There are few property developers nationally that can boast a workbook like the ASX-listed developer Cedar Woods. With eight apartment buildings under construction across four states, Cedar Woods is well positioned to take advantage of what Managing Director Nathan Blackburne says is a “national shortage of apartments.”

Cedar Woods purposefully has a diversified portfolio of apartments, townhouses, commercial, and residential communities across the country, enabling the business to remain resilient through market cycles and respond to shifting buyer demand.

Blackburne says there is a great shortfall of housing of all typologies, none more so for apartments. He says that is the case particularly in Perth, where the lack of new apartment projects has been particularly acute.

“Perth has been more affected than Melbourne,” Blackburne explains, noting that over the past five years, “very few new apartment projects” have been launched in either city. Historically, apartments made up around 20 per cent of new housing nationally. Cedar Woods estimates that figure has fallen to around 10 per cent today, a gap they believe must close.

<h2>Apartment appeal rebounding as supply shrinks</h2>

There are signs the tide is turning however. Blackburne says buyer apartment sentiment really picked up in mid 2025. “In October we saw our strongest sales month for apartments in Perth.” The buyer demand has driven their Subiaco apartment development, Incontro, to nearly 70 per cent sold. The increased buyer sentiment has strengthened Cedar Woods’ confidence in bringing forward the next apartment project in Western Australia, a three tower development planned for the prime site on Upham Street in Subiaco, adjacent to Incontro.

Demand is being driven by several factors; the lack of new apartments coming to the market, the increased demand with migration far outstripping the aforementioned supply, and the appetite to live closer to the city.

“Over the past three years, Perth’s population has grown by around 250,000 people, while only around 50,000 dwellings have been delivered,” Blackburne says, adding that more than twice that number would be needed just to keep up.&nbsp;

He said that many buyers are being forced to the urban fringe because of the greater supply of land product, but that, Blackburne argues, is pushing the fringe further out and motivating a re-evaluation of the value of inner- and middle-suburb apartments.

Demographic shifts are helping drive this rethink. Cedar Woods is seeing more boomers downsizing, young professionals entering the market, and a rising number of single-person households. There’s also a growing trend of parents buying apartments for teenage children, motivated by fears that housing prices will become out of reach. “It’s not only a strong investment now, but it can serve as a first home when their children move out.”

<h2>National diversification strategy</h2>

Cedar Woods’ strategy is not limited to Perth. Blackburne outlines their aim to diversify by price point, product type, and geography, which “gives us a broad customer base and smoother earnings profile.” Throughout their markets, they’re combining apartments, townhouses, and masterplanned communities, allowing flexibility to pivot toward undersupplied segments as demand evolves.

In Victoria, Cedar Woods is pressing ahead with a major site in Fairfield, just northeast of Melbourne’s CBD, a site which Blackburne says the company has had its sights on for many years. They are planning to deliver three towers with over 300 apartments, with the plans likely to be submitted in early 2026.

Blackburne also expresses optimism about broader inner-Melbourne supply dynamics. 
 
“While Melbourne’s apartment market is better supplied than Perth’s, and population growth remains strong, Cedar Woods believes the current stock will be absorbed quickly,” Blackburne says, however he warns that policy disincentives remain. “In Victoria … there are quite a lot of obstacles for apartment buyers,” he says, adding that the industry is working with the state government to “remove those barriers” and avert prolonged undersupply.

Cedar Woods has plans on the desks of the VIC Government to develop a 20-storey tower in Southbank, in the heart of Melbourne’s arts precinct. Designed by Rothelowman, the proposed tower will deliver 180 apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, along with creative amenity space devoted to arts and digital industries, a food and drink tenancy at street level, and a 700sqm recreation deck with indoor lounge space will provide a resident amenity hub.

Blackburne frames the project as a response to Melbourne’s growing undersupply of signature inner-city living. “We saw a thematic: a looming undersupply in inner-Melbourne, particularly in high-quality apartments, and wanted to capitalise on that,” he says. The site’s proximity to the Melbourne Arts Precinct, key tram lines, and Southbank’s cultural fabric makes it especially appealing, Blackburne says.

<h2>Charting the course forward</h2>

On top of the apartment developments underway and planned in Perth and Melbourne, Cedar Woods has a multi-stage apartment development in Brisbane’s Woolloowin, and several years remaining on their masterplanned communities in Williams Landing in Melbourne and Glenside in Adelaide, both of which offer a mix of apartments and townhouses.

Blackburne says the developer has been able to mitigate some of the macro risks currently at play in the new development space, particularly in the construction sector.

“Cedar Woods has been able to make many apartment projects work because of good buying of the raw land in the first place, as well as its strong pipeline of apartment projects, enabling the company to attract builders to build deep, multi-year relationships.”&nbsp;

For Cedar Woods, 2026 is set to be significant, with anticipated approvals and submissions laying the groundwork for fresh apartment supply and multiple launches in 2027.

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Cedar Woods ramps up apartment development amid Australia’s deepening housing shortfall

Rockdale has long been characterized as a suburb on the cusp. Well-located, well-connected, but historically underserved by modern apartment offerings.

It has everything going for it: outstanding connectivity to the Sydney CBD, just four train stops to Central Station, strong local amenity anchored by Roc​kdale Plaza and a growing main-street dining scene, and enviable proximity to Brighton-Le-Sands. The six-kilometre beachfront is lined with bayside restaurants, cafés, and walking paths, giving residents a lifestyle typically associated with much more expensive coastal suburbs.

What Rock​dale has lacked is high-quality contemporary apartments. Most existing developments date back several decades, with floorplans that no longer support modern living needs, and buildings constructed long before today’s standards in engineering, efficiency, and sustainability.

Lender, fund manager and apartment developer Princeton identified the gap early. Seeing all the right ingredients in Rockd​ale, transport, lifestyle, retail, and affordability, they set out to deliver what the suburb was missing. Their answer is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale-nsw-2216">Marque Rockdale</a>, a collection of 58 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments now nearing completion just a short walk from Ro​ckdale Plaza, home to over 50 specialist retailers and anchored by&nbsp;Woolworths, Big W and Aldi.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=355216]

Understanding they would be resetting the benchmark for the area, Princeton focused on ensuring buyers received best-in-class quality, longevity, and protection.

