Construction is now underway at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/cumulus-grand-villas-carrara-17-baltimore-court-carrara-qld-4211">Cumulus Grand Villas</a> in Carrara, with all stages fully funded as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/venturecrowd-property-projects">VentureCrowd</a> progresses its 59-residence gated community on an elevated ridgeline overlooking 100 hectares of natural savanna.

The commencement marks a key milestone for the Gold Coast project, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a> and being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/devcon">Devcon Property Group</a>, at a time when buyers are placing greater emphasis on delivery certainty and builder track record.

With Devcon active in South East Queensland since 1993 and having delivered more than 1,000 homes, the team is positioning Cumulus as a fully financed, under-construction offering in a market where risk mitigation has become a central consideration for off-the-plan purchasers.

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Located at 17 Baltimore Court, Cumulus Grand Villas comprises 59 three- and four-bedroom villas across four collections, Skyline, Canopy, Savanna and Broadview. Pricing starts from $1,455,000, with completion of the first stage targeted for Q4 2026.

Across the four collections, each design represents an expansive and thoughtfully considered offering. The Broadview provides additional flexibility within its floorplan, incorporating a multipurpose room or optional additional bedroom, and is priced from $1,895,000.&nbsp;

Configured across two levels, the four-bedroom villas feature two master bedrooms with private ensuites, as well as a multipurpose room (MPR), supporting intergenerational living, guest accommodation, or the creation of a dedicated retreat space.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360497]

The main living areas are positioned on the ground floor, while the bedrooms are located upstairs, a configuration that promotes both family separation and connected living. All villas include a second master suite on the ground floor, reinforcing the project’s focus on flexibility and long-term adaptability.

That adaptability was central to BDA Architecture’s design approach. The team sought to create a sophisticated, low-maintenance product that makes the most of the site’s elevation and outlook while responding to evolving household needs. Expansive glazing, open-plan interiors and private outdoor areas draw in natural light and frame views towards the savanna, hinterland and Broadbeach skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360470]

VentureCrowd Director of Property David Whitting said the project responds to a growing group of buyers reassessing what premium living on the Gold Coast looks like.

Flexible floorplans have proven particularly relevant for purchasers aged between 40 and 65, including next home buyers, downsizers and investors. The inclusion of dual master suites in the Broadview design, along with options for a downstairs MPR or guest bedroom, allows homes to adapt as family dynamics shift, whether accommodating older parents, adult children, or extended stays.

Across the community, villas are specified with European appliances and premium fixtures and fittings, alongside double garages and landscaped private areas. The gated enclave includes number plate recognition entry, reinforcing a focus on security and exclusivity.

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Lifestyle amenity is anchored by the Infinity Terrace, an elevated communal space incorporating a 20m heated pool, alfresco zones and barbecue facilities, designed as a shared retreat within the neighbourhood. A two-acre private nature reserve with walking trails and rehabilitated bushland further integrates the development with its savanna-edge setting, reflecting a broader masterplan initiative to restore native vegetation and habitat corridors.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/carrara-qld-4211">Carrara</a>’s positioning continues to attract attention from prestige buyers seeking proximity to the coast without beachfront pricing. The suburb offers access to major retail centres including Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre, is around 15 minutes from Broadbeach, and benefits from connectivity via the M1 to Brisbane and the Gold Coast Airport.

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Joel Robinson

VentureCrowd’s Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara advances with construction underway

Joint venture partners <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> are officially launching the third and final residential stage at their landmark $350 million harbourfront precinct, Putney Wharf, with The Residences representing the final opportunity to secure a new home within this rare waterfront destination.

Strong demand has already been established across the earlier stages of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-residences-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a>, with more than 50 per cent sold ahead of this final release. The Residences will introduce a selection of the precinct’s most premium apartments, many of which were deliberately reserved for this concluding stage.

Located at 20 Waterview Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a> NSW, the completed precinct will comprise 67 residences, including 18 terraces and 49 apartments, alongside five retail tenancies and a 36-berth marina.

