The Gold Coast economy has grown by 25 per cent since 2020/21 to surpass $55 billion, but perhaps the more significant story is what sits behind the headline number.

For decades, the Gold Coast has been viewed through the lens of tourism, lifestyle and population growth. The latest State of the City Report suggests that perception is increasingly out of step with reality.

Released by Invest Gold Coast, the report ranks the Gold Coast as Australia's largest non-capital city economy and, perhaps more notably, second nationally behind Sydney for Economic Complexity, a measure that assesses the diversity and sophistication of an economy.

It's a result that places the Gold Coast ahead of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, highlighting the extent to which the city's economic base has broadened beyond its traditional industries.

Today, the Gold Coast supports more than 350,000 jobs, is home to over 83,000 businesses and generates $19 billion in annual exports. Manufacturing now accounts for 62 per cent of international export growth, while sectors including health, education, advanced manufacturing, technology and professional services are becoming increasingly important contributors to the local economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the report confirmed the city's evolution into one of Australia's most significant economies.

"The Gold Coast economy continues to grow at an incredible pace. This is no surprise to those of us who have watched the evolution up close," Mayor Tate said.

"As one of the most entrepreneurial, investment driven and opportunity focused economies in the country our ambition has been realised and possibilities are endless.

"The Gold Coast has built a reputation as the city that says yes. We say yes to investment, yes to opportunity and yes to people who want to build something.

"It's this mindset helping us drive major growth across health, advanced manufacturing, screen production, marine, technology and the knowledge economy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360975]

While population growth has been one of the defining stories of the past decade, the report points to a broader economic transformation taking place.

The city's knowledge economy now contributes $7.9 billion annually and supports around 31,000 jobs, while the health and wellbeing sector contributes $5.2 billion and employs more than 42,000 people. Together, the six priority sectors identified in the report account for almost $24 billion in economic output and more than 145,000 jobs.

One of the strongest examples is the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct at Southport. The 200-hectare precinct now contains more than $5 billion worth of health, education, research and innovation infrastructure and supports over 16,000 jobs.

The report also highlights the growing role of advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace, defence and modular construction.

Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies recently became the first Australian commercial company to attempt an orbital launch, while companies including Modscape and ModnPods are helping establish the Yatala-Stapylton corridor as one of Australia's fastest-growing advanced manufacturing hubs.

The city's entrepreneurial culture is also translating into business growth.

Since 2019/20, the number of businesses operating on the Gold Coast has increased by 22 per cent, while firms employing more than 200 people have grown by 80 per cent. The report suggests the next challenge is converting more local start-ups and medium-sized businesses into nationally significant companies.

Development activity remains another key indicator of confidence.

There are currently more than $23 billion worth of major projects underway across the Gold Coast, supported by a record 75 active cranes, a figure that now exceeds Brisbane and represents a 150 per cent increase since 2016.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=343235]

Importantly, the report notes the next phase of investment will need to extend beyond residential development.

While 93 per cent of crane activity is currently tied to housing, Invest Gold Coast argues future investment will increasingly need to focus on cultural, civic, infrastructure and industry-enabling projects that strengthen the city's long-term economic resilience.

Invest Gold Coast Chair Will Hodgman said the city was now benefiting from years of economic diversification.

"What is happening on the Gold Coast is the result of the city's economic base broadening, fuelled by industries with long-term, high-growth potential," Mr Hodgman said.

"This is no longer a secondary Australian economy, the Gold Coast is becoming a globally connected city with deeper capability across health, knowledge and creative industries, advanced manufacturing, technology and exports."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365786]

Looking ahead, the Gold Coast's population is projected to exceed one million residents by 2046.

For a city that was once largely defined by tourism and lifestyle, the latest figures suggest the Gold Coast is becoming something more significant, one of Australia's most diverse and economically sophisticated urban economies, and increasingly one that national and international investors can no longer afford to overlook.

