<p>The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.</p>

<p>Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.</p>

<p>The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.</p>

<p>The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.</p>

<p>Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.</p>

<p>The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.</p>

<p>The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.</p>

<p>Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.</p>

<p>Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.</p>

<p data-end="345" data-start="110">The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.</p>

<p data-end="689" data-start="347">Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.</p>

<p data-end="689" data-start="347">Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.</p>


Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

<p>Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.</p>

<p>The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.</p>

<p>The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.</p>

<p>The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" /></p>

<p>SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.</p>

<p>“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.</p>

<p>The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.</p>

<p>“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" /></p>

<p>The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.</p>

<p>Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.</p>

<p>The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.</p>

<p>COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" /></p>

<p>“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.</p>

<p>The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.</p>

<p>The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.</p>

<p>Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.</p>

<p><em>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a></em></p>


First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.</p>

<p>The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.</p>

<p>The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" /></p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.</p>

<p>SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”</p>

<p>The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" /></p>

<p>The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.</p>

<p>A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.</p>

<p>Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" /></p>

<p>The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.</p>

<p>Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.</p>

<p>The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.</p>


First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

<p>Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."</p>

<p>Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;</p>


Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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<p data-end="157" data-start="0">The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.</p>

<p data-end="459" data-start="159"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.</p>

<p data-end="459" data-start="159">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]</p>

<p data-end="651" data-start="461"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.</p>

<p data-end="950" data-start="653">Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.</p>

<p data-end="1081" data-start="952">“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.</p>

<p data-end="1081" data-start="952">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]</p>

<p data-end="1307" data-start="1083">Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.</p>

<p data-end="1522" data-start="1309">The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.</p>

<p data-end="1522" data-start="1309">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]</p>

<p data-end="1714" data-start="1524">Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.</p>

<p data-end="1945" data-start="1716">The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.</p>

<p data-end="1945" data-start="1716">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]</p>

<p data-end="2220" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="1947">More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.</p>
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<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]</p>


SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

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<p>Heir apparent Ginia Hope Rinehart, who married last year and had a baby recently with husband, Simon Robinson, purchased a Bondi Beach penthouse for $14.8 million mid-year.</p>
<p>It was likely <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-bondi+beach-121875218" target="_blank">the highest priced first home acquisition ever</a> in Australian property history.</p>
<p>She's the daughter of Gina Rinehart, the mining tycoon who has more recently stepped up her interest in outback cattle farming.</p>
<p>Fresh-faced and more mature first time buyers began to make an impression on the Sydney market this year.</p>
<p>Model Jordan Stenmark joined his twin brother and fellow model Zac on the property ladder earlier this year, securing his first apartment, a $1.19 million unit in Bondi.</p>
<p>Bachelorette and former 2DayFM radio personality Sam Frost secured her first Sydney home, however it was not the coastal apartment she'd initially been after.</p>
<p>Sam settled on a $1.2 townhouse near Sydney Park, one of Sydney's best park playgrounds.</p>
<p>South Sydney Rabbitoh rising star <span id="m_8380867177741228828gmail-U632324111389FCF">Tyrell</span> <span id="m_8380867177741228828gmail-U632324111389teD">Fuimaono</span> paid $785,000 for a two-bedroom Alexandria unit.</p>
<p>There were also the emerging rentvestors, who have secured an investment property as their first acquisition.</p>
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<p>There were some 10,496 first time buyers in a recent four month period who dived into the market after stamp duty concessions came into effect in July arising from the Berejiklian government’s big state budget measure. Just 3094 first timers had accessed stamp duty concessions when they were limited to new properties in the same time last year.</p>
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<p>With continued low interest rates, softening prices across Sydney and the tougher lending rules applied to investors, we’re likely to see more first-home buyers entering the market next year.</p>
<p>No avocados on toast over the Christmas break for them while saving for a deposit.</p>
<p>Nine out of 10 properties in Sydney are out of the reach of first-home buyers, a recent study suggested, with most having to secure something 30 kilometres from the CBD to easily afford an apartment, and 50 kilometres for a free-standing house.</p>
<p>The average first-time buyer has $500,000 to spend in Sydney where the median price is over $1 million.</p>
<p>It comes as there's been a pull back in investor spending along with disconcerting higher fees for foreign investors.</p>
<p>Developers are also seeking out first timers with lower deposit requirements too.</p>
<p>This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.</p>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Hope for first home buyers

