<p>Nature Based Cities (NBC), the not-for-profit organisation focused on improving biodiversity and nature outcomes in urban development, has launched its latest industry design guidelines and accreditation framework, this time targeting precinct-scale residential communities.</p>

<p>The move extends NBC’s influence beyond its initial focus on medium and high-density residential developments. Several projects have already achieved NBC accreditation since the launch of its Medium &amp; High-Density Residential Guidelines in early 2025.</p>

<p>The expansion into masterplanned communities and new residential precincts reflects the growing need for stronger nature-positive benchmarks as Australia’s outer suburban growth corridors continue to expand at pace.</p>

<p>Paul Hameister OAM, NBC Founder and the Executive Chairman of Melbourne developer Hamton who itself leans heavily into nature and biodiversity in its developments, says the&nbsp;nature-first approach to mitigate the effects of climate change has become standard in other parts of the world such as the UK, but Australia is lagging.&nbsp;Australia’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) rating tools have no minimum mandatory requirements for living landscapes.</p>

<p>“We’ve always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren’t there,” Hameister says. “In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that’s concrete and glass with not a blade of grass.<br />
<br />
“The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn’t been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities.”</p>

<p>He says that having now&nbsp;made good progress in supporting developers of medium and high-density residential projects, NBC is now looking to bolster better nature-based decision-making and recognise developers of greenfield projects in the outer ring and large inner-ring brownfield precincts, who want to champion nature and living landscape as a defining feature.</p>

<p>Since 2022, the not-for-profit has sought to remove the roadblocks preventing developers from incorporating nature and living landscapes into their projects, shifting the conversation from the reduction of emissions and grey infrastructure, toward recognising nature as an essential infrastructure.</p>

<p>The New Communities Design Guidelines and Scorecard arm developers with the tools needed to deliver a nature positive outcome for their new communities. Intended to be adopted at the outset of the planning process, the guidelines are designed to help create communities that are cooler, healthier and more resilient while also enhancing social wellbeing and long-term economic value.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Communities developers seeking accreditation will be independently assessed across a range of key criteria including ecology, tree canopy, biodiversity, and walkability. Once the masterplan is complete and submitted for approval, the scorecard is formalised based on proposed outcomes. Projects that meet the NBC criteria will receive either Commended or Exemplary accreditation outcomes, creating a clear benchmark for nature-positive new communities in Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Janis Fischer, Director at Tract and NBC Advisory Council member, said the development of new communities in our suburbs can have a substantial impact on nature and biodiversity.</p>

<p>"By incorporating nature-based design principles at the inception of a project, developers and their design teams can achieve nature positive outcomes that are good for both people and the planet.’’&nbsp;</p>

<p>NBC accredited New Community projects will gain access to NBC branding and marketing tools to help communicate their nature-based credentials to purchasers and the broader market.&nbsp;</p>


Joel Robinson

Nature Based Cities: A new Australian benchmark for developing nature-positive new communities

<p>Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.</p>

<p>For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.</p>

<p>Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.</p>

<p>Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.</p>

<p>For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.</p>

<p>That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.</p>

<p><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/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.</p>

<p>The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.</p>

<p>For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.</p>

<p>As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.</p>

<p>It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.</p>


Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

<p>While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.</p>

<p>Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.</p>

<p>SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.</p>

<p>"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.</p>

<p>"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]</p>

<p>Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.</p>

<p>Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.</p>

<p>Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.</p>

<p>The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]</p>

<p>Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.</p>

<p>"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.</p>

<p>"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."</p>

<p>Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]</p>

<p>The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.</p>

<p>Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.</p>

<p>"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]</p>

<p>The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.</p>

<p>Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.</p>

<p>The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]</p>


ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

<p>The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.</p>

<p>The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.</p>

<p>The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.</p>

<p>At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.</p>

<p>Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.</p>

<p>"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."</p>

<p>"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" /></p>

<p>DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.</p>

<p>"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."</p>

<p>"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."</p>

<p>The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.</p>

<p>The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.</p>

<p>Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.</p>


Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

<p>Abadeen has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for one of Mosman's largest apartment developments in recent years, seeking approval to transform the former Honeysuckle Garden and Midas site on Military Road into a 100-apartment mixed-use development.</p>

