A new 25-storey apartment tower proposed for Mercer Street would push Geelong’s western gateway skyline higher, with Morphy Birrell Property Group lodging plans for a project directly beside one of the city’s most significant heritage streetscapes.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK</a>-designed development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/65-67-mercer-street-geelong-vic-3220">65-67 Mercer Street</a> has now been referred to Victoria’s Planning Minister. The site sits opposite the Geelong rail corridor and immediately south of the heritage-listed St Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church and Ashby Hall precinct.

Rather than compete with the neighbouring ecclesiastical buildings, the proposal adopts a sculpted podium intended to reference the materiality and scale of the heritage context. Planning documents note the design draws cues from the “dark stone brick” church and surrounding masonry buildings, while the tower above transitions into a softer, curved form oriented toward Corio Bay and the Geelong waterfront.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b797d10c-d4a6-47af-b8df-1aeaa3b382be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/public%20square.png?VersionId=QGIpcz1x1hKB6lQLl2iobyHqb6PS2Ztc" />

The development forms “Stage 5” of Morphy Birrell Property Group’s broader Mercer Street precinct strategy, following the completion of the 21-storey Miramar tower on Cavendish Street and several additional approved redevelopment stages nearby. Planning consultants Ratio said the proposal “represents an exemplary development outcome” aligned with the strategic ambitions for Central Geelong’s continued urban renewal.

The mixed-use project would replace an existing low-rise commercial building and surface parking area on the 3,320 sqm corner site. FK’s urban context report describes the proposal as a residential development comprising apartments, resident amenities, commercial space, and integrated landscaping positioned to maximise bay views and northern sunlight access.

Renders show a deeply articulated tower with curved balconies stepping above a lower masonry podium that frames a landscaped forecourt facing Mercer Street. The design intentionally preserves sightlines toward the adjacent church buildings, with the podium scaled to reinforce the heritage edge before the tower recedes upward.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bdca91e-66f7-4ac7-8baa-2f93bd5b564e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/geelong%20site.png?VersionId=QOhbino4ZgzKYw5dW3QE14E.2yq.Sv87" />

The planning report highlights the site’s strategic location within 400 metres of key Geelong destinations including Cunningham Pier, the Geelong Station precinct, Deakin University, and the convention centre. Bus services run directly along Mercer Street, while the Corio Bay foreshore sits around 100 metres north of the site.

The proposal arrives amid accelerating redevelopment across central Geelong, where planning policy continues to encourage higher-density housing close to transport infrastructure and the waterfront. Mercer Street in particular has emerged as a focal point for taller apartment development due to its proximity to Geelong Station, the bay, and major civic infrastructure.

Joel Robinson

Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct

Development giant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton</a> and joint venture partner Hostplus have revealed the next residential stage of their $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan, lodging plans for 512 more apartments within the precinct on surplus racecourse land at 110 Wilson Street, Moonee Ponds.

The proposed development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trackside-house-110-wilson-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Trackside Gardens</a>&nbsp;in the planning application, follows the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/first-look-exclusive-hamton-and-hostplus-reveal-sixth-stage-of-moonee-valley-park-masterplan">recent unveiling of the sixth-stage Cox Place Precinct</a> and continues the long-running transformation of the Moonee Valley Racecourse into one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects.

Positioned on the north-eastern edge of the racecourse adjacent to CityLink, Trackside Gardens will comprise three residential buildings rising between 61.8 metres and 86.4 metres within a heavily landscaped precinct shaped by Hamton’s Nature Based Cities framework.

The project forms part of the broader Moonee Valley Park redevelopment being delivered by Hamton, Hostplus and the Moonee Valley Racing Club, which is reshaping the 40-hectare racecourse site into a mixed-use neighbourhood with housing, retail, commercial space, hotels, parkland and community infrastructure.

