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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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."

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[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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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"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."

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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.

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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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The Southern Highlands residential property market continues to see strong activity from local and out of region buyers, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that the most active market is close in to the townships of Bowral, where the most active price range is between $700,000 to $1 million and the median is $771,0004 (+13% 2015). 
An example is<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bowral-123777430" target="_blank"> 5 Bronwyn Place, Bowral</a> (pictured above), which is currently listed through Richardson and Wrench for $785,000. 
In Moss Vale, the most active price range is $450,000 to $700,000 and the median $508,000 ( which is up 15% year on year).
In Mittagong, local agents have reported a severe shortage of listings, resulting in a most active price range of $550,000 to $800,0001 and the medianprice is $605,000 (up 14% year on year).
Buyers are moving to the Highlands from greater Sydney, North Shore and the Hills District in particular, seeking a lifestyle change with accompanying economic benefits, the HTW report said.
"Pleasingly, an increasing proportion of purchasers are owner occupiers and families," it added.
Properties in the area are a mix of modern well appointed, well maintained and renovated older style dwellings.
The emerging precincts on the outskirts of townships such as Bingara Gorge (Picton), Renwick (Mittagong) and Darraby (Moss Vale) are also trading at a brisk pace, with price points from $550,000 to $900,000 where improvements will be modern and contemporary.
There is an increasing amount of property across the Southern Highlands in the $2.5 million plus category, primarily the rural lifestyle market, (10 hectares plus) that can remain on the market in some instances for up to two years.
These properties are generally located outside the main townships in the hamlets of Exeter, Bundanoon and Sutton Forest and are thinly traded, with purchasers more specific as to their requirements, eg equestrian facilities, house and guest accommodation, landscaping or water being some of the selection criteria.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Lifestyle changers seek out the Southern Highlands: HTW

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The most favoured price points in the Clarence Valley are below $400,000 in Yamba and below $300,000 in Maclean and Grafton, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that investors are the main buyer demographic for this price point and will tend to get a 1950s to 1970s refurbished dwelling.
In Yamba, you would be looking at a dwelling located on a busy road.
These price points can be pushed up in Yamba from $500,000 to $800,000 for well located properties, however there will tend to be more of a mix of investors and owner occupiers.
An example would be a six bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-yamba-123773230" target="_blank">18 Church Street</a> (pictured above) that is for sale for $750,000.
Grafton and Maclean will also push up to $450,000 for modern homes for investors and owner occupiers.
The slowest price for the region is the $800,000 to $1 million bracket in Yamba and anything over $450,000 in Maclean or Grafton.
These will tend to be people moving up to the region from capital cities and there are also some professional couples purchasing in this price bracket.
The slowest price point depends on what is happening in the capital cities, however the locality of the area in relation to cities and local industries has the largest impact on the slowest price point.
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Clarence Valley an attractive area for investors: HTW

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The most active central Gold Coast suburbs over the past few months have included Broadbeach, Broadbeach Waters and Benowa, according to Herron Todd White's latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that demand for Broadbeach units under $500,000 remains firm and detached housing within Broadbeach Waters up to $1.75 million continues to be highly sought after.
One example would be a 2 bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-broadbeach-122986210" target="_blank">30 Surf Parade</a> that is for sale for $369,000.
The Broadbeach and Broadbeach Waters areas are becoming very popular due to their proximity to the beach, light-rail system, Pacific Fair shopping centre, boutique cafes and other various amenities.
Buyers with say $400,000 to $450,000 should find opportunities such as a partly or fully refurbished 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom low rise apartment within close walking distance to Broadbeach Mall and the beach.
Buyers with $500,000 to $750,000 should be looking to buy a non-waterfront detached house in Broadbeach Waters or possibly even a very basic entry level waterfront dwelling with canal frontage.
The market has improved considerably over the past two years within this area and at present it is likely to be difficult to find any waterfront property listed under $700,000.
Buyers with $1 million to $1.5 million will likely find either a recently constructed good to high quality non-waterfront dwelling or duplex or a renovated, good quality canal front home in this price range.
Alternatively, buyers could also look at good quality 3-bedroom apartments in the heart of Broadbeach if beachside living is the preferred option.
Lately there has also been a good run of sales of waterfront homes in Benowa.
Local agents have reported strong buyer enquiry for detached housing with either canal, lake or river frontage in the $1 million to $2 million price bracket in the Benowa Waters estate.
It appears that buyers in this price range are still looking to take advantage of the low interest rate environment and possibly there are more opportunities in this suburb in comparison to neighbouring suburbs such as Sorrento, Bundall and Broadbeach Waters.
Herron Todd White noted that there is a growing trend of short selling periods in affordable suburbs.
"We are also seeing a growing trend of shorter selling periods in the more affordable suburbs such as Merrimac and Mudgeeraba. Detached housing in the $450,000 to $550,000 price range in Mudgeeraba remains highly sought after and it has been quite common for property in this price bracket to sell within a couple days of being listed for sale."
Buyers with young families are the typical demographic in this area with affordability being a key issue in the decision making process.
"There appears to be very good levels of demand in other central suburbs such as Isle of Capri, Bundall, Sorrento, Mermaid Beach, Mermaid Waters, Robina and Carrara, however, agents are suggesting that there are low stock levels in these localities at present and vendors’ expectations are rising," the report advised.
Potential buyers looking to buy residential property priced under $1 million in these areas must be prepared to negotiate quickly due to the high demand and shortage of stock.
In the central north Gold Coast, Helensvale remains one of the boom areas, HTW noted.
"There has been a strengthening in the $500,000 to $650,000 price point."
The buyer demographic is mainly owner occupier family buyers looking for spacious 4- or 5-bedroom homes on large blocks.
One of the quieter market segments in the central north areas is semi-modern units and high rises around the Broadwater. In the Runaway Bay highrise precinct on Bayview Street and Oatland Avenue there have been less than five settled sales in the $700,000 to $1 million bracket.
These buildings are mainly owner occupied by retirees and units are tightly held when market conditions are favourable.
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Property market on central Gold Coast improving: HTW

