top" width="218">
Total Transactions March - June 2019
</td>
<td valign="top" width="226">
Total Transactions March - June 2020
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="218">
Hong Kong
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="218">
20
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="226">
8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="218">
London
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="218">
6
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="226">
6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="218">
Los Angeles
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="218">
12
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="226">
5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="218">
New York
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="218">
16
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="226">
3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="218">
Palm Beach and Broward
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="218">
1
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="226">
2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="218">
Geneva
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="218">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="226">
2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="218">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="218">
0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="226">
1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="218">
Singapore
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="218">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="226">
1
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Sydney went from zero sales above US$25m (AU$35.8m) in March to June 2019 to one over the same period in 2020. Hong Kong has once again seen the highest number of ultra-prime sales in this time period with eight and a total of 10 so far in 2020, down from 30 in the first half of 2019. However, in terms of total volume of sales, London leads the way with US$434m (AU$621.2m) in sales followed by Hong Kong’s US$372m (AU$532.4m).
van Tuil said: “We expect momentum in the ultra-prime segment will continue as ultra-high-net-worth individuals look for more spacious options post-lockdown. The 82 Residences at Crown Residences at One Barangaroo offer a mix of homes within the super-prime and ultra-prime segments. Viewers are looking across these segments at the two, three and four bedroom Residences that we have remaining on the market, as well as the breath-taking Duplex Penthouse.”
Mark Manners, Head of Prestige Residential, Knight Frank Australia, concludes: “Global events like the COVID-19 pandemic can disrupt sales processes. However, you tend to find sales are postponed, rather than cancelled. Super – prime and ultra-prime property is viewed as a safe investment for the long-term, so buyer interest has not dampened and is expected to increase as markets continue to exit lockdown.”
 
</body></html>

Sydney’s super-prime residential market outperforms expectations despite COVID-19 lockdowns 

<html><body>
The median Sydney rental yield has fallen sharply, according to the CoreLogic June 2020 quarterly rental review.
House yields in the NSW capital sit at 2.7% (down from 3.2% 12 months ago), and unit yields sit at 3.4% (down from 4.0% 12 months ago).
The current combined median yield (for all property types) is 2.9%, down from 3.5% 12 months ago.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/29/cap%20cities%20yield.png" alt="">
This reflects a downturn of 0.8% month-on-month and 1.3% over the quarter.
For renters, this translates to a median rental price of $568 ($609 for houses and $536 for units).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/29/cap%202.png" alt="">
In the 12 months to June, rental yields fell across seven of the eight capital city markets. Perth was the only exception.
</body></html>

Sydney rental yields fall in June: CoreLogic Quarterly Rental Review

<html><body>
New Moore Park contractor John Holland has laid its first concrete slabs at the Sydney stadium.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said development hasn't stopped during COVID, providing job security for workers, boosting NSW's COVID-19 recovery and ensuring the project remains on schedule.
"The Sydney Football Stadium project is investing in local companies during the pandemic with a Western Sydney business providing the concrete for today's pour," Mr Lee said.
"This is another exciting milestone setting the foundations for the stadium to start rising from the ground."
To complete the stadium, a further 40,000 cubic meters of concrete will need to be poured – That's the equivalent of 16 Olympic swimming pools.
Over the next two years, the Sydney Football Stadium Redevelopment will reportedly create over 800 jobs and inject hundreds of millions into the NSW economy through the procurement of construction materials and labour.
"Our stage two contractor John Holland has already safely logged over 140,000 hours by workers on site since the beginning of the outbreak and there has been an average of 180 workers on site in July alone," Mr Lee said.
"We have extended hours on weekends to enable work to continue safely with social distancing, no job losses or reduced hours for employees."
The stadium is expected to host the 2022 NRL Grand Final, with the state government saying that this timeline is ontrack.
</body></html>