Joel Robinson

75 cranes, $23 billion pipeline and a $55 billion economy: Inside the Gold Coast economic boom

Ron Bakir's Homecorp has sold more than 75 per cent of the apartments in its wellness-driven Florence Residences in Surfers Paradise following its first weekend release.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">26-storey project on Monte Carlo Avenue</a>, which commenced construction earlier this year, has seen a flurry of buyers secure their slice of the Gold Coast's latest wellbeing-focused offering in one of the nation's most competitive property markets.

Since the pandemic, the Gold Coast's population has grown by more than 11 per cent, a rate approximately four times faster than Sydney's, driven largely by lifestyle changes and interstate migration. While buyer activity has moderated in some markets nationally, demand for newly built dwellings on the Gold Coast continues to gain momentum as purchasers increasingly prioritise lifestyle, amenity, wellbeing, liveability and long-term investment potential.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372743]

Homecorp CEO Ron Bakir says buyers today are looking for more than just a home.

"What we are seeing is a shift in how people define value in property," Bakir says.

"What attracts residents to new developments is a desire for more than just a residence. They are looking for a place that complements their lifestyle, supports their wellbeing and reflects the way they want to live into the future.

"Lifestyle, longevity, proactive health, wellbeing, connection and a sense of community are increasingly shaping purchasing decisions, particularly on the Gold Coast, where these factors continue to be a major drawcard."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372744]

Bakir says Homecorp is responding to this shift through an approach that places greater emphasis on design, amenity and experience working together to create places that feel considered, connected and enduring in value.

Inspired by Eastern European design, Florence Residences will comprise 120 apartments alongside a private residents-only wellness club featuring a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium, and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.

The development will also feature a residents-only lounge with private dining facilities and a rooftop bar, premium outdoor entertaining areas, a hotel-style lobby lounge, generous bike parking, and pet-friendly amenities including a heated dog wash.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372742]

A limited number of apartments remain available, with an exclusive collection of four-bedroom sub-penthouses set to be released in the coming months.

Florence is one of the latest additions to Homecorp's expanding multi-billion-dollar property portfolio, which also includes plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/homecorp-lodges-plans-for-260-million-moroccan-bathhouse-inspired-tower-in-budds-beach">$260 million development in Budds Beach</a> tailored to the growing wellness market.

A development application has been lodged for a 27-storey, 156-residence tower at 8–10 Acacia Avenue and 25–27 Oak Avenue, featuring a residents-only Moroccan spa-inspired sanctuary.

Apartments at Florence Residences are priced from $1,249,000, with construction expected to be completed by late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150414]

Buyers rush to Homecorp's Florence Residences as Gold Coast wellness trend gains momentum

The NSW Government has expanded its $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program, broadening access for affordable housing providers and smaller residential developments as it seeks to accelerate housing delivery across the state.

The Minns Government says the program has already helped bring forward more than 600 homes across Sydney and regional NSW since launching in September 2025, with similar models now adopted in South Australia and Western Australia.

The latest changes, announced by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, are designed to improve access to finance for projects that have planning approval but are struggling to secure funding.

Among the key changes is an expansion of support for community housing providers. The program will now support up to 100 per cent affordable housing projects valued at up to $30 million when delivered by not-for-profit providers, while support for larger affordable housing developments will increase for projects worth up to $80 million.

The government says the changes will help accelerate the delivery of housing for low-income workers, older people, people living with disability, and those at risk of homelessness, while reducing reliance on direct grants or subsidised loans to bridge funding gaps.

The eligibility criteria for smaller residential developments have also been broadened. The previous $5 million minimum project value threshold has been removed and replaced with a requirement that projects deliver at least four homes.

Support has also increased for projects delivering fewer than 20 homes, with the guarantee now able to cover up to 75 per cent of dwellings in a development, capped at $30 million per project.

