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

Investor Opportunity

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Hi Margaret,
I am currently educating myself on property investing before buying my first investment property.
I am currently reading your book “Investing in the right property now!” in the third chapter you mention looking for an area which has low housing starts. My question is how to quantify “low”, I realise there is probably  no magic number but should I be looking for a region where housing start do not exceed population growth or should I simply assess the areas vacancy rates as an indicator of whether the new developments are creating an over supply.
As an example, one area which I am considering an investment has a population of ~50,000, an annual population growth of 1 percent and housing starts are as follows 2015-‘16=447; ‘14-‘15=340; ‘13-‘14=243; ‘12-‘13=227
Of course I am considering many other factors when analysing an area as mentioned in your books but this is just the one I am having troubles with at this point in time
Thank you kindly,
Sam
 
Hi Sam, 
Your question is a good one and it’s important to consider a range of factors when choosing an area where you would like to invest in property.
I would like to point out that, as mentioned in the book, you have to ensure that you don’t get caught up in just one statistic or factor, as that factor alone could be painting a different picture than the one you want to eventuate!
Let me explain.  There are many growth drivers, and they all work as only a small part of an overall puzzle, somewhat like a jigsaw puzzle. With too many pieces missing, the puzzle just does not work.  The more pieces you can fit into that puzzle, the better the picture becomes. 
Where property is concerned, the pieces are the growth drivers, but taken alone a single piece is not enough, or may not provide the right picture. Take the ‘housing starts’ you refer to. The idea behind ensuring that there is not too much development going on is to ensure that the area is not oversupplied with property.  Since the only thing which ultimately drives growth is demand, an oversupply of property will dilute that demand and lead to a sustained period of low, or no growth.
Now,  you may find an area with 50,000 population and low housing starts, but those low housing starts figures could be because no one is moving there, or there is little employment or anything else happening in the area.  And so the low housing start factor must be combined with a population growing faster than inflation, diversified employment, no new land for future development and a number of other factors for it to be a pointer to future property price growth.
There is no figure or calculation, but if the population is growing by, say, 1 percent per annum and housing starts are only growing by 0.5% per annum, and other drivers also exist, then it makes sense that a future increased demand for housing may ensue.
Always make sure that you examine all of the factors – it is the trend of those factors and their relationship to each other which becomes important, rather than the number itself.
Have a property question?  <a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">Ask Margaret!</a>
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mlomas-KC9MUPZ6Ca

