Holiday home buyers who have long gravitated to Queenstown’s alpine setting are increasingly looking for low-maintenance apartments that allow them to lock up and leave, while still generating income when they’re away.

For Wendy, who had spent years visiting the Queenstown and Arrowtown region, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>’s Mountain Oak Apartments provided the opportunity to formalise what had previously been a recurring holiday pattern.

“We always had Queenstown in the back of our minds to buy something there as a holiday home,” she says. “We love the Queenstown and Arrowtown area.”

<img alt="From slopes to markets: Mountain Oak connects residents to the best of Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/658d4f_48c3ec1ae5df4a2cab7d23c07c7f51b3~mv2.jpg?VersionId=27K8oQ4ExDN8Yu70VHDa9Olq59XU36m3" />

Time spent visiting her sister-in-law, who owns in Arrowtown, along with regular stays at Millbrook Resort, had already shaped a strong personal connection to the region.&nbsp;

Rather than approaching the purchase purely as an investment play, Wendy’s starting point was lifestyle.

“We were more thinking about ourselves and where we could stay, and then the rental aspect was second.”

Mountain Oak Apartments, located within the masterplanned Remarkables Park precinct in Frankton, aligned with that thinking. The ability to secure the apartment with a deposit and settle on completion made the timing work.

“The fact that we could put a deposit down with the balance on completion was a bonus for us,” she explains.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Wendy selected a two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse, a configuration that supports both private use and guest flexibility.

“The two-bedroom, two-bathroom configuration appealed from both a rental viewpoint and for the ability to have friends stay while we are there,” she says.

Across the development, two-bedroom apartments range from 64sqm to 78sqm, with two-bedroom plus flexi options from 71sqm to 75sqm, each with an allocated car park. The flexi layouts introduce an additional space suited to work or hobbies, reflecting demand from buyers who split their time between leisure and remote work.

Apartments include underfloor heating in bathrooms, heat pumps to living areas, and joinery positioned to maximise natural light and mountain outlooks. The Remarkables Park precinct is known for its extended winter sunshine hours, water frontage and open views toward The Remarkables.&nbsp;

Units come in light and dark interior colour schemes.

<img alt="Mountain Oak Apartments draws holiday home buyers to Queenstown" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fd685a22-3b95-43a1-87cb-48fdd42bb4ba" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/658d4f_f9f89107c2704ebbbe5a6b36da508cb3~mv2.jpg?VersionId=MigFIEm6b.mrANANwxSmwHvC4RdJUuyR" />

While lifestyle was the primary driver, the fundamentals of the Queenstown market added reassurance.&nbsp;

“Proximity to the airport and tourism being the main attraction all year round,” Wendy says, when asked what stood out from an investment perspective.

Mountain Oak sits just eight kilometres from Queenstown’s CBD and around a two-minute drive from Queenstown Airport.&nbsp;

For Wendy, that airport proximity carries practical value.

“The airport proximity is a bonus, we think that being so close will be an attraction for the convenience side.”

Residents are also a short drive from Coronet Peak, Jack’s Point Golf Course, New World Supermarket, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and the dining, medical, gym, cinema and library amenities within the town centre, as well as the seasonal Remarkables Market.

Importantly, the purchase does not lock owners into a single use. Mountain Oak offers the flexibility to opt for short-term visitor accommodation or longer-term residential rental management, with 365-day visitor accommodation consent in place. Owners can utilise Safari Group’s 24/7 on-site management service or appoint their own provider, and do not need to decide on a strategy immediately.

“It was a bonus that we can rent it out as well as use it for ourselves,” she says.

Additional buying options, including furniture packages and storage units available for purchase within the building, further support a lock-and-leave model suited to interstate and overseas owners.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Mountain Oak Apartments comprises 141 residences, ranging from one-bedroom configurations through to larger apartments and penthouses. One-bedroom apartments are currently priced from NZ$639,000, with three-bedroom options from NZ$1,299,000.

With 365-day visitor accommodation consent, the development is structured to respond to Queenstown’s established four-season tourism economy, spanning winter ski traffic and summer hiking, cycling, golf and lake-based activity.

