Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Home Values

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National dwelling values continued to show resilience over September, as declines softened to -0.1 per cent across the country.
That's according to the latest figures from CoreLogic's monthly Home Value Index, with the national dwelling value declines steadily softening month on month.
Last month national dwelling values <a href="/news/sydney-value-decline-slows-as-melbourne-worsens-corelogics-september-index">contracted -0.4 per cent</a>, and <a href="/news/melbourne-real-estate-values-continue-decline-through-july-corelogic">-0.6 per cent in July</a>.
The improving markets in Sydney and Melbourne, the only two markets still in decline, suggests next month the national monthly dwelling value performance will tick in to the positive for the first time in six months.
It wasn't until May that the national change in dwelling values dropped in to the red.
Over September Sydney's dwelling values saw a -0.3 per cent decline, continuing to soften from the -0.5 per cent declines in August and -0.9 per cent in July.
Melbourne's dwelling value decline dropped to -0.9 per cent, down from back to back -1.2 per cent declines in July and August. Since the March peak, Melbourne values are now down -5.5 per cent.
Brisbane's dwelling value rose 0.5 per cent following a -0.1 per cent decline last month. 
It was one of many big movers, with Adelaide values jumping 0.8 per cent over September from a flat August.
Hobart rose 0.3 per cent, Darwin a further 0.6 per cent from their one per cent gains over August, and Perth saw a 0.2 per cent gain from a flat August.
Canberra's value growth stalled, but still saw it rise 0.4 per cent following a 0.5 per cent gain last month.
<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/2020/10/1/September%20index%20CoreLogic.jpg" alt="">
On Melbourne's continued decline, CoreLogic's head of national research Tim Lawless says with restrictions starting to lift and private home inspections once again permitted, they expect to see activity lift in October.
<h1>House and Units</h1>
Until September it had been houses driving the declines across the country.
But last month represented a changing of the baton, with the housing market now starting to pick up.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/10/1/CoreLogic%20full%20index.png" alt="">
Nationally the combined capitals saw -0.2 per cent declines in housing values compared to -0.4 per cent for units.
Last month the aggregated totals were -0.5 per cent for houses and -0.4 per cent for units, and -0.8 per cent for houses across August and -0.6 per cent for units.
Sydney house values outperformed their unit counterpart over the month, with house values down -0.2 per cent compared to the unit market which slipped to -0.5 per cent declines.
The general consensus in the new world is buyers will be looking away from high density living and opting to purchase houses over apartments, particularly those in the inner city. 
Melbourne's units were still outperforming the housing market, but the gap has narrowed (-0.9 per cent for houses, -0.8 per cent for units.)
<h1>Where are prices falling?</h1>
CoreLogic advise that it is the upper quartile values which are leading the wider declines.
They say lower quartile home values have pushed in to positive growth territory over the September quarter.
The combined capitals stratified hedonic index recorded a 0.4% lift in lower quartile values over the September quarter, with a -2.6% drop in upper quartile values.
" The weaker performance across the larger cities, where housing values are typically higher, helps to explain the underperformance of the upper quartile, however it is clear that lower value cohorts of the market are performing better in Sydney and Melbourne as well", Lawless says.
Housing values across Sydney’s lower quartile were down -0.4% over the September quarter while upper quartile values fell by -2.1%.
The trend is amplified in Melbourne where lower quartile values were down -1.9% over the September quarter while upper quartile values fell by -4.6%. 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Houses emerge stronger over September as Sydney and Melbourne declines soften: CoreLogic

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House values are to continue to lead the property market downturn in 2019, according to Moody's Analytics.
Across the eight capital cities, house values are set to decline 7.7% in 2019, a sharper correction than apartments which are forecast to see a 4.3% hit.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/4/9/Moodys1.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<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/2019/4/9/Moodys1.jpg" alt="">
House prices have declined over 9% since their peak in late 2017, while apartment values are down around 6% from the peak, according to CoreLogic.
House values in Sydney declined 5.5% in 2018 and are forecast to fall a further 9.3% in 2019. Apartment values are set to decline 5.9% in 2019.
Melbourne's house price decline has been more accelerated than Sydney's, and its sharp downturn is reflected in the forecast for its house values in 2019.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/4/9/Moodys-Houses.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<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/2019/4/9/Moodys-Houses.jpg" alt="">
Moody's suggest values will decline 11.4% across Great Melbourne, with apartments to fall 5%.
The worst is over for Brisbane, according to Moody's, with house values to see a correction in 2019.
There will be strength in East Brisbane, offset by declines elsewhere.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/4/9/Moodys-Units.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<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/2019/4/9/Moodys-Units.jpg" alt="">
There's also good news for the Brisbane apartment market, Moody's forecast. Values are tipped to recover 0.9% in 2019.
It's not such good news for Perth, where house values are like to decline 7.6% in 2019.
Adelaide’s housing market will continue its stable run, with house values forecast to rise 1% in 2019 after a 1.9% gain in 2018.
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Houses to be hit harder than units in 2019 downturn: Moody's Analytics