Low housing start insights for investors: Ask Margaret

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Perth represents both danger and opportunity for property investors at present. 
The city, which led the nation on price and rental growth in 2012 and early 2013, is three years into a cyclical downturn, exacerbated by the wind-down in the resources investment boom.
Sales activity has been falling steadily since 2013 and the decline has gathered pace since the start of 2016. Some Perth suburbs have sales volumes at a fraction of their former levels, indicating further price decline is likely. 
This situation has been further impacted by vacancies well above 3% in many areas, as workers have left the city in the wake of the resources downturn and the ripple effect that has had on business in Perth (creating CBD office vacancies above 20 percent).
The situation also represents opportunity for counter-cyclical investors to buy well while price are down and competition is weak. Perth historically has been a population growth leader and one of the strongest capital cities for long-term capital growth. Perth property markets will recover and now is a good time to be looking for bargains.
Investors, however, should continue to avoid the inner-city apartment markets which have very high vacancies and an oversupply situation that is likely to get worse before it gets better. Housing markets will recover before apartment markets do.
Hotspotting’s latest research on sales activity demonstrates that the downward trend in the Perth market has deepened recently. Growth markets have vanished and there are now multiple suburbs classified as “danger” markets, with more likely to be added to the warning list if current sales patterns continue in coming quarters. 
Perth’s decline has been happening since the peak in early 2013 and the downturn has worsened since the beginning of 2016.
The number of dwelling sales in the WA market was above 16,000 per quarter in early 2013. Sales dropped below 15,000 per quarter in 2014 and below 13,000 in 2015. The market has dropped further in 2016, with around 8,300 sales in the March Quarter and fewer than 7,000 in the June Quarter. Sales rates are now well under half those of two years ago.
The suburb of Mt Pleasant in the Melville LGA has the kind of sales trend that sellers don’t want: sales totaling 62, 50, 42, 25 and 15 in the past five quarters. 
The suburb of Nollamara in the Stirling LGA has dropped from well above 100 per quarter to 55 in the March Quarter and 35 in the June Quarter. In nearby Yokine, the sales pattern has been 103, 95, 75, 74, 79, 51 and 38 (with vacancies at 5.3% in that postcode).
In Fremantle, the sales pattern since early 2014 has been 85, 61, 66, 60, 59, 47, 49, 45, 27 and 25. In Rivervale in the Belmont LGA, the sales pattern has been 101, 84, 100, 69, 78, 55, 81, 71, 74, 32 and 24. With a vacancy rate around 8%, the immediate future looks bleak.
The malaise has spread to all market sectors. Upmarket Mosman Park’s quarterly sales record is 74, 72, 76, 62, 51, 62, 47, 41, 30 and 25. In downmarket Gosnells, quarterly sales since early 2014 have been 153, 158, 134, 123, 103, 118, 109, 82, 75 and 53, so current sales are a third of the peak levels.
So what should investors do? Avoid Perth altogether? Wait until they read about recovery? Or become counter-cyclical buyers?
Most investors are herd animals who never take advantage of down markets. They jump into markets when they read there’s a boom under way, as so many did in Sydney over the past few years.
The really smart investors, and there were some, saw what was coming, bought before 2013 and got full benefit from the capital growth that followed. 
The switched-on ones who think and act counter-cyclically will see opportunities to buy bargains in Perth. Prices are down right across the metropolitan area so there’s no shortage of good opportunities, as well as a lack of competition from other punters.
High vacancy rates would deter many, because of difficulties finding tenants at acceptable rentals, but not everywhere has 5-6 percent vacancy rates. 
Investors just need to believe Perth has a future. And obviously it does, although it may not feel much like it at present. WA has been a nation-leading growth economy many times and will be so again in the future. Perth has led on population growth and property price escalation, and has had two notable up-cycles in the past 10-12 years. It will recover.
 
 Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au
<a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au">ryder@hotspotting.com.au</a>
twitter.com/hotspotting
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Perth represents both danger and opportunity for property investors: Terry Ryder

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GUEST OBSERVER
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) released its Financial Aggregates figures for January 2017.
Although housing credit continued to chug along in notching growth of 0.5 per cent in the month, total credit growth sagged to just 0.2 per cent due to negative results for the business and personal sectors.
Housing credit for investors continued to rise to 6.6 percent across the year to January, suggesting that further hikes may be in the post for investor loans.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/02/RBA1.jpg" target="_blank">Click 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/2017/03/02/RBA1.jpg" alt="">
Total credit growth was 6.4 percent, while broad money growth was 7 percent.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/02/RBA2.jpg" target="_blank">Click 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/2017/03/02/RBA2.jpg" alt="">
Deposit growth has strengthened considerably as banks look to shore up their capital. 
Even term deposits, understandably out of favour for some time, are recording growth at a double digit pace, with some accounts set to offer bonus interest on larger balances. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/02/RBA3.jpg" target="_blank">Click 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/2017/03/02/RBA3.jpg" alt="">
Switcheroo
The total value of outstanding credit has doubled over the past decade to $1.64 trillion.
The exact split of loan purpose between owner-occupier and investor credit remains murky, with a net value of $49 billion having been switched away from investment loans since July 2015.
This reflects the interest rate differential between loan types, but note that the credit growth figures by loan type have been adjusted for the net value of switching. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/02/RBA4.jpg" target="_blank">Click 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/2017/03/02/RBA4.jpg" alt=""> 
The poor monthly result for business and personal credit sees housing resume its apparently inexorable rise in terms of market share. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/02/RBA5.jpg" target="_blank">Click 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/2017/03/02/RBA5.jpg" alt="">
The wrap
All regulatory eyes will be on the growth in investor loans, with more measures likely to be taken to cool this sector as 2017 progresses. 
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
 
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Housing credit doubles in a decade: Pete Wargent

