Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is bringing some of the largest apartments ever delivered to the sought-after Domain Precinct, directly facing Albert Park Lake.

H&amp;F has recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-queensbury-melbourne-71-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">The Queensbury</a>, inspired by London’s Queens Club, the historic home of the prestigious Wimbledon, the world’s oldest tennis tournament. The opportunity for apartment buyers is as rare as securing a ticket to the finals at the All England Club, with the site being one of the very few remaining positions offering uninterrupted, never-to-be-built-out views across Albert Park Lake.

The building has been designed to maximise the unique nature of the site and its prominent parkside position. Architecture firm Forum has crafted a design that responds directly to its setting. Its façade is defined by strong vertical elements and expansive glazing, oriented to capture the unrepeatable views over Albert Park Lake, the city and the bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151832 project_image_fid=359764]

There will be 141 two- and three-bedroom apartments in The Queensbury, many of which have already been snapped up during the early marketing stage.

The apartments have been planned to maximise natural light and visual connection to the surrounding landscape. Living areas extend to private balconies, reinforcing the relationship between interior spaces and the lake or city beyond. Bedrooms are oriented to draw in daylight, while material selections focus on natural stone, porcelain tiles and brushed nickel fixtures.

Purchasers can choose between two interior schemes, Augusta and Ascot, which interpret neutral and earth-toned palettes across kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens incorporate natural stone benchtops, integrated Miele appliances and panelled cabinetry, with detailing designed to balance durability and everyday functionality.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151832 project_image_fid=359771]

Much like the private clubs that define Wimbledon’s tradition and prestige, The Queensbury has been designed to embody an exclusive, club-style way of living.

Its resident amenities are curated to mirror the refined atmosphere of a members’ club, with spaces to gather, unwind and entertain, delivering an elevated lifestyle that feels both rare and enduring.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151832 project_image_fid=359772]

“The ground level is designed as an open lounge that brings the outdoors in,” says David Harrap, Director at Forum.

“The wellness centre is a sanctuary and spills out towards the garden, creating a sense of calm.”

The wellness centre comprises a fully equipped gym, spa, cold plunge pool and sauna. A resident lounge and dining space opens to an outdoor pickleball court, aligned with the sporting culture of London’s Queens Club and a first for a Melbourne multi-residential apartment development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151832 project_image_fid=359748]

While the proximity and orientation of the site and building are unmatched, future residents will also be within walking distance of ANZAC Station and multiple tram connections along St Kilda Road. The development is also close to the NGV, Arts Centre Melbourne and major sporting venues including the MCG and Rod Laver Arena.

St Kilda Beach, along with the hospitality venues that line the foreshore, is just over two kilometres from the front door.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151832 project_image_fid=359764]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> has been developing a mix of commercial and residential projects since it was founded in 2014 by Daniel Faigen and backed by Eddie Hirsch, co-founder of United Petroleum.

After recently launching its fourth Gold Coast project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> has also delivered local developments including Central Park in Box Hill and 107 Darling Road in Malvern East.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151832]

Joel Robinson

The Queensbury brings Wimbledon-inspired living to Albert Park Lake

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pdg-corporation">PDG Corporation</a> has been appointed by the Victorian Government and Development Victoria to transform a long-unused infrastructure site in Ivanhoe into a new residential precinct, delivering 275 homes alongside a 2,000 sqm public park.

The project will redevelop the former water tank site on Upper Heidelberg Road, which has been unused since 2004. The appointment follows an eight-year planning process and marks the start of detailed design, with a planning application expected to be lodged in mid-2026.

The redevelopment will introduce a new residential community in one of Melbourne’s established inner-north suburbs, with at least 10 per cent of the homes allocated as affordable housing. In addition to new housing supply, the project will expand local open space through the delivery of the public park, which will be accessible to the broader community.

PDG Managing Director and Founder Vince Giuliano said the partnership with Development Victoria presented an opportunity to deliver a housing outcome aligned with the character of the area.

“PDG is thrilled to partner with Development Victoria to bring new housing options to this popular part of Melbourne,” Giuliano said.

“This exceptional location offers a rare opportunity to create a vibrant, connected community, and we look forward to working closely with Development Victoria and other stakeholders to bring their vision to life.”

The Ivanhoe project continues PDG’s track record of delivering mixed-use and community-focused developments in Melbourne.