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Developed alongside partners Phoenix Property Investors and Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Putney Wharf occupies a prized 300-metre stretch of absolute waterfront and incorporates the historic former Halvorsen’s Boatshed. The precinct connects directly to surrounding parklands via a landscaped foreshore walkway and a large, landscaped podium linking both sides of the development to the adjoining foreshore parklands.

The Residences comprise two newly built, three-storey apartment buildings delivering a boutique collection of 30 generously proportioned waterfront apartments. Designed to capture harbour outlooks, natural light and cooling breezes, The Residences balance architectural refinement with relaxed, low-maintenance living.

Architecturally designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the apartments continue the cohesive design language seen across the broader precinct. A refined palette of light and dark materials, softer-toned stone and neutral, earthy finishes reflect the surrounding landscape and harbour setting. Interiors feature painted timber veneers, tactile joinery, timber flooring to living spaces and 100 per cent natural wool carpets in bedrooms, creating warm and sophisticated homes.

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Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen, said the release of the final residential stage marks an important milestone for the project.

“Putney Wharf brings together everything we’ve learned over more than 25 years of development,” Mr Brown said. “It respects the site’s extraordinary maritime history while delivering contemporary homes that connect people directly to the harbour.

The Residences offer the rare combination of low-maintenance apartment living, waterfront outlooks with beautiful sunset views, and the convenience of retail and amenity at your doorstep. For boating enthusiasts, the opportunity to secure a private marina berth completes a truly unique Sydney harbourfront lifestyle.”

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PERIFA Managing Director and Co-Founder Fabrizio Perilli added that the diversity of housing across the precinct has been central to the project’s success.

“Whether it’s the heritage Halvorsen’s apartments, the Waterview Terraces or now The Residences, Putney Wharf offers a range of homes that respond to different lifestyles, all united by an unrivalled harbourfront setting,” Perilli said. “This is a precinct that will add lasting value to the Putney community.”

Managing project marketing and sales, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Partner Tim Rees said the final release has already attracted strong demand reflecting the project’s unique harbourfront position and the success of earlier stages.

“Following the strong response to both the Halvorsen’s Boatshed residences and the Waterview Terraces, The Residences represent the final chance to secure a new home within this tightly held waterfront precinct,” Rees said. “Buyers are drawn to the rare combination of absolute harbour frontage, parkside living and genuine architectural quality.”

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Putney Wharf is a one-of-a-kind mixed-use destination, delivering an exclusive residential offering alongside waterfront dining, retail and a 36-berth marina designed to the latest Australian Standards, accommodating vessels up to 18 metres and helping address Sydney Harbour’s ongoing marina shortage.

The precinct will include five retail tenancies and a prominent waterfront jetty area fronting the retail village, creating an activated harbourfront destination for residents and visitors alike.

Residents will enjoy direct access to lush harbourfront parklands, a public foreshore walkway and landscaped podium gardens connecting the development to the surrounding waterfront reserve. Construction across the Putney Wharf precinct is expected to be completed by Q2 2027.

Sales of The Residences officially launch this weekend, with the display suite open Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 12pm at Putney Wharf. Visitors are invited to enjoy a complimentary coffee while touring The Residences and experiencing the Putney Wharf lifestyle firsthand.

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Final Harbourfront release in Putney Wharf launches this weekend

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/draycon">Draycon Building</a> is nearing completion of Boutique Chevron Island, a 42-apartment development on the northern end of Chevron Island at 17–19 Parneno Street, with a limited-time offer of fully furnished apartments available.

Now more than 90 per cent complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/boutique-chevron-island-17-19-parneno-chevron-island-qld-4217">Boutique</a> has been shaped by one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held island addresses, where riverfront outlooks and walkable access to Surfers Paradise converge.

For Draycon Building Managing Director Howard Dabit, the appeal of the site was immediate.

“I knew it was a good site as soon as I saw it,” Dabit said.

