The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=600 project_image_fid=13472]

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).

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21882]

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>
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<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

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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 $300 per week.
Located near Dandenong station, schools, shops and Dandenong Central the property also has a one car garage.
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<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Suburb"}'>Suburb</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Dec-18 Median"}'>Dec-18 Median</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Sep-18 Median"}'>Sep-18 Median</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Quarterly Change"}'>Quarterly Change</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"DANDENONG"}'>DANDENONG</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##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>
</body></html>

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>
</div></body></html>

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."
</body></html>

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.
</body></html>

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