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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Hobart has a balanced market for its unit’s rental vacancy situation, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property valuation firm says that Hobart’s rental vacancy trend is tightening.
Demand for new units is soft despite an increasing trend in new unit construction as well as a steady volume of unit sales.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/03/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-03%20at%202.53.55%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/2017/02/03/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-03%20at%202.53.55%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Hobart’s unit property market cycle is currently rising, HTW's report said.
New unit properties in Hobart are almost never sold at prices exceeding their potential resale value.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Hobart's demand for new units is soft: HTW

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Confidence levels in Mildura’s rural property market have strengthened considerably during the past two years, according to Herron Todd White's latest report.
The property valuation firm says that the improved confidence will be continue to be reflected in both a higher number of property transactions and higher values.
"What is remarkable is that this confidence has spread to almost all of the rural industries found in the region," HTW's latest report suggests.
A lower Australian dollar, improved export access to some key Asian markets, low interest rates and generally good seasonal conditions have seen growers of table grapes, citrus and almonds generate strong cash flows in successive years.
Wine grape growers, after enduring terrible commodity prices for a decade, are expecting prices to improve by around $50 per tonne in the current harvest.
"They are hoping that this will be the start of a steady increase over the next few years.
"With respect to our local horticultural industries, it needs to be remembered that the current stronger conditions follow the very difficult conditions experienced between 2007 and 2013."
Property values fell considerably during this period, and the initial improvement was a bit of a catch up, it advised.
Dryland farmers have just harvested a near record crop.
While grain prices have been dismal, many growers benefited from stronger prices for canola and pulse crops which has helped improve their average per hectare returns.
Graziers in the far west of NSW have continued to benefit from very strong meat and wool prices, with agents reporting strong demand being shown for any grazing properties listed for sale.
The current strong returns are however contributing to a very tight supply of grazing properties being listed for sale.
In the last half of 2016, there were three sales of substantial table grape enterprises.
The buyers were two separate international investment funds and a recently listed Australian agribusiness company.
Analysis of these sales indicates that table grape vineyard values have risen by over 25 percent during the past two to three years.
There has also been significant sales activity in smaller family farm sized table grape vineyards, with buyers being mostly existing growers seeking to expand.
Interestingly though, a number of buyers of these smaller vineyards have been fruit exporters, motivated by a desire for vertical integration.
It will be interesting to see whether this trend continues or these non traditional buyers pull back, wary of also assuming the production risk.
An almond and wine grape agricultural property on 18,135 acres is listed at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-mildura-7695503">1 Thurla Road Mildura</a> (above). The property currently has 565 acres of almonds, 291 acres of premier wine grapes, 16 acres of avocado &amp; 250 acres of commercial Lucerne.
It is listed through John Morris and Michael Everard of Ruralco.
A 23.4 acre property in Merebein, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-acreage+semi-rural-vic-merbein-123205646" target="_blank">149 Channel Road</a>, sold last October. It has 4 acres of Menindee, 3 acres of Red Globe, 2 acres of Crimson and 13 acres of Sultanas. The property features a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home, shed and pickers hut.
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Mildura rural market stronger due to high confidence levels: HTW

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Coffs Harbour's residential units property market is currently peaking, according to Herron Todd White's latest report.
Property data firm CoreLogic says that the average median price of a unit in Coffs Harbour is $295,750 with an annual growth of 3 percent.
Units in Coffs Harbour on average stay on the market for 84 days before being sold.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-10%20at%201.34.50%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-10%20at%201.34.50%20PM.png" alt="">
A two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-coffs+harbour-124395934" target="_blank">9/20 Joyce Street</a> (above) has been listed for sale for $279,000.
Similarly a three bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-coffs+harbour-124067646" target="_blank">5/28 Fitzgerald Street</a> (below) has been listed for sale for $255,000.
<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/2017/01/13/5_28%20Fitzgerald%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Coffs Harbour residential units peaking on HTW property clock