A major step was securing the sought-after Latent Defects Insurance policy from Resilience Insurance. This policy protects apartment buyers from structural or waterproofing defects for the first 10 years of the building’s lifecycle. Crucially, it is first-response insurance, meaning that if an issue arises, the insurer pays immediately for remediation—rather than waiting for lengthy investigations to determine fault before work can begin. For purchasers, it offers an unprecedented layer of security rarely seen in Sydney apartment projects.

During construction, independent building inspection firm SDSS has been providing Technical Inspection Services, bringing highly specialised construction experts on-site at key stages to ensure workmanship meets the highest standards. The project is being built by Coplex, an iCIRT-rated construction company, and throughout the build SDSS has frequently referred to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale-nsw-2216">Marque Rockdale</a> as one of the best projects currently on their books.

Princeton also doubled down on comfort, acoustics, and livability.&nbsp;As well as being the only building along Princes Highway with a landscaped buffer between the building and the road, Princeton has purposefully included double-glazed windows in all apartments to reduce noise.

Apartments feature double-glazed, noise-reducing windows and ducted air conditioning in every residence.&nbsp;In addition to the project’s transport convenience, Princeton has partnered with GoGet Car Share to provide a dedicated GoGet vehicle housed permanently within the building. Residents will receive a free annual GoGet membership, paying only usage fees, offering a flexible alternative to owning a second car and enhancing the project’s sustainability credentials.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=277075]

Residents will enjoy an exclusive rooftop oasis, purpose-designed as an extension of their living space. The communal rooftop includes BBQ facilities and outdoor entertaining areas, a&nbsp;pergola-shaded dining zone, a dedicated children’s play space, and a landscaped herb garden.

Princeton and Coplex is approaching completion of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale-nsw-2216">Marque Rockdale</a>, and are expecting residents to move in early in the new year. The mix of apartment configurations and price points have been a hit with young professionals, those who need to commute to the CBD, and families who appreciate doorstep amenity.

“Marque is a place where residents will be proud to call it home," Princeton Head of Development George Young says.

"We’ve worked really hard with Coplex and our design team to deliver an incredible building for the future home owners to make their own. The homes are all designed to allow the residents to make it their own, a place to belong and live a stylish urban life."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136442]

Marque Rockdale sets a new standard of apartment living in Sydney's south

Plans to revitalize the&nbsp;long-established Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre into a mixed-use community combining living, shopping, dining, health and wellbeing facilities, have been proposed to the Gold Coast City Council.

The Benowa Gardens Urban Village proposal by Benowa Gardens Holdings seeks to transform the 17,660 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/203-ashmore-road-benowa-qld-4217">203 Ashmore Road</a> into a contemporary, sustainable destination that reflects global trends in modern community design while retaining the familiar local character residents value.

The site is bordered by Ashmore and Benowa Roads and Carrara, with ready access to Pindara private hospital, four schools, TAFE, sports fields and the nearby Botanic Gardens.

Benowa Gardens Holdings is seeking a preliminary Council approval only for its proposed masterplan and variations to the site’s Neighbourhood Centre zoning.&nbsp; 
Formal Public Exhibition commenced Friday and also marks the start of comprehensive community consultation with surroundings residents, schools, P&amp;Cs, existing retailers, nearby sporting clubs, arts groups and Botanic Gardens volunteers.

Designed by Neylan Architecture, the masterplan envisions around 413 new apartments, complemented by upgraded retail, dining, and wellness amenities as part of 10,000 sqm of retail, and 9,630 sqm of office space/medical suites.

The development will feature green open spaces, shaded promenades, landscaped terraces, pedestrian walkways, and expanded healthcare and lifestyle services in synergy with the neighbouring Pindara Private Hospital and local schools.

<img alt="Benowa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="244f4d54-2e67-4141-92b8-78d5735f47c2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-26%20at%2012.47.34%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=FmF5lzhpwVZc7POsdB770TJ_Bf2c0od8" />

“This concept embraces the way people increasingly want to live - safely, conveniently, and within strong local communities,” said Patrick Lu, Director of Benowa Gardens Holding.

“Benowa Gardens will set a new benchmark for integrated living on the Gold Coast. It’s a thoughtful, community-minded evolution that brings global best practice in urban design to one of the city’s most established areas.”

Lu said this isn’t just a redevelopment, it’s a renewal with purpose.

“Benowa Gardens has served the community for decades. Our goal is to ensure it continues to do so for generations to come, as a lively, connected Urban Village where people can truly live, work and thrive. We’re already talking to school leaders and the community to seek their feedback on our proposal, and have taken on board their ideas to improve student safety with additional “traffic calming” measures on Carrara Street. We’re conducting meaningful and sincere consultations and want to play our role in preserving and enhancing the local community."

The proposed redevelopment aims to deliver tangible benefits across the Benowa and wider Gold Coast community, including:

<ul>
	<li>Improvement of retail amenity, to capture the under-served local market demand and keep the local business at their local shopping centre.</li>
	<li>Housing diversity; offering a range of apartment types for key workers, downsizers, and local families who wish to remain in the area.</li>
	<li>Enhanced shopping and dining; revitalised retail spaces designed to support local businesses and attract more visitors.</li>
	<li>Health and wellbeing access; additional medical and wellness amenities to complement existing local facilities.</li>
	<li>Improved traffic flow and access; two new access points, upgraded intersections, upgrade pedestrian pathway’s signal and proposed upgrade of pedestrian and cycle connections/space to improve safety and convenience, especially for school children.</li>
	<li>Environmental sustainability; energy-efficient design, green rooftops, and water-sensitive landscaping to reduce emissions and enhance comfort.</li>
	<li>Local jobs and investment; supporting hundreds of construction and long-term roles while stimulating local economic growth.</li>
</ul>

The group behind the project boasts extensive experience in the property development industry, both in Australia and international markets. Over the past 23 years, the group has been involved in the development and management of a diverse portfolio of assets including residential dwellings, shopping centres, bulky-goods stores, community and medical facilities, childcare centres, offices, hotels, and taverns, across Brisbane, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast.

