Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bottega-property-group">Bottega House</a> has secured council approval for its first Brisbane project - a $270 million luxury residential development on an absolute riverfront site in leafy St Lucia.&nbsp;

The 15-storey project, known as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-lucia-by-bottega-house-180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">St Lucia by Bottega House</a> , will occupy a prime north-facing site at 178-180 Macquarie Street, directly fronting the Brisbane River in the established inner-west suburb known for its rowing clubs, golf courses and sprawling University of Queensland campus.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House will feature a suite of amenities including dedicated wellness spaces, a mineral pool and cold plunge. The project has been positioned to attract affluent owner-occupiers seeking high-quality, house-sized apartments.&nbsp;

Bottega House has been set up by co-directors Nick Malloch, Louis Mennes and Craig Marsh.

Malloch said the project drew inspiration from its Brisbane River setting and leafy inner-west surrounds, while responding to the demands of discerning locals looking to transition from freestanding homes into apartment living.&nbsp;

"With an expansive river frontage and lush green surrounds, we knew we had to create something special that reflects the natural beauty of the location while offering residents masterfully crafted homes," said Malloch.&nbsp;

"Our intent was to complement the project's quiet, private setting by introducing residences that offer a calm retreat and sanctuary from the everyday. The result is a harmonious blend of architecture, interiors and amenity that emphasises wellbeing, comfort and beauty without excess."&nbsp;

Malloch added that project consultants had been carefully selected in alignment with Bottega House's commitment to care, quality and attention to detail. The design team includes architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, interiors practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/urbis">Urbis</a>.&nbsp;

Three-bedroom apartments are expected to start around $5 millio. Selling agents Keenan &amp; Byrne said the pricing strategy for the project was anticipated to achieve upwards of $25,500 per square metre.&nbsp;

The project's development approval this week follows the success of Bottega House's inaugural Queensland project - a 22-storey collection of full-floor sky homes at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast which included the sale of a two-storey penthouse at a record price for a beachside residence.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House is expected to launch to market in November, with construction anticipated to be completed mid 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151826]

Joel Robinson

Bottega House to make Brisbane debut with St Lucia riverfront apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> is advancing its affordable apartment model into Brisbane with the acquisition of another site at Cordelia Street in South Brisbane for $27 million.

Sherpa, which has a $1.7 billion pipeline across Southeast Queensland, intends to bring a cohort of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers into its proposed 186-apartment project to be built at 2 Cordelia Street.

The Sherpa model has already been incredibly well received from their Gold Coast projects, where Sherpa Group set aside a number of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers.

The new $320 million project marks Sherpa Group's second development in Brisbane, following its $255 million Symphony project, also on Cordelia Street, which is currently under construction.

Symphony will deliver 146 apartments across 28 levels, offering a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. With 114 already sold, construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/lps-group">LPS Group</a> is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=351654]

Sherpa Founder, Christie Leet, said the company was excited to be venturing into Brisbane for its second residential project.

“We’re big believers in the future of Brisbane as we lead into the 2032 Olympics and beyond,” Leet said.

“The success of Symphony has guided us into what will be our second project and we look forward to submitting our plans with council soon so we can deliver yet another quality project to the inner city residential market.

“Our Flourish model has been very well received both in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and we’re excited to be able to offer some of these apartments again exclusively to first homebuyers to help get them into the property market.

“The model has been extraordinarily well received in our previous projects and it is something we are committed to moving forward.”

2 Cordelia Street will be designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hal-architects">HAL Architects</a> &amp; Finegrain and will include Sherpa’s signature residential amenities including pool, gym, recreation, wellness and work from home spaces.

The project will feature ground-floor commercial space, creating a vibrant amenity for residents and the surrounding community.

A development application will be lodged with Brisbane City Council in August on the code compliant site and will be launched to the market early 2027.

Sherpa acquires new site for second Brisbane apartment tower

One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

&nbsp;

FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Cairns

<html><body>
Half-a-million dollars offers plenty of property options to owner occupiers or investors in Queensland’s Cairns because the sum is well above the median prices, say valuation firm Herron Todd White in their July residential market report.
A $500,000 property investment in Cairns will secure a well located modern executive style suburban dwelling or alternatively an above average quality apartment in the Cairns CBD, located on the mid to upper levels of a near new high rise unit development. 
“Indeed the purchaser or investor at this price level would find a large range of sectors, styles and locations available to choose from. However, it remains impossible to spend $500,000 on a new apartment due to the absence of new unit construction at that level,” says the HTW report. 
The $500,000 mark in the Cairns market is relative to the current (April 2016) median price levels of approximately $385,000 for houses and $220,000 for apartments. Over the past twelve months, 75% of houses and 95% of apartments sold in Cairns transacted for $500,000 or under. 
The Cairns market sits at the rising market stage of the cycle but is currently experiencing a pause due to factors such as tighter investment lending criteria and the uncertainty over negative gearing. This is indicated by sales volumes progressively softening over the past six to nine months while prices have reverted to minimal to no growth. 
“Nevertheless our prognosis is for the market to return to slow growth as the region’s tourism-based economy continues to improve,” says the report.
Property Observer looked up a recent sale on www.realestate.com.au that fits the bill. A three-bedroom, two-bathroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-cairns-122643390" target="_blank">5 McCrae Street, Cairns, Qld 4870</a> sold for $397,000.
<div> </div>
 