The changes are expected to particularly benefit smaller-scale and regional developments, which often face greater challenges meeting pre-sale requirements imposed by lenders.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the scheme demonstrates how government can use its balance sheet to stimulate housing supply without relying solely on taxpayer-funded grants.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee shows how this Government is using its balance sheet to reduce risk and unlock private investment, enabling new homes to move from design to construction faster," Mookhey said.

"This landmark reform allows us to deliver homes for working families at a lower cost to taxpayers, while also maintaining strong financial discipline."

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the program had already proven effective in bringing stalled projects to market.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has already proven it can unlock stalled projects and accelerate housing delivery by giving lenders the confidence they need to back good developments," Scully said.

"These changes will allow more affordable housing and smaller developments to access support so more homes can be built faster where communities need them most."

Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the expansion would help community housing providers overcome financing barriers that often delay projects.

"We know community housing providers are ready to build more homes, too often they're held back by barriers to finance," Jackson said.

"Expanding the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee helps remove those barriers so more affordable homes can get off the ground sooner."

The announcement was welcomed by the Property Council of Australia, which has long advocated for measures aimed at improving project feasibility and access to finance.

Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson described the expansion as a practical intervention that addresses one of the most immediate constraints on housing delivery.

"This is exactly the kind of practical intervention we need right now, focused on getting projects out of the ground, not just approved," Stevenson said.

"It builds on a model the Property Council has worked closely with government to develop following calls for such a scheme ahead of last year's NSW Budget, so it's great to see it being expanded."

Stevenson said the reforms would help unlock projects that are ready to proceed but have been delayed by financing challenges. However, she noted that broader feasibility issues remain a significant barrier to increasing housing supply.

"The biggest challenge in NSW housing today is delivery. Too many projects have planning approval but are simply not financially viable to proceed under current settings," she said.

Speaking at the Property Council's NSW Housing Summit, Housing Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged that feasibility and financing pressures continue to constrain housing delivery, while reaffirming the government's commitment to work with industry on solutions.

Stevenson said the government's recognition of those challenges was encouraging ahead of next week's state budget.

"It's positive to see the government clearly recognising that feasibility pressures are now a binding constraint on supply," she said.

"With the Budget just days away, the focus must be on backing delivery, making sure projects stack up, finance can flow, and more homes can move from approval to construction."

The expanded Pre-sale Finance Guarantee forms part of the NSW Government's broader housing agenda, which also includes planning reforms, the NSW Housing Pattern Book, and a series of rezonings intended to increase housing capacity across the state.

NSW expands Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to unlock more affordable and regional housing

Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372212]

Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372225]

While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146717]

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6395]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=353235]

A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

The Walden pairs house-scale living with North Sydney connectivity

House Market

<html><body>
Australia's housing markets continue to see price slippage in early 2018. The CoreLogic home value index, covering the eight major capital cities, dipped another 0.2% in March, the fifth consecutive monthly decline with prices nationally now down 1.4% from their Oct peak. Annual price growth slowed to 0.8%, a new low since the price correction in 2011-12. Note that data updates are now clear of holiday distortions with seasonal factors essentially neutral in the March month.
The dwelling-type breakdown continues to show more pronounced weakness for houses, prices down 0.2% in the month and barely up 0.2%yr. Unit prices were again flat nationally in March with annual price growth somewhat firmer at 2.6%yr.
Price weakness continues to be concentrated in Sydney, where the annual rate of decline dropped to –2.1%yr after dipping into negative last month. The detail shows the epicentre of the slowdown is houses (–3.8%yr) and particularly those in the upper end of the market, (–6.5%yr for the top 25% of properties by value). Note that these segments outperformed significantly through the upturn with prices still showing better gains over the last two years than the wider market. Sydney unit prices have been much firmer across the board annual price growth remaining positive.
Melbourne is starting to see a more material slowing although at 5.3%yr, annual price growth remains comfortably above that in the other major markets. Price growth remains particularly strong at the lower end of the Melbourne market (+12.9%yr for the bottom 25% of properties by value).
Price growth was coming from much weaker starting points across the other capital cities and showed more muted slowdowns in 2017. Annual price growth has dipped back to 1.3%yr in Brisbane and 1.7%yr in Adelaide. The pace of price declines has eased a touch to 2.4%yr in Perth although stabilisation remains elusive.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/4/4/DWELLING%201.jpg" alt="">
Performances vary widely across the smaller capitals, Hobart posting a strong 13%yr gain but price gains more moderate in Canberra (+2.9%yr) and struggling to pull out of a sharp multi-year correction in Darwin (+1%mth but down –7.5%yr). Regional areas have been uneven as well, posting 4-5%yr price gains in NSW, Vic and Tas but about flat in Qld, dipping in SA and falling at a 5%yr pace in regional WA.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/4/4/DWELLING%202.jpg" alt="">
Overall, the March update is another soft read. While the pace of declines nationally may not be accelerating there are few convincing signs that they are moderating.   Indeed, if anything there are signs that price slippage may be extending to a broader range of markets.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/4/4/DWELLING%203.jpg" alt=""> 
</body></html>

