<p>Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.</p>

<p>Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]</p>

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

<p>Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.</p>

<p>Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.</p>

<p>Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]</p>

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

<p>Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.</p>

<p>David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.</p>

<p>“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]</p>

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

<p>While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.</p>

<p>Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;</p>


Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.</p>

<p>The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.</p>

<p>Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.</p>

<p>“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.</p>

<p>“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”</p>

<p><img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" /></p>

<p>Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.</p>

<p>The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.</p>

<p>“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.</p>

<p>“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”</p>

<p><img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" /></p>

<p>Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.</p>

<p>“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.</p>

<p>The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.</p>

<p>“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”</p>

<p>The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.</p>

<p>The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.</p>


Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

<p>Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.</p>

<p>Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.</p>

<p>The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.</p>

<p>“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.</p>

<p>“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.</p>

<p>“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”</p>

<p>The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.</p>

<p>“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”</p>

<p>From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.</p>

<p>“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”</p>

<p>The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.</p>

<p>“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.</p>

<p>Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.</p>

<p>“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.</p>

<p>“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”</p>

<p>The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.</p>

<p>“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.</p>

<p>Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

<p>Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.</p>

<p>The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.</p>

<p>It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.</p>

<p>With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.</p>

<p>“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.</p>

<p>“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”</p>

<p><img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" /></p>

<p>GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.</p>

<p>“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”</p>

<p>Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.</p>

<p>“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.</p>

<p><img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.</p>

<p>Green praised local policy settings.</p>

<p>“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”</p>

<p>One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.</p>

<p>“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.</p>


One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

<p>It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.</p>

<p>Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.</p>

<p>Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be</p>

<p data-end="683" data-start="511">"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.</p>

<p data-end="882" data-start="690">"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."</p>

<p data-end="882" data-start="690">[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]</p>

<p>The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.</p>

<p>The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.</p>

<p>Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]</p>

<p>Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.</p>

<p>The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]</p>

<p data-end="247" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="0">While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.</p>

<p>WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.</p>

<p>With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]</p>


WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Home Sales

<html><body>
<p>The future of real estate purchasing has long been forecast as digital.</p>
<p>But conducting home purchase transactions over the internet rather than face to face is still a rare occurrence.</p>
<p>We know over 95% of people use the internet and apps to do their property research but the emergence of <span class="il">online</span> auctions has never been widely embraced.</p>
<p>There are several <span class="il">online</span> platforms these days where buyers can bid on properties rather than turn up to an auction or estate agent's office to sign up the deal. These listings tend to be properties that were likely more suited to private treaty, so they get a fillip via their <span class="il">online</span> auction.</p>
<p>Being less frenetic, the <span>bush also seems to have taken to <span class="il">online</span> price per acre auctions of small farms.</span></p>
<div>Sydney's desired for a showy sale means there have been only the occasional <span class="il">online</span> auction offerings.</div>
<p>Back in 2000 Di Jones Real Estate used pioneering technology to allow the viewing of its auctions live on the internet, but it was without the capacity to accept bidding, in part because of inbuilt time delays.</p>
<p>Within a decade inroom auctions were periodically being run by the industry in parallel with an <span class="il">online</span> auction, opening up to people who could watch and make <span class="il">online</span> bids.</p>
<p>Around five years ago we saw pure <span class="il">online</span>-only property auctions - envisaged as eBay-like portals.</p>
<p>Dubbed as the logical transformative step, it was suggested it all was inevitable part of the <span class="il">online</span> transition in the 21st Century.</p>
<p><span class="il">Online</span> auctions had been a proven success in other sectors – such as clothes, cars and travel. </p>
<p>But it seems we are happy with the routine, structure and transparency of traditional property sales that have been relatively unchanged since the 18th Century.</p>
<p>Despite regulatory advancement, real estate agents - and the buying public - have been reluctant to adopt the innovative technology-enabled solution, preferring the face to face contact.</p>
<p>In 2015 a Lilyfield listing with $1.3 million plus hopes was auctioned <span class="il">online</span>. The three bedroom terrace secured 22 bids over a three day period from three bidders.</p>
<p>The winning bidder paid $1,618,000, well above the reserve price. The vendor was also the founder of an auction <span class="il">online</span> website.</p>
<p>The estate agency has since kept its preference for auctions on a Saturday morning.</p>
<p>There is good reason why Sydney's residential heartland loves their onsite 20 minute, pressure-cooker auctions.</p>
<p>Last month a three-bedroom home on Ocean Road Manly was sold by Clarke and Humel Property for $3.45 million.</p>
<p>There were the nine registered bidders until a dramatic pause when a 10th bidder stepped forward for registration having only inspected the offering minutes before. He was the buyer.</p>
<p>And two weeks earlier - also on Ocean Road - a jogger happened across an auction and successfully bid for the home.</p>
<p>Despite all the technological advancement, and our familiarity with it, I'd suggest the onsite ritual is irreplaceable.</p>
<p>This article first appeared in the Daily Telegraph.</p>
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Why suburban onsite house auctions trump online auctions

