Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]

Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3823]

Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3826]

The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=372542]

The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]

North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]

McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]

A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]

Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]

More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Iwan Sunito secures approval for $1.9 billion Five Dock mixed-use precinct

Herron Todd White

<html><body>
The Australian nut industry reached a record high $1,045,000,000 in exports for the 2018/19 year, according to the recently released ABS report.
Property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW) found that the industry is currently experiencing its largest expansion in a decade, with industry value is split almost equally between domestic and imported product.
The most prominent nut products produced in the country are almonds, macadamia, walnuts, pecans, chestnuts, pistachio, and hazelnuts.
Australia currently exports nuts to around 55 countries, but a range of new free trade agreements currently in negotiation are bringing further optimism to all facets of the industry. 
Walnuts
Major production areas for walnuts are on the east coast of Tasmania, the Goulburn Valley near Shepparton and the Murray Irrigation area near Kerang and Swan Hill in Victoria and in the Riverina (near Griffith and Leeton) in New South Wales.
Small scale orchards are scattered in the Ovens Valley, Gippsland and Central region of Victoria, Southern Highlands and Central Tablelands of New South Wales, the Adelaide Hills and Riverland regions of South Australia, and in south-west Western Australia.
HTW found that the Australian walnut industry has grown significantly in recent years due to growth in the establishment of large-scale commercial plantings.
The production of Australian walnuts in 2018 was in excess of 11,700 tonnes in-shell. Farm-gate value was $55 million and the export value approximately $25 million. 
Close to 3,600 ha of mature and developing walnut trees were under cultivation in 2018. 
HTW noted that this number is expected to rise to 4,300 ha by 2021, as existing growers expand their orchards and new growers enter the industry.
</body></html>

wdavis-8cCN98p7xp

Australian walnut industry experiences growth: HTW 

<html><body>
The Australian nut industry reached a record high $1,045,000,000 in exports for the 2018/19 year according to the recently released ABS report.
Property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW) found that the industry is currently experiencing its largest expansion in a decade, with industry value is split almost equally between domestic and imported product.
The most prominent nut products produced in the country are almonds, macadamia, walnuts, pecans, chestnuts, pistachio, and hazelnuts..
Australia currently exports nuts to around 55 countries, but a range of new free trade agreements currently in negotiation are bringing further optimism to all facets of the industry. 
Pistachio
The major pistachio production areas are along the Murray River Valley between Swan Hill in Victoria and Waikerie in South Australia. Further plantings are in central west Victoria and Pinnaroo in South Australia.
There are a small number of growers in central New South Wales, southern Victoria and Western Australia though these only currently produce small yields. A central commercial processing facility is located at Robinvale in Victoria.
HTW found that the pistachio industry includes a mix of medium-sized and smaller operations. The bulk of the crop is produced on medium-sized orchards.
The total area under pistachio production in 2018 was 1,300 hectares.
Australian pistachio production averages 1,800 tonnes in-shell per year (2-year average 2017/18).
The industry is expanding, with new plantings of about 150 to 200 hectares per annum occurring over the last few years.
HTW noted that, by 2021, the area under pistachio production is expected to increase to 1,900 hectares, producing a crop of 4,000 tonnes for a farm gate value of $45 million.
</body></html>

Australian pistachio production expected to more-than-double by 2021: HTW

<html><body>
The Australian nut industry reached a record high $1,045,000,000 in exports for the 2018/19 year, according to the recently released ABS report.
Property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW) found that the industry is currently experiencing its largest expansion in a decade, with industry value is split almost equally between domestic and imported product.
The most prominent nut products produced in the country are almonds, macadamia, walnuts, pecans, chestnuts, pistachio, and hazelnuts..
Australia currently exports nuts to around 55 countries, but a range of new free trade agreements currently in negotiation are bringing further optimism to all facets of the industry. 
Pecans
Most of the Australian pecan crop is produced under irrigation in the Gwydir Valley, east of Moree in northern inland New South Wales.
Smaller scale production extends from the Hunter Valley and Nelson Bay on the NSW Central Coast to the Mid North Coast near Kempsey, and the North Coast around Lismore. Pecans are also grown in Central Queensland around Mundubbera and Eidsvold and in the South East in the Lockyer Valley and south to the NSW border.
HTW found that the area under pecan orchards nationally is currently 1,800 ha, producing approximately 3,000 tonnes in-shell (1,650 tonnes of kernel).
Pecan trees take 10 years or more to reach full production there is a substantial lag time before new plantings impact crop size.
After a long period of stagnation production increases are now being observed, according to the property valuation firm.
Global production remains concentrated in US and Mexico which together account for 90% or more of the world crop.
South Africa continues to expand production with small but significant crops also to be found in Central and South America, HTW noted.
</body></html>

