Two years after completing one of the newest developments in North Sydney, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> is turning its attention to the rapidly evolving St Leonards apartment market.

The developer, which completed AURA by Aqualand on North Sydney's Walker Street, has lodged plans for a 5,918 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/33-37-herbert-street-st-leonards-nsw-2065">33-37 Herbert Street, St Leonards,</a> seeking approval for a pair of residential towers rising above a shared podium opposite Royal North Shore Hospital.

The proposal forms part of the broader transformation underway across the St Leonards-Crows Nest precinct, where former industrial and commercial sites are increasingly being redeveloped into high-density mixed-use projects tied to major transport infrastructure.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cc428cf-fe70-4cac-9cd5-264ad53af62c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=otKSnHtbjAvAddOnovyXQMgcAwE6DMe1" />

According to the planning documents, the site sits “within the St Leonards–Crows Nest Strategic Centre, identified by the NSW Government as a key area for accommodating future jobs and housing across Sydney.”

The proposal has been designed by fjcstudio, formerly FJMT Studio, and is being progressed through the State Significant Development pathway due to its scale and affordable housing provision.

The scheme would comprise 413 apartments, including 46 affordable housing units, alongside retail and commercial uses fronting Herbert Street. The project would also include communal open space, landscaping, a swimming pool, gymnasium, children’s play areas and podium-level resident amenities.

Planning documents show the development would consist of a part-13, part-39 storey tower form positioned above a four-storey podium.

“The development comprises a unified podium that activates the street interface, and two setback towers to accommodate new housing supply while maintaining an appropriate human scale at ground level,” fjcstudio noted in its Design Report.

The northern and southern towers have been shaped to respond to the surrounding skyline while also limiting overshadowing impacts to nearby public open space, particularly Talus Reserve.

The design report said the differing tower heights were intended to “contribute to a varied skyline while responding to the surrounding built form context and solar access considerations.”

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36da62dc-ff9e-41f2-a7e3-7be38373751c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.45%E2%80%AFAM_0.png?VersionId=Mo6Rp2r.XRLTzIfg_PEEpw8NepDH8UBs" />

The site sits directly opposite Royal North Shore Hospital and within walking distance of both St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

While the site itself sits just outside the formal Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development boundary, the planning documents repeatedly reference its alignment with the broader TOD objectives reshaping the Lower North Shore.

“The site is located adjacent to St Leonards Station and in close proximity to Crows Nest Metro which is within the Crows Nest Transit Orientated Development Accelerated Precinct which has been identified by the NSW Government to support housing delivery,” the Design Verification Statement noted.

According to fjcstudio, the project has been designed to respond to the broader transition occurring across St Leonards, where increasing residential density is being concentrated around transport infrastructure and employment hubs.

“The broader precinct is undergoing significant change, with a mix of existing mid-rise buildings and newer high-density developments,” the report stated.

“Recent and approved projects indicate a consistent shift toward taller built form, typically organised as tower-and-podium typologies with more active ground levels.”

The proposal includes close to 6,000 sqm of retail and commercial space across the ground floor and podium levels, designed to create a more activated street edge along Herbert Street.

Aqualand’s plans would also introduce a landscaped podium shared between the two towers, with communal open space in the form of a podium rooftop designed to support resident interaction and improve urban greening outcomes. The scheme would also introduce pocket parks at the northern and southern ends of the site, including a landscaped area at the corner of Herbert and Ella streets designed to improve pedestrian amenity and soften the streetscape.

&nbsp;

The proposal is being progressed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, which was introduced to accelerate housing supply across the state. The application was declared State Significant Development in April 2025 following an expression of interest process.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faf6d97d-2671-454f-b85a-fe1c6a7be608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=diVd28OBVr5.YV.7prrOz.uAanwwwm7a" />

St Leonards has been particularly active with new developments in recent weeks. Developer SP Setia’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-sp-setia-targets-st-leonards-skyline-with-40-storey-tod-tower">plans for a new 42-storey tower</a> recently went on exhibition through the same pathway, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">Stockland’s 52-storey tower proposal</a> was also recently unveiled.