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Interest and value levels appear to be remaining strong in the rural areas of the NSW Central Tablelands, according to Herron Todd White’s 2016 December report.
The property valuation advisory firm says that the usual buyers - neighbouring landholders, local landholders, some Sydney based buyers - are active.
However they are seeing some buyers relocating from western areas to be closer to the regional centres where their children are going to school and closer to services.
Residential amenity, along with access and proximity to regional centres continue to be key features of attraction, HTW advised.
The season remains good, it noted.
"Naturally a large portion of producers (and horticulture / viticulture operators too) are requiring some respite from wet weather as various crops ripen," HTW said.
"The northern end of the Northern Tablelands is enjoying possibly its best season in ten years, following good winter rainfall, with the exception being parts of the eastern side which generally perform best with autumn rains.
"That said, cattle prices remain buoyant (forget any talk of boom), lamb prices remain buoyant and there is great activity to get summer crops such as soya bean in where possible."
This has led to a strengthening of demand for all sections of real estate.
"We have seen a rise in the number of corporate sales in the area and agents advise that sales of smaller properties are occurring," the report stated.
Residential sales remain steady, with slightly less completions than 12 months ago.
With seasonal conditions and commodity prices as they are, HTW noted the expectation is for increased activity into the new year.
The southern end of the Northern Tablelands, concentrating on the Tamworth Regional Local Government area, has seen both a mix of local farming family expansion and corporate interest with the sale of two large aggregations in the Garoo area (south of Tamworth) to RIFA Australia, which reflected improved rates of $7,350 per cow area and $7,300 per cow area.
Local expansion in the Nundle area saw the sale of Tindaroo (pictured above) at an analysed rate of $7,700 per cow area.
Other areas of interest were properties in higher rainfall areas, particularly south of Walcha in the Niangala area, which saw the sale of Aberbaldie to Paraway Pastoral at an analysed rate of approximately $5,900 per cow area and the sale of Eulo for an analysed rate of approximately $6,400 per cow area.
Both these properties, whilst in an 850 to 950 millimetres rainfall area, had limited recent pasture and fertiliser development.
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NSW Central Tablelands rural buyers seeking proximity to regional centres: HTW

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Darwin has a large oversupply of units relative to demand, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property advisory firm says that there has been an increasing trend in rental vacancy while the demand for new units has been very soft.
<a href="/images/2016/12/07/HTW%20-%20NT%20Units.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/07/HTW%20-%20NT%20Units.jpg" alt="">
However both the trend in new unit construction and volume of unit sales is declining.
This may be because Darwin’s unit market is declining while new properties are frequently sold at prices exceeding their potential resale value.
A recent sale at Darwin is at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nt-darwin+city-123558910" target="_blank">4/6 Foelsche Street </a>(above) which sold for $425,000.
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Large oversupply of units in Darwin: HTW

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The balanced Townsville property market was beginning to show signs of an oversupply of houses relative to demand, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property advisory firm says that Townsville’s rental vacancy trend is steady while there is a fair demand for new houses.
<a href="/images/2016/12/06/HTW%20-%20QLD%20Houses.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/06/HTW%20-%20QLD%20Houses.jpg" alt="">
Both the trend in new houses being built and the volume of houses being sold remain steady.
Currently Townsville’s housing market is at the bottom while new properties are almost never sold at prices that exceed their potential resale value.
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Townsville's house rental vacancy trend remains steady: HTW

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There are signs the southern Queensland rural market may be approaching a phase of property value growth, according to a report from Herron Todd White (HTW).
HTW's rural report for November said that the region has come off the bottom of the value cycle, but the big question now is how strong and sustainable will this phase be.
"Confidence is a very important contributing factor in any decision making process and this would appear to be something that is beginning to become quite abundant," it said.
"However care must be exercised not to misinterpret confidence with a need to buy for the sake of buying or to 'keep up with the Joneses'.
"The southern Queensland market, in general, has experienced a very good winter and the signs are there, especially on the inner downs, that many broad acre farmers are about to reap the benefits of the good season to date.
HTW said many areas escaped damage from 'wet feet' to their chickpea and wheat crops that southern areas experienced.
"All of the fallow country should have a very good moisture profile which will then set the region up for a potentially good summer," the report advised.
"In regards to the Maranoa region and points further west, they also enjoyed a better than average season with the country generally looking very good.
"Again, this sets them up for a good summer.
"You don’t have to be Einstein to work out that given the strength of the cattle market (despite the issues of low female numbers in the future), the fair to good seasons primary producers have experienced over the past 12 to 18 months and the fact that the cost of borrowing money has never been cheaper, all the ingredients are there to suggest there is the potential that it could run for some time."
These positive agricultural factors are good signs for the area's property market, HTW said.
"We are now at a point in the cycle reminiscent to the early 2000s and before that the mid 1980s.... just prior to the upward run in the respective market cycles.
"Unfortunately the lesson we learned from those periods was that what went up ultimately came down. Sustainability is the key and given the multitude of issues that arose from the past two cycles, it should not be a hard lesson to learn. However we sometimes have very short and selective memories."
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Southern Queensland rural market slated for growth: HTW