“The position and location on the north end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>, the way the river swirls around the site basically from the north to the east, it feels like the site is surrounded by the water. The height that we’ve got and the aspect looking north is beautiful. Eighty per cent of the apartments are looking north so they get that drenching sunlight coming in.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360922]

That northern orientation places the development within a stretch of Chevron Island defined by open river aspects and skyline views, while remaining embedded in the suburb’s established village setting.

Chevron Island has increasingly drawn owner-occupiers seeking centrality without the intensity of high-rise beachfront living. Positioned at the geographical centre of the Gold Coast, the island offers direct access to both the beach and key cultural infrastructure while retaining a neighbourhood-scale character.

Connected by bridge to Surfers Paradise, Chevron Island offers walkable access to beaches, riverfront parklands and a revitalised foreshore boulevard animated by walkers and cyclists throughout the day. The Pacific Ocean is only minutes away, reinforcing the suburb’s dual river-and-surf identity.

At the same time, Thomas Drive forms the spine of the island’s village life, delivering cafés, wine bars, casual dining and everyday services within easy reach. Independent grocers, wellness operators and neighbourhood retailers contribute to a community atmosphere that remains distinct from the vertical scale of the beachfront.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360915]

In the opposite direction, the Green Bridge links directly to HOTA – Home of the Arts – placing galleries, performance venues and parklands within walking distance. Weekly markets and major exhibitions draw visitors from across the region, while residents return to a quieter residential pocket at day’s end.

Public transport, including nearby bus routes and the G:link light rail corridor along the coastal spine, strengthens connectivity north and south. Griffith University, the Gold Coast University Hospital precinct and established private schools such as The Southport School are all within a short drive.

Ongoing investment across Surfers Paradise, HOTA and the broader Southport corridor has elevated amenity while preserving Chevron Island’s comparatively low-rise residential character. It is this balance, walkable village atmosphere paired with metropolitan-scale infrastructure, that continues to differentiate the suburb from higher-density beachfront precincts.

Boutique comprises just 42 residences, designed to maximise river and skyline outlooks within this tightly held island setting.

Boutique Chevron Island is slated for completion in April 2026, with prices starting from $1,220,000.

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Draycon Building’s Boutique Chevron Island places 42 residences at the heart of the Gold Coast

Sydney developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a> has secured planning approval for a $300 million residential development in Lindfield, marking the company’s second project on Sydney’s North Shore and its first on the Upper North Shore.

Located on Beaconsfield Parade and designed by DKO Architecture, the state significant development comprises three buildings of up to 10 storeys and will include 399 residences, including 59 affordable homes and 40 adaptable homes.

Residences will range in size from one, two and three bedrooms, with two-bedroom apartments accounting for over 60 per cent of the product make-up. Residents will have access to a broad suite of amenities, including a wellness area, indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, a pool, a gym, a community room and a golf simulator.

In line with Deicorp’s long-standing focus on creating transit-oriented communities, the project is located just 260 metres from the Lindfield Train Station, reinforcing its role in delivering well-connected housing close to established infrastructure, retail and local services.

The inclusion of affordable and adaptable housing supports greater diversity within the local market, while the mix of apartment types responds to demand from downsizers, young professionals and families seeking access to the Upper North Shore.

Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri OAM said the approval represents an important milestone for both the company and the suburb

“This approval allows us to deliver well-designed homes in a location that is already supported by strong transport and community infrastructure," Deiri said.

"Our focus is on creating places that integrate into their surroundings and provide long-term value for residents, and the broader Lindfield community. Being within walking distance of the station ensures this project supports sustainable growth in the right locations."

Across its portfolio, Deicorp currently has 4,703 apartments under construction, playing a leading role in shaping connected, liveable communities across Sydney.

Its expanding portfolio of Metro-linked developments includes Tallawong Village, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> in Five Dock, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hyde-metropolitan-sydney-133-141-liverpool-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Hyde Metropolitan</a> in Sydney CBD, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/falcon-alexander-crows-nest-8-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Falcon &amp; Alexander</a> in Crows Nest and Showground Village, Castle Hill.

