<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a>’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a> is being shaped around a simple but increasingly rare premise in apartment development: that the built environment should actively support residents’ wellbeing.&nbsp;

Located on the former ABC Studios site on Gordon Street in Melbourne’s south-east, the new neighbourhood sits on an expansive 11,740 sqm site neighbouring the heritage-listed Rippon Lea Estate, whose gardens date back more than 140 years.

Rather than positioning wellness as an add-on amenity, the development integrates it into the physical planning of the site. Architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> is arranged across six low-rise buildings set within extensive landscaping designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/oculus">OCULUS</a>, with more than 40 per cent of the land dedicated to gardens and green space. Walking trails, pocket gardens, and mature trees are threaded between buildings, creating a network of green corridors that encourage residents to move through the precinct on foot and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288420]

Milieu has intentionally framed these gardens as an extension of the neighbouring Rippon Lea Estate. More than 16,000 new plants will be introduced across the site, with species carefully selected to protect and complement the area’s ecological significance. The approach focuses on strengthening existing environmental conditions while establishing new habitats that support native wildlife, reinforcing the role of the landscape as both an active ecosystem and a defining element of daily life.

A private resident gate will provide direct access to the historic grounds during opening hours, allowing residents to move seamlessly between the development’s landscaped gardens and the estate’s expansive lawns, lakes, and mature trees. The project’s gardens will also be maintained by the same gardeners responsible for Rippon Lea, reinforcing the visual and ecological continuity between the two landscapes.

Complementing the landscape is a dedicated wellness hub designed to support everyday health and recovery. Residents will have access to a gym alongside yoga and Pilates studios, while mineral pools and infrared saunas provide spaces for relaxation and restorative wellbeing. Shared lounges, workshop spaces, and pet care facilities expand the concept of wellness beyond fitness, creating opportunities for social connection and community interaction within the precinct.

Environmental performance is another key component of the project’s wellbeing focus. Elsternwick Gardens will be entirely fossil-fuel-free, with homes designed to operate on renewable electricity rather than gas. Passive design strategies, including cross-flow ventilation, high-performance insulation, and thermally broken double glazing, are intended to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures while reducing energy demand. Solar photovoltaic systems will power common building services, while rainwater harvesting will help irrigate the extensive landscaping across the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=361030]

Milieu Founder and Managing Director Michael McCormack says the scale and setting of the project allowed the team to take a different approach to urban apartment living.

“This site represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build something truly special,” McCormack says.

“Through that process, we arrived at a design that centres on a fully realised natural landscape – a series of private, interconnected gardens that encircle the homes and extend seamlessly from Rippon Lea Estate.”

Elsternwick Gardens will comprise three residential offerings, Gordon Place, Ripponlea Terrace, and The Garden Pavilion, each designed for owner-occupiers and shaped around high-quality interior design by Woods Bagot, K.P.D.O., and Flack Studio. The first stage, Gordon Place, includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed with a strong focus on indoor-outdoor living and sustainability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288412]

Milieu recently appointed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/brady-constructions">Brady Constructions</a> to deliver the project, marking a key milestone for the development. The appointment follows the demolition of the former studio buildings on the Gordon Street site, with construction progressing toward the delivery of the nature-led community.

Situated between the established villages of Elsternwick and Ripponlea, the development balances its garden setting with strong urban connectivity. Residents will be within walking distance of cafés, restaurants, and local retail, while nearby train and tram connections provide quick access to Melbourne’s CBD and the beaches of Elwood and St Kilda.

With construction underway and the first residents expected to move in by early 2027, Elsternwick Gardens represents a growing shift in apartment development toward environments that prioritise wellbeing as much as density or location. By placing landscape, sustainability, and shared spaces at the centre of the design, Milieu is positioning the project as a residential neighbourhood where wellness is not just promoted, but built into the structure of everyday life.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136535]

Joel Robinson

Elsternwick Gardens' wellness-first design strategy

Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a> has made a striking debut on the Gold Coast, officially unveiling its $250 million COMO development in Varsity Lakes, a lifestyle-driven residential project anchored by an extensive rooftop wellness and activity precinct.

Having recently launched to market, construction has already been fast-tracked by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/5point-projects">5Point Projects</a>, ensuring momentum continues on what is set to become a landmark residential address for the growing Varsity Lakes community.

Located at 22 Lake Street, Varsity Lakes, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO</a> will comprise 156 apartments across 16 levels, comprising one-, two- and three-bedroom residences designed for modern living. However, it is the project’s rooftop amenity offering that sets COMO apart.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363510]

Designed as a dedicated wellness and recreation hub, the rooftop will feature a 25-metre lap pool, fully equipped gymnasium, and multiple pickleball and paddleball courts - amenities rarely seen in boutique apartment projects.