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Australian real estate fund manager EG announced the establishment of its new private wealth division.
The data-driven investment manager’s new division, headed by director Rodney Walt, will supply commercial property syndication opportunities for investors and family offices.
“We are pleased to officially offer this new service to sophisticated investors interested in commercial real estate, providing them with the opportunity for future growth in the current economy,” Walt said.
A proprietary risk management software, PRISMS, will be used to identify the opportunities, consider the risk and match the deal to investors.
Investors can expect to benefit from high income returns supported by a long-term lease, and to receive an average distribution of 8.5 per cent per annum based on a 7-year hold strategy.
The company, which is targeting a minimum $150 million in gross asset value over the next 12 months, also conducted an announcement to sophisticated investors for a specific opportunity today.
EG is targeting crash distributions of 8.5 per cent per annum in real estate.
Investors are asked to participate in commercial real estate opportunities offering high-yielding secure investments.
The company calculates an equity internal-rate-of-return forecast at 11 per cent, with opportunities of a 15-year lease term to a global tenant.
EG has over $3.2 billion in assets under management, with two decades experience in institutional mandates.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Funds manager EG announces new private wealth division 

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Medina, Armadale and Parmelia are among the top 10 Perth suburbs for investors to keep an eye out for in 2020, according to the latest reiwa.com data.
REIWA President Damian Collins said with the Perth property market starting to show signs of improvement, there are some great opportunities out there for investors.
“Our analysis showed there are a number of suburbs that have high rental returns for investors and the properties are leasing at faster than the average time. With interest rates at record lows, many of these properties are likely to be positively geared,” Mr Collins said.
“There are a lot of contributing factors that make a good investment property, however suburbs that have a high rental yield, such as Medina which had a 7.5 per cent rental yield, and lower than average days to lease, are ones to consider."
“In the 12 months to December 2019, it took approximately 17 days for a property to lease in Medina, which is well below the Perth average of 28 days, and demonstrates the suburb is in high demand by tenant,” Mr Collins said.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/24/WA%20leasing%20data.JPG" alt="">
Of these top suburbs, eight of them are located south of the river, with Armadale and Parmelia following close behind Medina.
It took 14 days on average to lease a property in Parmelia, which had a rental yield of 5.6 per cent. Armadale had a higher yield at 6.2 per cent, however it took 27 days on average to lease.
Rounding out the top five is Seville Grove and Port Kennedy which both had a rental yield of 5.6 per cent.
Mr Collins said, "while the suburbs in this top 10 list are not rated by their lifestyle, popularity or future growth, they have faster leasing times and high rental yield which is important to investors."
“With Perth currently the most affordable capital city in Australia and the vacancy rate at a low of 2.3 per cent, now is the ideal opportunity for investors to get back into the Perth property market,” he concluded.
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Top suburbs for WA property investors revealed: REIWA

