Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Industrial

<html><body>
New research from Ray White Commercial shows the investment market continues to yield quality results across the 5,000 square metre plus industrial Brisbane sector.
High confidence coupled with an improvement in occupancy levels has ensured demand remains high.
Dan Costello from Ray White Commercial Queensland, says while the urgency seen in the investment market in 2017 may have subsided, capitalisation rates continue to remain compressed with prime average yields less than 7%.
“It’s encouraging to see high enquiry levels and an increase in sale of vacant sock to both investors wanting to reposition their assets, as well as owner occupiers,” Costello says.
Looking forward, findings concluded that across the Brisbane metropolitan area, there is over 575,000 square metres of potential industrial stock anticipated to enter the 5,000 square metre plus market in the next two years.
This is mostly demand led with little speculative supply expected to further hamper vacancy in the region.
The bulk of the development pipeline is located in ATC and the Southern precinct given its access to transport hubs.
 <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/2018/8/8/brisbane.jpg" alt="">
As financing is becoming problematic to obtain, there is a notable decrease in sentiment for the smaller private investor market. However, confidence remains high for quality, institutional grade investment stock, Costello said.
“We’ve seen limited quality stock available in the market over the last 12 months, which has shifted focus and grown volume of vacant stock transactions.
“We expect this may slow over the next year with a greater shift back to property fundamentals by investors, however as occupier demand continues to improve reducing vacancies, rental growth in the short term is anticipated.”
<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/2018/8/8/brisbane%202.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Brisbane's industrial market continuing to yield good results

<html><body>
Savills Australia has appointed industry heavyweight Michael Fenton to head up the business' national Industrial &amp; Business Services division.
The announcement came as part of a country-wide company restructure.
Michael Fenton returns to Savills following more than nine years at JLL, where he operated as the company's Australian Head of Industrial and New South Wales managing director.
Michael Fenton has been involved in several major transactions totalling more than $4.5billion, including the recent $1.073 billion sale of the GIC Australian Logistics Portfolio to Ascendas REIT, the $253 million sale of the Coles Chilled Distribution Centre at Eastern Creek to Mapletree Logistics, and the $303 million sale of the Equity Commonwealth Portfolio to Propertylink.
He brings more than 24 years of experience, including senior roles at Dexus and CBRE.
Savills Australia &amp; New Zealand's chief executive officer, Paul Craig, said he was excited to welcome Michael Fenton to the Industrial &amp; Business Services division, which is one of their core disciplines.
"Michael's track record is the perfect platform to strengthen our already high-performing Industrial business and drive the team to win a greater market share."
He will be based out of Savills Australia's Sydney office.
"I am looking forward to providing our clients with a seamless and best-in-class service by mobilising the strength of national industrial business across all disciplines, and leveraging the strong connectivity with the global business, particularly in Asia," Mr Fenton said.
The appointment follows Savills Australia's national restructure, which will see the company shift from its current state-based model to a national business model from August 1.
Mr Craig said the change was part of the business' three-year strategic plan to implement a national capability to operate more efficiently and respond better to clients' needs.
"We're looking forward to watching our people flourish under this new structure, and are confident it will help us attract and retain the highest-level talent in the months and years to come," he said.
Mr Fenton will start with Savills Australia on August 13.
</body></html>

Industrial powerhouse signs on to Savills Australia

<html><body>
There is stagnation in the industrial development market in Rockhampton.
Most projects in growth precincts within the industrial market in Rockhampton were undertaken during the last market boom and development of industrial land has been fairly stagnant in recent years, according to the latest report from Herron Todd White (HTW).
The valuers noted that the industrial precincts in Gracemere are slowly being absorbed by the market.
There is still development soon to be undertaken within the Gracemere Industry Park (near Toll), with land to the rear approved to be developed into medium and light impact industrial allotments.
It is unknown when this land will be developed.
The valuers stated that the Livingstone Shire Council has been releasing industrial lots to the market within its Gateway Business and Industrial Park.
The estate comprises six stages in total with a proposed 71 lots.
The lots range in size from 2,000 square metres to 1.3 hectares.
Stage 2 has been developed and is currently available for sale.
The valuers at HTW believe "this supply of industrial land will provide for Yeppoon’s industrial market for some time".
"Major infrastructure projects that will assist in stimulating growth of the industrial sector will be the proposed Ring Road project as well as the Rookwood Weir."
In general, the industrial market for the first half of 2018 has continued at a steady pace.
The report forecasts that recovery of the coal price and green shoots within surrounding mining towns as well as local infrastructure projects will help the "recovery of the industrial market" in Rockhampton for the remainder of the year.
</body></html>