Aside from the St Leonards project, which is expected to take around nine months to move through the approvals process ahead of a potential 2027 launch, Aqualand is also preparing to launch Boronia, a new apartment project in Roseville comprising around 111 apartments on Larkin Street.

The developer also has approvals in place for the next stage of the Barangaroo precinct, which will feature new residential, retail, hospitality and community uses, alongside a new metro entry across the five-hectare site.

More than 50 new retail destinations are planned for Central Barangaroo, alongside a 270-metre-long boulevard connecting Hickson Park to Nawi Cove. Together with Harbour Park, more than 50 per cent of the precinct will comprise public open space and parkland.

Joel Robinson

First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-5" data-turn="user" data-turn-id="e65dbe94-e3b6-47f7-b62a-9cbb30c9bf79" data-turn-id-container="e65dbe94-e3b6-47f7-b62a-9cbb30c9bf79" dir="auto">Time &amp; Place’s plans to transform the former David Jones factory building in Surry Hills into a mixed-use residential precinct have gone on exhibition through the NSW Government’s In-fill Affordable Housing pathway.</section>

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-6" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:f4d533b7-64a5-413d-86fd-5c99649c2b73-2" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:f4d533b7-64a5-413d-86fd-5c99649c2b73-2" dir="auto">
The Marlborough House proposal, lodged for the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marlborough-house-47-97-marlborough-street-surry-hills-nsw-2010">47-97 Marlborough Street</a> site, would see the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed warehouse building alongside the construction of new residential additions and a separate apartment building on the northern portion of the site.

The proposal seeks approval for 172 apartments across three buildings, including 15 per cent affordable housing managed by a community housing provider for at least 15 years from occupation.

<img alt="Marlborough" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5d1d3c2a-bf13-47d6-a335-7c01102cdee1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.29.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cjMYrbR.BLUlWH4dar0RVDDo0bG.u2YT" />

Interior view from the Northern Building Penthouse overlooking the park

&nbsp;

The redevelopment is planned for the prominent 3,413 sqm site bounded by Marlborough Street, Goodlet Street and Lansdowne Street, directly opposite Eddie Ward Park and around 200 metres from the Surry Hills light rail stop.

Time &amp; Place acquired the former David Jones building in 2024, marking the first time the property had changed hands in around 50 years.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal centres around the adaptive reuse of the former David Jones factory, originally constructed between 1913 and 1935 in the Inter-War Chicagoesque architectural style.

Wardle noted in its Architectural Design Report that the building “occupies a significant place in the industrial and cultural history of Surry Hills” and at its peak was “the largest department store manufacturing facility in Australia, employing over 800 people and fuelling the growth of Sydney’s fashion and retail industries.”

The practice said the project positions itself “not as an isolated intervention, but as a contributor to the civic, social, and architectural grain of the precinct.”

The proposal would deliver 75 apartments within the retained southern heritage building, 59 apartments within the central addition, and a further 38 apartments within the new northern building fronting Lansdowne Street.

Planning documents show the scheme would comprise a mix of heritage apartments, new-build apartments, townhouses and penthouses.

<img alt="Marlborough" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="57758518-40a3-4b83-958c-d06e96a2cffa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.29.42%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VerlX9ST5xgBi8.1_YRsqdWTJeT6ygjs" />Interior View of the Heritage Building Apartment

The development would also include a ground-floor retail tenancy on the corner of Marlborough and Lansdowne streets, rooftop communal open space, a landscaped pedestrian link along the western edge of the site, and basement parking accessed from Lansdowne Street via a car stacker system.

&nbsp;

The scheme emerged from a competitive design process run by Urbis, with Wardle ultimately selected as the winning architect ahead of FJC Studio, TZG, Architectus and Wilkinson Eyre.

The Design Integrity Panel later described several aspects of the Wardle scheme as fundamental to the project, including “the stepped character of the new addition to the north of the site”, the landscaped western pedestrian link, and the “garden arrival” experience separating the original Marlborough House from the heritage addition.

Wardle’s design heavily references the site’s industrial and heritage history, while also responding to the surrounding Surry Hills streetscape.

