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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

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The months of December and January are generally quiet months in South West Western Australia's rural property market with many taking holidays and taking stock post harvest, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property valuation firm says that their research of Landgate records indicates 15 rural properties over 40 hectares settled in December 2016 and 13 properties over 40 hectares settled in January 2017.
Compared to last year’s 97 properties over 40 hectares in December 2015 and 82 properties over 40 hectares in January 2016 this is significantly down.
“We note that these settlements are likely to be from sales in the previous six to 12 months however are considered to give an indication of market activity.
We also note that the overall sale prices are also down with only five sales over the $1 million mark compared to 53 sales for the same two month period last year,” the report stated.
This is likely to be a result of a number of factors including severe frost events resulting in down grading of yield and quality estimates which were likely to have postponed purchasing decisions and also supply issues with a number of the larger landholdings being purchased last year and a number of above average years reversing some producers’ decisions to exit the industry.
“As we now know it has been reported that Western Australia has just had a record harvest on the back of an above average harvest and as a result market activity is likely to increase in line with an increase in liquidity throughout many regions,” the report stated.
Recent rainfall events across many wheatbelt areas have resulted in flooding but also provided some soil moisture with a number of farmers already working their land ready for seeding.
Overall confidence remains high in many districts and we are likely to see more sales activity as a result which given the supply issues in some areas could result in an increase in land values.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

WA rural property market significantly subdued: HTW

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There is currently good inquiry for larger scale irrigation properties for investment entities looking at assets in excess of $10 million in Echuca, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property valuation firm says that this demand has been underpinned by the strong 2016 seasonal conditions and the good water resource position and reduced allocation water markets.
It will be interesting to see how the market responds coming out of the 2016/17 season with significantly improved balance sheets relative to 2015/16 despite disappointing grain prices.
Agents report that because of the reduced listings in south west Victoria through the latter part of 2016, the rural property market for 2017 commenced with less than usual stock of property put to the market and this has contributed to a slower than usual kick off for 2017.
There is no denying confidence continues at an all time high, particularly for beef and sheep producers.
Even the dairy industry is continuing to show signs of improving which should translate to the property market. Watch this space.
The limited market activity has been primarily either farmers over the fence expanding and investors seeking scale and quality.
A 23 acre land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-cropping-vic-echuca-7858450" target="_blank">208 Anderson Road</a>, Echuca (above) has been listed for sale. It last sold for $92,000 in 1993.
Similarly a mixed farming land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-mixed+farming-vic-rushworth-7883038" target="_blank">163 Poulson Road</a>, Rushworth has been listed for $205,000, having last traded for $70,000 in 1985.
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Keen buyer inquiry for irrigation properties in Echuca: HTW

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Toowoomba continues to offer affordable options for first time buyers with a large supply of product on the market, steady investor interest and land developments benefiting affordability, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 
The valuation firm says land development in the western suburbs, including Glenvale and satellite suburbs such as Wyreema and Cambooya, have offered affordable land or house and land packages for first time buyers.
“Some new developments in the western suburbs have introduced small lots, which may be attractive to first time buyers because of their lower price points than traditional sized lots,” the report says.
“This has been enhanced by the current low interest rates, developer land rebate offerings and $20,000 first home owner grant available until 30 June 2017.”
An oversupply in some areas has resulted in price reductions across older established properties in the sub $400,000 market, significantly reduced asking rents and increased vacancy rates up to around 4%.
“First time buyers should consider all avenues such as an existing property in an older established area,” HTW says.
“An older, possibly smaller property in need of some [care] could present an opportunity for a first time buyer to get a foot in the door of the property market at a much lower price than a brand new larger house in a newly developed area.
“Many of these properties are located in suburbs close to the CBD.
“The first time buyer could potentially build capital with future improvements.”
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-north+toowoomba-124983914" target="_blank">149 Jellicoe Street</a>, North Toowoomba (above) has been listed for $239,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-north+toowoomba-124373914" target="_blank">10 Raff Street</a>, North Toowoomba (below) has been listed for over $319,000.
<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/2017/03/15/10%20Raff%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Oversupply increasing affordability for Toowoomba first home buyers: HTW