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<p><span>The market within the Port Macquarie area is still receiving strong activity from home owners, but the recent </span>rapid price increases have slowed, according to a recent report by valuers, Herron Todd White.</p>
<p>Recent sales show a trend of home owners purchasing new residential properties in the outer suburbs of Port Macquarie within new subdivisions.</p>
<p>"Here the land component is less expensive than the beachside suburbs with blocks ranging from $210,000 to $240,000," HTW noted.</p>
<p><span>Older standard and more centrally located 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom dwellings are proving to be popular with the first home buyer section, however steep competition earlier in the year has caused rapid increases in prices.</span></p>
<p>A two-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-port+macquarie-125178742" target="_blank">73/270 Hastings River Drive</a> (above) at Port Macquarie has sold for $210,000. The selling agent was Edward Bajt of Wiseberry.</p>
<p>A two-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-port+macquarie-125486154" target="_blank">129/1 Ocean Street</a> in Port Macquarie sold for $230,000. The selling agent was Louise Fleming of Wiseberry.</p>
<p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/10/24/PortMacquarie2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>"This rapid increase has slowed and we are now seeing some of these houses taking longer to sell and often at below asking price.</p>
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<p><span>"In the first half of 2017 these properties were mostly </span>selling at listing price within one to two weeks."</p>
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<p><span>HTW noted that the investor market has "somewhat cooled" with rental returns within the township of Port Macquarie decreasing slightly and allowing entry level owner-occupiers to be more active within the sector. </span></p>
<p><span>Houses within the middle range are still selling well with many of these properties being more suitable for middle to high level income families. </span></p>
<p><span>A high percentage of these houses include pools, indicating that family friendly houses are being sought after within the region.</span></p>
<p><span>"Generally though, as investor activity has dropped off, owner-occupier activity has increased and overall market activity has lessened slightly during the second half of the year to date.</span></p>
<p>"Come springtime the markets tend to pick up again."</p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Port Macquarie district house price growth slows

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<p><span>First home buyers are significantly active in Albury-Wodonga, according to the valuation firm, Herron Todd White.</span></p>
<p><span>Its first home owners appear to be enticed by their first home being a new home and often this is achievable if they have been living at home or renting affordably whilst saving a deposit. </span></p>
<p><span>However, recent increases in vacant land prices may have given rise to first home owners reconsidering existing dwellings as their starting point, HTW noted.</span></p>
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<p>It noted the detached dwelling sub $200,000 market diminish significantly, in most part due to investors rather than home owners.</p>
<p><span>"First home owners appear reluctant to buy the basic starter house despite a good supply of dwellings available sub $300,000. </span></p>
<p><span>"Upgraders seem to be on the move with better prices being achieved for basic housing stock and they are paying more as a result for the next home or trying to keep the first home as well."</span></p>
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<p>First home owners have options in Albury-Wodonga and a budget of between $280,000 to $350,000 will secure a detached dwelling in a new housing estate or sub $300,000 budget gives options in the existing dwelling market.</p>
<p>A three-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-nsw-albury-126207782" target="_blank">1/300 Norfolk Street</a> (above) in Albury has just sold for $285,000 through Steam Nicholls.</p>
<p>A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-albury-126171606" target="_blank">427 Schubach Street</a> in Albury was snapped up for $315,000. The estate agent was Tom Sanderson of Wodonga Real Estate.</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/10/24/Albury2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>The upgraders’ budget is around $350,000 to $450,000 depending on the property they are jumping up from and can be spread evenly between new and existing stock.</p>
<p><span> The forever home owner has the largest budget range of between $500,000 to $800,000 which may be a build or fully renovated dwelling. </span></p>
<p><span>The downsizer’s budget may also be dependant on where they have divested and is usually between $400,000 and $600,000 - low maintenance, central, all done or ready to tackle major renovation in prime locations with cash to spare. </span></p>
<p><span>HTW noted the last two categories are experiencing competition from many cashed up ex-Sydney or Melbourne relocators and the lower end of market is facing competition from out of town investors. </span></p>
<p><span>Around Albury-Wodonga 85% of dwellings are detached, with the remainder semi-detached with very few units. </span></p>
<p><span>The new housing </span>stock is predominantly 3- to 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom detached dwelling on varying allotment sizes.</p>
<p>There have been some new developments completed with small allotments with a mix of homeowners and renters occupying these dwellings.</p>
<p>HTW noted there was also a recent spike in duplex construction usually with configuration of 3-bedrooms and 1- or 2-bedrooms, although the majority were marketed and sold to the investor market.</p>
<p>"Overall, probably due to the expectation of living in the country, a detached dwelling is preferable, in plentiful supply and still top of mind for most home buyers." </p>
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Albury-Wodonga's affordability attracts first home buyers 