The Architectural Design Report describes Surry Hills as “a finely grained neighbourhood with beautiful and expressive brickworks throughout the suburb,” with the proposal introducing a material palette intended to sit comfortably alongside the existing warehouse fabric and neighbouring terraces.

The report also outlines the project’s relationship with Eddie Ward Park and the broader landscape context of the area.

“Marlborough House occupies a site of deep cultural memory and the neighbouring Eddie Ward Park is of local ecological significance, where natural systems, topography, and stories have long shaped human experience,” Wardle noted in the report.

The architects said the proposal sought to “rebind built form to Country” through landscape, materiality and the adaptive reuse of the heritage structure.

<img alt="Marlborough House" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ae3f2f9-c85f-477a-a6f8-b43f6cb97c41" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.29.53%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=B.qUCLqRvJOR.n9CvYcTpaknIX9LuqKZ" />

The project is also being progressed under the NSW Government’s in-fill affordable housing provisions, allowing developments that include affordable housing to access additional height and floor space incentives.

Under the plans, 2,593 sqm of the project’s floor space would be dedicated to affordable housing, slightly exceeding the required 15 per cent threshold.

In its Design Excellence Strategy, Urbis said the project aimed to “sensitively adapt and enhance the heritage-listed building on site through alterations and additions that preserve its historical significance” while delivering “high-quality market and infill affordable housing development in Surry Hills.”

Time &amp; Place has been one of the most active developers nationally in the last 12 to 24 months. Late last year they completed&nbsp;The Queensbridge in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>, a mixed-use tower with 353 apartments and a hotel. They are currently selling Park Modern, 246 apartments near the famous Botanic Gardens in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a>, and have future projects, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-wilmot-173-burke-road-28-hope-street-glen-iris-vic-3146">The Wilmot</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>, the redevelopment of the Northcote Plaza, and another tower in South Melbourne.

The developer broke into Sydney just a few years ago with Two Tides in Manly. They have another project nearby, which is at the ultra-luxury end of the market on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/shoreline-manly-beach-89-90-north-steyne-manly">North Steyne</a>, fronting the beach.

It is also continuing to work through the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-time-place-settles-on-design-for-the-chimes-potts-point-redevelopment">redevelopment of The Chimes building</a> on Macleay Street in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/potts-point-nsw-2011">Potts Point</a>, as well as a project on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/time-place-to-take-on-mosman-apartment-market">Mosman's Redan Street</a>.
</section>

First look: Time & Place unveils Marlborough House redevelopment designs for former David Jones warehouse in Surry Hills

The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

House Prices

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Queensland is tipped to replace New South Wales as the most optimistic state regarding the residential property market and lead the country for price and rental growth over the next two years, according to the NAB Residential Property Survey.
The NAB Residential Property Survey found market sentiment improved notably in Queensland and was less negative in SA/NT, softened in Victoria and NSW and fell to a new low in WA.
<a href="/images/2015/10/29/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-29%20at%2010.58.02%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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NAB Group chief economist Alan Oster said the NAB Residential Property Index fell -7 to +10 points in the September quarter - its second consecutive fall - with the index now below its long-term average (+14 points), however it’s not all negative as the overall picture masks some big differences across individual state markets.
“The survey also suggests that yield compression will continue as capital growth outpaces rental growth in all states,” he said.
“Foreign buyers were notably more active in Victoria, where they accounted for just over 1 in 4 of all new property sales and around 1 in 7 sales of established homes.
"In established property markets, foreign buyers accounted for around 11.3% of all apartment sales and 9.5% of house sales. These ratios were significantly higher in Victoria, where foreign buyers accounted for around 1 in 5 of all established apartment sales and just over 1 in 6 houses.
The report noted expectations for national house price growth over the next 1-2 years were scaled back to 1.5% and 1.8%. 
"However, this also masked a notable improvement in Queensland, which is now predicted to be the leading state for capital growth in the next few years (2.6% &amp; 3.4%). In contrast, expectations were cut back in NSW (2.2% &amp; 1.8%) and Victoria (1.9% &amp; 1.9%), and remain weak in SA/NT (-0.2% &amp; 0.5%) and WA (-0.7% &amp; 0.4%)," it read.
"In 2016, the slowdown in average national house price growth to 2.3% is largely driven by a moderation in both Sydney and Melbourne prices growth. NAB Economics expects house price growth to decelerate in Sydney to 1.2%, while price growth in Melbourne will ease to 3%. Brisbane is tipped to see the fastest house price growth (4.5%), and the Adelaide market is expected to improve (2.4%). Perth will remain weak, although price declines are forecast to ease."
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

