Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

Apartment Oversupply

<html><body>
Publicity seekers love a bandwagon, preferably one that’s already travelling at a fair pace so that they can just leap on board and be carried along by the existing momentum.
A popular bandwagon to hitch a ride on is the Brisbane inner-city apartment market. Everyone, it seems, has noticed that something is afoot and wants to be the latest and loudest to issue a “warning”.
But the time to be warning about this was about three years ago. And November 2014 was when Property Observer published my column on this subject, the first of several I’ve written about this issue.
Way back then, this is what I wrote on Property Observer:
There will be repercussions from the over-building of apartments in Brisbane …
In Brisbane, as in Melbourne, Sydney, the Gold Coast and other major unit markets, the inspiration for the high level of new building is the Chinese investment market. Everyone is targeting Chinese investors. 
Developers and their marketing stooges don’t care about the vacancy rate figures. That’s someone else’s problem. If they can flog their apartments to Asian buyers, nothing else needs to be considered. 
The people who will feel the most pain in the future will be the investor buyers. High vacancies will push down rents and the returns they will earn from their investment. That in turn will undermine values. 
Others will suffer. Owners of existing properties in or near the inner-city will also find it hard to tenant their properties and will have to cut rents. Their values will fall also. Home-owners in those areas will be equally affected by falling values.
An investor contacted me recently to tell me that he had just read that column, but only after having signed a contract to buy an off-the-plan apartment in the Brisbane inner-city market. Horrified, and after doing further research, they sought to exit the contract.
The big problem for investors like this is that the industry keeps pumping out propaganda which talks up this market and individual high-rise projects - and lots of media outlets keep publishing it.
Back in November 2014, I wrote:
A media release this week was positively gushing in its eulogy of the Brisbane inner-city apartment market. Sales are surging, it said, and the level of new construction in the pipeline was a cause for celebration. The market, apparently, “continues to shine”.
That kind of dishonest press release material is still muddying the waters. The REIQ has been a particular culprit. If the institute can be believed (generally they can’t), vacancies are acceptable, there are lots of buyers and tenants, and all is well in central Brisbane.
But independent sources disagree. Louis Christopher’s SQM Research has vacancies at 5% or higher in the CBD, Fortitude Valley, New Farm, South Brisbane, West End and Woolloongabba. Kangaroo Point is slightly better off, at 4.4%, but that’s still too high.
The key factor is that the situation will worsen as new projects are completed and their apartments are added to the rental pool.
BIS Oxford Economics is the latest to issue a dire warning. It predicts Brisbane’s median unit price will fall 7% between now and 2020. I would suggest the decline will be greater than that.
Research data published recently shows that owners already are losing money on re-sales – and this is reinforced by median price data from CoreLogic. In the past 12 months, median unit prices have dropped 7% in Fortitude Valley, 8% in South Brisbane and 11% in both West End and Woolloongabba.
Fortitude Valley, South Brisbane and West End all have median prices lower than three years ago.
Long-term growth rates in this market are fairly dismal as well. The average annual growth in median prices over the past decade have been 1.4% per year for the CBD, 1.1% for West End and a little over 2% per year for Kangaroo Point, Fortitude Valley and South Brisbane.
Those rather bleak growth rates will fall further as values continue to decline in the wake of the current over-supply.
 
Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au
<a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au">ryder@hotspotting.com.au</a>
twitter.com/hotspotting
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Brisbane apartment market warning should have been three years ago: Terry Ryder