Deicorp purchased the Beaconsfield Paradise site last year. Construction is scheduled to commence in Q2 of 2026 and will be completed in 2029.

Deicorp expands portfolio to nearly 5,000 apartments with Lindfield project

In a joint venture with The Trump Organization, Australia developer Altus Property Group has announced plans to bring a Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower to the Gold Coast, marking the first Trump-branded project in Australia.

"Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast is our first official project in Australia and reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class luxury experiences in iconic locations around the world," Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, said.

"This development exemplifies the Trump brand’s dedication to quality, sophistication, and unmatched service, and we are thrilled to bring this vision to the vibrant Gold Coast community."

The 91-storey building, which will become the tallest in Australia at 335 metres, will feature a&nbsp;285-room luxury hotel bearing the trademark Trump logo. It will also include 272 luxury residential apartments, a three-level podium with an exclusive Beach Club, and over 3,400 sqm of premium commercial, retail, and dining space, revitalizing the central Surfers Paradise precinct.

“Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast will be a truly unique offering in the Australian market, bringing the prestige and allure of a world-class luxury brand,"&nbsp;Altus founder and chief executive David Young said.

"Altus Property Group is proud of its track record in delivering landmark developments across Australia, and our expertise ensures this project will be an outstanding success."

Trump Hotel heads for the Gold Coast to become Australia's tallest building

Commercial Investment

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Commercial properties in NSW’s Port Macquarie are attracting self-managed super funds (SMSF) because of the Mid North Coast’s affordability and healthy yields.
“It’s a bit like Sydney in towns such as Port Macquarie, with SMSFs driving the sales of quality investment assets,” said Graeme Garrett, co-principal of Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Port Macquarie. 
SMSFs leasing a commercial property back to a related business is becoming a common trend in the sub-$500,000 market in Port Macquarie, added Garrett.
Several small business owners too are buying properties through SMSFs and then leasing them back to the business, which the current superannuation laws allow, he said.
In many cases, professionals such as accountants, lawyers, engineers, architects and real estate agents are buying commercial properties through a related DIY fund. Properties around the range $400,000-$500,000 are in particularly in demand.
“The trouble is that there’s a shortage of industrial stock in this price range to meet demand,” said Garrett.
Investors operating outside a super fund are also active in the Port Macquarie market because of the low interest rates and the fact that commercial properties are viewed as an investment safe haven, he added.
“Sydney investors seeking solid yields are also starting to make their presence felt in Port Macquarie.”
Yields for industrial stock priced below $500,000 range from 8%, while it’s 6.75-7% for retail and 8% for office space, according to Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Port Macquarie. 
“We auctioned a retail property to a Sydney investor, who purchased it through a self-managed super fund, and who intends on retiring to Port Macquarie down the track,” said Garrett. The property located at 5/56 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie sold under the hammer for $622,500.
Garrett said members of SMSFs would be best served considering a commercial asset that will appeal to future tenants.
“If you occupy it yourself now and then retire, you need to consider what appeal that property will have to future tenants and whether it will be easily let out if it’s part of your future retirement plans.
“Our proximity to Sydney and Newcastle is attracting investors from those cities through a combination of our healthy yields and commercial real estate affordability. 
“When you can buy two or three assets in Port Macquarie for the equivalent of a single-tenant property in Sydney, investors see this as value.”
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DIY super funds driving Port Macquarie commercial markets: Raine & Horne