Sydney's Moore Park see's first concrete slabs laid

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Australasia is the strongest performing world region for luxury residential property price growth in the year to Q2 2020, with the Gold Coast the best performing city in the region, according to the results of the Knight Frank Prime Global Cities Index Q2 2020.
The Prime Global Cities Index, which tracks the movement in prime residential prices in local currency across 45 cities worldwide, found five Australian cities – the Gold Coast, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne - were ranked in the top 24 for luxury residential market performance over the past year, with one making the top 10.
The Gold Coast was the top ranked city in Australia – and Australasia – coming in at number 10 on the list of global cities with 3.4 per cent annual growth.
It was followed by Sydney (ranked 11) and Perth (12), both of which recorded annual growth of 3 per cent. Brisbane was ranked 16 (2.5 per cent) and Melbourne was ranked 24 (1.2 per cent).
Positive growth was recorded for the Gold Coast (1.2 per cent), Sydney (0.3 per cent), Perth (2.3 per cent) and Brisbane (0.3 per cent) over the past quarter. Melbourne was the only city to record negative growth of -1.0 per cent over the past three months.
Knight Frank’s Head of Residential Research Australia Michelle Ciesielski said this was the first opportunity Knight Frank had had to take the pulse of prime residential markets globally since the COVID-19 pandemic hit large parts of Europe and the Americas.
“Globally, the Prime Global Cities Index has reached its lowest rate of annual growth since the last quarter of 2009, when the world was in the grip of the global financial crisis,” she said.
“Prices increased by 0.9 per cent on average in the year to June 2020, down from 2.3 per cent in March.
“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, in the June quarter, 67 per cent of global cities registered flat or positive prime annual price growth.
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
“Knight Frank’s analysis by world region shows prime prices in Australasia and North America were the most resilient in the second quarter of 2020, with Australasia the strongest performing world region in the year to Q2 2020.
“The relatively strong performance of Australian cities was a result of the shallow number of listings, keeping property prices firm, and by global comparison we have largely escaped the major impact of COVID-19.”
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Knight Frank National Head of Residential Shayne Harris said demand for luxury property in Australia was likely to continue and potentially grow, with ultra-high-net-worths looking to buy more spacious homes.
“In cities such as Sydney we are seeing more demand for higher-value properties such as large detached homes or generously-sized apartments, which is supporting prime residential values,” he said.
“During the pandemic we’ve seen the ultra-wealthy make their next residential property purchase decisions based on liveability, so places like South-East Queensland will become more attractive in a post-COVID world.
“It is unlikely we will see significant volumes of distressed prime sales as we saw in 2008, during the global financial crisis.
“Lending criteria is tighter, new supply is constrained in several cities, interest rates are low and there is currently assistance on offer from both lenders and governments.”
<div class="page" title="Page 3">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The top performing city in Knight Frank’s Prime Global Cities Index was Manila, with annual luxury residential price growth of 14.4 per cent, followed by Tokyo (8.6 per cent) and Stockholm (4.4 per cent).
“Manila, Tokyo and Seoul are Asia’s top performers year-on-year, with Stockholm, Geneva and Paris leading Europe’s rankings,” said Ms Ciesielski. “However, five of these six cities registered flat or falling prime prices in the three months to June.
“We expect the index to display muted growth in the second half of 2020 before recovering in 2021.”
Australian cities – ranked by annual per cent change (Q2 2019 – Q2 2020) 
</div>
</div>
<table style="height: 200px; width: 353px;">
<colgroup>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
CITY
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/0d8ce672-eb01-4f80-b586-c2cf63e3d2e6" alt="page3image3718272" width="0.480000" height="0.480000">RANK</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
12-MONTH CHANGE (%)
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/59c4dd41-f00c-416e-9afa-c2051a31ee0a" alt="page3image3719520" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"> <img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/7668e0f5-d767-43a8-80da-e22b43e6bb04" alt="page3image5104384" width="0.480000" height="0.480000">3-MONTH CHANGE (%)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Gold Coast
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/a7e2dafc-4cbc-4371-84dc-5bdd7bf781fa" alt="page3image3722016" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"><div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
10
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
3.4
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/c2f55b0b-7606-4726-8566-d0ba3159a05c" alt="page3image3722848" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"> 1.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Sydney
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/3b34f86c-b8f4-498d-9934-2bca4d79d254" alt="page3image3725344" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"><div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
11
</div>
</div>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/e7d1d694-e2eb-47aa-b3f9-700546701c92" alt="page3image3726384" width="0.480000" height="0.480000">
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
3.0
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/6660ae26-8164-41d7-a18d-b6304289f105" alt="page3image3727008" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"> 0.3<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/484cd0c8-dc25-4f8d-8706-76fbe0d6ccc0" alt="page3image3728048" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"> <img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/ae3f7e06-f840-4987-9e17-fe48d7da4520" alt="page3image3728464" width="0.480000" height="0.480000">
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Perth
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
12
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
3.0
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
2.3
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Brisbane
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/bcd57dcc-b8d4-4bcf-ac94-4e23677a1e01" alt="page3image3730752" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"><div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
16
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
2.5
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/9df2bf5d-7da5-4cd7-ad0a-fb3587f1fbf0" alt="page3image3731584" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"> <img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/0324fecc-a454-4f46-898c-f6fb502056f1" alt="page3image3732000" width="0.480000" height="0.480000">0.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Melbourne
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/4b7ce401-414a-40db-8a3d-ee93e1bb32bd" alt="page3image3734288" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"><div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
24
</div>
</div>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/68fd0368-cccf-4a2c-b580-76dea4e47ef9" alt="page3image3735328" width="0.480000" height="0.480000">
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
1.2
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/9300df5f-ed10-4dd9-9673-a21dc7894c87" alt="page3image3735952" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"> <img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/217d7084-727d-4569-ab40-6a9724154283" alt="page3image3736368" width="0.480000" height="0.480000">-1.0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Source: Knight Frank Prime Global Cities index Q2 2020 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Gold Coast, Sydney and Perth top ranked cities in Australia for luxury residential price growth

