Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

When the opportunity arose for South Australian developer Palumbo to return to Kent Town, where it had previously delivered East Park Apartments and the East 
Rundle Apartments, it wasn't one the longstanding developer-builder was going to pass up.

The decision was quickly vindicated, with more than 30 apartments sold within the first month of launching <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-kent-town-2-8-north-terrace-kent-town-sa-5067">Royal Apartments</a> to the market.

The 206-apartment development, which will bring significant new supply to Adelaide's tightly held eastern city fringe, also gives <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/palumbo">Palumbo</a> the opportunity to bring new life to one of Kent Town's most recognisable watering holes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376073]

Royal Apartments incorporates the historic Royal Hotel, a venue Palumbo Managing Director Daniel Palumbo said has a longstanding connection with the local community.

"Everyone in the area has history with the Royal Hotel," Palumbo told Apartments.com.au.

"It was quite an active pub and social gathering place for locals. We want to bring it back to its former glory."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376072]

The wider development will comprise two residential towers alongside the restored hotel, sitting on North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Park Lands.

For Palumbo, the project also marks a return to familiar territory.

The developer completed East Park Apartments next door more than a decade ago and jumped at the opportunity to develop in Kent Town again when the Royal Hotel site became available.

"The opportunity emerged, and we moved to secure the site," Palumbo said.

"We were approached by the previous landowner, who said they had extensive commitments in Sydney and weren't in a position to deliver the project.

"We took over the site and within six months recut the design scheme to be more in keeping with the type of development we want to bring to Adelaide.

"Now we're on the market and those changes have really resonated with local buyers."

That has translated into a strong start to sales, with 33 apartments transacting in the project's first 35 days.

Palumbo said the early purchaser profile had been consistent with the group's traditional focus on owner-occupiers rather than investor-led apartment stock.

"Local owner-occupiers have always been our market," he said.

"There are always some investors, but we've never developed what would be called traditional development stock. Owner-occupiers are very much our market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376068]

The buyer mix has been diverse so far, with downsizers and younger professionals both accounting for a significant portion of early sales.

South Australia's current stamp duty settings, which allow&nbsp;eligible homeowners in South Australia aged 60 savings of up to $103,830 on stamp duty when they downsize to a new property valued at up to $2 million,&nbsp;have helped encourage downsizer activity, while younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s have been attracted to the opportunity to live immediately outside the CBD while still being able to walk into the city.



Location has been a major part of the proposition for both buyer cohorts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376075]

Royal Apartments sits on North Terrace directly opposite the Adelaide Park Lands, with residents able to walk through the parklands toward the East End, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall.

Apartments have been positioned to capture views across the parklands, Adelaide skyline, Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Hills.

Palumbo believes the scarcity of developable land along this section of the Park Lands makes the site particularly difficult to replicate.

"There's very few allotments on that side that can be developed," he said.

"If this location was in New York and you were sitting on Central Park, you'd be talking about a $60 million apartments."

Royal Apartments will offer a broad mix of residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.

Current listings include one-bedroom apartments from $680,000, while larger three and four-bedroom residences are priced around $2.5 million.

Residents will have access to a swimming pool, gym, barbecue and recreation areas, residents' lounge and dining space, and a communal deck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376067]

The apartments will feature generous balconies, while secure parking, bicycle storage and storage cages will also be provided.

A porte-cochère-style arrival and drop-off area has also resonated with buyers, particularly those attracted to being able to walk into the CBD during the day while retaining secure vehicle access at home.

Palumbo is acting as developer, architect and builder on Royal Apartments, continuing the vertically integrated model it has used across its South Australian portfolio.

The group was also behind the $150 million Sofitel Adelaide, the 251-room five-star hotel and residential tower which opened in 2021.

Palumbo said Royal's launch had come at an interesting time for the broader Adelaide apartment market.

Buyer confidence had initially been impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Federal Budget and broader economic conditions, but Palumbo believes sentiment is beginning to improve against a backdrop of significant investment flowing into South Australia.

He pointed to increased activity across defence and resources, including Olympic Dam, as potential long-term drivers of the state's economy and housing market.

"Money is starting to flow into Adeliade, significant amounts as Adelaide bucks the trend of the rest of the country.," Palumbo said.

"There's a lot of activity in the economy over the next decade. I think more investment will come into this market."

Early works on Royal Apartments are expected to commence this year, with major construction activity and cranes anticipated on site from early next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6109]

Palumbo's return to Kent Town strikes early chord with buyers

Go-to builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> is continuing to bulk out its already impressive and diverse apartment portfolio across South East Queensland. Their latest milestone is securing development approval for Silk, its boutique riverfront apartment development in St Lucia.

The approval clears&nbsp;the way for the team to begin construction planning for the 22-residence project.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/silk-st-lucia-16-18-sandford-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">Silk</a> will rise 15 levels from an 810 sqm site at 16-18 Sandford Street, occupying a prominent bend of the Brisbane River with a prized northern aspect across Orleigh Park toward the Brisbane CBD.

