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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

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

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

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

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

Housing Prices

The 2032 Brisbane Olympics will not only deliver an economic boost to trade and tourism but is set to have a big impact on the local property market, according to one economist.

PRD Research chief economist, Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo, has predicted that Brisbane&rsquo;s median house price could increase to $1.7 million by 2023, 2.5 times its current median of $674,738.

The forecast by PRD Research was reached using historical data of house prices following two global events hosted in Brisbane, the World Expo in 1988 and the G20 Summit in 2014.

<img alt="" height="628" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/bide-21-longland-street-newstead-f94e8b1acc183d4e31ebc002ecefc8ef.png" width="1200" />

In the 11 years prior to Expo 88, the Brisbane LGA median house price grew by 278.8 per cent and prices in South Bank and its surrounding suburbs grew by an average 335.3 per cent.

In the year following, house prices grew by a further 29.7 per cent in Brisbane and 19.1 per cent in South Bank and nearby suburbs.

A similar trend unfolded when the city hosted the 2014 G20 Brisbane Summit with property prices surging 112 per cent in Brisbane and 116 per cent in South Bank in the decade before the event.

&ldquo;[H]osting both Expo 1988 and G20 Summit has served the Brisbane property market well,&rdquo; Dr Mardiasmo said.

Applying the same level of growth seen in these events, PRD Research predicts Brisbane&#39;s median house price to rise to $1.7 million by 2033, a year after the Olympics.

Dr Mardiasmo noted there were differences in the pace of property growth in past events, but even going at &ldquo;half-strength&rdquo;, the median house price would reach $1.2 million by 2033.

&quot;The prospect of a $1 million median house price for Brisbane is a real possibility.&quot;

Research by KPMG predicts that hosting the 2032 Games will deliver $8.1 billion in benefits to Queensland including a $4.6 billion economic boost to tourism and trade and $3.5 billion in social improvements such as health, volunteering and community benefits.

Urban takes a look at three residences you could secure in Brisbane to get ahead of the trends.

1. Bide, Newstead 
Developer: Dibcorp Properties 
Two-bedroom apartments from $635,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102309 project_image_fid=163979]

Bide is a new residential offering nestled in the heart of Newstead, offering 89 residences.

Designed in collaboration between architects Twohill &amp; James, Lat27 and Wiltshire Stevens Architecture, each apartment has rethought residential living.

&ldquo;Bide embodies the belief that the spaces we inhabit are essential to a balanced life&rdquo;, the project marketing reads.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102309 project_image_fid=163974]

Among its features include large spacious apartments, open-plan living and dining, balcony space and a study nook in some apartments for working from home.

2. Queens Wharf Residences, Brisbane 
Developer:&nbsp;Far East Consortium 
One-bedroom apartments from $565,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13276 project_image_fid=80720]

Situated in Brisbane&rsquo;s historical heart, Queens Wharf Residences&rsquo; atrium entrance on George Street directly connects the CBD through to the riverfront.

The precinct will feature iconic contemporary architecture alongside a collection of beautifully restored heritage buildings, including the Brisbane Printing Office.

The one, two and three-bedroom residences at Queen&rsquo;s Wharf have been curated by&nbsp;Cottee Parker&nbsp;to deliver the most to its residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13276 project_image_fid=80722]

Each apartment features winter gardens with lift and tilt windows, as well as feature views of the city, Botanic Garden or city views.

3. The Coterie, Fortitude Valley 
Developer: Vicland Property Group 
Two-bedroom apartments from $536,080

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6257 project_image_fid=141423]

Vicland Property Group&rsquo;s two breathtaking apartment buildings at Fortitude Valley offers a modern-day sanctuary in an energised urban village.

A prestigious collaboration by&nbsp;Rothelowman&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bruce Henderson&nbsp;Architects delivers residents a range of versatile, open-plan designs and luxury lifestyle offerings.

&ldquo;Designer touches are apparent in every space with the refined treatment of contemporary polished surfaces, textural finishes and confident, monochromatic highlights&rdquo;, the project marketing reads.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6257 project_image_fid=141415]

With limited apartments remaining, and only 1.5-kilometres from Brisbane&rsquo;s CBD, The Coterie is not one to miss.