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Unseasonal rain this year may have led to an unusual number of sale contracts and negotiations under way for this time of year, according to Herron Todd White's (HTW) November rural report.
HTW said there are about 10 contracts of sale in the northern Queensland marketplace at present.
"The normal marketing and selling period is after the wet from April to June," HTW said.
"This year saw limited market activity during this period and things were looking bleak. 
"Now that some rain has fallen in winter, things have stepped up a gear and total sales volumes for the year are expected to be within a healthy range from 20 to 25 cattle stations.
Many of the details of transactions are confidential at this stage.
"From an independent view point, the sale prices are sensible when duly considered and do not represent an increase in values from last year," the report said.
"There are some areas where sale value rates this year are showing that they have recovered to the pre-drought levels. They are certainly not above the pre-drought levels though.
"Up until recently, the strong cattle market has been good for vendors and has enabled businesses to do some good cattle trades and re-generate cash ow after three very lean years. This has enabled some prospective vendors to pay their bills while they market their stations. Perhaps with the cattle market coming off a bit lately, property buyers will remain cautious in their due diligence.
"Apart from the rain, a good thing for the property market is the low interest rate environment. This would be attractive for some buyers and also positive for existing owners.
"At this stage, the recovery in values to pre drought levels is looking good for the district to the north of Richmond, Julia Creek, Cloncurry and Camooweal up to the Gulf. The other area that is showing signs of value rate recovery is from Hughenden to Muttaburra and back up to Prairie."
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Rain, low interest rates seeding busy northern Queensland rural property market: HTW

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Residential Newcastle property owners are tapping into their growing equity to utilise investment opportunities, according to Herron Todd White’s latest market report.
The property advisory firm states that people are drawn to taking on renovation projects due to reality TV programs.
“And why not, given that at any point in the year we are all drawn to watching renovation (reality) TV programs, creating that desire to take on a project from start to finish yourself,” the report stated.
Smaller scale development options can include a minor subdivision of a large residential block, allowing for a second dwelling, granny flat or even a knock down and re-build with townhouses. All are appetizing small scale projects for novice investors," the report suggested.
"In our patch of Newcastle and The Hunter, mum- and-dad investors may have difficulty sourcing an investment opportunity for small scale development within a desired budget.
“Given the stronger property market within the confines of Newcastle itself, turning up to Saturday’s open homes and attempting to get through the front door can only be described as being more hectic than the mosh pit of a 1992 Metallica concert in Alabama.
"We also note that this is the same case across every price point within the region with recent sales of blue chip properties upwards of $3 million,” the report stated.
Higher competition between prospective purchasers ultimately reflects higher sale prices, which will influence the end profitability for the investor.
Given this, investors are currently not evident in the Newcastle market, unless the typical mum-and- dad investor is looking to upsize and can secure a property with re-development potential in the long term.
Around Port Stephens, in particular Colette, Salamander Bay and Nelson Bay where there is low supply in any residential land availability, any block that has the potential to provide additional housing is in high demand.
In areas with continuous expansion of residential development such as Fletcher, West Wallsend, Gillieston Heights and Chisholm, mum-and-dad investors seeking to increase their portfolios are looking to grab the corner or wide frontage block that will allow for a duplex pair to be built.
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Mum and dads speculate with extra accomodation development around Newcastle: HTW

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Sales activity in the Brisbane retail world is starting to slow with stock generally being very tightly held, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest report.
The property advisory firm says that sellers cannot easily replace their investments with equivalent yields in any other asset class.
Yields for neighbourhood centres have continued to tighten throughout the course of 2016, however, there is now a perception that we are approaching the top, primarily due to the tightening market for funding which is now requiring greater levels of equity.
The overwhelming demand for well leased retail stock in the sub $5 million market has created a seller’s market with buyers often cascading from one sales campaign to the next.
When they miss out on the first property the urgency to buy the next can be very strong.
Most activity remains in the convenience and neighbourhood sectors, but even there the quantum of transactions is slowing.
It is also now timely to pause and reflect on the quantum of capital growth that has occurred in these markets over the past three years.
A good recent example is the sale of the Sandstone Point IGA anchored centre which recently sold for $10.395 million showing a yield of 7.04%.
This property sold three years earlier for some $8.25 million and showed capital growth of 26% over that period. This is reasonably reflective of the neighbourhood and convenience centre markets generally.
More broadly, yields for well leased neighbourhood centres in strong locations are now well entrenched in the low 6% yield range.
Service stations are also hot at the present time.
The Caltex complex at Northlakes was recently contracted at a yield of 5.13%, showing a staggering 48% capital growth over a three year period since its previous purchase.
Whilst demand is likely to remain strong, we consider that the market is nearing the peak with the likelihood of yields bottoming out over the next six to 12 months.
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