<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

<main data-perf-region="main">
Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

Sydney

<html><body>
Next month will see the release of seventy new apartments in the Crimson Hill master planned community development, located 15 kilometres from the Sydney CBD in Lindfield.
The Canopy Release, launching 17 May, will offer one, two and three bedroom apartments in the development’s Dunstan Grove precinct.
So named for its canopy views over the Lane Cove National Park, prices of apartments in the Canopy release will start from $575,000.
The <a href="https://www.crimsonhill.com.au/" target="_blank">Dunstan Grove precinct of Crimson Hill</a>, to be sold over a number of stages, will comprise a total of 14 one bedroom apartments, 50 two bedroom apartments, and 65 three bedroom apartments. The Defence Housing Australia developed residences are being marketed towards owner occupiers, with no obligation for owners to lease the properties back to Defence Force members.
<img src="/images/2014/04/28/DHA_CH_DG_Interior_Living2_Small.jpg" alt="">
Each precinct in the development is named after a war hero, with Dunstan Grove taking its name from Victoria Cross recipient William Dunstan, who fought in World War I.
Surrounded by Lane Cove National Park on Sydney’s North Shore, Crimson Hill will comprise 345 residences upon completion, with a mix of apartments, terraces and free standing homes available.
The 700 expected residents will have access to a large community centre and a FIFA two-star accredited synthetic soccer field, both operated by the Ku-ring-gai council. The new Charles Bean Sportsfield was developed by DHA with the Ku-Ring-Gai council and the Northern Suburbs Football Association and opened in December last year. According to DHA managing director Peter Howman, the precinct’s existing fields presented an opportunity to enhance facilities for the community.
“The fields have long been a well-patronised part of this area. We’re excited that as part of the new development, we’ve been able to improve something that has such a clear community benefit,” he said.
Duncan Tweed, chief executive of the Northern Suburbs Football Association said that the field’s synthetic pitch allows play to continue despite wet weather.
“We’ve been waiting for a field like this for a long time. It is fantastic – the best surface we have in our association,” he said.
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Sydney’s Crimson Hill development to launch Canopy Release next month

<html><body>
"It’s been almost impossible to give accurate price guidance when potential purchasers are prepared to fight and bid aggressively, resulting in some delighted vendors," the Ray White chairman Brian White recently noted.
The admission accompanied the Ray White Group achieving $3.2 billion in March sales nationally.
"How wise are vendors to have embraced auction in this cycle," <a href="https://www.raywhitegroup.com/white-paper/" target="_blank">he said in his latest monthly advisory</a>, The White Paper.
"All of the talk in Australia is about Sydney.
"But it went much broader than Sydney," he said earlier this month.
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
"It’s always a good sign for Australia when New South Wales is powering.
"It becomes a catalyst for confidence across the nation," he said. 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
"Ray White in Victoria set a new record reflecting a dramatically improved Melbourne market," he said.
He pinpointed a number of offices that "showed just how big some real estate agencies can become.
"For example, <a href="https://rwdbgroup.com/" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Double Bay</a> did $120 million, <a href="https://rwremuera.co.nz/" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Remuera</a> in Auckland did $55 million, <a href="https://raywhitegw.com/" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Glen Waverley</a> in Melbourne also did close to $50 million.
"All massive increases over any previous level."
Last November he noted New South Wales was the standout with its first $1billion month, adding the experience at Ray White Balmain where Sam Kelso and Emily Sim opened a new business and were profitable in the first year, was "inspiring." 
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
"We’re seeing record auction clearance rates," he wrote in late 2013.
"Property prices are increasing in most markets, particularly the big cities. 
"The highest percentage of property is now being taken to auction. 
"Confidence to upgrade one’s home is being backed by enthusiasm of a cycle a-go.
"Sooner or later, the cycle will lose intensity," he acknowledged. 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Mr White likes to call markets as accurately as possible, and in the past weaker markets once noted "There's a terrible statistic in the industry that shows about half of sales are made at a price that is less than the owner was previously offered."
And he had also advised the only softness was the confidence hit that resource regions in Australia are now experiencing. 
"On a bearish note, prices are dropping in resource areas.
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
"A reminder of how closely linked property prices are to economic activity," he said. 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Brian White has said the continued focus on China had resulted in the company being recently invited to present at a key investment conference being held by CCPIT – the arm of the Chinese Government promoting investment within and outside of China.  
But adding that while project sales continued at remarkable levels - "what would this market look like if it no longer had Asian interest?" 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Ray White chief says auction price guidance "almost impossible" in aggressive Sydney market