Stagnant industrial development market in Rockhampton: HTW 

<html><body>
Five of the eight capital cities have positive in their industrial property market, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's latest industrial property clock.
Melbourne is the strongest as it approaches the peak of the market, while industrial space in Sydney, Brisbane and Hobart is classed as a rising market.
Adelaide is starting to recover.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/6/13/comm-prop-clock.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<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/2018/6/13/comm-prop-clock.jpg" alt="">
There's not great news for Canberra, which is in a declining market.
Perth and Darwin are at the bottom of the market.
The best performing areas are in country New South Wales, where Dubbo and Griffith markets are at their peak.
The Gold Coast is also at the peak of its industrial property market.
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Melbourne headlines strong industrial property markets across majority of capital cities: HTW

<html><body>
Businesses requiring industrial space for transport and logistics are driving Melbourne’s industrial property market, committing to 332,389sq m of warehouse space throughout 2017, according to Savills Australia.
The company’s latest Industrial Briefing reveals these sectors accounted for 43 percent of the total 770,936sq m leased in the 12 months to December 2017.
Savills Melbourne’s Associate Director of <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/research/australian-research.aspx" target="_blank">Research</a>, Monica Mondkar, said that although the total space leased was down on the 928,154sq m reported to be leased by the end of 2016, it remained 11 percent above the 10-year average of 696,765sq m.
“The trend toward online sales is a key factor behind the continued growth in demand for warehouse and distribution centres,” she said. 
“This has been benefitting Melbourne’s west in particular, due to its relative affordability and proximity to the Port of Melbourne, which is Australia’s largest container port.”
Ms Mondkar said Melbourne’s western industrial precinct, which was the most affordable of all precincts, had been consistently increasing its share in the city’s industrial leasing market.
“The western suburbs now account for 46 percent of Melbourne’s total leasing activity, as compared to 35 percent 12 months ago,” she said.
Of the 354,205sq m of industrial space (tenancies more than 2,000sq m) leased in Melbourne’s western industrial precinct in the 12 months to December 2017, 63 percent, or 224,645sq m, was secured by the transport and logistics sectors across 19 leases. 
“This figure represents a whopping 57 percent increase in take-up on the previous year, pushing absorption from transport-oriented businesses to record-high levels,” Ms Mondkar said.
The report briefing highlights 35 lease deals in Melbourne’s west in 2017, 11 more than in 2016, with 14 leases for more than 10,000sq m.
Savills Melbourne’s Director for <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/industrial.aspx" target="_blank">Industrial &amp; Business Services</a>, Greg Jensz, said an undersupply in serviced land availability had driven prices, particularly for smaller lots.
“With the increase in underlying land prices, incentives to lease are expected to drop and face rents should grow from circa $75 to $80 per sqm for larger buildings 10,000 sqm plus, and from $80 per sqm up to mid-to-high $80 per sqm for mid-sized buildings between 5,000sq m and 8,000sq m,” he said.
Looking forward, Ms Mondkar referred to several infrastructure projects under development and in the pipeline, which would benefit Melbourne’s industrial markets by improving connectivity, reducing travel times, and expanding the transportation network.
“The West Gate Tunnel Project will provide a second river crossing at Maribyrnong and an alternative to the West Gate Bridge, with direct access to Port Melbourne,” she said.
“When this happens, more logistics-oriented companies will seek to set up in Melbourne’s western industrial precinct.
“In addition, the state government has announced a $1.8 billion public-private partnership to upgrade about 700 kilometres of arterial road network through the western suburbs, which will further augment industrial demand in those areas.
“Lastly, the federal government initiative to develop a $10.9 billion inland rail line between Brisbane and Melbourne will drastically improve the last-mile delivery process, and drive a considerable amount of industrial development to the proposed route in Melbourne’s western corridor.”
Savills is a leading global real estate service provider offering the full spectrum of services from strategic advice to managing assets and projects and transacting deals. Monica Mondkar is Associate Director of <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/research/australian-research.aspx" target="_blank">Savills Research &amp; Consultancy</a> and Greg Jensz is Director of <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/industrial.aspx" target="_blank">Savills Industrial &amp; Business Services</a>. To learn more about Savills, visit <a href="http://www.savills.com.au" target="_blank">savills.com.au</a>.
</body></html>

Transport and logistics fuel Melbourne’s industrial leasing market: Savills Australia