Matthew_Hassan-HHWHptmrw4

Australian dwelling price slippage continues

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
Despite predictions of ‘doom and gloom’ by some property pundits, a buoyant Melbourne housing market is leading to healthy long-term investment options for savvy home buyers.
Solid auction results, strong population growth (the highest in Australia), good economic growth and APRA’s decision to lift home-loan restrictions on investor lending make the Melbourne housing market far less risky than its alternatives.
While this appears at odds with recent research by one real estate and investment group, which is predicting unit prices to fall less than 5% and house prices to ‘flatline’, RiskWise’s most recent <a href="https://www.riskwiseproperty.com.au/pdfs/ResidentialPropertyRisksOpportunitiesReport.pdf" target="_blank">Residential Opportunities &amp; Risks Report</a>, clearly shows that the housing market in Melbourne is in a far more healthy position than many experts believed.
Auction clearance rates – which are a strong short-term indicator to buyer sentiment – remain, overall, solid, in the beginning of 2018, particularly considering the end of the housing boom, negative media coverage and the beginning of autumn. 
The city enjoys strong population growth and exceptional overseas and interstate migration, meaning houses there are likely to continue having sustained demand, particularly in the middle suburban rings and affordable areas with good access to Melbourne CBD, such as the Western Suburbs.
This is coupled with strong gross state product growth rate of 3.3% and increasing private capital expenditure.
While the residential property market had cooled recently in Melbourne, overall houses in the Victorian capital city carried a low-medium level of risk and were projected, in the long-term, to deliver healthy capital growth.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/3/23/Gross%20State.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/3/23/Gross%20State.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/3/23/Gross%20State.jpg" alt=""></a>
The Melbourne property market is being looked at unfavourably by many so-called experts and this is having a dramatic impact on ‘mum and dad investors’ as well as policy makers. 
However, our research has shown that, in fact, Melbourne is a good option for investors, particularly the housing market in affordable areas, such as the western suburbs.
The report based its conclusions on the analysis of 30 variables grouped into seven categories to assess the short and long-term risk for houses and units in each state in Australia.
While it was true the Melbourne unit market carried a relatively high level of risk, housing in key areas, particularly the western suburbs, would enjoy healthy capital growth.
However, it seems the perception appears to be one of negativity due to people making generalisations about the market, over-reacting to slight fluctuations and taking a short-sighted approach instead of a long-term view. 
While many property experts are tipping price weakness in 2018, they fail to acknowledge there are many different markets, all with their own idiosyncrasies.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/3/23/Population%20growth.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/2018/3/23/Population%20growth.jpg" alt="">
They also fail to distinguish between houses and units, rather using the term ‘dwelling’ for an all-encompassing view, ignoring that these property types are so different that RiskWise had to create separate heat maps for them.
It also doesn’t help that some commentators are suggesting there will be ‘5 to 10% price falls in 2018’. This just causes an over-reaction by investors who then become afraid to enter the market.
In addition, some forecasters were ignoring that about 78% of the houses in Melbourne were owner-occupied and had an estimated median net equity of $467,000. 
It is far more likely that with such equity they will get finance for an investment property, rather than being forced sellers. Therefore, the likelihood that houses in Melbourne will experience a significant correction is low. 
Many property investors were looking to “exotic investment opportunities”, such as North Queensland and Perth that carried a high level of risk and were projected to deliver a lower level of return. 
Others have a short-sighted approach focusing on quarterly, and in one case even weekly, data, applying principles that are common in the share market of short-term transactions. 
That approach ignores the fact that a typical house in Melbourne is held for 11.9 years.
Doron Peleg is CEO of RiskWise Property Research.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Melbourne housing market remains buoyant: Doron Peleg

