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.

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"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.

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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

Ipswich

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The St Ives Shopping Centre in East Ipswich, southwest of Brisbane, has sold to the Sydney-based Mintus for $30,450,000.
The deal, negotiated by Savills agents Peter and Jon Tyson in conjunction with Shane Sax of Pace Property, included six adjacent properties.
The 38,200 square metre shopping centre with parking for over 500 cars includes a Woolworths as well as food outlets including Domino's, Red Rooster and Subway.
There are 49 speciality tenants in total.
Jon Tyson said that the sale followed an expressions of interest campaign conducted late last year.
"The centre attracted strong interest from the market. The sale was well contested resulting in multiple bids, primarily from private investors," he said.
The main centre was marketed with six adjoining properties included an 11 shop strip retail centre, two freestanding commercial buildings, two vacant mixed use development sites and a vacant house, each on separate titles.
The combined sites total over 6.25 hectares, situated alongside the Ipswich Motorway in Brisbane's western growth corridor. The Woolworths Supermarket is the only full line supermarket in an expansive trade area.
Peter Tyson said that the St Ives Shopping Centre and the adjoining holdings were amalgamated over many years.
“The Centre has been tightly held with the transaction following over two decades of ownership by the same group," Tyson said.
"Buyers were attracted to the value-add potential of the large scale land holding which featured significant embedded real estate value and a flexible "Major Centres" zoning which allows for mixed use development up to 12 storeys.”
Mintus director Mel Hazzouri said that the St Ives Shopping Centre and its land holding was the perfect fit for their portfolio.  
“The centre allows for plenty of value add and redevelopment for the future. We look forward to significantly adding value in the short term, working with the retailers and the community to bring St Ives back to its full potential,” Hazzouri said
“The market is showing ongoing demand in early 2018, with tighter stock levels expected to ensure competition from cashed up investors and drive momentum well into the New Year,” Tyson said.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

East Ipswich shopping centre sells for over $30 million

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Last weekend's Ipswich offering of 38 Bassett Lane, Rosewood was the nation's cheapest capital city result.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-rosewood-127285694" target="_blank">38 Bassett Lane</a> five bedroom house on 1320 sqm sold for $200,000.
It had traded at $315,000 in pre-gfc 2008.
Vacant land nearby sold at $160,000 recently, just $100 more than its $159,900 in 2010 for the 850 sqm 48 Upper John Street offering.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Nations cheapest auction sale goes backwards in price

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When compared to Brisbane, Ipswich is relatively affordable, according to Herron Todd White’s latest July report.
The property data firm says that $500,000 can buy you property in a well established Ipswich area.
“Ipswich is a relatively affordable market, particularly in comparison to nearby Brisbane, therefore a lazy half million could buy you a semi renovated character style home in an established area of Ipswich or a modern house and land package on circa 500 square metres in a new estate.
“However we would be more inclined to seek the larger block of land with the character home in the established older suburb of Ipswich as the better performing property in the region.
“At this price point you could afford to purchase two properties in the Ipswich area, however a single property of the highest quality possible is more desirable, with features such as large land and character style home.
“This price point is likely to remain relatively stagnant in the short to medium term in line with the broader market for Brisbane.
“The market remains relatively affordable with rental returns in the order of 5% gross.
“Should there be improvement in interstate migration, this could in turn have a positive impact on the Ipswich market.
“A newly renovated four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-brassall-125908930" target="_blank">76 Bradfield Drive</a>, Brassall (above) has been listed for $549,000.
“Built in 1996 it was last sold in 2013 for $469,000 while the land was sold in 1995 for $43,000.
“Similarly a newly renovated four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-camira-125538654" target="_blank">102 Meier Road</a>, Camira (below) has been listed for $569,000.
It was last sold in 2004 for $215,000,” the report stated.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/11/102%20Meier%20Road.jpg" alt="">
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Ipswich more affordable than Brisbane: HTW

