Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

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After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

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Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

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Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

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Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Apartment Prices

<h2>EXPERT INSIGHT</h2>

The exponential growth in prices in the past quarter isn&rsquo;t confined to the housing market &ndash; many apartment markets are also experiencing major uplift.

In putting together the upcoming Winter edition of The Price Predictor Index, I have been updating the median price data for every notable suburb and town in Australia, changing the figures from three months ago to the current data.

In so many cases, the uplift has been quite startling, indicative of the once-in-20-years property boom sweeping the nation. When median prices are showing double-digit increases in just three months, you know something exceptional is afoot.

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A few weeks ago, I listed some examples of rises for median house prices in locations across the nation. But it&rsquo;s also occurring in many apartment markets &ndash; not as prevalent, but nevertheless noteworthy in individual instances.

On the Redcliffe Peninsula in buoyant Brisbane, several suburbs are recording big rises in median prices for apartments. The median price in Scarborough has increased from $480,000 to $510,000, while Redcliffe has jumped from $385,000 to $425,000 &ndash; a rise of 10.5% in three months.

The median unit price in the Brisbane northside suburb of Newmarket has risen 16% in the past quarter, from $400,000 to $465,000.

In Perth, examples of big increases in median unit prices in three months include Rockingham ($210,000 to $250,000), Maylands ($285,000 to $315,000), Dianella ($270,000 to $330,000), Fremantle ($475,000 to $510,000) and Joondanna ($310,000 to $385,000).

The Rockingham rise was 19%, Dianella jumped 22% and Joondanna&rsquo;s increase was 24%. But the biggest leap has been in Mosman Park, up from $285,000 to $385,000 &ndash; an increase of $100,000 or 35% in the past quarter.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490 project_image_fid=92411]

What, you may wonder, is going on here?

Adelaide has some notable examples. Norwood is up from $505,000 to $570,000 (13%) and Prospect has risen from $380,000 to $445,000 (17%). So does Canberra, including the 12% rise from $595,000 to $665,000 in Barton.

In Sydney, the median unit price in Fairlight has leapt from $1,425,000 to $1,560,000, Freshwater has gone from $890,000 to $940,000, Double Bay is up from $1,450,000 to $1,510,000, Neutral Bay from $955,000 to $1,050,000, St Ives from $1,020,000 to $1,120,000, and Kogarah from $685,000 to $785,000 (up $100,000 or 15%). Rose Bay has delivered one of the most remarkable results: its median apartment price has increased from $1,475,000 to $1,600,000 in three months &ndash; a rise of $125,000.

Melbourne has many notable instances, including Berwick (from $530,000 to $595,000), Beaumaris ($935,000 to $1,100,000) and Albion ($375,000 to $435,000).

There are lots of examples also in regional Australia, notably on the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and the Central Coast, but also in regional cities like Newcastle.

One school of thought suggests we may see more big increases in apartment prices, because buyers priced out of the housing market in their favoured locations are switching their attention to more affordable apartments.

The exponential growth in prices in the past quarter isn’t confined to the housing market – many apartment markets are also experiencing major uplift

terryryder

Many apartment markets are seeing major price increases: Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

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Apartments values across Sydney jumped 1.2 per cent over February, according to CoreLogic's monthly Hedonic Home Value Index.

The New South Wales capital was one of the country's strongest performers, joint second with Melbourne and Perth (both +1.2 per cent).

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The jump in values across Sydney follows -0.1 per cent declines over December and January. The February growth puts Sydney unit values one per cent up on the quarter.

Sydney's median apartment value now sits at $738,254, according to CoreLogic, up from last month's $734,198.

CoreLogic's head of research Tim Lawless says there are tentative signs the trend of the housing market performing considerably stronger than the unit market could become less obvious.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6798]

Lawless also noted that the weak rental conditions across Sydney and Melbourne unit markets looks to be turning.

"Melbourne unit rents edged higher in February after falling for nine of the previous 10 months", Lawless said.

"The improvement in unit rents across Australia's two largest cities is likely to be at least partially seasonal as demand from domestic students generally rises early in the year, but could also be attributable to more people returning to work in the inner cities as well as workers in some of the hardest hit industries such as hospitality, food and accomodation service returning to employment."
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The New South Wales capital was one of the country's strongest performers, joint second with Melbourne and Perth (both +1.2 per cent).

March 2021: How did Sydney apartment values perform over February?

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Apartment values in Sydney continued to decline over January, posting -0.1 per cent losses, according to data analytics firm CoreLogic.