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Property market analyst Margaret Lomas, founder of Destiny Financial Solutions, has pinpointed five good options for investors.
“People are worried about buying property at the moment and you can’t blame them - the headlines are screaming doom and gloom,” she told <a href="https://www.yourmoney.com.au/real-estate/top-five-suburbs-for-property-investors-in-2019/" target="_blank">Your Money Live.</a>
“But even among that, there is some good news around property… and there are definitely places you should be buying.”
With those in mind, Lomas shared her top five suburb picks for 2019.
Whittington, VIC
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/11/Lomas%201.JPG" alt="">
This Victorian suburb located around 4km from Geelong’s town centre ticks all the right boxes, according to Lomas.
“The thing I like here is that it’s cheaper compared to East Geelong, which it borders,” she said.
Despite being mere steps apart, the median house price in East Geelong is $651,000 compared to Whittington’s $360,000, leaving plenty of potential for growth.
Lomas says the area is undergoing gentrification as state housing moves out to be replaced by owner-occupiers and family units.
And despite the property downturn, Whittington has recorded growth of 5.95 per cent in the last year.
<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/2019/1/10/whittington%201.jpg" alt="">
An example was a three bedroom house at Whittington sold for 350,000 in Novermber 2018 (above).
Set on a 724sqm allotment, the renovated home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-whittington-129480950" target="_blank">4 Alouette Court </a>comes with three bedrooms, kitchen/dining with floating bench space, large living area and separate laundry.
It's located just 10mins from Geelong CBD and within close proximity to several well regarded primary and secondary schools, Newcomb Centro, Aldi, and Bellarine Village Shopping Centres. 
<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/2019/1/10/whittington%202.jpg" alt="">
A current listing is a three bedroom brick house priced between $340,000 to $365,000 (pictured above).
Nestled on a 613sqm block in the heart of Whittington, the house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-whittington-130111998" target="_blank">6 Proton Court</a> consists of three bedrooms, functional kitchen/meals area, good sized living room and covered entertaining area. 
It's close to Newcomb Shopping Centres and within walking distance to local primary and secondary schools, community centre, public transport and 10 minutes to Geelong CBD.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
Bibra Lake, WA
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/11/Lomas%202.JPG" alt="">
While property values are falling across Perth, a few standout suburbs are bucking the trend, including Bibra Lake.
While homes along the lake have an average price tag of $535,000, one street back from the water brings that figure down to just $390,000.
“It offers a fabulous lifestyle… it’s only about a 10 minute drive from the coast and there’s a freeway going right through Bibra Lake as well as a rail line,” she said.
That makes it about a 20 minute commute into Perth’s CBD.
<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/2019/1/10/bibra%20lake%201.jpg" alt="">
A Bibra Lake four bedroom house in a quite street in Bibra Lake has been sold for $595,000 (pictured above).
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-bibra+lake-129249282" target="_blank">11 Lachlan Way</a>, the family home comes with four bedrooms, renovated kitchen and laundry, games room, solid timber fllors throughout living areas, and oversized double lock up driving through garage. 
It's only 500m from Bibra Lake and 400m from Bibra Lake Primary School. 
<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/2019/1/10/bibra%20lake%202.jpg" alt="">
A current offering is a four bedroom house located in the heart of Bibra Lake priced over $500,000 (pictured above).
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-bibra+lake-130120434" target="_blank">28 Marchant Drive</a>, it comes with four bedrooms, open plan dining/living, modern kitchen, and separate front lounge/games room.
The outside features extra long carport with automatic door, powered workshop or studio, below-ground pool and covered alfresco.
Petrie, QLD
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/11/Lomas%203.JPG" alt="">
One of the most positive features of the area is the soon to be opened USC Moreton Bay university campus, Australia’s newest university.
The project is expected to attract around $950 million into the local economy, plus 6,000 extra jobs, by 2036.
While the median price for a house is around $440,000, 2-3 bedroom units cost upward of just $300,000, perfect for the upcoming influx of students, said Lomas.