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<p><span>The Toowoomba and surrounding residential property market remains steady at present, according to the valuation firm, Herron Todd White, with low sales volumes widespread across all sectors. </span></p>
<p><span>Being one of the more affordable regional locations in Australia, Toowoomba offers an opportunity for fi</span>rst home buyers in the sub $450,000 segment.</p>
<p>"Toowoomba and surrounding suburbs offer an opportunity for many different types of home owners, with various industry and job opportunities, a central hub location, a diverse property market and varying segments.</p>
<p>HTW noted while lending has tightened and property ownership has become more difficult, there are still good opportunities in the Toowoomba region.</p>
<p>"Strategies such as joint ownership can also bring affordability to young people getting their foot in the ownership door and out of the rental market," their recent report noted.</p>
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<p><span>The typical product attractive to first home buyers tends to be in the sub $450,000 segment, being new 2- and 3-bedroom units as well as 3- and 4-bedroom houses located in active investor areas in the western suburbs of Toowoomba and satellite suburbs such as Cambooya and Wyreema. </span></p>
<p><span>"The other trending option is to buy older housing in more established areas."</span></p>
<p>A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-newtown-125333342" target="_blank">2a McDowall Street</a> (above) in Toowoomba’s Newtown suburb sold for $412,500 recently. The selling agent was Darren Bliesner of Professionals.</p>
<p>A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-harristown-124937858" target="_blank">24 Friend Street</a> in Harristown (Toowoomba) changed hands for $420,000. The selling agent was Craig Horncy of Century 21.</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/10/24/Toowoomba2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Noting families generally seek slightly different properties to first home buyers, with a focus on more space (i.e. 4-bedroom houses), bigger back yards and close proximity to schools, HTW noted this type of housing was found throughout Toowoomba, Highfields and Westbrook in the sub $600,000 segment.</p>
<p>Empty nesters seem to stay put in the family home or down-size to unit or villa living and seem to fill the higher priced property segment.</p>
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<p><span>"Attached housing and detached housing on small lots are tending to grow in popularity throughout the Toowoomba area, particularly in the older areas close to the CBD. </span></p>
<p><span>"The dream of having a big back yard appears to be changing. </span></p>
<p><span>"Many infill blocks have been sub-divided into smaller lots or have had unit complexes built on them. </span></p>
<p><span>"This type of product may be attractive to empty nesters looking to downsize for maintenance and convenience reasons."</span></p>
<p><span>It noted attached housing is also becoming more appealing to first home buyers for affordability. </span></p>
<p><span>"This product is often more suited to home buyers than investors due to costs for the location and resulting returns on capital."</span></p>
<p><span>HTW advised the sector most active is upgraders looking toget into a bigger house or a more desirable location. </span></p>
<p><span>Properties in areas such as Rangeville, Middle Ridge, East Toowoomba and Mount Lofty seem to be what is sought after by this sector. </span></p>
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Toowomba's affordability sees sub-$450,000 FHB buying