<html><body>
<p>Simone Warne-Callahan has listed her Brighton property.</p>
<p>It is a luxury Mediterranean-style house that the cricket legend’s former wife has called home for around three years.</p>
<p>Located on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-125200042" target="_blank">Norwood Avenue</a>, the French-inspired house features French oak Driftwood flooring at the entrance that leads to a versatile study or sitting room as well as a relaxed lounge room.</p>
<p>It was bought in 2014 for $2.615 million and has since been renovated.</p>
<p>The living and dining area attracts light which also flows out towards the outdoor and into the vine-draped al fresco dining area with built-in BBQ.</p>
<p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/04/20/12%20Norwood%20Avenue-2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>A remote-controlled garage features an air-conditioned bedroom with a skylit ensuite making it perfect for entertaining people.<br><br> Upstairs is the four bedrooms and three bathrooms that combines style and spaciousness while offering treetop vistas from all angles.</p>
<p>Main bedroom overlooks the pool along with neighbourhood views and bay glimpses. </p>
<p>Nick Johnstone stated that the private sale price for Atun, a five-bedroom, four-bathroom house with formal and informal living rooms, was about $4 million.</p>
<p>The property is offered through Nick Johnstone Real Estate agents Nick Johnstone and Simone Chin.</p>
</body></html>

firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

French-inspired Brighton house listed for sale

<html><body>
<p>Oscar award winning film director Vincent Ward has listed his long held Surry Hills home.</p>
<p>The New Zealand born film director, who won the award for What Dreams Come True starring the late Robin Williams, paid $254,000 for the 1890s terrace back in 1992.</p>
<p>Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-surry+hills-124871402" target="_blank">384 Bourke Street</a>, the three level, five bedroom home has been preserved, rather than renovated, over Ward's 25 year ownership.</p>
<p>Traditional double formal rooms come with marble fireplaces and there's an attic retreat with juliet balcony and rooftop deck.</p>
<p>The home goes to auction March 25 through Brigitte Blackman at Cobden &amp; Hayson Surry Hills.</p>
<p><em>This article first appeared in the Daily Telegraph.</em></p>
</body></html>