<html><body>
Mercedes, the 1886 Rustic Gothic Revival residence at Lavender Bay, has been finally sold.
<a href="https://www.homehound.com.au/listing/sold/nsw/sydney-region/north-shore-lower/lavender-bay-north-shore-lower/9-walker-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060/" target="_blank">Its $6.95 million buyer last month was to the Graham family</a>, who secured it at almost half its ambitious 2011 asking price of $13 million.
It had previously sold by the Sisters of Mercy, Goulburn,<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-north-sydney-nsw-2060/43612" target="_blank"> in July 2006 for $5 million</a>, and then renovated by Trivest property developer Albert Bertini. He had obstetrician Keith Hartman and hospital industry entrepreneur Shane Moran briefly making up an investment syndicate threesome.
After North Sydney Council approved its $450,000 refurbishment into short-term convalescent accommodation, it was presumably Hartman's passion that briefly had it becoming a $1,300 a night luxury retreat for new mothers and their babies. 
The 1,180 square metres Walker Street property overlooking Lavender Bay had six bedrooms, operating as The Mothers Retreat. But it ceased operating in 2008.
The sale last month was by the company, Lavender Bay Investments of which Albert Bertini was its sole director and shareholder.
The sandstone mansion was built by Broken Hill engineer James Atchison, who sold it in 1893 to the Harcourt family, and then it was owned by the Cahill family, known as Cardigan.
From 1908 until 1944 it was owned by hotelier William Cahill and his wife, Bridget Durack, who sold it to the sisters who gave it its current name.
</body></html>