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Macleod, 14 km north-east from Melbourne's Central Business District, has emerged as the strongest winter auction markets in the country.
There were 9868 auctions over winter in Melbourne, with an overall auction clearance rate of 71 per cent, according to Domain.
Domain economist Dr Andrew Wilson said hxpected clearance rates in Melbourne to remain above 70 per cent but said, overall, the market may not perform as well as last spring, when buyers were motivated by recent interest rate cuts.
The top five performing Melbourne suburbs over winter for houses
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="97">
No. of auctions
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Clearance rate
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
Macleod
</td>
<td valign="top" width="97">
16
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
100%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
Scoresby
</td>
<td valign="top" width="97">
12
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
100%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
Burnside Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="97">
8
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
100%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
Bonbeach
</td>
<td valign="top" width="97">
7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
100%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
Cranbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" width="97">
7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
100%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
He said the top end of the Melbourne market had been an underperformer over winter.
“It’s certainly not as strong as the budget market, particularly the inner east,” he said.
“There’s a real sense the [inner-east] market has topped out.”
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-macleod-126105246" target="_blank">32 Chapman Street</a>, Macleod (above) was sold during winter for $998,000.
Built in 1970 it last sold for $312,000 in 2002.
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-macleod-126031542" target="_blank">4 Tucker Way</a>, Macleod (below) was sold during winter for $831,000.
It last sold in 1999 for $247,000.
<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/2017/09/06/4%20Tucker%20Way.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Macleod among Melbourne's best performing winter auction suburbs

<html><body>
Durack has been ranked among the fastest Queensland locations to sell a house, according to a recent market report from Investar.
The property investment firm suggest vendors at Durack can expect their home to be on the market for 66 days before being sold.
This is followed by Birtinya at 68 days and Caloundra at 70 days.
<table border="1" align="left"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Suburb</td>
<td>Postcode</td>
<td>Dwelling type</td>
<td>Bedrooms</td>
<td>Days on market</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Durack</td>
<td>4077</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Birtinya</td>
<td>4575</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Caloundra</td>
<td>4551</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>70</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Algester</td>
<td>4115</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>71</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Newmarket</td>
<td>4051</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>71</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
This list was produced using live on the market sales listing data.
It is also calculated at both a dwelling type and bedroom number level. It is designed to identify the fastest moving suburbs based on the average days a listing spends on the market at a suburb and property type level.
Low average days on market indicates that the market is turning over stock quickly, which may signal that demand is stronger than supply.
Houses for sale at Durack at the median price of $392,000 include a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-durack-123066002" target="_blank">113 Durrang St</a> (above) that is for sale for $410,000.
Similarly a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-durack-123571182" target="_blank">8 Thistlebank St</a> (below) is for sale for $415,000.
<img src="/images/2016/10/07/8%20Thistlebank%20St%20.jpg" alt="">
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Durack is Queensland's fastest location to sell a house: Investar