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Canberra's house and unit market continue to operate at different wavelengths as house prices shifted slightly higher over the quarter and unit prices recorded the steepest annual fall in more than two decades, according to Domain's latest House Price Report.
The report found, heightened development has weighed heavily on unit prices.
Canberra house prices grew 0.1% over the quarter and held flat over the year at $738,933.
Canberra unit prices fell 3.6% over the quarter and 6.1% over the year to $412,718.
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Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell said: “Canberra continues to defy the national downward trend, with house prices nudging marginally higher over the December quarter. Canberra is the third strongest Australian capital city, behind Hobart and Adelaide. Steam has slowly dissipated from the nation’s capital throughout 2018, the year closed with flat annual house price growth. Canberra, like all other cities, is being restricted by credit flows, although to a lesser extent than Sydney and Melbourne.
“However, new stamp duty exemptions to come into play in the second half of the year will likely increase demand from first-home buyers in the territory.
“Despite a diversifying economy, the public sector still accounts for a large employment base in the nation's capital. It is therefore likely that local consumer confidence will be dampened in the lead up to the federal election, with buyers and sellers holding tight.
“The prospect of an uncertain political landscape looming, and particularly if a change in government ensues, the demand for housing could be impacted in the short-term. However, house prices are unlikely to go backwards given the ongoing controlled supply of residential land, positive economic outlook and predicted population growth,” she concluded.
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Canberra unit prices record the steepest annual fall in more than 20 years: Domain

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Looking at data for the 50 most populous non-capital city council areas, the majority of them have seen house and unit values increase over the 12 months to May 2017. 
The data indicates that after a long period of soft housing market conditions following the financial crisis, housing demand is starting to pick up across many of the larger regional areas. 
Those areas that are continuing to see values fall are in many instances linked to the mining and resources sector.
Of the non-capital city council areas analysed, the Wollongong council area is the most expensive for houses ($730,427) and units ($530,170) as well as having seen the greatest increase in house values and the fourth highest increase in unit value over the past year. 
The Wollongong housing market has seen housing demand rise as demand ripples away from Sydney where affordability constraints are more pressing. 
Additionally, prices are being pushed higher as more people seek out coastal and lifestyle properties.
In New South Wales in particular, regional areas of the state, particularly those reasonably close to Sydney are generally seeing strong value growth. 
This is most likely linked to affordability relative to Sydney as well as Sydney home owners using the equity in their home to purchase investment properties in lifestyle markets.
The regional areas of Victoria, particularly those close to Melbourne, are experiencing value growth however, it is nowhere near the magnitude to which values are growing in those locations close to Sydney. 
Although values are rising, the relatively softer growth can be linked to the fact that values have not risen as sharply in Melbourne as they have in Sydney and subsequently affordability hasn’t deteriorated as severely in Melbourne.
Queensland’s results are somewhat more mixed with the south-east corner generally seeing values rise while elsewhere growth is extremely mild or values have fallen.
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In fact, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and Noosa are seeing more rapid value growth than Brisbane is. 
It seems as if a lot of demand across these regions is coming from the accelerating internal migration to Queensland and buyers from Sydney and Melbourne that have substantial equity in their homes and are looking for lifestyle properties.
Of the areas that we looked at, each of the 24 regions we highlighted in New South Wales have recorded value growth for houses over the past year. 
For units, only 4 of the 24 regions have recorded value falls over the past 12 months.
In Victoria we highlighted 10 regional council areas in the analysis. 
Of these regions analysed, two recorded value falls over the year for houses and 2 regions also recorded falls for unit values. 
Greater Shepparton was the only council area of the state which recorded value falls for houses and units.
Of the 13 regions highlighted for Queensland, five have recorded value falls for houses over the past year and seven have recorded declines for units.
Each of the regions highlighted in Western Australia have recorded value falls over the past year for houses and units.
Launceston was the only region analysed in Tasmania and it has seen house and unit values rise over the past year. 
It should be noted while values have increased they have done so at a more moderate pace than those in Hobart.
Overall it seems that housing demand in regional areas of the country is rising. 
While many regions are seeing value increase, the strongest demand appears to be in those areas within relatively close proximity to capital cities, particularly those which are coastal and tap into lifestyle demand.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.
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Gladstone houses and apartment struggling as regions typically see values rise: Corelogic

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The median dwelling price in regional New South Wales is $405,000, up from $330,000 five years ago, according the December 2016 Housing Affordability Report from CoreLogic.
The median dwelling value across regional NSW now costs 6.6 times the median annual household income, according to CoreLogic. 
REGIONAL NSW
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Median dwelling price in regional New South Wales now $405,000: CoreLogic