No Mercy as Mercedes, Lavender Bay fetches around half ambitious asking price

<html><body>
Confusao...
A lot of confusing property market commentary around at the moment...perhaps even more so than usual!
I read one article from a US pundit stating that "Australia's property prices are rising faster than ever". That makes for an interesting headline, but none of the real data shows anything remotely close to that. 
RP Data's figures instead demonstrate that, Sydney aside, Australian dwelling prices have essentially done absolutely diddly squat since their previous peak in 2010.
<div class="separator"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFV8NloyU9I/U1ri3dno2RI/AAAAAAAAMww/EODYFg432kU/s1600/RPD2010.jpg"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFV8NloyU9I/U1ri3dno2RI/AAAAAAAAMww/EODYFg432kU/s1600/RPD2010.jpg"></a></div>
Source: RP Data
Price changes in real terms
Of course, the above figures are in actual or nominal terms.
In real terms, when adjusted for incomes dwelling prices have gone backwards everywhere except for Sydney over the past four years or so.
Pundits often state that "asset prices can't outpace inflation", but since wages can outpace inflation, so too can dwelling prices. 
<blockquote>
Sydney has been one of the weakest performing property markets over the past decade, with house prices lagging incomes significantly since 2003.
</blockquote>
Given that incomes tend to increase over time, and given that the speed limit on asset valuations largely boil down to the availability of credit and borrowers' ability to service that credit, you might expect that over time dwelling prices could mirror household income growth, while acknowledging that interest rates and the make-up of the average households will also shift.
Sydney
It's now around a decade since Sydney's preceding property boom finished.
Here is what has happened to rents over the time since December 2003 as compared to average weekly earnings ordinary time earnings.
<div class="separator"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1bGJXjrEpn0/U1rkAErYQ-I/AAAAAAAAMw8/ZJTrxkoyy7Q/s1600/Rentsvhouseprices.jpg"></div>
The earnings figures I've used here are the average weekly ordinary time earnings (AWOTE) from the Reserve Bank which increased by a little over 50% over the past decade, which is, of course, well ahead of the rate of inflation, as noted in previous posts.
The recently released <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6401.0?OpenDocument" target="_blank">inflation data from the </a><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6401.0?OpenDocument" target="_blank">Australian Bureau of Statistic</a>s showed that Sydney rents mirrored earnings growth remarkably closely in the harbour city over the past decade, also increasing by around 54%.
As for house prices, contrary to the incendiary commentary from our well-meaning but misguided US friends, Sydney has been one of the weakest performing property markets over the past decade, with house prices lagging incomes significantly since 2003.
<div class="separator"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7SkqXRKdDY/U1rk8ixUhYI/AAAAAAAAMxQ/CnMZzX7rghE/s1600/wagesvhouseprices.jpg"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7SkqXRKdDY/U1rk8ixUhYI/AAAAAAAAMxQ/CnMZzX7rghE/s1600/wagesvhouseprices.jpg"></a></div>
The chart above explains why I've long suggested Sydney as being the best risk-adjusted bet for investors in Australia over the past five years, since I believe that over the medium term eventually prices would catch up again sending the market up to its next cyclical and irrational peak.
The chart also explains why SQM Research felt that Sydney could show 15-20% growth in 2014.
Recall also that the official cash rate in Australia in the boom years 2000 to 2003 hovered between 4.25% and 6.25%.
Today the cash rate is only 2.50% which is a nontrivial 275 basic points below where it was in December 2003, so it is not unfeasible that we even might yet see the red light overshoot the blue.
<div class="separator"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWdThY4Q_sU/U1s74tMMJ3I/AAAAAAAAMxg/LnvvnbFOsIM/s1600/OCR2014.jpg"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWdThY4Q_sU/U1s74tMMJ3I/AAAAAAAAMxg/LnvvnbFOsIM/s1600/OCR2014.jpg"></a></div>
Since average earnings might grow, say conservatively, by say another 2.50% or so in 2014, this would mean Sydney dwelling prices would have to record exceptionally strong growth in the ABS house price index of around 20% to again hit their previous eye-wateringly high levels.
Historically the most expensive city
Sydney has historically been Australia's most expensive city.
Louis Christopher of SQM Research said that "Sydney is like a high PE stock. It trades at high levels because people expect prices to continue performing in the future".
He's right.
Throw in record low interest rates, Sydney's massive population growth, the new impact of self-managed super funds (SMSFs) being able to invest directly in residential property and the fact that the great stock market crashes around the world have seen a global shift from equities to prime location real estate, and I'd take a bet that some time in the coming decade the red line will again have crept closer to the blue.
Global shift
We opined a long time ago that there has been a global shift towards storing wealth in real estate in prime locations, one which has been accelerated by the financial crisis, rock bottom interest rates and a trend towards capital flight from countries across eastern Europe and Asia.
Note that as foreign funds wind their way to these shores, rarely will they be invested in remote or rural areas. 
On the contrary funds will flow to the inner suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne.
It's no coincidence that I've been heavily invested in real estate in cities like Sydney and London, and nor is it any coincidence that we have offices in those two cities. 
Reports <a href="https://in.reuters.com/article/2014/04/25/us-realestate-china-internet-idINBREA3O12120140425" target="_blank">Reuters</a>:
"As property prices cool in Hong Kong and Singapore, which have long been magnets for Chinese investment, more money is flowing to real estate markets such as New York, London and Sydney. 
"Chinese have overtaken Russians for the first time as the biggest buyers of apartments in Manhattan, according to real estate brokers."
<a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/chinese-look-to-australia-for-their-overseas-home/story-fniz9vg9-1226893718109#mm-premium" target="_blank">Juwai also reported</a> this week that Chinese investors are unsurprisingly focusing on Sydney and are buying in suburbs such as Chatswood, Epping, Camperdown, Epping, Mosman and East Sydney.
You can visit <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) or Pete's <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blog</a>.
His new book '<a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>' is out now.
</body></html>

pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

What's going on in Sydney's property market?

