A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/auyin-property-development">Auyin</a> is the latest to turn to the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program in an effort to secure approval for its long-planned, mixed-use project in Elsternwick.

In 2018, Auyin lodged plans with Glen Eira City Council for a 14-storey building, however Council approved a reduced eight-storey scheme. A subsequent VCAT appeal in 2019 upheld the eight-storey height limit.

The project was later amended to nine storeys, but Auyin is now seeking to revive something closer to its original vision. The developer argues that the planning context has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly within the Elsternwick Activity Centre, where higher-density development has increasingly been encouraged along Glen Huntly Road.

The proposal would transform the 1,239 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-12-horne-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">7-15 Horne Street</a>, opposite Elsternwick Railway Station, into a 13-storey residential and retail development designed by CBG Architects, with 40 apartments

The site currently comprises three commercial properties.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f465dd4-509b-4082-a669-0253b313914b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20podium.png?VersionId=72frWi0SmQ5AVJ3ARRhX5ILUYObhTm7x" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 25 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences above 200 sqm of retail space at ground level. Residents would have access to a 90 sqm wellness facility, a 351 sqm communal indoor and outdoor terrace on the third level, and extensive landscaped areas throughout the development. A publicly accessible 135 sqm plaza would be created on the north-east corner of the site, providing seating, landscaping, and a new gathering space adjoining Horne Street.

The design adopts a four-storey podium that references the finer-grain character of the surrounding streetscape, with the upper tower recessed behind generous setbacks on all boundaries.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e637e763-2abc-4c34-a0aa-5c7ad36fae18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20open.png?VersionId=J1AoOpZgTyaF.KeeFSX6lMjEScX8KKRi" />

A key element of the proposal is the reconfiguration and widening of the surrounding laneways. Vehicle access would be retained from Lois Lane, with upgraded pedestrian connections linking Ross Street and Horne Street. The development would provide 58 residential car spaces, two retail car spaces, and 52 bicycle spaces across two basement levels and ground-floor facilities.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the established character of Elsternwick Village. The façade combines dark charcoal brickwork, textured concrete, bronze-toned metal detailing, and extensive planting integrated into podium and tower levels. The design also incorporates a chamfered corner treatment and publicly accessible plaza intended to strengthen pedestrian activity around the station precinct.

Elsternwick's last new development completion was&nbsp;EVA Elsternwick by Pitard late last year. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working away on its nature-led neighbourhood, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, on Gordon Street, with its first stage expected to complete next year.

First look: Auyin seeks mixed-use apartment project in growing Elsternwick Activity Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/otium-parkdale-123-125-como-parade-east-parkdale-vic-3195">Otium Parkdale</a>, the 13-residence boutique development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huxtable-property">Huxtable Property</a>, has entered its final stages of delivery, with completion expected within the coming month and more than half of the residences sold.

The Como Parade East project is nearing the finish line at a time when opportunities to purchase new apartments in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parkdale-vic-3195">Parkdale</a> remain exceptionally limited. Fewer than 10 per cent of dwellings in the bayside suburb are apartments, making developments like Otium a relatively rare addition to a market traditionally dominated by detached housing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5427]

The three-level development comprises 13 residences, including ten two-bedroom apartments and three larger three-bedroom homes, all positioned above a secure basement car park.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/almeida-architects">Almeida Architects</a> with a strong connection to its coastal surroundings, Otium combines red brick, exposed concrete and dark metal detailing with integrated landscaping and greenery. Expansive glazing, generous balconies and terraces have been incorporated throughout the design to maximise natural light and reinforce indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the residences feature engineered European oak flooring, natural and reconstituted stone benchtops, Bosch kitchen appliances, ducted heating and cooling, lift access and secure entry systems. The larger three-bedroom residences on the upper level have been designed with house-like proportions, while the two-bedroom apartments prioritise functionality, flexibility and low-maintenance living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5421]

The project is now in its final stages, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/labco">Labco</a> completing the remaining landscaping and external finishing works following the completion of the residences' interiors.

Otium's location within the heart of Parkdale continues to underpin its appeal. Residents will be just steps from local cafés, restaurants, shops and the newly elevated Parkdale Station, while the beach is less than a kilometre away.