PDG has just sought to upscale its plans for its prime Southbank site on Queens Bridge Street. They are seeking to developer 637 apartments across a 71-storey tower.

PDG appointed to develop Ivanhoe water tank site by Development Victoria

National developer Fortis has received development approval for Crest &amp; Walker, its Newstead apartment development on Kyabra Street.

Construction by Binah is expected to commence on the 20-storey, Bureau^Proberts-designed building soon. There will be 65 two- and three-bedroom apartments on offer, starting at $1.8 million.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> marks the fourth active development to be delivered by Fortis in Brisbane, following River House, now nearing completion, a residential project in New Farm, and a mixed-use development in Hamilton. Several additional projects remain in the pipeline as the development manager continues to grow its footprint across South-East Queensland.

&nbsp;

Dan Boman, General Manager – Development, Queensland, said the continued expansion in Brisbane projects managed by Fortis reflects the company’s commitment to design-led development and thoughtful placemaking.

“We’re proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such lifestyle destination as Newstead," Bonman says.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves."

Bonman believes Crest &amp; Walker will&nbsp;attract a discerning buyer who values design, thoughtful amenity and a lifestyle that captures the best of contemporary Brisbane.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane’s most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

&nbsp;

The building’s design features a contemporary brick podium softened by vertical greenery, creating a distinctive architectural expression within the Newstead streetscape. Positioned between Gasworks and James Street, the project sits within one of Brisbane’s most coveted lifestyle precincts, surrounded by dining, retail and cultural destinations.

A communal rooftop will feature a sun lounge and pool, BBQ facilities and a sauna, all set against panoramic views across Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

Slaite Projects will handle the sales campaign, which will kick off in May.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Fortis to launch Crest & Walker, Newstead following development approval

Ahead of the completion of several projects in 2026, Justin Brown’s Abadeen Group is working on the next phase of its boutique residential pipeline.

<article data-scroll-anchor="true" data-testid="conversation-turn-10" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:4ca9c789-6d9f-4fea-860a-8e6ce96c2acc-4" dir="auto" tabindex="-1">
Abadeen, which has recently sought approval to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-woollahra-development-wave-continues-as-abadeen-plots-six-storey-apartment-block">develop 29 apartments in Woollahra</a>, will also be returning to Neutral Bay, where it has just completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/enso-neutral-bay-34-grosvenor-street-neutral-bay-nsw-2090">ENSO</a> and is putting the finishing touches on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-villas-neutral-bay-7-11-premier-street-neutral-bay-nsw-2089">The Villas</a> nearby. Abadeen first developed in the suburb back in 2019 when they completed No.1 Premier.

Its newest development will be located at the southern end of Barry Street, a stone’s throw from Ilbery Reserve and the Neutral Bay Social Club. Closer in scale to The Villas than ENSO, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19-21-barry-street-neutral-bay-nsw-2089">Barry St project</a> will comprise 20 large-scale apartments, a typology synonymous with Abadeen’s development ethos. 
 
<img alt="First Look: Abadeen plots six-storey apartment development in Neutral Bay’s Barry Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d96caa0-89fc-4751-b046-cad872025c73" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Barry%20street%20pers.png?VersionId=h6zHBVcEkmN0bQOSBebQA.n6F3vRHUm6" />
</article>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a>&nbsp;said in its Design Report that the proposed multi-residential development in Neutral Bay contributes positively to the area’s established residential character, aligning with the objectives of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy and relevant local planning controls.

"The building is carefully scaled to sit comfortably within its context, with articulated massing and generous setbacks that reduce perceived bulk and ensure a respectful transition to neighbouring properties.

"Through a clear response to surrounding building heights, streetscape patterns and landscape character, the proposal reinforces Neutral Bay’s reputation for high-quality residential development within a well-defined urban setting."

The report also said apartment planning prioritises outlook, sunlight and environmental performance.

"Living spaces are oriented to maximise views to the south while maintaining excellent solar access throughout the day. Dual-aspect apartments and carefully positioned openings promote natural cross-ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical systems and supporting sustainable living outcomes."

<img alt="Abadeen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c2b0ba6-583f-4ea4-9069-4773b5169e14" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-09%20at%203.02.02%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=LfP0A9iwT_gPnJeP6_uvkWvqDipuWN3I" />

Abadeen is on track to complete several projects this year across Sydney's Lower North Shore. Late last year it completed ENSO, a nine-apartment development toward the northern part of Neutral Bay, around 750 metres from the new Barry Street plans. The Villas, which will comprise 17 apartments, is approaching completion and is around 450 metres away.

