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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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

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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New rail infrastructure has boosted the profile of Adelaide’s seaside suburbs Christies Beach and Seaford, according to HTW’s February 2017 update.
The valuation firm says segments worth watching this year are: detached housing in the suburbs of Welland, West Hindmarsh, Renown Park and Devon Park where improved infrastructure is in place; Edwardstown in the southern suburbs (eight kilometres from the CBD); Christies Beach and Seaford (beachside southern suburbs); and quality properties under $500,000 within 10 kilometres of the CBD as these are increasing in scarcity.
“Welland, West Hindmarsh, Renown Park and Devon Park are all situated within close proximity to solid performer suburbs such as Allenby Gardens, Croydon and West Croydon,” the report says.
“These suburbs provide an opportunity for purchasers attempting to enter the latter suburbs but at a more affordable price point.
“These areas are gentrifying, have increasing levels of in-fill development occurring as well as renovations and upgrades of older, character style housing.”
The firms says the Torrens to Torrens project, which is upgrading a large section of South Road, will further improve access to these areas and increase appeal to potential purchasers.
Edwardstown is in proximity to the increasingly popular areas of Clarence Gardens and Daw Park and is currently undergoing large levels of in-fill development.
“Driving through this suburb at the moment, there are a number of dwellings being demolished to make way for higher density, modern housing,” HTW says.
“The suburb is well serviced and has access to a number of arterial roads, providing good vehicle access to the north and south of the city as well as the CBD.
“Christies Beach and Seaford, in particular, provide more affordable opportunities than the neighbouring suburb of Port Noarlunga.”
The recent electrification of the Seaford railway line has improved access to this area.
The Southern Expressway also provides access to the Adelaide CBD which will be further enhanced via the Darlington upgrade currently underway.
“There are increasingly improved facilities in these areas, as there is increasing development in the area, both in-fill and in the Seaford Meadows South development.
“Areas such as Happy Valley and Reynella East still provide affordable detached housing under $450,000 which is comparatively affordable compared to many sections of the market.
“Land release prices in suburbs such as Penfield and the Gawler area continue to increase.”
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-reynella+east-124526034" target="_blank">13 McClure Avenue</a>, Reynella East (above) has been listed for between $330,000 to $340,000.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-happy+valley-124644618" target="_blank">20 James Road</a>, Happy Valley (below) has been listed for between $345,000 - $365,000.
<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/2017/02/21/20%20James%20Road.jpg" alt="">
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

HTW's top Adelaide property spots to watch in 2017

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The Cairns property market remains hampered by a continued lack of confidence and optimism despite solid fundamentals, according to HTW’s February 2017 update.
The valuation firm says low rental vacancy rates, no obvious oversupply in any market sector and continued improvement in tourism are positive signs for the region’s market.
Plans have recently been announced by Syrian billionaire Ghassan Aboud to invest $200 million to redevelop the Rydges Tradewinds Hotel on the Cairns waterfront and to build a new 200-room hotel at the corner of Lake and Aplin Streets in the CBD.
In addition, sales in the $550 million Nova City development by World Class Land, a subsidiary of Singaporean listed company Aspial, have now been launched.
The report suggests that these developments may be the catalyst the Cairns economy and property market needs to overcome investor scepticism created by the numerous other projects that have not managed to get out of the ground over the past few years.
“If successful they will inject much needed confidence into the city,” the report says.
“The performance of the Cairns economy and Cairns property market in 2017 will be dependent to a large degree on the above projects commencing.
“If no large projects get out of the ground we envisage little change and 2017 may well be a carbon copy of 2016 with slow but consistent sale rates, tight rental vacancies and a constrained finance environment.”
A three bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-cairns+city-124788370" target="_blank">24/189-191 Abbott Street</a>, Cairns City (above) has been listed for $595,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mount+sheridan-124655726" target="_blank">53 Marsden Street</a>, Mount Sheridan (below) has been listed for $389,000.
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New projects may be Cairns' much needed confidence shot: HTW