<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/2019/1/10/pietrie%201.jpg" alt="">
A recent sale was a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-petrie-129680110" target="_blank">3 St Marcel Ct </a>traded for $425,500 (pictured above).
The family home features open plan living combined with dining, three bedrooms plus study or 4th bedroom, renovated kitchen, and large covered outdoor area. 
It is located within close proximity to the central amenities in Petrie such as schools, shops, train and bus transport, and bush walking at the Mungarra reserve.
<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/2019/1/10/petrie%202.jpg" alt="">
A two bedroom apartment situated on the edge of Sweeney Reserve has been listed for $325,000 (pictured above).
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-petrie-129611322" target="_blank">61/9 Houghton Street, Petrie</a>, the apartment features open plan living, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and kitchen with stone bench tops. 
It's only 400m to shops and supermarkets, 900m to the Petrie station and just over 900m to the new Petrie University Complex. 
Modbury, SA
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/11/Lomas%204.JPG" alt="">
You may have heard about the Australian Space Agency, soon to be based and further developed in South Australia.
Because the project is expected to attract mid-to-high income earners to Adelaide, Lomas predicts they’ll be looking at the city’s up and coming areas, such as Modbury.
Situated around 20 minutes from Adelaide’s city centre, the suburb is currently undergoing beautification, with new walkways and cycleways being added.
<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/2019/1/10/modbury.jpg" alt="">
A recent sale at Modbury was a three bedroom house for $375,000 (pictured above).
Set on a 312sqm allotment, the house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-modbury-129680534" target="_blank"> 14 Trellios Street </a>comprises of master bedroom, two other bedrooms, open plan living and dining room, separate laundry and garden shed. 
It's located within walking distance to Clovercrest Village and only 13km to the Adelaide CBD.
<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/2019/1/10/modbury%202.jpg" alt="">
A current offering at Modbury is a two bedroom unit priced between $260,000 to $280,000 (pictured above).
The unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-sa-modbury-130094362https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-sa-modbury-130094362" target="_blank">39/129 Smart Road </a>consists of a large lounge, kitchen and meals area, separate laundry and two bedrooms. 
It's just a few minutes walk from the Modbury hospital and Medical Centre, Tea Tree Plaza Shopping Centre and the O'Bahn bus exchange for a bus ride into the city.
Port Adelaide, SA
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/11/Lomas%205.JPG" alt="">
In addition to the space agency, Adelaide is also getting a new submarine base and shipyard which is expected to bring in another 4,000 jobs to the area.
Sitting adjacent to the base and 20 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD, Port Adelaide’s median house price is just $350,000, despite nearby suburbs averaging above $600,000,
“When you add to that, that it is on the peninsula and right by the coast, I think it’s a no-brainer,” she says.
<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/2019/1/10/port%20adelaide.jpg" alt="">
An example was a three bedroom 1880s old worker's cottage at Port Adelaide which was sold for $381,000 (pictured above).
Situated at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-port+adelaide-128981702" target="_blank"> 6 Aberdeen Street</a>, it comes with three bedrooms, two large living areas, study, eat-in kitchen and secure carport parking.
<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/2019/1/10/port%20adelaide%202.jpg" alt="">
A waterfront three bedroom house at Port Adelaide has been listed for sale with a price guide of $675,000 (pictured above).
Located at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-port+adelaide-127359074" target="_blank"> 26 Knapman Crescent</a>, the harbourside home comes with three large bedrooms, lounge room with views of the harbour, modern kitchen, and large dining room.
It's within easy walking distance to ample shopping, schools and transport.
While markets will always fluctuate, there are a few basic rules  that always hold true when it comes to purchasing property, according to Lomas:
<ul>
<li>Affordable properties will always attract buyers</li>
<li>A bigger plot of land is always the better option</li>
<li>Look for family areas, as families will always fuel growth</li>
<li>Find ‘ripple effect’ suburbs – less expensive suburbs that neighbour high-value areas</li>
</ul>
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Top five suburbs for property investors in 2019: Margaret Lomas