“The Villas is an exceptional project in a highly desirable Lower North Shore location," Brown said when the building topped out in October last year.

"We’re creating homes that allow residents to feel genuinely connected to one of Sydney’s most prized harbourside communities."

First Look: Abadeen plots fourth Neutral Bay apartment development

Singaporean developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/centurion-global">Centurion</a> has unveiled plans for a major mixed-use redevelopment of the former John Martin &amp; Co warehouse building on Adelaide CBD's dress circle North Terrace.

The $300 million redevelopment will comprise three towers, rising behind and above the preserved 19th-century sandstone façade. The proposal would retain and integrate the heritage-listed structure while introducing a trio of contemporary towers that combine student accommodation, residential apartments, and commercial uses.

There will be apartments to purchase, as well as a 30-storey, purpose-built&nbsp;student accommodation tower, designed to respond to growing demand for dedicated student housing in Adelaide’s CBD.&nbsp;Ground and podium levels across the development are expected to host retail, food and beverage, and entertainment uses, helping to activate the street edge and create stronger pedestrian connections between North Terrace and the nearby Rundle Mall retail precinct.

A key element of the proposal is the preservation of the site’s historic sandstone building, constructed in 1867 and designed by prominent colonial architects Edmund Wright, Edward John Woods, and Edward Hamilton. The building originally operated as a warehouse for the well-known Adelaide department store John Martin &amp; Co before the retailer closed in 1998.

&nbsp;

The site sits opposite several of Adelaide’s most significant cultural institutions, including the Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, the State Library, and the university precinct. Its location places it within a corridor that connects the city’s cultural, education, and retail destinations.

It is the second redevelopment proposal on North Terrace in recent months, with Palumbo Group set to redevelop the heritage-listed former Royal Hotel which has laid vacant for over a decade.

They are planning 211 apartments across two towers, just over a kilometre from Centurion's project.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/sa/palumbo-group-to-redevelop-kent-town-pub-into-new-apartment-development">Palumbo Group to redevelop Kent Town pub into new apartment development</a>

Centurion plots $300m triple-tower redevelopment for heritage John Martin’s warehouse on Adelaide’s North Terrace

John Edwards

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The Reserve Bank’s recent decision to introduce an interest rate reduction is a strong indication that there are changes brewing for Australia’s property market.
To fully understand how this rate cut will affect our housing markets, I think it’s essential to firstly understand how they have performed over the last 12 months. My research shows that there has definitely been some ‘winners and losers’ in the state comparisons.
The clear winner of the housing market battle is Sydney, which has documented a 16.78% annual growth rate from the period of December 2013 to December 2014. Performing equally as well in the unit market with an annual growth of 12.90%. By all accounts, what we have just witnessed is one of the largest boom periods in Sydney’s housing market history.
Taking this into consideration - along with its strong annual economic growth throughout 2014 that saw its state final demand increase by 3.5% - it is clear to see why people who are looking to enter the housing market would choose New South Wales. This compares to Western Australia, for example, whose economy is arguable in recession with its state final demand falling in the last three reported quarters.
This aside, when we take a deeper look at the Sydney market we uncover some unfavourable facts, including:
<ol start="1">
<li>The ABS’ latest reported commencements in new housing currently sits at 4,082 dwellings above the median commencement rate of the last five years. 
</li>
<li>New housing approvals, as last reported by the ABS, are running at 2,591 dwellings above the five year median. 
</li>
<li>Population growth, as last reported by the ABS, is slowing and currently running at 1,728 people below the five year median. 
</li>
<li>Residex estimates that there are currently some 7,000 dwellings surplus to need. 
</li>
<li>Unemployment is increasing, and is likely to increase a little more than was anticipated, given the lower crude oil prices and a consequential likely reduction in employment in the LNG development and exploration area.</li>
</ol>
These observations suggest that the Sydney market is heading into considerably oversupplied territory, which could lead to some significant corrections. In fact, analysis right across Australia indicates that there is a national stock overhang, and in many states it is significant.
So what does this all mean in a situation where interest rates have decreased?
We can anticipate that the interest rate decrease is likely to stimulate the markets, so house prices will probably move forward from here, with the lending control of the major banks hopefully keeping the markets from overheating.
But is this a good outcome for the property market? My simple answer is… no!
While it may be good in the short-term for existing house owners, throughout my three decades of monitoring house price growth, I can confirm that each period of growth always ends with a number of people who bought close to the top of the market getting burned due to their excessive leverage. 
I issue a warning to all, and that is that we have passed the top of a normal growth period, and we are now about to have the market further stimulated. This will take the growth into unchartered waters where affordability will be worse than we have previously seen.
If you are an investor wanting to get into the market, take care and make sure you don’t pay a premium for any purchase you make, especially if you are buying new units.
John Edwards is a consulting analyst for <a href="https://www.onthehouse.com.au/" target="_blank">Onthehouse.com.au</a>.
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jedwards-8kHM8GNY6d

