<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/damgar-group">Damgar Group</a> has delivered Rosella, its boutique Murrumbeena apartment project, several months ahead of its anticipated completion.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, the seven-storey building delivers 70 one, two, and three-bedroom residences, marking the first significant new apartment offering in the suburb in years.&nbsp;

With construction now complete and move-ins underway, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/rosella-murrumbeena-50-rosella-street-murrumbeena-vic-3163">Rosella</a> brings together design, practicality, and strong connectivity in one of Melbourne’s most tightly held pockets.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142221 project_image_fid=353183]

Damgar partnered with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/progressio-developments">Progressio</a> and the acclaimed team at Cera Stribley to create a design that both stands out and belongs, with its curved concrete façade and warm copper detailing nodding to the nearby Hughesdale Station underpasses.&nbsp;

Inside, these soft architectural curves continue through interior walls, a feature rarely seen at this scale and price point.&nbsp;

James Gray of Progresio, Rosella’s development partner, said the project set out to create “something Murrumbeena simply hasn’t seen before,” combining design ambition with everyday livability.

“We brought in the renowned team from Cera Stribley Architects who created something instantly recognisable,” said Gray.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142221 project_image_fid=352270]

Each apartment balances function and aesthetics, with interiors curated around natural light, warmth and material quality. Kitchens are appointed with Miele appliances, stone benchtops and gunmetal tapware, complemented by Cera Stribley’s signature joinery and bespoke detailing. Open-plan living zones open onto generous terraces designed for entertaining.

Residents also enjoy access to a landscaped rooftop terrace and residents’ lounge with panoramic views over Melbourne’s skyline, a rare amenity in Murrumbeena’s low-rise neighbourhood context.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142221 project_image_fid=352267]

Rosella sits directly opposite Hughesdale Station and Hughesdale Village, placing cafés, wine bars and everyday retail within walking distance. Chadstone Shopping Centre - Australia’s largest retail destination - is just minutes away, while the CBD is a short 15-minute train ride. It’s a level of connectivity that continues to drive buyer interest from professionals and downsizers seeking long-term value in established suburbs.

Final residences at Rosella start from $680,000, offering one of the few opportunities to buy brand-new in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/murrumbeena-vic-3163">Murrumbeena</a>. Damgar Group is also offering generous stamp duty contributions toward purchases for a limited time.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142221]

Staff Writer

"Something Murrumbeena simply hasn’t seen before": Rosella redefines apartment living in Melbourne’s south-east suburb

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia</a> and Metrics Credit Partners are teaming up once again, this time in Concord, where they're taking Concord Central,&nbsp; an eight-building, 1400-dwelling precinct, to the NSW Government.

The State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for the 3.14-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-king-street-concord-1-king-street-concord-west-nsw-2137">1 King Street</a>, adjacent to Concord West train station, also includes plans for a new civic plaza featuring retail and commercial spaces.

Concord Central marks another major collaboration between Billbergia and Metrics, following their joint venture in the Sydney CBD, a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/billbergia-metrics-propose-two-80-level-towers-in-sydneys-cbd">two-tower development</a> that will see both towers rise 80 storeys, ranking among the tallest buildings in the city.

<img alt="Bilbergia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="03ecc392-ba98-437a-bf3b-a944c42e1812" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-21%20at%204.53.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=VaW78cYWuwRjWfU0GdgNQrRWTxU7u5xY" />

At Concord, the initial proposal in 2024 was for 700 apartments across 10 towers.&nbsp;The tower heights now range from six to 37 storeys.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

According to the Scoping Report prepared by Ethos Urban, the project aims to “incorporate a mixed-use approach and use urban design principles to integrate commercial, retail and residential land uses” while improving connectivity and public access to transport infrastructure.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/group-gsa">GroupGSA</a> has led the urban design and masterplanning, alongside architectural input from Fitzpatrick Partners, Lachlan Seegers, and Carter Williamson. The indicative masterplan shows a layout that prioritises open space, view corridors, and pedestrian permeability, with over 5000 sqm of public realm, including a central park and active street frontages.