Trackside Gardens sits separately to the recently proposed Cox Place Precinct, a five-building stage comprising around 1,100 residences, two build-to-rent buildings, two build-to-sell towers, retail, office space, and a hotel overlooking the racetrack. Together, the projects continue to accelerate housing delivery across the precinct.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fc1941e-52d3-41c6-abc4-0f13fe8ae5ea" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/DA%20Edits%20%281%29.png?VersionId=7qwRHq5dcvXWNot2hNOgoQhN2GIWudNK" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> with landscape architecture by Tract, Trackside Gardens has been conceived as a botanical-style residential precinct prioritising canopy planting, communal green space, and vertical landscaping.

“The architectural vision for the proposed development centres around buildings in a botanical park setting that champions the important role of nature,” the planning submission states.

“The proposal incorporates principles of biophilic design, with landscape and environmentally sustainable development influencing the ultimate design response of the buildings and prioritising the ground plane to ensure a high amenity for both occupants and visitors.”&nbsp;

Trackside Gardens will deliver 512 apartments across the three buildings, alongside 518 basement car spaces and 523 bicycle spaces. Around 20 per cent affordable housing is proposed across the broader North East Precinct, equating to around 158 dwellings.&nbsp;

The affordable housing component will be concentrated within the Wilson East building, while the remaining apartments are expected to be delivered as build-to-sell residences.

Trackside Gardens has been designed around Hamton’s Nature Based Cities initiative, founded by Executive Chair Paul Hameister OAM in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Urbis, Ark Resources and Tract. The initiative promotes integrating higher-density urban development with significant biodiversity, tree canopy and landscape outcomes.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89353449-7b3c-42fd-8fd8-8bf64a5ef80f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_4.png?VersionId=X8jRt0P2L7fIWjLhfX6gPknXToXIBeLj" />

A comprehensive landscape strategy would introduce deep soil planting, vertical greening, communal gardens, and new pedestrian links throughout the site.

Planning documents state the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating, a 7.5-star average NatHERS rating, and “Exemplary” Nature Based Cities certification.&nbsp;

The proposal joins an expanding pipeline of approved and proposed buildings within Moonee Valley Park, including the recently launched Eveline apartments and the approved Grandstand North and South towers.

Hamton has increasingly focused on precinct-scale, nature-led communities across Melbourne’s middle-ring suburbs, with projects spanning Hawthorn, Kew, and Moonee Ponds.

Hampton unveils Trackside Gardens, latest stage of $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan

The Paul Gedoun-led <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Group</a> has achieved another milestone in its $1 billion transformation of Rainbow Bay on the southern Gold Coast with the completion of the company’s third project in four years, the $160 million <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a> residences.

Delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a> and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a>, Esprit buyers have now moved into the 94 apartments across two interconnected buildings at 217-227 Boundary Street.

The successful settlement of Esprit marks another astounding chapter in the S&amp;S story, which launched its highly successful Flow apartments three years ago and created its own ultra-luxury branded fingerprint on an area craving new luxury residences.

Most early purchasers have secured gains of well over $1 million since the project launched in 2021.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172129]

S&amp;S Projects Founding Director Paul Gedoun said the completion of Esprit reflects sustained demand for premium apartments in tightly held coastal locations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
“Esprit has attracted buyers seeking a combination of quality design, considered amenity and a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate,” said Gedoun.

“We identified some years ago that Rainbow Bay is a unique market where supply of luxury residences is limited, and we see the settlements in Esprit further underpinning this thinking - that for both owner-occupiers and investors.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172174]

A key feature of the development is ‘Club Esprit’, a 1,000sqm residents-only rooftop level combining wellness and recreation, believed to be a first for the Gold Coast, and which is fast becoming a signature of the S&amp;S brand.