Vincent Ward's Surry Hills home listed on the market

<html><body>
<p>The Melbourne house where 1980s singing actor heart-throb Rick Springfield spent a few formative years (above) sold at weekend auction for $1.13 million.</p>
<p>After competition between four bidders, Springfield’s Parkdale teenage years' home was secured by a young couple who saw the classic <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-parkdale-124558774" target="_blank">clinker brick home</a> for the first time on auction morning.</p>
<p>Buyers Wei Gu and his wife Jiegiong Zhan also only heard the Sydney-born rocker’s No. 1 hit Jessie's Girl for the first time when it was played prior to the auction.</p>
<p>The Hodges Mentone agent Mark Eddy said it was a great result.</p>
<p>"Rick and his brother Michael will be pleased that their mother’s home of many years has sold,” Eddy told the Herald Sun.</p>
<p>Domain Group chief economist Andrew Wilson told Domain the upbeat Melbourne auction market had passed another test, but a record super Saturday of auctions loomed next weekend, further testing the depth of buyer support. </p>
<p>Home sales across the nation ranged from $166,000 to $5.68 million at weekend auctions.</p>
<p>Both sales were in Victoria, with a likely Brighton knockdown selling at $580,000 above reserve (below) at an executor’s auction for $5.68 million. It was a 720 sqm <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-brighton-124543926" target="_blank">St Ninians Road</a> offering.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-20%20at%2010.13.43%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>The cheapest was a one bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-vic-bacchus+marsh-124468598" target="_blank">Bacchus Marsh</a> (below), 57 kms out of Melbourne, which was sold for $166,000.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px; line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-20%20at%2010.15.56%20AM.png" alt=""></span></p>
<p>It last sold at $101,000 in 2006, reflecting 4.7 percent annual growth for the Grant Street townhouse which was marketed as having an expected rental return of $190 to $210 per week.</p>
<p>A prime parkside home in Sydney's Chatswood (below) fetched $4,955,000, the second dearest result at auctions across Australia over the weekend.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-20%20at%2010.17.40%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-chatswood-124569382" target="_blank">47 Stanley Street</a>, the property was marketed as "an ideal combination of prime positioning and powerful potential."</p>
<p>The solid five bedroom Federation home on a 925 sq m block was knocked down to an local Chinese owner occupier at about 15 per cent above its reserve.</p>
<p>The combined capital city weekend clearance rate remains in the high 70s, despite mid-February auction volumes reaching the highest level so far this year, according to CoreLogic's auction commentator Kevin Brogan.</p>
<p>The larger volume was driven by a substantial rise across the Sydney and Melbourne markets, while there was a small decrease across the smaller capital cities.</p>
<p>The strongest clearance rates, based on preliminary data, were in Sydney and Canberra, where 83 per cent and 81 per cent of auctions returned a successful result.</p>
<p>Canberra’s preliminary auction clearance rate of 81 percent was consistent with last week, and significantly higher than the 61 per cent recorded last year.</p>
<p>A 2011 Philip Leeson-designed <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.allhomes.com.au/ah/act/sale-residential/50-schlich-street-yarralumla-canberra/1317334380511" target="_blank">Yarralumla house</a> (below) sold for $2.4 million with Peter Blackshaw Manuka agent Mario Sanfrancesco signing up seven registered bidders.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-20%20at%2010.19.08%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>The Schlich Street block cost $861,000 in 2008.</p>
<p>Melbourne recorded a strong preliminary clearance rate, with 76 per cent of auctions clearing, just below the 77 per cent national average.</p>
<p>The preliminary combined capital city clearance rate was higher on the weekend than the 71 percent in same period last year.</p>
<p>The 2,280 auctions held was slightly lower as 2,347 auctions were held over the same time last year.</p>
<p>Across Melbourne, the 76 per cent clearance rate was up from 75 per cent last week and also higher than the 74 per cent over the same weekend last year.</p>
<p>Melbourne hosted around 1,100 auctions, around double the 556 held last weekend, and around the same seen one year ago.</p>
<p>This weekend in Melbourne, the number of properties for sale is expected to rise to 1400 with Domain's Dr Andrew Wilson suggesting the listings were big for February when auctions were usually only just starting to build up again.</p>
<p>Of the Melbourne sub-regions, the highest clearance rate was recorded across the North East region, with preliminary results showing 85.5 per cent of the 91 auctions were successful.</p>
<p>Sydney’s preliminary clearance rate this week was 83 per cent across 661 auction results.</p>
<p>There were a total of 844 auctions held across the city. Looking back at the same weekend last year, 800 auctions were held across Sydney and a clearance rate of 76 per cent was recorded.</p>
<p>The North Sydney and Hornsby region hosted the most auctions of any Sydney sub-region this week, with 137 properties taken to auction.</p>
<p>"It's another extraordinary result for Sydney," Domain chief economist Dr Andrew Wilson told Domain.</p>
<p>"Next week it could be even bigger with the number of property listings to rise about 30 per cent to 900."</p>
<p>Brisbane’s preliminary clearance rate was 50 per cent, down from 53 per cent last week.</p>
<p>There were 117 Brisbane auctions this week, compared to 131 last week.</p>
<p>Adelaide recorded a clearance rate of 68 per cent across 86 auctions this week, up from 66 per cent across 91 auctions last weekend.</p>
<p>Perth’s clearance rate of 36 per cent across 41 auctions was up from the previous week's 25 per cent.</p>
<p>Perth's highest sale was $2.1 million when a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-mount+pleasant-124579946" target="_blank">Tudor-style Mount Pleasant riverfront</a> reserve home (below) sold with views of the Mount Henry Bridge on the Canning River.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-20%20at%2010.20.24%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>It was the same price as its 2011 sale at $2.1 million.</p>
<p> </p>
</body></html>