Although Wendy acknowledges the strength of rental demand, her approach remains long term.

“We’re not planning to sell it anytime soon, so we are keen to hang on to it, but the passive income will be a bonus.”

Confidence in the developer also influenced her decision. Before proceeding, Wendy sought feedback within the local building community.

“We asked around and Safari Group had a good reputation,” she says.

Safari Group has delivered more than 2,000 hotel units and residential apartments across over 18 developments nationwide, with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector.

With completion anticipated by mid-2027, Mountain Oak is attracting a cross-section of buyers, from yield-focused investors to lifestyle purchasers seeking a foothold in one of New Zealand’s most tightly held alpine markets.

For Wendy, it represents both a future holiday base and a long-term asset within Queenstown’s year-round tourism economy.

Joel Robinson

How Mountain Oak Apartments draws holiday home buyers to Queenstown

Eduard Litver's Capitel Group is seeking to redevelop Chatswood's Mandarin Centre in the heart of the burgeoning suburb.

Capitel Group, in a joint venture with Metis Group, has filed a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to demolish the Mandarin Centre and construct a 32-storey tower designed by Skidmore, Owings &amp; Merrill (SOM) with 325 apartments.

The 3,524 sqm site at 61A-65 Albert Avenue will also home extensive retail amenity, both at street-level and across a four-level podium.

<img alt="First look: Metis and Capitel unveil $1.2bn+ plan to redevelop Chatswood’s Mandarin Centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="905976ea-08cd-409f-8a4c-33a3fb8bf351" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/1771923441002.png?VersionId=f_xI2ejpxQvEm4fPqGji01RY9_AWVY6O" />

In its early stage Design Report submitted to the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority, SOM describes the ambition for the project as one that “aims to revitalise and reactivate an important corner of the Chatswood CBD.”

The architects note that the existing shopping centre “has a lack of vertical connection between its five levels of retail and a cumbersome pedestrian access from the street to the second-level transit connection,” framing the redevelopment as an opportunity to reconfigure circulation and better integrate with surrounding transport infrastructure.

The design adopts a single tower configuration, shaped through early testing to respond to neighbouring buildings and key public spaces.

Retail activation is concentrated at ground and lower podium levels, with a focus on food and beverage, lifestyle and wellness tenancies. The intent is to create a more permeable ground plane and improve connections between Albert Avenue, Victor Street and the Chatswood transport interchange, located within walking distance of the site.

<img alt="First look: Metis and Capitel unveil $1.2bn+ plan to redevelop Chatswood’s Mandarin Centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1e0c8cb-ee9b-41c1-97ac-0455c043b9e7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/1771923442914.png?VersionId=y.Kbo.9bzLIbOabeygYts8Uf9imI.Dqh" />

The site occupies a prominent position on the southern edge of the Chatswood CBD core, bounded by Albert Avenue and Victor Street. It sits near the rail and metro interchange and within close proximity to Chatswood Chase, Westfield Chatswood, Chatswood Oval and a range of commercial office towers and residential buildings.

Chatswood has been one, and continues to be, of the most popular suburbs for developers in recent years. The most recent tower to launch is Hyecorp's Celine on Archer Street, which followed The Anderson by Changfa and Huirong.

Soon to launch is Coronation's Archer &amp; Albert nearby the new proposal.

Chatswood boom continues with Capitel and Metis’s $1.2 billion Mandarin Centre redevelopment

Apartment development applications continue to tally up in Rose Bay following the NSW Gov's 2025 update to the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.

&nbsp;

Some $200 million worth of developments were filed in the space of four weeks at the back end of last year, with the likes of Fyve, HSN, Luxcon and Fortis all seeking to creating new apartment buildings.

The latest plans are for an amalgamated 3,105 sqm site across Conway Avenue, Fernleigh Avenue, and Carlisle Street. Developer Mathieson Property is planning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dian-2-6-conway-avenue-rose-bay-nsw-2029">Dian</a>, 70 apartments across a new eight-storey building, perched on a ridgeline within walking distance of Rose Bay Town Centre.

