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]

Joel Robinson

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 52-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 52-storey tower, which has just shy of 250 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

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Commercial Investment

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A heritage-listed hotel in Queensland’s West Ipswich has just changed hands for $770,000 through Ray White Commercial.
City View Hotel at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-qld-west+ipswich-501677405" target="_blank">277 Brisbane Street, West Ipswich</a> was built in 1908 and was designed by architect Brockwell Gill.
Distinguishable for its two-storey octagonal tower, the building demonstrates the characteristics of a Federation-era provincial hotel. 
The hotel includes two function rooms, bars and nine rooms currently being used for accommodation. It also has a manager’s residence and other amenities. 
The hotel is on a 1,444 sqm block of land. It enjoys good traffic exposure and the zoning is CBD Residential High Density (mixed use). 
Other features include a grand timber stairway with balustrade , pressed metal ceilings and stained glass windows.
The property was sold by Ray White Commercial’s Morrie Marsden and Les Svensson. 
The hotel is being renovated into accommodation for backpackers by businessman Hamish Parker.
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Heritage hotel in Queensland’s Ipswich changes hands

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The financial year 2015/16 marked another year of strong performance in property investment markets in Australia, says Savills Research in their latest World Office Yield Spectrum report, which was compiled along with Deakin University.
The country has attracted record amounts of foreign capital entertained by attractive yields, a stable currency and compelling economic and political metrics. 
Domestic institutions, recovering from the GFC and replacing private investors as competitive buyers once again, suddenly found themselves outbid. The large amount of capital from overseas has encouraged many investors to dispose of property, re-weight portfolios and change exposures. This led to a record 12 months of approximately $33.4 billion of turnover in commercial property. 
<a href="/images/2016/09/28/Savillsoffice.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/28/Savillsoffice.png" alt="">
Conversely, many market fundamentals demonstrated the two-tone nature of the Australian economy – some indicators deteriorated in Perth and Brisbane, many showed substantial improvement in Melbourne and Sydney. Brisbane appears to have reached a base whilst Melbourne and Sydney continue to improve.
Capital markets exhibited greater degrees of volatility throughout the year and have  finished the year weaker with the ASX200 falling 7 percent, however the Australian dollar rose 2 percent against the US dollar and 10-year bonds yields fell by 100 basis points to approximately 2%.
“Commercial property investment yields firmed across the board – a theme we have been writing about for several years now. We still do not believe it has fully run its course,” says the report.
“In some markets, fundamentals are improving rapidly. We believe this improvement will lead to further tightening in yields as investment capital starts to price in expectations of future NOI growth. This part of the yield cycle is just beginning.”
<a href="/images/2016/09/28/Savillsoffice2.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Record foreign inflows push commercial property turnover to $33.4 billion in FY15-16: Savills 

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SPONSORED POST
When talking property investment most people generally think residential real estate, often giving little or no thought to commercial property as a viable investment solution.
But a growing number of everyday Australians are recognising the potential of this sector and are cashing in.
In particular, a flood of mum and dad investors utilising self-managed superannuation funds are investing in small commercial properties, in what has become an extremely competitive market, but for good reason.
Commercial real estate, classified as property assets primarily used for business purposes, consists of three sectors – retail, office and industrial. Each with a range of asset classes, these sectors have their own cycle representing often very different risks and rewards.
Although some commercial properties offer investors yields akin to residential property, around 4 percent, others can achieve a return of up to 10 percent, after costs, depending on the asset class and risk rating.
The benefit of investing in commercial property is that it is characterised by longer leasing covenants than residential property – typically three, five or 10 years – with fixed or CPI annual increases and the added benefit of the tenant meeting the cost of all outgoings, including land tax if the tenant is publicly listed.
Furthermore, commercial tenants will generally take better care of a property, ensuring it is maintained and presentable.  But while also offering potential for high capital growth, the high return from commercial property investment is not without risks.
Historically, commercial property is far less predictable than residential property markets, with the potential for longer vacancy periods and poor resale for some specialised assets, influenced significantly by economic factors such as unemployment and consumer confidence.
Additionally, investment in the commercial market can sometimes be difficult due to stricter lending conditions, which may require buyers to have a minimum 30 to 50 percent deposit.
For the average investor diversifying into commercial property there are several important factors to consider. Similar to investing in residential property, location is key.
The type of commercial asset you purchase should be strategically located, paying particular attention to zoning restrictions that govern the sites potential highest and best use. Furthermore, consider the development potential of both the site and the building in instances where the current use ceases to be viable.
There are many commercial investment options, including mixed use dwellings, such as a retail shop with dwelling, which offers a double income stream, small industrial factories, strata-titled offices, retail strip shops, fast-food outlets and service stations. While the risks associated with commercial property are higher than residential, the benefits can be significantly greater.
For more information, <a href="https://bs.serving-sys.com/BurstingPipe/adServer.bs?cn=tf&amp;c=20&amp;mc=click&amp;pli=18755997&amp;PluID=0&amp;ord=%5Btimestamp%5D" target="_blank">click here</a>.
ABOUT REALCOMMERCIAL.COM.AU: realcommercial.com.au is the leading website in Australia for commercial property, attracting an average of 1.7 million visitors a month (Source: Nielsen Online Market Intelligence, Total Traffic, average calculation May-July 2015, includes app traffic from Omniture Site Catalyst as Nielsen doesn’t report on app). It is owned and operated by realestate.com.au Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of ASX-listed REA Group Limited ACN 068 349 066 (ASX:REA).
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Property investment: Commercial or residential?

