Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a> has made a striking debut on the Gold Coast, officially unveiling its $250 million COMO development in Varsity Lakes, a lifestyle-driven residential project anchored by an extensive rooftop wellness and activity precinct.

Having recently launched to market, construction has already been fast-tracked by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/5point-projects">5Point Projects</a>, ensuring momentum continues on what is set to become a landmark residential address for the growing Varsity Lakes community.

Located at 22 Lake Street, Varsity Lakes, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO</a> will comprise 156 apartments across 16 levels, comprising one-, two- and three-bedroom residences designed for modern living. However, it is the project’s rooftop amenity offering that sets COMO apart.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363510]

Designed as a dedicated wellness and recreation hub, the rooftop will feature a 25-metre lap pool, fully equipped gymnasium, and multiple pickleball and paddleball courts - amenities rarely seen in boutique apartment projects.

Residents will also have access to a sauna and plunge baths, while landscaped gardens and relaxation zones will provide tranquil spaces overlooking sweeping panoramic views across the Gold Coast skyline.

The rooftop precinct has been designed to function as the social and wellness heart of the development, encouraging residents to embrace an active, balanced lifestyle within their own building.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363512]

Red &amp; Co director David Laverty said the amenity offering was central to the project’s design from the outset.

“Amenities were at the forefront of our decisions,” Laverty said.

“Buyers today are looking for more than just an apartment - they want a lifestyle that promotes health, connection and balance.

“The rooftop at COMO has been designed to be the epicentre of that lifestyle, with a suite of wellness and recreation facilities that are quite unique for a boutique development of this scale.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363514]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the residences prioritise liveability, featuring spacious layouts, 2.7-metre ceilings and high-quality finishes throughout.

The development sits beside Bond University, placing residents within walking distance of education, retail and dining options within the vibrant Varsity Lakes precinct, including Robina Town Centre, Varsity Lakes Train Station and a range of leading schools.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

Laverty said the location was a key driver behind Red &amp; Co’s decision to bring the project to the Gold Coast.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/varsity-lakes-qld-4227">Varsity Lakes</a> was a clear choice for us to invest in as it’s a lifestyle hub that seamlessly blends lakeside living with urbanity,” he said.&nbsp;

“Como will capitalize on this great location, delivering a project that not only creates premium homes, but a lifestyle defined by community, wellbeing, and connectivity.”

Red &amp; Co has delivered more than 500 apartments and townhouses across 26 projects in Brisbane in recent years, with COMO marking the company’s first major Gold Coast development.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Joel Robinson

Red & Co unveils amenity-rich Como development in Varsity Lakes

Gold Coast developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/big-projects">Big Projects</a> has secured approval for its second Mermaid Beach project.

The developer, currently selling <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-frederick-mermaid-beach-2265-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">The Frederick in Nobby Beach</a>, has secured approval for its next project just 1.5 kilomnetres up the road.

The new development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glenelg-residences-2462-2472-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Glenelg Residences</a>, has been designed by BDA Architecture and&nbsp;will have just under 100 apartments across an 11-storey building&nbsp;at 2462–2472 Gold Coast Highway, on the corner of Glenelg Avenue just under 300m from the future Mermaid Beach Light Rail stop.

The apartments, a mix of two- and three-bedrooms, will sit above a retail-focused ground plane and under extensive rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.04%20am.png?VersionId=z6NV4izeuvhBSSVlY6vK6TPO1LxrFeaG" />

BDA said in its planning submission that the project is intended to support the area’s transition toward higher-density, mixed-use living. “This project offers the opportunity to generate appropriate higher-intensity development within the future Light Rail corridor of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Mermaid Beach</a>,” the submission noted.

At ground level, Glenelg Residences will include eight retail tenancies designed to activate the street frontage, complemented by a basement bar offering an additional hospitality element. Above, residents will have access to a rooftop amenity deck featuring an infinity pool, hot and cold plunge spas, day beds, and barbecue facilities.

The architectural approach adopts a restrained material palette of brick, textured concrete, and integrated landscaping, with cantilevered concrete frames and cascading planting intended to soften the built form. BDA described the design as aiming to create “a memorable sculptural mid-rise mixed-use building” that responds to both its coastal setting and urban context.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.45%20am.png?VersionId=cpjIVBqcT_sujmo2UMWkVyLcQ7WGJHaQ" />

The approval comes as the City of Gold Coast continues to plan for significant population growth, with regional targets requiring more than 100,000 new high-density dwellings by 2046.