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Apollo Bay is ranked the location in Victoria where it is the slowest to sell a house, according to Investar’s latest market report.
The property investment firm states that an average house at Apollo Bay can expect to be on the market for 632 days before being sold.
This is followed by Mount Beauty at 507 days and Paynesville at 498 days.
<table style="height: 99px; width: 427px;" border="1" align="left"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Suburb</td>
<td>Postcode</td>
<td>Dwelling type</td>
<td>Bedrooms</td>
<td>Days on market</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Apollo Bay</td>
<td>3233</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>632</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mount Beauty</td>
<td>3699</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>507</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paynesville</td>
<td>3880</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>498</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corryong</td>
<td>3707</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>498</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ouyen</td>
<td>3490</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>496</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
 
 
This list was produced using live on the market sales listing data.
High average days on market indicates that the market is turning over stock slowly which may indicate that demand is weaker than supply creating a stronger negotiation point for buyers.
Houses for sale at Apollo Bay at the median price of $515,000 include a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-apollo+bay-119192663" target="_blank">15 Murray Square</a> (above) that is for sale for $515,000. It has been for sale since February 2015 when listed with $598,000 hopes. It recently went under offer.
Similarly a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-apollo+bay-121006834" target="_blank">12 Outlook Road</a> (below) is for sale for $525,000.
<img src="/images/2016/10/07/12%20Outlook%20Road.jpg" alt="">
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Apollo Bay is Victoria's slowest selling property market: Investar

<html><body>
Tumbarumba is ranked the NSW location where it is the slowest to sell a house, according to Investar’s latest market report.
The property investment firm states that an average house at Tumbarumba can expect to be on the market for 1028 days before being sold.
This is followed by Glenn Innes 653 days and Tea Gardens at 605 days.
<table border="1" align="left"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Suburb</td>
<td>Postcode</td>
<td>Dwelling type</td>
<td>Bedrooms</td>
<td>Days on market</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tumbarumba</td>
<td>2653</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>1028</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Glenn Innes</td>
<td>2370</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>653</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tea Gardens</td>
<td>2324</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>605</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tumut</td>
<td>2720</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>552</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jindabyne</td>
<td>2627</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>538</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
This list was produced using live on the market sales listing data.
It is also calculated at both a dwelling type and bedroom number level. It is designed to identify the slowest moving suburbs based on the average days a listing spends on the market at a suburb and property type level.
High average days on market indicates that the market is turning over stock slowly which may indicate that demand is weaker than supply creating a stronger negotiation point for buyers.
Houses for sale at Tumbarumba at the median price of $212,500 include a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-tumbarumba-123562838" target="_blank">10 Power Street</a> (above) that is for sale for $215,000. It has been for sale since September, but had been up for sale for much of 2014. It last sold at $175,000 in 2010.
Similarly a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-tumbarumba-123157482" target="_blank">23 Bell Street</a> (below) is for sale for $210,000. It was listed in July.
<img src="/images/2016/10/07/23%20Bell%20Street.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Tumbarumba is NSW's slowest selling housing market: Investar

<html><body>
Flemington is ranked the Melbourne suburb with the fastest selling houses, according to Investar’s latest market report.
The property investment firm calculates houses listed by private treaty in Flemington sell in 39 days.
This is followed by Kensington at 40 days and Caulfield South at 42 days.
<table border="1" align="left"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Suburb</td>
<td>Postcode</td>
<td>Dwelling type</td>
<td>Bedrooms</td>
<td>Days on market</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Flemington</td>
<td>3031</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kensington</td>
<td>3031</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Caulfield South</td>
<td>3162</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elsternwick</td>
<td>3185</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brunswick</td>
<td>3056</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>43</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
 
 
This list was produced using live on the market sales listing data.
It is also calculated at both a dwelling type and bedroom number level. It is designed to identify the fastest moving suburbs based on the average days a listing spends on the market at a suburb and property type level.
Low average days on market indicates that the market is turning over stock quickly which may indicate that demand is stronger than supply.
Houses for sale at Flemington at the median price of $850,000 include a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-flemington-123684630" target="_blank">17 Sturt Street</a> (above) that was offered for auction with price guidance between $850,000 to $900,000.
It fetched $1,237,000 at weekend auction.
</body></html>