The interest rate cut was a bad outcome for the property market: John Edwards

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Negative gearing is currently a hot topic, with opinions clashing across the net.
Whenever an investor benefit is considered being removed, it is important to remember that under the surface the benefit could actually be more important to the end user of the asset.
If you were to reduce the investor return or benefit for any kind of asset, the investor has two options. Firstly, they could exit the market and no longer provide the resource, placing funds in another asset class. Or alternatively, they could increase the cost of providing the asset to maintain the level of return they wish to achieve.
Either way, the impact of both options is ultimately the same, rentals increase due to landlord rental increases or rental increases due to tenant competition for the same property due to low levels of rental stock availability.
All asset sectors should be treated equally to maintain a balanced marketplace – this includes shares, property, and so on. Investors must always make decisions based on quality and return prospects, not on benefits that are available as a consequence of some sort of government incentive.
There is currently nothing to stop investors negatively gearing their share portfolios and achieving the same effect as investing in the property market. Therefore, in essence, removal of negative gearing from the property market alone would create a market distortion.
Notwithstanding all the above, what one can’t do is enter a transaction with the main objective of reducing your tax liability. This would in fact be in contrary to the provision of Part IVA of the tax act - the section that deals with tax avoidance.
Equally, if you are entering the transaction on the basis that you will make profits from capital gains and not rental returns, you are in effect in the business of trading in property and therefore not entitled to the capital gains tax benefits.
Negative gearing has now been around for so long and so widely accepted that many will believe that there are no constraints as to its use. Hence, it is very likely that there are many people with significant claimed tax deductions that could be lost and if the Tax Commissioner reviewed their tax returns. The impact on many of these people would be very catastrophic.
So what should happen? The government should have the Commissioner clarify the position by having him issue a general tax ruling/advice. The advice should indicate that:
<ul>
<li>Transactions which are geared beyond a level which causes tax losses annually for an unreasonable period of time (say five years) will be subjected to review and where there is evidence of tax avoidance then the provisions of Part IVA of the act will be applied. </li>
<li>Where an investment property is sold and if at no time during a reasonable pre-sale period did the rental income exceed the interest and other deductions, the tax office would consider the transaction was a purchased for the purpose of trading in residential property and hence the capital gains tax benefit of only having to pay tax on 50% of the gain would not be available. Equally in this situation the tax office alternatively may seek to disallow deductions claimed and take action under Part IVA of the act.</li>
</ul>
Undoubtedly our tax lawyers will find numerous very technical reasons to suggest the ruling/advice is inappropriate. However, in reality the ruling/advice would simply put the nation on alert and create a level of risk for the majority which would cause negative gearing to be used as it was intended and avoid any need to remove it totally.
This is a simple and effective solution that could be implemented very easy and not require any legislative changes. It would allow the Taxation Commissioner to look at existing property transactions as they’re being sold.
Overall, I do believe that negative gearing is necessary. It is a subsidiary in favour of the lower income earners who are renting as it encourages the provision of stock for these people. However, there are increasingly cases where it is being allowed by federal government authorities when it should not be, and this is distorting the market, causing higher house prices and making it harder for first time buyers.
John Edwards is consulting analyst for <a href="https://www.Onthehouse.com.au" target="_blank">Onthehouse.com.au</a> and founder of <a href="https://www.residex.com.au/" target="_blank">Residex</a>.
If you are looking for a more in depth analysis of John's property research, you can find this in the <a href="https://investors.onthehouse.com.au/" target="_blank">Investor Centre</a> at <a href="https://www.onthehouse.com.au/" target="_blank">Onthehouse.com.au</a>.
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It's not just investors who benefit from negative gearing