<html><body><div id="story-description">
A development site in inner Brisbane on which an apartment tower was planned, is being sold by the mortgagee.
It comes as the city’s oversupply concerns loom large.
The RBA has in recent months voiced its concerns over the apartment oversupply in Brisbane. Thousands of completed apartments are set to hit the market this quarter.
The marketing for <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-qld-woolloongabba-502516766" target="_blank">the 1,012 sqm holding on Carl Street</a> in inner-city Woolloongabba is being handed to Cushman &amp; Wakefield by the lender.
The site is two blocks of three that won development approval from the Brisbane City Council for a 91-apartment tower to be called Dietrich on Carl in 2015, according to The Australian.
Situated in the heart of Woolloongabba, the 91 units were to be spread across 12 levels, with a roof top pool and recreation areas.
Close to transport and shops and with a rich heritage, the property was marketed as offering lifestyle and location benefits that would appeal to both owner/occupier and investor alike.
Unit supply in greater Brisbane is scheduled to grow by 20 per cent over the next two years, with 39,420 apartments and townhouses hitting the market, according to property analytics firm CoreLogic.
With more than 2,200 new apartments remaining for sale, developers are under pressure to settle their stock despite tightened lending conditions for foreigners and investors.
Cushman &amp; Wakefield agent Joe Kennedy said there was reasonable interest in the two sites, which is within Brisbane’s eastern corridor zoned for high-density residential.
“The development site market in Brisbane is not what it was two years ago, with all the doom and gloom, but it is starting to pick up again,” Kennedy said. 
“This is certainly the first (mortgagee-in-possession) site we’ve had. It’s not something I’ve seen a lot of.”
The entire three block site was bought in two purchases for a $5 million total in 2014 by Sandton Pty Ltd, a Canberra company trading as Precision Living. The company could not be reached for comment, according to The Australian.
Developers have deferred around 43 per cent of apartments in major projects across inner Brisbane due to a decline in sales, higher construction prices and tighter lending conditions, a report by Place Advisory’s June Quarter said.
Smaller development sites were still scoring deals, Kennedy said, citing site sales for 12 to 20 units within their office totalling $12 million in the popular western suburb of Indooroopilly.
The oversupply story is true for established Brisbane developers. Metro Property Development last year sold a site on Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley and Montpelier Road in Bowen Hills for a combined loss of $11.2m.
The company later sold their Manning Street site for $13 million, making a loss of $7 million, to Aria Property Development.
Metro has also put the final two stages of its Central Village apartment complex in Fortitude Valley up for sale through JLL.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Mortgagee Brisbane development site on the market

<html><body>
The chief executive of development and construction group John Holland, Joe Barr, says there is a massive oversupply of apartments in some areas.
"I think in some areas there is massive oversupply [of apartments] and that is going to be problematic for values," Mr Barr told The Australian Financial Review.
"Most of the economic commentary on that is fairly on the money."
"You look at the amount and sustainability of the demand supply equation in some areas and there are so many apartments. How do you differentiate yourself?"
"[The market] has got to come off and I think most of the mainstream media has got the commentary going."
Mr Barr warned that the constant roll out of apartments without proper infrastructure was dangerous.
"Apartments need to be integrated with public transport and a good community- you can't create a void of just mass residential without the community," he said.
"The Metro [in Sydney] is a gamechanger. It is a no brainer to take cars off the road and volumes of people into town. We want to make the most of this infrastructure boom - it is a huge opportunity to change the shape of cities."
He noted that the Chinese parent company's approach to developing thousands of apartments in China was to ensure there was plenty of infrastructure supporting new development.
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Massive apartment oversupply warning comes from John Holland boss

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The most popular property options available within the Melbourne CBD and inner city for first home buyers are apartments, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 
But the valuation firm says the expected oversupply of city apartments and lack of capital growth can mean "they are not a wise long term investment."
“Apartments can appeal to disenchanted first home buyers who can’t afford an inner city dwelling but want the inner city lifestyle,” the report says.
“Inner city apartments can be desirable to young home owners as location means minimal travelling to work or social events and they often have common facilities such as gymnasiums, pools and saunas which are an incentive for lifestyle.”
The First Home Owners Grant of $10,000 offered by the Victorian government make off the plan apartment purchases appealing to first home buyers, HTW suggests.
“In the Melbourne CBD, $500,000 can get you a two bedroom, one bathroom apartment with a basement car space which would appear to be an affordable purchase point for most first home buyers,” it says.
A one bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-124950238" target="_blank">1805/27 Little Collins Street</a>, Melbourne (above) has been listed for between $390,000 to $410,000.
Similarly a two bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-124673078" target="_blank">2006/280 Spencer Street</a>, Melbourne (below) has been listed for $550,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/03/10/2006_280%20Spencer%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

HTW warns first home buyers inner Melbourne apartments are not a wise investment

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Brisbane’s first home buyers should be very wary of off-the-plan developments, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 
The valuation firm says an overabundance of stock make them a poor investment considering current market conditions.
“If you’re an entry-level investor looking to be part of Brissie, then you’re probably considering units and townhouses at the moment – but as we’ve been warning for some time now, be careful!” the report says.
“Off-the-plan investor stock that has limited appeal to owner occupiers is at oversupply and the potential for capital gain is limited.”
New units in large inner city developments be available at a more achievable price, but given current and proposed supply there is significant risk of a softening in values, the firm says.
“Also avoid units and townhouses that are selling at a premium price point throughout the Ipswich area.”
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Stay clear of Brisbane off-the-plan, HTW warns first home buyers