The approved scheme will comprise 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences, continuing GRAYA's move into larger-format apartment developments targeting Brisbane's prestige owner-occupier market.

The project has been designed around the site's broad river frontage and dual-direction views, with GRAYA prioritising larger residences, privacy and outlook over apartment yield.

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa5c2349-f96c-4914-a812-1f2cd6827af8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WY0vEU_7vYjeRJKQHiCwFdMxu8PvFh52" />

GRAYA Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Gray said the project had been shaped around local homeowners wanting to remain in St Lucia without maintaining a traditional family home.

"St Lucia is one of those suburbs people do not want to leave," Gray said.

"They know the river, the trees, UQ, the golf course, Toowong and Indooroopilly, and that familiarity is hard to replace.

"True riverfront opportunities here are exceptionally scarce. What we have designed at Silk is a way to stay in the suburb people love, with the scale and privacy of a private home and far less to maintain.

"This is not typical apartment product. It is a proper home on the river, and that is exactly what this market has been missing."

The approval comes as new apartment development continues to increase across the St Lucia and neighbouring Toowong corridor, although direct riverfront sites remain considerably more tightly held.

GRAYA Co-founder and Managing Director Andrew Gray said securing the approval had removed a significant element of development risk from Silk.

"Genuine riverfront sites of this quality in St Lucia are not something that comes up regularly," Gray said.

"The approval removes a substantial layer of execution risk, and the location underwrites demand in a way very few inner-city sites can.

"The fundamentals here are as strong as anything we have assessed in Brisbane."

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f3d734-65e1-48e8-8ed3-2e0715ffcdd9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sOLSs_jdHkXLWbBKzRyayf5BfTb2vPsD" />

Silk will see GRAYA return to a stretch of the Brisbane River where it already has recent construction experience. The vertically integrated group recently completed ARC in neighbouring Toowong as builder for developer Spyre, delivering the riverfront project on a constrained site.

GRAYA will take a different role at Silk, controlling the project from design and development through construction and aftercare under its vertically integrated model.

The development will include a gym and resident leisure areas at ground level, integrated with the river's edge.

Silk joins a growing pipeline for GRAYA across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes Enclave, The Gallery, Coral and Ripple.

The developer-builder has also recently lodged plans for its largest project to date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-silo-19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">The Silo</a>, a proposed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/graya-buys-frasers-newstead-site-plans-the-silo-between-james-street-and-gasworks-precincts">$700 million mixed-use development</a> in Brisbane's James Street precinct.

Silk is expected to predominantly target local owner-occupiers and prestige buyers seeking a permanent riverfront home in Brisbane's inner west.

Registrations of interest are now open, with further details on the project and construction program to be released as it progresses.

<hr />
<h2>SILK PROJECT FACTS</h2>

Developer-builder: GRAYA

Project: Silk

Location: 16-18 Sandford Street, St Lucia

Apartments: 22

Built form: 15 levels

Site: 810 sqm riverfront holding

Mix: 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences

Status: Development approved

Next step: Construction planning underway

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152168]

GRAYA greenlit for riverfront St Lucia apartment development, Silk

<html><body><div>
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.
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.
She's the daughter of Gina Rinehart, the mining tycoon who has more recently stepped up her interest in outback cattle farming.
Fresh-faced and more mature first time buyers began to make an impression on the Sydney market this year.
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.
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.
Sam settled on a $1.2 townhouse near Sydney Park, one of Sydney's best park playgrounds.
South Sydney Rabbitoh rising star Tyrell Fuimaono paid $785,000 for a two-bedroom Alexandria unit.
There were also the emerging rentvestors, who have secured an investment property as their first acquisition.
<div class="m_8380867177741228828gmail-tg-tlc-storybody_intro">
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.
</div>
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.
No avocados on toast over the Christmas break for them while saving for a deposit.
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.
The average first-time buyer has $500,000 to spend in Sydney where the median price is over $1 million.
It comes as there's been a pull back in investor spending along with disconcerting higher fees for foreign investors.
Developers are also seeking out first timers with lower deposit requirements too.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
 
</div></body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Hope for first home buyers

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 29">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The market within the Port Macquarie area is still receiving strong activity from home owners, but the recent rapid price increases have slowed, according to a recent report by valuers, Herron Todd White.
Recent sales show a trend of home owners purchasing new residential properties in the outer suburbs of Port Macquarie within new subdivisions.
"Here the land component is less expensive than the beachside suburbs with blocks ranging from $210,000 to $240,000," HTW noted.
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.
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.
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.
 <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="">
"This rapid increase has slowed and we are now seeing some of these houses taking longer to sell and often at below asking price.
<div class="page" title="Page 29">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
"In the first half of 2017 these properties were mostly selling at listing price within one to two weeks."
<div class="page" title="Page 30">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
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. 
Houses within the middle range are still selling well with many of these properties being more suitable for middle to high level income families. 
A high percentage of these houses include pools, indicating that family friendly houses are being sought after within the region.
"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.
"Come springtime the markets tend to pick up again."
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Port Macquarie district house price growth slows