QLD to replace NSW as most optimistic: NAB

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The median house price in Townsville has continued to fall over the past six months, according to Herron Todd White.
Herron Todd White's October Month in Review said affordability concerns continue to dominate the local market with buyers not straying outside their comfort zones, and having lowered their aspirations, only buying properties they regard as affordable based on their current economic circumstances .
"Over the past six months the most active sector has been the $300,000 to $400,000 price bracket with 37% of recorded sales falling within this price range. Of these sales, 53% were priced under $350,000 and 47% priced between $350,000 and $400,000," it noted. 
"Sales within this price range cover a number of suburbs with the middle class suburbs of Kirwan, Mount Louisa, Douglas and Annandale featuring strongly, along with the northern beaches suburb of Bushland Beach. 
"A wide variety of property is available within this range. A typical property at the $350,000 price point entry in the middle class suburbs of Kirwan
and Annandale would be a low set dwelling with three plus bedrooms, two bathrooms, double garage and semi modern fitout on a larger traditional sized lots.
"Douglas and Mount Louisa offer more modern low set homes circa 2000 with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and double garage on smaller 500 square metre lots at around this price entry. At Bushland Beach, $350,000 would buy a modern generally circa 2005 low set 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with double garage on 600 plus square metre lot."
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Median Townsville house price continues to fall: Herron Todd White

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GUEST OBSERVER
How are Australia’s states and territories performing? Each quarter CommSec attempts to find out by analysing eight key indicators: economic growth; retail spending; equipment investment; unemployment; construction work done; population growth; housing finance and dwelling  commencements.
Just as the Reserve Bank uses long-term averages to determine the level of ‘normal’ interest rates; we have done the same with key economic indicators. For each state and territory, latest readings for the key indicators were compared with decade averages – that is, against the ‘normal’ performance.
There has been little change in the latest rankings. NSW has retained top spot as the best performing economy while Victoria has consolidated second spot, with both states pushing further ahead of the other states and territories.
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The next grouping of economies is the Northern Territory and Western Australia which now share third spot in the performance rankings. 
And there is little to separate economies in the third grouping of state and territory economies. Queensland is fifth ranked, ahead of the ACT (sixth) followed by South Australia (seventh) and Tasmania (eighth). 
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NSW has retained its top rankings on population growth, retail trade and dwelling starts but now adds housing finance to the list. NSW is still second placed on unemployment and is also second strongest on equipment investment. The other rankings are: construction work (fourth) and economic growth (fifth). 
Victoria has consolidated second spot on the economic performance rankings. Victoria’s main strengths are population growth, housing finance and dwelling starts (second ranked on each indicator.) 
The Northern Territory remains the third ranked economy, but has fallen further behind Victoria and now shares the third ranking with Western Australia. 
Northern Territory is top ranked on economic growth, business investment and construction work done. But the ‘top end’ economy is last ranked on population growth, housing finance and dwelling starts. 
Western Australia is second on retail trade, economic growth and construction work, but higher unemployment (eighth ranked) has impacted housing activity. 
Queensland retains fifth position on the economic performance table but it is clear that it is now in a third grouping of economies with the ACT, South Australia and Tasmania. Queensland is middle ranked on most indicators. 
The ACT economy has retained sixth position on economic performance. The territory ranks third on economic growth and housing finance but is seventh ranked on three indicators. 
South Australia has held seventh spot on the economic performance rankings but Tasmania is showing better momentum. South Australia does best on population growth and equipment investment (both third ranked) but is seventh ranked on three indicators. 
Tasmania remains at the bottom of the Australian economic performance table. But importantly Tasmania is now top ranked on unemployment and third ranked on housing finance. 
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Ideally gross state product (GSP) would be used to assess broad economic growth. But the data isn’t available quarterly. Rather, state final demand (household and business spending) is added to exports less imports to act as a proxy for GSP. Exclusion of the trade sector would provide an incorrect assessment of growth for economies such as Western Australia and Queensland. 
There have been no changes in the rankings on economic activity. The Northern Territory continues to lead the way, up 26 per cent above its ‘normal’ or decade- average level of output. 
Next strongest is Western Australia, with output just over 18 per cent higher than the decade average level of output. Then follows ACT (up 16.5 per cent) from Victoria (up 11.6 per cent) and NSW (up 10.8 per cent). 
At the other end of the scale, economic activity in Tasmania in the June quarter was just 0.6 per cent above its decade average, while South Australian activity was up almost 7 per cent on its ‘normal’ or average output over the past decade. Queensland economic activity was up by around 10 per cent on the decade average. 
The ACT now has the fastest annual economic growth rate in the nation, up by 4.0 per cent on a year ago, ahead of Victoria with 3.9 per cent and NSW (1.4 per cent). 
By contrast, the Northern Territory economy is down 7.4 per cent on a year ago, while Western Australian economic activity is down 2.0 per cent on a year ago with the Queensland economy down 0.2 per cent on a year ago. 
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 Craig James is the chief economist at <a href="https://www.comsec.com.au/default.aspx" target="_blank">CommSec</a>.
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cjames-5S2v74qSNK