Positioned to capture views across Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay and the Tweed River, the rooftop includes a 25-metre lap pool, gym, yoga lawn, sauna and steam facilities, ice bath, private dining spaces, outdoor cinema and landscaped areas for residents.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> Director Jayde Pezet, who led the sales campaign for Esprit and S&amp;S’s Flow and Awaken apartments, said the project’s performance reflects both the strength of the product and the depth of demand for premium apartments on the southern Gold Coast.&nbsp;

“In some cases, we’ve seen values double since launch, which is a clear reflection of how tightly held Rainbow Bay has become and the level of demand for well-executed projects in this market,” said Pezet.&nbsp;

“Buyers recognised early what S&amp;S Projects was delivering here, and that conviction has been rewarded as the project has progressed towards completion.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=214819]

Esprit offers a mix of two- three and four-bedroom apartments and sits within walking distance of the beachfront, cafés and local amenities, reinforcing its appeal as both a lifestyle and investment destination.

The project is the third completed by S&amp;S Projects in Rainbow Bay, following Flow Residences and Awaken Residences, which together have contributed to the suburb’s emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after coastal pockets. &nbsp;

S&amp;S Projects is continuing its investment in the area with Radia, a $215 million development currently under construction.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172175]

Gedoun said the completion of Esprit signals continued confidence in the southern Gold Coast market.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen strong interest in well-located, high-quality apartments, particularly in areas where future development opportunities are limited."

“That’s been a key factor in the performance of Esprit and the broader Rainbow Bay market”.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102921]

Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

Few developers can boast a portfolio across South East Queensland's luxury markets quite like <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic Property Group</a>.

The builder-developer, founded in 2004 by Managing Director Brook Monahan, has projects in planning, on the market, and under construction, from Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach to Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane.

With a pipeline exceeding $2 billion, Mosaic remains highly selective when it comes to development sites, having spent years refining its strategy around feasibility research and product planning. The group is set to continue growing into 2026 and beyond.

In Brisbane, Mosaic currently has three projects in the market. It is in the final release stage at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford</a> in Kangaroo Point, which is approaching complete sellout ahead of its late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328123]

Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, The Bedford comprises 128 two- and three-bedroom residences. A selection of ultra-luxury Masterpiece Series Skyhomes, positioned across the top levels, offer expansive floor plans and sweeping views of the river and city.

High-end inclusions, such as natural stone benchtops, bespoke cabinetry, and Miele appliances, feature throughout all apartments, alongside the Rooftop Recreation &amp; Retreat Sky Terrace. This includes a resort-style pool with sun deck and loungers, spa, cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room, private dining room with a full kitchen, residents' lounge, multiple barbeque and relaxation zones, an outdoor viewing deck, and landscaped gardens with water features, all oriented to sweeping city and river views.

A gym with indoor and outdoor zones, and a golf simulator, further enhances recreational choice within the building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328119]

A defining feature of the development is its integrated mixed-use component, which will deliver Kangaroo Point's first major supermarket, alongside a café and liquor store, bringing long-awaited convenience to the peninsula.

Monahan says The Bedford represents the culmination of a near-decade-long journey, after first identifying the A-grade Prospect Street site in 2016. While they came close to acquiring it at the time, the site was ultimately purchased by Woolworths' development arm, Fabcot. The opportunity resurfaced in 2024 when the site, vacant for nearly three decades, was brought back to market.

Monahan says Mosaic projects often begin years before any formal plans are drawn. Their new South Brisbane development is no exception, with the site first earmarked in 2018.

"We aren't opportunistic," Monahan says. "Every site purchase is carefully considered. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we're looking at now that we may not secure for several years."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141711 project_image_fid=353495]

A similar story unfolded at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a> in Kangaroo Point, opposite The Gabba. Like The Bedford, it is also approaching sellout of its 125 two- and three-bedroom apartments. The majority of sales are attributed to returning customers and referrals, with a balanced mix of investors and a strong majority of owner-occupiers.

BDA Architecture was again engaged to design the 22-storey building, which will feature a suite of wellness and lifestyle amenities, including a golf simulator and cinema, a commercial-grade gym, and a rooftop recreation level with a pool, steam room, sauna, cold plunge, teppanyaki bar, private dining spaces, and landscaped terraces.

