<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="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/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

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

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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>.
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

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

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

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

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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>.
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