<html><body>
Frasers Property Australia has purchased a 23 hectare parcel of industrial land in Braeside from Saltview Pty Ltd, a Hudson Conway subsidiary company.
Lynton Williams from Savills brokered the deal.
The land parcel is located on the corner of Governor Road and the proposed Mordialloc Bypass in Melbourne’s South-Eastern suburb of Braeside.
The acquisition of Braeside has been described as a natural extension of its 116 hectare The Key Industrial Park in Keysborough, which is approaching completion.
Braeside’s masterplan will comprise a mix of options including land sales, A-grade buildings for leases and turnkey opportunities for owner-occupiers.
Braeside estate is located adjacent to Mordialloc Bypass with construction set to commence by mid-2019. 
Frasers Property has recently completed several transactions in The Key Industrial Park including a 16,000sqm turnkey warehouse for ARB ($19.4 million) and ten year leases with Stanley Black &amp; Decker (21,722sqm), CH2 (21,200sqm), Silvan (11,948sqm), Rubies Deerfield (9,030sqm). The Stanley Black &amp; Decker and CH2 facilities are owned by Frasers Logistics &amp; Industrial Trust.
These combined transactions total $122 million worth of new purpose-built facilities. To date Stanley Black &amp; Decker and ARB have moved into the estate, while Silvan, Rubies Deerfield and CH2 are all expected to move into their warehouses in the first half of this year.
Frasers Property has also recently sold 16 lots in The Key Industrial Park – Stage 8 ranging in size from 1,999sqm to 4,071sqm totalling $17.4 million.
Braeside estate is expected to launch in mid-2018. 
 