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Renovation flipping in Ipswich property market is not a dominating factor, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest report.
The property investment firm says that owner-occupiers make up the majority of renovators.
“The renovation revolution is an element of the Ipswich property market, however by no means a dominant activity,” the report stated.
“The majority of renovators are owner-occupiers.
“Ipswich is a price sensitive market and accordingly home owners should be very mindful of expenditure versus added value.
“For that reason the majority of renovations in this location are limited to painting, a new bathroom, new kitchen and floor coverings.
“With the low price point of units in the Ipswich market, it is somewhat difficult to undertake renovation projects with a view to capitalising on works completed.”
HTW comments that popular and highly regarded areas are where renovations are more likely to occur.
“The suburbs of Ipswich that contain a number of character dwellings are typically the most popular and more highly regarded areas in which to undertake renovations,” the report commented.
“These include Woodend, Saddliers Crossing, East Ipswich, Newtown and Ipswich Central.”
Presentation of the property are the primary aim of renovations HTW says.
“The most prudent approach is to undertake renovations that enhance the presentation of the property,” the report advised.
“For example some minor carpentry work and painting can convert a residence with enclosed verandah to something that resembles a typical character dwelling that is very welcoming and has enhanced street appeal.
“Painting throughout, floor coverings and modern kitchen and bathrooms are always the best for achieving capital value improvement.
“We would however recommend staying away from locations that do not typically attract renovators and that generally comprise dated or original housing.
“It is difficult to achieve top price for your renovated property when so many around you are well below the standard. This often leads to over capitalising.
“The most important component of buying and renovating, particularly in a price sensitive area such as Ipswich, is the purchase price.
“Astute buying is so often where risk can be somewhat nullified to place yourself in the best possible position.”
A renovation-ready two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-east+ipswich-124689670" target="_blank">49 Blackall Street</a>, East Ipswich (above) has been listed for $209,000.
Similarly a four bedroom ready for renovation at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-woodend-125707854" target="_blank">8 Pryde Street</a>, Woodend (below) has been listed for sale.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/20/8%20Pryde%20Street.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom Queenslander, <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/31-salisbury-road-ipswich-qld-4305-2013626041" target="_blank">31 Salisbury Road, Ipswich</a> (below) is on the market with expectations above $455,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/23/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-23%20at%2010.26.06%20AM.png" alt="">
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Majority of Ipswich renovators are owner-occupiers: HTW

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The first stage of a $180 million master-planned residential village in the rapidly growing Ripley Valley region in the Ipswich growth corridor of South East Queensland has attracted strong demand, with more than 50 percent of lots already under contract.
Monterea Ripley residential village is the newest land release and will feature 900 home sites on a land area of approximately 146 acres within the picturesque Ripley Valley.
Ray White Land Marketing Director Jamie Martin said significant sales have been achieved in the first stage of the project, with particularly strong interest from local buyers.
“The enthusiasm for Monterea Ripley has been very pleasing and we have already sold more than 50 per cent of the 53 lots available,” Mr Martin said.
“The land prices start from $166,000 and lots range in size from 300 sqm to 523 sqm. We have had keen interest from local buyers, especially first home buyers wanting to secure the $20,000 first home buyers grant before the June 30 deadline.
“Buyers were asking for a value proposition and Monterea Ripley has answered by giving buyers a good range of lot sizes and affordability in the Ripley Valley.”
Mr Martin said stage two of the development is about to commence construction of another 53 lots, while a new five-acre parkland is nearing completion.
The park will be known as John Michels Reserve and will feature lush corridors of over 30,000 new plantings.
“Monterea Ripley's Green Space Master Plan will dedicate more than 22 acres to green open space,” he said.
“The market appetite for affordable lots in a high-quality master-planned village which features large areas of parklands, close to recreational and retail amenities including sporting ovals, supermarket, cafes and retail specialities has been a major attraction for buyers.”
Latest data from the Queensland Statisticians Office for the year to September 2016 has identified the Ipswich City region as having a record 1,813 vacant lot sales.
“Values achieved have shown considerable uplift growing 5.50 per cent over this last year on a per sqm basis although keeping an affordable median of $195,000,” Mr Martin said.
“The region also boasts its highest lot registrations on record over this 12-month period with a total of 2,504 standard lots, which highlights the ongoing demand in this location.
There is a strong pipeline of supply which will assist in keeping affordability in check with this annual period (to September 2016) recording an additional 3,188 lots approved across 96 projects, bringing the total closing stock level for Ipswich City at 15,270 lots.”
Monterea Ripley forms an integral part of the Monterea Neighbourhood Village and will be located directly next door to a proposed 8,000 sqm shopping centre including a major supermarket, speciality retail shops and commercial precinct with a total of 636 car parks.
About 120,000 people are expected to call the Ripley Valley home over the next 20 years and construction is underway on the $1.5 billion Ripley Town Centre.
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Strong demand for Monterea Ripley