The project’s proximity to Concord West Station and future Sydney Metro connections at North Strathfield supports the broader vision for a transport-oriented development. The Scoping Design Report notes that the masterplan “seeks to re-integrate the site into the suburb, providing residential activation with public through-site links, civic spaces and play areas”.

<img alt="Billbergia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0e724b4a-5eac-4725-b8a6-e8f217fd753e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-21%20at%204.53.57%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=Mpa8ojMn.XDFd73mOzXCA2EI1WarS4tE" />

Retail space has been reduced slightly in the latest version to 5,100 sqm, but with a sharper focus on local activation and daily needs. A childcare centre and community facilities are also included, alongside infrastructure upgrades valued at over $100 million.

The project has been declared State Significant and is undergoing assessment by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. According to the submitted documents, construction could begin as early as late 2026, with completion anticipated by 2029.

This project continues Billbergia’s focus on large-scale urban renewal precincts, with similar activity underway in Rhodes and Chatswood in partnership with Metrics.

Joel Robinson

Billbergia and Metrics unveils Concord Central scheme with 1400 homes near Concord West Station

Three years after submitting its initial development application for a new apartment building in Bilinga, local developer Lacey Group has decided now is the right time to start progressing with the project.

Lacey Group, which has been behind the likes of Del Ray in Kirra and The Monroe in Palm Beach, has filed fresh plans for an 11-level building with 27 apartments. The 1,009 sqm block at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/66-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">66 Pacific Parade</a>, on the corner of Archer Avenue facing Joe Doniger Park and the beach, is currently home to a walk-up block of original flats known as Serene.

Plus Studio has tweaked its own plans. The density mix isn't much different to the&nbsp;10-level, 28-unit <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-lacey-group-set-for-next-gold-coast-apartment-development">application they made in 2022</a>.

There will still be nine two-bedroom apartments and 16 three-bedroom apartments. The three two-level penthouses have been scrapped, in favour of a large three-bedroom and four-bedroom apartment on the ninth level. There will be just three apartments per floor throughout the building.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Lacey" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="170901f8-c4e9-481d-8d2a-5c7d20b1d785" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-21%20at%206.01.24%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=lGJGCx9qskwB8qu6Xlur4i0K0boXR5Do" />

Plus Studio, led locally by Danny Juric, says 66 Pacific Parade will be&nbsp;a "timeless addition to Bilinga, facilitating a lifestyle defined by relaxed sophistication — barefoot luxury at its finest."

"Located just moments from the beach, 66 Pacific Parade is designed to embrace the Bilinga lifestyle and enhance the neighbourhood’s character," the submission to the Gold Coast City Council noted.

They called the apartments "beach homes", which will be "enveloped by sweeping curves that create a seamless integration between the architecture and its coastal context."

"These soft forms enhance panoramic view experiences for residents, while layered landscaping along the Pacific Parade and Archer Street frontages blends the ocean into the residents’ private recreation deck, pool, and lounges."

<img alt="Lacey" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="18aebcd9-4d68-47d2-86b9-92eda1779103" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-21%20at%206.01.47%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=xtOSgbusBKaWiXhyhjO_0ctVkllaPg_0" />

&nbsp;

According to the Town Planning Report by Urban Planning Services, the new application “demonstrates a more refined architectural expression, with particular emphasis on coastal character, visual interest, and improved amenity outcomes”.

The design adopts lighter tones and tiered landscaping, with articulated balconies and screening elements to soften the façade and improve privacy.

Bilinga has become a popular spot for developers in recent years. SIERA recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/pipis-bilinga-303-golden-four-drive-bilinga-qld-4225">PIPIS</a>, just 19 luxury apartments on Golden Four Drive, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bilinga-house-107-golden-four-drive-bilinga-qld-4225">Bilinga House</a>, a more dense, more price-pointed development, recently launched.

First look: Lacey Group advances Bilinga apartment plans

A fresh high-rise tower is being proposed on what is becoming Surfers Paradise most popular street for development.

Sunset Boulevard, just outside of the centre of Surfers Paradise on the Nerang River, has been a hotbed for developers in the last 12 months, with the likes of SEYAH, Macquarie York, and&nbsp;YHY Group filing plans for new apartments.