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
Mid-sized companies and international shares have out-performed ‘Mums and Dads’ stocks over the past five years.
It is useful for investors to understand how different asset classes are performing as it may highlight opportunities.
Smaller returns from major Australian companies
Many Australians got their start in the share market through privatisations and demutualisations. That is, companies like Telstra, AMP, Colonial, Commonwealth Bank, Suncorp, Qantas and state betting agencies like TAB (NSW). Some retail investors have held on to these stocks over time and perhaps added modestly to their holdings with positions in other domestic companies. For others, the initial investment may have sparked broader interest with investors adding to their portfolios with domestic and international investments and perhaps positions in options and futures.
In 1999, CommSec devised an index called the Mums and Dads index to highlight the performance of retail investors who got their start in the share market through demutualisations, privatisations or ‘household names’ like Woolworths. The current composition of the CommSec Mums and Dads index is Telstra, Commonwealth Bank, Woolworths, Qantas, AMP, Tabcorp, Suncorp, IAG and Wesfarmers.
Until around five years ago, total returns on the CommSec Mums &amp; Dads index (share prices and dividends included) closely tracked total returns on the broader index – the All Ordinaries accumulation index. But over the past five years, the All Ords accumulation index has lifted around 82% while the CommSec Mums and Dads index has lifted by just 35%.
Mid-sized companies gain favour
One of the out-performing areas over the past five years has been the mid-tier companies. Since mid-2013 the MidCap50 accumulation index has doubled in value. As noted above, over the same period the All Ords accumulation index lifted by around 82% while returns on the CommSec Mums and Dads index rose by just 35%.
The MidCap50 includes a number of ‘new wave’ stocks as well as ‘disruptors’ – companies challenging those with far bigger market size or capitalisation – that is, the ‘big cap’ companies. Notable mid-tier companies include A2 Milk, Dominos, Flight Centre, JB Hi-Fi and Resmed.
On a shorter-term comparison, since the start of 2018 the All Ordinaries accumulation index has lifted by 6% (ASX 200 accumulation +5.9%) while the MidCap50 accumulation index has lifted by 6.6%. By comparison the CommSec Mums and Dads index has risen by just 1.6%.
However just as investors constantly need to track the performance of their domestic portfolios – especially the influence of new themes or paradigms – there is also the need to take a broader perspective. Considerations include the differing performance of domestic industries or sectors to those abroad.
Global shares have certainly performed strongly over recent years. The US Dow Jones and S&amp;P 500 indexes have hit record highs in the past month. And the Japanese Nikkei 225 index hit 27-year highs yesterday.
<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/2018/10/2/commsec%201.jpg" alt="">
Global shares
Five or 10 years ago it was more difficult for retail investors to invest in individual companies that were listed on overseas share markets. To gain overseas exposure, investors tended to favour managed funds.
Today, retail investors have much more flexibility to invest in individual companies on overseas exchanges, or via exchange traded funds (ETFs) and managed funds. Australia accounts for just 2% of world share market capitalisation, so there is a raft of opportunities outside our borders. One complication is the need to take into account currency fluctuations. Since the currency was floated, the Australian dollar has fluctuated on average by US14 cents a year against the greenback, although there has been less volatility in recent years
One way of measuring the performance of the ‘world share market’ is by reference to an index. And one of the best known indexes is that compiled by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI).
The MSCI World Index, is described as: “A broad global equity index that represents large and mid-cap equity performance across 23 developed markets countries. It covers approximately 85% of the free float- adjusted market capitalisation in each country and MSCI World Index does not offer exposure to emerging markets.” 
The world MSCI can be tracked through finance websites on a daily basis as well as wire services and adjustments can be made for dividends and currency fluctuations.
Over the past five years the world MSCI in US dollar terms has risen by 41% with total returns (measured by the accumulation index) up by 56%. By comparison, in Australian dollar terms the MSCI Australian index rose by 17% and 42% respectively over the period.
But when you adjust the world MSCI for currency changes – convert the index to Australian dollar terms – the out- performance is enhanced even further. Over the past five years the world MSCI has lifted by 83% in Australian dollar terms with total returns up 101%.
<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/2018/10/2/commsec%202.jpg" alt="">
Shorter-run returns
As always the time comparison chosen may affect the results obtained. And with international shares, changes in the value of the US dollar can significantly impact the results.
Looking back since the index was constituted in May 2000, and assessing returns in Australian dollar terms, returns on the ASX 200 have risen four-fold whereas returns on the world MSCI have doubled. So on a long-term basis the Australian share market has out-performed global shares.
However, looking over the past decade, Australian dollar returns for both the ASX 200 and the world MSCI tracked closely, especially up to 2014. But in the past four years the world MSCI broke away, lifting by 68% while the ASX 200 has risen by only 39%.
Further, since the start of 2018, the world MSCI accumulation index in Australian dollar terms has lifted by around 14%, well ahead of returns of around 6% for the Australian market.
<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/2018/10/2/commsec%203.jpg" alt="">
<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/2018/10/2/commsec%204.jpg" alt="">
The US out-performs
The Dow Jones index is probably the best known of the US equity indexes. Other indexes include the S&amp;P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Russell 2000. And while the price index – the Dow Jones Industrial average (DJIA) – is commonly quoted, there is also a total return index for the Dow.
Up until the end of September the DJIA rose by 7% and total returns (includes dividends) lifted by 10% while returns on the index in Australian dollar terms have lifted by around 18%.
By comparison, in local currency terms the ASX 200 rose by 2.3%, the All Ords lifted 2.6% and total returns on Australian shares have increased by around 6%.
Certainly the US economy has performed strongly with annual economic growth sitting at 4.2%, unemployment near 18-year lows and inflation sitting at just 2%. However the old adage applies for the share market – past performance is no guarantee of future returns.
The US Dow Jones has made solid returns – especially over the past two years, averaging annual growth near 22% and well out-performing the Australian market.
While the US economy is performing strongly, the budget deficit remains high, the Federal Reserve is still in the process or ‘normalising’ interest rates and the US is engaged in trade disputes with a raft of economies such as China and the European Union.
In addition some would cite relatively expensive valuations for US shares with prices around 17.8 times forward earnings, well above the longer-term average of around 14.5 times earnings.
 <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/2018/10/2/commsec%205.jpg" alt="">
What are the implications for investors?
Global share markets have made solid gains in recent years reflecting economic recoveries after the global financial crisis. In this respect, the US has had one of the stand-out economies and share markets.
Australian investors can now embrace a broader range of opportunities than in the past, whether they are domestic companies and sectors or opportunities across global economies. While there may have been good reasons in the past for investors to stick with blue-chip ‘Mums and Dads’ investments, better performing investments locally and globally argue for a fresh look at portfolios.
Investments in international shares and small and mid-sized Australian companies provide scope for greater diversification in investor portfolios.
<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/2018/10/2/commsec%206.jpg" alt=""> 
Craig James is the chief economist at <a href="https://www.comsec.com.au/default.aspx" target="_blank">CommSec</a>. 
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cjames-5S2v74qSNK