The forecast by PRD Research was reached using historical data of house prices following two global events hosted in Brisbane, the World Expo in 1988 and the G20 Summit in 2014. 

max.kwok_55688

Olympics to grow Brisbane median house price 2.5 times current levels, economist says

ABS has today released the June data for housing approvals which shows that in NSW, the planning system approved 12.7% in less in June than was approved in May. The Council shut down for elections has started.

Urban Taskforce has warned the NSW Government that they faced a real risk that Councils would ease off on approvals in the lead up to what was to be the September elections.&nbsp; Today&rsquo;s data shows that the Government&rsquo;s light touch on Councils has resulted in precisely that.&nbsp; Worse, the Council elections have now been postponed till December and unless someone holds a blow-torch to the Councils and approval bodies, approvals will drop off further.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751]

Even prior to the lockdown, the productivity of the planning system had dropped off. Our economy cannot recover with this drop off in performance.&nbsp; Planning reform and approvals now will deliver a pipeline of work for when vaccinations allow our economy to fully re-open.&nbsp; There is an opportunity to catch up &ndash; but it seems that the planning system has slowed up again.

Urban Taskforce calls on the Government to immediately implement the recommendation of the NSW Productivity Commission White Paper.&nbsp; The GSC has set housing targets.&nbsp; It is up to the NSW Government to ensure that Councils meet them.&nbsp; Targets need to be regularly monitored against performance.&nbsp; There can be no excuse for Councils refusing to accept the targets.&nbsp; LGA Housing Strategies must come with sanctions for those Councils that selfishly refuse to contribute to housing supply, resulting in rising new home prices inflicted on those least able to afford them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30049 project_image_fid=162884]

The data shows that NSW housing approvals reached their peak in 2015/16 2016/17 and 2017/18 at around 73,000 approvals each year. Then, in the lead up to the NSW State election (2018/19) approvals dropped off to 58,000 and stayed low in 2019/20 with only 48,000, despite &ldquo;fast track&rdquo; schemes and a flurry of DPIE activity.

The total approvals have risen across all of NSW to 59,000 and this is welcome &ndash; but it remains well short of what is needed.&nbsp; The data reveals the problem.&nbsp; Apartment approvals across NSW have dropped significantly (most of these in Greater Sydney) while new separated house approvals have remained relatively flat.

<img alt="" height="444" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-08-07_at_2.19.12_am.png" width="1180" />

The table above, based on the ABS data, clearly shows that the price escalation is due to a drop off in housing approvals and this is flowing on to a drop off in housing supply.&nbsp;

Further, the time taken to navigate the NSW planning system, even after an approval has been granted, often takes years, adding to risk for the property development industry and additional costs for new home buyers.

The message went out to Councils in 2018 that the NSW Government was going to go soft on them after the Council amalgamation debacle.&nbsp; But the result has been a massive under supply of housing.&nbsp; This will only get worse unless Government can incentivise Councils to deliver an over-supply of new approvals.

Council elections have now been postponed till December and unless someone holds a blow-torch to the Councils and approval bodies, approvals will drop off further. 

ABS housing approvals data spells out why housing prices are going through the roof

The RBA has noted that housing prices had increased significantly in recent months.&nbsp;

&quot;Growth in housing prices had been especially strong for detached housing, particularly in outer metropolitan and regional areas,&quot; according to the RBA.

&quot;This had partly reflected strong demand from first-home buyers and owner-occupiers seeking more space.&quot;

&quot;The momentum in housing price increases had broadened recently to include the largest capital cities and the more expensive segments of these markets, although the increase in overall housing prices in Australia during the pandemic had been more modest than in a number of other countries.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95292 project_image_fid=156359]

The minutes did not only single out New Zealand.

The minutes did note cross-country differences in population growth stemming from international border closures.&nbsp;

&quot;In some countries, including Canada, which had experienced high and rising rates of immigration in the years prior to the pandemic, population growth had slowed substantially.&quot;

&quot;In New Zealand, some of the slowdown in population growth had been mitigated by the return of expatriate New Zealand citizens during the pandemic; in turn, it was likely that this had contributed to the increase in housing demand in New Zealand.&quot;

The minutes noted the decline in population growth in Australia had been particularly steep relative to other countries; in the 3 months to September, the Australian population had declined for the first time in several decades as a result of a reversal in net overseas migration.&nbsp;

&quot;However, in countries where net migration had contributed less to population growth in the years before the pandemic, including the United States, population trends had been little changed in recent quarters.&quot;

The minutes also noted that globally, asset prices had been increasing given the low levels of interest rates.&nbsp;

