Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

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

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

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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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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