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The Gold Coast sits at the peak of the market on the unit property clock, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property valuation firm says there are also five other locations at their peak.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/03/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-03%20at%201.30.35%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Sydney is a rising once again.
Meanwhile Melbourne, Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast remain at their peak.
Last month Property Observer reported on Sydney joining Melbourne at the peak of the housing market.
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The Gold Coast new apartment market recorded 255 unconditional sales in the March 2017 quarter, according to the latest research by property consultants Urbis.
It was a decline on the previous quarter’s sales,  Urbis Senior Consultant Lynda Campbell noted.
She added the Gold Coast apartment market was no longer centred on beach front locations.
“Coastal Fringe suburbs such as Robina, Varsity Lakes, Ashmore and Benowa offer buyers easy access to transport and amenity including shopping centres, university, hospitals – all within easy reach of the beaches the Gold Coast is famous for. On top of that, the lower price point makes this precinct very attractive for both investors and owner occupiers.”
The Gold Coast weighted average sale price across the four precincts decreased by $21,752 from the previous quarter, registering $632,171 – however annually a price increase of 5.9 per cent was recorded.
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“The Coastal Fringe Precinct recorded the lowest weighted average sale price at $473,165, highlighting its affordability and boosting sales in the area,” Ms Campbell said.
For the fifth time in two years the Coastal Fringe Precinct has been the highest performer.
In the March 2017 quarter, 113 sales were recorded in the Coastal Fringe Precinct – this is 44 per cent of total sales.
As well as a move away from the traditionally beach front located high rise precincts, this quarter saw medium rise projects dominate, with medium rise sales out-performing high rise sales by 25 per cent. Sixty-two per cent of medium rise projects are in the Coastal Fringe Precinct.
Only 1,373 apartments remain available for sale at the end of March 2017, which equates to one year’s supply at the current annual sales rate.
“The Gold Coast apartment market is maintaining a good balance of supply and demand,” Ms Campbell said.
“In the March 2017 quarter, four new projects were launched and four projects sold out.”
Once again, two-bedroom apartments dominated the market, making up 74 per cent of total sales, she noted.
The proportion of three-bedroom-plus product dropped to 13 per cent of total sales – equalling one-bedroom product sales.
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Gold Coast apartment market peaking: May HTW Clock

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House and land packages at Sovereign Pocket, Deebing Heights, 10 minutes from Ipswich CBD, are on the market from between $150,900-$472,900.
The Stockland development has a range of land sizes available over 700sqm.
Surrounded by homes built by Queensland’s best builders residents will be able to enjoy the central park, its play equipment and BBQ facilities.
Great shopping and public transport are just around the corner.
Six homes, such as the one above, have already been built and are available on the on-site display village.
One home, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-deebing+heights-124362482" target="_blank">50 Currawong St Deebing Heights</a> (above), is built by Bold and is on 498 sqm. It is on the market for $449,000.
Lot 557, Gem 138, is a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-deebing+heights-124886890" target="_blank">three bedroom home</a> (below) on 280sqm and is on the market for $328,917.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/3/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-03%20at%208.15.17%20AM.png" alt="">
CorelLogic estimate the median price of a home in Deebing Heights in 2016 was $385,000.
For more information, <a href="https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/qld/sovereign-pocket/life-at-sovereign-pocket" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Affordable house and land in Deebing Heights now available

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Newly unveiled plans for Bellbird Park’s first off-lead dog park in AVID Property Group’s Brentwood Forest will have tails unanimously wagging across the Greater Springfield and Ipswich regions.
The 1,600 square metre, fully-fenced puppy friendly space, to be completed late-2017, will form part of the new 1.3 hectare park being delivered by AVID Property Group and will be one of the largest off-lead dog parks in the Greater Springfield and Ipswich regions.
AVID general manager Bruce Harper said Ipswich City Council was supportive of AVID’s plans for the park.
“Council has been extremely supportive of our plans for the park as they understand the significant health, social and economic benefits dog parks like this one bring,” he said.
“The park will help cater for the needs of the more than 28,000 registered dogs in the region, and with only 14 other off-lead dog parks in the Ipswich local government area, we expect the park will be welcomed by pet loving locals.”
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/23/Dog%20Park%20Render%202.jpg" alt="">
“The community will also be able to access a range of sports, fitness and kids play facilities that will form part of the new broader $1.2 million dollar park planned for Brentwood Forest.”
The park will be located on the doorstep of approximately 1,200 residents already living at Brentwood Forest.
Brentwood Forest’s latest Magpie land release includes blocks with sizes ranging from an easy care 250 square metre to 563 square metre family sized blocks.
The latest Tempo Living house and land release offers architecturally designed homes as turnkey packages at fixed prices.
Land prices at Brentwood start from just $169,000 while Tempo Living house and land packages start from just $302,215.
Brentwood Forest is also home to newly opened high school - Bellbird Park State Secondary College - and has also welcomed plans for a proposed new child care centre within the community, expected to open in late-2017.
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Brentwood Forest to become home to Bellbird Park’s first off-lead dog park