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In a break from previous years’ advice, HTW is advising first home buyers in Brisbane to also be careful when buying well located second hand units, according to its February 2017 update.
The valuation firm says this type of stock in the Queensland capital usually offers an affordable option in a great location, and despite moderate capital gains, good tenant demand ensures mortgage servicing with little stress.
“There is, however, a very real oversupply risk looming for investor units in our city as new stock struggles to find demand,” the firms says.
“This is having a negative flow on to our traditionally solid second-hand unit market.
“If you buy investor-grade unit stock in particular – new or old – please tread with caution in 2017.” 
A two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-brisbane+city-124514982" target="_blank">43/82 Boundary Street</a>, Brisbane City (above) has been listed for $659,000.
Similarly a two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-brisbane+city-124529122" target="_blank">96/26 Felix Street</a>, Brisbane City (below) has been listed for over $535,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/20/96_26%20Felix%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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HTW warns Brisbane first time buyers against second hand units

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The oversupply of units caused by diminishing yields and possible increased borrower costs could be a major factor for the Sydney unit market, according to HTW's February 2017 update.
The valuation firm noted minor price declines in 2016.
It said Waterloo’s median price fell 0.3% after three years of double digit growth, according to data from pricefinder. com.au.
"This decrease in the median price in developments in the Waterloo area such as Rosebery and Zetland are from a lack of quality and size in each individual unit," HTW's report suggested.
"As these areas are highly driven by investors, the changes the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) made to investor borrowing in 2016 will continue to slow the investor market," it forecast.
The APRA changes slowed investment in these areas more than a highly owner occupied market, such as the detached housing market in the $1.5 million to $3 million price point.
HTW predict strong growth for the detached housing market as high demand and low stock drive the market upwards and push affordable housing further out of reach within this region. It expects the $1.5 million to $3 million detached housing market to remain strong with the continued issue of limited supply throughout all suburbs in the inner west.
The report says the firm is seeing many up-sizers active in this price range, especially families who want to remain within the inner west. Traditionally these up-sizers would relocate to further out suburbs that represented far better value.
"However, these suburbs are now matching price points to the inner west suburbs closer to the CBD mainly due to now been linked by improved infrastructure such as the Inner West Light Rail.
"Purchasers may get slightly more land by up-sizing to these suburbs, but the gap seems to have closed over the past few years."
Burwood, Strathfield and Homebush are on HTW’s watch list for 2017 as unit oversupply and more development proposals are predicted.
It has seen longer selling periods in some of these completed new unit complexes compared to 12 months earlier.
"There also tends to be a trend towards the construction of smaller, low quality units which heightens the already talked about concerns in this new unit market sector."
An oversupply of units in certain inner city suburbs represents the greatest threat to Sydney property investors, according to HTW's February 2017 update. However, the general overview is rosy.
The firm says it has noticed a number of valuations for new units upon settlement not meeting their off the plan prices when purchased during stronger market conditions. It says this is more commonly in some second tier suburbs in western Sydney and additionally in some pockets of the northern suburbs particularly with concentrated new stock and a distinct difference in value ranges between the new and original older style unit prices.
Whilst mostly occurring for overseas buyers, this could trigger a flow of sales post settlement due to difficulties obtaining finance and rental yields not meeting expectations to service mortgage repayments thanks to high investor participation, HTW say.
The areas with the lowest predicted growth for the inner city are where there may be an oversupply of new units around the city fringe areas, as it appears there will be less demand and more supply in these areas so more completion for the purchaser dollar. Developments that have been completed to cash in on demand will fall short in quality and therefore appeal to both owner occupiers and potential tenants.
Other areas we believe are at risk of oversupply or heavily investor led include Wentworth Point, Carlingford, Epping, Olympic Park, Macquarie Park and Parramatta. The supply of new units in these areas is well above long-term averages.
On average, HTW considers that 2017 will see a steady growth across all areas with buyer confidence generally high. The areas it will be watching with the most growth potential appear to be the $2 million plus price bracket which in some pockets will represent land value and opportunity to develop or value add and in some will be properties with a high standard of finish and high appeal to just unpack the family bags.
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Burwood on oversupply watchlist as APRA changes to slow investors in Sydney: HTW

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The 2016 December quarter showed lower conditions for residential construction nationwide according to the latest NAB Quarterly Business Survey.
The survey said this downturn may reflect concerns relating to costs and apartment oversupply.
"Business conditions for the construction industry took a step back in the December quarter, driven by a deterioration in non-residential building – which had previously been surprisingly strong," it said.
"Conditions elsewhere in the construction sub-industries were relatively steady, but continue to show somewhat weaker-than-expected conditions for residential construction – perhaps reflecting concerns about costs and an oversupply of apartments.
"As expected, engineering construction conditions remain weak, in line with falling mining investment, although the trend has been positive – the commodity price rally may have also contributed to improvements in confidence for the sub-sector."
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