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If Sydney’s growth continued at the high levels being seen before, then it could have been the beginning of bubble conditions and price drops, according to Residex’s John Edwards.
Discussing new research from Onthehouse that noted residential capital growth rates for May were at lower levels that expected, Edwards expressed his relief.
“With any luck, the statistics will continue on this new trend of lower rates of growth over the next few months. Housing markets, particularly Sydney, were moving to a “boom” like performance,” said Edwards.
“This was dangerous and could have led to a “bubble” and a severe correction if it continued. The slowing of the market at this point in time suggests that we are going to avoid this outcome. Having said this, the Sydney market is still overvalued and in reality too expensive,” he said.
In many areas across Australia, <a href="/news/brisbane-catching-up-but-overvalued-sydney-still-strongest-of-the-capital-cities-onthehouses-john-edwards">houses and units experienced negative growth rates for the month</a> – although overall national house growth was recorded at 0.36% in May. This compares to 1.71% in the last quarter. Units dropped nationally by 0.23%, compared to 1.17% growth over the quarter.
In Sydney, house growth was subdued at 0.24%, but remains 17.42% up over the last 12 months. House values in Melbourne dropped 0.03%, although still clocked in 9.45% growth over 12 months.
In fact, over the month, Country Western Australia recorded the highest house price growth rate with a 2.38% result. Perth, however, had the biggest house price decline, with a 1.9% fall.
In the Northern Territory, units grew the most by 1.53%, with unit values falling the most in Country Tasmania, by 2.73%.
These figures have Edwards a little more comfortable that growth rates will be subdued in the future.
“The data from May is not sufficient on its own to confirm that this lower rate of growth is about to be a new feature, but my best guess is that this will in fact be the case,” he said.
He also notes the Sydney unit market is likely passed its peak, with 2.81% growth for the quarter ending May.
House and land may not be quite at this point.
However, it is not as clear that the house and land market has arrived at the same position. 
“The Sydney house and land assets are more often traded via the auction market and hence clearance rates are potentially a lead indicator for this sector. In recent weeks, auction clearance rates in Sydney have been softer – our calculations indicate that the Sydney clearance rate was 68% for the week ending 14 June. This figure suggests a market that is now slowing.”
Turn the page for the full details of house and unit price movements across Australia.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<img src="/images/2014/06/19/residex-june-19-one.jpg" alt="">
Source: Onthehouse.com.au
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Sydney market overvalued, with “bubble” potential: John Edwards

