Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils signature penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

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Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

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A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

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Townsville’s residential market remains slow with the most active sector being property priced under $450,000, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that the median house price as at June 2016 was $335,000. The under $450,000 price bracket covers a wide section of the housing market with the upper end providing for modern homes in modern land estates.
One example would be a four bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-kirwan-123817466" target="_blank">58 Greenwood Drive</a> (above) that is for sale for $349,000.
HTW says the buyers are mostly owner occupiers looking to upgrade the amenity of their property or move to a better location.
Renovators are also active in this price bracket with the availability of tradespeople and the low cost of borrowing appealing to this type of buyer.
"Overall affordability remains the key focus for buyers who must take into consideration their own financial and employment positions and are buying properties they perceive as good buying based on their current economic circumstances," the report advised.
The slowest sector is currently the vacant land market which has seen a significant reduction in sale volumes over the past two years.
This reflects a lack of buyer confidence in the market stemming from the subdued economy, along with the economics of building a new home versus the cost of buying an existing home.
The inner city unit market and the higher end residential housing market are also less frequently traded.
This is due to a combination of thin volumes of stock on the market along with vendors willing to hold back going to market until conditions improve.
"Within the inner city unit market we have seen some recent sales by vendors unwilling to hold on for market improvement that have reflected significant decreases in value from purchase prices."
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Townsville residential market remains slow: HTW

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The Whitsundays has two price points that are appearing active right now, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that the first one is the budget market which is high $300,000 to low $400,000. At this price, you can expect to purchase:
• An older style 1980 to 1990 life style property or a modern liveable shed between Cannonvale and Proserpine.
• A new 3- to 4- bedroom home in Cannonvale or Jubilee Pocket.
• An older, larger 1980s to 1990s home on a larger lot with pool or shed.
Buyers in this market are mainly investors and first home buyers.
An example would be a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-jubilee+pocket-123641526" target="_blank">15 Armada Crescent</a> (above) that is for sale for $399,000.
The other market that is moving is the upgrade market with values from $600,000 to $800,000, which purchases:
• A larger dwelling with ocean views;
• A larger modern dwelling with pool or shed on small acreage.
The main buyers in this market are home owners upgrading with some investors and holiday home purchasers.
The unit market is the slowest in the Whitsundays at the present time.
Within this market, the entry level unit market with values from high $100,000 to high $200,000 is the slowest and includes small 1- or 2-bedroom units in Cannonvale and Jubilee Pocket.
Buyers in this market are traditionally investors or first home buyers.
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Budget market dominates Whitsundays property market: HTW

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Victoria and Tasmania are reporting a balanced market in the housing property market, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that however Gippsland, Horsham, Bendigo and Warrnambool are reporting an over-supply of houses.
<a href="/images/2016/10/14/VicTas%20houses.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/14/VicTas%20houses.jpg" alt="">
This maybe due to the trend in new houses being constructed with Victoria reporting a steady trend, with the exception of Gippsland which is declining, compared to Tasmania which is declining.
This is also supported by reports stating that Tasmania's housing market is starting to recover after falling to the bottom.
<a href="/images/2016/10/14/VicTas%20units.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/14/VicTas%20units.jpg" alt="">
In contrast the Tasmanian and Victorian cities are reporting a mixture of over-supply of units and a balanced market.
This seems to correlate with a steady volume of units being sold in all areas as well as new units being constructed, with the exception of Tasmania which is seeing new construction declining, HTW advised.
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Housing market in recovery Tasmania: HTW

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New houses in Queensland are only occasionally sold at prices exceeding their potential resale value, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that the majority of cities in Queensland are either at the bottom, or about to reach the bottom, of the market or vice versa.
This can be seen in the rental vacancy situation for Queensland where there is a mixture of over-supply of houses and a balanced market, however it could also be because the demand for new houses have softened.
<a href="/images/2016/10/14/QLD%20units.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/14/QLD%20units.jpg" alt="">
Demands for new units alternate between soft and fair indicating that investors do not wish to purchase a unit at this time.
However the above graph indicates that the property cycle of units in Queensland are approaching the bottom of the market, which could see them decline for the time being until they recover.
Much like houses units are occasionally sold at prices exceeding their potential resale value.
<a href="/images/2016/10/14/QLD%20houses.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/14/QLD%20houses.jpg" alt="">
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Bundaberg at bottom of the property market: HTW

