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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

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

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

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

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

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

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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.
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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

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

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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.
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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

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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>.
 
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ealmedia-arK4DBYLjS

The higher the building the greater the fall: Edwin Almeida

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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>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

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

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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.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

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

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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>.  
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