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The northern suburbs of Melbourne are providing a number of options for typical first time buyers, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 
The valuation firm says options within the inner north are normally confined to apartment complexes and multi-unit developments where the median unit price (December 2016) is $505,000 and $638,000 across Brunswick and Brunswick West respectively.
For a more expansive property, the median house price for two bedroom dwellings within these same areas increases significantly to $870,000 and $935,000.
HTW suggests that more affordable locations lie further north where the median house price drops considerably with three bedroom houses in Epping and Craigieburn in the region of $453,000 and $390,000.
“Developments within the outer northern suburbs of Melbourne are attempting to create affordable product targeting first time buyers,” the firms says.
“This product typically comprises smaller lot sizes in secondary areas. Affordability is a real issue facing first time buyers.
“The First Home Owners Grant currently applies to new builds only which is something first home buyers should be taking advantage of along with the stamp duty reductions available.
“With the high number of new properties being created through the development of land tracts throughout the north of Melbourne, first home buyers should look towards underlying property fundamentals such as location and amenity as value drivers.”
Access to public transport and proximity to schools are likely to be drivers of long-term growth in these areas, the report says.
A two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-brunswick-124910886" target="_blank">1318/182 Edward Street</a>, Brunswick (above) has been listed for $599,000.
Similarly a two bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-brunswick+west-124874810" target="_blank">7/138 Melville Road</a>, Brunswick West (below) has been listed for between $520,000 to $570,000.
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Epping and Craigieburn good first home buyer targets in Melbourne's north: HTW

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Ballarat is attracting large volumes of buyers across all brackets due to its relative affordability and easy commute into Melbourne CBD, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 
The valuation firm says inner suburbs such as Golden Point, Redan and Ballarat East provide low price points with period housing and are ripe for gentrification.
“These areas provide a good investment opportunity with good capital growth expected due to the high demand for good quality period style housing and proximity to the city centre,” the report  says.
“Young families are being drawn to the appeal of new houses in affordable locations such as Lucas, Delacombe and Winter Valley.”
HTW says that vacant land in these areas is in plentiful supply and building a new house provides an affordable option with lifestyle for young families.
But it warns that the capital growth in these areas is likely to be slow with a continuing supply of vacant land coming to the market.
“In terms of affordability for investors, Wendouree and Sebastopol provide high rental returns and a stable source of income.
“These areas are unlikely to experience large capital growth, however pockets of Wendouree are currently showing strong growth around Ballarat Grammar and Stockland Wendouree.”
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-ballarat+north-124977438" target="_blank">5 Rumler Court,</a> Ballarat North (above) has been listed for between $370,000 to $390,000.
Similarly a two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-ballarat+north-124977334" target="_blank">22/326 Walker Street</a>, Ballarat North (below) has been listed for between $199,000 to $209,000.
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Ballarat buys attractive for Melbourne commuters: HTW

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Brisbane’s western corridor through to Ipswich offers some of the region’s lowest entry-level price points, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 
The valuation firm says access to facilities and transport options to the CBD make the area an enticing proposition for first home buyer.
“Check out the suburb of Camira for some of those cheaper, larger blocks,” the report says.
“Springfield and Springfield Lakes are popular suburbs for first home buyers where there is affordability and proximity to both great public infrastructure and transport.”
A brand new or near new home is often the preferred option for many buyers’ first foray into residential, but HTW suggests that first timers should consider other options too.
“If you do choose second hand, it’s possible to get a three-bed, two-bath, one-car car dwelling on a small allotment at Springfield Lakes from $330,000 to $380,000,” it says.
“There’s also the option to buy a townhouses or unit, although these historically don’t achieve the same capital growth as houses.”
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-springfield+lakes-124702170" target="_blank">8 Prospero Circuit</a>, Springfield Lakes (above) has been listed for $389,000.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-springfield+lakes-124843694" target="_blank">27 Conventina Crescent</a>, Springfield Lakes (below) has been listed for $469,950.
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Springfield Lakes an affordable option for first home buyers

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In the Clarence Valley there are opportunities for first home buyers to purchase a property that is ripe for renovation, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 
The valuation firm says there is a range of townhouses available below $400,000 in Yamba and in Maclean, where less than 30% of recent recorded sales were over $400,000.
“Residential development in Townsend is creating an appealing product marketed to first home buyers,” it says.
“This locality has both vacant land and house and land packages available for less than $500,000.”
HTW suggests these areas for home buyers:
• Townsend – Suited to first home buyers that are interested in a brand new product. Townsend creates a perfect environment for vacant land as well as land and housing packages - that are available for less than $500,000.
• Maclean – Suited to first home buyers in the market for perhaps an older product, holding the potential/opportunity for renovation
• Yamba – Suited to first home buyers that are in the market specifically for townhouses/ units. This area provides the most opportunity/widest range of different units for sale.
“Often a premium is paid for brand new product and this may not always be recouped at the time of the next sale if the market has not continued to benefit from capital gains,” HTW says.
“However, there are no overwhelming dangers for these buyers given current market conditions.
“The biggest mistakes that you see first time buyers making in this area is that it is possible that they may overcommit or forget the illiquid nature of property as an asset.”
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-maclean-124709222" target="_blank">57 Woodford Street</a>, Maclean (above) has been listed for $315,000.
Similarly a two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-townsend-124631734" target="_blank">32 Jubilee Street</a>, Townsend (below) has been listed for $227,500.
<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/2017/03/09/32%20Jubilee%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Townsend, Yamba and Maclean affordable options for first time buyers: HTW

