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.

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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.

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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> 
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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

Casino

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Residential properties that fit the flash and the furious mould within the Kyogle and Casino regions are rather slim in number, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) report. 
The report suggests for these rural towns, any detached house within the residential zoned area achieving a sales figure above $500,000 certainly invokes a response in the locals.
A case in point is the sale recorded at 4 Rosewood Place, Kyogle (pictured below) for $518,000 in July 2019.
Located in a 1990s-era subdivision, the two level, four-bedroom, two-bathroom house with three-car accommodation stands out from the rest having been fully renovated inside and out.
"Complete with tiered seating in the main lounge with an LCD projector and motorized screen, you have a veritable cinema under the roof!" the valuation firm said. 
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/18/4%20rosewood%20pl.jpg" alt="">
In the popular satellite suburb of Gays Hill, near Casino, the most expensive house sale for 2019 was<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-casino-130996450" target="_blank"> 6 Devon Court </a>(pictured below) for $549,000 in July 2019.
A more original 1990s, but extremely well maintained and spacious four-bedroom, two-bathroom home with two-car accommodation is a testament to the first owner’s care and attention.
"This level of price is generally found to be more akin with more modern houses....so this one was an eye opener," the valuation firm commented. 
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/18/6%20devon%20court.jpg" alt="">
Rural residential properties usually command the upper price levels within close proximity to Casino and Kyogle, as they benefit from rural views and having the space and opportunity to go nuts on landscaping and ancillary improvements, the report noted.
A unique property located on a well elevated 6.44 hectare site is 38 Chisholm Court, Collins Creek which sold for $700,000 in May 2019.
Contemporary in its design with only three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a detached two-car garage, the house site affords panoramic rural and mountain views to the north and east and is only ten kilometres from Kyogle.
"Far enough away but not too far....as they say. No problems with water supply thanks to a recently installed bore," the valuation firm added.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/11/18/38%20Chisholm%20Court%20Collins%20Creek.jpeg" alt="">
"In a recently developed rural residential estate in Naughtons Gap, approximately ten kilometres north-east of Casino CBD, we have <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-naughtons+gap-131229226" target="_blank">35 Ironbark Place</a>, a four bedroom, two bathroom, modern home with two-car built-in garage and a lot of bells and whistles such as ducted air conditioning, solar power system, 12 x 9 metre machinery shed, inground pool and 130,000 litres of water storage, all on a 2.424 hectare site for $755,000 in June 2019.
"Every whim and wish catered for here!" the valuation firm said. 
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/18/35%20Ironbark%20pl.jpg" alt="">
"Lastly, we have the larger, rural lifestyle properties that crack the $1 million plus ceiling and can leave a tear in the eye (or wallet). Consider <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-lifestyle-nsw-casino-7595607" target="_blank">3309 Bruxner Highway, Casino </a>for $1.095 million in June 2019.
"A well laid out 40.33 hectare property with a 1990s, five-bedroom, two- bathroom, brick home with pleasant features such as a wide alfresco area, inground pool, three-bay garage and attached carport, fully equipped bore, dam...a machinery or store shed large enough to fit a Donald Trump Winnebago election troupe travel group – yeah... that’s big.
"Together with clean flat to easy undulating topography and a short ten minute drive from Casino, you can have the luxury of residential and rural living in one package," the valuation firm said. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/18/3309%20Bruxner%20Highway%20Casino.jpg" alt=""> 
Similarly, a 41 hectare property at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-mixed+farming-nsw-kyogle-700013478" target="_blank"> 1233 Collins Creek Road, Collins Creek </a>is only 14 kilometres north of Kyogle CBD and includes a three- bedroom, two-bathroom homestead set amongst whispering gums with panoramic north-easterly rural views and views of Border Ranges National Park.
"The clean and improved pastures keep the cattle happy as well whilst you lounge on the open verandah and take in the cool breezes and eye catching scenery. At $1.01 million in June 2019, you would think this is a bargain!" the valuation firm said. 
"With the recent cut in interest rates, one would be forgiven for casting an eye on the more pricey real estate." 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/18/1233%20Collins%20Creek%20Road%20Collins%20Creek%20.jpg" alt="">
A brief glance at the residential market for Casino and Kyogle shows only a handful of properties listed in the $500,000 plus price bracket and they appear to be sticking around.
However, this is not the case for rental accommodation in Casino and Kyogle with the bulk of the rental stock being listed and quickly occupied.
At a rental range of $250 per week to $500 per week, there is a sensing of tightening in supply throughout.
For larger rural lifestyle properties near Casino and Kyogle, the $1 million-plus price bracket listing is becoming more apparent for well-presented rural lifestyle properties with a plethora of features such as creek or river frontage, elevated rural or mountain views and good quality and range of improvements.
"In summary, the Casino and Kyogle region has its share of eye candy and there appears to be a market demand to savour it." 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Rural residential properties close to Casino and Kyogle command the upper price levels: HTW residential 