It follows a -0.1 per cent loss over December and -0.7 per cent in November.

The decline sees the unit market in the harbour city the worst quarterly performer across the country, with values down one per cent, the only apartment market to have seen declines.

Sydney's median apartment value now sits at $734,198. There was some good news for apartment investors who were given a boost over the month. Unit rents rose 0.8 per cent, the first month on month rise since March last year.

Unit rents had declined 5.6 per cent over the past year.

Urban has taken a look at three apartments blocks to secure under the median apartment value.

<h2>Beyond, Hurstville</h2>

Price: One bedroom apartments starting from $585,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6798]

The Hurstville apartment complex Beyond, developed by Fridcorp, has both of its one bedroom apartments less than Sydney's median apartment price. One beds start from $585,000, while a one bed with study and a parking spot starts from $685,000. Two bedroom apartments are priced from $845,000.

Due for completion this year, Beyond has been designed by DKO Architecture and features Wellness by Fridcorp, Australia's first first precinct designed as a holistic environment that nurtures social, emotional and physical wellness. There's also a 4,500 sqm Beyond retail precinct anchored by Woolworths.

<h2>Bloom Arncliffe</h2>

Price: Two bedroom apartments from $710,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6201]

Buyers can secure a two bedroom apartment in the completed Bloom Arncliffe apartments by developer Wingate in Sydney's south for less than Sydney's median apartment price. One bedrooms start from $595,000 and three bedrooms are priced from $950,000.

The 318 apartments across seven buildings designed by EJE Architecture and built by Richard Crookes Construction are part of the $136 development which also features 36 commercial spaces and a youth centre with basketball courts, a gym and support facilities.

<h2>Kew Schofields Stage 2- Georgette</h2>

Price: Two bedrooms apartments from $570,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227]

In Georgette, stage two of Kew Schofields on the edge of Sydney's urban sprawl buyers can secure the most expensive apartment for nearly $170,000 under Sydney's median apartment price. The priciest two bedroom apartment, which comes with a study, two bathrooms and a parking spot, is priced from $570,000.

And apartments in Georgette, developed by Positive Investment Enterprise and designed by PBD Architects, are eligible for the $15,000 HomeBuilder grant. Georgette is set for completion later this year.

 
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The decline sees the unit market in the harbour city the worst quarterly performer across the country, with values down one per cent, the only apartment market to have seen declines.



Sydney apartment median value down -0.1% in January: What you can buy for the new median

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<div>It's been a remarkable few years for dwelling construction in Queensland, especially for high-rise apartments, but the boom times for development are drawing to a close. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The amplitude of this cycle has been on a par with Queensland's dwelling construction boom of 1994.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Back then about a quarter of dwellings built were multi-units, but the ratio has twice as great this time around, accounting for more than half of the total by 2015. </div>
 
<div class="separator"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7MhuU4n8Ggc/WfWzn4xJomI/AAAAAAAAmyA/YvrztJStUVwwkVCRjAa43TjEd-qySEObwCLcBGAs/s640/QLD.jpg" width="640" height="394" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1348"></div>
<div> </div>
<div>With lenders now tightening deposit requirements for apartment buyers across a swathe of inner Brisbane postcodes, as well as developer insolvencies peppering the newswires, there's no doubt that dwellings starts for apartments will continue to drop precipitously from the latest reported numbers. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>On the positive side, the most timely population estimates suggest that both interstate and net overseas migration are swinging sharply in Queensland's favour, so this should help to mop up the excesses over time. </div>
 
<div class="separator"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tX9Jeh29NMU/WfWzl4nOREI/AAAAAAAAmx8/TR_pFjdiQs4ngNieF-QEkNeK3RRgei4ZQCEwYBhgL/s640/QLD2.jpg" width="640" height="390" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1360"></div>
 Tenants are centralising and moving in too, slowly but surely. 
<div>Still, it's clearly going to be a renter's market in 2018, and, if my inbox is any kind of worthy indicator, there's going to be some material discounting on unsold new apartment stock. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Investors with the means should keep a watchful eye out for bargains next year. </div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Brisbane apartment dwelling starts to drop precipitously