<p>The SSDA, lodged with investment partner Phoenix Property Investors, proposes around $230 million worth of new housing on the prominent <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/494-516-military-road-mosman-nsw-2088">494-516 Military Road</a> site.</p>

<p>The proposal comes as Mosman Council continues to progress its recently endorsed Masterplan, which identifies the precinct for increased housing density while maintaining the suburb's established character.</p>

<p>Designed by DKO Architecture, the development would comprise 100 apartments above ground-floor retail, with a rooftop wellness precinct including a gym, sauna, entertaining areas and landscaped communal spaces.</p>

<p>Rather than pushing to the full 12-storey height identified in Council's Masterplan, the proposal ranges between five and nine storeys, stepping down towards Hale Road. A tenth level would accommodate resident amenities rather than additional apartments.</p>

<p>The project has been designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and young professionals through to families and local downsizers looking to remain on the Lower North Shore.</p>

<p><img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dada03f-5b4c-43ba-ba62-2868add31440" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.57.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7LBy0B.Jo8_iWAFJsClcV7Q3UnXrv49r" /></p>

<p>Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock.</p>

<p>"The apartments have been designed as genuine long-term homes, with efficient floorplans that maximise usable living areas, generous storage, natural light and strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces," Brown says."</p>

<p>"We've focused on creating homes for a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and growing families through to downsizers who want to remain in Mosman."</p>

<p>The rooftop wellness offering forms a key part of the proposal, with residents set to have access to a gym, sauna, outdoor entertaining spaces, communal dining areas, landscaped gardens and a multi-use recreation court overlooking Sydney Harbour.</p>

<p><img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d37c2d6b-583a-4a0f-b7a9-9f46b893d2f4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.58.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=FPoa5FCm2RtzjhAh2w5FTWJbV6GHfY8D" /></p>

<p>DKO drew heavily on the site's natural and cultural history, undertaking a Connecting with Country process with local Aboriginal Elders to inform the architectural and landscape design.</p>

<p>Senior Associate Matthew Ritchard said the design sought to create a building that responded to both the site's landscape and its cultural significance.</p>

<p>"The architectural language of the project is a deep expression of Connecting with Country, where the materiality and colour palette serve as a bridge between the site's geological history and its future as a residential sanctuary."</p>

<p>The proposal also retains the site's established blue gum tree as the centrepiece of the communal landscaped gardens, while introducing activated retail fronting Military Road to strengthen the connection between Mosman and Cremorne villages.</p>

<p>If approved, the project would deliver 100 new homes within walking distance of shops, public transport, schools and local amenities, adding to the limited pipeline of new apartments on the Lower North Shore.</p>

<h2>Project Snapshot</h2>

<p><strong>Project:</strong> Honeysuckle Garden Redevelopment</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong> 494-516 Military Road, Mosman</p>

<p><strong>Developer:</strong> Abadeen and Phoenix Property Investors</p>

<p><strong>Architect:</strong> DKO Architecture</p>

<p><strong>Lead Architect:</strong> Matthew Ritchard</p>

<p><strong>Value:</strong> $230 million</p>

<p><strong>Residences:</strong> 100 apartments</p>

<p><strong>Key features:</strong></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p>Ground-floor retail</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Rooftop wellness precinct</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Gym and sauna</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Outdoor entertaining and BBQ areas</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Landscaped communal gardens</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Multi-use recreation court</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Retained mature blue gum tree</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Connecting with Country design process</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Harbour, CBD and Balmoral views from upper-level apartments</p>
	</li>
</ul>


Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock

First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman

Land Prices

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<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/2017/08/melbourne-land-sales-hit-fastest-pace"></a></h3>
<div id="post-body-3574513154739070757" class="post-body entry-content">The trend result for new motor vehicle sales rose to 101,083 in July, the highest on record.</div>
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<br><div>The recent surge has largely been accounted for by Victoria, where new units sold are +4.4 per cent higher year-on-year in seasonally adjusted terms at 28,349.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Victoria is the home of arguably the most vibrant economy in the country right now: Greater Melbourne.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>South Australia has also been improving steadily, with seasonally adjusted new vehicle sales +8.1 per cent higher over the year at 6,269.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In annualised terms, New South Wales has racked up 397,652 unit sales, which is the highest figure ever recorded for any state. </div>
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<br><div>Sports utilities continue to dominate the sector, and are all set to overtake passenger vehicles as the most popular choice over the months ahead, which has been an extraordinary progression. </div>
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<div> </div>
<div>Meanwhile production continues to plummet as the domestic auto industry winds up, and the overwhelming bulk of new vehicles going forward will be imported. </div>
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<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span></strong></div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Overall, these were more strong numbers indeed for new vehicle sales, with the Victorian economy once again shining.<br><br>This is leading in turn to a starburst of population growth and demand in Melbourne.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Oliver Hume reported that the average time on market for vacant land sales in Melbourne continued a precipitous drop from 200 days in Q4 2012 to a fresh all-time low of just 30 days in Q2 2017. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Blocks have never been snapped up at anything like this speed before across the history of the data series. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Demand has been strong locally, with anecdotally even some Sydneysiders now relocating to Melbourne for cheaper housing. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The median price of land in Metropolitan Melbourne increased by +2.3 per cent in the quarter to $268,000 according to Oliver Hume, with the average lot size declining.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Land prices per square metre increased by $14 to $654. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank"><span class="s2">AllenWargent</span></a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="s2">blogger</span></a>.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s3"><em>His latest book is </em><a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s2"><em>Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</em></span></a><em>.</em></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/2017/08/melbourne-land-sales-hit-fastest-pace"></a></h3>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Melbourne land hits fastest sales pace on record: Pete Wargent

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<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">At the end of 2015, the median price of vacant land across the combined capital cities was recorded at $265,000 while the median land price across the combined regional markets was $156,000. </span></p>
<p>A $109,000 (69.9%) price difference between regional and capital city prices is now the largest differential on record for both.</p>
<p>It also goes some way to explaining the differences in the cost of built form (houses or units) in the capital cities relative to non-capital city areas. Over the past year, capital city vacant land prices have increased by 4.0% compared to a -5.2% fall in prices in regional areas.</p>
<p>At the end of 2015, the median lot size for capital city vacant land was 466 sqm having increased by 3.6% over the year. Across regional markets the median land size was a much larger 809 sqm having increased by 8.3% over the past year. </p>
<p>Land sizes have fallen over time in capital city and regional markets however, lot size compression has been much greater in capital cities. To put this in perspective, median lot sizes have fallen at a rate of - 2.5% annually in capital cities over the past decade compared to falls of -0.5% per annum in regional markets. </p>
<p>Across the combined capital cities the median rate/sqm for vacant land was recorded at $552 at the end of last year. At the same time the rate was a substantially lower $179/sqm in regional markets. Capital city rates/sqm has fallen by -2.5% over the past year while in regional markets they are -12.4% lower.</p>
<p>The fall in capital city rates/sqm is due to the increase in land sizes while in regional markets it is due to both prices falling and land sizes increasing over the past year.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/03/10/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-10%20at%2012.41.40%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/03/10/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-10%20at%2012.41.40%20PM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>As can be seen in the tables outlining the key vacant land statistics across each of the state capital cities, Sydney’s median land price ($410,000) is substantially higher than the other capital cities. Compared with the second most expensive city, Perth, at $299,000, Sydney’s median land price is more than $100,000 higher. The two cities which have seen the highest rates of housing value growth in recent years, Sydney and Melbourne, have also recorded an exceptional increase in median land prices over the past year at 20.2% and 23.5% respectively. Although Sydney is the most expensive on a rate per square metre basis, vacant land in Perth is the nation’s most expensive by virtue of the fact that only Adelaide has smaller lot sizes. </p>
<p>Today’s data provides valuable insights into the reasons why housing costs in the capital cities is so high. In a market like Sydney for example, if the typical land costs $410,000 it is difficult to imagine being able to buy the land and build a home for less than $550,000. </p>
<p>With housing affordability now back on the national political agenda it is likely we will see renewed focus on the high cost of developable land in our capital cities. Reforms to reduce the cost of the vacant land would go a long way to improving housing affordability, particularly for new homes. Of course the other alternative is to encourage greater economic development of regional areas where the cost of housing is significantly lower than it is in the capital cities.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/03/10/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-10%20at%2012.43.35%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/03/10/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-10%20at%2012.43.35%20PM.png" alt=""></p>
<p><em>Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic RP Data. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.</em></p>
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Land prices on the increase: Cameron Kusher