The latest comes from Sinclair Projects, a company associated with Sinclair Projects, a company associated with&nbsp;Highgrove Bathrooms Founder Lindsay Sinclair. They've sought to develop <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cointreau-25-27-sunset-boulevard-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Cointreau</a>, 51 apartments across a 16-level building that will sit on a 1,012 sqm corner site at 25-27&nbsp;Sunset Boulevard, on the corner of Alberta Place. It is currently occupied by two low-rise dwellings.

The tower, by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studio-workshop">Studio Workshop</a>,&nbsp;will include a mix of 37 two-bedroom and 14 three-bedroom apartments, with all residences located above a three-level podium which will home a communal recreation level, featuring landscaped terraces and a pool, and the majority of the 69 resident parking spaces.

Studio Workshop says in the submitted plans to the Gold Coast City Council that Sunset Blvd is emerging as a "vibrant new urban community that blends lifestyle, culture, and convenience in a central locale."

"The development embraces the Gold Coast’s unique connection to the outdoors, highlighted by Cointreau’s podium pool and wellness spaces that encourage residents to live and relax in the open air."

<img alt="Gold Coast" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="94bc6fc7-651a-4c6c-aa4a-ea033971a943" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-21%20at%205.27.47%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=JUOpBzV3BSNah6QLyeCIT6QVuK.3Hy_3" />

They said its central location reinforces its identity as a connected precinct, with key views to HOTA, access to the Broadwater, and walkability to both the beach and the heart of Surfers Paradise — placing dining, retail, entertainment, and lifestyle at residents’ fingertips.

"This thoughtful integration of design, amenity, and location ensures Sunset Blvd is more than just a place to live — it is a thriving community that captures the essence of coastal urban living while fostering a strong connection to both nature and culture."

The first development likely to launch on Sunset Boulevard among a backdrop of several approvals is SEYAH's&nbsp;Cavella, just 18 large-scale apartments on the river.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-seyah-to-launch-cavella-in-emerging-sunrise-boulevard-surfers-paradise-pocket-following-density-rethink">First look: SEYAH to launch Cavella in emerging Sunrise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise pocket following density rethink</a>

The first developer to identify Sunset Boulevard was Roy Skaf's Macquarie York. He has approval for 43 apartments, although that density may change in the coming months.

YHY Group has approval for a 33-level tower with 74 apartments, with the penthouse proposed to be the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-the-gold-coasts-largest-penthouse-pitched-for-new-surfers-paradise-tower">largest penthouse ever</a> produced on the Gold Coast.

Sydney-based P&amp;N Sleiman Group secured approval for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/52-sunset-boulevard-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">52 Sunset Boulevard</a>, but has recently listed the site for sale.

First look: Sunset Boulevard shines as Surfers’ next hotspot for apartment development

A prominent eastern gateway site to Bondi Junction could soon host a new eight-storey apartment project combining market and affordable housing, under new plans lodged with Waverley Council.

The proposal covers a 1,631 sqm amalgamated site across five properties at 2–6 Bondi Road and 75–77 Old South Head Road, including the corner of Ben Eden Street.&nbsp;

According to the Design Verification Statement by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/tony-owen-partners">Tony Owen Partners</a>, the development will deliver a total of 56 apartments, incorporating 10 affordable dwellings. The project takes advantage of the NSW Government’s Housing SEPP, which provides a 30 per cent uplift in height and floor space ratio in exchange for the inclusion of affordable housing.

<img alt="Bondi Road, Bondi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64226782-681d-430f-a08b-31d007ba40e0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bondi%20Road%20Bondi%20site.png?VersionId=gCt8XpeE4jXEoao0FnG.Ij9mUr73CB68" />

The mix of apartments spans one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations, with a layout designed to optimise amenity and environmental performance.&nbsp;88.5 per cent of units achieve natural cross ventilation, Tony Owen Partners notes in the statement, attributing the result to the site’s configuration and a high proportion of corner apartments.