The State Significant Development Application (SSDA), includes one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom configurations. Over 15 per cent will be dedicated as affordable, as per the NSW Government's push for affordable housing. The 17 apartments will be managed by a community housing provider for 15 years following completion of the building.

<img alt="First Look: Mathieson Property unveils eight-storey infill housing proposal ‘Dian’ in Rose Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f99c21d9-e69d-4a23-ae35-3244cfa0b4ae" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Rose%20Bay%20site_0.png?VersionId=67KSZfecJ3fvn1ewo9xxKrneRT.Nsjwd" />

MHNDU has designed the building around three central cores, with lower-level apartments arranged to maximise corner balconies and cross-ventilation. Upper levels are configured with dual north–south aspects to capture harbour views and solar access.

Private open space is a key feature of the scheme, with generous balconies and terraces throughout. Five ground-floor apartments would include private pools, while one upper-level residence will feature a rooftop terrace and pool. A communal room and adjoining landscaped outdoor terraces provide shared open space for residents.

<img alt="First Look: Mathieson Property unveils eight-storey infill housing proposal ‘Dian’ in Rose Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dd2e275f-c270-4eb1-9a02-2b573b8eb540" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Rose%20Bay%20front_0.png?VersionId=Us5jNEG6iLFLLMfQSzVBVdILYobBj.g9" />

The site sits around 365 metres walking distance of Rose Bay Town Centre and around 312 metres from regular bus services on New South Head Road, meeting the accessible area criteria under the Housing SEPP.

In early 2025, the NSW Government implemented significant changes to its Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, altering planning controls to allow greater density for new apartment projects within an 800-metre walking distance of stations and town centres in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/woollahra-nsw-2025">Woollahra</a>&nbsp;Local Government Area, overriding existing local controls. Buildings are now permitted to rise up to six storeys within 400 metres of a station or centre, or eight storeys where affordable housing is incorporated, and up to four storeys within the 401 to 800 metre radius, which can increase to six storeys with affordable housing.

Mathieson Property unveils Dian Rose Bay apartment development

Lower North Shore developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hyecorp-property-group">Hyecorp</a> is preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celine-chatswood-37-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Celine</a>, its new apartment development in Chatswood.

Set within a blue ribbon location on Archer Street, Celine will rise on a quiet, tree-lined enclave on the edge of the South Chatswood Heritage Conservation Area, a short walk from the connectivity which Chatswood is famous for.

Celine will deliver 122 one, two, three, and four-bedroom residences, designed to accommodate a broad range of buyers, from owner-occupiers to investors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362610]

Designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fuse-architecture-0">Fuse Architects</a>, the 29-storey tower has been shaped to respond to its Archer Street setting, with a defined podium and slender upper levels.&nbsp;

The building incorporates a two-storey residential lobby at the corner, double-height retail fronting Bertram Street, food and beverage tenancies along a through-site link, and two levels of commercial office space.&nbsp;

A landscaped pedestrian connection between Archer and Bertram streets will provide a publicly accessible link through the site, extending activity at ground level beyond the building footprint.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362606]

Inside, Hyecorp is emphasising scale and flexibility. Most residences will incorporate multipurpose rooms, allowing buyers to configure additional living, study or guest space within their floorplan.&nbsp;

Kitchens have been designed with proportions more commonly associated with standalone homes, complemented by Gaggenau and Miele appliances, integrated refrigeration, Miele laundry appliances, Taj Mahal stone and bronze tapware.&nbsp;

Buyers will also have the option to tailor aspects of their home through the developer’s “Live Your Way” personalisation service.

Resident amenity will include an outdoor pool, gym and sauna, as well as barbecue and lounge areas designed for shared use. Upper levels are oriented to capture eastern outlooks towards the Sydney CBD and surrounding greenery.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362633]

The location places future residents within 800 metres of Chatswood Interchange, providing access to metro and rail services, and within walking distance of Westfield, Chatswood Chase and the Chatswood Concourse. Parks including Chatswood Park and Beauchamp Park are nearby, along with a cluster of schools and private hospitals.