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 25">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Auction numbers and new listings in Sydney property market continue to remain fairly strong for this time of year, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report.  
The valuation firm presented a "investor playbook" of real estate performance within each service area. 
The report notes the last few weeks has seen an increasing number of COVID-19 community transmissions in Melbourne and then Sydney. 
"Whilst, at the time of writing, Sydney has not seen a return to the lockdowns experienced in March and April, there is no doubt consumer confidence is again starting to decline as a result of an apparent ‘second wave’," the valuation firm said. 
Home values across Sydney have continued to decline over the past month, dropping by 0.9% over that time according to CoreLogic. 
Whilst values are still up by 2.8% since the beginning of 2020, if the current trend continues, it would mean prices falling a further 5 to 6% by the end of the year, the report noted. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/8/10/sydney%201%20.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
 <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/2020/8/10/sydney%201%20.jpg" alt="">
<div class="page" title="Page 25">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
"Auction numbers and new listings continue to remain fairly strong for this time of year, although auction clearance rates have eased to around 60% over the past few weeks," the valuation firm said. 
The clearance rate at in the same period last year was above 70%, although with a lower number of auctions, as the market began its recovery at the time.
"And now onto the property investors playbook," the valuation firm continued. 
The residential property investor market has had some significant hurdles placed in front of it in recent years.
 Tougher lender and regulatory requirements around investor loans, and the threat of removal of negative gearing and capital gains tax allowances prior to the federal election in May last year, significantly reduced the number of investors looking to get into the market, the report noted. 
As these lending restrictions eased and the threat to tax allowances was extinguished, the investor market began to recover along with the wider market as prices started to rise.
That recovery has now come to an abrupt halt as a result of COVID-19, as asking rents have fallen sharply, while vacancy rates have climbed, across many parts of Sydney.
According to CoreLogic, across the financial year to June, Sydney dwellings saw an average 16.7% return with 13.3% of that through capital growth.
<div class="page" title="Page 25">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Houses enjoyed a 17.7% return with 14.5% capital growth, while units had a 14.7% return with 10.6% of that being capital growth.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/8/10/sydney%202.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/8/10/sydney%202.png" alt=""> 
<div class="page" title="Page 25">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
However with prices now falling and rental yields also under downward pressure, returns in the current financial year are likely to be significantly leaner.
As can be seen from the table below, vacancy rates in the Inner and Middle ring suburbs have been particularly hard hit since March, while the Outer suburbs have continued to see a tightening vacancy rate, the report noted. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/8/10/sydney%203.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/8/10/sydney%203.png" alt="">
<div class="page" title="Page 25">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The Inner ring suburbs have seen an increasing supply of properties, particularly units, as previous holiday-stay properties were switched over to the long term rental market, and new unit completions have continued to hit the market. 
New unit completions are also impacting supply in some middle ring suburbs.
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 26">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The report notes demand levels are not increasing at the same levels as supply as immigration has been stopped and is likely to be impacted for some time to come. 
Demand from international students has also dropped dramatically as a result of COVD-19.
"With values at the lower end of the market holding up better than other price points, and vacancy rates continuing to tighten in the outer ring, Western Sydney is looking like the best place for investors for returns in the short to medium term."
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Sydney home values continues to decline: HTW residential 