Residents will also have access to a sauna and plunge baths, while landscaped gardens and relaxation zones will provide tranquil spaces overlooking sweeping panoramic views across the Gold Coast skyline.

The rooftop precinct has been designed to function as the social and wellness heart of the development, encouraging residents to embrace an active, balanced lifestyle within their own building.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363512]

Red &amp; Co director David Laverty said the amenity offering was central to the project’s design from the outset.

“Amenities were at the forefront of our decisions,” Laverty said.

“Buyers today are looking for more than just an apartment - they want a lifestyle that promotes health, connection and balance.

“The rooftop at COMO has been designed to be the epicentre of that lifestyle, with a suite of wellness and recreation facilities that are quite unique for a boutique development of this scale.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363514]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the residences prioritise liveability, featuring spacious layouts, 2.7-metre ceilings and high-quality finishes throughout.

The development sits beside Bond University, placing residents within walking distance of education, retail and dining options within the vibrant Varsity Lakes precinct, including Robina Town Centre, Varsity Lakes Train Station and a range of leading schools.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

Laverty said the location was a key driver behind Red &amp; Co’s decision to bring the project to the Gold Coast.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/varsity-lakes-qld-4227">Varsity Lakes</a> was a clear choice for us to invest in as it’s a lifestyle hub that seamlessly blends lakeside living with urbanity,” he said.&nbsp;

“Como will capitalize on this great location, delivering a project that not only creates premium homes, but a lifestyle defined by community, wellbeing, and connectivity.”

Red &amp; Co has delivered more than 500 apartments and townhouses across 26 projects in Brisbane in recent years, with COMO marking the company’s first major Gold Coast development.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Red & Co unveils amenity-rich Como development in Varsity Lakes

Gold Coast developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/big-projects">Big Projects</a> has secured approval for its second Mermaid Beach project.

The developer, currently selling <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-frederick-mermaid-beach-2265-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">The Frederick in Nobby Beach</a>, has secured approval for its next project just 1.5 kilomnetres up the road.

The new development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glenelg-residences-2462-2472-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Glenelg Residences</a>, has been designed by BDA Architecture and&nbsp;will have just under 100 apartments across an 11-storey building&nbsp;at 2462–2472 Gold Coast Highway, on the corner of Glenelg Avenue just under 300m from the future Mermaid Beach Light Rail stop.

The apartments, a mix of two- and three-bedrooms, will sit above a retail-focused ground plane and under extensive rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.04%20am.png?VersionId=z6NV4izeuvhBSSVlY6vK6TPO1LxrFeaG" />

BDA said in its planning submission that the project is intended to support the area’s transition toward higher-density, mixed-use living. “This project offers the opportunity to generate appropriate higher-intensity development within the future Light Rail corridor of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Mermaid Beach</a>,” the submission noted.

At ground level, Glenelg Residences will include eight retail tenancies designed to activate the street frontage, complemented by a basement bar offering an additional hospitality element. Above, residents will have access to a rooftop amenity deck featuring an infinity pool, hot and cold plunge spas, day beds, and barbecue facilities.

The architectural approach adopts a restrained material palette of brick, textured concrete, and integrated landscaping, with cantilevered concrete frames and cascading planting intended to soften the built form. BDA described the design as aiming to create “a memorable sculptural mid-rise mixed-use building” that responds to both its coastal setting and urban context.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.45%20am.png?VersionId=cpjIVBqcT_sujmo2UMWkVyLcQ7WGJHaQ" />

The approval comes as the City of Gold Coast continues to plan for significant population growth, with regional targets requiring more than 100,000 new high-density dwellings by 2046.

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Big Projects, led by Matthew and John Barrett, is part of a growing cohort of developers that deliver construction in-house, providing a high level of confidence to prospective purchasers.
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150260]

Big Projects secures approval for Glenelg Residences in Mermaid Beach

Sherpa Group is ramping up its investment in the southern Gold Coast by lodging a development application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, a new $350 million project in Coolangatta.

The move comes after the group’s $27 million acquisition of the 2,029 sqm site on the corner of Griffith and Warner Street, last year.

They will develop 194 apartments across a 26-storey tower, which will become Sherpa’s largest project to date.

Viveré will be the next chapter in the Flourish story, following closely behind Amargo, Oasis, and the Avenues in Palm Beach, as well as Symphony in Brisbane, all designed to deliver affordable housing in lifestyle-rich locations, giving locals a real chance to secure a residence close to the beachfront.