Construction is on track for completion in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Mosaic's latest offering is its most ambitious yet, boasting a rare, north-facing riverfront position on Montague Road in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-riversdale-by-mosaic-south-brisbane-91-montague-road-south-brisbane-qld-4101">The Riversdale by Mosaic</a> is a 39-storey tower comprising just over 200 residences and Masterpiece Series Sky Homes. Designed in partnership with Bureau Proberts, it will feature nearly 3,000 sqm of genuine, internationally benchmarked six-star, hotel-style amenities, including a wellness precinct, pool, gym, massage and treatment rooms, cinema, golf simulator, and extensive outdoor dining areas across a two-level rooftop deck.

Early works are underway, with full construction expected to commence in the second half of 2026, and an anticipated late 2029 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Since 2012 alone, Mosaic has completed more than $2 billion in projects and is set to deliver another $2 billion worth of developments, comprising hundreds of luxury apartments, each defined by Mosaic's signature standards of quality, detail, and delivery.

"We never arrive, there is no finish line," says Monahan. "Our ambition is to keep evolving what luxury means, creating design- and lifestyle-led residences in incredible locations, places people genuinely aspire to and want to live, homes that are loved deeply and endure long beyond their moment."

Mosaic's Midas Touch

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> (Urban) has broken ground at Keira Place, its new major mixed-use residential precinct in the heart of Wollongong CBD.

Held at 120-122 Smith Street, the groundbreaking marked the commencement of construction on Stage 1 of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, with the opening of the new display suite. 
&nbsp; 
Keira Place is a State Significant Development that will deliver new housing supply, affordable homes and inclusive living options within walking distance of Wollongong’s CBD, coastline, transport, hospital and education precincts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369868] 
&nbsp; 
Stage 1 is now under construction and will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, along with activated ground-floor retail and commercial space. 
&nbsp; 
Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the groundbreaking represented a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected Urban’s long-term commitment to regional cities.

“Today’s groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong’s city centre,” Elias said. 
&nbsp; 
“Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369869] 
&nbsp; 
Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Member for Wollongong said Keira Place is exactly the kind of development Wollongong needs – delivering new homes close to transport, employment and services, while supporting the continued growth and renewal of the CBD.

"This project reflects the Minns Labor Government's commitment to increasing housing supply in well-located areas." 
&nbsp; 
Wollongong Lord Mayor Cr Tania Brown said Keira Place would deliver lasting community benefits for the city. 
&nbsp; 
"Keira Place is a welcome addition to Wollongong's CBD delivering new housing, affordable homes and activated street-level spaces that will benefit our community for years to come," Brown said. 
&nbsp; 
"Urban Property Group's investment reflects the confidence that quality developers have in Wollongong's future, and I look forward to seeing this precinct come to life."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369867] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>, with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/dko">DKO,</a> Keira Place prioritises liveability and long-term performance, with landscaped shared spaces, generous apartment layouts and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape along Smith Street. 
&nbsp; 
Residents will have access to landscaped podium areas, communal rooftop amenities with views to Mount Keira and the Wollongong skyline, and convenient ground-level retail.

The development will have 10-year Latent Defects Insurance by Resilience Insurance.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144442]

Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD

Housing Sales

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New home sales hit a two-year low in October 2016, but have since staged something of a recovery. While new detached house sales dipped by 2.3 percent in the fourth quarter, sales of new multi-unit dwellings ticked back up by 3.2 percent.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-10%20at%209.16.02%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-10%20at%209.16.02%20AM.png" alt=""> 
In fact the result for multi-units in December was the highest seen for a year-and-a-half, at least in seasonally adjusted terms. 
Detached house sales were strongest in the two most populous states, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA). 
 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-10%20at%209.16.08%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-10%20at%209.16.08%20AM.png" alt="">
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/">blogger</a>. 
 