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Gladstone market activity shows signs of increased sales activity leading to cheaper property prices, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that values in Gladstone has not been this low in a decade.
"It really doesn’t matter which market sector you pick, most have had increased sales activity over the past couple of months and the main reason is that it is so cheap! Values in Gladstone have not been this low in over a decade," the report states.
The most active market sector is the sub $250,000 sector. Purchasers in this price bracket comprise mostly owner occupiers, many of whom are first home buyers.
One example would be a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-clinton-123663654">11 Hansen Crescent</a> that is for sale for $195,000.
This type of money will get you an older, modest 3-bedroom high or low set home.
The established suburbs of New Auckland, Clinton, South and West Gladstone are where most activity is occurring.
Another active sector is for modern 4-bedroom homes. There has been a new wave of sales for standard 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom homes in modern estates selling for sub $300,000 however most of the stock is priced above this.
Investors have also re-entered the market. There have been a number of 1980s and 1990s 2-bedroom townhouses sold in and around the central suburbs of South and West Gladstone.
The value level for this stock is mostly sub $100,000.
Property with the lowest amount of activity is and always has been the prestige market. Prestige dwellings are generally tightly held which of course is why there is limited activity.
"We are aware however of two prestige homes currently on the market which have garnered good interest according to selling agents," the report said.
Pricing and buyer feedback on these properties suggests that the prestige market has finally caught up with the rest of the market and is now at a more realistic pricing level.
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Lowest property prices in a decade in Gladstone results in increased sales activity: HTW

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The market remains active at present with good volumes of sales in Hervey Bay across most price points, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that 2015 saw around 194 sales of low density residential vacant land with 35 percent of these in the $150,000 to $175,000 price range.
To date in 2016, there have been approximately 65 recorded vacant land sales with 32 percent being in the $175,000 to $200,000 price range.
"We caution readers because the house and land package market in Hervey Bay is strong and a large number of vacant land sales are not recorded," the report advised.
The improved market although active is showing very little price growth. Since January 2015 the average price for residential homes in Hervey Bay has fluctuated between $320,000 and $340,000.
One example would be a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-wondunna-122805326" target="_blank">9 Halcyon Drive</a> that is for sale for $345,000.
"We note that this is for low density residential homes only and does not include larger acreage properties," the report stated.
In line with the average pricing, the most active price range was $300,000 to $350,000 with 30% of the 1,620 recorded sales. House and land packages are mostly targeting this range with the aid of local and state government incentives helping to attract buyers.
Although most sales are in the lower price ranges, there has been an increase in activity for higher priced property from 15 sales in 2014 to 39 sales recorded above $700,000 since January 2015. These include acreage and small rural properties.
Some 16 of these sales were in the Dundowran Beach locality and include three sales between $1 million and $1.25 million.
"Although there is a smaller buyer pool in this price range, these sales are very encouraging for broader market confidence," HTW advised.
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Hervey Bay market active, but shows little signs of growth improvement: HTW