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A new 7-Eleven store in Queanbeyan’s Jerrabomberra has been sold for $6,850,000.
It was sold on a 4.8 per cent net yield prior to its scheduled auction.
Home to Australia’s largest independent fuel retailer, the 2 Ferdinand Lane asset is secured on a new 15-year lease with two options of five years each extending to 2045.
There is and an annual net income of $334,000 + GST (after land tax).
Situated 17 kilometres from Canberra’s CBD, the newly completed 7-Eleven is directly adjacent to a brand-new McDonalds, KFC and Aldi, with the emerging precinct also welcoming a medical centre tenant, scheduled to be completed in late 2020.
The tenant will pay all outgoings.
There is a  3.5% annual rent reviews throughout the lease term.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Brand new Queanbeyan 7-Eleven sells for $6.85 million prior to auction

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EXPERT OBSERVER 
Over the last 12 months banks have been continuing to ramp up scrutiny on commercial property assets. 
There has been more attention paid to interest cover for investment assets however anticipated interest rate cuts and the recent reduction of bank bill swap bid rate (BBSY) will likely lead to some relief. 
An emerging trend that has largely flown under the radar is the additional consideration lenders now apply to both the underlying asset class and tenancy profile of individual assets. 
Borrowers must show their tenancy strategy is sustainable because lenders are increasingly wary of perceived risky asset classes and ultimately want to know who will be paying the interest bill. 
Asset classes that are favoured in market experience directly benefit in debt markets. 
Broadly speaking, this has recently applied to both the industrial and commercial office asset classes. For example, we are seeing bank margins for prime commercial assets well below 200 basis points, a reduction of roughly 20 per cent since the start of 2019. 
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Conversely, specialised asset classes are at the whim of changing lender appetite and the class suffering the most right now is retail property. 
Some retail properties are experiencing significant challenges resulting from online disruptors and changing consumer behaviour, with reduced non-discretionary spend directly impacting on tenant cash flow. These factors subsequently impact borrowing capacity on retail assets with heightened bank scrutiny on tenants. 
Any asset holder with a high proportion of tenants with businesses that depend on discretionary spend will find it difficult to obtain finance. Bricks and mortar retail remains an ongoing challenge - especially when tenants have visible trading issues. 
But for those managing assets with sustainable, long-term income from quality tenant agreements, values should hold or firm. This is because these assets can attract debt, and debt appears to be getting cheaper thanks to the reductions in BBSY and lender margins. 
Remember that now more than ever before tenants are under the microscope along with all the financials of the asset, so it’s in your best interest to make sure your tenant is looking up to scratch when it comes to securing finance. It really has never been more important to keep up appearances.
Michael Hynes is the director of Stamford Capital.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Banks put commercial tenants under the microscope

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A fully-tenanted commercial investment at <a id="LPlnk131032" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGYZ9AJxvuvdkNII7lm4eJwDcXJgdMTOUQ7l8a5O1Fa9c=&amp;rh=ff004b55ab2124e4ad6066184c4c855d12713ed1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">2053-2059 Moggill Road</a> in Kenmore, Brisbane has been listed for sale.   The property comprises two adjoining, refurbished buildings and is targeted at a new owner wanting a ‘set and forget’ investment.   Opposite the Kenmore School and adjacent to council’s Park ‘n’ Ride facility, these two traffic generators ensure a continuous flow of foot-traffic past the retail tenancies.   The asset is marketed by Ray White Commercial Queensland Retail Sales father and son duo Stephen and Elliot Kidd.   Mr Stephen Kidd said the multi-tenanted site provided a diversified income stream with a WALE of 3.5* years.   “The complementary tenancy mix combined with long-term tenants, some having occupied the space for up to 18 years, will particularly appeal to potential buyers,” he said.
“The tenants in-place are Brisbane West Real Estate (BWRE), Spicy Affair Restaurant, Melrose-Keys Lawyers, Masala Café and Australian Pet Welfare Foundation.   “The property provides a strong, multi-sourced income stream, and will be sold for less than $5 million.   “All tenancies at the site, except for BWRE, have been extensively refurbished in recent times and the precinct underwent a major council upgrade of footpath and landscaping.   “It’s a great opportunity for an astute investor to secure an income underpinned by security bonds and directors guarantees.”
<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/2019/5/9/kenmore%202.jpg" alt="">   Mr Elliot Kidd said Kenmore was an affluent suburb of Brisbane and is within the highly sought-after ‘middle ring’ and was only 9km south-west of the CBD.
“Kenmore Village is also currently undergoing expansion work so it’s a great time for a buyer to invest in the Kenmore suburb," he said.   “It has an average income nearly 65 per cent above the Queensland average, so it’s no surprise that over 80 percent of dwellings are owner-occupied.”
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Fully tenanted commercial property for sale in Brisbane's Kenmore