With the project tracking ahead of schedule, buyers can currently secure a residence with a five per cent deposit and benefit from settlement terms of up to eight months. The advanced stage of construction also provides buyers with the opportunity to walk through the near-complete residences and experience the quality and finishes firsthand ahead of completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134974]

Otium Parkdale enters final month before completion as rare apartment opportunity nears sellout

A new boutique apartment development is entering the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>, with Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ausdev">Ausdev</a> bringing 33 residences to a well-connected pocket of Brisbane's north.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">Parkdrive Apartments</a>, at 25 Sammells Drive, will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences positioned within walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Bradbury Park.

Established in 1989, Ausdev has a long-standing presence across both development and construction, with Parkdrive Apartments representing its latest residential project in Brisbane's northern suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363778]

The development has been designed around open-plan living and natural light, with residences featuring stone benchtops, timber cabinetry, BOSCH appliances, and private balconies that extend the living areas outdoors.

Kitchens are positioned as the centrepiece of the homes, incorporating natural material palettes and integrated appliances, while bathrooms have been designed with a focus on functionality and understated finishes.

Residents will have access to a communal barbecue and entertaining area on Level 3, providing shared outdoor space within the development. Secure parking and lift access are also incorporated into the building.

The project will deliver a limited collection of 33 apartments, with one-bedroom residences priced from $749,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Beyond the building itself, the location places residents within easy reach of several of Chermside's key amenities. Bradbury Park is around 350 metres away, while Westfield Chermside is approximately 1.3 kilometres from the site. The Prince Charles Hospital is located within 750 metres, and the Chermside Bus Interchange is around 1.5 kilometres away, providing connections across Brisbane.

Parkdrive Apartments adds to the growing residential pipeline in Chermside, a suburb that continues to evolve as a major retail, healthcare, and transport hub for Brisbane's north.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152125]

Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370900]

The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150499]

Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

Illawarra

<html><body>
Strong buyer competition looks set to continue to drive prices up in the Illawarra through the early part of the year, according to HTW's February 2017 update.
The valuation firm says the major factors that may slow down the market could be interest rate rises along with tighter lending regulations.
Until these factors come to light, it predicts that the Illawarra residential property market will continue to perform strongly.
"Strong growth commenced in Wollongong in mid-2013 and each Christmas break has failed to dampen the market, with the new year often starting as strong, if not stronger," HTW says.
Demand for stock and sale price increases flowed down the coast to the Shoalhaven which also saw substantial growth in 2016.
“There is good demand across all price points and locations from basic cheapie $300,000 dwellings in Sanctuary Point through to prestige properties in the Northern Illawarra beach suburbs and Hyams Beach,” the report states.
2017 will continue to see the marketing or construction of a number of large unit complexes in the Wollongong CBD including Parq on Flinders Street (221 units), Signature on Regent Street (125 units) and Crown Wollongong (317 units) among others.
“There have been concerns voiced over off-the-plan unit sales in capital city CBDs recently by the major banks and whilst Wollongong doesn’t have the same scale, the CBD has had a massive influx of unit supply in the past four years,” HTW cautioned.
“Any shift in the property market could severely impact these projects with off-the-plan sales stalling and settlement risk increasing.”
Construction of the Berry Bypass will continue through 2017 and into 2018 with new passages of road being released when completed. This work is decreasing the travel time between Nowra and Wollongong making the distance between the two locations more convenient.
“As work progresses it is expected that the property markets will be more closely correlated in the future and Wollongong investors and owner occupiers who are seeking affordability will head to the Shoalhaven in larger numbers with Wollongong median prices continuing to increase,” says the report.
For the median price of $792,000 a house such as the one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-wollongong-122488026" target="_blank">127 Kembla Street</a>, Wollongong (above) can be purchased for $800,000.
For $525,000 a unit such as the one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-wollongong-124545186" target="_blank">25/26-28 Market Street</a>, Wollongong (below) can be purchased for between $520,000 to $570,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/14/25_26-28%20Market%20Street.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Strong competition to keep pushing Illawarra prices higher: HTW