State of the States: CommSec's Craig James

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<div>Sydney house prices rose by a more sedate +3.2% in the September quarter to be up by +21.7% over the year to a median price of $1,032,422 reported Domain.</div>
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<div>This followed on from a much faster +8.4% boom in Sydney house prices over the June quarter. </div>
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<div>Sydney's median unit price increased by a little over $10,000 to $673,182 over the September quarter. </div>
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<div>Meanwhile, Brisbane's median house price increased from $493,227 to $497,143 over the three months to September.</div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Sydney boom slows in Q3: Pete Wargent

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It has been interesting to track economic data over the past few years, watching the Sydney economy outperform across most metrics.
Small wonder that the Sydney housing market has also forged ahead so strongly since 2008.
The New South Wales economy is powering Australia's economic growth, with ANZ's stateometer now showing the Premier State both above trend and accelerating across a range of economic indicators, from labour market conditions to house prices.
<a href="/images/2015/10/22/NSW.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/10/22/NSW.jpg" alt="">
 
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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NSW above trend and accelerating: Pete Wargent

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The great Sydney house price boom has ended, Domain senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson says after house price growth tracked back sharply over the September quarter. 
Sydney recorded a median house price of $1,032,433, up 3.2% over the quarter — the lowest quarterly rate of growth reported since March 2014. Sydney’s unit prices increased by 1.5% over the September quarter to $673,182 – an annual rise of 15.1%. Its rate of growth this quarter was also down significantly when compared to the record 7.4% reported over the June quarter. “The extraordinary house price growth Sydney has recorded over the last three years is now clearly receding, although price growth remains relatively strong and well ahead of all other capitals except Melbourne. Sydney’s house prices have increased by a remarkable 21.7% over the year ending September,” Dr Andrew Wilson said.
“Nothing will slow a market more than higher interest rates and the enthusiasm of a bullish market has now started to wane,” he told Domain.
The Melbourne median house price increased by 2.8% over the September quarter – exceeding $700,000 for the first time. With a median house price of $707,415, Melbourne is clearly the second highest capital city housing market, still well behind Sydney but ahead of the next placed Darwin.  While a strong result, Melbourne house price growth over the September quarter was well below the 6.0 % recorded in the previous June quarter. Melbourne unit prices increased by 1.9 % over the September quarter to $435,674 with annual prices rising by 2.4%. 
<a href="/images/2015/10/22/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-22%20at%207.56.34%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/10/22/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-22%20at%207.56.34%20AM.png" alt=""> “Despite the retreat in the rate of house price growth over the September quarter, Melbourne’s median house price increased by 15.6% over the year which was the highest annual result recorded since June 2010,” Dr Andrew Wilson said. 
The Brisbane housing market reported another modest result for house price growth over the September quarter. Its median house price increased by just 0.8% to $497,143 with annual prices up by 3.6%. With the market remaining largely subdued, it is likely that Brisbane house price growth this year will be well below the 6.5% recorded over 2014. Brisbane unit prices fell by 0.6%over the September quarter to $362,737, a drop year-on-year of 5.6%. 