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Australia’s banking sector is in recover mode after being hit by the perfect storm of influences, according to a new industry survey from Stamford Capital. 
Due to the effects of APRA restraints, the Royal Commission and resulting Hayne Report, pre-sale criteria continues to constrict residential development, according to Stamford Capital’s Real Estate Debt Capital Markets Survey 2019.
The survey found lenders are looking to size up loan books and scramble to develop new products for the changing market and many anticipate an interest rate decrease.
More than 100 active lenders participated in the national survey from major trading banks and non-bank lenders to super funds, foreign banks, private financiers and second-tier trading banks. 
Stamford said the survey aims to be a barometer of lending sentiment and an early identifier of market trends.
Overwhelmingly, the sentiment is that the residential apartment and housing market is in decline, according to the survey.
85% of respondents believe the residential markets are in decline, up from just 50% in 2018.
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“The pre-sales hurdle is now a barricade in the market and this is where we are witnessing one of the biggest divides between bank and non- bank lenders. It is no surprise that non-bank lenders are continuing to gain momentum in this market,” said Stamford Capital Executive Director Michael Hynes (pictured above).
The Stamford Capital Survey reveals that while 84% of major and second-tier banks require pre-sales of between 60 to 100%, 34% of non-bank lenders have no pre-sale commitment requirement.
Survey respondents also forecast an interest rate decline in 2019 which could prop up the residential sector - with 29% believing rates would drop, up significantly from just 3% in 2018.
Interest Cover Ratio (ICR) has replaced Loan Value Ratio (LVR) as the preferred metric for bank credit assessments and 60% of term-debt lenders see an ICR of 1.5 times for investment lending with banks seeking at least two times ICR.
“Lenders are definitely looking to find their feet in this rapidly changing landscape and typically the non-bank lenders are nimbler at this as they are not governed by APRA,” said Hynes.
A third of respondents revealed concerns are limited to specific locations and market sectors with the top three identified for risk:
<ol>
<li>Inner-city residential apartment oversupply in inner-urban areas of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane;</li>
<li>Pre-sales settlement defaults in new residential projects; and</li>
<li>Under-performing retail assets</li>
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Despite weakening market sentiment and rigid lending criteria for banks, the survey revealed that 73% of respondents are looking to increase the size of their loan book, down from 92% last year.
A whopping 90% of non-bank lenders expect to increase or maintain their loan book size with 62% indicating they expect increasing by 15%.
“Non-bank lenders are growing in terms of volume and appetite in this market, while the banks have pared back - adding further fuel to the fire in an already dynamic commercial finance sector this year,” said Executive Director of Stamford Capital, Domenic Lo Surdo.
However, the non-bank sector may soon face greater restrictions on lending criteria reducing their competitive edge – with 65% of Stamford Capital Survey respondents saying they expect APRA to increase oversight.
But while lenders remain cautious about market risks, Stamford Capital’s survey revealed many are developing innovative ways to cater to investor demand with 41% of respondents looking to introduce new products in 2019-2020.
Build-to-rent is a firm favourite new product with more than half of respondents looking to introduce loan facilities catering to this market, with 36% focusing on investment loan products and 34% on stretched senior debt investment products.
Crowdfunding is unlikely to make an impact in Australia with only 9% of respondents viewing it as a credible commercial lending option.
The outlook is not entirely bleak with increasing flexibility for investors who conform to criteria.
“All lenders are competing for quality investment applications to replace their construction loan books so investors are tipped to come out on top and those who tick the boxes will get competitive finance deals,” said Lo Surdo.
Non-banks however will have an increased appetite for investment and construction lending, transacting construction deals that don’t meet the banks criteria.
75% of survey respondents anticipate non-bank investment loan appetite will increase with 36% predicting investment margins will also increase.
Further, 67% of respondents anticipate non-bank appetite for construction loans will increase with 48% forecasting an increase in construction margins.
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Pre-sale criteria continues to constrict development: Stamford Capital

