Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

The latest application seeks approval for a multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

Staff Writer

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Leading Australian integrated property development group, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>, has released the signature penthouses crowning its landmark AURA by Aqualand precinct at 168 Walker Street in North Sydney, unveiling Il Magnate and La Divina as the largest and most luxurious penthouses in the suburb.

With prices anticipated to commence from $15 million, and each accompanied by a new Porsche Carrera 911 valued at over $500K, the residences mark the culmination of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a>’s decade-long journey and the beginning of its final sales chapter. 
&nbsp; 
Their release follows more than $850 million in record-breaking residential sales and the building’s completion and occupation.

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The Richards Stanisich-designed 284 sqm Il Magnate and 224 sqm La Divina penthouses, collectively known as The Icons of AURA, are conceived as grand luxury homes rather than apartments, with expansive proportions, elevated materiality and curated identities that reflect their status as one-off residences.&nbsp;

Il Magnate features a grande master suite, complete with substantial walk-in dressing area and ensuite, three other bedrooms, second ensuite and another bathroom, powder room, open plan kitchen, scullery, substantial dining area and generous living room divided by a feature fireplace, and a multifunction wintergarden, which is ideal for a study and adjoining office breakout space. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the La Divina residence offers the same amenities, sans the powder room, on a slightly smaller alternate floor plan configuration.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358863]

Each occupies half of AURA by Aqualand’s topmost 28th level, comes with four secure car spaces and pairs sweeping Sydney Harbour panoramas with large-scale living spaces, refined detailing and a level of craftsmanship and amenity rarely offered in the North Shore market.&nbsp;

Penthouse residents will also receive Etymon’s ‘Black Key’ private concierge and lifestyle management service, an invitation only offering providing the ultimate in bespoke personalisation, including a range of everyday discrete services, from dinner party management, grocery deliveries, pet feeding or plants watered, dinners, snacks and coffee deliveries, event ticket sourcing, right up to organising travel visas and international airfares. Rarely seen in Australian properties, the service provides residents the benefits of living in a world-class luxury hotel-style home, akin to The Ritz, or the Waldorf Astoria.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358862]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>’s Director, Kirsten Stanisich, said the studio set out to craft residences that feel profoundly considered, contemporary and deeply connected to their setting.

“From the outset, we approached these penthouses with the sensibility of a grand Parisian residence - generous in scale, elegant in proportion and designed to feel more like a handcrafted home than an apartment," Stanisich said.

“Their elevated position and sweeping harbour outlook informed every decision, creating a rare connection between urban sophistication and natural calm. We shaped each space with expressive materiality, sculptural forms and bespoke detailing that invite touch and interaction.&nbsp;

“The result is a pair of residences defined by volume, light and an inherent softness - refined, flexible and deeply personal. These penthouses are unlike anything else in North Sydney, offering a sanctuary of true luxury framed by some of the city’s most remarkable views.”

For Aqualand’s Head of Sales &amp; Marketing, Alex Adams, the collaboration with Porsche underscores the shared ethos behind the residences.

“Aqualand’s collaboration with Porsche underpins both brand’s sharing an obsession with craftsmanship, design excellence, and enduring value," Adams said.

“Our penthouses are created for those who appreciate the finer details and expect the extraordinary at every touchpoint. Including a Porsche simply extends that experience beyond the residence - it’s a continuation of the lifestyle our buyers already live.”&nbsp;

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Aqualand’s Managing Director, Jin Lin, said the penthouses represent both the pinnacle of AURA by Aqualand and an important design benchmark for the company’s future pipeline.&nbsp;

“These stunning penthouses reflect the purest expression of Aqualand’s design ambition," Lin said.

“The unparalleled design intent makes them not only the glistening crown of AURA by Aqualand, but the crown of North Sydney itself. They’re essentially a thank you gift to a burgeoning community that deserves this level of quality and architectural consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re leveraging the unrivalled standard set here as the foundation for what comes next, including our upcoming Anderson Street, Chatswood; 15 Blue Street, North Sydney and Central Barangaroo projects. Purchasers of these penthouses will essentially be living inside the blueprint of Aqualand’s future.

“These landmark residences demonstrate how far North Sydney has evolved and the strength of demand for highly curated, bespoke luxury homes. They’re more than penthouses, they’re legacy residences.&nbsp;

“With AURA by Aqualand now a thriving new precinct with residents well and truly settled, and our in-house world-class lifestyle amenity activated, Il Magnate and La Divina represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure an extraordinary piece of North Sydney’s future.”