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

New home sales staging a recovery: Pete Wargent

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Noarlunga Downs, a metropolitan suburb of Adelaide, has experienced the biggest stock increase in South Australia over the last 12 months, according to Investar.
Investar says its sales stock has grown by 81%, from 21 houses this time a year ago to its current 38 offerings.
The suburb's median house price sits on $320,000, according to CoreLogic.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/4/6/SA%20BIGGEST%20STOCK%20INCREASE%20.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/4/6/SA%20BIGGEST%20STOCK%20INCREASE%20.jpg" alt="">
A Noarlunga Downs offering currently on the market is a three bedroom house priced at $319,000 to $339,000 (pictured above).
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-noarlunga+downs-125498554" target="_blank">20 Peppermint Grove</a> (pictured above), the South Australian home comes with three bedrooms, spacious formal living room, modern kitchen and private courtyard.
Other features include covered entertaining area,  split system heating and cooling, and single garage.
It is situated close to the Noarlunga transport hub, Colonnades Shopping Centre and only a short walk to Cardijn College.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Noarlunga Downs sees SA's biggest stock increase

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The Sacred Heart Mission has sold its St Kilda hostel for about $6 million.
The Robe Street premises has housed hundreds in its 25 year history.
The 1154 square metre site at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-st+kilda-502444206" target="_blank">41-43 Robe Street</a> includes a historic property, Avonsleigh Terrace.
The community group will spend the sale proceeds on a $27.3 million redevelopment of another St Kilda site it owns nearby.
Residents who have occupied the 29-bedroom Robe Street property will move to the new facility, which will accommodate 97.
Chisholm &amp; Gamon selling agent Torsten Kasper represented Sacred Heart Mission who bought the property for $1.15 million in 1992.
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St Kilda's Avonsleigh Terrace sold by the Sacred Heart Mission

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Nine out of 10 people who re-sold a property during the March 2017 quarter earned themselves a profit, according the CoreLogic Pain &amp; Gain March 2017 quarter report.
The total gross losses realised over the quarter was recorded at $493.8 million with a median gross loss of $35,000 per re-sale.
The CoreLogic Pain &amp; Gain report reveals Mackay ranked among the worst.
Areas linked to mining and resources sector continue to be some of the weakest housing markets across the country, the report noted.
Although transaction volumes appear to have bottomed in many of these regions, values have generally continued to fall albeit at a slower pace. 
The reported noted although more than half of all resales in Mackay were at a loss over the quarter, it noted there are signs that in some of the weakest markets conditions are starting to improve.
The proportion of resales at a loss has fallen in Mackay from a peak of 61.8%.
"Although there has been a moderate improvement in a number of these regions it is anticipated that the instances of resales at a loss will remain elevated in these regions.
"Although transaction volumes are generally no longer falling demand remains low and there are still many that bought at or near the market peak looking to sell and likely to incur losses when they do eventually sell their property," it noted.
A two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-mackay-124665666" target="_blank">4/361 Alfred Street</a>, Mackay (above) was recently sold for $149,000 after being sold in 2011 for $330,000.
A two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-mackay-124472702" target="_blank">11 Baxter Street</a>, Mackay (below) was recently sold for $160,000 after being sold in 2009 for $340,000 and in 2003 for $172,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/26/11%20Baxter%20Street.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-mackay-122595746" target="_blank">1/60 George Street</a>, Mackay (below) was recently sold for $230,000 after being sold in 2014 for $328,000 and in 2007 for $368,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/26/1_60%20George%20Street.jpg" alt="">
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-mackay-123582650" target="_blank">1 Grant Street</a>, Mackay (below) was recently sold for $260,000 after being sold in 2010 for $340,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/26/1%20Grant%20Street.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-mackay-124738302" target="_blank">3 Hamlet Street</a>, Mackay (below) was recently sold for $320,000 after being sold in 2014 for $248,000 and in 2011 $358,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/26/3%20Hamlet%20Street.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-mackay-124561486" target="_blank">17 Hucker Street</a>, Mackay (below) was recently sold for $175,000 after being sold in 2008 for $280,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/26/17%20Hucker%20Street.jpg" alt="">
Queensland municipalities, Lockyer Valley, Somerset and Ipswich proved tough markets too.
Across the capital cities, vendors reselling earnings were varied: Sydney resales earned 97.8%, Melbourne 95.3%, Adelaide 92.5% and Hobart 95.4% while vendors in Darwin 63.0%, Perth 76.8%, Canberra 90.4% and Brisbane 90.8% profit earnings were significantly less. 
In the regional areas of the country the top resale earners were in the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven at 98.8%, Illawarra at 98.6%, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie at 98.2%, Sydney at 97.8% and Geelong at 97.3%. The biggest regional losses came from regional areas closely linked to the mining and resources sector. The Pain &amp; Gain regional results found that 11.1% of houses resold for less than their previous purchase price over the first quarter of 2017. By proportion, regional house sales losses were marginally higher than the 11.0% over the December 2016 quarter and slightly higher than the 10.9% in March 2016. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/26/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-26%20at%2012.07.45%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/26/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-26%20at%2012.07.45%20pm.jpg" alt="">
CoreLogic report author Cameron Kusher said there is still a relatively high proportion of units in regional Australia reselling at a loss (17.2%) however, the proportion of loss making unit sales has shifted substantially lower as lifestyle markets see buyer demand rebounding and mining regions approach the bottom of their cycle.
At the end of 2016, 17.9% of regional units had resold at a loss and in March 2016 quarter the proportion was recorded at 19.7% of all properties. The 17.2% of regional units resold at a loss is the lowest proportion since the December 2010 quarter. 
“While the proportion of loss making sales has started to reduce in some of these regions, there remains a high willingness from home owners to sell up coupled with little demand to purchase. As a result we are seeing a high proportion of vendors materializing their losses,” Mr Kusher said.
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Mackay is the most painful location for property vendors across Australia: CoreLogic