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Big Projects, led by Matthew and John Barrett, is part of a growing cohort of developers that deliver construction in-house, providing a high level of confidence to prospective purchasers.
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150260]

Big Projects secures approval for Glenelg Residences in Mermaid Beach

Sherpa Group is ramping up its investment in the southern Gold Coast by lodging a development application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, a new $350 million project in Coolangatta.

The move comes after the group’s $27 million acquisition of the 2,029 sqm site on the corner of Griffith and Warner Street, last year.

They will develop 194 apartments across a 26-storey tower, which will become Sherpa’s largest project to date.

Viveré will be the next chapter in the Flourish story, following closely behind Amargo, Oasis, and the Avenues in Palm Beach, as well as Symphony in Brisbane, all designed to deliver affordable housing in lifestyle-rich locations, giving locals a real chance to secure a residence close to the beachfront.

The HAL Architect-designed project will offer a diverse range of residences, from one-, two, and three- bedroom apartments to the premium Canopy range to luxury penthouses.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c85f5a7e-a22f-4745-8def-400adb3c0b35" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.43%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=OY.chur3BPExn1exQ2q8clHqWnW_CaBi" />

“The Gold Coast is undergoing a period of immense growth, with more people drawn to the incredible 
lifestyle that’s available, leading to strong growth in property prices,” said Christie Leet, founder of Sherpa 
Group.

“Our goal at Sherpa is to ensure locals are not priced out of the market in prime locations, which is why we 
created the Flourish collection.

“Flourish Vivere will form the next chapter in our portfolio, and we are so excited to be lodging the DA, marking our first project in Coolangatta.”

A signature of the Flourish developments is the communal rooftop. Flourish Vivere will showcase a private resident’s lounge, outdoor dining with barbecues and pizza ovens, heated pool, fully-equipped gym, and a wellness centre with sauna and steam room.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c09372cc-aae6-4458-af2e-f291bd19a5e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Sc_RLXl5jiff.tnadogXjQJ_WIpDjf3p" />

The project is strategically located to offer a walkable lifestyle, with the Strand shopping centre, cafes, restaurants, shops and the beach, all just a short stroll away.

“We have meticulously planned Vivere to build on the Flourish legacy, creating a truly special project,”&nbsp;Leet added.

“Wellness, lifestyle and community are at the forefront of every decision we make, and that has not 
changed for Vivere.”

With the DA now lodged with the Gold Coast City Council, Sherpa has moved quickly to secure LPS Group as the builder, offering buyers a level of certainty that is rarely seen in today’s market.

Sherpa has delivered 16 residential projects over the past seven years with a pipeline of $1 billion, with more under construction.

Sherpa takes Flourish brand to Coolangatta, lays plans for Flourish Vivere 

S&amp;S Projects is boosting its investment at Rainbow Bay to more than $1 billion after the prolific Gold Coast developer acquired a new site for $20.25 million and immediately laid plans for a new luxury apartment project in the sought-after precinct.

The site, which is the company’s fifth acquisition at Rainbow Bay in the past four years, will be home to the company’s largest project to date after delivering 3 sold-out projects and construction progresses on Radia worth a combined $215m. 
S&amp;S Projects is currently finalising plans for its latest strategic acquisition, a 1,518 sqm site located 209-213 Boundary Street in Coolangatta, with a development application expected to be lodged within weeks.

The luxury residential development will build on the company’s highly successful projects at Rainbow Bay, comprising Flow, Awaken, Esprit and Radia, with Radia currently under construction by Hutchinson Builders.

“We have been unflinching in our commitment to Rainbow Bay and the transformation we have helped drive in this incredible part of the Gold Coast, which is among the city’s most desirable residential locations,” said S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun.

“Our fifth project will reflect the best of what we have done so far to create a lifestyle precinct that is second to none.”

The latest development, which has yet to be named, is proposed to accommodate 88 luxury apartments in a design that will immerse residents in a unique wellness lifestyle that expands on the legacy of S&amp;S Project’s earlier developments at Rainbow Bay.

The development will feature an expansive rooftop garden and wellness centre with a resort- style pool, among a host of lifestyle amenities planned for residents.

“Rainbow Bay, with its beautiful, protected beach and alongside one of the world’s best surf breaks at Snapper Rocks, is the natural wellness heartland of the Gold Coast,” said Gedoun.

“We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden.”