The design also responds to the site’s transitional context, on the periphery of the high-rise Bondi Junction commercial core and adjoining the lower-scale Bellevue Hill precinct.&nbsp;

“The siting, scale, bulk, and massing of the proposed development is consistent with that anticipated for the area,” the statement reads, with the building’s height capped at 28.6 metres in line with the LEP controls including bonuses.

<img alt="Bondi Road building" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="083fb63f-8a64-4c21-9c09-83e379f1cedd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bondi%20bldg.png?VersionId=aQMby6eh5kCepC_rlXkobUpV0M6IsYns" />

Located near the intersection of Bondi Road, Oxford Street, and Old South Head Road, the site occupies a pivotal position at the entry to Bondi Junction from the east. The site is currently occupied by four detached two-storey dwellings.

Bondi Junction seldom sees new apartment development. Stargate is currently developing <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-centennial-collection-east-sydney-2-nelson-street-bondi-junction-nsw-2022">The Centennial Collection</a>, on the edge of Woollahra and Centennial Park, and are soon to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/signature-by-stargate-362-384-oxford-street-bondi-junction-nsw-2022">Signature by Stargate</a>, just down Oxford Street.

First look: Eight-storey apartment block pitched for key Bondi Junction gateway site

Andrew Wilson

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The number of national capital city established homes newly advertised for sale over the week ending February 7 surged by 11.5% compared to the previous week's total, according to Dr Andrew Wilson, chief economist at the property platform Archistar.

The latest data shows the national total new listings over 2021 so far have are now 7 percent higher than recorded over the same period in 2020.

Melbourne saw the biggest early February jump, up by 28.% followed by Sydney 15%, Adelaide 11.5% and Brisbane up 10%.

Dr Wilson noted newly listed home numbers for Perth however fell by 36% over the week clearly reflecting the impact of its recent coronavirus lockdown.

Melbourne also reported the most newly listed established homes for sale over the past week - 12.7% higher than Sydney’s total.

“Newly advertised listing numbers can be expected to continue to surge over coming weeks and track higher than last year’s results at the same time - particularly as the autumn home auction season gathers pace,’ Dr Wilson said.

“More listings will be good news for buyers offered more choices – but they can expect to pay higher prices in a hot market,” he added.

Archistar is an Australian property platform which combines architectural design with artificial intelligence to inform decision-making in property and is used by agents, developers, architects, government planners and homeowners nationwide.

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The latest data shows the national total new listings over 2021 so far have are now 7 percent higher than recorded over the same period in 2020

jchancellor

Property listings starting to rise

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<div id="ember1421">
The hardworking Domain senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson has been missing from zealously offering his commentary on property markets for several months.
An official announcement headlined "Dr Andrew Wilson resigns from Domain" came on his LinkedIn on the weekend.
"On October 25th last year, I resigned as Chief Economist for the Domain Group," he advised.
He was however noticeably absent from early October.
His predecessors include Matthew Bell, who left in 2010 for Stockland, and Louis Christopher who leads SQM.
"My resignation concluded seven years employed by Fairfax brands Australian Property Monitors and Domain Group. 
"Following my resignation notification, Domain enforced the ‘garden leave’ provision of my three month notice period. 
"This provision precluded me from having any contact with workmates, clients, the media and the wider community through my various social networks.
"With my garden leave and Domain Group employment finally concluded, I will now activate my role as Australia’s leading independent property market economist," he advised.
The background, according to some Fairfax-linked sources, is that Dr Wilson felt unappreciated by Domain's chief editorial and marketing officer, Melina Cruickshank, who has been responsible for the increased trivialisation of property coverage since she joined Domain in October 2014.
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<div><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6362442199023656960/" data-control-name="object" data-ember-action="" data-ember-action-1452="1452"></a></div>
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This time last year Dr Wilson anticipated capital city housing markets would see mixed results in 2017, but he advised there would "no surprise" that Sydney and Melbourne were likely to continue to lead.
It was likely that other capitals would remain steady, with price growth generally constrained by low income economies, he said.
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"Lower interest rates in 2017 are likely to continue to bolster housing markets, with an increasingly underperforming national economy almost certain to require further stimulus from the Reserve Bank," he forecast.
House price growth, although remaining positive in most capitals through 2017, would likely track in a narrow range of up to 5 percent annually for the top performers, Dr Wilson tipped.
"The Darwin and Perth markets were set to bottom out in 2017, following a lengthy period of weak activity with prices at three year lows," Dr Wilson forecast.
He tipped that unit markets would continue to be influenced by significant levels of new apartments, acting to push supply ahead of demand.
The Sydney unit market was forecast to remain strong, due to a chronic undersupply of units and solid demand, holding prices strong. 
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"Record new apartment supply in the Melbourne CBD will continue to outstrip demand, with downward pressure on prices to continue in that submarket," he suggested.
"Strong demand and lack of supply for suburban units, however, will offset the weaker CBD market.
"This means that overall Melbourne unit prices growth is likely to remain positive over the year," he forecast.
(An earlier version mispelt Melina Cruickshank as Melinda) 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Economist Dr Andrew Wilson formally resigns from Domain Group