Celine continues Hyecorp’s focus on the Lower North Shore. The Australian, family-owned developer has been operating locally for more than 30 years, with recent projects including Audrey in St Leonards, now nearing completion, and Juliet in Roseville. With registrations expected to open soon, Celine represents the group’s latest addition to the Chatswood apartment market.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149594]

Hyecorp unveils Celine, a striking new apartment tower in the heart of Chatswood

International development company <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spg-land">SPG Land</a> has kicked off construction of the $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Paradiso Place</a>, one of the highest value developments to get underway on the Gold Coast in more than a decade.

Located on a 1.15ha site stretching from Surfers Paradise Boulevard to Ferny Avenue, Paradiso Place, when completed, will deliver 845 residences across three residential towers. &nbsp;

Paradiso Place has been several years in planning by SPG, which has now pushed the green light on construction to meet pent-up demand from investors and owner occupiers.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185858]

The move follows minor amendments to the original design to cater to buyer demand, including the provision of more premium residential amenity, including private dining, lounge and events spaces for residents to entertain guests.

The three towers, comprising 41, 40 and 44 levels, will bring to the market 845 apartments with each tower boasting its own podium level interconnected skybridge to create a unique elevated ‘beachside village’ for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362500]

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed development will bring a broad range of residences to the market, most offering ocean views and all enjoying five-star hotel amenities with world-class facilities and the convenience ground level retail precinct.

&nbsp;

Construction of Paradiso Place has been made possible by SPG’s newly established SPG Built division partnered with experienced project management group Eastview Australia, a company that has supported the development of a raft of major projects on the Gold Coast over the past two decades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362499]

“It’s a very exciting time for Paradiso Place as we start construction,” said SPG Land Chairman David Wang.

“We have spent our energy refreshing design and assembling the best team and waiting for what we believe is the right time to start construction on one of the most exciting mixed-use developments to proceed on the Gold Coast since Oracle in Broadbeach and Circle on Cavill in Surfers Paradise. &nbsp;

“The local and interstate downsizer market is getting stronger, and we see Paradiso Place as the right project for our times right now. Our company has the capacity to deliver large-scale projects, and we are thrilled to be bringing this vision to reality.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185861]

SPG Invest, a company founded in Australia in 1998 with a focus on high-end real estate and premium hospitality assets, has delivered 56 projects in the Asia-Pacific region over the past twenty-five years, including The Peninsula Hotel Shanghai and the Global 188 twin-tower project in Suzhou and Cambridge Residences at Robina.

Paradiso Place will deliver a range of new apartments with two-, three- and four-bedroom layouts, as well as a collection of sub-penthouse and penthouse apartments across three levels. Prices start from $950,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185852]

“We have a very strong vision for Paradiso Place – we are creating a unique beachside residential community where contemporary design &amp; architecture and luxury materials combine with five star residents’ amenities and the convenience of a premium retail precinct on the ground floor”, said SPG Land CEO Dr Ying Rao&nbsp;

“We are confident that the community will recognise that this is more than just another development. Paradiso Place will bring a much-needed retail precinct and lifestyle hub to northern Surfers Paradise with premium retail, lifestyle and food and beverage options,” Said Dr Rao&nbsp;

“The retail precinct is critical to enhancing the lifestyle amenity for residents and guests, so SPG will retain control of this precinct to curate a premium retail offering that will support this thriving new community.

“SPG will also retain short-term holiday letting to control premium and luxury outcomes in line with our vision.”

Construction of Stage 1 Paradiso Place is expected to be completed by end of 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106566]

Construction commences on $1.5 billion Paradiso Place development in Surfers Paradise

Buyers

Developers ID_Land has seen a wave of local owner-occupiers snap up townhomes at their latest residential development, Port Lane.

With only three residences left of the original 122, the campaign has been deemed a success by the project team.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89720 project_image_fid=147504]

“Our buyers are made up of owner-occupiers from the local area”, the developers said.