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Joel Robinson

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bokarina-qld-4575">Bokarina</a> Beach has quietly evolved into one of the Sunshine Coast’s most complete coastal lifestyle precincts, defined not just by proximity to the ocean, but by how residential living, local retail and everyday amenity are stitched together.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina-qld-4575">Bask Bokarina</a> now represents the final residential chapter in that transformation.

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Over recent years, the Bokarina Beach precinct has taken shape as a walkable, community-oriented neighbourhood, anchored by beachfront access, Lake Kawana to the west, and a growing mix of cafés, specialty retail and public open space.&nbsp;

With Zinc Bokarina already delivered next door by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG), Bask is the last opportunity to buy a brand new apartment within the precinct, effectively rounding out a fully formed coastal village.

GVG has positioned Bask to strengthen that lifestyle framework. Nine ground-floor retail spaces are planned beneath the residences, extending Bokarina Boulevard’s existing activity and reinforcing the area’s everyday convenience, from casual dining and coffee to local services, within a short walk of the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

The residential component comprises 135 apartments across two buildings, Mydas and Caretta, with a clear shift toward larger three- and four-bedroom layouts and penthouses. That mix reflects a maturing buyer profile in Bokarina, where demand is increasingly led by owner-occupiers and active downsizers seeking space, permanence, and connection to place rather than short-term coastal accommodation.

Design and amenity have followed the same logic. Residents will have access to a heated plunge pool, gym, private dining room with a full kitchen, landscaped communal gardens with barbecues and a firepit, and a shared herb and vegetable garden, facilities intended to support daily use rather than resort-style turnover. Pet-friendly features, including a dog wash bay, acknowledge both buyer expectations and the area’s dog-friendly beach, located around 250 metres from the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333366]

“Bokarina has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most desirable beachside communities, and Bask represents the very last chance to buy new in this location,” GVG Director Sam Gardner said.&nbsp;

“Our focus has been to create spacious, functional apartments that meet the needs of locals who want to downsize without compromise, as well as those seeking a full-time coastal retreat.”

Positioned between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Kawana, Bask apartments have been oriented to capture outlooks toward the water or the Glass House Mountains, reinforcing the project’s connection to its natural surroundings. With parks, beachfront paths, hospitals, retail and public transport already in place, Bask arrives at a point where the broader precinct is no longer emerging, but established.

Construction is expected to complete in Q3 this year, with apartments ready to move into this Spring.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141609]

Bask to complete Bokarina’s Sunshine Coast lifestyle precinct as final apartments are released

Property development giant <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/avid-property-group">AVID Property Group</a> is approaching completion, and sell-out, of its Surry Hills apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rathbone-23-47-flinders-street-surry-hills-nsw-2010">The Rathbone</a>.

The Flinders St project has sold well over half of its 32 apartments, which will sit above two retail spaces.

Now hitting the market are the final 14 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, which start from $1.15 million. AVID is targeting a mid-2026 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5947 project_image_fid=51208]

AVID General Manager New South Wales Danny Boubli said as more apartments are introduced to increase housing options in inner-city areas, homebuyers are searching for a &nbsp;sense of belonging in addition to location, convenience and value.&nbsp;

“There are very few opportunities for new developments in Surry Hills, and since acquiring the site, we’ve even seen one early purchaser merge two apartments plans together, reflecting the demand for a spacious, premium offering in a prime location,” Boubli said.&nbsp;

“Demand has been strong since we launched to market – we don’t see these final apartments staying on the market for long.”&nbsp;

Architectural firm Studio SC has designed the building which pays homage to the former 1900s Rathbone Terraces that once sat on the 990 sqm island site.

Boubil said the team has made every effort to create "truly liveable apartments", through&nbsp;functional floor plans, security, storage, and the inclusion of quality fittings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5947 project_image_fid=51207]

&nbsp;

Sustainable design has also been implemented throughout the development, with natural light flooding each apartment, ventilation throughout, extensive landscaping and where possible, materials with a high level of recycled content and low volatile organic compound paints have been used. &nbsp;

Apartments range in size from 57 sqm for the one-bedrooms to the large-scale 165 sqm three-beds which are priced at $2,575,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5947]

AVID launches final apartments at The Rathbone, Surry Hills

A wave of investment, renewal and precinct growth continues to shape the northern edge of Macquarie Park, where daily life is supported by a rare combination of university activity, corporate employment, major retail, and expansive green corridors. It’s this convergence of amenity and connectivity underpins the setting for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a>, which has now topped out and is tracking toward completion in mid-2026.