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Confident sellers have flooded the Melbourne and Sydney auction markets this Saturday.
There are record year end weekend offerings.
Auctions are scheduled up to 5pm including <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-turramurra-124210482" target="_blank">Chasecote</a>, (above) the 1907 home at Turramurra which has been listed through Chadwick Real Estate. Nearly 1100 homes are set to go under the hammer this weekend, which is below last weekend’s 1372 auctions but well ahead of the 717 auctioned over the same weekend last year in Melbourne.
Domain says Melbourne has listed 3606 weekend auctions over December which is ahead of the 3558 listed last December.
It is the highest number of December auctions on record for the local market. Melbourne’s western suburbs are yet again tops for auction activity this Saturday with 231 homes listed to go under the hammer.
Next highest is the north east with 178 auctions followed by the north 131, the outer east 120, the inner city 105, the inner south 96, the inner east 86 and the south east with 76 auctions listed. The most popular suburb for auctions at the weekend will again be Glen Waverley, with 21, closely followed by Epping 20, Richmond, St Albans and Bundoora each with 17.
Mount Waverley and Richmond each with 15 and Pascoe Vale with 14 auctions listed on Saturday. Last Saturday’s result was the highest for nearly two months and only the third time the local clearance rate has exceeded 80 percent all year, Dr Andrew Wilson, the Domain Group’s chief economist said.
Nearly 700 homes will go under the hammer in Sydney on Saturday which will be lower than last weekend’s 908 auctions but more than double the 320 auctioned over the same weekend last year.
Sydney has listed 2464 weekend auctions over December which is well ahead of the 1936 listed last December and the highest number of December auctions on record for the local market.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Record auction rush in last minute December offerings in Melbourne and Sydney

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Low interest rates and confidence built through growth in the stock market have senior economist for Australian Property Monitors, Andrew Wilson, predicting an uptick. He believes that the lower north shore, northern beaches and city east are following the boom seen in the lower and middle markets in Sydney.
Already, over the March quarter, APM’s figures recorded 8% growth in the prestige market, compared to the western suburbs’ 3.9%.
He revealed, at the second annual LJ Hooker Mosman Investment Seminar, that the middle and lower ends are tampering off, however the lower north shore is firing up.
“Current prestige markets are definitely not as advanced in the price cycle as previous highs in 2009 and 2010, there is still some way for that market to reach the top,” he said.
In fact, he believes that by the end of 2014, the lower north shore will have seen 10% in growth.
“There is no stopping the prestige property market at the moment, there is still a lot of positive energy buzzing around with reports of the highest price growth since 2003,” he told seminar attendees.
“This positive atmosphere has worked as a mindset shift for possible buyers and sellers in that market, rather than an underpinning driver.”
LJ Hooker Mosman director Bernard Ryan said that he is seeing properties over $1.8 million transacting faster.
“Investors and upgraders have been honing in on the lower north shore since interest rates started trending down in November 2011, but activity really gathered pace in the last year,” Ryan said.
“We’ve always had a strong contingent of locally-based clients, but interstate-based and overseas investors have increased their presence recently.”
Areas for potential growth:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="/news">Mosman</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Cremorne</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Neutral Bay</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Kirribilli</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Milsons Point</a> 
</li>
<li><a href="/news">Lavender Bay</a></li>
</ul>
Source: LJ Hooker Mosman
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