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<p>Developer Dyldam launched its South Quarter project – the former Auto Alley – on the weekend.</p>
<p>Some 100 of the 200 apartments sold.</p>
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<div class="cq-article-content-media section">The developer said it was pleased with the results, especially with the high 30 per cent rate of first home buyers and local interest.</div>
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<div class="cq-article-content-media section">The average sale price was $750,000.</div>
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<div class="cq-article-content-media section">The plans for the South Quarter of the Auto Alley, Church Street, were unveiled as a $876 million residential mixed-use project on the former Holden car yard on 57, 63 and 83 Church Street.</div>
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<p>It is set to become the 1.4-hectare "South Quarter" precinct, with five residential and commercial buildings as well as an internationally branded hotel.</p>
<p>Dyldam confirmed there would be more than 750 apartments along with 40,000 square metres of retail and commercial space.</p>
<p>The buildings will range between 10 and 42 storeys, set around 450 metres from the Parramatta Rail and Bus Interchange.</p>
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<div class="related-quotes section">The plans for the South Quarter of the Auto Alley, Church Street, Parramatta by developer Dyldam have been unveiled.</div>
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<p>It is a $876 million residential mixed-use project on the former Holden car yard on 57, 63 and 83 Church Street.</p>
<p>It is set to become the 1.4-hectare "South Quarter" precinct, with five residential and commercial buildings as well as an internationally branded hotel.</p>
<p>Dyldam confirmed there would be more than 750 apartments along with 40,000 square metres of retail and commercial space.</p>
<p>The buildings will range between 10 and 42 storeys, set around 450 metres from the Parramatta Rail and Bus Interchange.</p>
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<div class="related-quotes section">Construction completion for the first residents in South Quarter is 2022, he said.</div>
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<p>Dyldam beat contenders including AV Jennings for the coveted site in 2015 with the City West Joint Regional Planning Panel approving the site masterplan in 2016 with its Allen Jack+Cottier design.</p>
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Dyldam sees the boost in FHB numbers in weekend Parramatta launch

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<p>The first home owners grant for West Australian buyers purchasing new properties will increase from $10,000 to $15,000 in the new year, the State Government has announced ahead of the forthcoming election.</p>
<p>It will take effect from January 1, 2017.</p>
<p>The grant is only for newly constructed homes, as the Government followed the trend scrapping the grant for established properties in 2013.</p>
<p>The $5,000 boost will only apply for one year with Premier Colin Barnett saying the increase was aimed giving the state's slowing economy a "kick along."</p>
<p>"We estimate [the increase] will allow perhaps another 650 people to enter into the first home owners market," he said.</p>
<p>The cost is estimated at around $45 million. </p>
<p>Finance and Small Business Minister Sean L'Estrange said the new $5,000 boost would apply to contracts entered into between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017 for the purchase or construction of a new home.</p>
<p>He said homes must be completed within certain timeframes. Construction must start within 26 weeks from signing the building contract and be finished within 18 months.</p>
<p>Those buying an off-the-plan apartments will need to make sure construction is completed by June 30, 2019, he added.</p>
<p>As with the existing grant, the boost will also apply to new homes up to the value of $750,000 or up to $1 million if the home is located north of Shark Bay.</p>
<p>The monthly number of first home owner grants paid in WA peaked in June 2009 at 2,419, but the figure dropped to 776 grants by April 2016, the ABC reported.</p>
<p>Last week Perth was ranked as Australia’s most accessible mainland capital for first time home buyers - the only city where the time it takes for a couple to save for deposit is not increasing.</p>
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<p>The national report from Bankwest measured the time it takes a new entrant on Perth’s property market to save around $101,300 needed for a 20 per cent deposit on a median priced home has remained stable at 3.8 years.</p>
<p>It is below the national average of 4.4 years needed to save for a deposit worth $103,600.</p>
<p>Sydney couples face the toughest challenge, needing 8.4 years to save for a deposit worth $214,600.</p>
<p>West Australian entry level buyers have to save for 3.5 years, less than the 3.6 years required last year.</p>
<p>But the number of first home buyers in WA shrank by 14.1 per cent to 16,424 in the twelve months to June this year.</p>
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Western Australia FHB grant for new homes boosted $5,000 to $15,000

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<p><span>In Queensland, first home buyers also have an incentive to enter the property market, with the Queensland Government confirming that the first home buyer grant is being increased to $20,000 from 1 July, for a period of 12 months.</span></p>
<p>The grant currently stands at $15,000 and is offered to people who buy or build new homes, valued at less than $750,000.</p>
<p><span>Treasurer Curtis Pitt said t<span>his is a great time to build in Queensland with affordable housing on offer and the Palaszczuk government's First Home Owners' Grant will make it even easier to enter the property market.</span></span></p>
<p>"The new $20,000 grant will instil more confidence in our building sector, as well as more jobs, and help more people into home ownership," he said.</p>
<p>"And in any industry, confidence is key."</p>
<p><span> For more information, <a href="https://firsthomeowners.initiatives.qld.gov.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.</span></p>
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