&quot;Housing prices, in particular, had increased strongly in a number of countries in the latter part of 2020 and early 2021.&quot;

&quot;Growth in housing credit had increased in a number of these countries, but it generally remained slower than growth in housing prices.&quot;

It noted that in Australia growth in both housing credit and housing prices had picked up, &quot;but to a lesser extent.&quot;

Annualised growth in housing credit had been around 4&frac12; per cent over the 6 months to February, driven by demand from owner-occupiers.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494 project_image_fid=90814]

The minutes noted demand for new housing finance had been strong, and the high level of loan commitments indicated that housing credit growth was likely to increase in the months ahead.&nbsp;

&quot;However, there was no notable evidence of a deterioration in housing lending standards.&nbsp;

&quot;The share of loans with higher loan-to-valuation ratios had increased, but this was in part explained by the larger share of first-home buyers.&quot;

&quot;The share of loans with high debt-to-income ratios had been relatively stable.&quot;

&quot;Members agreed that it would be important to watch carefully for increased risk-taking by lenders and any deterioration in lending standards and larger shares of higher-risk loans.&quot;

The members noted that low interest rates had been one of the factors contributing to the increase in demand for housing, alongside other policies such as government grants.&nbsp;

The latest minutes noted advertised rents had also picked up in a number of capital cities recently, although, as in other countries, housing prices had increased by more than rents.

&quot;Rents and overall conditions in the apartment market in Melbourne, and to a lesser extent in Sydney, remained subdued as the reduction in net overseas migration was still lowering demand,&quot; it noted.

The RBA says the increase in overall housing prices in Australia during the pandemic had been more modest than in a number of other countries

jchancellor

Australia's housing price rises more modest than overseas: RBA

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According to the CoreLogic RP Data Stratified Hedonic Index, the most affordable quarter of suburbs recorded annual value growth of 6.6 percent compared to a 6.4 percent rise across the middle market, and a 7.0 percent rise across the most expensive suburbs. 
While the annual figures show the most expensive suburbs recorded the strongest value growth over the past 3 months, value rises have been more uniform and with little difference between the broad value-based segments of the market. 
Across the most affordable suburbs, we’ve seen values move 1.8 percent higher over the March quarter followed by the most expensive suburbs move by 1.7 percent, and the middle market suburbs by 1.6 percent.
<a href="/images/2016/04/21/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-21%20at%201.40.49%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/21/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-21%20at%201.40.49%20PM.png" alt="">
 
Home values across the city increased by 7.4 percent over the past year after annual growth peaked at 18.4 percent in July 2015 Over the past year the most affordable suburbs have seen values rise by 8.0 percent. 
The middle market values are 6.6 percent higher and the most expensive suburbs have recorded value rises of 8.8 percent. 
The annual rate of value growth is slowing across each segment, however the premium end of the market continues to record higher rates of capital gain.
Sydney: Home values across the city increased by 7.4 percent over the past year after annual growth peaked at 18.4 percent in July 2015. Over the past year the most affordable suburbs have seen values rise by 8.0 percent. The middle market values are 6.6 percent higher and the most expensive suburbs have recorded value rises of 8.8 percent.
The annual rate of value growth is slowing across each segment, however the premium end of the market continues to record higher rates of capital gain.
 
Melbourne: Recorded home value growth of 9.8 percent over the past year, down from a recent peak of 14.2 percent in September 2015. 
The most affordable suburbs recorded value rises of 9.7 percent compared to 10.5 percent across the middle market and 10.0 percent across the most expensive suburbs. Growth is fairly steady across the affordable market but slowing across the middle and most expensive suburbs.
Brisbane: Home values increased by 4.5 percent over the past year with the rate of value growth higher than it was a year ago. The most expensive suburbs recorded value growth of 4.6 percent over the past year compared to a 5.1 percent rise across the middle of the market.
The most affordable suburbs saw a 5.7 percent rise. Annual rates of growth are generally trending higher across each segment.
Adelaide: Home value changes have been fairly steady having increased by 3.2 percent over the past year. The most expensive suburbs saw values rise by 3.2 percent compared to a 3.1 percent increase across the middle market and a 2.9 percent increase across the most affordable suburbs.
Across each segment growth is fairly steady with the rate of capital gain holding reasonably firm over the past twelve months.
Perth: The only major capital city to see value falls over the past year, however, the annual rate of decline has started to improve, easing from - 4.1 percent in November 2015 to the current annual decline of -2.0 percent. Across the broad valuation segments, home values have fallen -0.5 percent across the most affordable suburbs, and are -1.5 percent lower across the middle market and 2.1 percent lower across the most expensive suburbs.
Across each segment values are still falling but the rate of decline in values has slowed.
The CoreLogic RP Data Stratified Home Value Index highlights the importance of looking beneath the broad headline figures.
<a href="/images/2016/04/21/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-21%20at%201.42.39%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/21/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-21%20at%201.42.39%20PM.png" alt="">
 