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HTW is seeing new signs of a property market turnaround in Townsville following a year where its economy hit bottom and the property market travelled sideways at best, according to its February 2017 update.
The valuation firm says the residential property market has stabilised and confidence is now starting to improve.
However, it cautions that the market right now is fragile and remains positioned at the bottom of the cycle.
The firm predicts that throughout 2017 the residential market is likely to continue ticking over with purchases being made by intending owner occupiers, with some signs of activity re-emerging in the investor market.
“We are likely to see further stabilisation in transactions with the market poised to enter a recovery phase during 2017 as confidence increases,” the report says.
“The housing market has seen a stabilisation in volumes and median sale price and this is likely to continue throughout 2017.”
Townville’s unit market is predicted to remain stable for the first part of the year at least, reflecting ongoing buyer aversion, low levels of investor activity and a lack of new units being brought to market with supply of new developer units now at a seven year low.
The land market is tipped to slow with a lack of new home buyer confidence and the economics of new versus existing housing continuing to retard new home construction.
“The rental market remains in an over-supply situation with the latest survey indicating an overall trending vacancy rate of 5.6%,” HTW says.
“The year ahead will hopefully bring some relief to the rental market seeing the vacancy rate return to a more balanced situation.”
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-kelso-121501894" target="_blank">2 Doyles Circuit</a>, Kelso (above) has been listed for $270,000.
Similarly a two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-south+townsville-124530190" target="_blank">42/38 Morehead Street</a>, South Townsville (below) has been listed for $285,000.
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Market turnaround underway in Townsville: HTW

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There are signs the worst may be behind the Mackay residential market with indications prices may be stabilising, according to HTW’s February 2017 update.
The valuation firm says there was an increase in sales volumes throughout the back end of 2016, rental vacancies fell throughout the year and a general sense of optimism returned to the Mackay economy.
Prices for metallurgical coal rose in late 2016, the mining sector started to show signs of strengthening and Adani’s Carmichael Coal project is getting closer to construction.
Other infrastructure projects in and around Mackay include the Mackay Ring Road Project, Eton Range Bypass and Vines Creek Bridge with construction commencing this year.
Other small projects include a new fire station in Mackay city and upgrades to the Mackay showgrounds.
HTW says all of these and other smaller projects will increase employment opportunities and benefit the entire Mackay economy.
However, the firm cautions that the Mackay residential market isn’t expected to show any real signs of improvement in terms of value in the first half of 2017.
“We think there will be a consolidation of values during this time and that sales volumes will continue to be strong in early 2017,” the report says.
“The key to any movement in values will be buyer sentiment.
“There has been negative buyer sentiment in Mackay over the past few years.
“We have seen this sentiment start to change during the last half of 2016, leading to higher sales volumes across the residential market, albeit at value levels not seen in Mackay in over 10 years.
“This is seen as a possible predictor that the market has reached the bottom.”
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mackay-124597310" target="_blank">18 Keats Street</a>, Mackay (above) has been listed for over $249,000.
Similarly a two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mackay-124472694" target="_blank">6/331 Shakespeare Street</a>, Mackay (below) has been listed for $149,000.
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Hints of optimism for Mackay residential property market: HTW

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Anyone hoping 2017 will prove to be “The Year of the Brissie” will probably be disappointed, according to HTW’s February 2017 update.
The valuation firm says the biggest fault line continues to be employment-fuelled interstate migration.
“Truth be told, we can’t see anything on the economic horizon to suggest southern buyers will start heading here in droves,” the report says.
“That’s not to say we should be ignored – on the contrary, Brisbane is one of the country’s most forgiving capital city markets.
“There are very few disappointed long-term buyers in our sunshine state’s big city, provided they stuck with the fundamentals and bought the right property in the right position at the right price.”
HTW says there are opportunities in Brisbane that will deliver a result after a couple of market cycles.
Inner-city property continues to be the strongest performer and the firm says if you’re hoping to get into suburbs such as Paddington, Bulimba, or Woolloongabba, don’t expect to find much under $700,000 as a low buy-in for a modest detached house.
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-paddington-124628702" target="_blank">30 Prince Street</a>, Paddington (above) has been listed for $1,279,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-paddington-124743018" target="_blank">47 Ewart Street</a>, Paddington (below) has been listed for $829,000.
<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/2017/02/20/47%20Ewart%20Street.jpg" alt="">
“While these areas will continue to offer great potential, make sure you seek good quality property with strong tenant appeal for the best long-term results.
“Middle ring addresses are experiencing some capital gains fuelled by the affordability wave, and steady growth over 2017 is likely in locations such as Kedron and Wavell Heights.
“You’re still in the $600,000-plus price points in order to buy something decent, but as long as the land size and position are appealing, then there’s solid real estate to be had.”
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Brisbane market set for another disappointing year: HTW