<blockquote>
"They have been drawn to the bayside location, amazing architecture by Rothelowman coupled with the stunning interiors by Hecker Guthrie.”
</blockquote>

The exteriors of each townhome embrace the coastal setting, including verdant entrance pergolas and generous outdoor space.

Hazy thresholds are united with timber floorboards and joinery, whilst large windows create a relaxed ambience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89720 project_image_fid=147514]

A seamless transition to the terrace creates the ultimate entertaining area for friends and family alike.

Port Lane is located minutes from the connectivity of the West Gate Freeway, with easy access to greater Melbourne and beyond.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89720 project_image_fid=147509]

Residents can explore the outdoors, from the Bellarine Peninsula or at Southbank’s entrainment and dining precinct.

Families are spoilt for choice with lush parks and gardens, including Albert Park Lake, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Westgate Park trails along the Yarra River.

<blockquote>
“Our price-point has also been a big driving factor”, the project marketers said.
</blockquote>

“People have been pleasantly surprised they can get this level of finish and size in this location for a very attractive price.”

It also helps that ID_Land have a strong track record giving people the comfort to buy off the plan with a trusted developer.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89720 project_image_fid=147506]

Current projects include Canvas in Brunswick, Yarraville Place in Yarraville and The Walter in Hadfield.

The development is located a five-minute walk to Port Melbourne Beach, a seven-minute drive to South Melbourne Market and a 20-minute tram trip to the CBD.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=89720]

Developers ID_Land has seen a wave of local owner-occupiers snap up townhomes at their latest residential development, Port Lane

max.kwok_55688

Why local owner-occupiers are snapping up Port Lane townhomes in Port Melbourne

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
With the national housing market moving through its down phase and buyer numbers thin on the ground, properties are taking longer to sell as vendors face stiff competition and purchasers take their time to negotiate the best possible price.
Over the three months to April 2019, the median time on market for a dwelling nationally was 60 days. As the chart shows, the typical selling time has risen significantly over recent months and is up from 35 days at the same time a year ago.
The rapid rise in time on market is symptom of higher supply (advertised stock levels across the combined capitals are at their highest level for this time of the year since 2012) and less demand (capital city settled sales are down 16% year on year).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/23/May%2023%20CL%20pp%201.JPG" alt="">
 