Within this pocket of the precinct, residents move easily between the area’s key anchors. Macquarie Centre, home to more than 360 retailers, fresh food offerings, dining and entertainment, sits at the heart of local convenience and functions as a major transport interchange. The Metro, T1 rail line and extensive bus network place much of Sydney within quick reach, while surrounding arterial links support direct access to neighbouring districts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=5829]

Green space remains a defining feature of the immediate environment. Lane Cove National Park stretches along the northern boundary of the precinct, offering bushland trails, cycling routes and quiet riverfront pockets. Shrimptons Creek and the campus grounds of Macquarie University extend these recreational networks, softening the urban setting and creating a daily connection to nature that informs the project’s architectural response.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> have shaped La Vera around these contrasts. The building’s northern elevation adopts an organic, curvilinear form that mirrors the natural topography of the national park. Three sculpted forms soften the tower’s profile and encourage a stronger transition between indoor living areas, balconies and the broader landscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=223737]

Cox Director Felipe Miranda says the building’s outlook played a central role in the design process.

“The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park… The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies,” Felipe Miranda of Cox Architecture said.

Toward the city-facing side, the design shifts to a more urban expression. A gridded facade and extensive glazing capture CBD views, creating a dual strategy that blends ecological outlooks with metropolitan orientation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=5827]

La Vera delivers 169 residences across one- to four-bedroom layouts, reflecting the needs of young families, downsizers, first-home buyers and investors seeking long-term certainty within a high-amenity location. From the project, residents can walk to Macquarie University, Macquarie Hospital and nearby corporate offices, reach national park trails within minutes, and enjoy retail and dining without relying on a car.

The project is delivered by Urban Property Group, a 4.5-star iCIRT-rated developer-builder with more than three decades of experience. The company has become a leader in adopting 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), first introduced on its Parq Bexley development and now embedded into its pipeline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=223727]

La Vera is the first development in Macquarie Park approved to offer this 10-year LDI policy, adding another layer of protection for purchasers and reinforcing the transparency of the construction process.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias says this assurance has become increasingly important for buyers navigating the off-the-plan market.

“Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been… Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share,” Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said.

Urban Property Group's in-house construction team is forecasting a mid-2026 completion, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/home789">HOME789</a> appointed as the project marketer.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

La Vera delivers a nature-connected address within Macquarie Park’s core

Domain

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Nine Entertainment's digital and print real estate media business Domain Holdings is set acquire the Commercialview.com.au website.

For starters Domain will spend $2 million in cash to secure the commercial property digital listings platform, which had most of its footprint in Melbourne and Sydney.

CommercialVIEW.com.au is a stand-alone commercial real estate advertising portal that is industry owned, directed by Ben Cooper, Stephen Gorman, Malcolm Gunning and its CEO Daniel Bignold. Its issued capital is given as $3.8 million, with nine million ordinary shares on issue and 310,000 redeemable preference shares.

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During the past year the board exercised its power to change the option terms with the exercise price of the options reduced from $0.50 to $0.00.
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It was established in 2012 under the stewardship of Petra Sprekos and Enzo Raimondo of the REIV.

In 2016 Bignold made a rare public comment on the state of the website.

Bignold said the dominant players in the market had been able to press prices higher, putting pressure on commercial property agents. 

"We have a price point that’s very fair and reasonable, and is less than our competitors," he noted. 

<img alt="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/12/17/CommView.jpg">

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Domain Holdings Australia Limited announced its commercial real estate business, Commercial Real Estate entered into a three stage agreement with shareholders of Commercialview.com.au Limited to acquire 100% of the issued share capital in CommercialView.

The acquisition will occur through a subsidiary of Domain, Commercial Real Estate Media Pty Limited (“CREM”), which is currently approximately 70% owned by Domain and 30% owned by members of the commercial real estate industry.

The consideration for the proposed transaction is anywhere between $4.2 million and $17.2 million, contingent on targets relating to the future financial performance of the CREM and CommercialView businesses. 

The on-target consideration is $10.2 million, which is equivalent to four times the projected increase in EBITDA from the transaction for calendar year 2020, including synergies.

The maximum consideration for the acquisition is $17.2 million of which a maximum of $2 million is payable in cash. The remainder is payable in newly issued shares in CREM.

Domain Group CEO Jason Pellegrino said there had been unanimous support for the transaction from CommercialView shareholders.

The commercial property website recently reported another loss in its annual results which gave its revenues as $1.6 million.

It was segmented into $440,000 subscription revenue, $150,000 banner advertising and over $1 million in depth revenue.

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The 2018 financial year loss of the company after providing for income tax amounted to $8,500 compared to its $428,000 loss in the prior year.

Its directors, who noted it was a high demand/low supply commercial property market, slashed marketing expenses from $386,000 to $255,000. 

