Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

Joel Robinson

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368856]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"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," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Estate Agents

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Josh Altman, from the hit TV show Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, is headed to Australia keen to check out our trophy home offerings.
The celebrity real estate agent says his celebrity rolodex was "second to none."
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2016/03/7/Unknown.jpeg" alt="" width="252" height="252">
"I sit in cars and drive around with clients, everybody from Kim and Kanye to rocket scientists, NBA all stars, heads of states and princes."
"I'm really blessed with the opportunity to do that."
Josh Altman, who replaced Chad Rogers six seasons ago on the series, has sold over US$2 billion worth of property during his real estate career.
But none yet in Australia for his client list that includes Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Britney Spears, Aston Kutcher, Miley Cyrus and many more.
It won't be his first trip down under, however this will be all business, including giving motivational lectures and hosting private lunches with his business partner and older brother Matt, who together form quite the formidable team.
They'll be looking at doing property deals.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2016/03/7/unspecified.jpeg" alt="">
When asked whether he will be looking at some trophy homes in Sydney or Melbourne, he replied "are you kidding me? Absolutely!"
"Matt and I don't like sitting on beaches," he said.
No doubt leading Sydney estate agent Bill Malouf at LJ Hooker Double Bay will be the first call as last year Million Dollar Listing New York selling machine Fredrik Eklund caught up with Malouf when he breezed through.
Malouf has just signed up two prestige Point Piper listings on exclusive Wolseley Road, at 110 and 158 which will potentially sell for $40 million and $20 million plus respectively. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2016/03/7/unspecified-1.jpeg" alt="">
Josh has started filming his sixth season with the Bravo Foxtel series again dominating his every minute. 
"If you ask me, I feel like I've had cameras in my face my entire life at this point"
"We film the show ten months of the year, most reality shows film for two or three months tops," he said.
He said that he gets more listings and more clients because of it showing across the world.
"I'll wake up in the morning and I'll have 10 e-mails from Australia and I'll know that's the show."
Last year John sold about US$1 million of real estate every day. 
Josh has also started developing his own properties on the side and has flipped over a dozen in the last few years.
Among his record sales was the late Hollywood film producer Richard Zanuck's one bedroom property, which spread over 10,000 square feet (around 929 square metres), sold for US$20.1 million.
The property, which featured a custom designed Arnold Schwarzenegger gym has since been knocked down by his client who's building a $100 million house.
He is scheduled to be wed on April 2 to Heather Bilyeu and when asked how the preparations were going, he colourfully prompted "it makes real estate deals look easy my man."
He also invited us all and said jokingly says he give all the guests copies of his new book, It's Your Move as the wedding gifts.
Originally from Massachusetts, Altman moved to LA 13 years ago earning US$7.50 in the mail room before creating his fortune. 
He will speaking in Sydney at The Star Casino on June 14, where he promises to sprinkle his talk with celebrity stories.
Early Bird Tickets start at $99 from <a href="https://www.joshaltman.com.au/" target="_blank">www.joshaltman.com.au</a>
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
 
TOUR DATES 
SYDNEY            Tuesday 14th June 2016          7pm The Star, Sydney. 
MELBOURNE   Wednesday 15th June 2016    7pm Melbourne Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre
BRISBANE        Sunday 19th June 2016            7pm Sofitel Brisbane 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Josh Altman, from Million Dollar Listing LA, heading to Australia

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The director of a former estate agency in Melbourne’s Boronia has been declared ineligible to hold an estate agent’s licence, or be an estate agent’s representative for five years, after he admitted to knowingly authorising and permitting the agency to convert trust money to its own use.
Michael Knight, 49, was found guilty by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal of breaching the Estate Agents (Professional Conduct) Regulations 2008 on several counts, such as not acting with care and diligence in his role as an estate agent.
His company, Michael Knight Real Estate Pty Ltd, was also found to have violated the Estate Agents Act 1980 by:
depositing trust money directly into the agency’s business account for its own use thrice
causing a deficiency in the trust account by withdrawing trust money prior to property settlement a further three times
not completing a number of monthly trust account reconciliations, or completing them incorrectly
failing to have the agency’s trust account audited for the 2013-2014 financial year.
The tribunal reprimanded Knight and declared him ineligible to hold a real estate agent’s licence, or to be an agent’s representative for five years.
Knight also gave an undertaking to the tribunal that he would never apply for, or seek to hold another estate agent’s licence. He must also inform any estate agent that employs him in future about the ruling against him.
Michael Knight Real Estate Pty Ltd was also reprimanded and declared ineligible to hold a real estate agent’s licence for five years.
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Victoria court rules against Boronia estate agent 

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Nigel O’Neil the CEO of hockingstuart has departed after 8½ years’ service.
The formal announcement came late Friday afternoon.
Queries on his departure by Property Observer were deflected during the pre-Christmas party season with the agency's Keep Left publicists issuing a denial from the hockingstuart corporate office.
"To their knowledge, Nigel O’Neil remains in the position as CEO of the network," Keep Left advised, preferring its own announcement timetable. 
The subsequently issued board statement noted Nigel has made a significant contribution to the business during that time having grown the network to be the leading brand in Victoria.  
"The business is significantly stronger due to the development of a solid franchise system and processes that lead the industry.
"He also developed and implemented a number of new business lines including a utility connections service, a finance offering and a strata management operation."  
The board wished Nigel all the best for the future.
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Nigel O'Neil departs hockingstuart

