The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 41-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 41-storey tower, which has 229 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Clearance Rates

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This week 2,419 auctions were held across the combined capital cities, representing a substantial 26 percent rise in auction activity compared to the previous week when 1,920 capital city auctions were held.
This was the fourth highest number of weekly auctions held over the year to date. 
The rise in activity was coupled with a slight fall in preliminary combined capitals clearance rate, from 68.9 percent last week, to 68.0 percent this week. Much of the strength in the combined capitals clearance rate can be attributed to the two largest auction markets (Melbourne and Sydney), where clearance rates remained the strongest nationally.
One year ago, however, both Sydney and Melbourne recorded a clearance rate in excess of 80 percent, and the combined capital city clearance rate was 78.5 percent across 2,792 auctions.
<a href="/images/2016/05/30/20160530-Capital-city.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/05/30/20160530-Capital-city.png" alt="">
Melbourne was by far the busiest capital city auction market this week, with 1,157 auctions held, up from 843 last week and lower than one year ago (1,248). Preliminary results for the city show 70.8 per cent of auctions sold this week, compared to 70.0 per cent last week and 80.2 per cent one year ago. Across each individual sub-region of the city, performance was somewhat varied with clearance rates ranging from as high as 78.3 per cent in the Outer East across 77 auctions and as low as 65.1 per cent in the South East across 121 auctions.
<a href="/images/2016/05/30/20160530-Melbourne.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/05/30/20160530-Melbourne.png" alt="">
Across Sydney, a 75.0 percent clearance rate was recorded this week, based on preliminary results. There were 773 auctions held across the city, with 615 results reported so far. In comparison, last week’s clearance rate was 73.2 per cent, lower than this week, while one year ago, 85 percent of the 1,149 auctions held across the Harbour city were successful over the week. While Sydney’s clearance rate isn’t tracking at the same strong levels seen last year, the city has maintained a relatively strong clearance rate since mid-February this year.
This week, in fact, there were two sub regions that recorded a clearance rate above 80 per cent; Eastern Suburbs at 91.9 percent across 116 auctions and North Sydney and Hornsby at 83.3 percent across 114 auctions.
<a href="/images/2016/05/30/20160530-Sydney.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/05/30/20160530-Sydney.png" alt="">
Brisbane had 190 auctions this week, up from 131 last week, but lower than the 213 one year ago. Preliminary results show a clearance rate of 40.2 percent across the city, compared to 50.9 percent last week and 48.0 percent at the same time last year. Across the Gold Coast 82 auctions were held this week, with 41 results reported so far. The preliminary clearance rate for the region was 41.5 percent.
<a href="/images/2016/05/30/20160530-Brisbane.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/05/30/20160530-Brisbane.png" alt="">
The preliminary clearance rate for Adelaide was 52.6 percent this week with 122 auctions held, down from 68.8 percent last week across 92 auctions. At the same time last year, there was less auction activity (92) and a higher success rate (67.4 percent).
<a href="/images/2016/05/30/20160530-Adelaide.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/05/30/20160530-Adelaide.png" alt="">
A total of 20 Perth auction results have been reported so far this week, with 10 sold. The preliminary clearance rate of 50.0 percent shows a week-on-week rise, compared to 42.9 percent last week across 35 results. Over the same week last year, just 21 Perth auctions were held and of the 17 reported results, 41.2 percent cleared.
There were 107 Canberra auctions this week, the busiest week since the week ending 20 March this year when 119 auctions were held. This week represents the third week this year where over 100 auctions have been held in Canberra. Preliminary results show 64.4 percent of Canberra auctions were successful, down from 67.2 percent last week and 68.3 percent one year ago.
So far this week, 6 Tasmanian auctions have been reported with a total of 4 sales 
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smiller-vwPjRHTkST

Number of auctions surges to the fourth highest week this year: CoreLogic RP Data's Shana Miller

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Preliminary auctions results in Melbourne for the week ending May 22 show a clearance rate of 70.7 percent, down from 71.3 percent last week.
Melbourne’s Inner sub-region held a 72.2 percent clearance rate, with the Outer East region at 80 percent across 50 results from 57 auctions.
<a href="/images/2016/05/23/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-23%20at%2012.31.06%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/05/23/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-23%20at%2012.31.06%20PM.png" alt="">
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Melbourne's outer east holds 80 percent clearance rate: CoreLogic RP Data