"For a portal, this is a difficult market to extract revenue as not only stock levels are low, but when stock is listed it generally move fast and doesn’t require large ongoing advertising budgets. 

"Total new listings that hit the CVIEW portal in FY18 compared to FY17 were down 21 percent and listings for sale were down 29 percent yoy. 

"This creates a large void for listing upgrade opportunities particularly investment stock which generally attract a larger advertising budget."

The revenue focus for the year was seeking upgrade opportunities for remaining sales stock and also to leverage the larger proportion of leasing stock in the market.

The business has had a "clear strategy" of tightening up on expenses without negatively impacting the operations, which resulted in a 22 percent reduction in expenses and $150,000 positive full year EBITDA and an $88,000 increase in cash balances for the year. Its assets included $474,000 in cash and $193,000 in trade receivables.

Its deferred tax assets sit at $700,000 plus.
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Completion of the proposed transaction is targeted to occur on 21 December 2018.

The consideration is payable in three tranches, partially contingent on targets relating to the future financial performance of the CREM and CommercialView businesses, as follows:

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	a payment of $4.2 million to be paid at completion as a combination of cash and CREM shares, amounting to approximately a 3.7% equity interest in CREM;
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	a second payment payable in early 2020, in the range of $0 to $5 million to be paid as a combination of cash and CREM shares; and
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	a third payment in early 2021, in the range of $0 to approximately $8 million payable in CREM shares.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Commercialview.com.au sold by estate agents to Domain

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The time it takes for first home buyers to save 20 per cent deposit for an entry-level house has risen in the last 12 months, according to date released by Domain.
The Domain First Home Buyers Report, which is based on a couple aged 25-34 years old, found first home buyers of houses in Sydney and Melbourne had to save over six years for a house deposit of 20 per cent, up 2.6 per cent on last year.
That's an extra two months for each capital.
Melbourne prospective buyers of a $600,000 entry level house price would take six years, Sydney six and a half for their entry level price of $680,000.
The biggest jump since the same report last year came in Canberra, closely followed by Hobart.
It would take five and a half years in Canberra for a 20 per cent deposit on a $606,500 house, up 5.6 per cent from last year.
Hobart's surging house prices has seen a 6.4 per cent jump in amount of time needed to save since last year, equating to an extra three months.
An entry level home, now $380,000, would take four years and two months to save for in the Tasmania capital.
First home buyers in Perth and Darwin Perth and Darwin have a shorter journey to save for a deposit, with the average time taking less than three and a half years
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/9/24/Time%20to%20buy%20houses%20Domain.png" alt="">
<h1 dir="ltr">Units</h1>
The length of time to save for an apartment has also jumped across most of the capitals, although Perth, Darwin and Brisbane saw their time slashed.
Brisbane's entry to buy an apartment is now -4.9 per cent less than it was last year, now three years and three months, with an entry level unit costing $328,000.
Melbourne and Sydney's time to save increased by a month over the year, Sydney now at five years and seven months and Melbourne at four years and three months.
 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/9/24/Time%20to%20buy%20units%20Domain.png" alt="">
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

FHB's take six and a half years to afford their first house: Domain

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Adelaide was one of only three cities to record house price growth over the June quarter.
It pushed the city’s house prices to a record high of $553,036.
Unit prices did, however, slip by almost $10,000 over the June quarter. 
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/b16c0b957ea98f662ab985606/images/ac4c1516-3aa3-40b4-a686-21aec5bae5f9.png" data-imagetype="External">
June 2020 QoQ change for Adelaide house and unit prices
“Adelaide was one of only three cities to record house price growth over the June quarter, along with Hobart and Canberra. While it was a modest 0.2 per cent lift, this has pushed house prices to a record high of $553,036. This is a better outcome than the other capital cities that plunged into declined, reinforcing the stability of the Adelaide housing market even amid the economic fallout of COVID-19. However, unit prices slipped 2.9 per cent over the June quarter, reversing part of the strong growth recorded over the first three months of the year, to $319,266.”
“Low interest rates, unprecedented government stimulus and extended mortgage repayment relief measures have sheltered house prices from any substantial falls to-date. A pullback in buyer and seller activity throughout the height of the lockdown also helped. Economic headwinds could still disrupt Adelaide’s market stability, with weak employment prospects a persistent thorn in the economy which will heighten due to health crisis. However South Australia is less reliant on international tourism than other states and more reliant on interstate tourism. Once borders reopen, the state could benefit from the increase in Australians taking holidays locally.”
“The outlook for residential property has improved vastly in recent weeks. Sentiment towards housing and the purchase of a home has bucked the overall more negative sentiment around the broader economy. South Australia had one of the biggest improved sentiment towards the time to buy a dwelling which reached a six-month high nationally. Affordability is clearly front of mind of mind for prospective buyers, with Adelaide offering one of the lowest purchase prices of all the capitals as well as offering buyers a great lifestyle. Demand could be increased by Australia’s success in dealing with the global pandemic compared to other countries, making it an attractive destination to reside, particularly towards lifestyle regions,” said Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Adelaide house prices reached a record high this quarter: Domain