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Property options abound in Cairns in sub-$500,000 category: HTW

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 48">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Queensland's Cairns was a rising market for houses while it was starting to recover for units, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's property clock -- a simple broad brush means to suggest where property markets are and the direction they're headed to.
<a href="/images/2016/05/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-16%20at%208.10.24%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/05/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-16%20at%208.10.24%20AM.png" alt="">
In Cairns, the outer or fringe areas essentially mean the Edmonton to Gordonvale corridor on the southern side of the city. The area is a significant growth node bearing much of the brunt of the current and future population expansion. Indeed, Edmonton and Gordonvale were both satellite sugar towns which are now being well and truly swallowed alive by the urban expansion of Cairns.
<a href="/images/2016/05/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-16%20at%208.12.37%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/05/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-16%20at%208.12.37%20AM.png" alt="">
 
</div>
<div class="column">
Housing development in the Edmonton to Gordonvale corridor is dominated by single dwellings located on 600 to 800 square metre allotments. There is precious little in the way of apartment developments. Most sales in the current market appear to be to intending owner-occupiers. The investor market is soft. 
For investors, the most popular purchases are standard four-bedroom, two-bathroom new dwellings which typically sell around the $340,000 to $360,000 mark and typically rent in the $420 to $450 per week range. There are higher quality homes typically up to $450,000 in price, but at this level still only pull $420 to $450 per week in rent. 
Our feedback is that 10 to 20-year-old three-bedroom, one-bathroom dwellings are harder to move in the current market, particularly in the $260,000 to $300,000 category. It may be these dwellings that are offering the better buying opportunities with these homes typically renting for $310 to $330 per week. 
However, the key to buying an investment property in the Cairns housing market at present is to concentrate on the current rate of rental return, not on the prospect of future capital gain which may be some time coming. 
Property Observer found a few recent sales in the range $260,000 to $400,000 in Cairns' fringes on www.realestate.com.au.
A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-edmonton-122382446" target="_blank">18 Novelli Street Edmonton Qld 4869</a> sold for $372,000.
<img src="/images/2016/05/16/main-1.jpg" alt="">
A three-bedroom house with a double garage at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-gordonvale-122094146" target="_blank">28 Buzacott Street Gordonvale Qld 4865 </a>sold for $273,000.
 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Investor market soft in Cairns' fringes: HTW

<html><body>
Eagles Nest, a prestige property at Rocky Point in the Port Douglas region of Queensland is up for sale for $7,250,000. 
Perched high in the Daintree Rainforest with views across the Coral Sea toward the Great Barrier Reef, the house is a 20-minute drive inland from Port Douglas.
By air, it's a 15-minute flight from Cairns International Airport to a private helipad.
Constructed to uncompromising standards, the Indonesian-inspired roof-line covers 1,000 sqm of interior living space and covered verandas.
All its indoors and out are seamless to achieve tropical living at its easiest. 
With the living areas located primarily on the ground level, the foyer opens to formal living, library, and dining rooms of grand proportions. 
An open plan lounge room and entertainer’s kitchen with casual dining adjoins a covered outdoor dining area and swimming pool.  
There are three master bedrooms each with an ensuite, with the main bedroom suite offering views of the Coral Sea and Mossman Valley. 
Located on the top floor is a master den with private balcony and telescopic observatory.
A second study or staff quarters is on the ground level. 
Amenities include an Italian glass-tiled swimming pool and spa with water features; tennis court and helipad.
All state-of-the-art built with technology, and security.  
Moments away are Rocky Point white-sand swimming beach and Trinity Bay for water sports.
The home at <a href="https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/mossman/properties/rocky-point-rocky-point-4873-queensland" target="_blank">10-12 Hibiscus Court, Rocky Point</a> has been listed through Raine &amp; Horne Port Douglas agent, Barbara Wolveridge by Cheryl and Malcolm McKellar.
</body></html>