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Given the ANZAC day long weekend, auction volumes are expected to dip this week, with 1,372 scheduled, down from almost 1,700 last week.
The amount of auction activity in Melbourne and Sydney this week is virtually the same, with 535 Sydney auctions scheduled and 546 in Melbourne.
On a week-on-week basis, auction activity will be quieter in all cities with the exclusion of Sydney, where volumes are 12 per cent higher and Canberra, where the number of auctions scheduled to take place this week is 6 per cent higher than the previous week.
Capital City Auctions this week:
<ul>
<li>Sydney: 535</li>
<li>Melbourne: 546</li>
<li>Brisbane: 114</li>
<li>Adelaide: 92</li>
<li>Perth: 27</li>
<li>Canberra: 52</li>
</ul>
The two busiest individual suburbs for auctions this week are Mount Waverley (14) and Craigieburn (12), both located in Melbourne. The third busiest suburb, Reservoir, also in Melbourne, was last week’s busiest suburb with 18 auctions, while this week just 11 will be held.
Summary of last week’s results:
<a href="/images/2016/04/21/20160421-cc-table.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/21/20160421-cc-table.png" alt="">
The capital city clearance rate remained stable last week, at 67.4 per cent, up just slightly from 67.1 per cent the previous week. The week-on-week results were also relatively flat across each of the individual capital cities, with only Canberra (up to 68.9 per cent from 61.9 per cent the previous week) and Perth (down to 23.1 per cent from 33.3 per cent the previous week), where clearance rates often move around substantially, seeing any significant changes.
<a href="/images/2016/04/21/20160421-cc-graph.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/21/20160421-cc-graph.png" alt="">
Last week, Melbourne was the strongest performing capital city auction market, with 71.5 per cent of auctions clearing, followed by Sydney, where 69.8 per cent of auctions were successful. Across Melbourne’s Outer East the clearance rate was the strongest (82.1 per cent), and Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs (86.5 per cent) and Sutherland (86.4 per cent) were the stand out performers last week. In fact, so far this year, the Eastern Suburbs clearance rate has only dipped below 79 per cent once.
Outside of the capital cities, auction markets were somewhat lacklustre this week with vendors more likely to not sell at auction than to sell at auction.
<a href="/images/2016/04/21/20160421-sub-region-table.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/21/20160421-sub-region-table.png" alt="">
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Auction volumes expected to dip this week: CoreLogic RP Data's Shana Miller

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Brisbane held a preliminary clearance rate of 56.6 percent for the week ending April 10 according to CoreLogic RP Data. 
Across Brisbane 161 auctions held. The Gold Coast had 26 auctions  with 10 were selling.
<a href="/images/2016/04/11/20160411-Brisbane.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/11/20160411-Brisbane.png" alt="">
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Brisbane's clearance rate at 56.6 percent: CoreLogic RP Data

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Melbourne's school holidays saw the absence of the typical prestige offerings with the top sale being $2.75 million in Aberfeldie (above).
It sold two years ago in spring 2014 at $2.32 million, so reflected 11 percent price growth for the 2006-built Victorian-era style four bedroom home with study.
Melbourne was the busiest capital city auction market this week, after Sydney was the busiest for the past two weeks.
The 794 Melbourne auctions secured a clearance rate of 73 percent, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
Inner Melbourne, with 171 auctions and North East Melbourne with 110 auctions held were the busiest sub-regions of the city this week, with clearance rates of 72 percent and 76 percent, respectively.
South East and Inner East Melbourne were the only two regions where clearance rates fell below the 70 percent mark this week.
The preliminary auction clearance rate in Sydney stayed below 70 percent again this weekend at 67 percent, down from 69 percent last week.
All much lower than one year ago when it was a redhot 83 percent. 
Sydney’s sub-regions again showed a significant amount of variation in results across the city.
Clearances rates were as high as 87 percent in Inner West and as low as 41 percent in South West.
The cheapest Sydney offering was an over 55s villa in Cronulla.   Sydney auctioneer Rocky Bartolotto noted that not only were volumes down by 25 percent, but the average registered bidder numbers were just under 4 per property, compared to April 2015 which was averaging seven.   Brisbane’s preliminary clearance rate was 56 percent this week, up on the 52 percent last week and 54 percent one year ago.
Brisbane had the weekend's cheapest sale at $237,000 at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-waterford+west-122100694%20%20" target="_blank">Waterford West</a> for a three bedroom home (below) which, according to CoreLogic RP Data, last sold at $235,000 in 2006.
<img src="/images/2016/04/11/main-3.jpg" alt="" width="667" height="500">
Adelaide’s clearance rate was 63.6 percent this week, with Perth auctions at 25 percent last week.
Across Canberra 69 auctions were held this week with a 64 percent sales success including the $1,515,000 sale of the former bolthole of the former Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey.
The three-bedroom property in the prestigious suburb of Forrest sold soon after being passed in on a $1.5 million vendor bid at its 25 Furneaux Street onsite auction.   The national 67 percent success rate, was up from the 66 percent last week, but remaining lower than one year ago 77 percent.
The March 2016 quarter combined capital city clearance rate was 69 percent, lower than the 75 percent in the March 2015 quarter. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Aberfeldie tops Melbourne weekend results

