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]

Joel Robinson

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

The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

Hobart

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Strong sales and rental growth is making Hobart the capital city with the fastest price growth, with double-digit returns for inner and middle ring suburbs during 2018, according to Andrew Peck, the HTW Tasmanian director.
"Both house and apartment markets continue to be fuelled by a lack of stock," the valuer said.
Figures released this week by SQM Research revealed listings fell again in Hobart exacerbating the shortage of properties available for sale in that city. Property listings fell 4.7 percent in Hobart in May from April and remain down sharply or 26 percent from a year earlier, SQM calculated.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Double digit returns on offer in Hobart: HTW

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Knight Frank, the independent global property consultancy, launched its Global Residential Cities Index for Q4 2017, which finds Hobart has jumped to 11th place, up from 34th on the index.
It came after with 13.1% growth over the year to December 2017.
This is up from 11.3% growth in the 12 months to March 2017 according to the index which tracks the performance of mainstream residential prices across 150 cities worldwide.
Hobart sales have included Hanby Villa, a Georgian manor in the heart of Hobart, sold for $1.85 million last year (pictured below).
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-tas-hobart-125958938" target="_blank">Located at 197 Macquarie Street</a>, the house comes with five bedrooms, light-filled living space, cosy library,  extensive modern kitchen and sun-drenched terraced garden.
It is conveniently located less than a kilometre from the CBD.
A Hobart two bedroom apartment with waterfront surroundings has been sold for $1.25 million (pictured below).
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-tas-hobart-124402862" target="_blank">The 22/19 Hunter Street </a>(pictured below) apartment features two double bedrooms, open plan living/dining and kitchen areas across the front, and two bathrooms. 
Circa 1864, the building itself is one of the earliest built in old Hobart Town and has been sympathetically restored and refurbished.
It is adjacent to the historic Henry Jones Hotel and just a few minutes walk from cosmopolitan Salamanca Place with market, restaurants, bars and galleries.
 <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/2018/4/11/hobart%202.jpg" alt="">
A brand new offering currently on the market is a Sandy Bay four bedroom house in excess of $1.4 million (pictured below).
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-sandy+bay-128084906" target="_blank">Shrouded in topiary-featured private special garden spaces, the 481 Sandy Bay Road</a> home comes with four bedrooms, informal living zone, and glass-roofed outdoor/indoor entertainment area.
With the intimate water views from both floors, there is also proximity to the most excellent schools, speciality stores and services.
<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/2018/4/11/sandy%20bay.jpg" alt="">
Another Sandy Bay Italianate style unit has been listed for over $1.2 million.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-tas-sandy+bay-127979122" target="_blank">Surrounded by trees and landscaped gardens, the 3/31 Fitzroy Place</a> (pictured below) home comes with two bedrooms, formal dining and large living room with views, and well-equipped kitchen.
<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/2018/4/11/sandy%20bay%202.jpg" alt="">
The global index increased by 4.5% in the year to December 2017, down from 7% in the year to March 2017. 
Elsewhere Canberra’s residential market is now outperforming Sydney. Sydney is at 83rd place on the index with 3.8% price growth in the year to December 2017 – down from 23rd on the index in the year to March 2017, when the city saw 14.4% price growth. Canberra sits at 59th on the list with 5.7% growth in the year to December 2017.
Melbourne now sits at 21st on the list, with 10.2% price growth in the year to December 2017 – up from 24th on the index (when the city saw 13.4% price growth in the year to March 2017)
Adelaide is at 87th on the index with 3.6% price growth
Brisbane is at 100th place with 2.1% price growth
According to Knight Frank’s Head of Residential Research, Australia Michelle Ciesielski, six Australian cities have appeared in the top 100 of our global index in Q4 2017 – Hobart, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane. 
“There is a clear differentiation in the pace of property growth around Australia, with Sydney and Melbourne seeing prices moving towards a more sustainable level of growth," Ciesielski.
“The influence by the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) on the lending environment has certainly been felt with many investors retracting from the market on the east coast. This risk-adverse environment is likely to remain for some time given the current banking royal commission.
“As of Q1 2017, Australia’s highest-ranking city was Sydney in 23rd position. However, Canberra’s mainstream residential price growth has now overtaken Sydney’s, with Canberra sitting in 59th position with 5.7% residential price growth (in comparison to Sydney now at 83rd place with 3.8% price growth)."
<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/2018/4/13/Hobart%202.jpg" alt="">
According to Knight Frank’s Head of Residential, Australia Sarah Harding said with improvements to connectivity and infrastructure Australia is becoming closer to the rest of the world. As a result we are seeing more global citizens reside in Australia as well as expats returning home. 
“As the figures represent it is not only the major cities of Sydney and Melbourne who benefit, but the impact is now showing in cities such as Canberra and Hobart," Harding said.
<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/2018/4/13/Hobart%203.jpg" alt="">
“With the recent direct flights from Perth into Europe, and plans for high-speed sub-orbital travel, this bodes well for Australia in the future and it is exciting to see cities such as Canberra, Hobart and Perth feature within this global index.”
<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/2018/4/11/GRCI_Q4%202017_Fig1.jpg" alt="">
Berlin led the annual rankings for 2017 
US cities averaged 6.3% growth in 2017, despite four rate rises since December 2016.  
Kate Everett-Allen, Partner, International Residential Research at Knight Frank said, in 2016, the 15 Chinese cities tracked by the index averaged 23% growth year-on-year. In 2017, the same 15 cities averaged 1.6% growth.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/4/13/Hobart%204.png" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/4/13/Hobart%204.png" alt="">
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Hobart jumps from 34th to 11th on Knight Frank global residential city rankings