The latest acquisition comes as S&amp;S Projects is at the completion of Esprit and construction continues on Radia, which are part of their significant portfolio undertaken by the company at Rainbow Bay since 2022.

The $215 million Radia, which comprises 38 apartments, is currently the flagship development by S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay which is expected to be completed in 2027.

Jayde Pezet, of Pezet Matheson, which has managed sales and marketing for S&amp;S Projects across their Gold Coast portfolio, emphasised the developer’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.

“S&amp;S Projects continue to elevate the benchmark of luxury with each development," Pezet said.

“We have worked with S&amp;amp;S on their 4 other projects in Rainbow Bay and their approach reflects a team that is constantly learning, refining, and pushing the standard higher.

“Their hyper-local knowledge and deep expertise within the luxury property sector are what truly set them apart, allowing them to deliver projects that feel both globally sophisticated and authentically connected to their coastal environment”

S&amp;S Projects plans to officially launch its latest project at Rainbow Bay in the second half of this year.

“As we embark on our largest project yet, we have pulled out all stops to create another landmark development that truly reflects the relaxed southern Gold Coast lifestyle,” Gedoun added.

S&S buys $20m Rainbow Bay site for fifth beachside apartment project

Japandi, an emerging design trend that combines Scandinavian functionality with Japanese rustic minimalism, remains relatively untested in Australia’s residential development market.

As developers look to differentiate their projects and offer something distinct to buyers, Brisbane-based developer Lantona has embraced the hybrid style for its recently launched Toowong apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/koya-residences-6-josling-street-toowong-qld-4066">Koya Residences</a>, with early response to the design proving positive.

Lantona entrusted Red Door Architecture and interiors practice Luma Design Co with delivering the Japandi brief. The approach blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, emphasising warm, restrained interiors, natural materials and clean lines. Drawing on the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection) and the Scandinavian principle of hygge (comfort and cosiness), it creates serene, uncluttered and sustainable living environments.

These design principles are expressed throughout the Josling Street development, both in its exterior form and across the 40 one-, two- and three-bedroom residences within.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366229]

Koya reflects a deliberately scaled approach, with the five-storey form designed to align with the surrounding residential streetscape rather than dominate it.

“Koya is conceived as a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings. Every decision, from material selection to spatial planning, has been guided by long-term liveability and enduring relevance,” the developer said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366243]

Positioned within an established inner-west neighbourhood, the development sits near riverfront parklands and the Bicentennial Bikeway, while remaining within walking distance of Toowong Village and multiple public transport options connecting to the CBD, St Lucia and West End.

Lantona said the location was central to the project’s conception, pointing to Toowong’s balance of green space, transport access and proximity to major education institutions.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> combines river access, walkability, immediate CBD connection and a strong educational presence. That balance made it the obvious setting for Koya.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366230]

Communal amenity is concentrated on the rooftop, where a shared retreat will include a pool, dining areas and outdoor spaces oriented towards neighbourhood and city views. The design allows for both private use and small gatherings, extending the living environment beyond individual apartments.

Koya enters the market at a time when smaller-scale developments are becoming less common in established suburbs, with many recent projects in the suburb shooting for the sky.

In a nod of confidence,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/brisbane-builders">Brisbane Builders</a>&nbsp;has already commenced construction on the building, which is slated for completion in early 2027. Keenan &amp; Byrne is marketing Koya.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150787]

Japandi-inspired Koya Residences launch in Toowong

Corelogic Rp Data

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What's the difference between this year and last?
Here's the recent week ending from CoreLogic.
 
<a href="/images/2016/07/11/CAPITAL%20JUL%2014.png" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/07/11/CAPITAL%20JUL%2014.png" alt="" width="413" height="219">
 
<a href="/images/2016/07/11/2%20JUL%2014.png" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/07/11/2%20JUL%2014.png" alt="" width="412" height="176">
 
<a href="/images/2016/07/11/3%20JUL%2014.png" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/07/11/3%20JUL%2014.png" alt="" width="413" height="621">
 
It can be contrasted to the week end July 5 2015 where the strong national clearance rate over four weeks sat at 78.1% with 1,723 auctions in total.
The same time in 2014 the clearance rate was 68.9% from 1,442 auctions.
 