“This was the fifth consecutive quarter of falling unit prices in Brisbane. With high levels of new apartment construction entering the market over the past year, supply has pushed well ahead of demand.” 
The Adelaide housing market reported a relatively flat result over the September quarter, with the median house price increasing by just 0.3% to $485,873. This modest result follows two strong quarters of growth with the annual house price still up by 5.1%.  Adelaide unit prices also increased slightly, up by just 0.6% over the September quarter to $293,711. 
“Despite a subdued September quarter of growth, Adelaide’s house prices are still likely to increase at a faster rate this year than the 3.3%recorded over 2014. Year-on-year unit prices have fallen by 1.7%, suggesting that the strong supply of inner city units is moving the market ahead of demand.”
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The Perth housing market continued to decline over the September quarter, recording its sharpest fall in house prices since June 2011. The median house price in Perth fell by 2.4% to $589,100 and is now below $600,000 for the first time since the September quarter 2013. 
Perth unit prices also fell sharply over the September quarter down by 3.7% to $390,916 for an annual decline of 2.8%.
“Perth house prices have now fallen by 3.2% over the past year with only Darwin recording a lower rate of annual house price growth. The sharp deterioration in the local economy and significant increases in jobless numbers has affected buyer and seller confidence. This continues to impact Perth housing market activity,” Dr Wilson said. 
Hobart’s house prices increased marginally over the September quarter, up by 0.9% to $346,370.  Rebounding strongly, Hobart’s unit prices performed well over the quarter increasing by 8.5% following a 4.5% fall over the previous June quarter. 
The Hobart median unit price is at $269,302 – an increase of 6.1% over the past year.  “Despite the modest increase in house prices over the quarter, strong growth earlier in the year has Hobart’s house prices up by 6.5% year-on-year and are on track to increase over 2015 at a significantly higher rate than the 1.3% recorded last year,” Dr Wilson said. 
The Canberra median house price increased by 2.3% over the quarter to reach $625,092. House prices have now increased by 7.8% over the past year, representing a rate of growth behind only Sydney and Melbourne of all the Australian capitals. 
Canberra’s median unit price fell by 4.7% over the September quarter to $385,825 to be below $400,000 for the first time since the December quarter 2009. Annual unit prices in Canberra are now down by 5.7%.
“Canberra’s annual house price growth rate is the highest recorded by the local market since September 2010 with prices growth this year set to clearly exceed the 3.1% recorded over 2014. The strong result recorded by the Canberra housing market over the September quarter is reflective of rising buyer confidence, which has been restored after a subdued period of buyer activity.
“While house prices have grown strongly in Canberra this year, unit prices continue to decline. This suggests the high levels of new apartment construction over recent years have moved supply ahead of demand,” Dr Wilson said. 
Darwin’s house prices decreased by 2.3% over the September quarter to $639,042 following strong growth of 3.6% recorded over the June quarter.  Darwin unit prices were also down sharply over the September quarter falling by 6.1% to $408,904 – an annual decrease of 6.9%.  “The Darwin median house price has fallen by 5.1% over the past year, which reflects reduced demand from interstate job seekers and an associated weakening of local economic activity.
 “Recent high levels of new apartment construction in Darwin area are a significant factor in weaker unit market performance,” Dr Andrew Wilson said. 
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Sydney slows, Perth falls, Melbourne moderates and Brisbane patchy: Domain 