Australian pecan industry finally reaping rewards: HTW

<html><body>
The Australian nut industry reached a record high $1,045,000,000 in exports for the 2018/19 year, according to the recently released ABS report.
Property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW) found that the industry is currently experiencing its largest expansion in a decade, with industry value is split almost equally between domestic and imported product.
The most prominent nut products produced in the country are almonds, macadamia, walnuts, pecans, chestnuts, pistachio, and hazelnuts..
Australia currently exports nuts to around 55 countries, but a range of new free trade agreements currently in negotiation are bringing further optimism to all facets of the industry. 
Macadamias
Macadamias are grown along the eastern seaboard of New South Wales and Queensland, from Port Macquarie in the south, through to the Atherton Tablelands in the north - About half of the Australian crop is produced in NSW and half in QLD.
HTW found that production is expanding most rapidly in Bundaberg (QLD), and the Clarence Valley (NSW).
New plantings are also being developed in Mackay, Maryborough and Emerald in Queensland and in the Richmond Valley in NSW.
The industry is in the middle of its fastest growth since the early 1990s. Bundaberg became the single largest growing region in 2016.
The recent resurgence in new plantings has seen almost 1.5 million trees or 5,000 ha established in the last five years. 
There are currently around 8 million macadamia trees under cultivation. Of these, about one third are yet to reach full production. 
By 2025 about 30,000 ha will be planted to macadamias with kernel production of over 22,000 tonnes, or 70,000 tonnes inshell. Export value is expected to exceed $400 million.
Global demand currently exceeds supply however the property valuation firm estimates that global supply may triple in the next 7 years.
The biggest growth in demand is currently coming from Asia, where urban consumers are focussed on health, convenience and new products.
</body></html>

Australian macadamia industry sees fastest growth since the 1990's: HTW

<html><body>
The Australian nut industry reached a record high $1,045,000,000 in exports for the 2018/19 year according to the recently released ABS report.
Property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW) found that the industry is currently experiencing its largest expansion in a decade, with industry value is split almost equally between domestic and imported product.
The most prominent nut products produced in the country are almonds, macadamia, walnuts, pecans, chestnuts, pistachio, and hazelnuts..
Australia currently exports nuts to around 55 countries, but a range of new free trade agreements currently in negotiation are bringing further optimism to all facets of the industry. 
Hazelnuts 
Hazelnuts are grown in the temperate areas of south-eastern Australia. The main production regions are the Central Tablelands of New South Wales around Orange, Narrandera, and northeast Victoria around Myrtleford. They are also grown in central and eastern Victoria and increasingly in northern Tasmania. There are small levels of production in South Australia and Western Australia.
HTW found that many hazelnut operations are small orchards of up to 6,000 trees, although this is slowly changing with the average size of new hazelnut orchards increasing and more productive varieties being planted.
Hazelnuts generally take seven to 10 years to come into commercial production.
Australia has recently seen a major on-farm investment in hazelnuts by Ferrero, one of the world’s largest confectionery manufacturers.
Its wholly owned subsidiary, Agri Australis, has planted 1 million trees across 1,900 hectares near Narrandera.
This confirms that the opportunities for Australian hazelnuts are large, giving renewed confidence to Australian growers.
Ferrero’s first small harvest occurred in 2018.
The property valuation firm concluded that the industry is set for rapid expansion - as young orchards come into commercial bearing the industry estimates hazelnut production by 2021 will be 5,500 tonnes in-shell with a value of $40 million.
</body></html>

