<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Hunter Valley

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A development site spanning nearly 80,000 sqm in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales has been sold by Ray White Commercial for $5,225,000.
The property at 6 Wine Country Drive and 16 Dover Street, Nulkaba, near Cessnock has development approval for 178 individual retirement villas, a community centre and recreation areas but the new owner has other plans for the property, which selling agents Kristian Morris and Scott Timbrell didn’t disclose.
The site was sold on behalf of Sydney-based property developer Neil Wallace.
“I am delighted that it’s going to be an exciting development for the Cessnock LGA and I am looking forward to seeing it developed,” he said.
Timbrell said the newly built Hunter Expressway has significantly reduced travel time between Cessnock and Newcastle.
“The Nulkaba property benefits from both an established residential catchment area… It is also close to aged care communities, golf courses, wineries, restaurants as well as hospitals,” said Timbrell.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Development site in NSW's Hunter Valley sells for $5,225,000

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McGrath Estate Agents have opened their 90th office in their network, this one in the Lower Hunter Valley region.
Located two hours north of Sydney, McGrath Lower Hunter Valley will service the key suburbs of East Maitland, Aberglasslyn, Ashtonfield, Bolwarra Heights and Rutherford.
Founder and joint CEO of McGrath John McGrath said the Hunter Valley offers a wonderful affordable lifestyle and is a popular tree change destination.
The new office will be led by principals David Tanchevski and Anthony Di Nardo, the second franchise under their leadership.
David said new infrastructure development is facilitating population growth in the region which he believes will be a very positive economic driver for the local area.
“I believe the lower Hunter Valley is experiencing an upwards trajectory in terms of growth therefore now is the ideal time to expand our focus here,” he said.
David said the area offers a lifestyle which is attractive to a wide demographic of buyers from Sydney-siders seeking a weekend escape to first home buyers and families.
Infrastructure development in the local area includes the $372 million upgrade of the Green Hills Shopping Centre at East Maitland and the revitalisation of the Maitland Central Levee.
According to CoreLogic, property values have shown steady growth in East Maitland, with the median house price increasing by seven percent over the past three years to $385,000.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

McGrath opens it first office in the Hunter Valley region

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Anvil Creek, in Lower Hunter Valley, is being offered for sale through Savills Australia with offers closing September 13 for the 423 hectare shovel-ready holding.
Savills expects strong interest from developers in the aged care, freehold residential, golf course tourism and vineyard arenas.  
<a href="https://anvilcreek.com/" target="_blank">Anvil Creek</a> has been owned since 1980 by the Windt family who have secured rezoning after 15 years of planning for the site at 324-325 Camp Road, Allandale and 995 Lovedale Road, Allandale.
The listing agents Stuart Cox and Neil Cooke noted Conybeare Morrison International-designed approvals for 1,364 residential dwellings; 85 tourist villas, a 150 room hotel; an 18-hole Graham Marsh designed international standard golf course and clubhouse; an 8,700 sq m commercial and retail precinct, a 16,000 sq m education precinct, and 20-hectare working vineyard.  Ben Azar, Savills Capital Transactions &amp; Cross Border Investments suggests the large scale diverse redevelopment nature will appeal to Asian developers who are experienced in this type of project throughout Asia.
Anvil Creek is 1.5 hours from Sydney and under 40 minutes to the Newcastle International Airport, being located only one kilometre south of Greta.
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423ha Hunter Valley Anvil Creek holding listed as shovel-ready

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The Cowley family has finally fully exited its Hunter Valley property holdings, selling off The Convent.
It has been bought by the Escarpment Group for just over $5 million
The Convent — one of the Hunter Valley’s best known resorts - dates back to a 1909 Coonamble to house an order of nuns, which was relocated to Pokolbin.
It has 17 luxury rooms. It was sold along with Circa 1876, one of the Hunter Valley’s top fine dining restaurants.
CBRE Hotel’s Rob Cross and Alan Jurd from Jurd’s Real Estate sold the properties for the Cowley family.
The Escarpment Group, run by George Saad and Huong Nguyen, owns a collection of Blue Mountains properties, including the Hydro Majestic Hotel, Parklands Country Gardens and Lodges, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa and Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant.
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Cowley's sell The Convent to the Escarpment Group