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Melbourne’s property market has secured yet another record, with the city’s median house price increasing to $729,500 in the three months to September 30.
REIV CEO Enzo Raimondo said the median was up 4.5% from the previous quarter. 
Mr Raimondo said continued high auction numbers in recent months had boosted house prices across the city. 
"Melbourne’s buoyant property market has experienced one of the strongest starts to the traditional spring selling season on record,” he said. “We’ve seen super Saturday auction weekends recorded throughout August and September. 
“In September alone, there were more than 4,400 auctions, and many more are scheduled in October.
The city’s middle and outer suburbs were the main growth drivers in the three months to September 30, with homes in these regions up 4.4 and 5.1% respectively.
Melbourne’s median apartment price increased in the September quarter – up 2.6% to $532,000.
Mr Raimondo said there was currently a range of commentary around market movement however while the market was cyclical, it was in an upward trend at this time.
“The market is currently on an upwards trajectory. The September quarter was extremely strong and that trend is continuing into the December quarter.” Melbourne’s property market has secured yet another record, with the city’s median house price increasing to $729,500 in the three months to September 30.
REIV CEO Enzo Raimondo said the median was up 4.5% from the previous quarter. 
Mr Raimondo said continued high auction numbers in recent months had boosted house prices across the city.
"Melbourne’s buoyant property market has experienced one of the strongest starts to the traditional spring selling season on record,” he said. “We’ve seen super Saturday auction weekends recorded throughout August and September.
“In September alone, there were more than 4,400 auctions, and many more are scheduled in October.
The city’s middle and outer suburbs were the main growth drivers in the three months to September 30, with homes in these regions up 4.4 and 5.1% respectively.
Melbourne’s median apartment price increased in the September quarter – up 2.6% to $532,000.
Mr Raimondo said there was currently a range of commentary around market movement however while the market was cyclical, it was in an upward trend at this time.
“The market is currently on an upwards trajectory. The September quarter was extremely strong and that trend is continuing into the December quarter.”
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Metro Melbourne"]'>Metro Melbourne</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Sep-15 Quarter"]'>Sep-15 Quarter</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Quarterly change"]'>Quarterly change</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Jun-15 Quarter"]'>Jun-15 Quarter</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Annual change"]'>Annual change</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"House"]'>House</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,729500]">$729,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.045]">4.5%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,698000]">$698,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.082]">8.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Unit"]'>Unit</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,532000]">$532,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.026]">2.6%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,518500]">$518,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.051]">5.1%</td>
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<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
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<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Inner"]'>Inner</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Sep-15 Quarter"]'>Sep-15 Quarter</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Quarterly change"]'>Quarterly change</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Jun-15 Quarter"]'>Jun-15 Quarter</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Annual change"]'>Annual change</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"House"]'>House</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1236000]">$1,236,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,-0.002]">-0.2%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1239000]">$1,239,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.175]">17.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Unit"]'>Unit</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,560000]">$560,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.024]">2.4%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,547000]">$547,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.024]">2.4%</td>
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<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
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<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Middle"]'>Middle</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Sep-15 Quarter"]'>Sep-15 Quarter</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Quarterly change"]'>Quarterly change</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Jun-15 Quarter"]'>Jun-15 Quarter</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Annual change"]'>Annual change</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"House"]'>House</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,861000]">$861,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.044]">4.4%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,825000]">$825,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.136]">13.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Unit"]'>Unit</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,586500]">$586,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.017]">1.7%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,576500]">$576,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.088]">8.8%</td>
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<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Outer"]'>Outer</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Sep-15 Quarter"]'>Sep-15 Quarter</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Quarterly change"]'>Quarterly change</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Jun-15 Quarter"]'>Jun-15 Quarter</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Annual change"]'>Annual change</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"House"]'>House</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,550500]">$550,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.051]">5.1%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,524000]">$524,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.079]">7.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Unit"]'>Unit</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,415500]">$415,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.039]">3.9%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,400000]">$400,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.052]">5.2%</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 Note: All quarterly median prices are seasonally adjusted and quarterly. Annual change is based on rolling annual figures.
 The graph below depicts median house and unit prices in Melbourne over the past decade in seasonally adjusted terms.
<a href="/images/2015/10/19/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-19%20at%208.39.48%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/10/19/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-19%20at%208.39.48%20AM.png" alt="">
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Melbourne's house price median hits $729,500: REIV 