Benowa Gardens to become new mixed-use urban village

Demand for townhouses in Melbourne’s inner west has surged as buyers seek the elusive combination of space, affordability, and location.&nbsp;

With family-first apartments increasingly rare and standalone homes often out of reach, townhouses have emerged as the new sweet spot, delivering generous living areas with lower maintenance needs within close proximity to the Melbourne CBD.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/kings-lane-south-kingsville-50-58-new-street-south-kingsville-vic-3015">Kings Lane</a>, the new under-construction townhouse development by the family-owned developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/blue-run">Blue Run</a>&nbsp;in South Kingsville, responds directly to this trend. Comprising just 25 residences designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project offers a compelling alternative to both apartment downsizers and family upsizers. With three-bedroom homes priced under $1 million, it presents one of the area’s rare attainable pathways to townhouse living less than eight kilometres from the CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145042 project_image_fid=355147]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/south-kingsville-vic-3015">South Kingsville</a> itself is quietly becoming one of Melbourne’s most dynamic pockets of urban renewal. Flanked by the established appeal of Yarraville, Newport and Williamstown, the suburb balances quiet, village-like streetscapes with major infrastructure upgrades and a growing slate of retail, dining and lifestyle amenity.&nbsp;

Kings Lane occupies a well-connected site at 50–58 New Street, just off Blackshaws Road and within walking distance of the emerging Union Quarter precinct, a major retail destination anchored by Woolworths, specialty food outlets and wellness services.

A 400-metre stroll brings residents to the Vernon Street shops, a local favourite known for its mix of independent grocers, cafes and family-run eateries. For broader shopping options, Altona Gate Shopping Centre and Yarraville Square are both within a short drive. Spotswood IGA and the Williamstown retail strip further broaden the convenience of daily essentials.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145042 project_image_fid=355139]

Dining options in the area lean toward eclectic and community-driven, with standouts like Rocco’s Deli, Dad and Dave’s, and Pizza d’ASPORTO offering a range of casual and elevated menus. Cafés such as Hudson Road Wine &amp; Beer and Blacksheep Coffee add to the lively yet local feel of the neighbourhood.

Green space is another hallmark of life at Kings Lane. Edwards Reserve is close enough for morning walks or casual sport, while larger parks like Newport Lakes, Yarraville Gardens, and Cruickshank Park are all a few minutes’ drive away. More than half of the nine-hectares of new green space or parkland being created as part of the West Gate tunnel works is located just at the end of New Street, the same street as Kings Lane.

&nbsp;

For those with school-age children, South Kingsville is home to a range of quality childcare centres and schools, including Kingsville Primary, Spotswood Primary, and Williamstown North Primary. Community Children’s childcare and South Kingsville Preschool are nearby, making the suburb particularly attractive to young families.

Transport links continue to improve, with Spotswood Station and the West Gate Freeway both within a five-minute radius. Future upgrades, including the proposed sky rail for Newport and Spotswood, and the delivery of the West Gate Tunnel project, promise even better access to the CBD and Melbourne Airport in the years to come.

Kings Lane's 25 all-electric townhouses are currently under construction, and will complete in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145042]

Staff Writer

Kings Lane townhouses offers rare value in Melbourne's thriving inner west

Developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia</a> has set a new apartment price record for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/rhodes-nsw-2138">Rhodes</a>, a suburb the company has been instrumental in transforming over the past two decades.

The milestone follows the delivery of thousands of apartments across the harbourside peninsula, culminating in the $4.5 million sale of a 220 sqm penthouse in the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/rhodes-central-oasis-39-marquet-street-rhodes-nsw-2138">Rhodes Central Oasis</a> building, which Billbergia completed earlier this year. It is the first apartment in Rhodes to surpass not only the $4 million mark for settled sales, but also the $3 million mark, eclipsing the previous $2.75 million record set in 2021.

The purchaser had originally secured several apartments in the 40-storey tower off the plan as investments. During settlement, she spent more time in the Rhodes area and was so impressed with the building that she decided to downsize from her Northbridge home into the four-bedroom plus MPR penthouse.

The sale underscores the long-term work Billbergia has undertaken in Rhodes since the early 2000s. The company, rated 4.5 Gold Stars under the NSW iCIRT system, identifying it as one of the state’s most trustworthy and financially secure developers, was a pioneer of the area’s urban renewal. What was once a heavily industrial waterfront has become one of Sydney’s most successful examples of transit-oriented development.

<img alt="Billbergia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="56093d7f-db18-42f4-bf9b-115bdf76f5f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-26%20at%2011.10.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pca77Mr.H83nwXbJexmaLUAqBewtQ7d9" />

Billbergia is now driving the peninsula’s next major evolution: the most ambitious project in its nearly four-decade history. They are planning the Rhodes Bay Masterplan, an eight-tower, mixed-use precinct on Leeds Street. Currently with the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority which is now championing large-scale projects across the state, the Rhodes Bay Masterplan lays the groundwork for a generational reshaping of this important pocket of Sydney’s Inner West.

The masterplan spans more than 31,000 sqm of amalgamated industrial land along the foreshore, land that has been privately held and inaccessible to the community for more than a century. According to Billbergia’s Development Director, Saul Moran, reclaiming this land for public use is central to the company’s vision. 
 
“What’s so exciting is that we have over 300 metres of privately-held industrialised waterfront, land that’s been locked away for more than 100 years, which we’re bringing back to the community,” he says. “It’s taken many years to assemble sites like these, and the goal now is to transform them into meaningful public space where new homes can be built in an integrated, amenity-rich setting.”

At full completion, the Rhodes Bay Masterplan is expected to deliver over 2000 apartments, with the first 1000 to be completed by 2029. Billbergia’s design focused on nine slender towers, so they could give back more to the ground plane. There will be more than 16,000sq m of new parkland and recreation space, including sports fields, a foreshore play area and waterfront green links. Around 14,600 sqm of retail is also proposed, extending the precinct’s role as a true mixed-use hub.

<img alt="Rhodes Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="240ffc41-4f26-421a-9606-5c56f6fc2d93" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-26%20at%2011.05.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=BkBxZr7S8CAt1vgNa8AF3zjdc3YuVh0L" />

“Density only works when it’s paired with amenity, transport and open space, and that’s what’s made Rhodes such an amazing success story,” Moran says, adding that the demographic shift Billbergia has seen over the last two decades has informed their future development pipeline in the suburb.