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The world class winery Sweetwater, located in the rolling hills of the Hunter Valley, was withdrawn when listed to been auctioned today.
It was marketed at half the earlier price expectations.
Inspired by southern European vineyard estates, the<a href="https://jurds.com.au/listings/rural_sale-319321-pokolbin/" target="_blank"> 48 hectare Pokolbin holding now comes with $12 million plus hopes</a>.
Chinese buyers have heard of the repricing which triggered a spate of recent inspections by international visitors. But listing agent Alan Jurd said it was withdrawn because he didn’t have anyone willing to bid under auction conditions.
<div>"The vendor is very realistic however and has just given me instructions to reduce the price to above $12million," he said.</div>
Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz vines cover a third of the estate which dates back to the colonial 1840s.
Not just a winery and olive grove, the main residence is a stunning Mediterrean style construction that features private and guest wing accommodations.
Duncan Hardie's Sweetwater Wines purchased the land in 1997 with most of the vineyards dying or being grazed by cattle.
Hunter Valley wine veteran Brian McGuigan provided early advice on the layout and planting, having worked on the vineyard when he was about 18 years old.
It is being marketed by Alan Jurd of Jurds Real Estate as the "most significant country vineyard estate in Australia."
Alan had initially been asked to list it at over $30 million last year, then $15 million plus in the lead up to the auction.
Sweetwater Wines, part of the Hardie Holdings group, purchased the land in 1997 in Belford from Belford Pastoral Company, which was originally granted to the pioneering Richard Jones, a merchant and pastoralist.
In 1829 Jones had received 10,000 acres at Singleton in the Hunter Valley from where he established one of his finest vineyards in the Patrick Plains Shore at Sweetwater Creek off Old North Road. 
In 1844 from Jones’s first plantings, his vineyard produced a total of 2,000 gallons of wine. 
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Pokolbin's Sweetwater winery withdrawn from auction

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The world class winery Sweetwater, located in the rolling hills of the Hunter Valley, goes under the hammer in three weeks at half the earlier price expectations.
Inspired by southern European vineyard estates, the<a href="https://jurds.com.au/listings/rural_sale-319321-pokolbin/" target="_blank"> 48 hectare Pokolbin holding comes with $15 million plus hopes</a>.
Chinese buyers have heard of the repricing which has triggered a spate of recent inspections by international visitors.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz vines cover a third of the estate which dates back to the colonial 1840s.
"Chinese interest in Hunter Valley vineyards is certainly back up to the levels we saw in late 2011 and early 2012," Jurds listing agent Cain Beckett said.
"It seems the recent Chinese stock market crash and threat of a devalued RMB has created the urgency to get money into safer havens and our falling dollar is why many investors are favouring Australia."
But he cautioned his experience over the last six months was that getting the funds out of China had become increasingly difficult causing lengthy delays with exchange and preventing some sales from completing.
Not just a winery and olive grove, the main residence is a stunning Mediterrean style construction that features private and guest wing accommodations.
Duncan Hardie's Sweetwater Wines purchased the land in 1997 with most of the vineyards dying or being grazed by cattle.
Hunter Valley wine veteran Brian McGuigan provided early advice on the layout and planting, having worked on the vineyard when he was about 18 years old.
It is being marketed by Alan Jurd of Jurds Real Estate as the "most significant country vineyard estate in Australia."
He expects a sale between $14 million and $20 million.
Alan had initially been asked to list it at over $30 million last year.
"We are receiving a lot of enquiry and to date have had several inspections with buyers based in China," he said.
Jurds Real Estate director Cain Beckett suggested the falling Australian dollar was one of the reasons for why the Chinese interest in Hunter Valley vineyards is back.
There was a spurt in Chinese activity in 2011 where The Golden Grape Estate, The Capercaillie and Windsors' Edge were all bought by Chinese investors.
Directors of the Chinese division of the marketing firm Amway bought a vineyard in 2013 for $3.8 million.
Cain said unlike 2011 and 2012 there was now strong competition from the Australian buyer spurred mostly by a strong Sydney property market and strong cattle prices.
He suggested cattle could be grazed supplementary to the vineyard but it would not be the primary use due to the strong reputation of the award-winning Shiraz produce.
Brian McGuigan has recently bought a Hunter Valley cattle farm.
Sweetwater Wines, part of the Hardie Holdings group, purchased the land in 1997 in Belford from Belford Pastoral Company, which was originally granted to the pioneering Richard Jones, a merchant and pastoralist.
In 1829 Jones had received 10,000 acres at Singleton in the Hunter Valley from where he established one of his finest vineyards in the Patrick Plains Shore at Sweetwater Creek off Old North Road. 
In 1844 from Jones’s first plantings, his vineyard produced a total of 2,000 gallons of wine. 
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Sweetwater, Pokolbin set to tempt Chinese buyers with price reduction