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A quick overview of the latest trends in key Australian economic data.
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<img src="/images/2016/09/26/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-26%20at%202.22.43%20PM.png" alt="">
 
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<img src="/images/2016/09/26/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-26%20at%202.25.29%20PM.png" alt="">
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<img src="/images/2016/09/26/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-26%20at%202.26.47%20PM.png" alt="" width="680" height="297">
Andrew Hanlan is senior economist for Westpac and can be contacted <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-hanlan/3/222/430" target="_blank">here</a>. 
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Australian data summary table 26 September: Westpac's Andrew Hanlan

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Melbourne’s much-loved Gumbuya Park has been snapped up by the founders of Carsales.com and Jayco Caravans for $4.65 million with plans to inject more funds for a revamp. 
The investor consortium, comprising Gerry Ryan of Jayco Caravans and Wal Pisciotta of Carsales.com.au, acquired the park which is home to more than 300 animals.
The family-owned park features dingoes, cockatoos, wombats, koalas, emus and various native Australian birds. Spread on an area of 166.26 hectares, Gumbuya Park also offers rides and attractions such as paddle boats, mini cars, waterslides, pony rides, a mini golf course and toboggans. 
CBRE’s David Minty, Stephen Adgemis, Duncan McCulloch and James Beer managed the sale on behalf of the family that owns the park.
Gumbuya Park has been operating since 1978.
Minty said the incoming owners planned to inject new life into the park, which is located on the Princes Highway just outside Pakenham. 
“The buyers will look to introduce new attractions and some accommodation, helping bring the park back to its former glory” Minty said. 
“A change of hands of this iconic park will ensure it remains one of Melbourne’s most popular, small-scale amusement parks, frequented by both local residents and interstate visitors.”  
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Investor group takes reins of Melbourne’s much-loved Gumbuya Park  

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No capital city or regional city in Australia can claim to be at the peak of market cycle in valuation firm Herron Todd White's property clock for September 2016, but a number of them are rising markets.
The clock is a simple broad brush means to suggest where property markets are and what direction prices are moving in.
The closest to peak of the market is the NSW's Newcastle, which is approaching the peak of the market, according to the clock.
Among the capital cities, Sydney and Melbourne remain at the rising market position, while Canberra is at the start of a recovery cycle.
Adelaide and Hobart remain at the bottom of the market, while Brisbane and Perth are approaching the bottom. Darwin is just starting to decline.  
<a href="/images/2016/09/09/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-10%20at%2010.55.30%20AM.png" target="_blank"> Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/09/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-10%20at%2010.55.30%20AM.png" alt="">
 
HTW has also put together an overview of office market indicators, as evidenced in the following table: 
<a href="/images/2016/09/09/Officemarketindicators.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/09/Officemarketindicators.png" alt=""> 
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No office markets at peak, but plenty are rising: HTW office property clock

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Sydney offers the most attractive office investment yields at 5.62 percent among international gateway cities even as the world sees a fall in yields, says new research from Savills and Deakin University.
The World Office Yield Spectrum, which compares 54 cities across Asia, Europe, the United States and Australia, confirms that office property is the asset class of choice as investors scour global cities for the most attractive yields in the most secure markets.
Apart from Sydney, LA West and San Francisco are the only other gateway cities offering yields above 4.5 per cent. 
The report found yields had firmed by an average 32 basis points across the 11 gateway cities since December 2014 with both Munich and Tokyo’s yield falling 55 basis points, Hong Kong 40 basis points and Sydney a whopping 100 basis points. Singapore, at 4 per cent, saw yields soften 15 basis points in response to slower economic conditions.
Of the 54 cities, London’s West End, at 2.82 per cent, was the only other city to record a sub 3 per cent yield with Hong Kong, while Ho Chi Minh City (9.36 per cent) and Hanoi (9.00 per cent) offered the highest yield, however those yields reflected a perception of greater investment risk.
Report editor, Savills’ national head of Research in Australia, Tony Crabb, said 10-year bond yields had fallen by an average of 50 basis points around the world in the past six months, averaging around 1 per cent with negative rates in Japan and Germany.
“Property yields have continued to firm but bond yields are falling faster and, in that context, investors are viewing risk premiums of between 2 and 3 per cent in most office investment markets as fair value,’’ Crabb said.
The uncertain economic environment in most markets globally means office risk premiums would offer better value and hence drive greater demand and even firmer office yields, he added.
<a href="/images/2016/08/17/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-17%20at%2010.50.20%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="/images/2016/08/17/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-17%20at%2010.50.20%20PM.png" alt="">
“Much of what happens in 2017 and beyond will depend on the course the US Federal Reserve takes with regards to interest rates. Chairman Yellen has made it perfectly clear that movements will be ‘data dependent’, so we wait.”
“The movements in US interest rates will determine how currencies behave, how trade flows and how capital moves around the world,’’ Crabb said.
He said the outlook for office yields was likely to be one of further compression, particularly in gateway cities like Sydney where strengthening fundamentals were beginning to drive rental growth.
“Firming yields in many instances could be viewed as counter-intuitive as soft leasing markets have resulted in very high incentives and correspondingly low net rents, and so any growth in net effective rents, and thus returns, is certainly going to drive even greater demand for office property and ultimately firmer yields,” he said.
In Australia, large capital from overseas had encouraged many investors to dispose of property, rebalance portfolios and change their exposure which had led to a record 12 months turnover of nearly $33.4 billion in commercial property sales, said Crabb.
However, market fundamentals show the two-tone nature of the Australian economy with some indicators deteriorating in Perth and Brisbane, in contrast to improvements in Melbourne and Sydney. 
“Commercial property investment yields have firmed across the board but we still do not believe it has fully run its course. In some markets, fundamentals are improving rapidly and that improvement will lead to further tightening in yields as investment capital starts to price in expectations of future NOI growth. This part of the yield cycle is just beginning.’’
 