Across Sydney, properties were typically taking 62 days to sell in April 2019 while in regional NSW properties were taking 76 days.
At the same time a year earlier, Sydney properties took 31 days to sell and regional NSW properties took 50 days.
As both housing markets have weakened there has been an ongoing steady increase in days on market.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/23/May%2023%20CL%20pp%202.JPG" alt="">
Over the past three months, Melbourne dwellings have typically taken 43 days to sell compared to 27 days over the same period in 2018.
In areas outside of Melbourne, properties are typically taking 54 days to sell compared to 37 days a year ago.
Although days on market fell over the past month in Melbourne, properties are taking longer to sell than in recent years while in regional Vic there has been a recent spike in days on market.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/23/May%2023%20CL%20pp%203.JPG" alt="">
Dwellings in Brisbane have taken 60 days to sell over the past three months while in regional Qld they have taken 77 days.
Over the same period in 2018, Brisbane dwellings were taking 34 days to sell and regional Qld dwellings took 47 days.
Although values have declined over the past year in Brisbane and regional Qld it has been a much more moderate decline than in Sydney and Melbourne.
Despite this fact, there has been a sharp spike in days on market highlighting that selling conditions have become much tougher despite values having only fallen moderately.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/23/May%2023%20CL%20pp%204.JPG" alt="">
Properties in Adelaide are currently taking 54 days to sell compared to 45 days at the same time a year ago.
In regional SA, properties were taking 92 days compared to a slightly higher 95 days currently.
Although days on market in Adelaide is higher than a year ago, the results are a little volatile and they have been fairly steady over the past four years.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/23/May%2023%20CL%20pp%205.JPG" alt="">
Perth properties were taking 48 days to sell a year ago compared to 62 days currently.
In regional WA, the days on the market figure is currently 76 days, slightly higher than it was a year ago (73 days).
Despite the ongoing weak housing market conditions over recent years in Perth and regional WA the days on market figure has been fairly steady.
This would seem to suggest that Perth vendors are setting appropriate initial list prices or are willing to reduce prices to meet the market.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/23/May%2023%20CL%20pp%206.JPG" alt="">
A year ago dwellings in Hobart were typically taking 9 days to sell and in regional Tas they were taking 39 days.
As dwelling value growth has slowed over the past year, days on market has increased to 32 days in Hobart and 58 days in regional Tas.
As the housing market is expected to continue to slow over the coming months, days on market may continue to climb unless vendors adjust their price expectations appropriately.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/23/May%2023%20CL%20pp%207.JPG" alt="">
In Darwin, properties are currently taking 77 days to sell compared to 67 days a year ago.
Regional NT results are quite volatile because of the low volume of sales however, a year ago sales were taking 75 days compared to 81 days currently.
Despite the ongoing value falls in Darwin there hasn’t been a blowout in days on market although it has recently broken its reducing trend.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/23/May%2023%20CL%20pp%208.JPG" alt="">
The days on market figure for Canberra has started to fall over the past month but it has risen from 31 days a year ago to 52 days as the housing market has slowed.
Overall the data points to a longer period of negotiation before a sale.
This reflects the conditions of tougher finance and fewer buyers. In order to have the best chance of achieving a sale vendors should set realistic prices, maximise their marketing campaign to ensure their property stands out from the competition and be prepared to meet market expectations.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/23/May%2023%20CL%20pp%209.JPG" alt="">
CAMERON KUSHER is the head of research for the Australian branch of CoreLogic
Kusher regularly posts on the <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/taxonomy/corelogic-people/cameron-kusher" target="_blank">CoreLogic website</a>.
</body></html>

ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Buyers in control as median selling time trends higher: Cameron Kusher

<html><body>
In a property market as diverse as Sydney, $700,000 is going to buy you very little in some parts while in others locations it can still mean a good quality home or investment.

There was "a rich and varied tapestry of property options" available across the city, especially in Sydney's West, according to the latest report of the Herron Todd White valuation firm.

The sub-$700,000 price point still provides attractive offerings within Western Sydney to its key buyers, being first home buyers, investors and those looking to upgrade their existing residence.

Established areas in Western Sydney can provide two to three-bedroom units and in some cases townhouses.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590]

In Parramatta, with its wider supply of units, the $700,000 mark allows for a near new two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit.

An example of this is a 2019 Hassall Street unit which sold in February for $690,000, having previously sold off the plan in 2016 for $759,000.

In Blacktown, you would only need $650,000 for a three-bedroom strata townhouse as shown by a Kent Street sale in April for $640,000.

House dwellings can be found for with older style homes on a decent sized block of land in order to add value.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=25842]

There was a Killarney Avenue, Blacktown, a mostly original, three-bedroom, one-bathroom home with 601 square metres of land that sold for $670,000 in April.

It provides ample opportunity for value adding.

HWT noted for a good investment, a house and granny at in St Marys would provide a higher cash flow in the short term and potential for longer term capital growth.

It noted St Marys is set to be connected to the Western Sydney Aerotropolis at Badgerys Creek. A house and granny on Marsden Road, St Marys, which sold for $699,900 in April, has a potential rental income of $740 per week and yield of 5.5 per cent.

House and land packages are also an option in newer estates such as Marsden Park, Box Hill and Jordan Springs, but buyers will have to compromise on size to put together a package with land of between 250 and 350 square metres.

An example of this is the current listing on Annan Avenue, Marsden Park, a four-bedroom, two-bathroom Metricon-built dwelling with a garage, on a 312 square metre block available for $699,546.

In South Western Sydney for under $700,000, the Liverpool LGA still provides opportunities.

The Liverpool CBD unit market has struggled over the past 18 months, HTW noted, with signs of doom and gloom.

"We consider that the amount of supply entering the market and the lack of business growth within the CBD has contributed to values remaining steady or even decreasing," their report noted.