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Brix Property Group has commenced construction of a Dan Murphy’s store on Bay Road, Cheltenham.
Becon Construction is completing the purpose built facility with construction well underway. 
Set to open by June 2019, the Dan Murphy’s store is the first stage in a multi stage retail and commercial development by Brix Property Group. 
After purchasing the site back in 2017, Brix Property Group negotiated a lease deal with Dan Murphy’s to go on the site.
Brix Property Group Managing Director Adam Brick said that interest in the project has been overwhelming. 
“When we purchased the site we recognised it as being a prime spot for regeneration. The A-grade bayside location on a major arterial road which feeds the top Melbourne bayside suburbs was what really attracted us to the site.” 
“Securing Dan Murphy’s to anchor the site was an impressive outcome. The response from both the community and Council to the new store is very positive, with many recognising it as another step in transforming this somewhat redundant industrial precinct.” 
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Stage 2 of the project, designed Cera-Stribley, includes opportunities for specialty supermarkets, retailers and showrooms of up to 1600 sqm, in addition to commercial office opportunities ranging from 100 sqm through to 3200 sqm. 
“Interest in Stage 2 of the project has been substantial despite only just having locked down our preferred development outcome and commencing the town planning process.
"Tenant interest in the supermarket and retail opportunities have been high with many recognising the strategic positioning being opposite to Dan Murphy’s and the benefits this brings,” Mr Brick said. 
“The office accommodation will set a new standard for bayside with the dedicated end of trip facilities and landscaped roof top terrace. Being a stone’s throw from the new Southland Railway Station and capitalising on the exposure to busy Bay Road, has seen interest from both large and small tenants,” Mr Brick said. 
Brix Property Group has appointed Colliers International’s Dan Noonan to lease the retail component and Damien Adkins to manage the office leasing campaign. 
Colliers International is currently taking registrations of interest for Stage 2 of the development with commencement of construction slated for the Q3 2019.
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Dan Murphy’s coming to Cheltenham

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A Richmond commercial site with development potential has sold under the hammer for $2.61 million.
The rectangular, 222 square metre site at 25 Howard Street has a 215 square metre building which currently includes mix of private offices and open plan work space.
According to selling agents, Teska Caron’s George Takis, Matthew Feld, and Larry Takis, six bidders made a total of 65 bids before the property sold at a land rate of $11.757 a square metre.
The property was sold with vacant possession.
George Takis said the site’s corner location had attracted developer interest, but the property ended up selling to an investor who would initially use it as a rental property.
“This was an outstanding result for a property which offered something for a range of potential purchasers,” he said.
“Ultimately the sale reflected the ongoing strength of the market for sub $5 million properties in the best locations.”
Feld said the property’s location just off Church Street was also a selling point.
“Demand drivers include the close proximity to the CBD, to rail and tram transport, to the Monash Freeway/CityLink, the strong population growth and the strong demand from smaller businesses to locate on the city fringe with cheaper rents and parking,” Feld said. 
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Six bidders push Richmond commercial site auction to $2.61 million

