Holiday home buyers who have long gravitated to Queenstown’s alpine setting are increasingly looking for low-maintenance apartments that allow them to lock up and leave, while still generating income when they’re away.

For Wendy, who had spent years visiting the Queenstown and Arrowtown region, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>’s Mountain Oak Apartments provided the opportunity to formalise what had previously been a recurring holiday pattern.

“We always had Queenstown in the back of our minds to buy something there as a holiday home,” she says. “We love the Queenstown and Arrowtown area.”

<img alt="From slopes to markets: Mountain Oak connects residents to the best of Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/658d4f_48c3ec1ae5df4a2cab7d23c07c7f51b3~mv2.jpg?VersionId=27K8oQ4ExDN8Yu70VHDa9Olq59XU36m3" />

Time spent visiting her sister-in-law, who owns in Arrowtown, along with regular stays at Millbrook Resort, had already shaped a strong personal connection to the region.&nbsp;

Rather than approaching the purchase purely as an investment play, Wendy’s starting point was lifestyle.

“We were more thinking about ourselves and where we could stay, and then the rental aspect was second.”

Mountain Oak Apartments, located within the masterplanned Remarkables Park precinct in Frankton, aligned with that thinking. The ability to secure the apartment with a deposit and settle on completion made the timing work.

“The fact that we could put a deposit down with the balance on completion was a bonus for us,” she explains.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Wendy selected a two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse, a configuration that supports both private use and guest flexibility.

“The two-bedroom, two-bathroom configuration appealed from both a rental viewpoint and for the ability to have friends stay while we are there,” she says.

Across the development, two-bedroom apartments range from 64sqm to 78sqm, with two-bedroom plus flexi options from 71sqm to 75sqm, each with an allocated car park. The flexi layouts introduce an additional space suited to work or hobbies, reflecting demand from buyers who split their time between leisure and remote work.

Apartments include underfloor heating in bathrooms, heat pumps to living areas, and joinery positioned to maximise natural light and mountain outlooks. The Remarkables Park precinct is known for its extended winter sunshine hours, water frontage and open views toward The Remarkables.&nbsp;

Units come in light and dark interior colour schemes.

<img alt="Mountain Oak Apartments draws holiday home buyers to Queenstown" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fd685a22-3b95-43a1-87cb-48fdd42bb4ba" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/658d4f_f9f89107c2704ebbbe5a6b36da508cb3~mv2.jpg?VersionId=MigFIEm6b.mrANANwxSmwHvC4RdJUuyR" />

While lifestyle was the primary driver, the fundamentals of the Queenstown market added reassurance.&nbsp;

“Proximity to the airport and tourism being the main attraction all year round,” Wendy says, when asked what stood out from an investment perspective.

Mountain Oak sits just eight kilometres from Queenstown’s CBD and around a two-minute drive from Queenstown Airport.&nbsp;

For Wendy, that airport proximity carries practical value.

“The airport proximity is a bonus, we think that being so close will be an attraction for the convenience side.”

Residents are also a short drive from Coronet Peak, Jack’s Point Golf Course, New World Supermarket, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and the dining, medical, gym, cinema and library amenities within the town centre, as well as the seasonal Remarkables Market.

Importantly, the purchase does not lock owners into a single use. Mountain Oak offers the flexibility to opt for short-term visitor accommodation or longer-term residential rental management, with 365-day visitor accommodation consent in place. Owners can utilise Safari Group’s 24/7 on-site management service or appoint their own provider, and do not need to decide on a strategy immediately.

“It was a bonus that we can rent it out as well as use it for ourselves,” she says.

Additional buying options, including furniture packages and storage units available for purchase within the building, further support a lock-and-leave model suited to interstate and overseas owners.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Mountain Oak Apartments comprises 141 residences, ranging from one-bedroom configurations through to larger apartments and penthouses. One-bedroom apartments are currently priced from NZ$639,000, with three-bedroom options from NZ$1,299,000.

With 365-day visitor accommodation consent, the development is structured to respond to Queenstown’s established four-season tourism economy, spanning winter ski traffic and summer hiking, cycling, golf and lake-based activity.

Although Wendy acknowledges the strength of rental demand, her approach remains long term.

“We’re not planning to sell it anytime soon, so we are keen to hang on to it, but the passive income will be a bonus.”

