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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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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