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Regional rental performance on the whole is weak, according to CoreLogic RP Data, however there were some positive signs. 
CoreLogic RP Data's Quarterly Regional Market Rental Review to September found the strongest performance by far was across regional Tasmania, where rents rose by 2% for houses.
The greatest fall in rental rates in comparison to last year was in the Northern Territory, with a decrease in house rents of 6.0%.
Over the September quarter rents for detached housing had no increase over the quarter, with rent falling in Western Australia (-2.6%), Northern Territory (-2.1%) and Victoria (-1.7%).  
Highest rental growth region for houses was in northern New South Wales, with an increase of 3.3% over the quarter to $310/week.
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Regional house rental performance weak: CoreLogic RP Data 

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Confidence around housing remains weak, according to the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment in October.
The ‘time to buy a dwelling’ index slipped from 101.7 to 101.3 (down by 0.4%) to be down by 11% over the year.
This Index peaked in September 2013 at 145.3 and is down over 30% from that peak, Westpac chief economist Bill Evans noted.
There was a sharp fall in confidence around the outlook for house prices.
The Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of House Price Expectations fell by 3.9% to 124.2.
It is now down by 14.9% over the last three months and 25% from its peak in December 2013.
Evans says the Reserve Bank Board that next meets on November 3 will be encouraged by the signals from this survey and the official data that employment conditions and confidence around employment prospects appear to be finally improving.
"However it will probably be a little disappointed that confidence remains below the 100 level where pessimists outnumber optimists," he said.
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Time to buy property sentiment is down: Westpac

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Owning a home is a key goal for many Australians. But rising property prices have led some people to question whether to give up on that dream and continue to rent.
In some areas it is cheaper to rent than to buy, but there are still suburbs where buying a home is affordable. If you have a reasonable deposit saved you may find your mortgage costs are comparable to rent, or even lower.  
There are also non-financial benefits to buying a home, although renting has its advantages as well and there are downsides to both. 
WHY BUY?
If you buy, you could build equity in your property. Once you’ve fully repaid the mortgage, you’ll own it outright. 
Buying allows you to put your personal stamp on the home, decorating or renovating to your taste and perhaps adding to the property’s value. As a result, you’ll typically feel a greater emotional connection to a property you’re buying than to one you rent. 
You’ll also have greater security and stability if you buy. As long as you comply with your obligations under the loan, you can live in your home as long as you want – and leave it as an inheritance to your loved ones.  
The downsides to buying are that if you do wish to move, you’ll have to rent out the property or sell, which involves time and transaction costs.
Owners also have costs such as repairs and maintenance, strata fees, council rates and water levies which tenants do not have to cover.
WHY RENT?
Flexibility is a key benefit of renting. If you wish to move at the end of a lease, you can easily do so. 
You may also find you can afford to rent in a location where buying would be out of your reach, particularly if you don’t have much savings. 
The drawbacks are that you’ll never own the home you live in and you could be asked to move out if the landlord decides to sell or move into the property themselves.
Tenants must seek landlord approval for simple changes, such as hanging pictures on the walls so it’s hard to create a home that perfectly matches your style. 
Quick tip: Buying offers stability, security and the chance to build an asset. Renting provides flexibility and freedom. 
 
TO FIND OUT HOW RAMS CAN HELP EASE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS, GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LOCAL RAMS HOME LOAN EXPERT OR DROP IN FOR YOUR <a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/297185195;124281891;s" target="_blank">FREE FIRST HOME BUYERS’ GUIDE</a>.
For more great property advice and tips on buying your first home from RAMS subscribe to <a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/297187169;124281892;w" target="_blank">The Great Australian Dream property series</a>.
For your free Property Observer eBook from RAMS, 12 tips for first-time buyers, covering everything you need to know when it comes to purchasing property, click here.
Disclaimer: Information in this material is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. You should also obtain independent professional advice relevant to your financial circumstances.
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