<html><body>
The median national house price was up 2% for the March quarter and 11.3% over the year, with Melbourne and Sydney remaining the clear market leaders for price growth according to the latest House Price report from Australian Property Monitors (APM).
Price growth rates slowed across all capital cities for the March quarter, with no growth in Perth’s median house price and APM recording falling prices in Hobart, Darwin and Canberra.
The biggest quarterly increase in median price was seen in Sydney, up 3.1% to a median house price of $669,845 for March. However, these results were markedly softer than those recorded in the previous quarter. Median house price recorded in the city for the December quarter was at 5.1%.
APM senior economist Andrew Wilson commented that Sydney’s median house price showed its lowest rate of quarterly growth since March 2013.
“The Sydney house price boom has faded fast as all capital city housing markets recorded waning house price growth over the March quarter,” noted Wilson, who cited affordability barriers in the city’s market resulting from underperforming local economies.
“Other capital city markets have recorded, at best, modest growth which clearly reflects the disparity of the multi-speed recovery profile of the current growth cycle.”
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-punchbowl-115014075" target="_blank">three bedroom Punchbowl home</a> pictured below sold for $690,000 last month. 
<img src="/images/2014/04/23/main%205.jpg" width="460" height="345">
The second biggest jump recorded by APM was in Melbourne, where the median price for March was $540,747, up 2.8% for the quarter.
APM’s results for the quarter are more conservative than those posted by RP Data, which recorded a 4.8% median house price increase over the March quarter for Sydney and a 5.8% increase in Melbourne.
Data from APM shows that Sydney’s house market has seen a 16.9% year on year increase in median price, while Melbourne’s median house price is up 11.7% from March 2013.
The greatest drop in median house prices was seen in Canberra, where median house price was recorded at $566,863, down 2.6% for the quarter. Canberra was also the only capital city market that saw a year on year decline, with the median house price falling 1.6% from March last year.
This <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-mckellar-116248543" target="_blank">three bedroom house</a> on 776 square metres of land in Canberra’s Belconen district sold for $565,000 in March. 
<img src="/images/2014/04/23/image9.jpg" width="460" height="345">
</body></html>

Melbourne price growth the second strongest capital city, with softening Sydney prices: APM

<html><body>
A Hurstville Hungry Jacks premises sold for $6.65 million at auction last week.
It reflected a yield of around 2% for the Forest Road premises. 
The vendor’s reserve was $3.15 million according to William Gunning from Gunning Commercial.
Strong buyer interest from local buyers and mainland Chinese investors meant the Hurstville retail market was strong with yields sometimes under 5%.
Late last year the Huaxing Supermarket premises at 198 Forest Road fetched $2.23 million when sold to L &amp; J Zhang Pty Ltd. The premises are 209 square metres.
The last big sale was $11.65 million last June when 124 Forest Road was sold to Shanghai Lihua Hurstville Pty Ltd by Smart Giant (Aust) Pty Ltd.
In 2012 the refurbished two-storey retail strip property leased to NAB sold for $9.013 million equating to a yield of 5.85%.
The bank branch sits on a 418-square-metre site at 252 Forest Road.
On the office front, earlier this year Centuria sold a 4,800 square metre commercial office building at 8 Woodville Street, Hurstville for $17.35 million ($3,615/m²), reflecting a yield of 8.3%.
It last sold for $13.38 million in 2008 when bought from Immer (169) Pty Ltd. 
The office market is being watched closely as the NSW Office of State Revenue is moving from Hurstville to Parramatta premises.
The decision was part of the push which will see more than 3,000 public servants head west under the proposal of then Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Barry O’Farrell “decade of decentralisation” policy.
The Office of Environment and Heritage is also moving Hurstville to Parramatta.
The Australian Taxation Office’s announced last year that it would close its Hurstville office in early 2015, with the relocation or loss of about 500 jobs.
Gunning have listed an investment opportunity in a central location in the shopping strip and commercial precinct .
The 227-229 Forest Road building comprises four levels – with the upper three commercial space. 
<div id="left">
<div id="property-details">
<div id="desc">
The property has multiple tenancies, and a rental income of $1,011,812 gross. The building size is 1,776 square metres.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Retail investors hungry for Hurstville despite office market unrest

<html><body>
The veteran ABC sports commentator Peter Wilkins, best known as "Wilko" has listed his two storey five bedroom Elanora Heights home.
It has been his Sydney home since paying $835,000 in 2003 with wife, Susie. They have two children.
Some $1.3 million plus is being sought for the 1975-built Kalang Road house that sits on a 703 square metre property.
It goes to 1 May auction <a href="https://www.ljhooker.com.au/HCSF6Q/5-bedroom-house-for-sale-elanora-heights" target="_blank">through LJ Hooker Collaroy agent Gordon Spring</a>.
Apparently the couple are seeking a sea-change after its sale. He loves golf, the guitar and surfing.
Currently presenting Grandstand on ABC TV News24, he ranks the radio broadcast of the Socceroos qualification for the 2006 World Cup as a career highlight of the past 32 years.
RP Data puts the median house price at <a href="/news">Elanora Heights</a> at $975,000.
</body></html>