<html><body>
Dandenong apartment prices have seen a 22% growth spike in the last quarter, according to REIV data.
In 2017 the REIV noted Dandenong sat in the most affordable suburbs, but Melbourne’s ever-expanding boundaries have meant suburbs up to 70 kilometres from the city have pushed Dandenong out of the 10 most affordable suburbs list.
An example of this surging median price is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-vic-dandenong-129439186" target="_blank">79/35 David Street, Dandenong</a> (pictured above).
The two bedroom one bathroom townhouse sold for $420,000 in December 2018. 
It saw price growth of $125,000 from its 2015 sale price of $295,000.
Situated within walking distance to Hemmings Park, schools, Dandenong Market, Plaza and Dandenong Hospital the property has easy access to trains, buses, Eastlink and the Monash Freeway.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/21/Dandenong%201.JPG" alt="">
Another example of the median price in Dandenong is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-vic-dandenong-129452490" target="_blank">2/44 Hammond Road</a>  (pictured above).
This three bedroom one bathroom townhouse sold for $423,333 in November 2018.
It saw price growth $33,333 from its December 2017 sale price of $390,000.
The home features solar hot water and has no body corporate fees.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/21/Dandenong%202.JPG" alt="">
An indication of this median price being a target price is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-dandenong-129925094" target="_blank">5/16 Norman Court, Dandenong</a> (pictured above).
Set on 198 sqm the property is a two bedroom one bathroom townhouse.
Seeking $400,000 - $440,000, the home has a current rental return of approximately $300 per week.
Located near Dandenong station, schools, shops and Dandenong Central the property also has a one car garage.
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Suburb"}'>Suburb</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Dec-18 Median"}'>Dec-18 Median</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Sep-18 Median"}'>Sep-18 Median</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Quarterly Change"}'>Quarterly Change</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"DANDENONG"}'>DANDENONG</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":415000}'>$415,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":340000}'>$340,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.221}'>22.10%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"KEW"}'>KEW</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":830250}'>$830,250</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":696000}'>$696,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.193}'>19.30%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"BRUNSWICK EAST"}'>BRUNSWICK EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":576000}'>$576,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":510000}'>$510,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.129}'>12.90%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"BRUNSWICK"}'>BRUNSWICK</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":540000}'>$540,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":485000}'>$485,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.113}'>11.30%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"ESSENDON"}'>ESSENDON</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":530000}'>$530,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":485000}'>$485,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.093}'>9.30%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"CROYDON"}'>CROYDON</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":597500}'>$597,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":550000}'>$550,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.086}'>8.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"MORDIALLOC"}'>MORDIALLOC</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":703500}'>$703,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":648500}'>$648,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.085}'>8.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"ABBOTSFORD"}'>ABBOTSFORD</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":630000}'>$630,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":587500}'>$587,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.072}'>7.20%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"CARNEGIE"}'>CARNEGIE</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":552500}'>$552,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":516500}'>$516,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.07}'>7.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"BENTLEIGH"}'>BENTLEIGH</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":835000}'>$835,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":785500}'>$785,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.063}'>6.30%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"PRESTON"}'>PRESTON</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":560000}'>$560,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":533500}'>$533,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.05}'>5.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"SOUTH YARRA"}'>SOUTH YARRA</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":587000}'>$587,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":560000}'>$560,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.048}'>4.80%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"RICHMOND"}'>RICHMOND</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":647500}'>$647,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":620000}'>$620,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.044}'>4.40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"BRUNSWICK WEST"}'>BRUNSWICK WEST</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":500000}'>$500,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":480000}'>$480,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.042}'>4.20%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"SOUTHBANK"}'>SOUTHBANK</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":572500}'>$572,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":550000}'>$550,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.041}'>4.10%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"DONCASTER EAST"}'>DONCASTER EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":770000}'>$770,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":750000}'>$750,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.027}'>2.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"TOORAK"}'>TOORAK</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":809000}'>$809,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":795000}'>$795,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.018}'>1.80%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"NORTH MELBOURNE"}'>NORTH MELBOURNE</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":624000}'>$624,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":620000}'>$620,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.006}'>0.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"PASCOE VALE"}'>PASCOE VALE</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":619000}'>$619,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":616000}'>$616,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.005}'>0.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"DOCKLANDS"}'>DOCKLANDS</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":621500}'>$621,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":619250}'>$619,250</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.004}'>0.40%</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Dandenong apartments prices soar: REIV

<html><body><div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Meriton has been cutting its apartment prices and covering the stamp duty costs for buyers.
Its founder Harry Triguboff has advised he's been cutting prices by five per cent and covering the additional stamp duty costs for buyers of its apartments over the past year.
Triguboff says its had cost about 10 per cent of Meriton's $1.2 billion turnover.
"It may be too early to say," Mr Triguboff told The Australian Financial Review. "But if you take a turnover of $1.2 billion, then you take 10 per cent, it will cost $120 million."
Australia's fifth-largest developer had saved some revenue – about 2 per cent – by selling directly overseas and cutting out the sales agents.
Meriton has also spent about $300 million – up from the $200 million Mr Triguboff said in May he had lent – to finance predominantly Chinese buyers struggling to complete settlements
Last month, the HIA-Colorbond Steel Housing 100 annual ranking put Meriton in firth spot, down from third place the prior year with a total 2955 housing starts.  
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"> </div>
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Harry Triguboff says he's cut apartment prices by 5 percent