</body></html>

Savills secure Hudson Conway sale at Braeside

<html><body>
Governments are busily rezoning our cities for high-rise apartments. The New South Wales government, for example, plans to rezone a 20-kilometre corridor in Sydney, from Sydenham to Bankstown, for urban density, in concert with a new metro rail line. Residents and community groups have reacted vociferously to the prospects of high-rise buildings in previously low-density suburbs.
But there is another, overlooked dimension to the redevelopment. Much of it is on industrial land: pockets of old factories and workshops, portrayed as decrepit and in need of renewal.
Our new project documents enterprises that actually use urban industrial lands. It’s a story of surprising and largely hidden vibrancy at the interface between creative industries and small manufacturing.
Planners and economic developers tend to assume manufacturing has left central cities and that manufacturing enterprises can simply locate to city-fringe greenfield sites. In reality, manufacturing is changing form, and often depends on – and benefits from – urban industrial lands.
Despite the scale of renewal plans, no detailed knowledge exists of what will be lost, or of existing enterprises’ needs.
Manufacturing has a new, creative face
In planning reports for renewal strategies, industrial zones are seen as redundant because it’s assumed that manufacturing is in a state of inevitable decline. This is false and misleading.
Employment, exports, enterprise formation and R&amp;D investment statistics all point to manufacturing’s endurance, as well as its transformation and increasingly diverse character.
Most manufacturers these days are small, agile and creative. Manufacturing is increasingly interwoven with creative industries, through innovation-driven additive manufacturing, craft-based production, and bespoke maker scenes.
Cities such as New York and Portland are actively planning for this, because they recognise that the creative-manufacturing interface generates jobs, assists place marketing, contributes to liveability and enlivens local communities.
Creative-manufacturing favours older industrial sites
There is, however, a planning dilemma cities must face. Enterprises at the interface tend to locate in inner-city industrial zones. This is where other relevant enterprises are co-located and buildings are more suitable, often older and lower rent, with limited restrictions on noise.
Like-minded micro-enterprises sub-let workshops or pods within older factory complexes. They cannot afford commercial rents in stand-alone buildings. Older industrial zones also provide access to distribution and business networks, cultural venues and institutions, and final markets.
These are the very zones favoured for major “renewal” schemes. In practically every case, this means medium- and high-rise apartments. Retail space is provided, typically at ground-floor level (which often sits vacant for months or years).
Ironically, the presence of creative industries helps sell real estate. But such renewal schemes rarely, if ever, provide replacement workshop space zoned for industrial uses.
Carrington Rd, an unassuming creative-manufacturing hub
Our new report documents enterprises in one such industrial precinct in Marrickville, inner Sydney, that’s slated for redevelopment. A single 700-metre-long stretch of Carrington Road is home to more than 200 diverse micro-enterprises and small manufacturers.
These have strong local ties, employing an estimated 1,800 workers. Fifteen discrete enterprise clusters thrive there. These include theatre production, puppet and prop-making, furniture restoration, fashion and textiles.
What underpins this pre-eminent creative-manufacturing interface precinct? It’s a combination of affordability, sympathetic landlords, industrial land use zoning, and a mix of small and large factory spaces with suitable features.
Proximity to the CBD, media corporations, major entertainment venues and iconic cultural institutions is vital. That’s because these firms supply stage sets, install event equipment, rent studios for photography, television and film shoots, and perform at corporate functions.
The social and cultural milieu of surrounding areas is also crucial. These areas generate nearby markets for locally made fashion, jewellery and ceramics.
No consultation on a looming loss for the city
Shockingly, enterprises in industrial zones potentially affected by this latest renewal strategy are not being consulted before rezoning.
NSW Planning and Environment commissioned a consultancy firm to investigate employment impacts of proposed redevelopments throughout the Sydenham-Bankstown corridor. The report was a desktop study. Detailed site inspections “were not undertaken nor interviews or consultation with businesses in the Opportunity Sites”.
When we visited Marrickville’s creative-manufacturing enterprises, it became clear none had been consulted about the details of renewal plans for the precinct. They were unaware the closing date for public submissions was imminent.
Creative micro-enterprises and small manufacturers reported that city fringe relocation is not feasible. Rezoning this industrial space, one of inner Sydney’s last, may force enterprises to close altogether. Others said they would move overseas.
The loss for Sydney could be tragic. As one artisan said: "If all the people who worked on this street worked in one company and were sacked, it’d be national headlines."
Similar processes are under way in Melbourne’s inner north, an iconic part of that city’s cultural profile. Rezoning in the name of urban density has given a green light to the conversion of old light industrial buildings into residential developments.
So, just as Creative Victoria establishes a Collingwood Arts Precinct to host creative practitioners, tenants next door have been evicted to make way for a 12-storey apartment block. The developer has now objected to the potential noise from local venues.
Learning from other global cities
Our project’s next phase is to explore how other global cities foster creative and manufacturing enterprises.
Chicago has planned manufacturing districts and Portland, Oregon, has industrial sanctuaries. These are long-standing and successful examples of industrial land preservation. The German zoning system has also long mixed “non-disturbing” industry with other uses.
San Francisco’s production, distribution and repair (PDR) zone attempts to accommodate the growth of small manufacturers. New, higher-rent office development cross-subsidises lower-rent industrial space. Austin, Boston, Los Angeles and Nashville in the US and Vancouver, Canada, are pursuing similar policies.
In China, Shenzhen, the 21st-century “workshop of the world”, is looking to the “creative economy” not to replace but to enhance Chinese manufacturing prowess.
While growing cities like Sydney clearly need to plan for housing, another conversation in our cities is needed, not just about high-rise redevelopments, but about what’s at stake when industrial lands are rezoned.
Chris Gibson, University of Wollongong; Alexandra Crosby, University of Technology Sydney; Carl Grodach, Queensland University of Technology; Craig Lyons, University of Wollongong; Justin O'Connor, Monash University; Xin Gu, Monash University 
The discussion appeared in <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-our-cities-thriving-creative-precincts-be-saved-from-renewal-83042?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20August%2030%202017%20-%2081866652&amp;utm_content=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20August%2030%202017%20-%2081866652+CID_a8078e42d468edbf1d13a3574d52dfb3&amp;utm_source=campaign_monitor&amp;utm_term=Can%20our%20cities%20thriving%20creative%20precincts%20be%20saved%20from%20renewal" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>.
</body></html>

Can our cities’ thriving creative precincts be saved from ‘renewal’?