Confidence in the developer also influenced her decision. Before proceeding, Wendy sought feedback within the local building community.

“We asked around and Safari Group had a good reputation,” she says.

Safari Group has delivered more than 2,000 hotel units and residential apartments across over 18 developments nationwide, with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector.

With completion anticipated by mid-2027, Mountain Oak is attracting a cross-section of buyers, from yield-focused investors to lifestyle purchasers seeking a foothold in one of New Zealand’s most tightly held alpine markets.

For Wendy, it represents both a future holiday base and a long-term asset within Queenstown’s year-round tourism economy.

Joel Robinson

How Mountain Oak Apartments draws holiday home buyers to Queenstown

Eduard Litver's Capitel Group is seeking to redevelop Chatswood's Mandarin Centre in the heart of the burgeoning suburb.

Capitel Group, in a joint venture with Metis Group, has filed a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to demolish the Mandarin Centre and construct a 32-storey tower designed by Skidmore, Owings &amp; Merrill (SOM) with 325 apartments.

The 3,524 sqm site at 61A-65 Albert Avenue will also home extensive retail amenity, both at street-level and across a four-level podium.

<img alt="First look: Metis and Capitel unveil $1.2bn+ plan to redevelop Chatswood’s Mandarin Centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="905976ea-08cd-409f-8a4c-33a3fb8bf351" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/1771923441002.png?VersionId=f_xI2ejpxQvEm4fPqGji01RY9_AWVY6O" />

In its early stage Design Report submitted to the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority, SOM describes the ambition for the project as one that “aims to revitalise and reactivate an important corner of the Chatswood CBD.”

The architects note that the existing shopping centre “has a lack of vertical connection between its five levels of retail and a cumbersome pedestrian access from the street to the second-level transit connection,” framing the redevelopment as an opportunity to reconfigure circulation and better integrate with surrounding transport infrastructure.

The design adopts a single tower configuration, shaped through early testing to respond to neighbouring buildings and key public spaces.

Retail activation is concentrated at ground and lower podium levels, with a focus on food and beverage, lifestyle and wellness tenancies. The intent is to create a more permeable ground plane and improve connections between Albert Avenue, Victor Street and the Chatswood transport interchange, located within walking distance of the site.

<img alt="First look: Metis and Capitel unveil $1.2bn+ plan to redevelop Chatswood’s Mandarin Centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1e0c8cb-ee9b-41c1-97ac-0455c043b9e7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/1771923442914.png?VersionId=y.Kbo.9bzLIbOabeygYts8Uf9imI.Dqh" />

The site occupies a prominent position on the southern edge of the Chatswood CBD core, bounded by Albert Avenue and Victor Street. It sits near the rail and metro interchange and within close proximity to Chatswood Chase, Westfield Chatswood, Chatswood Oval and a range of commercial office towers and residential buildings.

Chatswood has been one, and continues to be, of the most popular suburbs for developers in recent years. The most recent tower to launch is Hyecorp's Celine on Archer Street, which followed The Anderson by Changfa and Huirong.

Soon to launch is Coronation's Archer &amp; Albert nearby the new proposal.

Chatswood boom continues with Capitel and Metis’s $1.2 billion Mandarin Centre redevelopment

Apartment development applications continue to tally up in Rose Bay following the NSW Gov's 2025 update to the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.

&nbsp;

Some $200 million worth of developments were filed in the space of four weeks at the back end of last year, with the likes of Fyve, HSN, Luxcon and Fortis all seeking to creating new apartment buildings.

The latest plans are for an amalgamated 3,105 sqm site across Conway Avenue, Fernleigh Avenue, and Carlisle Street. Developer Mathieson Property is planning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dian-2-6-conway-avenue-rose-bay-nsw-2029">Dian</a>, 70 apartments across a new eight-storey building, perched on a ridgeline within walking distance of Rose Bay Town Centre.

The State Significant Development Application (SSDA), includes one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom configurations. Over 15 per cent will be dedicated as affordable, as per the NSW Government's push for affordable housing. The 17 apartments will be managed by a community housing provider for 15 years following completion of the building.