<html><body>
A marketer has offered discounts of up to 39 percent for units in a newly finished residential development in Brisbane, but the developer and its equity partner say the company doesn’t have the authorisation. 
David Carter of Landmark Asset Services emailed clients this week offering huge discounts in The Hudson, according to Fairfax Media.
Prices for two-bedroom apartments were marked down from $805,000 to $490,000, while three-bedroom penthouses were priced at $960,000, down from $1.2 million, the email said.  
"The funder has taken the project off the developer and has given us four weeks to sell the remaining 50 or so apartments," Carter wrote in the email, which included a flyer offering "Sizzling Hot Deals”.
"I have never sent an email like this to friends and family but this is a damn good opportunity for anyone if they are looking for an investment and a fire sale price,”  it went on.
But developer Twin Ocean Corporation and its joint equity partner Barwon Investment Partners had a different take, saying Landmark had no authority to sell the units.  
"The Landmark guys aren't appointed by the project as our agent," Barwon partner Peter Conners was cited as saying by The Australian Financial Review. "They're going off on their own little adventure there. What they've said is pretty damaging stuff."
Further, the $96 million project was in no financial trouble as suggested in Carter’s email, said Connors.
"The senior debt's been paid off," he said. "The project is complete. We're in the process of selling off the remaining stock."
Conners said his consortium had previously talked to Landmark about the project but had not given it a mandate or agency agreement for outstanding stock in the 164-apartment project near Albion Train Station, which was completed in December.
"I've heard of agents being idiotic," he said. "They do idiotic things all the time. But not in this particular fashion."
He said they were considering taking legal action against the company.
Carter couldn’t be reached for comment, the AFR said.
Twin Ocean director Tim Jones said the consortium was planning to discount the remaining Hudson apartments in a campaign next week.
"We've got between 40 to 45 units to sell," he said. "We want to start specific campaigns over various stock to price point it to make sure we get sales."
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Marketer offers Hudson, Brisbane apartments at up to 39 percent discount, triggers dispute

<html><body>
Economist Stephen Walters forecasts apartment prices are likely to fall 10 percent to 15 percent over the next one to two years.
"I think it's going to get ugly, particularly in some parts of the market and for some lower-income cohorts who have borrowed," Walters told the Australian Financial Review. 
He also thinks the contagion could spread to the major property market
The comments comes amid concerns expressed by the RBA recently, as latest as Tuesday, that a "considerable supply" of units would arrive over the next few years, adding to the need to closely watch the property market. 
Property Observer earlier reported about the central bank’s estimate that 16,000 new apartments in Melbourne over the next two years would add around 18 per cent to the city’s stock of inner-city housing, while an additional 12,000 in Brisbane would add 15 per cent to existing stock levels.
The RBA noted apartment ­prices and rents were weaker in Melbourne and Brisbane, while vacancies were higher.
Falling rents are a “strong signal” of downward pressure on the market, said Walters,  who is chief economist ‎at the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
"Rents are already off and given that a large part of the market is investor focused, that's got to affect your price expectations and purchasing prices," he said.
The AFR article said that the RBA sparked the apartment construction boom through interest-rate easing to stimulate growth to counter the end of the resources boom.
Walters said while he supports the rate cuts to date, this year's two reductions have added fire to an already hot market.
"They knew this would happen. They engineered this part of the boom. When interest rates go down, housing will pop.
"And they've had to keep cutting through gritted teeth because they're making the adjustment and shakeout in housing and balance sheets that much worse."
The RBA said in its Financial Stability Review that any collapse in the apartment market would almost certainly flow to the broader market.
“If apartment markets were to turn down and settlement difficulties become more widespread, banks would be more likely to incur some loan losses,” the ­bank said.
"If you get a real shakeout in inner Brisbane and Melbourne, where rents are already falling, eventually that will have to be reflected in not just the apartment market but in the broader market,” said Walters.
Even though the RBA doesn't regard a potential collapse in apartment prices as "systemic risk" to the financial system, banks will be impacted as they have let to both buyers and developers.
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