Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

<main data-perf-region="main">
Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

Housing Prices

<html><body>
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>.
</body></html>

ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

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

<html><body>
Changes to price quoting announced by the government are a significant step forward and bring transparency and consistency to property transactions, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria said on Friday.
The changes include:
<ul>
<li>Delivery of a new fact sheet for buyers, which will include recent comparable sales for a property, the median price for the suburb and, most importantly, the agent’s estimated sale price for the property;</li>
<li>The revision of the property’s estimated selling price - if the agent receives an offer, in writing, that is higher than the current advertised or estimated price;</li>
<li>No “offers over” or “price-plus” advertising to buyers – with the selling price only provided as either a single price, or a price range (which must fall within 10 per cent of the upper and lower end).</li>
</ul>
The new rules will apply to residential private sales and auctions, not commercial.
REIV CEO Enzo Raimondo said the changes would benefit those looking to buy real estate in Victoria.
He added that the reforms would be effective in a variety of market conditions, and for all stakeholders in property transactions.
“The changes will provide consistency in pricing of property and the information provided to both vendors and buyers,” he said.
Raimondo said the reforms were the result of a joint effort by the REIV and the Office of the Minister for Consumer Affairs.
</body></html>

prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

New price-quoting rules ‘a significant step forward for industry’: REIV 

<html><body>
The majority of home buyers expect housing prices to be flat or lower in 2016, though more than a third believe they will rise, according to the latest analysis of consumer trends by Westpac in its monthly Red Book.
The overall picture around housing, though, is still unclear with choppy reads on both house price expectations and ‘time to buy a dwelling’ indexes through Jan-Feb, although in both cases the sharp slides seen in 2015 appear to be levelling out.
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer House Price Expectations Index fell 12.5% in February after a 21.4% jump in January, with the index showing signs of settling around the 110 level.
It is still in net positive territory but well below the 10-year average of 125.
Just under 61% of consumers expect prices to be flat or lower in the year ahead, while 35% expect a 0-10% rise and four percent expecting double-digit gains, the report says.
There is a seasonal element to price expectations, though, the report notes and like other housing market measures, house price data is also less reliable over the January-February period in part due to the summer holidays. But available data does show tentative signs of stabilisation after an abrupt slowdown in Q4 2015. 
Price measures show a 0.8% gain for January and a 0.2% rise in the February month to date, RP Data-Corelogic shows.
"The state breakdown shows price expectations have been volatile across the board but are showing signs of stabilising in NSW, are somewhat firmer in Vic &amp; Qld, and falling away sharply in WA," the report notes.
The related ‘time to buy a dwelling’ index also showed volatility through Jan-Feb but with tentative signs that a base may be forming after the sharp pull-back in the first half of 2015. 
Sydney and Melbourne show signs of firming, but at 99.3, the overall level is still weak though, 23 ppts below its long-run average.
The index fell 12.1% in February after bouncing 13.8% in January, with some of the volatility again being seasonal.
But the report points to "some interesting snippets around broad measures of market turnover and auction activity".
"With conditions very uneven across states, auction markets heavily skewed to Syd-Melb and finance data affected by ‘switching’ between investor and owner-occupier segments, turnover is currently the most reliable gauge of total market activity. Latest figures, for Nov, confirm a substantive slowdown in line with ‘time to buy’ readings mid-last year," it says.
Auction clearance rates in early 2016 hint at some firming. Although activity is still 60% below normal, both Sydney and Melbourne have seen clearance rates around 75% vs 62% and 69% respectively for December.
</body></html>