Peter "Wilko" Wilkins, ABC sports veteran, lists Elanora Heights home

<html><body>
Finally the sales marketing, including video, has appeared on Belle Property websites for 18 Molong Street, Curl Curl North.
Of course it's the redundant home of the Sydney glamour couple Jennifer Hawkins and builder model husband Jake Wall.
Last week the estate agents posted a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhPFKHOoc5I" target="_blank">1.40 minute You Tube drone video</a> on the "sublime sanctuary" where Jen and Jake have watched whales cruising across the horizon.
{qtube vid:=RhPFKHOoc5I}
Gotta love the curtains fluttering in the breeze!
There had been just the 179 video views in its first four days.
The house is also featured with <a href="https://www.belleproperty.com/buying/NSW/Northern-Beaches/North-Curl-Curl/House/12P4639-18-molong-street-north-curl-curl-nsw-2099" target="_blank">photos on the Belle website</a>. 
The whisper marketing campaign began early April with the local paper Manly Daily exclusive.
There's still no official price guidance from agent, Steve Thomas at Belle Property who has had a hand in two prior sales in the Windy Drop Down gated community.
Property Observer noted sales have ranged from $2.7 million to $6.7 million over the past four years.
Another non-cliff front designer property fetched $3.15 million two doors away in late 2012 when Thomas sold the 2007 built four bedroom house.
The couple have lived in the Molong Street home for the past three years since they built on a former tennis court block that cost $1.375 million in 2010.
It comes with <a href="https://www.darrenpalmer.com/north-curl-curl.php" target="_blank">Darren Palmer interiors</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/2014/04/11/curl%20curl%20april%2011%20one.jpg" alt="">
They are soon off to their next nearby Koichi Takada-designed (below) home.
<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/2014/04/11/hawkins%20instagram.jpg" alt="">
Source: Instagram
Before Hawkins made the move to the northern beaches, The BRW rich lister who ranks number 22 on the Top 50 Entertainers list owned a townhouse in Coogee, which cost $2.27 million in 2009 for $2.27 million and was sold for $2.3 million in 2012.
</body></html>