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 34">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
First home buyers are significantly active in Albury-Wodonga, according to the valuation firm, Herron Todd White.
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. 
However, recent increases in vacant land prices may have given rise to first home owners reconsidering existing dwellings as their starting point, HTW noted.
<div class="page" title="Page 34">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
It noted the detached dwelling sub $200,000 market diminish significantly, in most part due to investors rather than home owners.
"First home owners appear reluctant to buy the basic starter house despite a good supply of dwellings available sub $300,000. 
"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."
</div>
<div class="column">
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.
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.
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.
<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="">
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.
 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. 
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. 
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. 
Around Albury-Wodonga 85% of dwellings are detached, with the remainder semi-detached with very few units. 
The new housing stock is predominantly 3- to 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom detached dwelling on varying allotment sizes.
There have been some new developments completed with small allotments with a mix of homeowners and renters occupying these dwellings.
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.
"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." 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Albury-Wodonga's affordability attracts first home buyers 

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 43">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
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. 
Being one of the more affordable regional locations in Australia, Toowoomba offers an opportunity for first home buyers in the sub $450,000 segment.
"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.
HTW noted while lending has tightened and property ownership has become more difficult, there are still good opportunities in the Toowoomba region.
"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.
<div class="page" title="Page 43">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
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. 
"The other trending option is to buy older housing in more established areas."
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.
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.
<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="">
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.
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.
</div>
<div class="column">
"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. 
"The dream of having a big back yard appears to be changing. 
"Many infill blocks have been sub-divided into smaller lots or have had unit complexes built on them. 
"This type of product may be attractive to empty nesters looking to downsize for maintenance and convenience reasons."
It noted attached housing is also becoming more appealing to first home buyers for affordability. 
"This product is often more suited to home buyers than investors due to costs for the location and resulting returns on capital."
HTW advised the sector most active is upgraders looking toget into a bigger house or a more desirable location. 
Properties in areas such as Rangeville, Middle Ridge, East Toowoomba and Mount Lofty seem to be what is sought after by this sector. 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Toowomba's affordability sees sub-$450,000 FHB buying

<html><body>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Developer Dyldam launched its South Quarter project – the former Auto Alley – on the weekend.
Some 100 of the 200 apartments sold.
</div>
<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>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"> </div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">The average sale price was $750,000.</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"> </div>
<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>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">
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.
Dyldam confirmed there would be more than 750 apartments along with 40,000 square metres of retail and commercial space.
The buildings will range between 10 and 42 storeys, set around 450 metres from the Parramatta Rail and Bus Interchange.
<div class="article__content">
<div class="parsys parsys-article-content-top">
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"><img class="lazy620x0" src="https://www.afr.com/content/dam/images/g/y/7/7/7/x/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1504068599574.jpg" alt="Artist impression of South Quarter of a planned development of Auto Alley on 57, 63 and 83 Church Street, Parramatta." width="620" data-src="https://www.afr.com/content/dam/images/g/y/7/7/7/x/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1504068599574.jpg"></div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"> </div>
<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>
<div class="related-quotes section">
It is a $876 million residential mixed-use project on the former Holden car yard on 57, 63 and 83 Church Street.
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.
Dyldam confirmed there would be more than 750 apartments along with 40,000 square metres of retail and commercial space.
The buildings will range between 10 and 42 storeys, set around 450 metres from the Parramatta Rail and Bus Interchange.
<div class="article__content">
<div class="parsys parsys-article-content-top">
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"><img class="lazy620x0" src="https://www.afr.com/content/dam/images/g/y/7/7/7/x/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1504068599574.jpg" alt="Artist impression of South Quarter of a planned development of Auto Alley on 57, 63 and 83 Church Street, Parramatta." width="620" data-src="https://www.afr.com/content/dam/images/g/y/7/7/7/x/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1504068599574.jpg"></div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"> </div>
<div class="related-quotes section">Construction completion for the first residents in South Quarter is 2022, he said.</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
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.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Dyldam sees the boost in FHB numbers in weekend Parramatta launch

<html><body>
<div>
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.
It will take effect from January 1, 2017.
The grant is only for newly constructed homes, as the Government followed the trend scrapping the grant for established properties in 2013.
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."
"We estimate [the increase] will allow perhaps another 650 people to enter into the first home owners market," he said.
The cost is estimated at around $45 million. 
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.
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.
Those buying an off-the-plan apartments will need to make sure construction is completed by June 30, 2019, he added.
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.
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.
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.
</div>
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.
It is below the national average of 4.4 years needed to save for a deposit worth $103,600.
Sydney couples face the toughest challenge, needing 8.4 years to save for a deposit worth $214,600.
West Australian entry level buyers have to save for 3.5 years, less than the 3.6 years required last year.
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.
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Western Australia FHB grant for new homes boosted $5,000 to $15,000

<html><body>
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.
The grant currently stands at $15,000 and is offered to people who buy or build new homes, valued at less than $750,000.
Treasurer Curtis Pitt said this 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.
"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.
"And in any industry, confidence is key."
 For more information, <a href="https://firsthomeowners.initiatives.qld.gov.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
</body></html>

Fhb

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Fhb