<img alt="First Look: Mathieson Property unveils eight-storey infill housing proposal ‘Dian’ in Rose Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f99c21d9-e69d-4a23-ae35-3244cfa0b4ae" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Rose%20Bay%20site_0.png?VersionId=67KSZfecJ3fvn1ewo9xxKrneRT.Nsjwd" />

MHNDU has designed the building around three central cores, with lower-level apartments arranged to maximise corner balconies and cross-ventilation. Upper levels are configured with dual north–south aspects to capture harbour views and solar access.

Private open space is a key feature of the scheme, with generous balconies and terraces throughout. Five ground-floor apartments would include private pools, while one upper-level residence will feature a rooftop terrace and pool. A communal room and adjoining landscaped outdoor terraces provide shared open space for residents.

<img alt="First Look: Mathieson Property unveils eight-storey infill housing proposal ‘Dian’ in Rose Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dd2e275f-c270-4eb1-9a02-2b573b8eb540" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Rose%20Bay%20front_0.png?VersionId=Us5jNEG6iLFLLMfQSzVBVdILYobBj.g9" />

The site sits around 365 metres walking distance of Rose Bay Town Centre and around 312 metres from regular bus services on New South Head Road, meeting the accessible area criteria under the Housing SEPP.

In early 2025, the NSW Government implemented significant changes to its Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, altering planning controls to allow greater density for new apartment projects within an 800-metre walking distance of stations and town centres in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/woollahra-nsw-2025">Woollahra</a>&nbsp;Local Government Area, overriding existing local controls. Buildings are now permitted to rise up to six storeys within 400 metres of a station or centre, or eight storeys where affordable housing is incorporated, and up to four storeys within the 401 to 800 metre radius, which can increase to six storeys with affordable housing.

Mathieson Property unveils Dian Rose Bay apartment development

Lower North Shore developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hyecorp-property-group">Hyecorp</a> is preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celine-chatswood-37-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Celine</a>, its new apartment development in Chatswood.

Set within a blue ribbon location on Archer Street, Celine will rise on a quiet, tree-lined enclave on the edge of the South Chatswood Heritage Conservation Area, a short walk from the connectivity which Chatswood is famous for.

Celine will deliver 122 one, two, three, and four-bedroom residences, designed to accommodate a broad range of buyers, from owner-occupiers to investors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362610]

Designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fuse-architecture-0">Fuse Architects</a>, the 29-storey tower has been shaped to respond to its Archer Street setting, with a defined podium and slender upper levels.&nbsp;

The building incorporates a two-storey residential lobby at the corner, double-height retail fronting Bertram Street, food and beverage tenancies along a through-site link, and two levels of commercial office space.&nbsp;

A landscaped pedestrian connection between Archer and Bertram streets will provide a publicly accessible link through the site, extending activity at ground level beyond the building footprint.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362606]

Inside, Hyecorp is emphasising scale and flexibility. Most residences will incorporate multipurpose rooms, allowing buyers to configure additional living, study or guest space within their floorplan.&nbsp;

Kitchens have been designed with proportions more commonly associated with standalone homes, complemented by Gaggenau and Miele appliances, integrated refrigeration, Miele laundry appliances, Taj Mahal stone and bronze tapware.&nbsp;

Buyers will also have the option to tailor aspects of their home through the developer’s “Live Your Way” personalisation service.

Resident amenity will include an outdoor pool, gym and sauna, as well as barbecue and lounge areas designed for shared use. Upper levels are oriented to capture eastern outlooks towards the Sydney CBD and surrounding greenery.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362633]

The location places future residents within 800 metres of Chatswood Interchange, providing access to metro and rail services, and within walking distance of Westfield, Chatswood Chase and the Chatswood Concourse. Parks including Chatswood Park and Beauchamp Park are nearby, along with a cluster of schools and private hospitals.

Celine continues Hyecorp’s focus on the Lower North Shore. The Australian, family-owned developer has been operating locally for more than 30 years, with recent projects including Audrey in St Leonards, now nearing completion, and Juliet in Roseville. With registrations expected to open soon, Celine represents the group’s latest addition to the Chatswood apartment market.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149594]

Hyecorp unveils Celine, a striking new apartment tower in the heart of Chatswood

International development company <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spg-land">SPG Land</a> has kicked off construction of the $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Paradiso Place</a>, one of the highest value developments to get underway on the Gold Coast in more than a decade.