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GUEST OBSERVER
With the downturn of coal prices over the last three years and the contrasting rise in Sydney property values, places like the Hunter Valley have been easy targets for property commentators to hand out a belting to.
These same people either suffer from short memories or selective hearing for it wasn’t that long ago when regional locations like the Hunter were flourishing while most capital city property markets were floundering.
When we combine average annual changes in median property values with rental yields to calculate a ‘ total return’ over the last fifteen years, property markets of the local government authorities (LGAs) within Hunter Valley actually outperformed all of Greater-Sydney’s 43 LGAs and 29 of Greater-Melbourne’s 31 LGA’s. Cessnock (ranked 77 out of Australia’s 550 LGAs) was the Region’s best performed market. Also amongst Australia’s Top 40% were the LGA’s of Maitland (134th), Newcastle (175th), Singleton (209th), and Muswellbrook (220nd).
From the onset of the GFC in late-2008 through to the end of 2014, even with the coal industry downturn factored in, Hunter Valley property markets have still compared favourably against all capital city markets with the exception of Sydney and Melbourne.
<a href="/images/2016/02/08/HunterValley_PropertyPrices_2008-2014.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/08/HunterValley_PropertyPrices_2008-2014.jpg" alt="">
The Hunter Valley is a large region with a population approaching 700,000 people. The diversity of industries within the region are arguably the most interesting in Australia. With different property entry prices, rental yields, and industry drivers, there really is quite a contrast between each of the markets within the Hunter.
<a href="/images/2016/02/10/Newcastle_BldgApprovals_2001-2015.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/10/Newcastle_BldgApprovals_2001-2015.jpg" alt="">
Newcastle is heavy industry with some big manufacturers such as Boeing and BAE, plus Australia’s premier fighter jet base. Some of the largest reserves and best quality coal in the world is produced in the Upper Hunter and exported from the world’s largest coal export terminal at Newcastle to places like Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. Newcastle has the infrastructure and economic profile of a capital city, a median house price of $475,000 and rental yields of circa 4.5%.
On both a capital growth and rental return front, Newcastle has better investment potential than Greater-Sydney however, there are better locations elsewhere in Australia.
With median house prices in the low $400,000 and 4.5% yields, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie are very much lifestyle locations and aren’t ever likely to set the investment world on fire.
<a href="/images/2016/02/10/CoalPrices_2004-2015.12.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/10/CoalPrices_2004-2015.12.jpg" alt="">
Maitland is also a largish regional town (population 75,000), very good quality retail and business services, a median house price of $400,000 and 5% rental yields. There is a bit of new supply in the pipeline, including a large Huntlee estate, which has the potential to keep a lid on growth for some years yet.
<a href="/images/2016/02/10/HunterValley_Jobs_2000-2015.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/10/HunterValley_Jobs_2000-2015.jpg" alt="">
The rich agricultural land, plentiful water supply, and rolling hills creates the perfect cocktail for wineries, tourism, and agriculture. Cessnock (winery country) has a median house price circa $300,000 and yields of 5% plus although employment can be patchy.
The coal mines are in the Upper Hunter. There is a much higher quality lifestyle component and greater diversity of industry to Hunter Valley mining compared to the coal fields of central Queensland. Singleton has a significant military base and Muswellbrook is horse stud country, manufacturing, and tertiary education facilities through the local TAFE. Median house prices and rental yields in Singleton and Muswellbrook are very similar to Cessnock however, I feel the potential for investors over the medium to long term is slightly better.
Contrary to perceptions, employment growth has been steady in Hunter Valley over recent years. Middle-Upper Hunter had a net loss of jobs in 2013 and 2014 and then rebounded in 2015, as shown in our chart. The industry diversity and lifestyle components helped to cushion property prices in the Upper Hunter from large falls in values as the mining industry workforce retracted with falling coal prices. Property prices in Australia’s coal-related markets peaked late-2012 and, since then, values in the LGA of Isaac (which consists of Moranbah and Dysart) have declined by 64% whereas Muswellbrook has experienced a very mild 9% decline.
Some of the largest companies in the world have invested billions of dollars in Hunter Valley. Coal is easily the World’s biggest source of electricity and is likely to remain that way (at least) for several decades. What many people don’t realise is that the BHP’s of the world have been extremely active behind the scenes with several mining expansion applications in the Upper Hunter over the last couple of years. While mining company revenues (coal prices) have come under pressure they have been very successful in reducing expenses (especially labour costs) and it is apparent that they are lining their ducks up to be ready to move as soon as the coal price curve turns again (we are much closer to the bottom than the top).
I recently purchased a property in the Upper Hunter for my own portfolio. I’m not anticipating spectacular growth in the short term however, there are very few locations throughout Australia that are set to roar right now. I’m a huge believer in selecting locations for their fundamentals and buying while the market is flat. This philosophy has enabled me to purchase the pick of the litter with this fully renovated 3-bedroom house for only $248,000.
I’m not advocating that every investor does this. For clients with smaller property portfolios there are several other locations which Propertyology would suggest that they purchase in first. My own strategy involved keeping my portfolio balanced by complimenting the exposure that I already have in other states and other industries.  This purchase represents a small capital outlay, at the bottom of the market, and a small exposure to an industry (coal) which has more upside right now than most realise (just ask the World’s biggest mining company, BHP).
<a href="/images/2016/02/10/HunterValley-2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/10/HunterValley-2.jpg" alt="">
Simon Pressley is Managing Director of Propertyology, a REIA Hall Of fame Inductee, property market analyst, accredited property investment adviser, and Buyer’s Agent. <a href="https://www.propertyology.com.au/more-than-a-buyers-agent/">Propertyology works exclusively with property investors</a> to purchase properties in strategically chosen locations all over Australia.
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Hunter Valley property stacks up against Sydney, Melbourne