“Rhodes has moved from being largely an investor market to a strong owner-occupier community,” Moran says. “There’s real demand for three-bedroom homes, flexible intergenerational layouts, and apartments people can grow into.”

&nbsp;“We’re designing taller, more slender towers to free up the ground level for sport, recreation and green space. High-density communities thrive when people have the best backyards in Australia, and that’s what we want to create here.”

Demand remains robust, evidenced by Billbergia’s recent results. “We achieved a record sale across the entirety of Rhodes Central just last week,” Moran says. “It shows the depth of confidence buyers have in what’s being built here.”

Billbergia’s vertically integrated model allows them to overcome the recent cost escalation and challenges in the build environment. “Having an in-house construction team lets us control feasibility, value management and quality from day one,” Moran says. “It’s critical in the current market, where construction escalation is at the forefront of every project’s viability.”

The company is also leveraging the NSW Government’s new Housing Delivery Authority process, which Moran describes as a more efficient pathway without compromising design standards. 
 
“We’re really applauding the NSW Government for its efforts to increase housing supply. There’s been a remarkable improvement in how they’re helping deliver more homes, more quickly.”

Billbergia has already commenced construction of Stage One of the Rhodes Bay masterplan. They will be lodging the State Significant Development Application before Christmas.

“We’re moving quickly, but with due care,” Moran says. “This is a generational precinct, and it needs to be done right.”

Billbergia smashes suburb record as Rhodes transformation continues

Investors

Investors are starting to make their way back in to the property market.

ABS figures at the start of the month showed that, over March, investor lending rose 12.7 per cent.

Victoria saw the second biggest commitment by investors, above the average and up 13.7 per cent, only second to Queensland (+19 per cent) and ahead of New South Wales (+13 per cent)

Check out which suburbs have been drawing the attention of investors on Urban&nbsp;in April.

1. Live City, Footscray

Price: Two-bedroom apartments from $460,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3565 project_image_fid=68172]

Live City is a new addition to the list of most popular projects&nbsp;among investors however it has seen continuous interest among first home buyers

Part of a new master planned community, Live City comprises 208 residences spread across 14 floors, delivered by developer R&amp;F Property Australia.

Set to deliver over 1,400 apartments across eight buildings, the Footscray project brings together a fully-integrated, mixed-use community that’s thriving with character and history.

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, each residence features floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary interiors and an abundance of natural light.

2. Ryrie Home, Geelong

Price: Two-bedroom apartments from $699,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88244]

Ryrie Homes was Urban's most popular investor project for Q1 2021 and this month's results show it's ongoing appeal, with Geelong's strong performance as one of the nation's most sought-after regional areas doing excellent work for this development.

Delivered by Franzé, each Ryrie Home apartment has been cleverly designed by Architectus to deliver great amenity, comfort and abundant storage, with timber flooring, beautiful finishes and quality fixtures.

Each apartment enjoys panoramic bay views and alfresco dining for year-round holiday living.

With the foreshore, 500m north and the CBD, 500m east—as well as parks, theatres, galleries, cafés and restaurants all within walking distance—Ryrie Home offers a level of culture and connection unmatched in Geelong.

Plus for first home buyers looking for something on the more affordable side, one-bedroom apartments start at $375,000.

3. Haven Townhomes,&nbsp;Keysborough

Price: Three-bedroom townhouses from $675,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8082 project_image_fid=59639]

For those Investors seeking something larger Haven Townhomes has been very eye-catching with affordable and stylish three and four bedroom townhomes on offer

Brought to you by Aultun Group, the development was designed by Cera Stribley Architects.

The Haven estate encompasses a variety of two storey floor plans with the option of choosing a house and land package, or an off-the-plan purchase.

Situated surrounded by thriving wetlands and meandering walking trails, each of the 59 Haven Townhomes are in a prime position for stunning views, access to nature and world-class amenities.

It is set for completion in December 2021.

4. Melbourne Square, Southbank

Price: Two-bedroom apartments from $642,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929 project_image_fid=137896]

OSK Property are the group behind the boutique collection of homes at Melbourne Square.

Featuring four distinct themes, it has been architecturally designed by Cox Architecture, with interiors by designer Sue Carr, creating flawless spaces which make the most of the spectacular city views on offer.

Each bedroom boasts a stunning view via floor-to-ceiling glazing, plus the master suites offer a unique panoramic city vista.

Set for completion in mid 2021, amenities include a full-line Woolworths and other shops as well as resort-style facilities including pools, sauna, spa, gymnasium and a yoga room.

5. Sky Garden, Glen Waverley

Price: Two-bedroom apartments from $668,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2881 project_image_fid=148737]

Sky Garden, the latest development by the diversified property group Golden Age, spans three towers across the new and improved The Glen shopping centre in Melbourne's Glen Waverley.

Famed architecture firm Rothelowman designed the three apartment buildings, soaring 12, 13 and 20 levels and homing 555 one, two and three-bedroom apartments,

The apartment development is part of the $430 million Glen redevelopment which completed construction in December 2020.

Sky Garden features over 4,000 square metres of internal and external facilities with one of the most impressive features unsurprisingly being the garden in the sky.

ABS figures at the start of the month showed that, over March, investor lending rose 12.7 per cent

jordan_55689

The most popular VIC projects for investors in April on Urban

One of the fastest-growing cities in Australia, the Gold Coast has become a great location for investors and homebuyers.

Its residential market is booming thanks to its breezy lifestyle and relaxed atmosphere perfect for families and professionals.

Despite a <a href="/news/qld/gold-coast-crane-watch-crane-numbers-decline-over-the-last-six-months" target="_blank">decline in crane numbers</a> over the last six months, the next six months is expected to see a flurry of sales as demand for apartments in the region continues to gather pace.

Broadbeach residents particularly have the best a suburb in Queensland has to offer, with a home in the laid-back beachside suburb that boasts all of the fun of the Gold Coast.

Many brand-new residences suitable for first home buyers, investors or downsizers offered at an affordable price point are available on the market now.

Urban takes a look at the top projects in Broadbeach. 
&nbsp;

1. Encore Broadbeach 
Address: 22 Albert Avenue, Broadbeach QLD 4218 
Two-bedroom apartments from $730,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14827]

Delivered by family-developer Andrews Projects, Encore boasts a collection of 84 vibrant apartments footsteps from the ocean.