Markets within a city can be performing quite differently to what the over-arching statistics for a capital city market shows, not only across valuation based segments of the market, but also across housing types and geographically.
 Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic RP Data. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Home value growth strongest in most expensive suburbs: CoreLogic RP Data's Cameron Kusher

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Earlier this week the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released their Residential Property Price Indexes for the June 2017 quarter.  
The data confirmed what the CoreLogic Home Value Index has already told us, the rate of growth in the housing market is slowing, particularly so in Sydney.
Click to enlarge
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/29/2017-09-21-blogimage1.png" alt="">
  Over the June 2017 quarter, the ABS Index shows combined capital city dwelling prices increased by 1.9% while the CoreLogic Home Value Index showed an increase of a lower 1.6%.  
As the above graph shows, the results of both indices are closely aligned.  The CoreLogic data is already available to August and shows a further cooling in the rate of growth over the three months.  
Given this we can expect the trend towards slower growth to hold over the September 2017 quarter.  In fact, the daily movements in the CoreLogic series is suggesting Sydney values trended slightly lower over the first 20 days of September.
Click to enlarge
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/29/2017-09-21-blogimage2.png" alt="">
  On an annual change basis both indices also indicate a slowing of the rate of growth.  Over the 12 months to June 2017, the ABS reports combined capital city dwelling prices rose by 10.2% while CoreLogic data shows capital city dwelling values increasing by 11.1%.  Over the 12 months to August 2017, CoreLogic data shows that dwelling value growth has slowed to 9.7% and it is expected that the ABS data once available will also show a similar slowing.
Click to enlarge
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/29/2017-09-21-blogimage3.png" alt="">
  Sydney is showing clearer signs of a slowdown than other capital cities and that is evident in the above chart.  Over the June quarter, the ABS showed a change of 2.3% compared to the CoreLogic series which showed a lower 1.6% change.  The CoreLogic data to August shows increasing evidence of the Sydney market cooling with values having increased by a much lower 0.3%.
Click to enlarge
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/29/2017-09-21-blogimage4.png" alt="">
 
 The annual series also show signs of softer growth in Sydney with ABS data recording a change of 13.8%, over the 12 months to June down from 14.4% in March.  While the CoreLogic series recorded an annual change to June of 16.4% compared to 15.5% in March. Meanwhile, the latest data for August shows that annual growth in Sydney dwelling values has slowed to 13.0%.
Click to enlarge
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/29/2017-09-21-blogimage5.png" alt="">
  The above chart shows the annual change in values across each index over the 12 months to June 2017.  Despite being two different methodologies you can see that the rates of change across both metrics are quite similar.  They show strong growth in Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart, reasonably strong growth in Canberra, moderate growth in Brisbane and Adelaide and ongoing declines in Perth and Darwin.
Click to enlarge 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/29/2017-09-21-blogimage6.png" alt="">
 The CoreLogic Hedonic Index provides a much more timely and granular view of housing market conditions (both geographically and across product types) and the trends are interesting.  It shows a substantial slowdown in growth in Sydney and a more moderate slowing in Melbourne.  It indicates that growth has accelerated in Hobart and has accelerated marginally in Canberra and Brisbane.  
Adelaide values are increasing at pretty much the same rate as they were in June while the declines in Perth and Darwin are greater, quite significantly so in Darwin.
Overall the data highlights the value of having a selection of indices with which to analyse the market.  
It also shows how valuable more timely measures are.  
When you are analysing Australia’s single largest asset class, timely insights are extremely important to allow those participants in the housing market to be able to make accurate decisions in as close to real time as possible.
It’s also a timely reminder that there is no single ‘Australian’ housing market.  
While headline growth rates provide a macro-view on the market, each capital city and region of the country is showing its own unique housing market dynamic which is influenced by local demographic and economic trends as well as supply factors.
Cameron Kusher is head of research for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Rate of growth in the housing market is slowing