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Estate agents were back posting "sold" stickers on their best weekend auction offerings - from a $235,000 Elwood flat to a $5.18 million Mosman trophy home - following the break from sales over Easter. 
Melbourne's St Albans with 15 listings was the nation's busiest weekend auction suburb, ahead of Sydney's Epping with 13, then Reservoir in Melbourne, with 12 offerings.
Auction activity across all the capital cities bounced back after the Easter break, but the national clearance rate dipped to 67 percent from the 1500 offerings, down on the 70.9 prior weekly result, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
There were some 530 homes put to weekend Sydney auction - and a total of 650 homes over the past week - with an overall 70 percent clearance rate.
<a href="/images/2016/04/4/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-04%20at%208.57.11%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/4/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-04%20at%208.57.11%20AM.png" alt="">
Auction clearance rates ranged across Sydney from as high as 94 percent in the city and east to as low as 28 percent in Parramatta.
With 100 plus auctions, the North Sydney and Hornsby region was the busiest followed by the inner south west with 84 auctions.
The Sydney weekend's top under the hammer sale was a five bedroom home at 19 Lower Almora Street, Mosman. It was bought by a Singapore based expatriate. There where five registered parties, but just the two bidders after McGrath agent Anthony Zakos took the opening $4.8 million bid. There had been $4.8 million to $5 million price guidance.
Adelaide was the best performing capital with a 75 percent success rate, but like all capitals, excepting Brisbane, the clearance rate sat lower than one year ago when it was 83 percent. 
There were 567 Melbourne auctions this week, making it the second busiest after Sydney, with around 68 percent of offerings successfully finding buyers this week.
House prices in St Albans ranged from $416,000 to $845,000, for a 613 sqm apartment development site, subject to planning approval at 18 Collins Street. There was a $466,000 St Albans sale to a Sydney investor.
Melbourne's highest sale was $2.415 million at 5 Closeburn Avenue, Prahran, a four bedroom 1905 Edwardian brick home that sold through Kay &amp; Burton.
It had sold the same time last year at $2.155 million - so 12 percent annual price growth - when it was sold through the Marshall White agency who had given a $1.7 million price guidance.
The Prahran sale edged out a $2.25 million Altona sale for the top spot. The 123 Esplanade, Altona sale was a two storey home opposite the beach, two blocks from the pier.
The $235,000 Elwood flat at 6/6 Cyril Street had last sold in 2008 at $195,000 and $220,000 in 2001. It had been a $230 weekly rental when advertised earlier this year, reflecting a five percent rental yield. Woodards Real Estate had been quoting $195,000 to $210,000 for the 1970s one bedder.
There have been 11 suburbs with clearance rates above 90 per cent this year, including Collingwood, Dingley Village and Seddon, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.
The strongest performing weekend Melbourne sub-region was the inner east with 74 percent success, with the regions showing no where near the broad success range witnessed in disparate Sydney's regions.
But both capitals bounced back in activity after the Easter break, though not as much in Melbourne with school holidays underway in Victoria.
School holidays always put a dampener on activity. Auction activity will be next interrupted by the Anzac Day long weekend, then the Queen’s Birthday holiday break in June, which will signal the beginning of the quieter winter auction market.
Generally, the first two weekends in July ranks as the mid-year low point of the national auction market, brought about by cooler weather and the school holidays which combine to create the mid-year market lull. 
Accordingly the prospect of a federal election in early July would be the least disruptive to the real estate industry, agents suggest.
Though agents expect the election to provide a bigger than normal distraction given that negative gearing policy will be one of the key election issues along with capital gains tax policy.
Agents expect some prospective vendors to bring forward their sales campaigns to May and June, but then closer to the election date the prospective sellers will postpone their sales campaigns until later in the year.
CoreLogic RP Data analysis of recent elections showed that there was around a 20 percent preceding drop in the volume of listings, while the clearance rate is usually unaffected. 
Historically when there is no change of government the housing market tends to respond better post-election than when there is a change.
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Auction activity bounces back post Easter