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One of Hobart's most impressive trophy homes, Stokes House, recently hit the market. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-new+town-127254962" target="_blank">The home at Stokes Point in New Town</a>, just north of Hobart, is one of the largest and finest mansions in Tasmania, according to EIS Property Hobart agents Deb Stephens and David Gunning.
Stephens and Gunning are asking for offers over $4 million.
Stokes House has been hidden from the public eye for well over a century by the extensive verdant gardens on its 4,410 square metre parcel.
It is a Gothic Revival mansion with ballroom that dates back to the late 1880s when it was built by then Lieutenant Governor of Tasmania Sir John Dodd, with a no expense spared construction and sourcing of the materials. 
The surrounding suburbs of Hobart are attracting the most attention.
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Historic Stokes House, Newtown for sale at $4 million 

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GUEST OBSERVER
Hobart is a city with growing pains. As Australia’s second-oldest city, it might be likened to an octogenarian suddenly experiencing a teenage “growth spurt”. Growth is occurring both in visitor numbers and new residents.
The March 3 state election has drawn attention to several growth-related issues, including housing affordability, rental vacancies and traffic congestion. These issues are not new for many Australian cities, or indeed for cities globally. But in Hobart they are almost as surprising as the city’s midwinter 2017 nude swim.
A highly car-dependent city
While Hobart is perceived as a walkable city, it is among Australia’s most car-dependent. A 2010 survey of Hobart’s households showed that 89% of people’s travel was as a car driver or passenger.
For some Hobart residents, being able to drive anywhere is seen as a right. This attitude was neatly summed up in a Metro Tasmania survey where one respondent said: "Tasmanians would drive to the toilet if they could."
But the increase in Hobart’s traffic over the past few years is no joke. The city’s morning and afternoon peak hours increasingly dominate the local news. It’s now anyone’s guess how long the once eight-minute cross-town trip might take.
Residents are concerned not just about inconvenience or lost productivity. Hobart’s outlying low-density suburbs are poorly serviced by public transport. They are predominantly home to residents who are highly dependent upon their cars for work, trips for healthcare, social activities and recreation. For residents living in some of the most comparatively disadvantaged suburbs in the nation, this situation is highly inequitable.
Poor land use planning partly to blame
While Hobart’s growth can’t compare with Melbourne or Sydney, the city has a long history of concerns about traffic. This congestion is partly attributable to its urban form and partly to poor planning.
The central business district, where most jobs are located, occupies a narrow area of land wedged between steep terrain and the Derwent River. Only a few main roads carry daily commuter traffic. If one becomes blocked by, for example, a crash, this can cause traffic jams that extend to the outlying suburbs.
Second, the city sprawls outwards in corridors along the Derwent River and towards the international airport. Post-war suburban development is highly car-dependent; the city’s last passenger rail line was closed in 1978.
Transport has become a hot-button issue for ordinary residents and politicians alike in this state election campaign. But planning responses thus far have been piecemeal and superficial, such as moving a few car parks and synchronising traffic lights.
Some election promises are “throwbacks” to the road-building ideology of the 1950s. More lanes ultimately lead to more congestion. International experiences from cities like Los Angeles show that adding more lanes to roads only creates congestion.
Other proposals accord with modern city planning and represent quite a radical step up in transport planning for Hobart.
Key steps to fix the transport system
Solutions to fix Hobart’s transport problems are necessarily medium to long term. To succeed, these should follow several transport planning principles:
<ul>
<li>