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<p>The median lot value in Australia rose by another 3.3 percent in the September 2016 quarter.</p>
<div id="post-body-7885676193843177499" class="post-body entry-content">
<div>The Housing Industry Association (HIA) reported that the median lot value hit at a record high of $243,585. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Since June 2012, the median lot value has increase by 28 percent or nearly $54,000.<br><br>
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<div><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/16/HIA.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge </a></div>
<div class="separator"><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/2017/02/16/HIA.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div class="separator">Source: (HIA)</div>
<br><div>The picture around the country was mixed.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Land values in the Kimberley have well and truly crashed by 74 percent from the prior comparative period, for example.</div>
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<div>At the other end of the scale Sydney's <strong><em>median</em></strong> lot value is not approaching $1,000 per square metre. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Perhaps this is not all that surprising given that volumes were down by nearly 30 percent in Sydney year-on-year, with a dearth of shovel-ready land being made available. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The next most expensive city for vacant land prices is Perth at $701/sqm.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The volume of lot sales increased to 1,121 in the quarter, following some low volumes in previous quarters. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Indeed, volumes were still some 7 percent below their 2015 peak, according to the HIA. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Overall, capital city land sales rose by about 10 per cent in the year to September 2016, reflecting higher demand and generally stronger economic conditions, while volumes across regional Australia posted a gain of just 1.1 percent. </div>
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<div>
<em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of </em><a href="https://allenwargent.com/"><span class="s2"><em>AllenWargent</em></span></a><em> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and </em><a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/"><span class="s2"><em>blogger</em></span></a><em>. </em>
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Where the capital city land prices are rising the most: Pete Wargent

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<p class="post-title entry-title">EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<div>Property transaction volumes have been crippled in recent months.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>But one key dynamic has not changed.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The capital cities continue to create hundreds of thousands of the most favourable employment opportunities...and there still ain't any more well-located land.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Capital city vacant land prices increased by a massive 16 per cent to a record high of $336,124 over the year to June 2018, as supply fails dismally to keep pace with demand. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>This was much faster than the 5 per cent increase for regional lot values. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Sydney may still have the highest land price at $477,250 at the end of the June quarter.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>But Melbourne recorded faster growth, with the median land price per square metre exploding another 27 per cent higher higher over FY2018. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Sydney's median vacant land price per square metre is now $1,100, ahead of Melbourne at $885.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Price pressures are still strong in the residential land market, according to HIA.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>They found that the price and number of vacant residential lots sold increased across the state capital cities in the June 2018 quarter.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The weighted median residential lot price for Australia's state capitals increased by 3.8% to $336,125 in the June 2018 quarter to be 15.5% higher over the year.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Melbourne saw the strongest price surge with vacant residential land in Melbourne jumping 26.5% over the year to the June 2018 quarter.</div>
<p class="post-body entry-content">Tim Lawless CoreLogic' Research Director agreed with this sentiment stating upwards pressure on capital city land values will continue. </p>
<div>He found construction costs are also rising faster than inflation.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>And accordingly, the future price of new detached housing will be "inevitably higher" according to CoreLogic analysis.</div>
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Capital city land price boom continues: Pete Wargent