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The real estate market across the country continued to bounce back from the much less damaging impact of COVID-19 on the housing market.
All states and territories over dwelling value growth over November, the November Home Value Index from data house CoreLogic found.
Dwelling values rose a combined 0.8 per cent nationally last month, on the back of 0.4 per cent growth in October.
The resurgent Melbourne market outperformed Sydney, with 0.7 per cent gains compared to Sydney's 0.4 per cent growth.
Brisbane were the only other capital to see growth less than one per cent. Dwelling values in the Queensland capital rose 0.6 per cent to take their quarterly gains to 1.5 per cent.
Canberra and Darwin were the nation's top performers, both seeing huge 1.9 per cent growth, taking their quarterly gains to 3.3 per cent and 4.7 per cent respectively.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/DEC/1/November%20index%20CoreLogic.jpg" alt=""> 
CoreLogic's head of research Tim Lawless says that if the current growth trend persists, we are likely to see values surpass pre-COVID levels in early 2021.
“The national home value index is still seven tenths of a per cent below the level recorded in March, but if housing values continue to rise at the current pace we could see a recovery from the COVID downturn as early as January or February next year.
"The recovery in Melbourne, where home values remain 5% below their recent peak, will take longer," Lawless advises.
<h1>House and Units</h1>
Sydney's unit market was the only market across Australia to see declines in November, down -0.7 per cent to be -1.8 per cent down on the quarter.
Houses drove Sydney's 0.4 per cent dwelling value gains. The housing market saw a 0.9 per cent growth in values.
Melbourne have surged out of the pandemic following the end of their extended lockdown and loosening of restrictions to overtake Sydney's growth in November.
Houses were up 0.6 per cent to be just -0.6 per cent down on the quarter, with units performing even better, up 0.7 per cent to be 0.1 per cent up on the quarter.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/DEC/1/CL%20Nov%20full%20index.jpg" alt="">
Brisbane's 0.6 per cent gains were driven by its housing market, up 0.7 per cent compared to its 0.2 per cent gains in the apartment market.
The housing and unit markets were both strong in Perth, up 1.1 per cent and one per cent respectively to see Perth dwelling values rise 1.1 per cent.
Darwin's boom was driven by its huge spike in apartments, up 2.4 per cent on the month to be 4.9 per cent up on the quarter, the best performing market across the country in the last three months. 
 
 
 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Home values rise nationwide in November, growth trend to surpass pre-COVID levels in early 2021: CoreLogic 

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The risks to financial stability from falling housing prices in Sydney and Melbourne have abated, according to the Council of Financial Regulators (CFR).
The CFR is the coordinating body for Australia's main financial regulatory agencies.
There are four members: the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Australian Treasury and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).
It is a non-statutory body, without regulatory or policy decision-making powers.
At its meeting on 18 September 2019, the Council discussed risks facing the Australian financial system, regulatory issues and developments relevant to its members.
The topics discussed included the following:
<ul>
<li>
Financing conditions and the housing market Council members discussed credit conditions and recent developments in the housing market. Housing credit growth has been subdued, particularly growth in credit to investors. The major banks have seen slower growth relative to other lenders. Subdued credit growth has been primarily driven by weaker credit demand, though loan approvals have picked up recently. The potential for risks to financial stability from falling housing prices in Sydney and Melbourne has abated somewhat, with prices rising in the past few months. In contrast, prices have continued their prolonged decline in Western Australia and the Northern Territory and so the prevalence of negative equity for borrowers in those regions has continued to rise. The Council also discussed the continuing tight credit conditions for small businesses, with little growth in credit outstanding over the past year. The Council will continue to closely monitor developments. Members discussed progress with updating the guidance regarding responsible lending provisions in the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009. The updated guidance should provide greater clarity about what is required for a lender to comply with its obligations, taking into consideration enhancements to lending practices, the impact of competition from new market entrants, as well as enhanced access to and usage of consumer credit data and technological tools. 
</li>
<li>
Policy developments APRA provided an update on a number of policy initiatives, including changes to the related entities framework for banks and other ADIs and proposals to strengthen remuneration requirements across all APRA-regulated entities. The proposed remuneration requirements seek to better align remuneration frameworks with the long-term interests of entities and their stakeholders, and incorporate a recommendation from the Royal Commission on limiting remuneration based on financial metrics. APRA briefed members on the outcomes of its capability review. 
</li>
<li>
Superannuation fund liquidity The Council considered arrangements for managing liquidity at superannuation funds during periods of market stress. They noted that arrangements had operated as intended during the financial crisis and had since been strengthened. They agreed that existing arrangements provide an appropriate incentive for superannuation funds to manage their liquidity and that circumstances where a systemic liquidity problem could arise for the superannuation system were highly unlikely. Members concluded that no additional measures, including access to liquidity from the Reserve Bank, were warranted.</li>
</ul>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Falling housing prices in Sydney and Melbourne are less likely to be a risk to financial stability: CFR