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Greater Brisbane house prices fell by $8,000 over the June quarter, the first quarterly fall in a year and the steepest in almost nine years.
Unit prices also declined by just over $16,000 in the June quarter.
A two-speed property market has developed across Brisbane; with Brisbane City, Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim and Somerset house prices falling over the quarter, while Ipswich grew, and Logan remained stable.
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/b16c0b957ea98f662ab985606/images/dd2bb747-bdfd-4fd8-9ecb-60529f175ce2.png" width="597" height="199" data-imagetype="External">
June 2020 QoQ change for Brisbane house and unit prices
“Greater Brisbane house prices fell 1.4 per cent over the June quarter. This is the first quarterly fall in a year and the steepest in almost nine years. However house prices remain higher compared to last year, marking seven-and-a-half years of annual capital growth. A two-speed property market has developed across the LGAs with Brisbane City, Moreton Bay, Redland, Scenic Rim and Somerset house prices falling over the quarter, while Ipswich grew, and Logan remained stable.”
“Prior to COVID-19, there was promising growth in prices for Greater Brisbane. Although this has reversed in the June quarter, the fall in prices to date has been minimal considering the economic aftermath of border closures and shutdowns. An initial pull back in seller and buyer activity during the lockdown acted to underpin prices, government financial support has kept distressed or urgent sales minimal, and incentives have encouraged buying journeys to begin.”
“The outlook for residential property has improved vastly in recent weeks. Sentiment towards housing and the purchase of a home has bucked the overall more negative sentiment around the broader economy. Nationally the time to buy a dwelling pushed to a six-month high according to the Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment. Affordability is clearly front of mind, with the biggest jumps in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.”
“Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast housing values outperformed Greater Brisbane over the June quarter. Gold Coast houses pushed to a new record of $660,000 following a 1.5 per cent quarterly growth, while houses on the Sunshine Coast nudged marginally lower. Unit values held across both cities over the June quarter, with Sunshine Coast units at the record achieved last quarter. Despite the devastating impact of the bushfires and the coronavirus pandemic housing values are steady illustrating the desirability of coastal lifestyle regions,” said Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
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Brisbane house prices see their steepest fall in 9 years: Domain

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Melbourne’s house and unit prices declined over the June quarter, the market’s first fall since early 2019 and the deepest quarterly fall of all the major capital cities.
With Inner Melbourne, the inner east and inner south seeing price declines, opportunities are growing for prospective buyers to enter the market
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/b16c0b957ea98f662ab985606/images/54036863-9430-4062-a6a1-a416e52344a5.png" data-imagetype="External"> June 2020 QoQ change for Melbourne house and unit prices
“Melbourne’s record high house price achieved last quarter was short-lived: prices tumbled 3.5 per cent over the June quarter. House values have fallen $32,000 and units $9,000 over the first quarter to show the impact of COVID-19. Prior to this, Melbourne house prices had made a full recovery from the 2017-19 slump. This quarter marks the first fall since early 2019 and is the deepest quarterly fall of all the major capital cities. Affordability appears to be front of mind for buyers, with more substantial falls in the city, the inner east and inner south, while the outer areas remain stable or have risen. Units have held up better than houses, falling a more moderate 1.7 per cent over the June quarter. It is the opposite trend for Melbourne units, with the price slump concentrated in the affordable areas of the south east and west.”
“Home owners have been provided with a lifeline during this economically challenging time through the intervention of the banks and government: the JobKeeper subsidy as well as a more generous JobSeeker payment which have both been extended, along with the banks offer to pause mortgages. These will minimise the number of urgent or distressed sales, which will in turn support prices. The risks become far greater once these initiatives cease. That said, evidence suggests further price weakness - in June 13.4 per cent of sellers reduced their asking price, five times higher than the same time last year.”
“Melbourne’s property market outlook has adjusted in recent weeks as the city enters its second lockdown. The full impact of the first economic shutdown was clearly evident in the June quarter. Sales activity, listings and clearance rates fell in April. However the rebound was swift as restrictions eased, confidence lifted from the April lows, vendors returned, and more buyers decided it was a good time to purchase - nationally rising to a six-month high. The second lockdown will stall this momentum temporarily,” said Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
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Melbourne property prices hit hardest in June quarter: Domain