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<div>The Housing Industry Association (HIA) released its Land Report for the December 2015 quarter, which showed that land prices continued to soar through 2015. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The median lot price in Australia ripped +5.2 percent higher in the three months to December alone to $234,600. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Over the last half decade median lot values have increased by about +22 percent, while lot sizes have also been shrinking, meaning that land prices per square metre have been increasing sharply. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/04/21/HIA.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<img src="/images/2016/04/21/HIA.jpg" alt=""><br><div> </div>
<div>This has not been regional Australia phenomenon through this cycle, with price rises driven overwhelmingly by the capital cities (although Adelaide's lot prices actually decreased in the year to September 2015). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The same dynamic was in evidence this quarter, with capital city land prices screaming another +6.6 percent higher in just three months, while the number of transactions tightened again by a further -2.3 percent. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>That said, there are two "regional" locations which have experienced solid population and employment growth, and now have elevated and rising land prices, being the Sunshine Coast ($272,000) and the Gold Coast ($230,500). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The coastal areas of south-eastern Queensland are enjoying the lower dollar and increasing tourism, particularly from China as far as I can tell.  </div>
<div> </div>
<div>As you can see in the chart above, it's clear that supply isn't keeping pace with demand, with the number of lot sales actually declining by -1.6 percent in the December quarter. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Transaction levels have been fading for nearly two years now despite rampant demand.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Indeed vacant residential land sales crashed lower in Sydney (-22.3 percent) and Brisbane (-20.1 percent) on supply restrictions in the quarter, although there were increased sales volumes in some other capital cities. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Through the course of 2015 vacant land sales dived by 14 percent, and by a staggering 19 percent in the capital cities, where demand is actually higher. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The HIA noted that the dynamic of falling sales and rapidly rising prices points to supply bottlenecks.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
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Capital city land prices through the roof: Pete Wargent

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<p><span>The South East Queensland (SEQ) land market experienced its strongest monthly sales in more than five years in June with the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder scheme and State Government grants underpinning buyer demand. </span></p>
<p><span>Total land sales in June were 1,110, compared to 273 in April – more than 400 percent increase.</span></p>
<p>Prices remained relatively stable during the quarter, falling 0.8 percent to a median price of $248,000 compared to the March quarter.</p>
<p>In the 12 months to the end of June, prices rose 1.5 percent. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/8/20/SEQ%20LGA%20Median%20prices.JPG" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>:</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/8/20/SEQ%20LGA%20Median%20prices.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p>In terms of sales in each region, Moreton Bay moved into the top spot in the South East Queensland land market, taking 26 percent market share. For the first time since March 2016, neither Logan nor Ipswich have claimed the largest portion of sales. </p>
<p>Logan managed to push Ipswich to third place and achieved 24.9 percent of sales while Ipswich collected 24.7 percent, only a handful of sales separated the two regions. This is the first time that Ipswich has been outside of the top two since early 2015.</p>
<p>After dropping to just 273 sales across the south east in April as lockdowns closed sales offices and dented economic confidence, the market roared back to achieve 1,110 sales in June.</p>
<p>The total number of sales for the June quarter was 1,910, up from 1,518 in the March quarter and the strongest quarterly sales since December 2017. </p>
<p>The data was compiled by Oliver Hume Research by analysing nearly 2,000 transactions across more than 150 projects across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay and Redland local government areas. </p>
<p>Oliver Hume National Head of Research George Bougias said the HomeBuilder grant, combined with record low interest rates, was driving the demand from first and second home buyers. </p>
<p>“Despite the Coronavirus shutdowns and their economic impact, there are still plenty of buyers with stable incomes who are more than happy to take advantage of the numerous grants and incentives available,” he said. </p>
<p>“These are the right incentives at the right time and will keep thousands of tradies in jobs as homes begin to spring up on these blocks in the next few months.</p>
<p>“The first half of 2019 was a tough time for the SEQ land market but there was a solid recovery underway towards the end of the year and right up until the lockdowns commenced in the final two weeks of March,” he said. </p>
<p>"With the restrictions lifted and the great incentives in place the pent-up demand is returning.” </p>
<p>The $25,000 HomeBuilder grant combined with $15,000 first home buyer grant from the State Government, means eligible buyers can access $40,000 to help them get on the property ladder. Other incentives, including the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS), can save buyers thousands more on top of the grants.</p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