The two, three and four-bedroom apartments are designed by HHH Architects and feature oversized balconies with costal views.

Other amenities include a 25-metre heated lap pool, state-of-the-art gym, private sauna, residents&rsquo; lawn and barbeque facilities. 
&nbsp;

2. Koko Broadbeach 
Address: 12-14 Elizabeth Avenue, Broadbeach QLD 4218 
Two-bedroom apartments from $719,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6995]

Morris Property Group delivers 99 generous two and three-bedroom apartments at the vibrant Gold Coast development, Koko.

Inspired by the modern luxe of international boutique hotels, the residences feature modern fixtures, hotel-quality amenities and contemporary design.

A lap pool, modern gym facilities, private outdoor entertaining areas and gardens also feature at the project. 
&nbsp;

3. Opus, Broadbeach 
Address: 16-18 Chelsea Avenue, Broadbeach QLD 4218 
Two-bedroom apartments from $749,900

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6999]

Located in the heart of Broadbeach, Opus provides a great value apartment for investors and owner-occupiers.

Delivered by Morris Property Group, the 114-resident project features open-plan living and views over Surfers Paradise in two and three-bedroom configurations.

The resident also boasts access to a two-level recreation deck, featuring an open-air pool, landscaped yoga lawn and fully equipped gym. 
&nbsp;

4. Qube, Broadbeach 
Address: 2-4 Jubilee Avenue, Broadbeach QLD 4218 
Three-bedroom apartments from $1,495,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8032]

Yet another Morris Property Group development, Qube rises 40 levels and delivers 202 residences in one, two and three-bedroom configurations. Although, only three-bedroom apartments remain.

The development features a vibrant retail plaza, residents&rsquo; recreation deck and additional storage.

Setting a new destination precinct for Broadbeach, homebuyers will also enjoy luxury finishes including oversized floor-to-ceiling tiles, wool-blend carpets and Parisi tapware.

The Gold Coast residential market is booming thanks to its breezy lifestyle and relaxed atmosphere perfect for families and professionals

max.kwok_55688

Top off the plan apartment developments in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast

The ongoing surge in home financing and purchasing as well as the rebound in home prices is being driven by a combination of record low mortgage rates, home buyer incentives and economic recovery.

This trend has been lead by the enormous surge in first home buyer lending which soared to record highs due primarily to incentives like the HomeBuilder Grant and other FHB stimuli like stamp duty discounts.

However investors have clearly now joined the stampede of buyers rushing housing markets, seeing an uptick in market share over February and March.

Check out what first home buyer&#39;s have been keeping an eye on in Q1, here are Urban&rsquo;s most popular FHB properties:

1. Ryrie Home, Geelong 
Address: 44 Ryrie Street, Geelong VIC 3220 
Two-bedroom apartments from $699,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559]

Ryrie Homes has been Urban&#39;s most popular investor project for Q1 2021, with the demographic likely eyeing its huge potential to downsize later in life. Also Geelong&#39;s strong performance as one of the nation&#39;s most sought-after regional areas, a trend which has only been exacerbated due to COVID-19.

Geelong, one of Australia&rsquo;s fastest-growing regional cities by the water, also has an impressive vacancy rate of around 1.4 per cent across the region.

Delivered by Franz&eacute;, each Ryrie Home apartment has been cleverly designed by Architectus to deliver great amenity, comfort and abundant storage, with timber flooring, beautiful finishes and quality fixtures.

Each apartment enjoys panoramic bay views and alfresco dining for year-round holiday living.

With the foreshore, 500m north and the CBD, 500m east&mdash;as well as parks, theatres, galleries, caf&eacute;s and restaurants all within walking distance&mdash;Ryrie Home offers a level of culture and connection unmatched in Geelong.

Plus for investors looking for something on the more affordable side, one-bedroom apartments start at $375,000

2. Melbourne Square, Southbank 
93-119 Kavanagh Street, Southbank VIC 3006 
Two-bedroom apartments from $642,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929]

OSK Property are the group behind the&nbsp;boutique collection of homes at Melbourne Square.

Featuring four distinct themes, it has been architecturally designed by Cox Architecture, with interiors by designer Sue Carr, creating flawless spaces which make the most of the spectacular city views on offer.

Each bedroom boasts a stunning view&nbsp;via floor-to-ceiling glazing, plus the master suites offer a unique panoramic city vista.

Set for completion in mid 2021, amenities include a full-line Woolworths and other shops as well as resort-style facilities including pools, sauna, spa, gymnasium and a yoga room.

3.&nbsp;Marshal Place, Williams Landing 
Address: 1 Griffiths Street, St Albans VIC 3021 
Four-bedroom townhomes from $569,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29660]

Ideal for investors Cedar Woods&rsquo; Marshal Place is a collection of beautiful three and four-bedroom townhomes, located just 20-kilometres from the Melbourne CBD and surrounded by parklands.

The four-bedroom townhouses start from an affordable $569,000 boasting contemporary design, light-filled living rooms and an engineered stone benchtop.

Just five of the homes remain, which offer turn-key and hassle-free options and are backed with a 25-year structural guarantee.

The homes are located in close proximity to Williams Landing town centre, Altona Beach and countless educational facilities from early learning centres to university campuses.&nbsp;

4. Sky Garden, Glen Waverley 
Address: 227&nbsp;Springvale Road, Glen Waverley VIC 3150 
Two-bedroom apartments from $668,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2881]

Sky Garden, the latest development by the diversified property group Golden Age, spans three towers across the new and improved The Glen shopping centre in Melbourne&#39;s Glen Waverley.

Famed architecture firm Rothelowman designed the three apartment buildings, soaring 12, 13 and 20 levels and homing 555 one, two and three-bedroom apartments,

The apartment development is part of the $430 million Glen redevelopment which completed construction in December 2020.

Sky Garden features over 4,000 square metres of internal and external facilities with one of the most impressive features unsurprisingly being the garden in the sky.

5. Liberty One, Footscray 
Address: 1 Warde Street, Footscray VIC 3011 
Two-bedroom apartments from $630,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=709]

Liberty One, a Footscray development by Bensons Property Group, features 350 one and two-bedroom apartments from an affordable $396,000.