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Estate agency Knight Frank is to roll out Skype for Business in its Australian offices.
The Skype for Business platform is already used across Knight Frank’s international operations, so having its 800-plus Australian employees added to the platform will allow the firm a centralised global communications model.
Skype for Business has instant messaging that also allows Voice Over IP (VoIP) and video conferencing.
The new solution also includes Optus Business Voice over IP (VoIP) services that allows mobile devices and headsets to replace desk phones.
“The feedback from staff has been resoundingly positive,” said Kathleen Stubbs, Knight Frank group information technology director.
She suggested to the delimiter.com.au technology website that "IT had been the key enabler for an agile working model" at Knight Frank.
“Keen to attract the next generation of leaders by building a non-traditional office environment, it is important to adopt a new way of working that delivers choice, accessibility and freedom.” she said.
“The desk is no longer an anchor."
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Skype rollout for Knight Frank offices

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The Ray White agency leads the pack when it comes to market share, according to data within the McGrath IPO share prospectus.
The chart indicates Australian residential real estate service market share data by sales value, 12 months to 31 March 2015, based on McGrath management estimates derived from published sales in data available to McGrath management. The total market value of residential property sales was based on CoreLogic Data figures. 
<a href="/images/2015/11/13/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-13%20at%202.00.42%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/11/13/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-13%20at%202.00.42%20PM.png" alt="">
Source: McGrath IPO share prospectus
As at 30 June 2013, the ABS estimated there were over 35,000 residential real estate service businesses operating in Australia.
Approximately 62% of these businesses were sole proprietorships or partnerships without employees and 98% of real estate service businesses employed less than 20 staff.
In the 12 months to 31 March 2015, the 10 largest operators (including franchise networks) were estimated to account for approximately 30% of the Australian market by sales value.
It noted residential real estate is Australia’s largest and most valuable asset class, comprising over 9.5 million residential properties - approximately 72% houses and 28% unit -  with an estimated value of $5.9 trillion as at 30 June 2015.
In comparison, the total value of Australian superannuation and Australian listed stocks was estimated at approximately $2.0 trillion and $1.7 trillion respectively.
The Ray White Group joint chairman Brian White recently advised with all the press speculation of a market change that he awaited the group's October results with more interest than usual.
"So when our result of $3.9billion came in – just short of an all time record – it was a delight for us all," he advised while adding that new offices opened last month, including Thornlands and Albion in Brisbane, Riverstone and Woolloomooloo in NSW, and the expansion of Damian Moore’s successful Ray White Glen Waverley with a new office Mount Waverley in Victoria.
"Of particular interest was the continuing strength of NSW, who achieved a record result for us of $1.4 billion.
"That is double of what was being achieved only a few years ago."
Victoria and Tasmania also achieved a record result in the month of October with $353 million.
"The continuing resilience of the Australian east coast market is reassuring," Brian White said.
"It is true that bidding at auctions is not as frenetic as we noticed in the winter months, but what commentators have missed is that there is still substantial strength and activity in the market.
"Willing buyer and willing seller are still coming together and continuing to secure attractive prices – it just means the role of the real estate agent is more important than ever before," he said.
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Ray White leads LJ Hooker with biggest Australian residential real estate market share

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McGrath Estate Agents has opened a new franchise office in the inner city Brisbane suburb of Wilston, the seventh in the city.
Scott Osborne and Craig Lea will be co principals. They previously ran the independent agency, Style Estate Agents Wilston.
According to Mr Lea, Wilston offers buyers a mixture of property types, from Queenslanders and pre-war cottages to contemporary homes, townhouses and apartments, with workers cottages and Queenslanders are particularly popular in the $750,000 to $1,000,000 price range.
McGrath Chief Executive John McGrath said Brisbane represents outstanding value in today’s property market and I believe will see some excellent capital growth going forward. 
“Inner Brisbane, close to the CBD, represents a lifestyle element that people find very attractive whether you are an owner-occupier or an investor who is focusing on renter appeal,” he said.
The Wilston branch will service the local area from Wavell Heights in the north, to Windsor in the south, to Wooloowin in the east, and Alderley in the west.
The median price for a home in<a href="/news"> Wilston is $840,000</a>, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
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McGrath opens seventh Brisbane office

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McGrath's estate agents have opened a new office in the north west Sydney suburb of The Ponds targeting the growth corridor and surrounding suburbs Schofields, Riverstone, Marsden Park and Stanhope Gardens.
The Ponds is a new residential suburb master-planned by UrbanGrowth NSW.
McGrath The Ponds will act as a satellite office to Rouse Hill branch led by principal Grant Simpson.
He said The Ponds and the wider North West region of Sydney are at the beginning of a ten year uplift in terms of infrastructure development and capital growth. 
“With an upsurge in apartment development over the coming years, The Ponds will continue to strengthen by providing a wider mix of housing types. This will open the area up to a broader segment of the market and provide more rental opportunities to those who are not in a position to buy,” he said.
“The Ponds is a quintessential master planned community with wide leafy streets, parks and good quality schools. It is a very well-thought-out suburb and as a result experiencing strong demand."
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The new office is located at The Ponds Shopping Centre, Shop 11, Riverbank Drive, The Ponds. 
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McGrath opens new office in Sydney's The Ponds

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Australian real estate agents prefer not to dazzle vendors with the latest and greatest technology and instead rely on paper as the primary information communication tool.
According to a recent report conducted by CoreLogic RP Data "<a href="/expert-insights/some-differences-between-the-sexes-corelogic-rp-data-estate-agent-satisfaction-survey-results">The 2015 Consumer Perceptions of Real Estate Agents</a>", the average agent is slow to embrace technology even when it can help demonstrate their own personal market knowledge.
The report found only 17% used an iPad or video to share market information, and 12% received market information in an email.  
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