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Domain Group trading in the FY20 March quarter saw a small revenue increase of 1% for the quarter, and 10% in the month of March.
Digital revenue also increased, 3% for the quarter and 15% for the month of March despite the shutdown being introduced.
Domain has strengthened its liquidity position by reaching agreement with its banking group for a new debt facility of $80 million, with a term of 18 months.
The facility is in addition to the $225 million facilities announced to the market on 8 November 2019, with terms of three and four years.
Domain’s banking group has also agreed to a waiver of the group’s financial covenants as at June and December 2020. Domain’s net debt at 31 March 2020 was $149.5 million compared with $147.9 million at December 2019.
Domain has launched a voluntary staff program to deliver a 20% reduction in staff costs, while retaining employee talent and business momentum for the long term.
Employees were offered the opportunity to participate in a Share Rights program whereby they could receive a percentage of their salary package over the next six months in share rights (Rights), or alternatively elect to reduce working hours.
Both options have the effect of reducing staff costs over the next six months.
The plan has been overwhelmingly supported by Domain employees, with the majority electing to take a percentage of their salary in Rights.
Domain’s Leadership Team has elected to participate at higher rates: 30% for executive leaders and 50% for the CEO and Board members. The plan will take effect for six months from May 2020.
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Domain has announce surprise March revenue growth

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Nine Entertainment has suspended publication of its newspaper insert, Domain, forcing staff to take leave.
As real estate vendors withdraw properties from sale, the Nine managing director of publishing Chris Janz told staff at newspapers, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Australian Financial Review there had been “significant advertising cancellations that would force sections and magazines to be suspended to secure the future of our business”.
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“Unfortunately we are not immune from the unprecedented economic and advertising downturn caused by the crisis,” he said.
“These temporary measures will be continually reviewed and the sections will be reinstated as conditions improve.”
“While subscriber numbers are building, the growth does not offset the significant number of advertisers cancelling or reducing spend,” Mr Janz said in an email to staff.
News Corp Australia (publisher of The Daily Telegraph and The Australian) announced last week that it will be reducing pagination and this week announced it was cutting local newspaper production.
It will affect the print publication of 60 community titles across NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia with the titles paused from April 9.
The Mansion magazine in the Weekend Australian is set to be published in April.
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Domain has suspended its print publications in coronavirus crisis

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Domain has experienced a doubling in the decline of new web listings as its annual net profit fell 29 percent. 
Nationally, Domain new listings declined around 12 percent, double the 6 percent decline reported in the first half result.
The real estate website lost $6.2 million last year.
It said revenue for the year to June 30 rose by almost 20 per cent to $343.3 million but the bottom line was hit by previously announced impairments of $179 million.
The yearly results show revenue was down 6.1 per cent. The net profit after tax was $37.4 million, down 29.3 per cent.
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Chief executive Jason Pellegrino said it was a solid performance in the context of major listing declines in Melbourne and Sydney.
“For FY19 Domain delivered a solid performance in the context of the challenging year faced by the Australian property market.
"To put this in perspective, property sales as a percentage of Australia's dwelling stock are at their lowest point in more than 20 years."
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 Residential revenue increased 0.5% to around $173 million.
"This is a solid result from Residential in the context of lower listings volumes in key markets, where auction volumes declined around 25% in Sydney and 28% in Melbourne."
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Domain have suggested their proprietary datasets have shown some encouraging signs of buyer activity in the first weeks of FY20, including increased attendance at open for inspections and increased home loan application volumes.
They did noted however that listings volumes remained weak in a seasonally low listings period, with national market new listings declining down 20 per cent in July 2019, with Sydney and Melbourne new listings down 26% and 27% respectively.
Domain's media arm didn't fair much better.
Media, developers and commercial revenue declined around 13 percent for the year.
Pellegrino highlighted financing constraints and other regulatory issues which have shifted market demand from investors to owner-occupiers, and from large high rise developments to smaller boutique projects which require a lower level of marketing support.
Over the financial year Domain acquired CommercialView and increased their stake in Homepass. 
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“During my first 12 months at Domain we have been focused on establishing and driving the strategy which will support our next phase of growth," Pellegrino said.
“Our vision is to build a customer-centric Australian property marketplace. Everyone in our business is working to inspire confidence for all of life’s property decisions.
"There is substantial headroom to step change our performance by using our data to build products and offerings that better meet the needs of buyers, vendors and agents.”
"Domain is better placed than ever to deliver on our growth ambitions. This will be further supported as the market returns to a more positive listings environment.
“Our relationship with Nine provides opportunity to expand Domain’s reach and engagement through Nine’s broadcast and digital assets, and we’re excited about the upcoming launch of a new Your Domain TV show on September 7th.”
Shares rose four per cent to $3 in morning trade. It was at $3.50 this time last year.
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Domain sees decline in new listings double as net profit falls 29 percent