Designed by CHT Architects, the functional design boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, open-plan living space and private balconies, as well as amenities including a residents&rsquo; lounge, gym and outdoor cinema.

The development offers upgraded specifications with a host of &lsquo;smart home&rsquo; technology making every-day tasks seamless and easily controlled via your phone or tablet.&nbsp;

Plus premium oak floors, deluxe stone benchtop, gun-metal grey tap wear, high-end kitchen appliances add to the long list of quality inclusions.

Although the ongoing market surge has been primarily led by FHB's, investor interest has surged in February and March check out what they are interested in

Urban's most popular VIC apartments for investors in Q1 2021

<html><body>
Rental demand for units is 23% higher year-on-year, according to the latest data from the realestatwe.com.au website.

Demand for house rentals is up by 11% on the same time last year, just as the worldwide pandemic became official.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24422]

"Perhaps somewhat surprising given the current environment, but demand for units is 23% higher year-on-year with demand for houses up by less than half that, at 11% growth," Cameron Kusher, the executive manager of economic research at REA Group said.

This year the rental demand has fallen for five successive weeks.

<img alt="" height="1376" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/rea_rental_demand.jpg" width="1600">

The reasons Kusher advised on the emerging trend was "that we aren’t seeing the influx of overseas arrivals like we typically would at this time of year, as well as the fact that government incentives have driven a surge in purchasing activity from first home buyers, which may lead to reduced rental demand."

Rental demand fell by a further 1.1% last week, taking it to be 15.8 per cent lower than its historic peak.

Cameron Kusher said Tasmania and Australian Capital Territory were the only states in which rental demand increased over the past week.

While rental demand has trended lower over recent weeks, it remains 17% higher than it was a year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90553]

After the seasonal early-January surge, two weeks ago Kusher noted demand would continue to trend lower over the coming weeks "as we exit the busiest time of the year for the rental market during the first quarter."

The REA Insights Rental Demand Index was relaunched last month.

While the original index measured the total volume of highly-engaged renter activity on realestate.com.au, it now measures the change in the number of people that are highly-engaged with properties listed for rent on realestate.com.au.

Someone is determined to be ‘highly engaged’ when they undertake a number of actions on a listing, these include but are not limited to; the number of visits to a listing, looking at the photos for a listing multiple times, saving the property, sharing the property and/or making an enquiry with the agent.
</body></html>

Rental demand has now fallen for five successive weeks, after the seasonal early-January surge, but remains higher than last year, according to realestate.com.au data

jchancellor

Rental demand reducing, but remains higher than last year: REA

<html><body>
CDMA Australia has completed the first apartment building of its multi-staged, master-planned community, Rosella Place in Rouse Hill.

The first nine-level building has 72 apartments with large balconies offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. There are just five apartments left for sale in the development.

When completed in late 2023, Rosella Place will comprise 352 apartments across five mid-rise buildings.

The development at 56 Cudgegong Road, Rouse Hill is located in Sydney’s rapidly-growing north-west and is just 100 metres from the newly opened Tallawong Metro Station.

CDMA Australia sales and marketing manager Jonathan Tan said Rosella Place is the ideal purchase for a young family looking to make their first property purchase at a price that suits their budget as well as local downsizers who are looking for zero maintenance.

<img alt="" height="933" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cudgegong_rd_kitchen_.jpg" width="1200">

“Investors will also be drawn to this project attracted to capital growth prospects with the raft of major infrastructure projects coming up in Rouse Hill including the $250 million expansion of the Rouse Hill Town Centre, the new Tallawong Town Centre, the opening of the new Rouse Hill Hospital and the Hills District’s first university, Norwest University", Tan said.

“In as little as five years’ time, Rouse Hill will be a major new centre in Sydney’s north west, home to thousands of more residents but also supported by significant local infrastructure and amenities.”

The next release of apartments at Rosella Place will be launched to market in mid March.

Designed by local architects WMK, Rosella Place, named after the vibrantly coloured Australian bird which is native to the Rouse Hill area, is one of the first residential projects to get underway in the rapidly expanding north west which meets a need for affordable, high quality apartments in close proximity to transport links and new public amenities.

The next release of apartments at Rosella Place will be launched to market in mid March.

About the developer

CDMA is a strategic alliance between major international property development firm Lianfa (Group) Co., Ltd (core arm of Xiamen C&amp;D Co., Ltd) and highly regarded local developer Metro Award Group.
</body></html>

Investors, downsizers and families to be drawn to new Rouse Hill community Rosella Place

<html><body>
A return of investors to the market, coupled with a lack of listings, is tipped to increase property prices throughout Australia in 2021. 
CoreLogic research director Tim Lawless predicts property price increases of between 7 per cent and 10 per cent in 2021, with the smaller capital cities tipped to benefit the most. 
Mr Lawless said Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth were most likely to experience the strongest price growth this year. 
He said Sydney and Melbourne property price growth is not expected to be at the same level and it would be more concentrated in the suburban housing market rather than the inner-city apartment market. 
Mr Lawless said a lack of listings would continue to drive the property market within the next few months. 
“While listings started to lift at the end of 2020, they are still 21 per cent lower than at the same time the previous year,” he said. 
“I think it will remain subdued throughout January and maybe into February. My guess is demand will continue to outweigh supply and that will be one of the recipes for higher prices. Investors will become more active in 2021.” 
His predictions are backed by a national survey done on behalf of Custodian which found 19 per cent of people who already owned an investment property planned to buy in 2021, while 6 per cent of respondents had decided they would buy their first investment property in 2021. 
It found 22 per cent of investors had put off buying an investment property in 2020 because of COVID. 
Mr Lawless said while 2020 had been a volatile year it was more in relation to transaction numbers rather than a drop in property prices. 
“The number of properties selling nationally fell 40 per cent in April, but they did start to lift in the second half of 2020,” he said. 
“Dwelling values were pretty resilient, there were fewer buyers and also fewer sellers. 
“Peak to trough values fell only about two per cent nationally and bounced back quite quickly.”