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The NT, SA and WA housing markets are a either beginning to rebound or approaching the bottom of the market, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that these areas are in a reasonably balanced position with Darwin and Perth reporting an oversupply of houses.
The demand for houses is fair across the board with only Darwin, Perth and South West WA's market softening, while the volume of houses being sold remains stable.
<a href="/images/2016/10/14/NT%20units.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/14/NT%20units.jpg" alt="">
Units in the NT, SA and WA areas, however, are currently either at the bottom of the property cycle market or approaching.
HTW report a steady amount of units being sold with only Darwin, Perth and South West WA reporting a decline in units being sold.
Darwin and Perth's rental vacancy unit market is increasing.
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Units in NT, SA and WA areas at bottom of property market cycle despite steady unit sales: HTW

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While Lismore City caters for all potential buyer types, the vast majority of sales activity appears to be located within the $250,000 to $350,000 price bracket, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that the primary reason for this is that it appeals to not only the first home buyer but also "the savvy investor."
The gross rental yields for a single residential house or unit would barely register 5 percent for properties above $400,000.
However, within the $250,000 to $350,000 range, HTW have started seeing better returns, particularly if current mortgage lending rates stay below 4 percent for the medium to long term.
One example would be a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-lismore-123787958" target="_blank">25 Junction Street</a> (above) that is for sale for $315,000.
HTW noted coupled with basement areas, it is not uncommon for property owners to retro fit the space into a self contained granny flat to generate a bit more coin "regardless of whether such improvements are Council approved or not!".
Dwellings and units in this price range are generally original or may have some minor cosmetic improvements, hence making the potential capital gain that could be gleaned from investing in a new kitchen, bathroom or even addition of an en suite if existing space permits) an inviting prospect whilst potentially improving the rental base.
Within this price range, one would expect to purchase a 3-bedroom, 1- to 2-bathroom, single or double garage brick and tile home in Goonellabah with potential rent from $275 to $375 per week depending on location, availability of services and general condition.
At $250,000 to $350,000 the range is simply seen as being affordable and a good starting point for a reasonable quality of accommodation.
From that base, first home owners and investors can value add to the existing structure.
The slowest moving sector, particularly in the past three years, is the typical, unrenovated brick and tile 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit with carport, usually within a complex of three or four units.
"This seems rather peculiar given that the price range is approximately $150,000 to $200,000 and is still able to rent for around $200 to $250 per week.
"However, hidden costs such as an ill-managed body corporate and outstanding maintenance issues may give cause for concern."
Herron Todd White noted that first home buyers have higher expectations as their first home.
"Other reasons could be that first home buyers simply have higher expectations and want that 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a double garage as their first home. It does happen. We have completed a number of To Be Erected valuation reports with first home buyers buying land for around $180,000 to $200,000 and then requiring a new build contract at $200,000 plus.
Images of a chained millstone around the neck pop up in one’s mind when witnessing this paradigm shift.
Times have certainly changed since the 1950s and 1960s."
Modern, residential properties in the $400,000 plus price bracket are generally reserved for upgraders and there is reasonable demand.
In the rural townships of Casino and Kyogle, the favoured price range for investment property is lower at $175,000 to $275,000, but interestingly, the rental is higher as a gross yield percentage to the market value of the property.
Similar to Lismore City, original 2-bedroom units within Casino and Kyogle are also hard to move with overall market value being relatively stagnant and even dipping throughout the year.
"But then again, a Casino or Kyogle $110,000 to $120,000 unit is still able to attract rent of around $170 to $200 per week.
"Lastly, the old adage of location, location, location still weighs in heavily in the eventual sale price achieved with convenience of location to shopping, schools and services contributing to demand for housing close to the CBD and local neighbourhood centres," it concluded.
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Lismore market appealing to some first home buyer and investors: HTW