Flemington takes top spot in Melbourne's fastest selling houses: Investar

<html><body>
Elliot Heads is the Queensland location where there has been the biggest increase in house stock compared to last year, according to Investar’s latest market report.
The property advisory firm states that Elliot Heads has experienced a house listing growth of 204%, up from 21 to 64 over the past 12 month period.
This is followed by Mango Hill, up from 79 to 239 and Nudgee, up from 27 to 74 houses on sale.
<table border="1" align="left"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Suburb</td>
<td>Postcode</td>
<td>Current sales stock</td>
<td>Sales stock 1 yr ago</td>
<td>Growth</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elliot Heads</td>
<td>4670</td>
<td>64</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>204%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mango Hill</td>
<td>4509</td>
<td>239</td>
<td>79</td>
<td>202%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nudgee</td>
<td>4014</td>
<td>74</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>174%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Park Ridge</td>
<td>4125</td>
<td>125</td>
<td>46</td>
<td>171%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Upper Kedron</td>
<td>4055</td>
<td>49</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>104%</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
 
 
This list was produced using historical listing data at a suburb level for houses.
It is designed to identify the suburbs with the biggest increase in stock on market for the current month when compared to the stock on market for the same period 12 months ago.
A large increase in stock on market could indicate weakening demand conditions or an increase in supply from growing activity in the market.
Houses for sale at around the $373,500 median in Elliot Heads includes a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-elliott+heads-123105222" target="_blank">22 Mitchell Street</a> (above) that is for sale for $369,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-elliott+heads-123013178" target="_blank">9 Brieschke Street</a> (below) is for sale for $375,000.
<img src="/images/2016/10/07/9%20Brieschke%20Street.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Elliot Heads house listings soar to Queensland top spot: Investar

<html><body>
Agnes Water is ranked the slowest sales location in Queensland to sell a house, according to Investar’s latest market report.
The property investment firm states that an average house at Agnes Water can expect to be on the market for 1086 days before being sold.
This is followed by Innisfail at 927 days and Kurrimine Beach at 866 days.
<table border="1" align="left"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Suburb</td>
<td>Postcode</td>
<td>Dwelling type</td>
<td>Bedrooms</td>
<td>Days on market</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Agnes Water</td>
<td>4677</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>1086</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Innisfail</td>
<td>4860</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>927</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kurrimine Beach</td>
<td>4871</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>866</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Coolum Beach</td>
<td>4573</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>796</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Airlie Beach</td>
<td>4802</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>731</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
This list was produced using live on the market sales listing data.
It is also calculated at both a dwelling type and bedroom number level. It is designed to identify the slowest moving suburbs based on the average days a listing spends on the market at a suburb and property type level.
High average days on market indicates that the market is turning over stock slowly, which may indicate that demand is weaker than supply creating a stronger negotiation point for buyers.
Houses for sale at Agnes Water at the median price of $305,000 include a two bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-agnes+water-117917947" target="_blank">Agnes Water </a>(above) that is for sale for $319,000.
</body></html>

Agnes Water houses taking 1000 plus days to find buyer: Investar

<html><body>
Combined capital city dwelling values rose by 6.6 percent year to year to according to CoreLogic RP Data's Hedonic Home Value Index, March 2016.
CoreLogic RP Data head of research Tim Lawless said the figures show an over-performance by detached housing relative to units.
"This can most likely be attributed to the more efficient release of higher density housing supply together with an ongoing shortage of strategically located vacant land and new detached housing stock,” Mr Lawless said.
<a href="/images/2016/04/01/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-01%20at%203.00.56%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/01/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-01%20at%203.00.56%20PM.png" alt="">
</body></html>

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