Housing prices expected to be flat or lower in 2016: Westpac Red Book

<html><body>
National Australia Bank's latest survey of the housing market anticipates a rise of one per cent in house prices for 2016.
Apartment prices are expected to fall by 1.2 percent.
Houses in capital cities experienced average price growth of 7.8 percent in 2015.
<a href="/images/2016/02/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-04%20at%2012.18.37%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-04%20at%2012.18.37%20PM.png" alt="">
The survey is based on the responses of 250 real estate professionals, fund managers, property owners and investors.
NAB’s Residential Property Index fell to its lowest level since mid-2012 as the slowdown in house price growth continued. Queensland is expected to lead the country for capital growth over the next 1-2 years.
<a href="/images/2016/02/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-04%20at%2012.03.33%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-04%20at%2012.03.33%20PM.png" alt="">
Local investors played a smaller role in both new and established property markets in Q4.
Foreign buyers were also less active, except in Queensland.
NAB has lowered its average forecast for national house prices for 2016 to 1%, with expectations softer in all cities (led by Sydney and Melbourne). The outlook for unit prices (included for the first time) also points to flat to falling apartment prices across all capitals.
The NAB Residential Property Index fell to +1 in Q4 (+10 in Q3) and now sits well below its long-term average (+13).
<a href="/images/2016/02/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-04%20at%2012.11.20%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-04%20at%2012.11.20%20PM.png" alt="">
Market sentiment continued to weaken in most states, particularly in NSW and Queensland. Sentiment also fell in Victoria, but it has replaced NSW as the strongest overall and is currently the only state tracking above its long-term average. Sentiment fell further in SA/NT and remains very weak in WA.
Average survey expectations for national house price growth over the next 1-2 years were scaled back in most states.
<a href="/images/2016/02/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-04%20at%2012.12.29%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-04%20at%2012.12.29%20PM.png" alt="">
Queensland, is predicted to be the best state for capital growth (1.9% &amp; 2.7%), followed by Victoria (0.7% &amp; 1%). House price growth in NSW in the next 1-2 years is expected to be flat, with weak growth also tipped for SA/NT (-0.6% &amp; 0.2%) and WA (-0.5% &amp; 0.6%).
<a href="/images/2016/02/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-04%20at%2012.14.45%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-04%20at%2012.14.45%20PM.png" alt="">
According to NAB Group chief economist Alan Oster the weakening fundamentals have already seen the market starting to cool, "suggesting the best of the price gains are probably behind us”.
<a href="/images/2016/02/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-04%20at%2012.20.42%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-04%20at%2012.20.42%20PM.png" alt="">
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

NAB survey predicts slight apartment price fall in 2016

<html><body>
The Stockland chief Mark Steinert expects house prices to continue to rise next year.
His forecast is by about 3 to 5%, rejecting this week's forecast by Macquarie Research of a 7.5% slump in prices between 2016 and mid-2017.
"There has been quite a lot of talk going on for quite a long time now about the imminent downturn in housing, but no one has mentioned that it hasn't actually eventuated," Mark Steinert told a Property Council lunch in Melbourne yesterday.
"The reality is the economy in Australia is growing at a moderate level of around 2.5%.
"We have a low Australian dollar, continued population growth (albeit at a slower rate) and metro housing markets that are generally under supplied.
"These are not the pre-conditions for some sort of general correction in housing," he suggested.
Macquarie Research forecast for a 7.5 per cent drop in property prices nationwide from next March attracted widespread attack.
Superannuation columnist Peter Switzer said the forecast "bordered on being stupid."
"Even though these economists’ predictions are guesses based on some economic analysis, one journalist writes: House prices are set for a 7.5% decline from March next year, with the resulting slowdown hitting the broader economy and risking recession, economists have warned.
"Apparently, Macquarie says the decline in house prices, nationally, could be 7.5% peak to trough, which is eco-speak from the high point to the low point, which seems pretty small, given the recent rises.
"Our house prices have risen in the past three years but most of it has come out of Sydney and Melbourne. "
"Roughly, it has gone from an index reading of 320 to 390, so a 7.5% decline peak to trough is hardly a huge drama that could lead to recession!
"In fact, given the double-digit rises in the past three years in Sydney, it would be a healthy correction," Switzer suggested. 
Dr Andrew Wilson, the senior economist at Domain's Australian Property Monitors, noted in the past decade, there had not been any national annual drops of more than 5%.
“Even in periods where we had prices falling, such as during 2008 when it was the global financial crisis, the national house price fell by just under 4 per cent after a significant period of higher interest rates,” Dr Wilson said.
“It would be an historical first and is unbelievably unlikely.”
The property market in southeast Queensland was steadily improving and all the latest data supported ongoing, consistent capital growth, the REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said.
"Sudden slumps were unlikely and any predictions of dramatic house price drops were nothing more than “crystal ball gazing”.
“The Brisbane median house price reached a new high of $610,000 in the June quarter following a trend of positive growth of around two percent since the June quarter of 2013,” Ms Mercorella said.
“Our data suggests that this trend will continue for the September quarter,” she said.
In Queensland, the average home loan is $319,328 compared with New South Wales’ average of $422,179 and Victoria’s average of $365,265, according to ABS data.
“In Queensland, the average proportion of family income used to repay a mortgage is 27.3 percent, compared with 35.5 percent in New South Wales and 32.1 percent in Victoria, according to REIA data.
“Household debt levels are just not comparable between Queensland and the southern states,” Ms Mercorella said. 
</body></html>

Stockland, APM, REIQ and Switzer debunk headlines that Macquarie's 7.5% price dip prediction