<html><body>
Industrial property firm Goodman Group said it was sticking to its full-year forecast of a 7.5 percent growth in operating earnings over the previous financial year.
The group said in an ASX announcement for the quarter ended March 31 that its “strong performance” was due to benefit from the urbanisation of cities around the world and the concentration of consumers in these locations.
It forecast FY2017 full year operating earnings per security of 43.1 cents, up 7.5 percent on FY2016.
Goodman said it expects demand for prime industrial space to stay strong across key locations.
Earlier this year, the group pre-leased an additional one million square feet of logistics space to Amazon at its Goodman Commerce Center Eastvale, California.
“The business is positioned to take advantage of the structural and cyclical influences in the market, particularly in locations positively impacted by the expected increase in urbanisation and rising consumerism,” said the ASX release. 
Goodman’s total assets under management (AUM) were at $34.6 billion with valuation growth offset by asset sales ($2.1 billion for the nine months to 31 March 2017 excluding urban renewal).
The group leased 2.5 million sqm for the year to date, equating to $296 million of annual rental property income.
During the quarter, the group sold $200 million of assets but noted that the pace of sales is expected to moderate. It has completed $2.1 billion of asset sales in the nine months of the financial year to March 31, which will be used to fund its development pipeline.
“We’re continuing to realise the benefits of our strategy which has consistently been to invest and develop in quality locations, close to the consumer,” said chief executive Greg Goodman.
“We believe demand for quality industrial properties will be strongest in these locations and scarcity of land will see higher values, supporting sustainable long-term growth.”
Its development pipeline is across 75 projects with a forecast yield on cost of 7.7 percent and pre-commitments on completions of 86 percent.
The group’s credit rating was upgraded by both S&amp;P and Moody’s, aided by its lower gearing targets.
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Goodman Group sticks to operating earnings growth outlook

<html><body>
The industrial and logistics sector has emerged as the surprise performer of Australia’s commercial property market, with rental growth and projected growth in 2017 making investors confident about the sector, according to commercial real estate firm CBRE.
Strong levels of consumption and investment spending is supporting goods demand in major markets across the country, providing a strong basis for rental growth in 2017, says the firm's Industrial and Logistics, Q4 2016, MarketView report.
In the final three months of 2016, the industrial and logistics sector recorded positive quarterly rental growth of 0.5% nationally, underpinned by strong gains in Sydney, it said. 
The figures point to the beginning of a growth period for the sector, said CBRE’s senior managing director, industrial and logistics, Pacific, Matt Haddon.
“The tide has turned, with the latest quarterly rental growth and projected growth in 2017 injecting confidence into the sector, which, despite mixed economic conditions, has continued to succeed,” Haddon said. 
“It’s well documented that the manufacturing sector is declining – and has been for years. Gains in consumption and investment spending are where our focus needs to lie, with this sector of the market driving future occupier demand growth.” 
Reduced supply in 2016 is also expected to stimulate rental growth, with just 433,000 square metres released in the December quarter – 34% lower when compared to the same period in 2015, the report says.
In terms of deals, Victoria recorded its strongest year on record in 2016, with $1.92 billion in assets changing hands – representing a 15% increase from 2015. 
The report shows $394 million in property transactions during the last three months of 2016 helped propel the Victorian market to its strongest position on record. 
CBRE senior research manager Kate Bailey said a number of high quality assets and portfolio sales had underpinned strong transaction activity in Melbourne. 
“In 2016, there was an imbalance of available premium assets and large scale opportunities to meet demand in most locations across the country – with the possible exception of Melbourne,” Bailey said. 
“Similar drivers were responsible for a slowdown in offshore investment, with portfolio sales the key driver of foreign investment in 2016.” 
Nationally, $4.831 billion in industrial and logistics assets changed hands during 2016 – marginally down from a record $5.267 billion in 2015, due to the available stock shortfall.
New South Wales recorded $1.559 billion for the year, followed by Queensland with $537.67 million, $617.2 million in Perth, $146.05 million in South Australia and $31.25 million in the ACT. 
“Global capital remains highly focused on this strongly performing segment of the commercial market,” Haddon said. 
Haddon said further compression of yields in major markets during 2016 indicated that investors were anticipating both occupier demand and rental growth in the sector. 
In Q4, super prime average yields compressed a further 10 basis points to reach record lows of 6.9% nationally, driven by a low of 6.0% in Melbourne, 6.1% in Sydney and 6.5% in Brisbane.
Haddon said current market conditions pointed to a strong year for the market. 
“Current activity levels suggest that an increased number of opportunities will be available for investors in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the same period 12 months ago.” 
</body></html>

prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Industrial property set to soar in 2017: CBRE

<html><body>
A freestanding industrial facility in Sydney’s Seven Hills Industrial Estate has sold for $5,275,000 to an owner occupier. 
The 5,525 square metre site at 7 Tollis Place comprises an office and warehouse. The property offers two levels of accommodation and access via two large roller shutter doors.
CBRE’s John Micallef, Greg Pike and Matthew Alessi negotiated the sale of the property.
Micallef said although the buyer was prepared to pay a premium price for the building due to the lack of alternative properties available in the area.
“The sale is further evidence of the current heated demand for industrial opportunities in Sydney’s west,” he said.
Image taken from Google Street View.
</body></html>

Industrial

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Industrial

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News