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A derelict Darlinghurst terrace has sold for $1.75 million.
The two-bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-darlinghurst-123217894" target="_blank">12 Hargrave Street</a> was placed on the market with a price guidance of $1.3 million.
It was marketed as a renovator's delight, with "solid bones throughout and plenty of obvious angles for adding value".
One of the bathrooms was in complete disrepair, with exposed plumbing.
It was listed with BresicWhitney’s Nick Gill and Eliza McGrath.
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Derelict Darlingurst terrace sells at $1.75 million

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<div>NSW's Wagga Wagga has been a rising market in both April and May, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's property clock -- a simple broad brush means to suggest where property markets are and what direction prices are moving in. </div>
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<div>Like all towns and cities the edge is where expansion occurs. In Wagga Wagga, this includes areas to the north at Estella, Boorooma and Gobbagombalin, to the east at Forest Hill, to the south at Bourkelands and Lloyd and the south west at Uranquinty. All these areas have seen 10% to 20% growth in vacant land values over the past two years.</div>
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<div>It’s not necessarily affordability that people are looking for, it’s a new dwelling. It must be remembered that nothing is more than 10 minutes away in Wagga Wagga which compares a lot more favourably than the bigger cities where a trip to the local shop can take 10 minutes. Dependent on the size as well as other variables, new houses sell in the outer areas for between $350,000 and $550,000. This is comparable to the cost of housing in the central suburbs of Wagga Wagga, Turvey Park and Kooringal. It appears some people do not want the hassle of maintenance an older dwelling requires.</div>
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<div>Infrastructure does not seem to be a factor either. For example Estella, Boorooma and Gobbagombalin do not have a public school, local shop or licensed premises. It will be interesting to see how all these areas fair over the next five to 10 years. There is a chance that in the short term, because of the number of new dwellings having been constructed and currently being constructed so close together both by locals and out of town investors, that values will drop.</div>
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<div>Other factors too will have an impact including higher education funding and housing requirement, defence housing requirements and probably more importantly the weather. This is one factor that politicians can’t simply add money too. Wagga Wagga’s economy relies heavily on the rural sector and should it be negatively impacted the flow on affect will be felt around the town. 
Property Observer looked up some recently sold properties in the fringe areas of Wagga Wagga in the $350,000 to $550,000 range and found these on www.realestate.com.au:
<img src="/images/2016/05/12/main-2.jpg" alt="">
A four-bedroom house with a garden at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-wagga+wagga-118681587" target="_blank">3 Tubbo Place, Bourkelands Wagga Wagga</a> (above) fetched $390,000.
 