'Mum and dad' stocks are underperforming: CommSec's Craig James

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Commercial property prices have skyrocketed in recent years, sowing seeds that could lead to opportunistic buying opportunities – and distressed sales – in coming years.
Here are 10 factors at play that could lead to attractive buying opportunities for those who have cash at the ready.
1.    There’s a limit to how low yields can go. As property prices in some markets have risen faster than rents, the rate of return has reduced and reduced. No one knows just how low they can go, but there is a floor and we’re getting close to it.
2.    Australia’s big four banks have become increasingly cautious in their lending in this space. They have, perhaps, heeded <a id="m_-6975728259029557408LPlnk750883" class="m_-6975728259029557408OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2017/sp-so-2017-11-20" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2017/sp-so-2017-11-20.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1528424268072000&amp;usg=AFQjCNElBd8bcSWPwe0ZyXyFIOLx0GY3-Q">warnings</a> by RBA’s head of Financial Stability Jonathan Kearns, of the risks of a “sharp correction” and potential for a repeat of the 1990s bust that followed the 1980s boom.  
3.    Changes in market conditions and a potential reduction in debt availability and/or increase in costs is likely to require some developers who acquired assets for future conversion or demolition to sell.
4.    Foreign banks are still lending for Australian commercial property but could experience pull back if interest rates rise or there is a change in global capital markets.
5.    Unlike residential loans, commercial property loans need to be refinanced every few years. Currently, rising property prices have provided a cushion for heavily indebted owners to help meet their obligations to banks. If this levels off or falls, it could be problematic for those owners.
6.    Interest rates could rise. Historically low interest rates have also underpinned commercial property affordability and supported high prices, and a rise could render some owners into financial trouble, forcing sales.
7.    Rising bond rates. If interest rates rise, then bonds will start to offer higher returns – meaning investors, particularly those overseas who are likely to see rates rise first, could place cash elsewhere.
8.    Businesses may be doing better than they were in the midst of the GFC but they are still price-sensitive and unlikely to swallow much more in the way of increased rents, which have been rising in most locations, albeit not as fast as property values.
9.    High-end corporate office occupants are increasingly seeking better amenities – end-of-trip facilities, ground floor cafes and gyms, even <a id="m_-6975728259029557408LPlnk484422" class="m_-6975728259029557408OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/concierge-services-in-office-blocks-a-musthave-for-prospective-tenants-20160707-gq0xfz" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/concierge-services-in-office-blocks-a-musthave-for-prospective-tenants-20160707-gq0xfz.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1528424268072000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHJYyVJ3j6j7Jp6zUkcnxwszALaQQ">concierges</a> – as well as strong environmental credentials. Cash-strapped landlords who lose a major tenant may not be able to afford the upgrades required to attract new tenants.
10.  Federal Government tenants require properties to have a minimum 4.5 star NABERS rating, however achieving this in an existing property requires significant investment which, again, the cash-strapped landlord might not be able to fund easily.
Russell Bullen is the chief operating officer of diversified property company Quintessential Equity
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Commercial property buying opportunities and distressed sales