<html><body>
Property markets in regional Australia had a mixed performance in the quarter ended September 2016, with the Illawarra region in NSW recording double-digit growth for both houses and units in value terms, while values fell in Townsville and Bunbury, according to CoreLogic’s latest regional market update.
According to Tim Lawless, senior researcher at CoreLogic, “several regional property markets within driving distance to major capital cities saw strong home price growth over the past quarter”.
Some of the report’s highlights:
<ul>
<li>Over the year to September 2016, the Illawarra region had the largest annual increase in values for both houses (14.3 percent) and units (11.5 percent).</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/11/CoreLogicReg-Illawarra.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
       <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/11/CoreLogicReg-Illawarra.png" alt="">
<ul>
<li>In addition, home values rose across each of the three regions in NSW over the year ending September. 
</li>
<li>For houses, Townsville in Queensland and Bunbury in WA were the only regional markets where values fell, down 2.2 percent and 0.4 percent respectively. Unit values were lower across the five regions, with the greatest falls also in Townsville (4.5 percent) and Bunbury (4.1 percent).</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/11/CoreLogicReg-Townsville.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
       <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/11/CoreLogicReg-Townsville.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/11/CoreLogicReg-Bunbury.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
       <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/11/CoreLogicReg-Bunbury.png" alt="">
<ul>
<li>Transaction activity rose on a year-on-year basis across the Richmond – Tweed region, while across all other regional markets analysed, sales activity was lower over the year.</li>
</ul>
In the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and the Richmond- Tweed regions, home values rose by less, however, each property type saw gains of more than 6 per cent. When looking at transaction activity, the Richmond- Tweed region was the only region with an increase over the year (3 per cent), while sales activity fell in the other two regions. 
In Queensland, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast were the strongest performing regions across the state, with both house and unit values rising. While Townsville, Wide Bay and Cairns showed moderate growth or falling values over the year. Transaction activity also fell, with sales volumes across all regions decreasing over the year, but transactions were well above the five-year average in each region with the exception of Townsville. 
Sales fell in Victoria’s Geelong and Latrobe-Gippsland regions too, down 1 per cent and 5 percent respectively. However, home values rose in both regions, Geelong recording the highest value growth, with house values increasing by 6.9 percent and unit values up 3.7 percent. 
Western Australia’s Bunbury region saw house values fall by 0.4 percent, while unit values fell by 4.1 percent. Sales volumes were down 11.5 percent over the year, and 10 percent below the five year average for the region. 
 
</body></html>

prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Illawarra home values show double-digit growth amid mixed showing in regional Australia: CoreLogic 

<html><body>
Due to the strength of the residential property market in the Illawarra, small infill developments are currently more feasible than ever, in fact quite lucrative for owners where development is possible, according to Herron Todd White’s latest market report.
The property advisory firm states that the most common small scale development is a dual occupancy, often with Torrens or strata subdivision.
"We are noticing two types of dual occupancy.
"The first is typically an older established dwelling on a larger block around 700 to 1,200 square metres and with a frontage over 16 metres," the report stated.
R1 or R3 zoning makes council approval easier. The current house is kept as is and a new detached dwelling is constructed at the rear of the block.
Usually a garage or other site improvements need to be demolished to allow for construction of the new dwelling.
Illawarra suburbs where this is prevalent include those close to the main CBDs such as Fairy Meadow, Coniston, Bomaderry and Nowra.
The second type of dual occupancy is the construction of a new duplex pair. This can involve the knock down and re-build of an older dwelling in an established area or allowable construction in a new estate.
These blocks of land (or older houses) with dual occupancy potential are often purchased by small scale developers, with both duplexes sold individually once construction and subdivision are completed.
This type of dual occupancy is widespread in recent land subdivisions in Lake, Heights, Berkeley, Flinders, West Nowra and South Nowra.
There is currently strong demand for new properties which is driving up prices of duplex properties, thereby increasing developers’ profit margins.
A ten year old, semi-modern duplex recently sold in May 2016 for $564,000 after the vendor had purchased it in March 2015 for $462,000 - an 18% increase in just over one year.
Where possible, developers are best to hold off selling their new constructions for as long as possible while prices continue to increase rather than selling them off the plan early on in the project.
With strong prices in the residential market being achieved across the townships of Moss Vale, Bowral and Mittagong, it is not surprising that there is an increase in activity in the stand alone renovate, extend and sell market.
Traditionally 1910 to 1920s cottages close to the town centres have been the subject of the first wave of this style of development.
This has more recently extended to second ring areas that historically have been characterised by affordable, stand alone dwellings of circa 1950s to 1960s.
Under the current Wingecarribee LEP 2010, there have been infill development opportunities for villa development, which have now become economically viable with the increase in completed unit sales prices.
"This is particularly the case in the townships of Bowral and Moss Vale.
We have also noticed the emerging popularity of dual occupancy developments across the hamlets of Hill Top and Bargo being located in reasonable proximity to the freeway," the report stated.
Entry prices range from $500,000 to $1 million and experienced developers have been obtaining normal profit on costs of 10%, timing and quality being the key.
Similar to the Southern Highlands, HTW suggested redevelopment opportunities of stand alone cottages within walking distance of town seem to be the most popular type of development for the small developer.
"Again key to success is experience in the market and control of costs via utilisation of local reliable contractors," the report stated.
Entry prices are between $450,000 and $600,000.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Illawarra's strong dual occupancy push: HTW