Inside Jennifer Hawkins and Jake Wall's North Curl Curl, Sydney listed home

<html><body>
Sydney's median house price sits at a record $782,973 after the moderating 2014 March quarter price growth, according to one of the property data companies, Australian Property Monitors. 
The record house price median was <a href="/expert-insights/buying/sydney-march-quarter-price-moderation-but-still-far-stronger-than-every-other-capital-city-apm">up 16.9% over the past year to $782,973</a>.
So Property Observer went looking for what house buyers got at around this price. 
Here's our baker's dozen.
<ol>
<li>The nearest to the city was a Surry Hills terrace that fetched $780,000 in an off market sale. The 575 Riley Street terrace on a 127 square metre block had last sold at $400,000 in June 2000. There was 90 square metres living space including three bedrooms in the 1900 built terrace. </li>
<li>
At Kirrawee, $783,000 secured 36 Wylie Street (pictured below), an 1980 built three bedroom house on a 569 square metre block. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-kirrawee-115790767" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">The house</a>, with 126 square metres of living space, previously sold at $679,950 in October 2012. <img src="/images/2014/04/28/kirrawee%20april%2028%20one.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>
The private treaty vendors at 13 Carmel Close, Baulkham Hills (pictured below) had been looking for $770,000 plus since last November, and took a $780,000 offer in January for the four bedroom 1990 built house through <a href="https://raywhitebaulkhamhills.com.au/nsw/baulkham-hills/1054973/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Ray White</a>. Set on a large 746 square metre cul de sac parcel of land in a sought after pocket of Crestwood, it was marketed as close to reputable schools, reserves and public transport. <img src="/images/2014/04/28/baulkham%20hills%20apirl%2028%20one.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>
A one bedroom Enmore semi sold for $780,000, the smallest offering at around the Sydney median house price. The<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-enmore-115458171" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;"> 29 Gladstone Street</a> (pictured below) offering had previously traded at $600,000 in November 2009. There was 60 square metres living space on the 100 square metre block. The vendors had tried to get $708,000 in early 2011. <img src="/images/2014/04/28/enmore%20april%2028%20one.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>
There was a nicely <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-terrace-nsw-newtown-115968539" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">renovated one bedroom Newtown semi sale</a> at $780,000 through Callagher Real Estate. The 57 Kent Street (pictured below) sale got just 50 square metres living space, the smallest Property Observer came across. It sat on an 89 square metre block. <img src="/images/2014/04/28/newtown%20april%2028%20one.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>
The $780,000 offer through Century 21 Liverpool for a five bedroom, three bathroom Voyager Point house secured the equal biggest number of bedrooms that Property Observer found. The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-voyager+point-115709123" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">2A Pelorus Avenue house</a> (pictured below) had failed to sell at November auction. It was built in 2001 on its 673 square metre block with 320 square metres of living space. It last sold at $615,000 in January 2012. <img src="/images/2014/04/28/voyager%20point%20apirl%2028%20one.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>
A five bedroom 1998 Prestons house that sold at $780,000 had a special staircase. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.wiseberry.com.au/property/165030970" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">It was marketed by Wiseberry agent Oscar Montes de Oca</a> as a luxury offering. The 6 Mildura Place property (pictured below) came with pool too. Its cinema screen was a tad problematic. Its last sale was $560,000 in June 2009. <img src="/images/2014/04/28/prestons%20april%2028%20one.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>
There was a $784,600 sale at The Ponds, one of Sydney's newest suburbs through Century 21 Rouse Hill. The four bedroom, two bathroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-the+ponds-115875739" target="_blank">21 Viceroy Avenue</a> (pictured below) came with media room with 84’’ fixed cinema screen. <img src="/images/2014/04/28/the%20ponds%20apirl%2028%20one.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>A Tempe semi which was listed with $660,000 plus hopes fetched $780,000. It was two bedrooms at 112 Tempe Road. It last sold at $598,000 in May 2010. The 86 square metre space included attic bedroom. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-tempe-115904435" target="_blank">The 278 square metre block</a> (pictured below) had enough space for veggie garden. <img src="/images/2014/04/28/temple%20april%2028%20one.jpg" alt=""> </li>
<li>
On the well established upper north shore, a 1970s brick house at Wahronga sold in February at $785,000 through McConnell Bourn ahead of its scheduled March auction. The four bedroom home with 144 square metres living space sits on the largest block Property Observer came across, 1,119 square metres <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/10-cooper-crescent-wahroonga/Property-Details-sold-residential-6674307" target="_blank">at 10 Cooper Crescent</a> (pictured below). It had previously sold at $315,000 in 1996 and 1991. <img src="/images/2014/04/28/wahroonga%20paril%2028%20one.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>
The property needing the most work was 24 London Street, Enmore (pictured below) which was offered by the NSW Public Trustee. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-enmore-116002687" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">It sold at March auction for $780,000</a> through Laing &amp; Simmons Newtown agent Namir Mikha who had been giving a $650,000 plus pre-auction price guidance on the two bedroom house. <img src="/images/2014/04/28/enmore%20april%2028%20two.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>
Investors secured the $785,000 purchase of 25 Kirkham Road, Auburn. <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/property-house-auburn-2144-924272" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">The three bedroom is available for rent at $570 a week</a>. 
</li>
<li>
Interesting that investors have a high presence on the list with this one at Edensor Park rented out at $650 a week after it was bought for $780,000. And <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-edensor+park-115834415" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">14 Keesing Street</a> (pictured below) is another five bedder, which has been another strong feature of the list. <img src="/images/2014/04/28/edensor%20park%20april%2028%20one.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
</ol>
</body></html>

What buyers actually get for Sydney’s record $782,973 median house price

<html><body>
Retired rugby league champion Brad Fittler and his partner, Marie Liarris, have listed their Rose Bay investment semi, Salisbury Cottage.
The four-bedroom, three-bathroom semi with two car spaces has reputed $1.7 million expectations for its <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-rose-bay-nsw-2029/222433/?searchID=38696325" target="_blank">May 17 McGrath auction</a>.
The Channel 9 commentator bought the 1920s Salisbury Road semi (pictured as on purchase) for $1.67 million in May 2013 <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/nsw/rose-bay/961246/" target="_blank">through Annette Pollak at Ray White Double Bay</a> when offered to the market for the first time in more than 20 years.
Reflecting four percent yield, it was leased after becoming available with an initial weekly $1300 asking rent through Andrew Anastassiou at <a href="https://www.homeestateagents.com.au" target="_blank">Home</a> Estate Agents Bronte. 
It sits on a 304 square metre holding.
</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