<img src="/images/2016/05/12/main-3.jpg" alt="">
A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-forest+hill-121204414" target="_blank">2 Teak Close Forest Hill NSW 2651</a> (above) sold for $510,000, according to RP Data.
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NSW's Wagga Wagga's fringes offer promise for new home buyers: HTW

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Melbourne leads the country for the number of homes sold under private treaty at 3,432 houses with the median price hovering around $604,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
Sydney leads the country for units, with 1,675 being sold at a median of $670,000.
<a href="/images/2016/03/14/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-14%20at%201.55.41%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Melbourne leads nation in private treaty home sales: CoreLogic RP Data

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A property in Sandy Bay Tasmania is the most distressed property of the week, according to SQM Research.
The home, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-sandy+bay-119247155" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">493 Churchill Avenue</a>, was placed on the market back in March with an asking price of $570,000. Since then the vendor has slashed the price to $540,000, a total reduction of $30,000.
SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said the property consists of four bedrooms, two bathrooms and accommodation for up to two vehicles.
"The vendor says that the fourth bedroom and second bathroom are located downstairs with its very own entrance and abundance of space that could be potentially converted into self contained accommodation," he said. 
"The property features modern timber floorboards, fresh white walls and plenty of natural lighting. The brand new modern kitchen and verendah out the back give this property its additional knockout touch. 
"The property is located approximately 6 km away from Hobart CBD, and is within a short driving distance from local Sandy Bay shops, transport, cafes and schools."
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Sandy Bay Tasmania home SQM's most distressed 

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Chief executive officer of McGrath estate agents John McGrath has outlined his top five picks for the Sydney housing market.
In the McGrath Report 2015 he said properties in Sydney suburbs such as Kensington, Curl Curl, Parramatta, Engadine and The Rocks are looking safe.
The Rocks
"As a shift in the housing stock moves from Government owned to private dwelling there is bound to be a massive upgrade to these beautiful harbourside Georgian and Victorian homes. Plus a significant change in local amenity that usually follows such upgrades. With the recently opened Barangaroo Point park, a 5 minute walk to the CBD &amp; Barangaroo commercial precinct, this is fast becoming one of the most fashionable addresses in Sydney," he said.
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Kensington 
"With the recent surging interest from overseas buyers Kenso will become one of the main beneficiaries due to the University campus around which the suburb has evolved. And the upcoming light rail which will whisk residents in &amp; out of the City &amp; to the mighty sporting facilities of Moore park &amp; Royal Randwick, your investment is looking safe in this university suburb," he said.
Curl Curl 
"While the Sydney recovery is still more heavily focused on the Inner Ring suburbs, the gorgeous Northern Beaches lifestyle is attracting great attention from the water babies looking for better value than the East. We like Curl Curl with it’s intimate positioning by the sand and relatively easy access to the CBD compared to some of her further north sister suburbs. Not only will you live longer with a Curl Curl address but you’ll outperform the Sydney market by many percentage points in the next decade," he said.
Parramatta 
"There are two key reasons Parramatta is a must-have in this year’s report. First, the commercial and infrastructure activities in and around Parramatta are leaving much of Sydney in their wake with many smart companies choosing to re-locate closer to their employees in what is now the heart of Sydney. The second reason is the activation of the river which has for many years been a forgotten waterway. Opportunities are starting to emerge to build quality medium density riverside dwellings over the next few years which will establish new pricing benchmarks. So for investors and home owners alike, head west to get a piece of this golden lifestyle," he said.
Engadine 
"The Shire and great living have been closely aligned for many generations as the locals know only too well. But as the surf-side suburbs shoot north in price and young homeowners look to secure a piece of God’s country, areas like Engadine offer great land size at an affordable entry point. So if a 600 square metre block is still on your “must have” list and your budget is under $750,000 pop Engadine into your search engine and find sensible value you couldn’t spot elsewhere," he said.
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