<html><body>
The residential property market in the Illawarra has gone from strength to strength since 2013 with no particular price point or location being left out, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm said that all purchaser types have been affected, from first home buyers, investors focused on returns to prestige buyers. Demand from buyers has shifted south from Sydney into the Illawarra and even the Shoalhaven has come out of a long market slump.
PriceFinder reports that the most active price ranges for house sales in the Illawarra during the 2016 financial year vary for the different Local Government Authorities. The highest volume of house sales in the Wollongong LGA was 420 sales in the $600,000 to $700,000 range. One example would be a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-wollongong-122458686" target="_blank">96 Rowland Avenue</a> (pictured above) that was recently sold for $620,000.
The most house sales in the Shellharbour LGA was between $400,000 and $500,000 with 292 sales.
Kiama’s LGA has the highest range with 68 sales in the $700,000 to $800,000 range while the Shoalhaven LGA has the lowest with 756 house sales between $300,000 and $400,000.
Affordability and availability is the key to the most favoured price points. When a property is deemed affordable it has the broadest market including first home buyers and mum and dad investors. The more common types of property will also become available to the market more often, leading to higher volumes.
The least amount of activity in the Illawarra is, not surprisingly, the prestige market. While this market has been relatively strong over the past three years, there is still a limited amount of activity, mainly due to a limited amount of supply of this property type to the market.
Prestige properties in the Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama LGAs tend to be in the $2 million plus price bracket while this drops to $1.5 million in the Shoalhaven LGA and is limited to beach front or large acreage style properties.
</body></html>

Illawarra property market strength continues to shine: HTW

<html><body>
Illawarra home values have increased over the past year by 14.3 percent for houses and 13.9 percent for units, according to CoreLogic's regional market report.
Growth across the region, however, is beginning to moderate, down from a 17.8 percent year-on-year growth for houses in February this year, and 15 per cent for units over the year to May.
<a href="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.11.28%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.11.28%20AM.png" alt="">
Sales volumes have lowered over the past two years and are currently 10 per cent lower than one year ago.
<a href="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.11.46%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.11.46%20AM.png" alt="">
Average vendor discounting and time on market rates indicate the market is still geared towards those selling their properties, with less room for negotiations on the buyers’ side.
<a href="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.12.09%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.12.09%20AM.png" alt="">
Rental returns across the region are trending lower, at 4.5 per cent for houses currently, compared to 4.9 per cent one year ago and 4.9 per cent for units, down from 5.3 per cent in June 2015.
<a href="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.12.43%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.12.43%20AM.png" alt="">
</body></html>

Big increase in home values in Illawarra

<html><body>
An absolute beachfront at Coledale in the Northern Illawarra has been listed with $3 million hopes.
Last traded for $2.25 million in 2008, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-coledale-122754286" target="_blank">10 Hyde Street</a> is considered as one of the best true beach front properties in the region.
Positioned on a 809 sqm double block, the four bedroom brick home offers direct walking access to the beach with 20 metre beach frontage.
It offers uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean from its oversized, 18 metre wide, covered entertaining deck.
There's also an internal courtyard amongst ample gardens and pristine lawns.
The offering comes with DA approval for a 2nd storey addition and extensions.
Ray White Helensburgh agents Simon Beaufils and Mattias Samuelsson have the listing.
</body></html>

Beachfront listed for $3 million in Illawarra's Coledale

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Regional areas across Australia are under the spotlight due to a lift in transaction levels and median values given the rising expense of capital city property markets, according to CoreLogic RP Data's Regional Report for the March 2016 quarter.
According to CoreLogic RP Data, the Illawarra region in New South Wales leads the way as the best year-on-year performer with house values increasing by 15.8 percent and unit values increasing by 13.2 percent.
ILLAWARRA STATISTICS
<a href="/images/2016/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-26%20at%2010.29.15%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-26%20at%2010.29.15%20AM.png" alt="">
CoreLogic research analyst Cameron Kusher said the Illawarra region has been a stand out performer in the past year, with the market driven largely by a surge in Sydney property prices as people find themselves priced out of the capital city housing market.
<a href="/images/2016/05/25/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-26%20at%2010.32.25%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/05/25/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-26%20at%2010.32.25%20AM.png" alt="">
 