Australian hazelnut industry shifting to a larger scale: HTW

<html><body>
Queensland's North and North Western agricultural property markets are experiencing a wide variety of different trends in 2019, according to property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW). 
The valuation firm found that some areas were experiencing strong selling conditions, while others were providing more opportunities for buyers.
In regards to grazing, the national drought is bringing buyers to North and North West Queensland, it noted.
Sale activity continues in the downs country to the south of Richmond/Julia Creek to Kynuna and Corfield. 
Current sale contracts are reflecting similar value rates as the peak period just after the monsoonal event in February. 
These are ranging from $321 per hectare ($130 per acre) to $395 per hectare ($160 per acre) in general with a peak to $432 per hectare ($175 per acre). 
The demand for property with any grass at all is still high, according to the report. Current sales have varying amounts of available grass and varying quality of grass. 
Sales contracts in February/March were at similar levels to the last property market peak in 2008/9, HTW noted. 
"There was a short period after March (when the grass did not grow after the flood) where a few softer priced contracts were struck. 
"These were at prices that were closer to 2018 values. 
"There are very few local buyers in the mix in this area," the October report noted.
Some stakeholders told the valuation firm that they believe that these value levels are ‘where they should be, previous years pricing was when the country was in drought and had no grass’, and ‘there is more in the market yet for value increases’.
Others are sceptical saying that this market is ‘over priced’ and ‘when it rains in other areas of Australia, this market will take a dive’. 
It is a good sign that there are competing thoughts and theories – vendors will sell, buyers will buy, HTW suggested. 
"This keeps the market active."
Around Charters Towers, demand for country is strong with very little country on the market for sale. 
Recent acquisitions have been by local buyers.
The lack of property being offered to the market is forcing the buyers to pay higher prices.
Variation in the respective markets means the locals are active in one market area, while out of district buyers are active in the other. 
The rest of North and North West Queensland is not as busy, there are a few deals on the go and demand is there from a mix of locals and out of district buyers. 
There are a couple of higher priced deals on the go that are reflective of a change in use, or an expectation of a higher and better use (farming). 
"This is a positive dynamic for those market areas. 
"Not all potential property vendors will benefit. 
"This means that they will have to remain realistic as to what their property is worth when offering their property for sale," the report concluded.
 
 
In regards to suger cane however, the firm found that values for suitable farm land have been under pressure due to lower returns.
There has been some degree of value weakening.
As a result of the margin pressure that these farmers are in, they have been forced to either diversify or sharpen their operating costs again. 
Those that are diversifying into break crops of Mung Beans, Beans, Chick Pea and in some cases, Sorghum are reaping the returns on the back of strong pricing. 
The drought in the southern growing areas is benefiting these farmers. 
A winner here is the soil, which is benefiting from a change in crop. 
As a result of the southern growing areas drought, the Burdekin is the winner.
Given the pricing of cane land and the water, the Burdekin is looking affordable at present.
Recent contract prices are from $15,000 to $18,000 per hectare for marginal cane land. 
Of this some of the buyers have intentions of targeting the shorter growing cycles and present high pricing of grain returns. 
The report concludes that "This is an exiting era of rural property market dynamics in North and North West Queensland."
Despite  continuing concerns around drought, there are positive signs in the region. 
</body></html>

Queensland's North and North Western rural property markets showing mixed signs

<html><body>
The past 12 months have been challenging for the NSW North Coast with a reduction in rainfall, however it is not as severe as in more western areas, according to property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW).
The valuation firm found that water licences, and properties with the capacity to utilise these water licences, are becoming much more sought after.
This is particularly so for intensive horticultural crops, nurseries, tea tree farms and some of the animal industries.
The horticultural buyers typically prefer well drained red basalt soils or well drained sandy loams. 
The reported noted avocado farmers prefer well drained, frost free land with access to water.
Blueberry farmers seek similar land features except for preferring a slightly acidic soil.
Macadamia farmers are not as concerned with supplementary irrigation, but frost free land is a definite preference.
Graziers were disposed towards a balance of flood free land, however creek and river flats were found to be always in demand.
Commodity prices and the current low interest rates are typical drivers of rural land value.
The North Coast has strong lifestyle appeal which impacts in the various locations, HTW noted.
The report noted the high macadamia nut prices compared to low sugar prices, which results in macadamia farmers purchasing sugar cane farms to plant macadamias - an example of the impact of commodity prices in the region. 
</body></html>

NSW North Coast experiencing more rainfall than out West, but still struggling with drought