South East Queensland land market has strongest sales in five years with HomeBuilder scheme

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<p>Demand for residential land around Sydney has soared over the last six months, according to independent valuer and advisor m3property.</p>
<p>They say the reduced cost of debt, easier access to finance, smaller lots, and apartment market woes have been behind a noticeable pick up in demand for Sydney residential land in the last six months.</p>
<p>There was also a marginal price increase in the six months to June.</p>
<p>M3property's latest market report, Sydney Land Market Recovery, found land take-up had increased dramatically since the Federal election.</p>
<p>Jennifer Williams, national director of research, at m3property, said while take-up rates for land had averaged zero to two lot sales per month over the period September 2018 to May 2019, post-election take-up had accelerated to three to four lots per month and, in Sydney’s growth regions, six to eight lots per month according to proximity to railway stations.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">"The take-up rate has accelerated markedly since May and there are a number of factors at play, not the least being the typical pre-election market paralysis and an election campaign characterised by much debate about housing issues including negative gearing and affordability," Williams said.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">"Since the election APRA’s removal of the 7 per cent serviceability cap on residential home loans and the fall in the official cash rate from 1.5 per cent to 0.75 per cent have aided the borrowing power of most applicants.</span></p>
<p class="p5"><span class="s1">Williams suggested smaller, and more affordable, lot sizes of 250 to 300 sqqm – lot sizes averaged 454 sqm at June 2019 - pent up demand, and an increase in the median Sydney house price, had also been drivers of a general market uptick, which had seen a modest land price rise over the first half of 2019 of 0.94 per cent.</span></p>
<p class="p5"><span class="s1">Associate director residential development at m3property Ben Toole said negative apartment market publicity had also been behind some owner-occupiers’ decisions around a new preference for houses as a safer alternative.</span></p>
<p class="p5"><span class="s1">"The cladding and construction flaws issues have been major negatives for the apartment market and not surprisingly those issues have affected consumer sentiment around what is, for most people, the biggest investment they will ever make.</span></p>
<p class="p5"><span class="s1">"I have no doubt the apartment market will recover but for now it is one of a number of factors behind a significant resurgence in the take-up of land in Sydney,’’ Toole added.<span class="Apple-converted-space">   </span></span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">He said while the rate of take-up had been highest for land in close proximity (two kms) of existing railway stations, the rate of sales was also dependent on developer reputation, the size of the subdivision, choice of lots and the stage of subdivision development.</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">Toole said there was still room for growth – take-up rates remain below levels reached in 2016 and 2017 – and particularly in areas where infrastructure was at the most advanced levels.</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/27/Sydney%20land%20values.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">"The North West Growth Region has seen greater demand than the South West due to established transport services, including the introduction of the new Northwest Sydney Metro, while areas such as Box Hill, Schofields (Pictured top, the <a href="/news/clear-skies-ahead-for-akuna-vista-development-at-schofields-aerodrome">Akuna Vista development</a>) and Marsden Park have seen higher sales rates and higher prices due to both a greater number of estates and more completed estates.</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">"While overall price points in the South West are slightly lower than the North West, areas such as Leppington and Austral are achieving higher price points due to the Leppington railway line,’’ Toole said.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The report found Greater Sydney was likely to see an undersupply of dwellings over the next five years based on the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s forecast of the completion of 191,550 dwellings over the five years from 2018/19 to 2022/23.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The numbers equate to 38,300 homes per year, a significant 22 per cent rise on the previous five years when 157,250 new homes were completed, but less than the required 39,600 houses per year should the average household size in greater Sydney remain at the same level as the last Census, Jennifer Williams said.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">"If the 198,030 additional houses are required, as an extrapolation of the Census data suggests, then Greater Sydney is likely to see an undersupply of dwellings over the next five years.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">"This is likely to result in a continued reduction of lot sizes in the Sydney region and increased lot prices over the five-year outlook,’’ Williams said.</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1"> </span></p>
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