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Given that residential rent levels in most regional centres and towns have improved over the past 12 months, common sense would indicate that the gross yields for residential property in the regional areas of Casino and Kyogle would be somewhat higher than the more expensive properties located on the coast, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at the rental yields across the nation to dissect where to find the best returns in residential market.
"Quite simply, the price level of residential housing (dwellings or units) in a regional area is generally going to be at a significantly lower base compared to a similar house type in a coastal area which helps the conversion of the rental into a higher gross yield (before expenses and debt servicing)," the valuation firm said. 
For example, imagine a four-bedroom, two-bathroom, modern brick clad dwelling with a double garage in Casino on a 700 square metre site with a value of between $400,000 and $450,000 and a rental value of around $450 to $500 per week.
This translates to a gross yield of approximately 5.5% for a single dwelling (based on a 50 week rental period with an allowance of two weeks vacancy).
"Get yourself a functional teleportation machine and convert those said improvements into an energy pattern (a process called dematerialisation) and beam them onto a similar sized parcel of land about 50 kilometres to the east coast near say Ballina or East Ballina. 
"From there, expect the price level for similar improvements to have a market value of around $700,000 to $750,000," the valuation firm added. 
Rental levels are tipped to be around $600 to $650 per week, thereby, translating to a gross yield of closer to 4.25%.
The figures sound even more tempting when considering that the demand for rental accommodation in Casino and Kyogle is relatively strong for properties at the lower end of the market value range.
There is always a need for accommodation and it is generally at the base or lower level of the market value range where we can see a boost to the gross yield rate, the report noted. 
There are examples of residential dwellings in Casino and Kyogle where the market value of the detached dwellings on a standard house site under $225,000 can fetch market rental rates of around $275 to $300 per week. This translates to a gross yield of around six to 6.50%.
Similar gross yield rates can be achieved by two- bedroom, one-bathroom, attached units with a single carport or garage, particularly within close proximity of the CBD in Casino or Kyogle – a favourite for the older generation tenant needing to be close to town services.
"Well...doesn’t that sound like a property investor’s dream come true! Especially when term deposit rates at the bank are at an all-time low (think 1.5% to 2%) and fixed mortgage rates are hovering around the mid-3%.
"However, within these regional areas such as Casino and Kyogle, the trade-off for reasonable gross yield rates is that capital gain is not expected to be overly significant within a short term time frame," the valuation firm said. 
It really needs to be a long term vision of possibly 10-plus years to see some significant capital gain.
Otherwise, if the property offers some added opportunity such as subdivision of excess land to create an additional lot or a revamp of the internal layout of a house or unit to create an additional bedroom in order to improve the property’s appeal and market value, then some capital gain could be realised in a shorter time frame.
In such circumstances, by selling excess land as a separate lot or title, the net proceeds could be used to reduce the overall principal debt which in turn reduces the overall outgoings and ultimately produces a better net yield for the remaining house on a smaller lot.
"What’s a net yield? Ah yes, the gross yield is the gross rental divided by the purchase or sale price, whereas the net yield is the gross income less all outgoings such as rates, insurance, water, sewerage and property management divided by the purchase or sale price. 
"That is the true test of investment attractiveness. If the net yield is higher than other investment vehicles, then this would seem appealing," the valuation firm said. 
However, this does not consider the effect of debt servicing.
Allowing for an 80% lend, the debt servicing associated with a principal and interest loan whittles down the net yield pretty quickly.
It really only benefits the high net worth individual who needs no loan and has a lazy $500,000 or more to park in real estate while the share market has a few shivers and the bank term deposits are barely two per cent.
"The situation does become slightly more attractive where the gross and net yields for a block of flats or units are higher than a detached house or a single unit," the valuation firm stated. 
A good example is for a block of five units on one title in Casino which recently sold for $700,000 with a gross rental of $50,000 per annum. This translates to 7.14% gross which would be around 5.5% net yield after outgoings.
However, once again, that does not include the effect of debt servicing. So, for an investor relying on an 80% lend to purchase the property, there would be the high likelihood that there would be a shortfall to be met, i.e. the rent would not cover all outgoings and debt servicing.
The cashed up investor would be much better placed to take advantage of these opportunities.
"In summary, if you are hunting for yields, consider it from a long-term perspective and be prepared to cover some of the shortfall out of your own pocket if debt servicing is required," the valuation firm concluded. 
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Gross yields in Casino and Kyogle regional areas higher than expensive coastal properties: HTW residential 