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Domain Group has launched a new school-based search experience allowing property-searching parents to search by school name.
It is aimed at parents with specific schools or school catchments in mind to access school information in their property search.
When parents search by school names, they will get access to up to date information such as school types, gender mixes, and properties for sale or rent within the school catchment. 
Maty Paule, Chief Product Officer at Domain, commented that 50% of the parents told us that nothing was "more important than being able to send their kids to a certain school, or to be confident in the school catchment areas around their new property".
"Properties within highly-regarded school zones can boost house prices, and the information parents attain when they search by school names on Domain can add depth to their property decisions in the long term," he said.
Search by school name on Domain will enable parents in Australia to:
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Find properties to buy or rent that meet specific criteria and are located within desired school catchments. 
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Immediately see which school catchment their property falls in, along with a list of nearby government and non-government schools. 
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Access important information for schools across Australia, including location and catchment maps, school types, gender mixes and year ranges. 
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View travel times from a property to a school by car, public transport and walking during the busy morning drop-off.
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Domain launches school-based search for property-hunting parents

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Rental prices for Sydney houses and units fell over the June quarter and are down year-on-year, the recorded fall broke a 15 year record for annual rental prices in Sydney, according to Domain's latest quarterly rental report.
Sydney unit rents fell by 0.9 per cent in the quarter and 4.5 per cent over the year. Despite this fall, Sydney remains the most expensive capital city to rent a unit by a significant margin. Ongoing strong construction of new housing has weighed on rents, and also contributed to the vacancy rate increasing to 3.2 per cent in June, up from 2.4 per cent one year ago.
Rents held up the best on the Central Coast and on Sydney's north shore, but fell in other Sydney regions. Due to significant property price falls over the past year, rental yields have risen slightly in Sydney.
Domain found, despite experiencing a fall in rental prices, Canberra remains the nation's most expensive capital to rent a house, followed by Sydney. Canberra unit rents have grown 18 per cent over the past three years, despite an apartment construction boom.
Weekly rents for houses in Darwin have now fallen from $700 in 2014 to $490, while Darwin unit rental prices have dropped over the past five years from $570 to $385.
Perth remains the most affordable capital city to rent a house in Australia.
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Melbourne
Domain said, "Melbourne house rents fell 2 per cent in the June quarter, but remained unchanged over the year at $430 per week, while unit rents increased by 2.4 per cent over the year. Rent on a typical unit has grown 14 per cent over the past five years to $420,  despite the city's biggest apartment construction boom occurring during this time."
:House rents also increased 13 per cent during this timeframe." "Strong population growth, which has averaged 2.6 per cent a year since 2013, has created ongoing demand for rental properties. Melbourne's vacancy rate remains low, but has increased to 1.7 per cent from 1.3 per cent a year ago." "Over the past year, house rents grew fastest in the Mornington Peninsula and in Melbourne's inner-south, but were unchanged in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. Rents grew by more than 5 per cent in most regional cities over the past year." "Rental yields have risen for houses and units due to significant price falls over the past year."
Brisbane 
Domain researchers said, "rental prices for houses in the Greater Brisbane region fell in the June quarter but remained unchanged year-on-year."
"Unit rental prices were unchanged over the quarter but grew by 2.7 per cent over the year."
"The typical house is now rented at $400 per week and a typical unit $380 per week."
"Unit rentals have held up well in recent years, even as a large supply of new apartments have been built."  "Brisbane's rental vacancy rate fell from 2.6 per cent to 2.2 per cent over the past year, which is a sign of a strengthening rental market." "House rents were steady in most parts of Brisbane over the past 12 months, but unit rents increase 6 per cent in the inner city."
"House and unit rents grew by about 2 per cent on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast." "Rental yields for Brisbane units have risen slightly due to prices falling over the past year, whereas yields for houses have been steady."
Adelaide
According to the report, "house rents in Adelaide fell 1 per cent in the June quarter, but increased by 2.7 per cent over the year. Unit rents increased by 1.7 per cent over the year."
"The typical unit in Adelaide rents for $305 per week, which is the cheapest across all capital cities."