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A standard dwelling in Byron Bay will cost between $700,000 and $1 million, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that for the same price range for a standard dwelling in Byron, a buyer could get a good quality home newly renovated in nearby Lennox.
In Mullumbimby and Ocean Shores the most favoured price point is between $500,000 and $750,000 for a standard dwelling.
An example would be a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mullumbimby-123828414" target="_blank">6 Hibiscus Place</a> (pictured above) that is for sale for $649,000.
The main demographic for this price point is owner occupiers, predominantly a mix of local buyers trading up and people relocating from the major cities.
The main reason that this price point is so favoured is due to this bracket offering an affordable coastal living family home to middle income earners who want to enjoy the resort style of living, HTW said. 
The slowest price point in the region are for prestige properties priced $4 million and above.
These properties are pretty much only available to the rich and famous and are either owner occupied or kept as holiday accommodation.
Although there are more transactions taking place at the moment, it is still a very thinly traded sector of the market with a high level of volatility.
Another slow price point is secondary rural residential areas. The buyers in this range tend to be local buyers, however, due to these locations being that little bit further away from the towns and airports, they trend towards the slower price point category.
The most favoured price points in Ballina are between $500,000 and $650,000 which tends to be owner occupiers, particularly young families.
"You will get a standard dwelling in this price bracket which includes recently built houses," the report noted.
These are considered the most affordable dwellings in the region for families.
Families priced out of this bracket in Ballina can move slightly further inland to Wollongbar where they can build a new standard home for between $450,000 and $550,000.
The slowest price point for the area is anything priced over $1 million.
Although the area has seen a few good sales over the $1 million mark, transactions are limited.
Professional couples are the most likely buyer group over this price point, HTW noted.
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Standard Byron Bay home options at $700,000 plus: HTW

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The Coffs Coast district has a fairly low economic base with a limited amount of high paying work available, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that the majority of the pressure for property is on the affordable sub-$500,000 sector.
At this price point, the majority of purchasers are investors and first home buyers or to a lesser extent people locating to the area.
Rental demand is high which translates to strong rental returns making Coffs Harbour an attractive place for investors.
Typically Coffs has been a fairly transient community which is why rental demand is high.
Recent major infrastructure upgrades primarily centred around the Pacific Motorway to the north and south of Coffs has seen a steady influx of road workers over the past five to 10 years.
These workers are transient and slowly moving away from Coffs Harbour currently working to the north on the Corrindi Beach to Ballina upgrade and south at Warrell Creek.
Although this demand is slowly shifting away the planned Coffs Harbour bypass which is expected to start some time in the next five to six years will see these workers returning and increasing pressure on future rental demand.
HTW observed that homes under $500,000 are still reachable in Coffs Harbour.
"What do we expect to buy for under $500,000?" the report asked. "Increasingly less for your money, however, the median price for a home is currently around $430,000 which buys you a three to four bedroom home, probably in the 10 to 40 year age bracket and located within good proximity of beaches, schools and all major services."
There is a vast array of properties available for sale within the Coffs Coast region however more affordable localities can offer the same type of property for less.
For example, for the same three to four bedroom home in Nambucca Heads to the south, you will be looking to pay around the $330,000 mark. One example would be a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-nambucca+heads-123335334" target="_blank">41 Old Coast Road</a> (pictured above) that was for sale for $330,000 and sold at $325,000.
Conversely, HTW advised the slowest price point is the prestige market ($1 million plus) which is dependent upon high net wealth individuals.
These are limited in the local market with prospective purchasers generally coming from Sydney or out of town.
The difficult global economic conditions over the GFC period resulted in a reduced number of buyers seeking properties in this value range and location.
There are positive signs that the market has turned upwards for prestige property with improved conditions over 2016.
Sales activity for residential product between $1 million and $1.3 million increased although property over $1.5 million is still thinly traded with selling periods in excess of 12 months generally expected.
This market improvement is being experienced in the more traditional sought after beach locations such as Sawtell, The Jetty, Diggers Beach, Korora, Sapphire Beach and Woolgoolga.
Herron Todd White noted that Coffs Harbour's market is largely dependable upon economic conditions in NSW.
"We note this market is dependent upon the greater economic conditions throughout New South Wales and more specifically the metropolitan markets at the time of sale," said the report.
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High rental demand makes Coffs Harbour an attractive investment: HTW