APM's Andrew Wilson predicts 10% growth for Sydney prestige market

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Sydney and Melbourne have recorded record auction results for the autumn period, ahead of an expected <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/investment/41315-pre-easter-auctions-rush-means-falling-clearance-rates-and-buyers-spoilt-for-choice" target="_blank">wind-down over the Easter break</a>.
Australian Property Monitors senior economist Andrew Wilson told SmartCompany buyers and sellers in both Sydney and Melbourne should be pleased with the weekend’s results, with clearance rates up almost 5% in Sydney to 78.1%, and up 0.6% in Melbourne to 72.3%.
Wilson said Sydney’s clearance rate has now dipped below 80%, after more than two months above the level.
“This is no real surprise given the high number of listings,” Wilson says. The weekend’s results are based on 1,111 listings, 697 auctions and 581 properties sold, compared to 821 listings, 709 auctions and 570 sales last week. Nevertheless, Wilson says it could be sign of a slight downwards trend in the Sydney market.
The most expensive property sold in Sydney was a four bedroom house in Lane Cove on Sydney’s lower north shore, which was sold for $4.9 million. The most affordable property was a studio apartment in Surry Hills, which fetched $220,000 at auction.
In Melbourne, 1,277 properties were listed, 944 auctions held and 686 properties sold. This compares to 1,007 listings, 898 auctions and 654 properties sold the week before. “It was the best result in a month,” says Wilson.
A three-bedroom house in Toorak was the most expensive property sold at $2.7 million, while a house of the same size in the western suburb of Kurunjang was the most affordable at $235,000.
However, Melbourne may also be following in Sydney’s footsteps, with Wilson saying there are a number of negative aspects of Victoria’s economy that are acting as a drag on the capital city’s clearance rate, which has been falling since the Labour Day weekend in early March.
Wilson said the weekend’s results will give the market “pause for reflection over the next two weeks before it all starts up again”, although the market typically quietens over the winter months.
Click here for the full list of APM's 12 April weekend auction results for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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jake-cSmGT7VXVf

Bumper property pre-Easter weekend with record auction results

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Across the March quarter, the national median weekly asking rent for houses increased by a subtle 0.2%, with unit rents increasing by 1.7%, however the picture is mixed across the country, explains Australian Property Monitors’ latest statistics.
<img src="/images/2014/04/10/apm-chart-april-10-one.gif" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/04/10/apm-chart-april-10-two.gif" alt=""> 
Source: Australian Property Monitors 
SYDNEY
National housing rents for the year ending March saw Sydney retain strength as the most expensive major capital for tenants, with median weekly asking house rent over the March quarter sitting at $500, and units at $490, explains APM’s senior economist, Andrew Wilson. As discussed yesterday, Sydney’s expensive rental market will come as no surprise to anyone looking to live there.
Despite this, Sydney’s house rents have remained flat for 12 months, “indicating underlying affordability barriers constraining rental growth,” said Wilson.
Sydney unit rents, however, continue to rise driven by the affordability advantages of units over houses and the growing preferences for apartment living and inner–city locations. Based on current trends, unit rents will be on parity with house rents sooner rather than later in 2014.”
MELBOURNE
Pointing to the recent rend of rising house rents, Melbourne has seen some of the best performance of all the capital cities – up 4.1% over the year, with the March quarter seeing a 1.3% increase.
“Melbourne unit rents have staged a revival after a lengthy period of subdued growth,” he said.
“Despite March quarter increases in rents, Melbourne remains relatively affordable for tenants with only Adelaide recording lower rents of all the mainland capitals.”
BRISBANE
However, the picture differs when looking at Brisbane, where the market was weaker over the March quarter, with house rents staying flat and unit rents actually dropping by 1.3%.
“Over the year ending March 2014, no growth was recorded in unit rents, however, house rents rose by +2.6%. Significant numbers of new inner city apartments continue to place downward pressure on rental growth,” said Wilson of the yearly statistics.
Note: Wilson explained that in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, a low number of first home buyers could be responsible for creating some demand-based rental pressure, however increased supply with investor activity and new apartment building should impact rental growth in these cities.
Rental yields also have some interesting implications across Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. In the latter two capital cities, yields remain the lowest of all capitals for units and houses, however Melbourne appears to see some increases in yield suggesting weakness in price growth for inner city apartments. Brisbane, however, provides the highest gross rental yield of all the major capitals.
ADELAIDE
Currently, Adelaide is the most affordable of all mainland capitals, with subdued rental growth over the March quarter. In fact, over this period house rents fell by 1.4% and units remained flat.
PERTH
In Perth, the quarter recorded flat rents for house and units, as the “market continues to adjust after the unsustainably strong rental growth seen in the first half of 2013,” he said.
“House rents in Perth are now down by -2.0% over the year with no growth in unit rents,” said Wilson.
DARWIN
Despite flat rents for houses and unitsover the March quarter, a 7% increase over the year ending March was recorded.
HOBART, CANBERRA
Flat or falling rents for houses and units were recorded over the March quarter.
 <img src="/images/2014/04/10/apm-chart-april-10-three.gif" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/04/10/apm-chart-april-10-four.gif" alt="">
Source: Australian Property Monitors
Further mixed results for all capital cities are expected through 2014, as price growth moderates in most capitals, explained Wilson.
“Choppy capital city rental market performances over the March quarter reflects, to some degree, the uplift in home buying activity which was driven by sharp improvements in housing affordability over the past year,” he said.
“With prices growth likely to accelerate this year, expect increased house investor activity although yields may weaken.”
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Melbourne and Sydney show strength, as rest of the country’s rents dip