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The rural sector in the Northern Territory welcomes 2017 in a very positive fashion, with a promising start to the wet season and very good commodity prices generally, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property valuation firm says that it brings an air of confidence which will hopefully result in increased activity and investment.
In the pastoral sector, strong live export prices are still being experienced out of Darwin and other northern ports.
Although it would appear that most NT properties changed hands in the course of 2015/6, there are in fact a number of properties still on the market.
“We are aware of at least three pastoral lease transactions to have exchanged not only in the Top End but also in the Centre, and hope to report on these once they are finalised.
Additionally, the purchase of Phoenix Park at Katherine by the Hancock Group has seen renewed interest in larger freehold blocks with good highway access, which are suitable for depot blocks, especially for owners of more remote pastoral leases that do not have good access.
Again, we will provide details once these properties have settled,” the report stated.
Many of these types of properties also have horticultural potential.
Through 2016, the sandalwood industry continued to show its dominance in this sector, purchasing and developing more country.
The latest sale of Early Storms in the Douglas Daly district further consolidated this trend.
Early Storms had previously been a very productive melon farm, however its conversion to sandalwood is indicative of changing land uses in this district.
The emergence of the sandalwood industry is also part of the reason for an increasing focus on water allocations in the NT.
“At this time, we are not aware of any arm’s length sales of water licences between properties in the NT.
However as investment in horticulture increases, it is expected that demand for water will increase.
Over time, we expect to see the value of water allocations in the NT become much more important to the same extent seen in irrigation areas in southern states,” the report stated.
The NT has an abundance of water and an abundance of land but there are relatively few places where good quality soil types and reliable water intersect.
Certainly the NT Government wants to ensure that the mistakes of over allocation of water licences which occurred in other jurisdictions is not repeated here.
“We therefore see that the limited amount of allocated water will become more valuable over time, possibly at a faster rate than the land on which it is used,” the report stated.
A rural property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-mixed+farming-nt-katherine-7818338" target="_blank">6755 Florina Road</a>, Katherine (above), the Florina Station, was sold for $6,802,534 last August.
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Northern Territory rural market on a positive note: HTW

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Inner city suburbs such as Port Melbourne, St Kilda, South Yarra, Richmond, Carlton and Fitzroy are worth watching to see if they maintain the capital growth shown over the past few years, according to HTW's February 2017 update.
The valuation firm says that, in particular, established apartments offering functional floor plans and superior living areas are expected to grow due to their attractiveness compared to new off the plan stock.
With the continuing development of large apartment complexes outside the Melbourne CBD, these apartments are usually marketed for lower than off the plan apartments and often provide a superior product, the report says.
“The Melbourne apartment market however is one that should be treated with caution as the threat of oversupply looms large, with the RBA warning that the rush of apartments scheduled for completion in the next couple of years will constrain price growth and also impact rents,” HTW says.
“There is also the increased risk of off the plan apartments not settling upon completion.”
The firm says the inner north western apartment market should be treated with caution due to the large amount of supply particularly in the suburbs of North Melbourne, West Melbourne, Travancore and Parkville. This concern may be contributing to softening values.
At the average price of $950,000 an investor can purchase a house such as the one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-north+melbourne-123638770" target="_blank">44 Bryon Street</a>, North Melbourne (above) that was sold for $990,000.
Similarly at the average price of $521,000 an investor can purchase a unit such as the one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-north+melbourne-124513242" target="_blank">307/139 Chetwynd Street</a>, North Melbourne (below) that is available for $520,000.
<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/2017/02/16/307_139%20Chetwynd%20Street.jpg" alt="">
“While North Melbourne had unit capital growth of 5.2%, there was negative capital growth in unit prices in West Melbourne of -19% (Core Logic, 2017).
It will be interesting to watch the performance of this submarket over the year ahead as more supply is released on to the market.”
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Inner Melbourne buyers ditching off the plan for established units: HTW