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Rising auction bidder numbers are underpinning the stronger clearance rates we've witnessed this year in most regions across Sydney. 
This emerging trend, if maintained, will soon lead to higher than expected price growth.
The average number of registered bidders sat at four at February auctions, according to the comprehensive data kept by auctioneer Damien Cooley at Cooley Auctions.
It was up on the three during December, but still below the five in February last year.
Sydney's 2016 weekend clearance rates have mostly sat above 70 percent, compared to the low 50s of late last year, and the 80 percent record levels this time last year.
The big test comes today with the traditional pre-Easter Super Saturday bumper auction offerings.
But what has been noticeable in recent weeks have been the anecdotal reports from auctions showing higher bidders numbers.
An original condition 1940s Curl Curl fibro cottage sold at $1.933 million with 11 registered bidders, young families versus owner builders.
After the strong $1.7 million opening bid for 40 Bennett Street, there were five active bidders for the property last sold for £3,500 in 1953.
It was downsizers who completed at Cremorne Point for a three-bedroom triplex garden apartment that fetched $4,065,000. The recent McGrath auction saw 10 parties raise their bidding cards after the $3.1 million opening bid. There had been a $3 million to $3.3 million auction price guide.
A strong auction result at 7 Doris Avenue, Earlwood came after 25 registered bidders turned up at its recent auction. Just four took part before it was knocked down at $1,340,000 to locals who plan to renovate. Auctioneers Rocky Bartolotto, from Auction Services, took a $950,000 opening bid on the three bedroom brick home sitting on a 417 sqm block size.
Not all regions are experiencing the same trend, according to CoreLogic RP Data, highlighting the right method of sale is a extremely important decision. 
Sydney’s strongest performing sub-regions currently stand at Ryde, with 86 percent selling, the Eastern Suburbs at 84 percent and the Inner West at 78.6 per cent. The three weakest regions have been Blacktown, Parramatta and the Hawkesbury for auctions.
But the momentum in some suburbs will catch some agents are giving ridicously low price guidance to buyers. Right at the time when NSW Fair Trading is holding a rigorous underquoting audit with inspectors currently looking at published advertisements and the estimated selling prices contained within agency agreements.  
More importantly they are also reviewing and considering the comparative sale price evidence utilised in developing their estimated selling price.
This means agents must be wise to all the recent sale prices in their patch. 
The early 2016 market rebound has meant underquoting has returned as an issue as in the first seven weeks since the laws were introduced, Fair Trading received 68 complaints. 
"Complaints are from named individuals, anonymous complainants and other real estate agents," a department spokesperson said.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Bidding numbers at auction suggest surprise price growth for some suburbs

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Over the week ending 26 February 2016, 66 commercial auctions were reported, rising sharply from 14 over the previous week signifying that the traditionally quiet period for commercial auctions has come to an end.
Last week, the clearance rate was 47.6 percent, compared to 50 percent the previous week. At the same time last year, 85 commercial auctions were reported with a success rate of 62.4 percent.
The most recent four week period shows a total of 88 auction results with 42 sales. Of these 42 sales, 31 have been reported with a sale price, totalling just over $95 million. 
<a href="/images/2016/03/9/2016_02_26_Auction_Graph.gif" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="/images/2016/03/9/2016_02_26_Auction_Graph.gif" alt="">
The table below indicates National Auction Clearance Rate figures.
<a href="/images/2016/03/9/2016_02_26_Auction_Table-580x200.gif" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/03/9/2016_02_26_Auction_Table-580x200.gif" alt="">
 