The HAL Architect-designed project will offer a diverse range of residences, from one-, two, and three- bedroom apartments to the premium Canopy range to luxury penthouses.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c85f5a7e-a22f-4745-8def-400adb3c0b35" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.43%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=OY.chur3BPExn1exQ2q8clHqWnW_CaBi" />

“The Gold Coast is undergoing a period of immense growth, with more people drawn to the incredible 
lifestyle that’s available, leading to strong growth in property prices,” said Christie Leet, founder of Sherpa 
Group.

“Our goal at Sherpa is to ensure locals are not priced out of the market in prime locations, which is why we 
created the Flourish collection.

“Flourish Vivere will form the next chapter in our portfolio, and we are so excited to be lodging the DA, marking our first project in Coolangatta.”

A signature of the Flourish developments is the communal rooftop. Flourish Vivere will showcase a private resident’s lounge, outdoor dining with barbecues and pizza ovens, heated pool, fully-equipped gym, and a wellness centre with sauna and steam room.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c09372cc-aae6-4458-af2e-f291bd19a5e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Sc_RLXl5jiff.tnadogXjQJ_WIpDjf3p" />

The project is strategically located to offer a walkable lifestyle, with the Strand shopping centre, cafes, restaurants, shops and the beach, all just a short stroll away.

“We have meticulously planned Vivere to build on the Flourish legacy, creating a truly special project,”&nbsp;Leet added.

“Wellness, lifestyle and community are at the forefront of every decision we make, and that has not 
changed for Vivere.”

With the DA now lodged with the Gold Coast City Council, Sherpa has moved quickly to secure LPS Group as the builder, offering buyers a level of certainty that is rarely seen in today’s market.

Sherpa has delivered 16 residential projects over the past seven years with a pipeline of $1 billion, with more under construction.

Sherpa takes Flourish brand to Coolangatta, lays plans for Flourish Vivere 

S&amp;S Projects is boosting its investment at Rainbow Bay to more than $1 billion after the prolific Gold Coast developer acquired a new site for $20.25 million and immediately laid plans for a new luxury apartment project in the sought-after precinct.

The site, which is the company’s fifth acquisition at Rainbow Bay in the past four years, will be home to the company’s largest project to date after delivering 3 sold-out projects and construction progresses on Radia worth a combined $215m. 
S&amp;S Projects is currently finalising plans for its latest strategic acquisition, a 1,518 sqm site located 209-213 Boundary Street in Coolangatta, with a development application expected to be lodged within weeks.

The luxury residential development will build on the company’s highly successful projects at Rainbow Bay, comprising Flow, Awaken, Esprit and Radia, with Radia currently under construction by Hutchinson Builders.

“We have been unflinching in our commitment to Rainbow Bay and the transformation we have helped drive in this incredible part of the Gold Coast, which is among the city’s most desirable residential locations,” said S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun.

“Our fifth project will reflect the best of what we have done so far to create a lifestyle precinct that is second to none.”

The latest development, which has yet to be named, is proposed to accommodate 88 luxury apartments in a design that will immerse residents in a unique wellness lifestyle that expands on the legacy of S&amp;S Project’s earlier developments at Rainbow Bay.

The development will feature an expansive rooftop garden and wellness centre with a resort- style pool, among a host of lifestyle amenities planned for residents.

“Rainbow Bay, with its beautiful, protected beach and alongside one of the world’s best surf breaks at Snapper Rocks, is the natural wellness heartland of the Gold Coast,” said Gedoun.

“We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden.”

The latest acquisition comes as S&amp;S Projects is at the completion of Esprit and construction continues on Radia, which are part of their significant portfolio undertaken by the company at Rainbow Bay since 2022.

The $215 million Radia, which comprises 38 apartments, is currently the flagship development by S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay which is expected to be completed in 2027.

Jayde Pezet, of Pezet Matheson, which has managed sales and marketing for S&amp;S Projects across their Gold Coast portfolio, emphasised the developer’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.

“S&amp;S Projects continue to elevate the benchmark of luxury with each development," Pezet said.

“We have worked with S&amp;amp;S on their 4 other projects in Rainbow Bay and their approach reflects a team that is constantly learning, refining, and pushing the standard higher.

“Their hyper-local knowledge and deep expertise within the luxury property sector are what truly set them apart, allowing them to deliver projects that feel both globally sophisticated and authentically connected to their coastal environment”

S&amp;S Projects plans to officially launch its latest project at Rainbow Bay in the second half of this year.

“As we embark on our largest project yet, we have pulled out all stops to create another landmark development that truly reflects the relaxed southern Gold Coast lifestyle,” Gedoun added.

S&S buys $20m Rainbow Bay site for fifth beachside apartment project

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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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

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:
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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.
 
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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.
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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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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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