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Our federal budget is due to be delivered on Tuesday 13 May, 2014 and we are being repeatedly told that there has to be significant cuts to expenditure. Our state budgets will be delivered soon after that date.
In essence it is time for governments to deliver something which is new and helpful to maintain and increase housing stock, but at the same time does not simply drive housing prices higher. This definitely rules out changes to negative gearing as its removal would simply reduce investor activity and available housing stock.
There are two outcomes in our housing markets that are needed:
1. Ensure there is an increase in Australian citizen investment in new housing stock; and
2. Increase the number of first home owners in the market.
The first, in my view, is a state issue
Most of us will have family or friends who have been trying to buy a home and failed because they have been out bid by a cashed-up foreign buyer. One has to ask whether foreign buyers should have equal rights as Australian citizens. I suspect not. That is not to say that foreign buyers are not necessary in our markets, rather they are simply investing in a low risk, very attractive country and for that benefit they should have to pay some type of premium.
Altering our land tax regime would enable us to charge this premium from foreign investors and potentially decrease their activity without necessarily decreasing supply of new stock. This can be done by increasing the land tax payable by non-Australian citizens who own property in our country and at the same time, decrease the rate of land tax charged on property owned by Australian citizens, with all property purchased in the future and currently held, being subjected to these changes. Obviously, the amount of these alterations will need to be modelled and the changes would need to be phased in.
The consequence is clear. Foreign investment activity would be marginally reduced (depending on the altered tax rate applicable to them) and the lower tax rates for Australian citizens should cause increased investment activity by this group. It should also mean that the first home owner may have a better chance of competing when buying.
The second, in my view, is a federal government matter
The first home owner has been forced out of the market simply as a consequence of rising house prices and the consequent level of income needed to support a home loan.
In essence we need to organise things so this group – and everyone buying a property to live in – has adequate cash flow to meet the high home loan repayments. This will particularly be the case when interest rates increase in the medium term.
A relatively simple change to the capital gains tax (CGT) legislation is required.
This change would allow home owners to claim interest deductions on their home loan repayments where they elect to be subject to normal capital gains tax on the profit they make on any future sale of the property. In essence they exchange the right to have their home exempt from capital gains tax in exchange for the right to immediately reduce their taxable income by the interest they are paying on their home loan.
Being brutally honest given the government’s current budget problems they should simply just phase in the removal of the capital gains tax exemption on the family home all together and automatically provide first home owners who buy a new home with the right to claim interest deductions. Politically this might be better for government than altering pension rights and health benefits etc.
Allowing buyers to elect to claim interest as a deduction would mean an improved annual cash flow which will help to make housing more affordable. What is the cash benefit? Well assume someone has a loan of $400,000 and has a tax rate of 22% then the annual benefit at current interest rates would be in the order of $5,000 per annum or roughly about $100 per week.
The impact of this proposal on borrowers as interest rates increase should also not be overlooked. That is, deductibility means that interest rate increases will not have as large a negative impact on our first home owner as they would otherwise. As interest rates increase their deductions increase and their tax liability is reduced. Hence as interest rates rise, defaults on home loans are likely to also be lower.
There needs to be some detailed modelling to work out a progressive phasing in and potentially define a percentage of the interest cost on the home loan that would be allowed to be deductible. Once this is done then a reasonably solid estimate of the cost to the federal budget could be identified.
From any logical perspective, a combination of subjecting all of our owner occupied housing to a form of capital gains tax and allowing our first home owners to access interest tax deductions, does have merit. And provided it is structured in a manner which does not drive housing prices higher, it will also make housing affordable for the next generation.
The negative which could be seen as a benefit by some, is that it would encourage home owners to limit their trading activity in their own home. That is, a home owner would potentially be less inclined to use their home as trading stock and instead use it as a mechanism for wealth generation by buying with the intent of selling following renovation.
In the short-term we are going to be asked to accept some difficult decisions and perhaps the above, implemented carefully by government could potentially soften the perceived blow.
John Edwards is consulting analyst for <a href="https://www.onthehouse.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Onthehouse.com.au</a> and founder of <a href="https://www.residex.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Residex</a>.
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Two brave budget decisions that would benefit tomorrow’s generation

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New research released this morning from Residex, the research arm for Onthehouse, has listed 10 suburbs for expected house growth and a further 10 for unit growth that they believe will perform over the next five years.
Property market growth, overall, is expected to be steady over 2014, however some areas, particularly those in the inner ring, will potentially prove lucrative.
<blockquote>
The findings show promising areas in every capital city's inner ring for investors.
</blockquote>
John Edwards, founder of Residex, said that the findings show promising areas in every capital city's inner ring for investors.
“We are expecting to see Sydney and Melbourne’s growth rates slowdown in the next six months and in other national markets next year. Although inner ring areas often fall into the least affordable class compared to their suburban neighbours, the data indicates there are still opportunities for savvy investors, in the right suburbs," he said.
“From a national perspective, I’m expecting to see commentary from the RBA later this year that will affect consumer sentiment and again moderate growth. This will mean changes in the recent strong national growth trends. Property investors will need to be cautious about which suburbs they invest in – particularly in inner city areas, which will deliver a very mixed range of returns."
He also noted that stable growth "never occurs in a linear way", with a fall expected to be seen in growth numbers by the end of the year, with two to three years of minimal to zero growth. By 2018, strong growth is expected to re-emerge, along with the results of the suburbs below to 2019.
Overall, units are predicted to bring in lower returns than houses should. Inner ring suburbs will bring an average of 4% to 8% over the next five years, with Melbourne dominating the top five.
“Melbourne is defying past predictions. My feeling is that there is an oversupply of property, especially units, but demand is currently being propped up by three main factors: property developers are managing their units well; international buyers are supporting new unit sales; and higher public confidence is being driven by factors like good clearance rates at auction," Edwards said.
“Anybody buying property over the next 12 months needs to be aware of the growth patterns, now more than ever it is important to do solid research around the market to back up your decisions with data and insight.”
See over page for the top predicted growth suburbs
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<img src="/images/2014/04/14/edwards%20april%2014%20one.png" alt="">
Source: Residex/Onthehouse 
What are your thoughts on these suburbs' growth potential? 
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John Edwards

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