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Commercial auction quiet period officially ends: CoreLogic RP Data

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Sydney's preliminary clearance rate has fallen for the tenth consecutive week, according to CoreLogic RP Data, with this week's fall down to 55.6% making for the fifth week in a row under 60%.
1,051 auctions were held across Sydney for the week ending 6 December, with five regions posting a higher than 60% preliminary clearance rate - the Inner West (66.1%), Eastern Suburbs (65.2%, City and Inner South (64%) and Northern Beaches and North Sydney and Hornsby (both 62.5%).
<a href="/images/2015/12/7/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-07%20at%2012.34.06%20PM.png" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/7/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-07%20at%2012.34.06%20PM.png" alt="">
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Sydney's clearance rate falls for tenth consecutive week: CoreLogic RP Data

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The number of homes taken to auction remains high, with 3,087 auctions held this week, down from 3,274 over the previous week, however, the preliminary clearance rate of 60.8% has fallen, down from 62.3% last week, mainly due to the drop in Melbourne’s clearance rate, which is currently sitting below 65%. Over the corresponding week last year, the clearance rate was a stronger 65.7% and 3,315 auctions were held.
<a href="/images/2015/11/23/20151122-Capital-City.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/11/23/20151122-Capital-City.jpg" alt="" width="612" height="464">
 
Melbourne’s clearance rate remains under 70 per cent for the 5th week in a row, with this week’s preliminary clearance rate recorded at 64.7 per cent, down from 69.8 per cent last week, and weaker than the clearance rate for the city one year ago (66.1 per cent). This week, Melbourne was host to 1,477 auctions, lower than the 1,567 held last week, but higher than a year ago when there were 1,433 Melbourne auctions held over the week. Of the 9 individual Melbourne sub-regions, this week the strongest performer, in terms of clearance rate was the North East region. So far, CoreLogic RP Data has collected 153 results for the region and the preliminary result shows 71.9 per cent of these auctions were successful.
<a href="/images/2015/11/23/20151122-Melbourne.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/11/23/20151122-Melbourne.jpg" alt="" width="670" height="450">
 
Across Sydney, the preliminary auction clearance rate was 59.3 per cent this week, the third week in a row where Sydney has recorded a result below 60 per cent. Last week, Sydney’s clearance rate was 58 per cent, the lowest clearance rate seen since the week ending 10 February 2013 (55 per cent); significantly lower than one year ago, where results show that 71.8 per cent of Sydney homes taken to auction were successful. In terms of the number of auctions across the city, this week volumes were lower, down to 1,080 from 1,223 last week. One year ago 1,337 Sydney homes were taken to auction. The Eastern suburbs sub-region of Sydney has shown the strongest performance so far this week, with 82.6 per cent of the 69 reported results selling, with 33 remaining results yet to be collected.
<a href="/images/2015/11/23/20151122-Sydney.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/11/23/20151122-Sydney.jpg" alt="" width="667" height="448">
 
The preliminary clearance rate in Brisbane this week was 43.6 per cent, up from 39.5 per cent over the previous week. Auction volumes were higher this week with 226 auctions held, up from 198 last week. Meanwhile, across the Gold Coast, 32 per cent of the 50 reported auctions were successful.
<a href="/images/2015/11/23/20151122-Brisbane.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/11/23/20151122-Brisbane.jpg" alt="" width="690" height="458">
 
Adelaide recorded a clearance rate of 66.7 per cent across 141 auctions this week, up from 52.4 per cent across 121 auctions last week. At the same time last year, 147 homes were taken to auction, with 61.2 per cent recording a successful result.
<a href="/images/2015/11/23/20151122-Adelaide1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/11/23/20151122-Adelaide1.jpg" alt="" width="702" height="470">
 
There were 39 Perth auctions this week and so far 22 results have been reported, with just 36.4 per cent selling. Last week there was a 44.4 per cent clearance rate for Perth across 39 auctions and at the same time last year, 38.3 per cent of the 55 auctions held were successful.
Canberra’s clearance rate was 63.6 per cent this week across 111 auctions, compared to 63.2 per cent last week across 102 auctions.
Of the 5 Tasmanian auction results reported so far this week, 1 sale has been recorded.
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