<html><body>
Mildura rural sales activity has been slower in 2019 due to concerns about irrigation water availability for horticultural properties and drought for dryland farmers and graziers, according to property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW).
The valuation firm found that these climatic factors appear to have stalled the rapid growth in property values observed since around 2015.
The growth in recent years has all been due to external influence, HTW said..
A combination of strong commodity prices, favourable exchange rates and low interest rates have helped most producers of horticultural crops generate returns that are well above long-term historic levels.
Meanwhile strong demand for lamb and wool has fuelled the recent growth in values of grazing country in the western division of New South Wales, although more recently a noticeable fall in wool prices and the prolonged dry spell may stem this growth somewhat.
While the strong export markets we have seen in recent years may seem to be outside the control of producers, in most cases there were many years of patient work and relationship building invested by the relevant industries to nurture these markets and develop necessary market protocols.
Producers are now much more focused on producing what the market expects and work hard to ensure they meet all protocols.
Properties that have the infrastructure to produce and correctly handle commodities such as citrus, avocados, table grapes and vegetables are consequently in demand.
A rockmelon producer revealed to the valuation firm that the past season has been their best ever, despite the listeria issue that devastated the industry in the previous season.
"The producer attributed their improved fortunes to the fact that they had upgraded their packing shed facility in 2017, which ensured they remained a preferred supplier to supermarkets," the report noted.
Similarly, properties which have had regular re-planting or irrigation infrastructure upgrades have also enjoyed stronger demand than properties that have ageing infrastructure.
There have been two medium scale wine grape vineyard sales in the region during the past month.
Analysis of these sales by the firm suggested that values have held up, notwithstanding the significantly higher cost of leasing irrigation water.
"It appears that vendors of horticultural properties are not under pressure to sell and that while the reduced sales activity suggests demand may have eased, the market appears to remain relatively balanced," HTW concluded.
 
</body></html>

Drought concerns affect sales in Mildura region, but positive signs appear: HTW

<html><body>
There have been numerous major shifts in Australia's industrial property markets in the past month, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's (HTW) latest industrial property clock.
Five industrial markets joined Coffs Harbour at the peak of market position on the HTW property clock, including Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
There was also movement in the approaching peak of market category as Brisbane, Geelong and Illawarra joined Sydney and the Sunshine Coast among others.
As a result of the past month six of the eight capital cities hold a positive position in their industrial property market.
Hobart and Echuca held steady in the rising market position while numerous area's including Canberra, Adelaide, Ipswich and Mildura moved into the start of recovery slot.
They joined Horsham and Mackay.
Click <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/10/11/HTW%20Industrial%20Clock%20OCT%202019.JPG" target="_blank">here</a> to enlarge.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/10/11/HTW%20Industrial%20Clock%20OCT%202019.JPG" alt="">
The Central Coast remained in the starting to decline position on the HTW Industrial Property Clock this month.
Newcastle and Orange have now been identified as declining markets, while Gladstone,Toowoomba and South West WA slid into the approaching bottom of market slot.
Darwin and Perth joined Cairns, Rockhampton and Townsville at the bottom of the market.
In their <a href="https://www.htw.com.au/month-in-review/" target="_blank">latest report</a>, HTW valuers said: "While industrial property is often seen as the gateway to commercial investing, it’s still a sector filled with major sales and leasing transactions that help drive and direct the market."
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Melbourne and Gold Coast industrial property markets peaking: HTW Industrial Clock

<html><body>
There has been no significant rainfall across most of the north-west, according to the latest report from the property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW).
The valuation firm found that holdings with secure water through permanent rivers, creeks and reticulation systems are proving to be more sought after in the current market.
However listings remain well below average as owners appear to be holding out until the season improves.
"There has been increased demand for small to medium irrigation properties, especially those with groundwater, as this adds another level of security buyers are looking for," it noted.
Irrigation holdings that rely purely on unregulated river were in less demand, HTW noted, due to a 0% allocation within most unregulated river water sources in the north-west.
Over the past two months (August and September) there have been increased yardings through the Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange.
The yarding remained high with 13,755 sheep and 9,763 cattle yarded in the first three weeks of September.
The lack of rain, high feed prices and the fact that some areas are running out of water are contributing to the increased yardings and general lower than average stock condition.
"Overall trends are cheaper, however the market appears to be holding out for better quality stock," the report concluded.
</body></html>

Herron Todd White

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Herron Todd White

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News