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The price point most active in Melbourne’s north is $700,000 to $1.2 million, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that this price point is especially active in inner suburbs such as Brunswick, Northcote, Thornbury, Preston and Coburg. This price point is popular in properties within close proximity of the CBD.
A suburb that continues to be one of the most dynamic in Melbourne’s north is Northcote. It has had a quarterly median house price change of 18.2%. This can be explained by the suburb’s proximity to the CBD, its public transport connections, trendy bars, cafes and live music venues.
Northcote has also experienced a number of high end sales including <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-northcote-123254290" target="_blank">25 Simpson Street, Northcote</a> (pictured above), sold for $2.34 million in August 2016.
One of the slowest and least active suburbs in Melbourne’s north is Broadmeadows, highlighted by its median house price of $390,000 and quarterly growth of 2.2%.
Broadmeadows has also had less than 30 sales within the suburb in the last quarter (source: REIV, 2016), the valuation firm noted.
It suggested a possible reason for this small amount of activity was the huge supply of affordable, newly constructed homes in Melbourne’s outer north suburbs such as Craigieburn and Greenvale.
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Northcote reigns as the most dynamic property market in Melbourne's north: HTW

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Like most coastal areas, the Sunshine Coast has an array of different property types which appeals to a number of different sectors of the marketplace, but the the entry level for each of these sectors has been performing well, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that due to the disparate segments, specific market analysis is difficult.
To try and provide some clarity, HTW have broken up the Sunshine Coast into the two main sectors – coastal and hinterland.
"When looking at the coastal areas for housing, the main feedback we’re receiving is that the sub $750,000 market is most active. This can be broken up into first home buyers active in the sub $500,000 level and upgraders above this," the report stated.
Homes tend to be of older style product close to the beach and modern homes on sub 500 to 600 square metre allotments within estates (although some estates are sub 300 square metres).
"For units we’re talking more in the sub $400,000 level with once again first home buyers being pretty active. These units usually comprise older townhouse product and smaller walk up unit complexes," the report observed.
An example would be a two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-noosaville-123540454" target="_blank">20/291 Gympie Terrace</a> (pictured above) that is for sale for $460,000.
When we look at the other end of the scale, the slower markets tend to be in the higher value bands, say above $1.5 million.
The market is very much buyer and vendor specific, with inconsistencies experienced and both weak and strong sales being recorded. More simply, there are just less people running around with that amount of money to spend.
There are certain areas where the activity is strong up to $2 million. Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne buyers are the most active as well as local upgraders. Some overseas buyers are coming back into the market with the lower Australian dollar.
HTW noted that property prices within hinterland towns drop.
"When we cast an eye to the hinterland markets, the price point drops further with homes down to sub $400,000 within hinterland townships and sub $500,000 for homes on rural residential allotments," the report said.
"First home buyers and local residents upgrading into new or larger properties are the most active. We are also seeing people relocating from coastal areas to more traditional sized allotments.
"The unit market in these areas is typically thin apart from Nambour with limited levels of stock. Values tend to be trading in the sub $275,000 level and are typically townhouse and villa product."
Similar to the coastal region, the higher value $750,000 plus rural residential market continues to remain patchy and very much buyer and vendor specific.
There are certain areas where the activity is strong up to $1.3 million and then it thins out. The big benefit for these properties is that there is an ability to purchase at below replacement cost which is always attractive.
"As you can see from the above, the Sunshine Coast market is difficult to gauge," HTW suggested.
"At the moment there are a number of good news stories which are still creating interest in the region."
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