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Sydney Metro median property prices increased by 1.3 per cent for houses, according to PRD's Affordable and Liveable Property Guide Sydney 1st Half 2020.
Affordable and liveable suburbs are those with a maximum property sale price of the average state home loan, plus a 15 per cent deposit.
In the 1st half of 2020, 139 suburbs were within this price range, greater than the 119 suburbs identified in the 2nd Half 2019 report. 
The most affordable and liveable house suburbs include: 
<table style="width: 688px;" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td>Approx. radius from the Sydney CBD</td>
<td>Median House Price</td>
<td>2 Bed Median Price </td>
<td>3 Bed Median Price </td>
<td>4+ Bed Median Price </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Miranda</td>
<td>20km</td>
<td>$1,160,000</td>
<td>$1,055,000</td>
<td>$1,092,500</td>
<td>$1,210,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rockdale </td>
<td>10.9km</td>
<td>$1,100,000</td>
<td>$1,075,000</td>
<td>$1,160,000</td>
<td>$1,237,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tempe</td>
<td>7.7km</td>
<td>$1,093,000</td>
<td>$1,042,500</td>
<td>$1,243,850</td>
<td>$1,425,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Affordable and liveable unit suburbs include: 
<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td>Approx. radius from the Sydney CBD</td>
<td>Median House Price</td>
<td>1 Bed Median Price </td>
<td>2 Bed Median Price </td>
<td>3+ Bed Median Price </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rockdale</td>
<td>10.9km</td>
<td>$610,500</td>
<td>$482,500</td>
<td>$615,000</td>
<td>$718,880</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bexley</td>
<td>11.1km</td>
<td>$610,000</td>
<td>$442,500</td>
<td>$600,000</td>
<td>$768,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Peakhurst</td>
<td>16km</td>
<td>$659,000</td>
<td>$495,000</td>
<td>$635,000</td>
<td>$842,500 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A cooling in median property prices in early to mid-2019 has led to more suburbs identified as affordable in the 1st half of 2020. However, this also meant there were a large number of suburbs with negative median price growth.
In line with the methodology set, suburbs with median price growth close to neutral (i.e. zero) were chosen. A premium of 95 per cent for houses and 11 per cent for units was added to the NSW average home loan, to ensure suburbs chosen met all other set criteria. This is well below the 2nd Half 2019 report premium and below the percentage premium needed to reach Sydney Metro’s median property price. Thus there is improved access to liveable suburbs for buyers.
Median property prices in Sydney Metro increased by 1.3 per cent for houses to $1,355,000 from 2018 to 2019/20 and remained steady for units at $796,500. By comparison, from 2017 to 2018 the median house price in Sydney Metro softened by -4.5 per cent, and the median unit price softened by -2.6 per cent.
The market has recovered from the significant price drop seen in mid-2019. There is a unique opportunity in Sydney Metro, as the current market is more affordable than in 2017 (median house price of $1,401,000 and median unit price of $819,500), yet at the same time owners can be confident in their asset’s ongoing value.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/6/26/9_Houses.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge: 
<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/2020/6/26/9_Houses.jpg" alt="" width="491" height="278">
<div class="page" title="Page 5">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Sydney Metro sales and median price growth. Source: PRD.
The Sydney Metro rental market recorded a median rental price of $500 per week for houses and $530 per week for units, representing quarterly median price growth of one per cent for houses and 1.9 per cent for units. This occurred despite an annual increase in vacancy rate, which was at 3.9 per cent in April 2020.
 Sydney Metro recorded average yields of 2.5 per cent for houses and 3.5 per cent for units, which saw a slight softening in the 12 months to April 2020. Despite this however, Sydney Metro still offers investors long-term historical strength and stability in its rental market.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/6/26/9_Rental.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<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/2020/6/26/9_Rental.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="337">
Sydney rental market analysis. Source: PRD. 
The top three lowest priced suburbs in Greater Sydney are Villawood whose 2019/20 median price is $697,500, Granville ($730,000) and Guildford ($740,000). While there is no project development value offered by PRD for Villawood, its 2019/20 median rent is $500 with a 2.9 per cent rental yield.
Granville has a project development value of $22.6 million and a median rent of $460 with a 3.3 per cent rental yield. Guildford has a project development value of $9.8 million and median rent of $450 with a 2.8 per cent rental yield. 
Meanwhile, the top three highest priced suburbs are St Leonards (with a $12.05 million median), Point Piper ($8.825 million) and Lavender Bay ($7 million). 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
An estimated $17.5 billion of developments is planned in the 1st half of 2020 for Greater Sydney, in many sectors. Major projects include the $1 billion Stage One M6 Extension infrastructure project, the $636.7 million Park Sydney Mixed Use Development (1,400 units), and the $200.0M Westfield Parramatta Stage One extension. These projects highlight the strength of the development pipeline for the 1st half of 2020. This will generate more commercial activity, and infrastructure projects will create additional employment; resulting in positive spill-over effects on the property market.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Sydney

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Sydney

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News