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<a href="/images/2015/07/06/prelim.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/06/prelim.jpg" alt="" width="383" height="214">
<a href="/images/2015/07/06/weekly.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/06/weekly.jpg" alt="" width="423" height="184">
 
Sydney's Sutherland region held a clearance at 92.9% from 35 auctions with the Inner South West registering a clearance rate of 92.1% from 92 auctions.
 
<a href="/images/2015/07/06/sydney.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/06/sydney.jpg" alt="" width="323" height="238">
 Notable clearance rates in Melbourne sub-regions were in the Outer East (93.8% from 43 auctions) at in the Inner East, with a clearance rate of 85.7% from 36 auctions.
<a href="/images/2015/07/06/melbourne.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a> <img src="/images/2015/07/06/melbourne.jpg" alt="" width="341" height="152">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

CoreLogic's state of market: Auction success between this year and last

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The property data and analytics company, CoreLogic, has recruited Lisa Claes to be its next managing director for Australia and New Zealand.
Ms Claes is currently ING Direct's executive director for customer delivery.
She will start in August, taking over from Graham Mirabito, who is set to become the US-based group's international chief executive.
<div>Graham Mirabito said Ms Claes had 20 years experience in the mortgage, financial services and insurance industries, which well fitted the CoreLogic business.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"ING Direct has been a leader in analytics," he said. "Lisa will bring a lot of capability to improve efficiency, engagement, and the on-line experience," he told The Australian Financial Review.</div>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In his years at the helm since October 2005, the Australian staff has grown from 75 to around 700 and its name changed from RP Data to CoreLogic RP Data to now just CoreLogic.</div>
<div>
The local operation is now a fully owned subsidiary of the US-listed, $4.6 billion, CoreLogic Inc, with much of the international expansion into China and Japan driven from Australia.
</div>
<div>Mirabito told Fairfax Media much of his international focus would be on Europe.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>RP Data adopted the sole name of its parent company, CoreLogic late last year.</div>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Lisa Claes to replace CoreLogic's Graham Mirabito

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The Onthehouse property website, which will include the Residex data base founded by John Edwards, has been bought by CoreLogic RP Data.
OTH's consumer online division (Onthehouse.com.au, Residex and REAN, the Real Estate Ad Network) fetched $3 million.
The stockmarket listed Onthehouse Group’s strategy is now solely focused on its real estate software division.
"The board believes the business is now funded to grow Console’s real estate software products market share and leverage new revenue opportunities through integrating or building other services to real estate agents and their clients."
Earlier this year it was signalled the property website was set to be shut down after its board ended negotiations with realestateVIEW just before contracts were due to be signed on the national price data base. 
"In the absence of a sale agreement for the Onthehouse.com.au and media businesses, they will be closed by April 2016 at an estimated closure cost of circa $1.7 million," the ontheouse company said in a statement to the ASX earlier this year. 
No white knight emerged until today.
Residex was initially intended to be retained in the envisaged remaining restructure, having been forecast to deliver revenues of more than $2 million in FY16 and to operate at a break even position going forward.
It was 2012 when Onthehouse acquired the last tranche to own 100% of property data business Residex.
Onthehouse acquired a half-share in May 2011.
The second 50% of Residex cost onthehouse $3.5 million.
Residex was founded by John Edwards in 1990 to to develop house price indices for the NSW state government and has since added expanded historical residential data, suburb reports and valuation reports to its national mix of products and services.
Residex hold more than 350 million records provided to the property industry and the public dating back to 1865.
Following the sale of COD division announced today, the onthehouse company’s cash position has materially improved through the lower COD exit costs.
The estimated but now avoided cost announced in February to close the business was $1.7 million.
The estimated cost to the company to exit COD has now been revised to $1.5 million which includes professional fees on the sale of COD.
The company’s cash position is $3.2 million better off than previously expected under a COD shutdown scenario.
The group chief Chris Meehan advised discussions with the Macquarie Group hostile takeover consortium are continuing.
"Onthehouse will continue to keep the market informed in accordance with its continuous disclosure obligations," said Chris Meehan.
The takeover consortium included CoreLogic RP Data.
 