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Toowoomba’s residential market has continued to soften, showing a further decrease in median house prices across the Toowoomba urban area (postcode 4350), according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that the June 2016 quarter gave a median of approximately $350,000 for Toowoomba, down from approximately $370,000 in the March 2016 quarter.
To date, the September 2016 quarter is returning a median house price of approximately $330,000, however this is based on a limited volume of settled sales transactions and should be treated with caution.
While this is proving to be a slowing market, the capacity for long term gain remains attractive to first home buyers, upgraders and renovators due to Toowoomba’s relatively affordable price points.
Price segmentation of residential properties over the past 12 months shows that 40% of all house sales recorded are between $300,000 and $400,000, the price point which encompasses the median house price and consistently proves most active.
Sales less than $300,000 and sales between $400,000 and $500,000 make up approximately 20% of all house sales respectively.
An example would be a two bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-toowong-115957227" target="_blank">521 Milton Road</a> (pictured above) that was recently sold for $415,000.
Properties in the price range exceeding $700,000 appear to have the least movement, however see strong interest and sale prices.
This high end property market is restricted as a result of limited supply and limited land in higher end suburbs such as Redwood, East Toowoomba, Middle Ridge, Mount Lofty and Prince Henry Heights.
The majority of buyers in the median price range consist of local and non-local owner occupiers and investors.
"However, investor interest appears to be easing parallel to the slowing market conditions and increasing vacancy rates," the report advised.
Buyers in this price range are able to acquire a range of different homes consisting of two, three and four bedroom, brick and timber, older and recent.
These types of properties are spread across older suburbs such as Newtown, Centenary Heights, Harristown, South and North Toowoomba, ranging all the way through to brand new sub divisions in areas such as Glenvale and Cranley, situated further from the CBD.
Overall, while the relatively strong sales and price growth demonstrated in 2015 has not been met this year, the current cooling of the market may stabilise with large infrastructure projects currently under construction, including the second range crossing and QIC shopping centre development acting as catalysts for future economic growth across the region.
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Toowoomba property market softens further: HTW

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With the federal election now over and an interest rate drop of 25 basis points in August, the property market in Port Macquarie is again showning signs of gaining momentum, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says real estate agents report that they are scratching the bottom of the barrel for listings.
Demand within the Port Macquarie township mainly between the market range of $350,000 to $450,000 for three bedroom older houses, two to three bedroom villas and new dwellings within the outer suburbs close to the university have been "hot, hot, hot" with sales being achieved either prior to advertising or within days afterwards.
One example of a property within the most active price range is the three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-port+macquarie-123509162" target="_blank">31 Marian Drive</a> (pictured above) that is for sale for $369,000.
HTW advised that property prices have started to become inflated as buyers compete for properties.
"This has spurred sales of vacant land within the outer suburbs of Port Macquarie and in the small surrounding villages with many new subdivisions close to being sold out prior to being registered," the report stated.
Subdivisions at Crestwood, closer to Port Macquarie, are seeing higher priced and higher quality dwellings being built on these lots, fuelling the outer subdivisions such as Sovereign Hills and Lake Innes where a more reasonably priced lot and dwelling can be achieved.
HTW noted an increase in construction of dual occupancy style dwellings.
"These generally comprise a three bedroom, two bathroom dwelling with an attached two bedroom, one bathroom for the owner’s parents or as a separate rental.
"We suspect that this momentum may continue for some months, especially with the Christmas holiday season still to come."
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Dual occupancy properties on the rise in Port Macquarie as price inflation emerges: HTW

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As with the Highlands, there is now a mix of property types in the Southern Tablelands, Goulburn region, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that the traditional well located older homes are still sought after, however, there has also been a push for modern family homes.
Land releases are continuing in North and West Goulburn and land sales are increasing in the new and modern residential estates including Belmore Estate, Merino Country Estate and Mistful Park Estate.
The most active market is the $200,000 to $600,000 sector, median $350,000 (up 5% in 2015). There is also good activity in construction of new homes.
Goulburn is rich in heritage architecture and there is good renovation construction activity in these older character homes. An example would be a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-goulburn-123681226" target="_blank">18 Elizabeth Street </a>(pictured above) that is for sale for $385,000.
The main buyer profile is Sydney based investors tapping into their equity as well as tree change purchasers from Canberra.
"In general the region is enjoying a strong level of sales activity, although the top end properties ($1 million plus) are trading at a slower pace then the sub $750,000 market," the report says.
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Southern Tablelands property market attracting Sydney investors: HTW