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For the rural service towns of Casino (Richmond Valley Council area) and Kyogle (Kyogle Shire Council), the primary concern of most local buyers is the price point rather than location, location, location, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
"Sure, there are well renovated older style or modern properties with all the bells and whistles within close proximity of the town centre, however the reality is that within both Casino and Kyogle, the radius from the town centre to the fringe of the urban development is well under three kilometres, so most town services available within a small country town are generally nearby," the HTW report said. 
"First home buyers, those looking to dip their toe into the property market, are really price conscious, particularly if they have a limited budget and are at the mercy of tighter lender criteria (hmmmm, but that might be changing in the near future methinks...)."
Fortunately, both Casino and Kyogle are, in comparison to other rural towns and villages of the Far North Coast or Northern Rivers region, are somewhat more affordable with opportunities still available within the sub $250,000 price bracket.
"Yes, they need a bit of work, but provide an opportunity for the industrious first home buyer to put their stamp on the renovation project," the valuation firm added. 
"The majority of properties within Casino and Kyogle linger within the $250,000 to $400,000 price range and are dotted throughout the townships, with the price point primarily affected by condition, presentation, degree of or lack of renovation and functionality (such as number of bedrooms, bathrooms and car accommodation).
"Properties in the upper market category can be generally found in the well-established estates which, interestingly, are further away from the town centre."
For Casino, this would include Gays Hill being approximately four kilometres south-west of Casino CBD.
"Here we find a mixture of recent, modern residential development and well established residential houses from the later 1980s to early 1990s with one feature in common... a larger than average size residential allotment (1,100 square metres).
"It’s a popular spot for up-graders, where sale prices have breached the $500,000 mark in recent years," the valuation firm said. 
The same can be said for the Mayfield Estate (approximately two kilometres north-east by road from Kyogle CBD) and the Geneva (a slightly further 2.5 kilometres west of Kyogle CBD) where some well-heeled properties have quietly punched through the $400,000 price bracket in a relatively tightly held area.
Most of these properties are generally well modernised or new build development with added features of pools, tidy landscaping or having the benefit of views.
There are a handful of residential properties close to town centres that have all the features and generally, for Casino and Kyogle, have been subject to extensive renovation work and include a pool, three-plus bedrooms and have a heritage character element.
"In summary, for rural towns such as Casino and Kyogle, the radius from the town centre is relatively small, so the key factor that tends to dictate all other things is the almighty dollar, so if you are looking to sell, pitch your promotion on a primary price point that persuades the particular people to ponder!" 
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For Casino/Kyogle local buyers, price point is most important: HTW residential 

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The former property developer turned US President Donald Trump once considered opening a casino in Australia.
He was among the tenderers for the Darling Harbour Casino in 1986, partnering with the Queensland-based construction company Kern.
Five groups lodged tenders for the multi-million-dollar casino:
The Australian Federal Hotels and Sabemo group.
Malaysia's Genting Berhad, with Australia's Civil and Civic.
The US operator Harrah's, with Australia's Leighton and Pennant groups.
The US company Trump and Australia's Kern Corp.
HKMS, or the Hong Kong Macau Sydney consortium, backed by Dr Stanley Ho and a Hong Kong company, New World Enterprises, which owns developments in Kowloon.
The Government tender came afTer it refused to go through with a $610 million deal with the Hooker/Harrah's consortium after Cabinet was given adverse reports about individuals associated with both groups.
In mid-1987, on the eve of the casino decision, Trump indicated he didn't really care if he won the contract or not.
Trump told the New Jersey Casino Control Commission he was supposed to go to Sydney in early 1987 but "as the time got closer and closer, it sounded more and more less attractive".
"Eventually I decided it was just a long trip. So I don't know whether my enthusiasm level can be very high for that particular job.
"It's just a long, long trip away. I believe in very hands-on management," he told the commission, as reported in the SMH at the time.
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When Donald Trump toyed with opening Darling Harbour, Sydney casino

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James Packer's Crown Resorts has secured approval for his $2 billion Sydney casino at Barangaroo.
Mr Packer, who owns 53 per cent of Crown, once described the development of the Sydney casino as his biggest priority.
"This is an extremely important day for Crown," said Mr Packer.
"It has taken us four years of constant effort to get to this point and now we can begin building our vision, to give Sydney one of the world's great luxury hotels. We will now work tirelessly to ensure Crown Sydney meets the very high expectations of the government and the people of this city."
Crown had originally targeted a late 2019 completion for the casino with luxury apartments but it is now early 2021 as the likely opening date.
Crown chairman Rob Rankin said excavation work would start shortly.
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James Packer's Barangaroo casino greenlight

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One of Australia's richest men, James Packer, wants to build the nation's tallest building next to his Melbourne casino.
The $1.5 billion hotel and apartment complex includes plans for a 90-level tower that will rise to 323 metres, eclipsing the nearby Australia 108-apartment tower at 319 metres that is under construction. 
Crown and its joint venture partner Schiavello Group have lodged plans for the Queensbridge Hotel Tower project, which includes a six-star hotel of 388 rooms and 708 apartments.
Crown's application has been received by Victoria's planning minister Richard Wynne who has recently taken a firm hand to curtail over-development of sites, including in the Southbank area around the Crown Casino.
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