John Fitzgerald, the chief executive of Custodian, said many people had over-estimated how significantly COVID was going to impact the economy. 
“If the COVID pandemic has shown us anything it is that property can be a safe investment, but you need to be careful about what type of property you invest in,” Mr Fitzgerald said. 
“We recommend investment in land because it appreciates in value. Of course, many investors need to build something on that land to help them pay down their loan, that’s why we recommend building a new house in areas of high population growth and with significant amenity and jobs nodes nearby.” 
Investor numbers were at record lows with only about 24 per cent of mortgage demand coming from investors when normally it would account for a third of loans. 
Mr Lawless said investors were motivated by positive cash flow and growing capital gains and that was why smaller cities such as Adelaide and Brisbane would be the focus of demand this year. 
They were more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne and had not experienced the downwards pressure from weakening rental markets that Melbourne and Sydney had. 
“We will see buyer numbers remaining very high because of low interest rates and confidence, providing we continue to keep COVID under control. What we don’t know is how much stock will be added to market. My guess is it will be not much different from second half of 2020,” Mr Lawless said.
</body></html>

CoreLogic research director Tim Lawless predicts property price increases of between 7 per cent and 10 per cent in 2021

Return of investors and lack of listings tipped to drive property prices in 2021

<html><body>
In my previous article <a href="/expert-insights/the-higher-you-build-the-greater-the-fall-edwin-almeida">"Reaching For The Skies"</a> I eluded to the reasons why some of the towers being built in Sydney will fall. Not in a literal sense but more so from an economic point of view.
What will ignite the primer to set off the economic property meltdown?
I believe the major part of the answer can be found amongst all the lies international investors are being told. The lies that have attracted foreign investors to the glittery shores of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Like lambs to the developers feasting tables.
Under-supply, huge demand for rental accommodation and the fattest lie could well be that we still hold global recognition on the best standards for building and construction.Yeah right!! and pigs fly.
Return On Investment
The first lie being told and promoted to predominantly Chinese investors is; whatever we build, they will be occupied at a high yielding return. Simply, there will be a high rental return on the amount of money invested. An argument highly supported by the promoters of tales that persuaded many to believe stories of, under-supply due to substantial population growth. We build it, you buy it and we will fill them.
Nonetheless, investors bought and continue to buy. To sweeten the deal, rental guarantees were introduced. The 12 month rental guarantees given to investors in the past, are no longer sustainable due to increased property prices.
To accommodate for the now non attractive 12 month guarantees, we have seen a shift from the 12 month guarantees, to offerings of up to 3 years by some property marketing companies. An increase of time to the guarantee, to account for the rising cost of the property in order to keep feeding the investor’s greed and maintain the illusion of high performing returns.
The first proposition, may have been true in part and in the past. However, the tide has now turned due to the word being spread about high yielding returns, therefore, fueling a greater frenzy of speculative buyers.
An increase of buyers has led to greater demands to build more apartments, and now we have gone past saturation point. It’s certainly being felt in Brisbane, with more than 30,000 apartments about to be completed in the next 12 months.
Sydney, although a little slower, is by all means not too far behind. The only difference is the QLD market is mainly fueled by local investors: SMSF’s, first time mum-dad investors that attended wealth seminars and by Sydneysiders that have made small fortunes with new realized equity in their homes. Yes, not to mention the foreign investor.
Two outcomes have emerged; the first, over supply of property which is now starting to create concerns among property management teams as rental yields fall. The second, evidenced by our own property management teams and other office’s is the increase in percentage vacancy rates.
Get Rich Quick Schemes
The get rich quick schemes seemed to run at all levels. From the Marketing Agents to the developers to even the investors themselves.
The Marketing Agents, and I purposely avoid in calling these companies Real Estate Agencies, are receiving up to 10% or close to $50,000-$60,000 commissions on sales of $700,000 properties. These exuberant commissions encourages these agencies to exploit the international investor. Their own mates, family and friends.
The Investors on the other hand, have made some serious money. The ones that got in early that is. The ones that bought in markets where the values only reached $600,000 at the time and they were receiving $550/week rentals.
The newbies however, are now coming in to the same markets and with price tags of $850,000 – Hey stupid! The rents are still $550/week.
The developers, for the purpose of this article I will only concentrate on the NEW BREED (NB) of developers. The NB are also international investors that have no history in construction but have found a way to milk the system at a higher level. They have bought with them so much uncertainty and low level workmanship, it is staggering how some of their buildings pass certification requirements.
Unfortunately some of our local developers have been fanning the flames of this hot property market. Can you blame them? After all, they are running a business. Part of me does and another part of me doesn’t blame them. The part that does, is the side that questions the ethics around "marketing fees" to entice the International Investor by the Property Marketing Companies. Along with this, is the commissions paid to financial planners and the finance industry to also market some projects.
What will level this market will be no different to what we saw 10 years ago: oversupply, vacancy rates on high projections and the ongoing costs to investors to repair bad workmanship. Again I say, the only difference is; the towers are higher, deeper and bulkier. The higher they build, the greater the fall.
EDWIN ALMEIDA is licensee in charge of <a href="https://www.just-thin.com.au/" target="_blank">Just Think Real Estate</a>.<a href="https://www.just-thin.com.au/"> </a>
He is also the creator of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JustThinkProperty" target="_blank">Oz Real Estate.TV</a> and a presenter for <a href="https://propertyinvestingvault.com/" target="_blank">propertyinvestingvault.com</a>.
 