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Auction clearance rates tracked steadily on the weekend, but were just a warm-up to a bumper amount of sales expected on Super Saturday next weekend.
The Saturday before Easter weekend is traditionally a <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/investment/35605-harry-dent-says-the-australian-property-bubble-will-burst-is-he-right&amp;sa=U&amp;ei=ZupBU87RIYbgkAWX8oGwCw&amp;ved=0CAcQFjAB&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;usg=AFQjCNHpv9ysK2mkkdpeu--nWKWEoK0BtQ" target="_blank">big weekend for auctions</a>, ahead of the quieter winter period.
Australian Property Monitors senior economist Andrew Wilson says next weekend will see record auctions in Sydney, with around 1,100 expected, while in Melbourne there will be around 1,200 auctions.
“It is the end of the autumn selling season and the point where you get the pre-holiday rush,” Wilson says.
“It will be a big weekend for the Sydney market… it is definitely a test for whether the high listing numbers mean there are enough buyers.”
On the weekend, Melbourne had 1,016 properties listed, with 802 auctions and 580 sold. The clearance rate of 71.8% was slightly up from last week’s result of 69.8%.
The median house price in Melbourne was $791,000, while the median unit price was $511,000. The most expensive property was a four bedroom Camberwell home for $3,935,000.
Wilson says it was a very predictable weekend of results for Melbourne, not deviating from recent trends.
“The trend has been down over the past month, since the Labour Day weekend, and the clearance rate has flattened a little with high numbers of properties listed,” Wilson says.
He says Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs continued to perform well on the weekend, holding up the market with clearance rates over 80%.
In Sydney, there were 838 properties listed, with 494 auctions and 425 properties sold, with a clearance of 80.6%. This was slightly up from last week’s clearance of 75.9%.
The median house price in Sydney was $1.12 million, while the median unit price was $706,500. The most expensive property in Sydney was <a href="/news/kensington-suburb-record-price-from-macquarie-banker-sale-of-peter-dunkley-built-trophy-home">a five bedroom house in Kensington</a>, for $3,775,000. Sydney’s most affordable property was a studio apartment in Auburn, sold for $156,000.
In Adelaide, the auction clearance rate was 80%, while in Brisbane it was 50.8%.
You can find APM's list of weekend auction results for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide here.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.SmartCompany.com.au" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Andrew Wilson

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