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A shortage of land in Queensland continues to fuel strong buyer interest in new residential communities.
Some $14 million in contracts were secured recently at the Waterlea Walloon community near Ipswich.
The $350 million, 1,500-lot masterplanned community was launched on November 4.
It has now sold more than 90 lots.
Waterlea Development Manager Andrew Cook said the initial demand for the community had been overwhelming with strong interest from the local Walloon community and wider Ipswich area.
“Families have been drawn to the large blocks at Walloon where the average lot size is more than 680 sqm,” he said. 
A full suite of transport, employment, local shopping, restaurants and lifestyle pursuits are offered at the established town of Walloon, he said.
<img src="/images/2016/11/23/Waterlea%20-%20District%20Park.jpg" alt="">
Waterlea is being marketed by leading property services group Oliver Hume.
Oliver Hume Joint Managing Director Queensland Brinton Keath said the bulk of early sales at the estate were the result of substantial interest from local buyers.
Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale launched Waterlea Walloon.
<img src="/images/2016/11/23/Waterlea%20-%20Wide%20Angle%20Aerial.jpg" alt="">
The community is located 10 minutes from RAAF Base Amberley which is set to undergo a $1.5 billion upgrade.
The first precinct of Waterlea Walloon, consisting of 300 homes, will be complete by the end of next year, with the next 1,200 lots to be rolled out over the next five years.
Waterlea is located on Rohl Rd, Walloon, and is open for inspection daily from 10am-5pm. Visit <a href="https://www.waterlea.com.au" target="_blank">www.waterlea.com.au</a>.
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New Ipswich community Waterlea Walloon locks in $14 million of sales

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Private property group Citimark has broken ground  on its landmark $85 million Silkstone urban renewal project in Ipswich.
The 14-hectare site, located just 2km from the Ipswich CBD, will comprise a shopping centre, an affordable residential community and parkland.
More than 75 percent of the first residential stage has sold since Citimark secured development approval earlier this year.
Citimark joint managing director Angus Johnson said the start of construction this month represented an exciting milestone for the project.
“Following months of preparation we’ve begun the construction phase on what is one of the most significant residential projects underway in Silkstone,” he said.
“It is a key part of the suburb’s wider rejuvenation and transformation.”  
The community will boast a 4,950sqm state-of-the-art neighborhood shopping centre, a 140-lot housing subdivision, known as Silkstone Residences and six hectares of parkland and sporting grounds, which will be returned to the community as part of the development.
Builders Urbane Homes and QNV Constructions have been appointed to construct the residential element, with Hutchinson Builders awarded the shopping centre contract.
Mr Johnson said the combination of a quality development, convenience and attractive price point was a major draw card for discerning buyers.
“There has been strong pre-sales from local buyers, he said.
 “Silkstone Residences is affordably priced with a high standard of fixtures and finishes that are unparalleled by other developments in the area.
 “The project’s premium location and its proximity to amenities and transport have resonated with buyers.”
The shopping centre will have a 4200sqm full-line Coles supermarket with on-grade parking for 275 vehicles.
The centre will also comprise a mall, food court and central garden-themed atrium, with its fit-out to reflect the heritage of the suburb, designed by award-winning architects Cottee Parker. 
Silkstone Residences will feature 91 traditional houses and 49 terrace homes on lots ranging in size from 185sqm to 500sqm.
All of the homes and terraces will have four bedrooms, two bathrooms and include air conditioning, alfresco verandas, stone benchtops and double lock-up garages, with house and land packages starting from $329,000.
The community will feature tree-lined streets, significant landscaping incorporating native trees, and sweeping parkland views.
For more information <a href="https://citimark.com.au/projects/silkstone-residences-prj-39" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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