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<div>
Jonathan Hallinan hasn't quit Melbourne apartment development market after-all.
He has bought a small Southbank site, just months after securing a gullible Australian Financial Review headline that he was quitting because it was all too hard.
He now claims huge rental demand for apartments in his $300 million Shadow Play tower on Southbank had convinced him there was strong appetite for new development.
</div>
<div>The demand for rental accommodation was "the strongest I have seen in my 24 years," he said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Investors were achieving rents of $670 to $680 a week for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, a 15 per cent increase on the $600 average rent for the area.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"There is no sense at all that the market is over-supplied."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"The good rental returns on offer is making the apartment market appealing to local investors.</div>
<div> </div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">"I plan to return to residential development next year doing smaller 100 to 200 unit developments targeted at the local investor," Hallinan told the Financial Review. <div>
"Then in the next cycle – two years from now – I plan to relaunch the big 300 to 500 unit projects, that others won't do," he added.
</div>
<div>The newspaper said Hallinan had an "exuberance."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>He has secured 54 Clarke Street, a 597 square metre site wedged between two apartment towers – Habitat at 58 Clarke Street, and The Bank, at 283 City Road - for $8.9 million from local owners who had it listed for the past year through Lemon Baxter.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It reportedly almost sold this time last year at $9 million, according to The Age columnist Marc Pallisco.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"I am pulling out of the residential space," Jonathan Hallinan told the AFR in January.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Policy makers have repeatedly hit our industry with several regulatory changes, which are now compounding to result in what is likely to be a devastating effect on housing supply and affordability in the long term," he had previously blogged.</div>
<div>
<div>
"It would appear that our policy makers, who evidently believe that their actions are alleviating the pressures of an over-heated housing market, are, with great success, crippling the very industry that has the power to ease the housing affordability crisis." Hallinan listed the recent adverse changes:
</div>
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1. Introduction of APRA regulations on banks and financial lenders which resulted in changes to investment lending, reducing the borrowing power of investors.
2. Removal of the stamp-duty concession from off-the-plan purchasers for investors
3. Introduction of plot ratios to the Melbourne planning scheme, hugely lessening the number of dwellings that could be built on a development site.
4. Implementation of apartment design guidelines, forcing developers to build fewer larger and more expensive apartments.
5. Limitations on foreign purchasers to not more than 50% ownership in a given apartment project
6. 7% foreign surcharge on all offshore purchasers
7. Enforcement of minimum $5,000 FIRB application fees
8. Increase of 5.5% stamp duty fees on foreign purchasers
9. Enforcement of absentee surcharges on purchasers with properties vacant for six months or more
10. Proposed introduction of a new tax on the four banks as part of the 2017 Budget.
Jonathan Hallinan founded BPM in 1995 securing early success with luxury townhouses in Melbourne’s bayside areas.
At its peak BPM had more than 2,600 apartments across 16 projects under development with a combined value in excess of $1.4 billion.
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Shadow Play's Jonathan Hallinan now exuberant, rather than exiting the Melbourne apartment development scene

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GUEST OBSERVER
Investing in Sydney’s real estate market has been a tough call in recent years, with ever-increasing prices putting the squeeze on returns and meaning that investors need to do their due diligence more than ever before. 
According to CoreLogic, the median apartment price in Sydney has increased by a massive 106.2% since 2008 and is now at $750,000. 
With prices at this level, investors need to be savvy and on the look-out for ways to increase capital gains by identifying upcoming ‘hot spots’. There is huge potential in some pockets of metropolitan Sydney, set to benefit from significant future development and infrastructure projects. 
Sydney’s burgeoning North West in particular should be high on an investor’s radar. 
Nestled within the Hills Shire, Castle Hill is a suburb where future growth has been forecast. Key early indicators of growth lie within the current and future plans for commercial and residential developments within the region. 
In accordance with The Implementation Plan proposed by the New South Wales Government, some 33,000 new homes are to be developed in North West Sydney. Estimates by the Hills Shire Council predict the population in Castle Hill will grow by 49.53% by 2036. 
It is undeniable that Castle Hill is an area set for long-term growth and ticks all the boxes for investors. 
To cater for the growth in population infrastructure developments are also currently underway including the $900 million upgrade of Castle Towers and the $8.3 billion North West Rail link. 
Upon completion the Castle Towers redevelopment is set to generate 2,373 jobs and create an enhanced community hub. The North West Rail link is expected for completion in 2019 and will also increase the efficiency of transport connecting residents from Castle Hill Station to Martin Place Station in around 30 minutes. 
To combat rising property prices in Sydney investors are strongly encouraged to continue to seek out growth areas and identify “hot spots” to realise the future potential, rather than to try to buy into markets that have already hit their peak. 
Residential real estate remains the investment of choice with solid medium and long-term returns and those who are waiting in anticipation for market conditions to change may miss out on solid investment opportunities.
Ian Bennett is Director, Colliers International  
 
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