Prioritise the movement of people. This means removing private car parking in favour of pedestrian malls and reusing some road lanes as dedicated bus lanes. Reducing the width of some road lanes can also accommodate more pedestrians and cyclists.
</li>
<li>
Integrate transport and land use planning. This means creating new suburban and infill housing near existing public transit services. Planning schemes should allow medium density and mixed use development in appropriate places, to encourage walking and transit use. It should be possible to use public transport to make daily trips for education, shopping, entertainment, healthcare and the like.
</li>
<li>
Price road space appropriately. This might occur by adopting Victoria’s SmartRoads system. SmartRoads manages competing interests for limited road space by deciding which modes have priority on which roads. It recognises the increasing importance of public transport, walking and cycling. Congestion pricing in London, Stockholm and Singapore follows this principle.
</li>
<li>
Create a multi–mode public transport system. Light rail, buses and ferries should all play a role in moving people around Hobart. The ticketing system should be integrated and allow free transfers between modes.
</li>
<li>
Reduce the demand. Some employment functions could be moved out of the CBD to suburban sites. And road users might be able to stagger use, by starting work at different times, choosing different routes and car-pooling.
</li>
</ul>
To fix Hobart’s traffic congestion woes these proven principles need to be followed. Reasons for doing this include reducing carbon emissions, health imperatives and economic efficiency.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/92258/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">With five major councils in the Greater Hobart area and a Southern Tasmanian Councils Authority that has no funding or staff, the state government needs to step in and co-ordinate a range of actions. There is no better time to start than with a freshly elected government on March 4.
Emma Pharo, Senior Lecturer, Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania
Jason Byrne, Professor of Human Geography and Planning, University of Tasmania
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/growth-pains-and-gridlock-come-to-hobart-and-building-more-roads-is-not-the-best-way-out-92258">original article</a>.
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Growth pains and gridlock come to Hobart, and building more roads is not the best way out

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National residential listings fell by -4.8% to 303,901 in January, as sellers enjoyed the sunshine and trotting off on their summer hols, according to SQM Research. 
The monthly drop was driven by Melbourne (-13.9%) and Sydney (-6.9%). 
<img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7AEY3BIk_M/WnlqPY5kKZI/AAAAAAAAoNM/Y9pH5Jfk3NsUDwG7pDjrLpZnLfxuKmnxQCLcBGAs/s640/sqm1.jpg" width="640" height="370" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1376">
Despite the monthly decline, Sydney's listings at 26,150 are at the highest level since January 2009, being some +20.9% higher than a year earlier. For the first time in nearly half a decade, Sydney buyers will actually have some choice!
At the other end of the spectrum Melbourne listings are -11.9% lower year-on-year, while Hobart listings have copped an absolute shellacking. 
<img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k0qjmmDauP0/WnmHj7Y11uI/AAAAAAAAoN8/YzsUfjuU2GUoiY2LrrmHG9VhQG7pBTIcACLcBGAs/s640/SQM1.jpg" width="640" height="384" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1359">
Hobart's housing market is now a buyer's nightmare with just 2,362 listings across the metropolitan area being some -29.1% down from January 2017. 
More strong price gains ahead for Hobart housing this year, then. 
In most other capital city markets stock listings were relatively flat from a year ago. Reported SQM: "Looking forward, with interest rates still at low levels and a possible expansion in lending by the banks, we expect a year of modest prices gains in Sydney and most other capital cities."
Interestingly SQM is quite positive for Sydney's prospects in 2018, certainly more so than most other commentators. 
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.
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Hobart housing market is a buyer's nightmare: Pete Wargent