 
 
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Onthehouse property website sold to CoreLogic RP Data

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Capital city rents declined over the past year for the first time since 1996 though weekly rents rose slightly, according to the latest CoreLogic RP Data update.  
Rental rates across the combined capital cities were -0.2% lower over the past year, while weekly rents increased by a fraction 0.2% in March for the capital cities. 
Over the year, Melbourne recorded the biggest increase in rental rates at 2 per cent followed by Sydney at 1.4 per cent, Canberra 1.2 per cent and Hobart 0.3 per cent, shows CoreLogic RP Data March rent review figures.
On the flipside, the cities to see a drop in rents included Darwin -11.5%, Perth -8.4 per cent, Adelaide -1.0%, and Brisbane with a -0.7% drop.
The combined capital city house rents were recorded at $489 per week in March while unit rents were $469 per week, said CoreLogic analysts. Over the past month, house rents have increased by 0.1% and unit rents by 0.4% and over the past three months, house rents rose 0.5% compared to a 0.9% rise in unit rents.
The March results show that recent rental increases are likely to be seasonal which is further highlighted by the fact that rents are lower over the year. Over the past 12 months, house rents were -0.5% lower and unit rents increased by 1.5%. 
“It is important to note that a much higher proportion of total unit stock is rented compared to housing stock,” said senior analyst Cameron Kusher.
“We have been tracking the annual change in capital city rents since 1996 and this is the first time we have seen rental rates falling.” 
“The extra accommodation supply, as a result of the current building boom, along with the recent record high levels of investment purchasing is adding substantial new dwelling supply to the rental market at a time when the rate of population growth is slowing from quarter to quarter. Furthermore, wages are increasing at their slowest annual pace.
“Today’s results also highlight a swift easing in rental market conditions over the past year. We’ve attributed this ease to a variety of influences such as falling real wages, excess rental supply in certain areas and lower rates of population growth which have impacted on demand for rental accommodation.”
“With dwelling approvals recently at record highs, construction activity set to peak over the next 24 months and many new properties still to settle, the rental demand weakness is expected to persist. In all probability, there won’t be much scope for landlords to lift rental rates given current conditions have given greater negotiation opportunities to those in rental situation.”
While rental rates remain at record highs in Sydney and Melbourne, rents are lower than their previous peaks in all remaining capital cities. The decline in dwelling rents from peaks is recorded at: -0.9% in Brisbane, -1.2% in Adelaide, -12.8% in Perth, -0.1% in Hobart, -15.6% in Darwin and -7.4% in Canberra.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Annual capital city rental change in decline and lowest since 1996: CoreLogic RP Data