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Teska Carson is marketing a prime commercial investment opportunity within the Hawksburn Village retail/commercial precinct, at Toorak in Melbourne’s inner east.
The 581 Malvern Road property (pictured above) comprises a 758 square metre, three level building.
It includes a 372 square metre showroom, 230 square metre, lower level warehouse/carpark and a first floor, 155 square metre, office with balcony and a second floor, 155 square metre, office with balcony.
The 460 square metre site, zoned Commercial 1, has nine metres of street frontage.
The property is leased to national tenant, The General Trader (Australia) Pty Ltd, trading as Minimax and returning $256,581 per annum plus GST on a five year term from August 2015 with a five year option and four per cent annual increases.
According to marketing agents, Teska Carson’s Michael Taylor the building was rebuilt during the 1980s.
Michael Taylor said the Woolworths anchored, Hawksburn Village location, boasted a number of national retailers and some of Melbourne’s finest eateries.
"Hawksburn Village is one of Melbourne‘s most coveted, well patronised, and best performing retail/commercial precincts."
The property will be auctioned on August 16 on site.
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Hawksburn Village "secure investment opportunity" 

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EG, the real estate fund manager, has settled on another Canberra asset for their High Income Sustainable Office Trust (HISOT).
It cost $15.6 million for the property set a kilometre from Parliament House, on a prominent corner site in Barton, ACT. 
The 4,054 square metre building has a current NABERS rating of 3.0 with a vacancy rate of 38%. 
The Australian Medical Association will be remaining on site as the primary tenant.  
“EG will deliver a repositioned, sustainable building in the heart of Canberra’s most attractive office markets,” said Michael Noblet Associate Director, Capital Transactions.
“We are targeting to improve the NABERS rating to 4.5 stars or higher through operational improvements and an active capital works program.” 
EG has already planned to align themselves with technology partners to improve energy efficiencies in the building, in line with the HISOT mandate. 
Key investors in the fund include Uniting Financial Services and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.  
CEFC Investment Funds Lead Rory Lonergan said through upgrading the 30-year-old building, EG will demonstrate how underperformers can be reinvigorated to provide dynamic workspaces that are valued by tenants because they are equipped to handle the demands of a clean energy economy.
The vendor was the Australian Medical Association and the sale was brokered by Tim Mutton of Colliers International.  
Earlier this year, EG settled on the $15.4 million East Block asset in Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle, which was the first asset in the HISOT fund. 
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EG settles on $15.6 million Canberra property

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The Australian Prime Property Fund (APPF) Commercial, managed by Lendlease Investment Management, has joined one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, First State Super, to jointly acquire Two Melbourne Quarter, a next-generation office building located in the Melbourne Quarter precinct. 
A development agreement has been signed with Lendlease Development to build the tower.
Two Melbourne Quarter is the second of three commercial towers planned for the precinct. The first tower, One Melbourne Quarter, was acquired by APPF Commercial in 2016. It is 90 per cent leased and on schedule for completion later this year.  
Two Melbourne Quarter has also secured EnergyAustralia as anchor tenant, the largest tenant to date for the precinct. With construction to commence this month, EnergyAustralia has agreed to lease approximately 22,000 sqm of the 50,000 sqm tower, taking up 10-and-a-half levels of the building’s high-rise floors. 
With almost half the Woods Bagot-designed tower now leased, this leaves approximately 12 contiguous floors remaining. The building features flexible 2,000 sqm floor plates and is expected to house up to 4,500 new workers. 
First State Super and APPF Commercial will each hold a 50 per cent interest in the 25- storey tower, which will target leading sustainability outcomes and ratings in energy and water consumption, waste management, and indoor environment quality, including a 6- Star Green Star Design &amp; As Built rating and a 5.5 Star NABERS Energy rating. 
Developed by Lendlease, the Melbourne Quarter precinct will seek to deliver a range of attractive workplace and wellbeing amenities including end-of-trip facilities, business amenities and childcare services. 
APPF Commercial’s investment in Two Melbourne Quarter follows a recent equity raising. 
The fund leveraged its off-market access to Lendlease’s leading office development and urban regeneration capability in acquiring the asset. APPF Commercial is the first Australian fund to be awarded a 6-Star Green Star portfolio performance rating and was also ranked number one in the 2017 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) across all sectors globally. 
 
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