Rick Springfield's teen home sold at weekend auction

<html><body>
<div>With <span id="0.5846416397337644">cricket</span> season spicing up our summer, Property Observer took a look at the best backyard <span id="0.864627114398903">cricket </span>pitches across Australia. Some have been sold and some are for sale.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>1. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-millbank-120954850" target="_blank">31 Diamond Street, Millbank, QLD </a>(pictured above)</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Sitting on 4070 sqm is a beautiful <span id="0.7477409907410946">cricket</span> wicket which encourages the straight-drive with the pull shot not an option with the four man bay shed.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The massive eight bedroom house sold for $440,000 through Hugh McKid of Location Property Agents.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>2. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-lavington-120939666" target="_blank">3 Abbott Drive, Lavington, NSW</a>
</div>
<div>
<br>Located on a 4,000 square metre block, the low maintenance grounds include a <span id="0.9365826007488334">cricket</span> pitch with rear access <span id="0.865291390582464">and </span>sprinkler system.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The property has been listed for sale at $879,000 by Mark Rosevear <span id="0.8035429697799732">and</span> Clinton Harvey of Wodonga Real Estate.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>3. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-sorrento-121403258" target="_blank">32 Ashmore Way, Sorrento, WA</a>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The property doesn't feature a wicket per se, but there is a long stretch of artificial grass for a bowlers run up <span id="0.23111241483064715">and</span> a small space for defensive shots.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The five bedroom property sold at auction on December 28, 2015 for $1.55 million.  </div>
<div> </div>
<div>4. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bowral-120699489" target="_blank">52 Thompson Street, Bowral, NSW</a>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This property makes the list simply because Bowral was the birth place of Australian legend Sir Donald Bradman.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The southwest suburb of Sydney homed Bradman who would have relished the prospect of practicing on such a wicket in the 1900's when he was a child.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The property was sold in November 2015 for $495,000 by Lewis Harelle of Ray White.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>5. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-burbank-120726225" target="_blank">1190 Mt. Cotton Road, Burbank, QLD</a>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>A full length concrete pitch on the 2.83 hectare land is met by nets so you don't have to continue to fetch the ball when you smash those sixes.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><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/2017/01/03/1190%20Mount%20Cotton%20Road-2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Corrine Guterres sold the property for $1.85 million in October 2015. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>6. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mosman-121076214" target="_blank">46 Somerset Street, Mosman, NSW</a>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The house lights up the small synthetic grass wicket where you can practice your defensive game with the netting behind making a wicket keeper unnecessary.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The three bedroom home sold for $2.88 million in November 2015 through Bernard Ryan <span id="0.40113145342457823">and</span> Geoff Smith of LJ Hooker.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>7. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-ivanhoe+east-115259503" target="_blank">27 Beauview Parade, Ivanhoe East, VIC</a>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The <span id="0.24167802212927514">cricket</span> wicket, accompanied by a putting green sold at auction for $1.83 million at the end of November 2013.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><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/2017/01/03/27%20Beauview%20Parade.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>One for the bowlers, there's not much room to bat but some greenery behind the batsman will ensure the ball doesn't end up next door.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>8. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-chandler-120339449" target="_blank">240 Charleton Street, Chandler, QLD</a>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Recently sold, the five bedroom family home has a wicket surrounded by an enclosed netting cage. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>James Curtain<span id="0.6298726376023127">and</span> David Taylor sold the property that traded for $2.185 in 2008 for $1.9 million in August 2016.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>9. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mittagong-119914765" target="_blank">129 Bong Bong Road, Mittagong, NSW</a>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Environmentalist <span id="0.722907608035047">and</span> musician Peter Garrett's home sold for $2.8 million in April 2016 through listing agent John Renouf of Drew Lindsay Real Estate.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The five bedroom home has a wicket perfect for a batsman to drive all day.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>10. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-dianella-124048542" target="_blank">24 Ballarat Way Dianella, WA</a>
</div>
<div>
<br>The two storey family house sits on a big 809 square metre block <span id="0.44336702918232085">and</span> has a purpose built <span id="0.5319774684925738">cricket</span> pitch.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The property has been listed for sale at $1.125 million by Mark <span id="0.26233092805553726">and</span> Debra Passmore of Passmore Real Estate. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>However the cricket pitch does not appeared to be photographed.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>11. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-oxenford-124406430" target="_blank">27 California Drive, Oxenford, QLD</a>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Oxenford home features lawns of just synthetic turf. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Brambling Property Hendra selling agent Ann-Marie Warhurst told The Courier Mail the home was ticking a lot of boxes for families. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The 1151sq m property is on the market for offers over $650,000.</div>
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Cricket pitches at home - 11 of the best pitches on offer