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Commercial property investment yields have firmed across the board: Savills/Deakin University research

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A local investor has bought an office property in Melbourne’s Richmond for $665,000 at a Teska Carson auction, well above the reserve price.
The 1A Gordon Street building comprises fully-fitted 170 square metre office space on three levels. It is close to Richmond’s retail and entertainment precincts.
Selling agent, Teska Carson’s George Takis, said the marketing campaign got good response from both investors and owner-occupiers, including SMSFs, looking for well-placed investments in the inner eastern suburbs.
The property was sold with vacant possession 
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Boutique office property sells for $665,000 at Melbourne auction

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A Woolworths-anchored shopping centre in Queensland's Logan City has been snapped up for $38.25 million by an Asian investor, while another in Brisbane's Banyo is up for sale.
The newly developed Woolworths Cornubia is 30 km south-east of the Brisbane CBD and 45 km north-west of the Gold Coast.
The deal translated to a net yield of 6 percent.
CBRE’s Peter Rossi and Michael Hedger brokered the deal, which was settled through an expressions of interest campaign.
“In the current market conditions, there has been a flight to quality for retail assets,” Rossi said.
“New Coles and Woolworths centres are being well received and are achieving tight yields at or better than 6%.”
The property comprises the new 5,309 sqm neighbourhood shopping centre along with a 1,393 sqm medical/professional centre. Woolworths is the anchor tenant, alongside 13 retail tenancies, with the adjoining complex comprising a major medical centre/pharmacy and four professional suites.
Woolworths accounts for circa 55% of the income stream.
The centre was acquired by an investor with existing retail interests in Brisbane.
The transaction follows another Woolworths’ sale in South East Queensland's Everton Park. The Woolworths and Masters centre was acquired for $70 million by Singaporean real estate investment managers Rockworth Capital Partners.
The next test of Queensland's retail market involves another Woolworths-anchored shopping centre in Banyo.
<img src="/images/2016/07/22/woolies-2nd-small.jpg" alt="" width="641" height="427">
The site was acquired from Woolworths by building company Adco, which then developed the neighbourhood centre based on a 20-year lease to the supermarket giant.
The sale campaign is through CBRE’s Joe Tynan and Justin Dowers.
The centre offers a fully leased net annual rental of circa $2.07 million.
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Woolworths centre in Queensland's Logan City snapped up for $38.25 million by Asian investor

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Market competition in the childcare space has seen yields sharpen over the last six months, ranging from 3.9 percent to 7.3 percent, according to a white paper from Colliers.
According to Colliers, sales in the childcare space were sporadic, and typically at higher yields than the retail and industrial market. The report noted a sale in September 2010 which transacted at a yield of over 14 percent, the highest since March 2007.
"Since then, yields have sharpened quickly, and this is not surprising given the newly created competition that has occurred amongst organisations keen to expand their portfolio," the report said.
"Yields have ranged from 3.90 percent to 7.30 percent in the last 6 months and while we can see further consolidation occurring, inconsistency is still apparent. The most recent transaction recorded in April 2016 attracted a yield of 3.90% percent Prior to this, the lowest yield achieved occurred in April 2014 at 4.32 percent.
"A heavy concentration of sales occurred on the east coast of Australia, especially in recent years with sales increasing from only 2 auctions in 2008 to 33 in 2015, most of which are tenanted with a 10 year average initial lease term. The first half of 2016 has seen 18 child care centres sold with the bulk of transactions occurring in New South Wales."
<a href="/images/2016/06/21/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-21%20at%201.07.03%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/06/21/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-21%20at%201.07.03%20PM.png" alt=""> 
The report said most childcare sales now include longer least terms, previously ten years.
"However as sales activity increases within this new investment sector, we’re seeing lease terms of 15 to 20 years emerge, along with a further 15 to 20 years in options which are to be exercised 5 years in advance. Anything under a term of 10 years for a new lease is a rarity and not widely considered by landlords. "
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