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Hobart’s increasing population, boosted by inward interstate migration as the economy improves, was putting pressure on the rental market, independent economist Saul Eslake suggests.
The vice chancellor’s fellow at the University of Tasmania told Fairfax Media there was a lot more confidence in business.
"There is quite a lot of commercial construction and tourism is also doing well,” he said.
“We’ve had an increase in people wanting to live in Hobart … but on the supply side there hasn’t been a great deal in building approvals.”
Eslake said the biggest shortage was for apartments, which make up 8.6 per cent of dwellings in greater Hobart, according to the latest census data.
<div>Demand for rentals saw Hobart’s vacancy rate drop to a record low of 0.3 per cent by December, according to SQM Research, the tightest rental market of any capital city.</div>
The Domain Rental Report shows it also has the country’s highest rental yield for houses – at 5.34 per cent for the December quarter – and the third highest yield for apartments, at 5.52 per cent. 
Ten new townhouses - two bedrooms with 92 sqm space - <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-tas-brighton-127255922" target="_blank">are being constructed at Brighton</a> with prices from $215,000.
They have a suggested $270 a week rental prospect, according to Patrick Nosier at First National.
There are <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-tas-rokeby-127253906" target="_blank">three rendered 2010-built townhouse units</a> listed at $220,000 plus at Rokeby.
Aspect Building Solutions is building two luxury townhouses in the heart of Hobart.
Set over three floors, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-tas-hobart-127173286" target="_blank">the units of 12 Warwick Street </a>are being marketed by Harcourts as "representing an unmatched level of sophistication, exclusivity and luxury."
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Hobart doesn't have the required new townhouse stock: Saul Eslake

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Mozo property expert Steve Jovcevski expects prices to further cool in the major housing market of Sydney, while Melbourne will enjoy a spike in property values.
 Brisbane houses should slowly increase while Hobart will continue to be the star performer.
 
Sydney – property market decrease of -5%
The Sydney housing market plateaued in 2017 and will drop slightly over 2018, but we’re unlikely to see a dramatic bubble burst. Signs pointing to a slower market include lower clearance rates and higher than average housing supply. Clearance rates could continue to be low in Sydney due to rampant under-reporting of sale prices by agents. It is possible that actual clearance rates are even lower than reported. The market is expected to pick up in Autumn but the Spring season, typically a boom period for the Sydney property market, will be tough in 2018. First home buyer demand will be stronger, due to lower competition and ongoing low rates.
 
Melbourne – property market increase of 5-7%
Melbourne will continue to be a first home buyer’s market with more affordable housing in comparison to Sydney. Melbourne is experiencing strong population growth and while the market will continue to grow, it will slow compared to the 10% growth experienced in 2017. It is anticipated that Melbourne clearance rates will also drop from 70% to 60% due to the slowing of first home buyer activity and a drop in pent-up demand. Apartment markets may struggle due to oversupply issues in some inner-city locations.
 
Perth – property market increase of 2-4%
The Perth housing market has stabilised in the last quarter although the market experienced a slight housing price drop over the last year. The Perth housing market has struggled over the past few years and is now set to enjoy a small amount of growth which will continue to climb. The city boasts an affordable first home price point compared to other major metropolitan areas in Australia and is experiencing steady population growth. The local economy is slowly strengthening after overcoming the mining collapse and now enjoys a more secure local economy.
 
Canberra – property market increase of 7%
Low vacancy rates continue to support the Canberra property market with an adequate supply of interstate investors seeking good yield. Demand in the first buyer space continues and the local economy remains consistently strong. Migration to Canberra also continues as Australians seek out the capitals excellent job market, lifestyle opportunities and housing affordability.
 
Brisbane – property market increase of 5%
Brisbane has experienced steady population grown due to the affordable lifestyle it offers. Many Australians are migrating to Brisbane from more expensive city centres due to housing affordability and a stable local market. 2017 saw a steady increase of 4-5% and it is predicted this slow and steady rise will continue for years to come. Apartment markets may struggle compared to houses due to an oversupply in some areas.
 
Hobart – property market increase of 10%
Hobart posted a whopping 12% growth in the past year, and is expected to experience similar growth in 2018. Compared to other Australian metropolitan centres, Tasmania boasts some of the country’s most affordable housing. With close proximity to Melbourne, low vacancy rates and consistently high rental demand it is an excellent investment prospect. The local economy continues to improve and lifestyle migration is expected to be a major factor in driving up house prices. 
 