An example was a 2004 built three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit on Castlereigh Street that sold in May 2015 for $520,000 and resold in May for $510,000.

These price levels allow first home owners to enter the market in a central location close to shops, schools and train lines.

"Compared to the Parramatta CBD, it offers very affordable living," HTW advised for Liverpool, which is seen as Sydney’s third city.

The development of the Western Sydney Airport and the rezoning of 25 hectares of land in the heart of Liverpool "will reinvigorate life and promote more commercial space."

The ultimate aim is to remove the need for workers to travel to the traditional Parramatta and city hubs.

"This may be just what Liverpool needs to breathe life back into the Liverpool unit market in years to come," HTW forecast.

Within the Liverpool LGA, the house market under the $700,000 mark is constantly decreasing in opportunity, however suburbs such as Busby, Cartwright and Ashcroft provide "a great hidden opportunity."

This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

What can $700,000 buy you in Western Sydney?

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVATION
From Christmas to Easter, to school holidays, to which day of the week certain public holidays fall, the way the calendar looks each year will impact on the movements of house hunters and dictate the way you should market a property.
<h3>The New Year’s resolution rush</h3>
The New Year almost always brings new interest in the property market. That’s partly because over the Christmas/January holiday period people are busy with family and holidays rather than house hunting. It’s also partly because the low stock levels over that period have come to an end – so buyers actually have something to look at again. And, it’s also partly because a lot of people are acting on their New Year’s resolution to make a move this year, or get into the market.
We also find many in this group are only in a very preliminary stage of looking.
<h3>24 February 2018: the serious selling season begins</h3>
In Sydney, a typical auction campaign last four weeks. And, given agents are often hesitant to list a property prior to Australia Day, that means February’s final Saturday is often the year’s first big auction day, as well as the first real barometer of where the market is at.
In 2018, this fell on Saturday 24 February, when 893 Sydney properties went under the hammer, achieving an auction clearance rate of 71.7%, according to CoreLogic. In Sydney’s east, we saw strong sales and good competition.
<h3>The effects of an early Easter</h3>
School holidays and public holidays tend to be times when agents and sellers shy away from auctions or even open homes, reasoning that buyers will be doing other things. Usually, that means the first real slowing of the property market after its late February season launch, comes with the Easter school holidays.
This year, however, Easter falls on the final weekend in March, with the school holidays not coming until late April. We think that’s likely to have a “twin peaks” effect, where the property market gets going early before stock dries up in March. Then a new batch of listings will be released again in April giving buyers properties to choose from come May.
<h3>The winter chill really isn’t that bad</h3>
A lot of people will tell you that winter isn’t a great time to list a property. For this reason, the June long weekend – in 2018, Saturday 9 June – traditionally becomes the time of year that the number of listings falls. We take a different approach.
It’s true that there are often fewer people out and about in winter but the ones who are looking tend to be genuine buyers. When this combines with a lower number of listings, it means that the middle of the year can be a great time to sell.
<h3>Spring in the air</h3>
Along with autumn, Spring is the traditional selling season and there’s a lot of debate over which of the two seasons is the best time to list. That’s because buyers come out in force, gardens look at their best, and people generally begin feeling upbeat as the weather starts to look up. In September, particularly after the grand final/Labour Day long weekend which falls on Saturday 30 September 2018, things really start to pick up.
In Spring, increased buyer interest usually means increased auction numbers and that can help drive up property prices. On the flipside, a higher number of listings means that it can also be harder to stand out from the crowd.
That said, the end of Spring is when a lot of people start to feel time pressure, especially if they’ve pledged to be in their new home by Christmas. That means it’s a time of year when people get serious about putting their best foot forward.
<h3>The holiday mood sets in</h3>
Usually, the first weekend in December is the last big auction weekend of the year. After that, the listings begin to fade and people begin to think of holidays. We don’t usually advise anyone to start an auction campaign around this time of year. But that doesn’t mean we don’t sell any property. Instead, this can be a great time of year for off-market campaigns because people who are still looking for property tend to be serious. Also, new buyers in the form of expats and offshore buyers often come into the market, combining their property search with a Sydney holiday.
<h3>And finally…</h3>
There is always debate over the <a href="https://bencollierteam.com.au/timing-the-property-market/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best time of year to sell</a>. And, while the calendar shapes the property market, there are advantages and disadvantages to selling at any time of year.
Ben Collier is Property Partner and co-founder at The Agency.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Calendar events can have a dramatic impact on the property market: The Agency's Ben Collier