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Since late 2014, Gold Coast home values have been steadily trending upwards as the Gold Coast’s tourism market has improved, according to CoreLogic's regional market report.
Over the year to June 2016 house values increased 7.4 per cent, from $533,571 one year earlier to $572,827, while unit values rose 5.0 per cent from $359,284 in June 2015 to $377,154.
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Sales activity over the year ending May 2016 was virtually unchanged compared to the previous year, however current activity is 17.8 per cent higher than the five year average for the region.
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Notably, sales activity over the year to May 2016 (19,081) is 67.4 per cent higher than at its recent low point in May 2012 (11,400).
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Across the rental market, rents are rising, however yields have remained flat over the year for units and fell slightly for houses.
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Tourism helps boost home values in Gold Coast region

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Perth home values fell by 4.3 percent over the past three months and are 5.6 percent lower over the past year according to CoreLogic. 
CoreLogic's Housing and Economic Chart Pack for August noted values have fallen by 8.3 percent from their peak in December 2014. 
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Perth values fall by 8.3 percent from December 2014 peak: CoreLogic

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Home values in Hobart have increased by 5.2 percent over the past three months and are +6.2 percent higher over the past year according to CoreLogic. 
CoreLogic's Housing and Economic Chart Pack for August noted values have increased by just 15.5 percent over the past 10 years. 
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The latest June quarter has backed up the CoreLogic growth advisory, by recording the highest number of real estate sales in a quarter since March 2010, according to the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania.
Hobart recorded a $10,000 increase in median house sale price to $395,000 whilst Launceston and the North West Centres remain stable at $285,000 and $230,000 respectively. Increases were again recorded in the sale of units/ townhouses with Launceston prices increasing 22 percent.
Some 1749 house sales were recorded in total across the state at a median price of $315,200; 319 units/townhouses at $258,000 and 394 land sales with a median price of $130,000.
REIT President, Tony Collidge, said Brighton, Central Coast, Devonport and Glenorchy Municipalities all recorded significant increases (greater than 20%) in house sales volume for the quarter.
Brighton was a standout with the number of sales increasing by 55.8 percent to 67 sales.
Sandy Bay retained the crown as Tasmania’s most expensive suburb with 23 sales at a median price of $800,000. Zeehan was Tasmania's most affordable town recording five sales at a median price of $55,000.
The Tasmanian rental markets are performing strongly with vacancy rates below 3 percent and with most achieving yields above 5 percent, the REIT president, Tony Collidge advised.
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Hobart home values increase by 5.2 percent over the past three months: CoreLogic

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Home values in Perth have fallen 5.1 percent when compared to last year according to the latest Property Market Indicator Summary from CoreLogic.
Home values in Sydney are up 9.3 percent for the same period, Melbourne up 6.9 percent and Adelaide 5.2 percent.
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Home values in Perth slide five percent year on year: CoreLogic

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Home values rose 0.8 percent over July, with the combined capital city dwelling values some 6.3 percent high over the first part of the year according to the July CoreLogic Hedonic Home Value Index.
Four capital cities recorded a fall in dwelling values over the month with capital city rents down over the month, some 0.6 percent lower over the past twelve months.
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Sydney and Melbourne have also seen the annual rate of growth slip back to below 10 percent, with the July indices showing a respective 9.1 per cent and 7.5 per cent capital gain over the past twelve months according to CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless.
He said these figures demonstrate the strength in the Sydney and Melbourne growth trend with dwelling values across the two largest capitals recording a cumulative 61.3 percent and 42.0 percent over the cycle to date.
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“The recent moderation in the rate of capital gains should be viewed as a positive sign that growth in dwelling values may be returning to more sustainable levels. However, the growth trend rate is still tracking considerably faster than income growth resulting in a deterioration of housing affordability,” he said. 
“Using Sydney as a case in point, the Australian National University estimates that Sydney household incomes have grown by approximately 4.5 percent per annum since June 2012 while dwelling values are up 12.1 percent per annum. 
“The erosion in housing affordability is likely to be one factor working to slow housing demand across price sensitive market segments. We’re also seeing first home buyers are at lower levels across most states, and in particular, at record low levels of participation across Sydney. The latest ABS housing finance data shows that first home buyers in New South Wales now comprise of a record low 10.4 per cent of all new owner occupier housing finance commitments.
“The latest growth in dwelling values comes at a time when rental conditions remain soft. Capital city rents were down again over the month to be 0.6 per cent lower over the past twelve months.
"The recent fall in weekly rents has pushed capital city rental yields to a new historic low of 3.3 percent with Melbourne now recording the lowest gross yield for houses at 2.8 percent, while Sydney now shows the lowest yield profile for units, averaging 3.9 percent gross.
"If the pace of capital gains continues to trend lower, low rental yields are likely to lead to financing challenges due to tighter serviceability requirements and the impact on cash flow, not to mention a potential increase in rental supply resulting in higher vacancy rates.” 
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