Adelaide – property market increase of 3-4%
Slow is steady is the track record for Adelaide's housing market and this continues in 2018. The ideal market for investors, housing prices are not prone to sharp price rises and dips. In the last year, Adelaide enjoyed a 3-4% price increase and this is expected for 2018. An increase in new apartments may increase house prices slightly, but generally, Adelaide will enjoy slow and consistent property growth.
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Hobart to remain the property star in 2018: Mozo's Steve Jovcevski 

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Investor purchasing has increased in Tasmania, and according to the valuation firm, Herron Todd White (HTW) currently represents a 20% to 25% quota of residential property transactions.
Interstate investor activity has also increased, it noted.
"With Tasmanian investors achieving average gross yields of 5.2% and Hobart out performing all other capital cities it seems the returns on offer in Tasmania are capturing more investor attention," a recent report by HTW advised.
Some property market commentators are predicting that 2017 could see Tasmania turn over its highest volume of residential property sales in more than 10 years if property sales continue at the same pace as they have in the first half of this year.
The north has experienced the greatest percentage increase in residential sales volumes when compared to the same period last year.
"This may be as a result of reported stock shortages and capital growth in the south with buyers looking further a field for investment opportunities," HTW's report noted.
The upgrader or second home buyer price bracket is where buyers are most active within Hobart’s residential property market.
Glenorchy and Claremont are experiencing the greatest amount of entry level sales activity. Both suburbs are north-west of Hobart approximately 10 and 15 kilometres respectively north-west of the city centre.
It noted the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), a popular tourist destination sits within a three kilometre radius of both Glenorchy and Claremont.
Examples of recent sales in Glenorchy include an older style, two bedroom, one bathroom unit in original condition which sold for $225,000 and an older style, dated, three bedroom, one bathroom home with single garage that backs onto Hobart’s show grounds that was purchased for $297,500.
In addition, a three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-tas-glenorchy-126658902" target="_blank">46 Tolosa Street, Glenorchy</a> (picture above) recently sold for $333,000.
Another three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-tas-claremont-126929134" target="_blank">1-15 Malabar Road, Claremont</a> sold for $317,500.
<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/2017/11/22/Claremont.jpg" alt=""> 
Sandy Bay, Kingston and Howrah are areas where upgraders or second home buyers are focusing their attention.
Sandy Bay is popular due to its position immediately south of the city with the Derwent River forming its southern border.
Contained within the suburb are the University of Tasmania campus, casino, private and public schools, local shops and recreational facilities. Recent sales within this price bracket in Sandy Bay include an older style, first floor, renovated, waterfront two bedroom, one bathroom unit with uninterrupted water views and single carport which recently sold for $850,000 and a renovated, four bedroom, two bathroom, period terrace that transacted for $985,000.
Within Hobart’s prestige market a modern Sandy Bay home offering five bedrooms, five bathrooms, indoor pool and double garage with views of the Derwent River recently sold for $3 million.
Similar levels of activity are occurring in the first home buyer and upgrader price brackets of the northern residential market, it noted.
The greatest activity occurring in Launceston’s more affordable suburbs is taking place in Newnham, Invermay and South Launceston.
Newnham is located approximately ve kilometres on the northern outskirts of Launceston and is predominantly residential with the University of Tasmania and The Australian Maritime College located nearby.
Properties that have recently sold in Newnham include a modern, two bedroom, one bathroom unit with one off street carpark which sold for $255,000 and an older style, renovated, five bedroom, two bathroom home with double garage that sold for $270,000.
Within the upgrader residential market segment Riverside, Newstead and Legana are proving to be the most popular with purchasers, HTW said.
Riverside is located along the western side of the Tamar River and is well contained with a shopping centre, public and private schools and sporting facilities. It is approximately a six kilometre commute to the city centre. A modern, four bedroom, three bathroom home with double garage and river views was recently sold in Riverside for $610,000 and a modern, three bedroom, two bathroom unit with river views and double garage sold for $360,000.
A recent notable sale in Launceston was for $1.4 million for a modern, four bedroom, three bathroom home located at Launceston’s Seaport overlooking the Tamar River. 
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Why property investors are heading to Hobart: HTW