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Market conditions throughout the Ballina Shire remained strong throughout 2016 and there are early signs that the market will remain strong into the first quarter of 2017, according to HTW’s February 2017 update.
The valuation firm says price levels across most market segments are at record levels and stock remains low.
“Given that price levels are at record levels any further increases in value would appear unlikely in the short term however low stock levels, particularly throughout the sought after beachside localities may result in some further growth in prices,” the report says.
“The lack of stock and strong demand resulted in the Byron Shire area having tremendous growth in 2016 and it is predicted to remain this way into 2017.
“If interest rates remain low, it will cause demand in the area to become very high, particularly in the coastal resort towns of Lennox and Byron Bay.”
HTW tips the suburbs that are worth watching this year in the Byron Shire to be Ocean Shores, New Brighton and South Golden Beach.
These have had an entry level pricing point of $500,000 to $1 million for a coastal place for many years and are well sought out on the coast due to proximity to Byron.
But the firm is less keen on Mullumbimby, which it says seems to be a particular suburb to treat with caution.
“This is a suburb that has had a very strong price increase in recent years and the worry is that if interest rates rise, it may not be sustainable,” the report says.
“The overall feel for the Byron Shire is that if interest rates and stock levels remain low there will be a strong demand for the area and the markets in Lennox, Byron and Suffolk will have growth, particularly Lennox Head as buyers choose this suburb as a less expensive alternative to Byron Bay.”
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Byron prices at record levels amid low stock: HTW

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The strength of Gold Coast house prices is forcing first home buyers to look further west to obtain an affordable home, according to HTW’s February 2017 update.
The valuation firm says the north-west Gold Coast and southern Logan area is one of the largest growth areas within south-east Queensland with a number of satellite cities now gaining momentum and newer residential estates moving in to a more mature phase with established infrastructure, schools and local amenities.
“The growth area of Upper Coomera continues to be underpinned by the investment and interstate market with these buyers accounting for the majority of vacant lot purchases and house and land sales,” the report says.
“This market saw vacant land prices increase during the second half of 2016, with larger lots coming on to the market, which hadn’t been offered in this area for some time.”
“Over the coming year, this market should be treated with caution as these prices may be reaching their peak.”
The government increased the First Home Buyer’s Grant to $20,000 during the latter part of 2016 which encouraged more construction activity.
“However with price levels increasing in this area, it is becoming extremely difficult for first home owners to purchase or build new product and are we are seeing these buyers moving further west to the satellite cities of Yarrabilba and Flagstone at Jimboomba.”
Property Observer found a four bedroom house in Upper Coomera on 1001sqm that recently sold for $730,000 (above).
The property, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-upper+coomera-123855210" target="_blank">74a River Meadows Drive</a>, fronts the river.
A four bedroom home, <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/9-summerview-avenue-yarrabilba-qld-4207-2013311045?topspot=1" target="_blank">9 Summerview Avenue, Yarrabilba</a> (below) is currently on the market expecting offers over $575,000.
The home features an in-ground saltwater swimming pool and is on 640sqm.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-16%20at%201.35.12%20PM.png" alt="">
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Gold Coast prices forcing first home buyers west: HTW

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Whitsundays has a balanced housing market, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property valuation firm says that Whitsundays has a tightening rental vacancy trend with a fair demand for new houses.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-13%20at%2010.59.37%20am.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/2017/02/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-13%20at%2010.59.37%20am.jpg" alt="">
This is supported by a steady trend of new houses being constructed as well as demand for new housing.
Whitsundays' housing market is starting to recover although new properties are almost never sold at prices that exceed their potential resale value.
A two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-whitsundays-124269270" target="_blank">3264 Shute Harbour Road</a>, Whitsundays (above) is currently listed for $2,000,000.
A seven bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-whitsundays-121901782" target="_blank">383 Mandalay Road</a>, Whitsundays (below) is currently listed for sale.
<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/2017/02/14/383%20Mandalay%20Road.jpg" alt="">
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