<html><body>
Half of Australia's capital cities posted a fall during the September quarter, according to CoreLogic RP Data's Hedonic Home Value Index.
CoreLogic RP Data head of research Tim Lawless said the flat growth rate in Sydney comes after dwelling values increased by 16.7% over the past twelve months and are 49.6% higher over the growth cycle to date.
"The most substantial capital gains over the quarter were achieved in Melbourne where dwelling values were up by 7.4%, followed by Sydney (+4.6%), Brisbane (+1.9%) and Darwin where values were up by 0.4%," he said.
"During the September quarter, half of Australia’s capital cities posted a decline in dwelling values with Hobart down 2.0% over the three months. Adelaide values slipped by 1.6%, Perth by 0.7%, and Canberra values were down 0.4%. 
“While half of Australia’s capital cities have seen values rise over the past quarter and year, the other half did not fare as well,” Mr Lawless said. 
<a href="/images/2015/10/01/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-01%20at%202.53.49%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="/images/2015/10/01/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-01%20at%202.53.49%20PM.png" alt="">
</body></html>

mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Half of capital cities post September fall: CoreLogic RP Data

<html><body>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">The home with the longest days on market featured on SQM Research's Top Ten Discounted Properties Nationwide has been listed since 29 July 2011.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">The property, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-strathalbyn-107567610" target="_blank">2 Rankine Street, Strathalbyn</a>, South Australia, is number eight on the top ten list. Since 2011 the price of the property has been slashed a massive 30%, with a total reduction of $150,000.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said there doesn't seem to be a problem with supply and demand, as the area recently recorded a low vacancy rate of 1.6% for August. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">"It seems that the vendor is not prepared to let this one go so easy... This makes us question why this property is still not selling?... Is it overvalued?," he said</div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">"The property is not necessarily overvalued as its current asking price is just below local median asking prices. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">"This reduction percentage is somewhat small compared to other properties on our list that have been on the market for much less time. Take for example, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-freeling-119221667" target="_blank">24 Coulls Street, Freeling</a>, which was reduced by 46% with only 196 days on the market."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">
<a href="/images/2015/10/01/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-01%20at%208.22.52%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/10/01/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-01%20at%208.22.52%20AM.png" alt="">
</div>
</body></html>

SA home leads longest time on market: SQM Research

<html><body>
Soaring residential property prices in Sydney are driving people across the boarder to take advantage of Queensland's comparatively affordable market.
The trend is tipped to continue, according to an industry leader, Brookfield residential properties general manager, Lee Butterworth, who noted the phenomenon was a usual part of the property market cycle and had occurred several times in the past. 
“When we see Sydney and Melbourne residential prices start to peak there is usually a flow-on effect that positively impacts the Queensland market within the following 18 months,” he said. 
“We are starting to see that now and I believe it will continue to gain momentum throughout 2015.
"What you can get for your dollar in Brisbane is superior in terms of size and location to many markets interstate and buyers see the value that our property represents.”
One such buyer who has bought in Brookfield’s prestigious Portside Wharf development on the Brisbane River at Hamilton is Sydney based, Brisbane bound, Tenille Kelly.
Ms Kelly has packed up her home in Cronulla and moved to Brisbane to avoid "living in a shoe box".
The 35 year old revenue manager has purchased a two bedroom plus study apartment on the second level of Pinnacle at Portside Wharf complete with river views and a car space - something she said she could never have afforded in Sydney. 
"Looking at apartments in Sydney is scary," she said. 
"It came down to pricing and what I could get in Brisbane in terms of apartment size, views, quality finishes and location was far better than anything I could afford in Sydney so it was absolutely worth the move."
"Thanks to the affordability of the market here, I now have plans to purchase an investment property in the precinct in the next 12 months."
Ms Kelly said when she started to investigate the Brisbane market she looked at several areas including West End and Fortitude Valley.
She said the fact that Portside Wharf and the greater Northshore Hamilton urban renewal development had a vision and a master plan played a huge factor in her decision on where to purchase.
"For me, being able to see where the area was headed and what it would look like in 15 to 20 years was really important," she said.
"The future plans include plenty of parks and open space so you know it will retain its feeling of openness and not end up an industrial area."
Portside Wharf is home to 40 retailers and six residential buildings. It is located six kilometres from the CBD and 15 minutes from the domestic and international airports and with easy access to major roads and public transport including the CityCat.
Prices in <a href="https://portsidewharf.com.au/pinnacle/" target="_blank">Portside Wharf's latest stage Pinnacle</a>, which is now more than 75% sold, start from $610,000.
</body></html>

Housing Prices

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Housing Prices

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News