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Sydney’s housing market will see flat or possibly falling prices this month, while Melbourne’s market continues to edge up, with values set to rise around half a per cent in August, according to CoreLogic.
In a preview of its revised monthly housing price index, CoreLogic said there had been no price growth in Sydney during August, as investors withdrew following higher mortgage rates on the back of the banking regulator’s crackdown.
Sydney’s almost unstoppable housing market was not immune to a downturn, head of research Tim Lawless said.
It was not however a precursor for any dramatic price correction.
"If you look back at any past cycle, you will find that prices do not fall off the cliff," Mr Lawless said.
“We don’t think it would be disastrous, but it (Sydney housing values) could fall 5-10 per cent peak to trough,” Mr Lawless said following the launch in Sydney of CoreLogic’s updated housing value index.
<div>
"Sydney has been gradually cooling since November last year, <a href="https://www.afr.com/real-estate/how-it-sold-aged-housing-campaigner-barbara-squires-makes-own-downsizing-move-20170827-gy57z3">auction clearance rates</a> have starting slowing...all signs the market is cooling."
"The question is what will be the difference between the peak and trough."
</div>
He suggests by the end of this year, the pace of growth for Sydney and Melbourne could be neck and neck at 12.5-13 per cent in each city.
"Sydney’s market peaked at an annual growth rate of more than 19 per cent while Melbourne topped 15 per cent.
"In Melbourne, auction clearances were still topping 70 per cent, and investors were still active, unlike Sydney where investors had fallen away..
“Melbourne doesn’t have the affordability constraints of Sydney.
"The overall growth in Sydney’s values had been powered by the top end of the market while in Melbourne, more affordable housing had underpinned the market.
"Perth’s hard-hit housing market has seen a price fall of 1.5 per cent so far in this month.
"But the worst was likely behind the city as jobs growth improves in the state.
“Affordabitlity has been the silver lining ... noting that first home buyers accounted for about 25 per cent of sales.
"In Brisbane, CoreLogic found housing values edged up only 0.2 per cent for the quarter with the market dragged down by a flood of new apartment construction.
"The poor perceptions around the city’s unit market was dampening the city’s whole housing sector with the market not reflecting improved immigration."
<div>
Corelogic will reveal its new format hedonic index for August national house prices this Friday, which will see improved sampling, better handling of off the plan sales, along less volatility in daily and monthly readings.
The series goes back to 1980.
</div>
<div>The new index will result in slight changes in trends so far this year as Sydney's house prices rise in the year to July will be 10.9 per cent as opposed to 10.5 per cent under the old index.</div>
<div>
Melbourne will be up 15.7 per cent compared to 12.4 per cent and Brisbane will be 13 per cent for the year, as opposed to 15.9 per cent.
</div>
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Sydney’s housing market will see flat or falling prices this month: CoreLogic

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Interest rate hikes aimed at curbing Australia's property boom and surging household debt would likely be "very costly" to the broader economy, a leading US central banker has warned.
John Williams, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, says Australian house prices are "flashing red".
But he cautioned against trying to fix the problem by hiking rates.
He said they would have "very unfavourable trade-offs" - and especially high costs in terms of unemployment and inflation".
Dr Williams suggested the lack of a housing downturn, or a recession since 1991, may be making many Australians too complacent about the risks that have built up.
"A lot of our attitudes towards investment, economic phenomena, like inflation and things like that really are shaped by our lifetimes.
"If people think there's no risk, they'll take a lot of risk," he told The Australian Financial Review
"If you raise interest rates to try to maybe slow the house price build-up or debt build-up, that harms the economy, makes it harder to achieve your central bank goals of whatever your inflation target is."
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