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Brisbane has plenty to offer entry-level investors within a reasonable distance from the CBD, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 
The valuation firm says suburbs such as St Lucia or New Farm may be out of reach for first home buyers but addresses such as Runcorn, Calamvale, Drewvale, Doolandella, Salisbury, Coopers Plains, Heathwood and Forest Lake are much more obtainable.
However, the firm warns that while first time buyers are competing with investors in these locations, they still stand a great chance of finding their first home in these areas.
HTW says that older detached homes below $600,000 (which is the typical Brisbane median house price) are worth considering.
“Target something that’s had some wear and tear but still includes that key property component of location,” the report suggests.
“Nearby services and facilities are major factors in price growth.
“You can renovate the improvements, but you can’t relocate the real estate.” 
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-runcorn-124806998" target="_blank">1 Adamson Way</a>, Runcorn (above) has been listed for over $600,000.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-drewvale-124849746" target="_blank">11 Linaria Circuit</a>, Drewvale (below) has been listed for over $699,000.
<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/2017/03/15/11%20Linaria%20Circuit.jpg" alt="">
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Runcorn, Calamvale and Drewvale top first home buyer targets: HTW 

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The relative affordability of housing in Mildura is one of the region’s main attractions for first home buyers, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 
The valuation firm says despite it being much cheaper to buy a home in Mildura than in any of the mainland capital cities, first home buyers still face the challenge of saving a decent deposit.
HTW says first home buyers must decide whether they are prepared to buy an older home and then complete some upgrading or set their sights higher and buy a new home.
“Traditionally, first home buyers would start with a basic, older house and then trade their way into a newer home,” the report says.
“In the past 10 years we have seen an increasing number of first home buyers electing to stretch themselves into a new home.
“This trend reflects greater aspirations and has been assisted by low interest rates.”
In reaction to this demand, developers have reduced the average size of lots in new subdivisions in order to keep price options below $100,000.
Despite this, HTW says that the cost of buying a new home is still going to be around $350,000 - beyond the reach of many first home buyers.
“For buyers looking at cheaper options, we would suggest looking at either an older house in an inner city location or a 1980s brick veneer on a good sized lot,” the firm says.
“These types of dwelling can be purchased for around $250,000 and can be upgraded once funds allow.
“They are also going to be in more central locations than some of the current subdivisions.”
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mildura-124171498" target="_blank">685 Walnut Avenue</a>, Mildura (above) has been listed for between $340,000 to $370,000.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mildura-123377662" target="_blank">3 Mayan Court</a>, Mildura (below) has been listed for between $359,000 to $385,000.
<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/2017/03/10/3%20Mayan%20Court.jpg" alt="">
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Mildura developers cutting lot sizes to meet first home buyer demand: HTW

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Within the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne, typical options for first time buyers under $500,000 would tend to be restricted to apartments and single storey units constructed in the 1960s and 1970s, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 
However, the valuation firm says options exist further east in suburbs such as Wandin North and Seville.
HTW says a common strategy is to purchase a small two bedroom unit and rent one of the bedrooms to cover the mortgage costs.
Developments within the suburbs of Croydon, Ringwood, Wantirna and Ferntree Gully, where the average resale price of one bedroom apartments is between $310,000 and $375,000, are also affordable option for first time buyers, the report says.
“It would be wise for first time home buyers to do their sums before purchasing an apartment due to the fact that body corporate fees can often be a significant additional monthly outlay in addition to the mortgage payments.
“Older units within the outer eastern suburbs are also a good option as the body corporate fees tend to be lower and the accommodation tends to be larger than the newer apartments with a better scope to renovate or change the property.
“Low rise apartments within Ringwood are a property type that first home buyers should consider.”
Eastland shopping centre, transport links and ongoing development are key drawcards for the area, HTW says.
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-wandin+north-124560762" target="_blank">1-5 Wanda Avenue</a>, Wandin North (above) was recently sold for $680,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-wandin+north-124314650" target="_blank">15 Sirocco Court</a>, Wandin North (below) was sold for $600,000.
<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/2017/03/10/15%20Sirocco%20Court.jpg" alt="">
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