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The Impulse Airlines founder Gerry McGowan and his wife Sue have listed their 1300 hectare estate at Merriwa in the Upper Hunter Valley.
It comes with a $14 million-plus asking price.
The <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/for-sale/merriwa-nsw-2329-2011994466?sp=2" target="_blank">Rich Rock</a> cattle estate last traded 18 years ago, adding its first vintage in 2004 - a shiraz through winemaker Keith Tulloch. 
Set 1540 feet (470m) above sea level, Rich Rock is one of Australia's highest altitude vineyards, with up to 10 tonnes of high quality grapes.
 
<div class="cT-imageLandscape">
<img src="https://images-2.domain.com.au/2015/06/25/6641813/Article%20Lead%20-%20wide997582787ghw8zgimage.related.articleLeadwide.729x410.ghxnsz.png1435217051709.jpg-620x349.jpg" alt="Rich Rock rural estate, for sale for $14 million+."> 
Previously known as Tawarri, its includes a substantial Angus cattle line.
It has been listed through Sydney Country Living agents Brian McMillan and Shayne Hutton have the listing which comes with main pavilion style homestead, a century-old woolshed with self-contained quarters in the roof space, tennis court and pool amid Anne Wilkes-designed parterre garden.
All accessed via the private helipad, or three hours by road.
"This property is considered to be one of Eastern Australia's most prestigious and desirable properties," the marketing says.
"This is an heirloom like no other in the exclusive environs of the Upper Hunter Valley," it said.
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