"The Illawarra region offers not just an affordable alternative for owner occupiers; it’s also attracting buyers keen to secure holiday homes," he said.
“With mortgage rates at their lowest levels in 53 years and tipped to drop even further, we’re likely to see housing purchases popular across larger coastal regional markets throughout 2016.” 
"In another win for NSW, Richmond-Tweed was the only region to see sales volumes increase over the year, up 10.8 percent to 5,930, while Newcastle &amp; Lake Macquarie and Illawarra both saw transactions lower relative to last year, down -1.4 percent and -3.2 percent respectively. 
"Across Queensland, the Gold Coast recorded the largest increase in dwelling sales over the year to February 2016, up 7.3 per ent to 19,516 sales, followed by Wide Bay, which saw dwelling sales increase by 4.4 per cent to 5,471. Regional Townsville experienced the biggest fall in sales volumes over the same period, down -8.3 percent to 3,419 sales while in The Sunshine Coast and Cairns regions, volumes dropped by -2.4 percent and -2.3 percent respectively."
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
In regional Victoria, dwelling sales increased in Geelong, (up 2.0 percent to 6,117), and sales volumes across the Latrobe-Gippsland region increased by 7.4 percent. 
Houses and units across Geelong rose by 5.4 percent and 2.8 per cent, according to the report, with house values in the Latrobe-Gippsland region up 3.0 percent and unit values up by 2.1 percent over the year to March 2016. 
According to the report detached house stayed  relatively unchanged in Bunbury in Western Australia and recorded a rise of just 0.3 per cent. 
Cameron Kusher said unit values fell by -3.7 percent over the year to March 2016 while sales volumes were down -9.2 percent for houses and -24.1 percent across the smaller unit market, indicating current transaction levels are -4.2 percent below the five year average for the region.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

Illawarra region in New South Wales best performing regional market: CoreLogic RP Data

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 26">
Illawarra's heritage housing market is anything but basic with Californian bungalows and miner cottages dotted throughout the region accordding to analyst firm Herron Todd White.
Herron Todd White's recent heritage market review found around the Illawarra district, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven regions, have considerably more heritage housing precincts with prices varying due to their appeal and location.
According to HTW as they are generally located within close proximity of the CBD area or coastal regions, the values tend to be higher than outer areas, underpinned by a higher land content and value but don't appeal to all.
"There are costs and problems associated with restoration and upkeep and many buyers are seeking modern fixtures and fittings rather than heritage style. If a full restoration is to be undertaken the cost to complete such work to comply with local council regulations and rules will be higher than that required for non listed buildings. Therefore cost will not always equate to value added and unless located in a highly sought after inner area where capital values are rising, return on investment is not assured," HTW said.
"Attributes which make these types of dwellings desirable generally include proximity to good infrastructure and a liquid market. In villages such as Berry or Jamberoo there is also a pattern established where there are a group or precinct of such dwellings of the same ere which are all renovated or restored to much the same standard and they become the norm for period dwellings.
"The Southern Highlands residential property market has been increasing in both volume and price activity since late 2014. We saw a noticeable increase in activity by investors in 2015. The Highlands property market is heavily influenced by the Sydney property market with many buyers relocating from Sydney to the region. Now that Sydney has slowed and softened, the Highlands market, while currently still increasing, is also anticipated to slow."
HTW gave a recent example of a heritage listed dwelling which sold at the higher end of the scale in nearby Kiama. Rockleigh (above), a heritage listed circa 1860 Victorian style two storey dwelling in Bong Bong Street with northerly aspect and ocean and harbour views recently exchanged at around $1.1 million.
</div></body></html>

mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Heritage property aplenty in NSW's Illawarra district: HTW  