"Adelaide's vacancy rate remains low, and has declined to 1 per cent from 1.2 per cent a year ago." "Rents increased modestly in most parts of Adelaide, but in the north of the city house and unit rents remained flat." "Rental yields have risen modestly for units, but yields for houses have been steady."
Perth
Domain experts wrote, "Rental prices for both Perth houses and units have increased over the past year."
"House rents increased by 4.3 per cent over the year to $365 per week, which is $15 above the low points reached in 2017 and 2018."
"Nonetheless, Perth is still the most affordable capital to rent a house. Unit rents increased by 3.3 per cent in the quarter to reach $310, the highest since 2016." "Over the past 12 months, rents for houses and units increased in all areas of Perth, except for the south east." "In another sign of a strengthening rental market, Perth's rental vacancy rate has declined from 3.8 per cent to 3 per cent over the past year. Perth's rental market is rebounding off the back of an improving Western Australian economy and a pick-up in population growth." "Rental yields have risen for Perth houses and units due to price falls over the past year and rents rising."
Hobart
Domain analysts stated, "Hobart's rental market is under significant pressure. House rents increased by 9.8 per cent over the year, and unit rents increased by 5.6 per cent."
"House rents have now increased from $350 to $450 per week since 2016 (a 30 per cent rise), while units have jumped $80 to $380. Hobart's rental vacancy rate also remains extremely low, at only 0.4 per cent in June 2019 (this means there were only an estimated 110 vacant properties in Hobart on June 30)." "Despite the rapid growth in rents, Hobart still remains quite affordable compared to other capital cities. New housing construction is increasing -- Tasmanian building approvals are 26 per cent higher than the previous year -- which should help slow rental price growth in the coming year." "Rents increased strongly in all parts of Hobart over the past year, but particularly in the south and west parts of the city. Launceston rents also grew by 10 per cent in the past 12 months." "Due to strong property price growth, rental yields only increased modestly for houses and were steady for units."
Canberra
Domain said, "Canberra has retained the title as the most expensive capital city to rent a house."
"Canberra house rents fell 3.5 per cent in the June quarter, but were unchanged over the year at $550 per week, while unit rents increased by 4.4 per cent over the year and now sit at $470."
"Unit rents have now grown 18 per cent over the past three years, which has occurred despite Canberra's ongoing apartment construction boom." "Strong population growth, which has averaged 2 per cent a year for the past two years, has created ongoing demand for rental properties. Canberra's rental vacancy rate remains low, but has increased over the past year to 1.3 per cent (from 0.8 per cent)." "Rents increased in all Canberra districts over the past year, except for house rents in North Canberra, which fell slightly." "Rental yields for Canberra houses and units have risen modestly due to prices falling over the past year."
Darwin
In regards to Darwin, Domain experts stated, "Darwin house rents fell by 2 per cent over the past year, while unit rents fell by 3.8 per cent."
"Weekly house rents have now fallen from $700 in 2014 to $490, while units have dropped from $570 to $385."
"Following strong population growth during the mining boom, Darwin's population has declined, which has meant less demand for rental properties."
"Darwin's vacancy rate has fallen recently, but remains elevated at 3.5 per cent." "Rental yields have fallen for houses but remained steady for units."
Key findings from <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/research/rental-report/june-2019/" target="_blank">Domain's Q2 Rental Report</a>: Houses
<ul>
<li>Despite experiencing a fall in rental prices, Canberra remains the nation's most expensive capital to rent a house, followed by Sydney. </li>
<li>Rental prices for houses in the Greater Brisbane region fell in the June quarter, but remained unchanged year-on-year.</li>
<li>It is more expensive to rent a house in Hobart than Melbourne. Hobart remains the fourth most expensive city to rent a house behind Canberra, Sydney and Darwin.</li>
<li>Weekly rents for houses in Darwin have now fallen from $700 in 2014 to $490, reflecting less demand as the city’s population decreases.</li>
<li>Adelaide house rents continued to rise in the June quarter, with gross yields remaining steady.</li>
<li>Perth remains the most affordable capital city to rent a house in Australia.</li>
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Units
<ul>
<li>Sydney remains the most expensive capital city to rent a unit, despite prices falling by almost 5 per cent over the year.</li>
<li>Melbourne house rents remained unchanged over the year at $430 per week, while unit rents increased 2.4 per cent over the year. </li>
<li>Brisbane unit rents increased by 6 per cent in the inner city, and by 2 per cent on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.</li>
<li>While Adelaide unit rents have increased by 1.7 per cent over the year, the typical unit rents for $305 per week, making it the cheapest across all capital cities.</li>
<li>Canberra unit rents have grown 18 per cent over the past three years, despite an apartment construction boom.</li>
<li>Darwin unit rental prices have dropped over the past five years from $570 to $385.</li>
</ul>
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