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A carbon-positive residential development is coming to Tasmania.
The Commons Hobart is an environmentally sustainable development of just 30 apartments.
It will produce renewable energy onsite, and will also contribute solar-generated electricity back to the grid.
Over the life cycle of the project – from removal of the site’s existing building through construction and ongoing occupation, then onwards to its eventual demolition far into the future – the project will avoid generating, or will capture and offset, more carbon than it produces.
The project, created by ethical developer Small Giants Developments, is located on Bathurst Street in Hobart’s CBD.
It will achieve, on average, a 9-star energy rating - the first such project in Australia, the developers claim. 
Small Giants Developments parent company, Small Giants, was Australia’s founding B Corp member.
The Hobart project is based on its Melbourne project The Commons Brunswick.
Designed by acclaimed Tasmanian architectural practice Core Collective, The Commons Hobart is a model for striking a balance between affordability, sustainability and liveability, where the focus is on people as well as architectural form.
Small Giants Developments general manager Clint Hare explains that every possible carbon saving was looked at in the design of the project.
“We are implementing a low impact design across the project. For example, concrete is a significant source of carbon emissions in the construction industry. To mitigate that we begin with a low-emission concrete for the base structure,” Hare says.
“That kind of thinking applies at every stage of the development. The site itself was selected for its north-facing aspect, to maximise solar gain. The solar benefit happens to be in addition to the site enjoying enviable views of Mount Wellington.”
Passive design principles will naturally moderate the indoor temperature of the apartments, along with other environmentally sustainable initiatives including on-site solar power generation, water collection and re-use, high-efficiency appliances and heat pumps, and carbon offsetting.
As well as its range of one, two and three-bedroom dwellings, The Commons includes a variety of shared spaces that are designed to bring people together, and foster a sense of community. These facilities include a ground-floor communal garden, and a communal kitchen and food garden on the roof terrace.
Continuing the theme of carbon reduction, the building will include bicycle parking for residents but only three car parks, with these spaces allocated to a car share program for residents’ use.
The Commons Hobart features a contemporary design that celebrates raw, natural materials. Timber is used throughout, sequestering carbon. This includes double-glazed timber-framed windows, as well as recycled Tasmanian oak and floorboards; the facade features a charred wood exterior. Similarly, raw brass is used for the tapware and door handles throughout.
One bedroom apartments at The Commons Hobart are priced at $350,000 - $389,000, while two bedroom apartments are $495,000 to $630,000, and three-bedrooms apartments are available for between $635,000 to $825,000. 
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Carbon positive residential development coming to Hobart

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<div dir="ltr" align="left">Hobart was one of only three capital cities to record an increase in median house price over the September quarter.</div>
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<div dir="ltr" align="left">Domain has Hobart prices up 4.4 per cent to $409,592. </div>
<div dir="ltr" align="left"> </div>
<div dir="ltr" align="left">With the highest annual growth in house prices of all the capitals, the city has seen an increase of a "whopping" 14.8 per cent year-on-year, Domain chief economist, Dr Andrew Wilson said. </div>
<div dir="ltr" align="left"> </div>
<div dir="ltr" align="left">Despite the significant growth, the median house price is also the most affordable of all capital cities.  </div>
<div dir="ltr" align="left">As well as median house price growth, Hobart also recorded the highest median unit price growth of all cities both over the quarter – up 6.3 per cent to $323,174. </div>
<div dir="ltr" align="left"> </div>
<div dir="ltr" align="left">More impressive, however, is the annual increase, with unit prices up 25.6 per cent over the last 12 months. </div>
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<div dir="ltr" align="left">The growth suggests that recent record levels of new apartment development have had a negligible impact on price, with demand continuing to absorb higher levels of supply.  </div>
<div dir="ltr" align="left">Hobart’s median house rental price was one of two that increased over the quarter, up 4.2 per cent to $375 per week. </div>
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<div dir="ltr" align="left">Year-on-year the weekly house rents have skyrocketed, up 13.6 per cent.  </div>
<div dir="ltr" align="left">“Strong migration and undersupply in the property market is driving strong price growth in Hobart. For investors, Hobart is currently providing the best gross rental yields of all capital cities, with 5.29 per cent recorded in the September quarter. </div>
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<div dir="ltr" align="left">The local market is confident and the boom-time results are showing no sign of slowing down, said Dr Andrew Wilson.</div>
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