<html><body>
<p>A record price for a waterfront property in Cabarita, located on the Parramatta River, has been linked to the development of the WestConnex motorway.</p>
<p>The contemporary double storey, waterfront home, located at 11 Collingwood Avenue was sold at auction by Ross Musso and Dib Chidiac of Raine &amp; Horne Concord for $5.413 million.</p>
<p>It smashed the previous suburb record by $413,000.</p>
<p>“The WestConnex is the largest ever urban transport project in NSW history and buyers are recognising that the infrastructure improvements will halve travel times to the Sydney CBD,” says Mr Chidiac.</p>
<p>The M4 Widening project involves converting the three lane M4 motorway from Parramatta to North Strathfield to four lanes. The M4 will be extended from Concord Road, North Strathfield to the City West Link at Haberfield via a 5.5km tunnel that will have three lanes in each direction under Parramatta Road (‘M4 East’).</p>
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Agents suggest WestConnex helps smash Cabarita waterfront record

<html><body>
<p>Capital city transaction levels have continued to trend lower according to CoreLogic's latest Economic and Housing update.</p>
<p>According to CoreLogic the slide began after 2013 from a peak of around 35,000 sales and continues downward.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/08/17/400_logic.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/08/17/400_logic.jpg" alt=""></p>
</body></html>

Capital city transaction numbers trend lower: CoreLogic

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p>New home sales declined by 4.4 percent in May after falling by 4.7 percent in April. The decline reflected a fall in detached house sales (-6.7 percent) but sales of ‘multi-units’ rebounded (+4.9 percent).</p>
<p>The new home sales data is important for housing-dependent companies such as builders, developers and retailers.</p>
<p>What does it all mean?</p>
The latest weakness in new home sales resonates with all the other data on the housing sector - in particular the data on home loans, which has been decidedly more mixed in the past few months. It is clear that housing activity is consolidating with potential home buyers being more circumspect on purchases – a result which is encouraging, as it should ensure a much more sustainable housing market.</div>
<div class="column">
<br>Interestingly the data is for May and would not fully factor in the surprise decision by the Reserve Bank to cut the cash rate, and the subsequent decision by the banks to pass it on to mortgage rates. It is likely that the rate cut and the speculation of low interest rates over the medium term will support demand for property.</div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column">Importantly the pipeline of new home building remains solid and should support an array of sectors and broad- based activity. The latest data doesn’t have a great influence on the next interest rate decision. The Reserve Bank is determining whether lower-inflation Australia can justify having an interest rate structure closer to those in other major advanced economies.</div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"><a href="/images/2016/06/29/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-29%20at%202.23.06%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="column"><img src="/images/2016/06/29/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-29%20at%202.23.06%20PM.png" alt=""></div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column">What do the figures show?</div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column">New home sales</div>
<div class="column">Total seasonally-adjusted new home sales declined by 4.4 percent in May 2016 after sliding by 4.7 percent in April. The decline in total sales was reflected in a decline detached house sales (-6.7 percent) but sales of ‘multi- units’ rebounded (+4.9 percent).<br><p>The Housing Industry Association reported: “In the month of May 2016 detached house sales declined in three of the five mainland states: New South Wales (-11.5 percent); Victoria (-8.2 percent); and Queensland (-11.0 percent). Detached house sales increased in South Australia (+3.8 percent) and in Western Australia (+5.4 percent).”</p>
<p>What is the importance of the economic data?</p>
<p><span></span><span>The </span><span>Housing Industry Association </span><span>releases data on the </span><span>sales of new homes </span><span>each month. The HIA collects the data each month from a sample of Australia's largest 100 home builders. </span></p>
<p><span>The survey covers around 14 percent of the home building industry.</span></p>
<p><span><em>Savanth Sebastian is an economist for <a href="https://www.commsec.com.au/" target="_blank">CommSec</a></em></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Back to back declines in new home sales: CommSec's Savanth Sebastian