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The rate of home value growth continue to moderate as housing market conditions cool in Sydney and Melbourne, whilst the remaining capital cities recorded small value increases to moderate declines, according to the CoreLogic RP Data March Home Value Index.
During March, capital city dwelling values recorded a subtle lift, rising by 0.2 percent to take capital city home values 1.6 percent higher over the first quarter of 2016. The quarterly increase in home values was broad based across the nation’s capitals, with Perth (-0.9 percent) and Brisbane (-0.1 percent) the only two cities to record negative movements in dwelling values over the past three months.
“The March quarter rise in capital city dwelling values is in stark contrast to the first quarter of 2015, when values increased by 3.0 percent, which is almost double the current pace of quarterly growth. However, compared with the final quarter of 2015, when capital city dwelling values were down 1.4 percent, the housing market has shown a modest rebound in growth which is well below the strong capital gains recorded over the first half of 2015,” CoreLogic RP Data head of research Tim Lawless said.
“The annual pace of home value appreciation across Australia’s capital cities highlights the slowing growth trend,” he said.
Following the March results, the annual rate of capital growth across the capital cities has now reached its lowest point in 31 months, with dwelling values rising by 6.4 percent over the past twelve months across the combined capitals. Furthermore, no Australian capital city has recorded an annual growth rate in the double digits over the past twelve months. Melbourne remains the capital city with the strongest annual growth, with dwelling values increasing by 9.8 percent over the past twelve months.
Lawless said, “The housing market has been losing momentum since July last year, when capital city dwelling values were increasing at the annual rate of 11.1 percent.”
Perth and Darwin are the only two capital cities where home values are trending lower on an annual basis, down 2.0 percent and 1.8 percent respectively. However, Lawless noted the moderation in the rate of capital growth in the Sydney market has been the most pronounced, with annual dwelling value growth more than halving to 7.4 percent per annum, from a high of 18.4 percent per annum in July last year. 
The Melbourne market has been much more resilient, with annual growth in dwelling values slipping below the 10 percent mark for the first time since May last year, to reach 9.8 percent at the end of March 2016. 
The current growth cycle has been running since values troughed in May 2012. Through to March 2016, capital city dwelling values have risen by a cumulative 32.2 percent. Over the cycle to date, Sydney home values have seen the most significant level of appreciation, with dwelling values 49.2 percent higher since values started rising, followed by Melbourne at 35.7 percent cumulative growth.
Darwin and Perth moved through their respective cyclical market peaks more than a year ago, with Darwin home values peaking in May 2014, whilst Perth’s housing market peaked in December 2014. Since then, both Darwin and Perth home values have fallen by a total of 4.6 percent.
According to the March results, most capital cities continue to see the detached housing sector outperform the unit market. Over the past twelve months, house values rose by 6.6 percent compared with a 4.7 percent increase in unit values.
“The over performance by detached housing relative to units can most likely be attributed to the more efficient release of higher density housing supply together with an ongoing shortage of strategically located vacant land and new detached housing stock,” Lawless said.
The largest performance gap between houses and units is evident in Melbourne, where higher unit supply appears to be weighing on the rate of value growth. Melbourne house values were up 10.7 per cent over the past twelve months, whilst unit values are only 2.5 percent higher over the past year.
According to Lawless, “The CoreLogic December 2015 Pain and Gain report released last week showed 19.5 percent of all Melbourne council area units were resold at a gross loss, meaning, nearly one fifth of all apartments that resold over the last three months of 2015 did so at a price lower than what they were previously purchased for. Such a high proportion of loss making resales is a likely indicator of negative equity developing in this precinct as a result of supply outstripping demand.”
With the pace of capital gains slowing, the compression of rental yields has also eased, with capital city yields experiencing a small increase from their previous record lows. Every capital city has seen a deterioration in the rental yield profile over the past twelve months, with gross rental yields reducing from 3.7 percent across the combined capitals twelve months ago, to 3.5 percent at the end of March this year.
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Melbourne continues to show the lowest gross rental yields, with houses averaging 2.9 per cent (which is still a record low) and unit yields averaging 4.1 per cent (up from 4.0 per cent).
Lawless said, “A low rental yield scenario in Melbourne and Sydney is likely to act as a further dampener to investment demand in these markets, as the prospects for capital gains become less certain.
“We’re likely to see many investors turn towards other housing markets where the outlook for capital gains is stronger, housing is more affordable and the yield profile is healthier.”
Other market indicators are pointing towards a continued moderation in the rate of value growth,” Lawless said.
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Listing numbers have been trending higher, with the number of capital city homes currently being advertised for sale almost 8.5 per cent higher than a year ago. The most substantial lift in residential property listings has been in Sydney, where listing numbers are now 19.2 per cent higher than at the same time last year.
“Higher listing numbers means buyers have more choice and vendors may need to adjust their price expectations in light of the increase in available housing stock.”
“Additionally, housing finance figures are showing a trend towards fewer new mortgage commitments. Based on seasonally adjusted data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics to January, the value of owner occupier new mortgage commitments is down 7.6 per cent from last year’s peak, whilst the value of investor loans is 20.0 per cent lower compared to last year’s peak. Strict prudential supervision from APRA, as well as a potential rise in mortgage rates mooted for later this year due to higher lender funding costs, are likely to add to a further slowdown in credit growth during 2016.
“The lower number of housing finance commitments is also reflected in a slowdown in the number of homes transacting. For the twelve months to March 2016, an estimated 299,100 dwellings were sold across the capital cities, which is 9.9 per cent lower than the previous twelve month period. The number of homes sold across Sydney over the past twelve months is 18 per cent lower than a year ago, while Melbourne transaction numbers are 9.7 per cent lower year-on-year,” Mr Lawless said.
"Overall, no indicators have emerged to suggest that dwelling values are starting to show sharp declines in any of the capital cities. Perth and Darwin are the only cities to record negative value movements over the past year, and the declines from their recent peak which was more than twelve months ago have been modest at just 4.6 per cent. Sydney and Melbourne growth rates are moderating after a strong cycle of growth, while other cities are recording minimal shifts higher and lower.”
“Recent forecasts released collaboratively by CoreLogic RP Data and Moodys Analytics, reinforced a controlled slowdown in the Australian housing market was underway. Based on the forecasts, which factor in a series of short run indicators and long run macroeconomic scenarios, we are likely to see Sydney and Melbourne dwelling values continue to rise, at least on average over the 2016 and 2017 calendar year, however growth rates are likely to be substantially lower than what has been recorded over previous years, while some of the underperforming capitals, such as Brisbane, Canberra and Hobart may see some acceleration in their rates of capital gain by 2017.
 
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