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The residential market in Perth appears to be very segmented at present, with several mortgage belt areas appearing to be in a downward spiral, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest monthly market report.
However, several upgrade pockets holding their own and some prestige areas doing reasonably well.
The property advisory firm says that weekly sales activity is exactly the same as 12 months ago and listings are slightly lower.
The median sale price for houses is steady at $530,000, while the median sale price for units fell off a cliff last quarter from $435,000 to $405,000, coming off a high of $452,000 in 2014.
"There are bargain hunters out there, but there are also many people who have simply been paying off debt or building up savings for many years and are now in a position to upgrade to those areas they have been desiring," the report advised.
"There is more competition for sought after products than there was six months ago."
It noted that many neighbouring suburbs are performing at vastly different levels.
Investors have largely retreated from the market over the past 18 months however speculation about the timing of the bottom of the cycle is rife.
"Small scale development sites in particular have been on the nose, but with prices in many areas approaching single residential value reducing the risk profile of these sites, they appear to be rebounding," the report noted.
"An example of this can be found in Gabriel Street, Cloverdale, where many sites have a zoning of R20/50/100 and offer a variety of development opportunities."
The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-cloverdale-122239714" target="_blank">127 Gabriel Street</a> (pictured above) transacted in May 2016 for $535,000, whilst an almost identical property situated at 131 Gabriel Street transacted in July 2015 for $610,000.
More recent activity indicates a higher level of interest in similar properties above $550,000.
In the more traditional market, the trend appears to be that the market is avoiding the best house in the worst suburb and normalised to the worst house in the best suburb. Market activity through premium suburbs such as Cottesloe, Mount Pleasant and Leederville has improved, with a significant level of activity at entry level prices.
This is being driven by buyers who have long desired to reside in such suburbs and due to personal circumstances including debt, job security and current interest rates, they can now take the plunge.
Less desirable areas such as Camillo, Koondoola and Girrawheen are struggling for traction, largely due to older style, generic housing options not inspiring the market, when perceived better value offerings are available in better located or more desirable suburbs such as Parkwood, Warwick and Greenwood.
Buyers include first home buyers plus upgrade activity from current owners within those less desirable suburbs.
There remains activity in traditional first home buyer suburbs on the urban fringe, albeit at base entry prices. Suburbs such as Golden Bay, Secret Harbour, Wandi and Wellard in the south along with Banksia Grove in the north are attracting the majority of interest, with the driver appearing to be affordability and reasonable proximity to public amenities.
Many new and developing estates previously targeted by upgrade activity are now struggling for traction, with re-pricing of land common, as are rebates and performance incentives.
Areas such as Eglinton, Butler and Alkimos in the north and Piara Waters in the south are competing with near new, fully established products which are often purchased at a discount to the buy and build process. As such, sales activity and fall over rates in such areas are reportedly significantly higher than 12 months ago.
Land prices in these areas remain the key to their performance through the remainder of 2016. Many developers are reluctant to meet current market price expectations and more innovative estates are likely to come to the fore.
Estates where developers have significant relationships with large scale builders that can secure a significant volume of lots will remain attractive, as the cost efficiencies of mass construction narrow the gap between the traditional buy and build and the established housing market.
However HTW suggested caution still needs to be applied in such scenarios, including the land and building cost splits, quality and variety of product offering and most importantly, the amenity offerings within the estate or immediately nearby.
 
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Small scale WA development sites are rebounding: HTW

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In the $500,000 to $800,000 Adelaide price range, there is activity in city fringe suburbs as always, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that first home buyers who can purchase a quality property under $500,000 within proximity of the CBD are generally in a happy situation.
The buyer demographic is generally home buyers and those upgrading. Older first home buyers are also active in this market segment.
There is increased interest in properties under $500,000 in suburbs close to the CBD. Closer proximity to the CBD in this price bracket generally results in greater interest.
In Adelaide, a purchase price of between $500,000 and $800,000 provides buyers with a myriad of options. Within five kilometres of the CBD, this property will typically be detached and may be renovated. Outside of this radius, buyers can purchase a detached dwelling on a good sized allotment which has likely been renovated.
One example would be a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-adelaide-123806594" target="_blank">71 Whitmore Square</a> (pictured above) that is for sale for $580,000.
This price range is generally affordable for purchasers with a dual income. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for purchasers with a single income to enter the market at this price point without a substantial deposit to cover stamp duty in particular.
"Properties in the outer northern suburbs between $200,000 and $400,000 are probably slowest at the moment with the predominant buyer in this area being investors with larger deposits who are more risk averse in light of economic uncertainty within the region," the report advised.
There is decreased first home buyer activity as well as decreased investor interest given economic uncertainty with the pending closure of the Holden manufacturing plant at Elizabeth.
The level of market activity at different price points does depend on location and generally proximity to the city and facilities. Affordable suburbs adjacent to popular and more expensive areas are also experiencing increasing market activity as buyers seek affordability.
On the other end of the spectrum, northern suburbs such as Andrews Farm have experienced somewhat stagnant market conditions in the past few years. This is an outer northern suburb situated approximately 32 kilometres from the Adelaide CBD. Increasing development of new housing in this area is causing demand for older dwellings to drop.
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