<html><body>
The home of the late Wendy Hughes, the acclaimed actress, has been sold in Wombarra by her children.
The 850 sqm oceanfront on the NSW Illawarra escarpment was sold for $1.9 million, a tad less than its $2.1 million asking price.
The beachfront retreat was built after she paid $154,000 in 1988. It was listed by Urban Property agent Wayne Bennett.
Hughes starred across television, film and the stage, winning Logie awards in 1977 and 1984 in the best supporting actress category for Power Without Glory and Return To Eden.
In 1983 she won the Australian Film Institute's Best Lead actress award for her role in Careful, He Might Hear You. 
</body></html>

firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Wombarra oceanfront sale of late Wendy Hughes home

<html><body>
Illawarra in NSW has seen reasonable growth in the past 12 to 18 months in all sectors and there is a sense in the market that it will continue, particularly in the below $600,000 section of the market, according to recent sales and agents’ advice, say Herron Todd White in their March property clock.
Affordable housing has had a blip from the lows of late 2011 to 2012 but there are few suburbs in the general Illawarra area where it is possible to get something in the sub $400,000 range.
<a href="/images/2016/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-16%20at%209.27.30%20AM.png" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Click to enlarge</a>
<div class="page" title="Page 27">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<img src="/images/2016/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-16%20at%209.27.30%20AM.png" alt="">
 
In the south, across the Shellharbour LGA there are some older houses under $450,000 but these are getting harder to come by as well. This is a big change from three years back when properties could be purchased for under $300,000. The postcode to look for here is 2529.
As usual it is always the lower end of the market that moves first and sees the better percentage increase in value. Never forget the low end of a market in the better located suburbs. You will generally be a clear winner when the whole market moves.
The mid range has remained strong during the past year and the $700,000 to $850,000 range has a bit more strength, depending on the suburb of course. This is the second home buyer’s sector and those who bought four years ago have seen some genuine increases, particularly around the northern beaches. Suburbs such as Figtree, Keiraville, Balgownie, Fairy Meadow, Corrimal, Woonona and Towradgi have experienced some good growth in values in this time. The postcode to look for here is 2519.
Above $900,000, the depth of buyers drops off, but there is still reasonable activity and some good strength. Over $1 million there are some good sales but it is generally thinly traded and tending to be harder to find bargains. The major influences in this sector are interstate investors and Sydney buyers looking for an upmarket house close to the beach but within commuting distance of Sydney. Bulli, Thirroul, Austinmer, Coledale and Stanwell Park are all attractive to this buyer sector.
Kiama and Minnamurra are also included in the southern parts of the region, with a good deal of holiday house buying pushing the market.
Let’s look at some of the good long term growth sectors in the Illawarra market.
In our view this lies in the lower ranges, affordable ($600,000 to 700,000) in a desirable location i.e. north or close to Wollongong CBD.
For units, we see CBD units close to the beach, university or hospital in the range of $350,000 to $450,000 as being a good bet for the future.
What offers the average buyer the best chance of growth over the medium term?
Pick up an older home in a good location....(close to Wollongong, Shellharbour or the beach) where the majority of the value is in the land... worst house in the best street etc. Don’t go for the new project home in a fringe location - remember that only the land increases over time, not the improvements – a tried and true adage in real estate. Forget about having all the mod cons when buying your first house – buy a shack on the best land you can. It will serve you well in the long term. Remember the 60/40 rule.
If someone called our office looking to spend a reasonable amount of money but didn’t want to sit on the property forever, we would direct them to inner suburbs close to employment centres, whether Wollongong, Shellharbour or Kiama LGAs.
The average buyer profile in this sector is mixed and includes investors and first home buyers, but increasingly we see small builders and amateur developers invading the market. 
Overall, the Illawarra property market has remained quite buoyant especially in the low and mid ranges, with the prestige markets tapering off. The outlook for the Illawarra property market appears to be in a steady but not spectacular growth mode. If interest rates rise there will be some fallout and values may ease. 
As an illustration, Property Observer found two examples of recent sales in the region:
 
</div>
<div class="column">
<div class="page" title="Page 28">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<img src="/images/2016/03/23/700_illa.jpg" alt="" width="529" height="368">
1. A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-berry-121385030" target="_blank">4 Womack Close Berry NSW 2535</a> (above) sold for $710,000 recently.
<img src="/images/2016/03/23/main-3.jpg" alt="" width="677" height="508">
2. A two-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-fairy+meadow-121939174" target="_blank">3/138 Carters Lane Fairy Meadow NSW 2519</a> sold recently for $345,000.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Illawarra

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Illawarra

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News