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
Timing can be everything when it comes to buying or selling homes and your ability to secure a great price for your home, or even attract multiple buyers, can hinge on the time of year.
Spring is widely regarded as the ideal time to sell property. Warmer weather attracts buyers onto the streets and into open home inspections; our gardens tend to look their best in spring; and many buyers want to be settled in their new home in time for the looming festive season.
Don’t despair however if you are selling your home at a different time of year. The seasons don’t always dictate the best outcome. Indeed, selling in spring may deliver the best price for your current home but it could also mean competing with more buyers for your next property – and that can mean paying a higher price.
Think beyond spring
The geography of your home can be a contributing factor to the ideal time to sell. In hot or humid areas for instance, your property may be more appealing during the cooler months. Or your home may have particular features like an open fireplace or underfloor heating that are best showcased during the cooler months. 
Remember too, with potentially fewer buyers around in winter or autumn, you could enjoy faster turnaround times on professional services like your solicitor or conveyancer. If you are selling in winter, be sure to choose inspection times when your home’s interior receives maximum sunlight.
Focus on the key drivers
Should the season influence whether – and precisely when – you list your house for sale or buy another home? Perhaps. But other factors deserve higher priority, like whether your home is ready to be shown to buyers; whether you have the time to prepare your home for weekend inspections; and whether you have discussed home loan options with your lender to develop a buying budget for your next place.  
These are the key drivers that should really determine the ‘right’ time for you to start your buying and selling activity.
 
Patrick Nolan is head of home loans for industry super fund-owned bank ME. You can contact Patrick <a href="https://www.mebank.com.au/personal/home-loans/home-loans/" target="_blank">here</a>.
</body></html>

PatrickNolan-Yjmguhh735

Is there a right season to sell? ME Bank's Patrick Nolan

<html><body>
Property buyers hitting the market this mortgage season can expect tough competition, despite new research by one of Australia’s biggest comparison websites, finder.com.au revealing housing supply will exceed demand.
According to the finder.com.au study of population growth and the housing market over the past 15 years, 72% more properties are expected to be built this year than population growth would consume. However, this is unlikely to affect property prices as we expect property prices could continue to rise.
By the end of this year, a total of 207,970 new properties is projected to be approved for construction, based on the average growth of 3% for the past 15 years. Australia’s population is forecast to increase by 314,952 to 23.94 million people, which means 121,135 households needed. 
In 2014 there were 71% more properties approved than population growth required and property prices increased by 7.90% across capital cities according to CoreLogic RP Data. 
Michelle Hutchison, Money Expert at finder.com.au, said property buyers can expect a continued level of competition and hotter house prices moving into mortgage season. 
“With mortgage season around the corner (starting September 1), competition will remain just as tough as we’ve seen over the past year. Despite more new properties being built, house hunters can expect no relief with properties being snapped up fast and prices rising across many areas of Australia.
“And it’s only expected to get worse. If a 3% growth trend for new properties continues, along with the projected population growth, this oversupply will decrease to 32% next year, and will stay below 40% through to 2018, according to finder.com.au.
“With less oversupply for new properties expected to be built over the next few years, it could lead to a more difficult climate for property buyers as buyers will face a reduced availability of housing stock, meaning more competition and possibly higher prices.
“So if you’re in the market for a property, it could be better to jump in now rather than waiting for next year as it looks set to be even tougher.”
 MICHELLE HUTCHISON is spokesperson for comparison website <a href="https://finder.com.au/" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>.
</body></html>

Buyers

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Buyers

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News