<html><body>
<p>With elections looming and negative gearing a big issue, predictions abound of a dip in home sales. So, what could we expect in the short term?</p>
<p>According to CoreLogic RP Data research analyst Cameron Kusher, market activity had slowed in 2016 relative to 2015.</p>
<p>"With housing looming as a large election issue given the proposed negative gearing changes from Labor I would expect things to be a little quieter in the lead-up to the election than they otherwise would have been," says Kusher.</p>
<p>"Interestingly, if Labor are elected you may find a surge in activity (whether that be buying or selling) post-election as owners look to beat out the negative gearing changes coming into effect in mid-2017. Of course any further changes to interest rates over the year could also have an impact."</p>
<p>On whether the proposed changes to negative gearing may make it difficult to sell investment properties and have other possible flow-on effects, Kusher had this suggestion for investors.</p>
<p>"Firstly they should make note of the election result. If the changes were to occur we would expect to see some jostling by investors to sell true investment-grade stock prior to the changes. As you note, the proposed changes are likely to be damaging to the resale value of true investment-grade housing stock."</p>
<p>He also dismissed suggestions that the changes to negative gearing could cause a recession.</p>
<p>"I don’t think a recession is likely from changes to negative gearing."</p>
<p>"The truth is no one really knows the impact until if or when the changes are made. Remember that at the end of 2013-14 only 9.7% of taxpayers were negatively geared so it is unlikely that impacting on such a small proportion of the population could cause a recession.</p>
<p>Kusher said the true impact was difficult to gauge till changes actually occur, but some "educated guesses" might be made:</p>
<ul>
<li>Before the changes a proportion of people will look to sell true investment grade stock prior to changes, conversely, some may also look to buy this stock if they have a plan to hold for the long-term</li>
<li>Post changes, investment grade stock will be less appealing to investors because NG is not available so it will impact on this product’s resale value</li>
<li>While the proposed changes look to funnel demand to new investment, remember new housing is often more expensive than existing so there is no guarantee that it would be a successful policy</li>
<li>Over time, we may see rental shortages appear due to less investment or in certain geographic areas where little new development takes place.</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

Negative gearing changes won't cause recession: CoreLogic RP Data's Cameron Kusher

<html><body>
<p>New home sales fell a more-than-expected 5.3 per cent in February 2016, according to a survey of Australia’s largest volume builders, says the latest report by the Housing Industry Association. </p>
<p>“This latest result is a larger than desirable fall,” said HIA chief economist Dr Harley Dale. “HIA New Home Sales are losing some of their lustre as a downward trend becomes more firmly entrenched.”</p>
<p>“While the monthly result is a soft one, there is no need to loudly ring alarm bells as often seems to automatically occur every time an economic update disappoints,” noted Dale in the New Home Sales Report.</p>
<p>Seasonally adjusted detached house sales fell by 3.9 per cent in February 2016, while the sale of ‘multi-units’ dropped by a sharper 10.6 per cent.</p>
<p>“New home sales are down, but far from out. Over the three months to February 2016, the sale of detached houses increased by 1.8 per cent. The sale of multi-units nudged up by 0.8 per cent over the same period.”</p>
<p>“What we need to keep a watchful eye on are the signals that will shortly begin to emerge for 2016/17 from key leading housing indicators like new home sales and building approvals,” concluded Dale. “Stage one of a down cycle in new home building will be moderate, but signs of a sharper contraction in subsequent stages may emerge as the year progresses.”</p>
<p>In February, detached house sales increased in by 1.7 per cent in Victoria and by 1.8 per cent in Western Australia though they fell by 7.4 per cent in New South Wales, by 12.1 per cent in Queensland, and 3.5 per cent in South Australia.</p>
</body></html>

Home Sales

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Home Sales

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News