</body></html>

ealmedia-arK4DBYLjS

The higher the building the greater the fall: Edwin Almeida

<html><body>
There are the Boxing Day sales, and there was this week’s rush of extremely cashed-up investors desperate to get a slice of this week’s rare 31-year government bond auction.
What’s a bond? What’s a bond auction? We’ll get to those shortly.
First, just know that the government received <a href="https://www.aofm.gov.au/program/forthcoming-transactions/pricing-new-june-2051-treasury-bond" target="_blank">A$36.8 billion</a> of bids, <a href="https://www.afr.com/markets/debt-markets/new-30-yr-government-bond-attracts-over-20b-of-bids-20200727-p55frl" target="_blank">$20 billion</a> of them within hours of opening the two-day auction on Monday.
It had been wanting to move <a href="https://www.aofm.gov.au/program/forthcoming-transactions/pricing-new-june-2051-treasury-b" target="_blank">$15 billion</a>, and could have moved that much again.
$15 billion makes it the third biggest bond sale in Australian history. The two bigger were recent – a $19 billion ten-year bond sale in May and a $17 billion five-year bond sale in July.
Each sale nets the government money it won’t have to pay back for five, ten or 31 years at rates of interest that until recently would have been unthinkably low. 
The 31-year bond went for 1.94%. That means the foreign and Australian investors who bought them (including Australian super funds) were prepared to accept less than the usual rate of inflation right through until 2051 in return for regular government-guaranteed interest cheques.
Investors who bought ten year bonds were prepared to accept only 0.92% per year, investors who bought five year bonds, only 0.40%.
<h2>What’s a bond?</h2>
Even bond traders find it hard to get a handle on what bonds are. In his novel <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/306424.Bombardiers" target="_blank">Bombardiers</a>, author Po Bronson writes a scene where a bond trader refuses to work any more and demands to see an actual bond, “any kind of bond”.
He tells his boss he can’t sell bonds “if he’s never seen one”.
Like many things that used to exist physically, they’re now mainly numbers on screens, but it helps to get a picture.
This one is a US 27-year bond from 1945.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/350098/original/file-20200729-33-u4eet9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/350098/original/file-20200729-33-u4eet9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> <a class="source" href="https://www.theherbstmancollection.com/dedication" target="_blank">The Joe I. Herbstman Memorial Collection</a>
The biggest part of the paper is a promise to repay the US$1000 it cost, in 27 years time.
The smaller rectangles are called coupons, and each year the owner can tear one off and take it in to get 2.5%.
If the owner wants to sell the bond to someone else (and bonds are traded all the time) it’ll be sold with one coupon missing after one year, two coupons missing after two years, and so on.
<h2>When rates fall, prices rise</h2>
The price of a bond will vary with what’s happening to interest rates. If they are falling, an existing bond, offering returns at old rates, will become more expensive and can be sold at a profit. If they go up, an existing bond will become worth less and have to be sold at a loss.
It leads to confusion. When bond rates fall, bond prices rise, and visa versa.
For half a decade now bond rates have been falling. They’ve fallen further during the COVID crisis, making bonds a doubly good investment. They offer superannuation funds and others certainty at a time when everything seems uncertain, and if rates continue to fall they increase in value.
It is an indictment of our times that so many investors want them. The government’s <a href="https://www.aofm.gov.au/" target="_blank">office of financial management</a> is going to need to sell an extra $167 billion over the coming year. The rush to buy suggests it could sell more.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/143598/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-martin-682709" target="_blank">Peter Martin</a>, Visiting Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/crawford-school-of-public-policy-australian-national-university-3292" target="_blank">Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-government-has-just-sold-15-billion-of-31-year-bonds-but-what-actually-is-a-bond-143598" target="_blank">original article</a>.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

The government has just sold $15 billion of 31-year bonds

<html><body>
It has been suggested one-in-three off-the-plan investors currently presently through Chan &amp; Naylor's Bankstown-Liverpool office are facing financial stress completing their apartment purchase.
These south west Sydney property investors are considering forfeiting deposits rather than having to take out additional loans up to 20% of the property value, Peter Ristevski, an accountant partner with Chan &amp; Naylor, told the Australian Financial Review.
"I fear a flood of investment properties coming back onto the market will drive down prices and force a correction," said Mr Ristevski.
Investors finalising off-the-plan property purchases require bigger deposits, typically a rise from 10% to 20%, after the APRA crackdown on the overheated Sydney market.
The AFR says it is particularly an issue for self managed super funds that have to find up to 30%.
The AFR estimated there are 90,000 apartments being constructed around the country that have been sold off-the-plan but are not yet settled.
Mr Ristevski claims his experience is replicated by his colleagues across the company's national network of advisers.
"Many do not have an extra 10% in cash to complete the deal," he said. He joined the firm in October 2013 after four years at YBR.
Their options to borrow additional money, include taking out a second mortgage at a higher interest rate.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

One in three OTP investors around Bankstown-Liverpool thinking of forfeiting apartment deposits

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
Slow food, slow dancing and a slow, long-term view are advantageous for property investors and not simply because of capital appreciation. 
As there are significant commercial benefits available for property that is built and held for five – ten years, which add up to a significant saving and retained equity. 
A dollar saved is a dollar earned, but surprisingly, this saving is not common knowledge except for those who have been through enough property cycles to know. 
The ‘Build and Hold’ model – is an approach favoured by investor developers who know the cost of development and where the real savings are to be had. 
There is a new emerging force in the market, a different style of investor developer, who does not flip over projects quickly but is content to wait. This is a model that he says is gaining momentum given the low yield environment. 
There is a term at Goldman Sachs which is long term greedy, these people have investment plans mapped out for the next 10, 20 and 30 years. 
These are astute individuals who can pay more for sites because they take a long-term view with their assets. As they know there are significant savings to be had aside from capital appreciation, which adds up to a significant increase of their asset’s value. The benefits are: 
<ul>
<li>Depreciation benefits 3% (including 2.5% straight line on buildings and 10% straight line on plant and equipment</li>
<li>Sales Commission Costs 5%</li>
<li>Advertising and marketing savings 2% </li>
<li>GST saving if retained for 5 years 9% </li>
</ul>
There is a saving on gross sales value on the margin scheme for GST if the property is held (and not marketed) for an excess of 5 years. Astute investors look at a 10-year cash flow and generally find that mixed used developments offer up the best results.
The Build and Hold model does require the individual to have other cash flow, which normally requires the capacity to hold his or her assets and a significant balance sheet. There is also a formula that needs to be adhered to, to ensure a successful resale if the need arises.
For those considering to build and hold, I would recommend buying within 10 kilometres of the city. Some suggested locations would be Armadale, South Yarra, Windsor, St Kilda, St Kilda East, Malvern, East Melbourne and North Melbourne. The key is any hotspot where the underlying land value will continue to go up over a 10 year horizon given the scarcity of supply in those specific areas. I currently have 8 projects with clients ranging from 2-89 apartments/townhouses that have bought into this strategy and are currently being rolled out. 
 
 Andrew Fawell is director of Beller and can be contacted <a href="https://beller.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.  
</body></html>

Investors

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Investors

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.