Port Douglas trophy Eagles Nest listed

<html><body>
Cairns remains a rising market, following a year of continued growth and consolidation as a result of its steadily improving economy and the market being positioned in the rising market phase of the property cycle throughout the year, say Herron Todd White in their latest property clock.
Valuation firm Herron Todd White’s property clock is a simple broad brush means to suggest where property markets are as at March 2016 and what direction prices are moving in.
<a href="/images/2016/03/2/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-02%20at%2010.20.25%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/03/2/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-02%20at%2010.20.25%20AM.png" alt="">
Cairns is typically counter-cyclical to the national market, according to HTW. Whenever the national economy slows and the Australian dollar falls, the Cairns tourism industry becomes more competitive, the local economy improves and the real estate market revitalises.
There is good demand for most residential property types and although sales growth has eased, prices continue to rise. 
HTW expects 2016 sales volumes to see a slow but steady increase and flow through to price rises being maintained typically at around the 5% mark. 
There will be on-going demand for rental property which, given the relatively slow rate of new housing development and tighter lending conditions to investors, will keep the supply of rental property moderately tight and maintain a slight upward pressure on rents. 
Cairns remains in a positive position at present compared to the downward adjustments taking place in the major capitals. 
The median price of units in the city was $370,000 at the end of 2015, according to RP Data. There was no comparable data for houses.
As an example of recently sold units around the median, a two-bedroom dwelling at <a href="https://realestateview.com.au/real-estate/161-163-esplanade-cairns-city-qld/property-details-sold-residential-9716215" target="_blank">161-163 Esplanade</a> sold for $388,000, according to www.realestateview.com.au.
HTW noted with new construction and development remaining quiet in Cairns, gentrification is not an especially strong force in the overall development landscape.
The inner suburbs of Cairns North and Parramatta Park have traditionally been the popular gentrification areas of Cairns, with some extension into suburbs such as Edge Hill, Manunda and Westcourt.
It noted the slowdown in new unit development in Cairns.
There was something like 980 new units built on greenfield or recycled sites in Cairns North over the period from 2000 to 2008.
"However there’s been absolutely nothing since."
Parramatta Park has experienced significant gentrification over the years typically based on renovation and modernisation of its older style Queenslander dwellings. This also reflects the character precincts in place in much of Parramatta Park as opposed to the more blank canvas development approach that has taken place in Cairns North.
"By way of example, renovated Queenslanders in Parramatta Park currently command a market range typically of $450,000 to $600,000, compared to a typical market range of $350,000 to $450,000 for unrenovated dwellings." 
</body></html>

Counter-cyclical Cairns in a positive position in 2016: HTW property clock 

<html><body>
Stockland Cairns – a nearly 50,000 square metre shopping centre in Cairns — is up for sale through an International Expressions of Interest (EOI) campaign closing March 31.
The sale is expected to fetch more than $230 million for the Stockland Group, which has appointed JLL’s Simon Rooney for the campaign.
Stockland Cairns, spread over 49,532 sqm, is a triple DDS anchored sub-regional shopping centre comprising a Big W, Target, Harris Scarfe, Coles, Woolworths, BCC six screen cinema complex, in addition to 10 mini majors, 110 specialty tenancies and kiosks.
“Investors continue to see long-term value in the Queensland retail market. Investment into retail assets in Queensland continues to strengthen from year to year. Total transaction activity has risen from $1.4 billion in 2013, to $1.7 billion in 2014 and to a record-high of $2.3 billion in 2015,” said Rooney.
“There have been very few opportunities historically to acquire a 100% interest in a major, high quality retail asset over $200 million in Queensland. We have recorded just three transactions above this threshold in the last 10-years. One of those transactions occurred directly off-market and one was part of a national portfolio.”
He said several institutional retail landlords bought assets in Queensland last year to increase exposure to the state. Blackstone acquired Westfield Strathpine as part of a wider portfolio transaction for $655.5 million, QIC bought Domain Central Homemaker Centre (nearly $130 million) and Hinkler Central ($110 million) and LaSalle Investment Management acquired three retail assets totalling $171 million.
“We expect Stockland Cairns will be highly sought after given the high level of demand for major retail assets in Queensland and the shortage of opportunities to acquire major assets,” said Rooney.
“The resurgence in inbound tourism, which follows the depreciation in the AUD, is supporting the local economies of major tourist regions such as Far North Queensland. Overseas visitor arrivals have increased by over 7% year-on-year, nationally, which supports a positive outlook for retail trading conditions.”
Stockland Cairns benefits from its location at the gateway to the southern growth corridor of the Cairns region, with 247,030 residents within the total trade area, including 168,810 residents in the main trade area.
Several major tenants including Target and Woolworths have renewed their leases to July 2022 and June 2036, respectively, as well as a brand new lease to Harris Scarfe to May 2026.
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/stockland-reports-8-1-percent-increase-in-first-half-underlying-profit">Stockland</a>, Australia's largest diversified real estate investment trust, reported on Wednesday an 8.1 percent rise in first-half underlying profit to $313 million.
</body></html>

Stockland Cairns comes to market with a price tag of $230 million plus

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
McGrath Estate Agents have opened a new office in Cairns, the second for the group in North Queensland.
McGrath chief executive John McGrath said he expects significant growth in Cairns and North Queensland over the coming years, as a result of a lower Australian dollar, heightened tourism activity and an upsurge in new development.
McGrath Cairns will be led by Principals, Matt Powe and Kirsty Kernot. Seven sales agents will join the team at McGrath Cairns.
Matt Powe said since 2012 the market has trended upwards after a sustained period of negative growth. 
"However Cairns remains an affordable city to raise a family with excellent schools and lifestyle and recreational facilities," he said.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The new office will service Palm Cove, Gordonvale, Cairns City and Kuranda. The top five suburbs to be serviced include Edge Hill, Redlynch, Kewarra Beach, Kanimbla and Cairns City. 
 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Cairns

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Cairns

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News