Located on a 1.15ha site stretching from Surfers Paradise Boulevard to Ferny Avenue, Paradiso Place, when completed, will deliver 845 residences across three residential towers. &nbsp;

Paradiso Place has been several years in planning by SPG, which has now pushed the green light on construction to meet pent-up demand from investors and owner occupiers.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185858]

The move follows minor amendments to the original design to cater to buyer demand, including the provision of more premium residential amenity, including private dining, lounge and events spaces for residents to entertain guests.

The three towers, comprising 41, 40 and 44 levels, will bring to the market 845 apartments with each tower boasting its own podium level interconnected skybridge to create a unique elevated ‘beachside village’ for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362500]

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed development will bring a broad range of residences to the market, most offering ocean views and all enjoying five-star hotel amenities with world-class facilities and the convenience ground level retail precinct.

&nbsp;

Construction of Paradiso Place has been made possible by SPG’s newly established SPG Built division partnered with experienced project management group Eastview Australia, a company that has supported the development of a raft of major projects on the Gold Coast over the past two decades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362499]

“It’s a very exciting time for Paradiso Place as we start construction,” said SPG Land Chairman David Wang.

“We have spent our energy refreshing design and assembling the best team and waiting for what we believe is the right time to start construction on one of the most exciting mixed-use developments to proceed on the Gold Coast since Oracle in Broadbeach and Circle on Cavill in Surfers Paradise. &nbsp;

“The local and interstate downsizer market is getting stronger, and we see Paradiso Place as the right project for our times right now. Our company has the capacity to deliver large-scale projects, and we are thrilled to be bringing this vision to reality.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185861]

SPG Invest, a company founded in Australia in 1998 with a focus on high-end real estate and premium hospitality assets, has delivered 56 projects in the Asia-Pacific region over the past twenty-five years, including The Peninsula Hotel Shanghai and the Global 188 twin-tower project in Suzhou and Cambridge Residences at Robina.

Paradiso Place will deliver a range of new apartments with two-, three- and four-bedroom layouts, as well as a collection of sub-penthouse and penthouse apartments across three levels. Prices start from $950,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185852]

“We have a very strong vision for Paradiso Place – we are creating a unique beachside residential community where contemporary design &amp; architecture and luxury materials combine with five star residents’ amenities and the convenience of a premium retail precinct on the ground floor”, said SPG Land CEO Dr Ying Rao&nbsp;

“We are confident that the community will recognise that this is more than just another development. Paradiso Place will bring a much-needed retail precinct and lifestyle hub to northern Surfers Paradise with premium retail, lifestyle and food and beverage options,” Said Dr Rao&nbsp;

“The retail precinct is critical to enhancing the lifestyle amenity for residents and guests, so SPG will retain control of this precinct to curate a premium retail offering that will support this thriving new community.

“SPG will also retain short-term holiday letting to control premium and luxury outcomes in line with our vision.”

Construction of Stage 1 Paradiso Place is expected to be completed by end of 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106566]

Construction commences on $1.5 billion Paradiso Place development in Surfers Paradise

Mackay

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The number of growth markets in Regional Queensland is rising, helped by recovery in resources-related regional centres. Mackay is now the most upwardly-mobile market, having overtaken the softening Sunshine Coast market, and Gladstone is now showing signs of recovery, with some of its suburbs rising.
Regional Queensland markets collectively have improved in the past year or so: in the past five quarterly surveys of sales activity by Hotspotting, the number of locations with growing demand has increased from 30 to 36 to 40 to 45 to 48. 
The number of growth markets had decreased sharply in the late 2017 survey but showed steady improvement in 2018 and this has continued into 2019. 
The other key feature is the number of Regional Queensland markets with price growth. We analysed price movements in 313 markets and found 203 (65%) have median prices higher than a year ago. Of the 203 growth markets, 99 have recorded median price growth of 5% or more, while another 104 markets have increased by less than 5%.
Of the higher growth markets, 42 have increased by more than 10%, including 15 which have grown 20% or more. Some of the highest annual growth in median prices has been recorded in mining towns Emerald (up 24%), Clermont (up 33%) and Dysart (24%), but these are rising from a low base after several years of downturn.
A number of unit markets have recorded high growth in the median prices, including Noosa Heads (31%) and Peregian Springs (23%) on the Sunshine Coast; Airlie Beach (26%) in the Whitsundays; Bilinga (26%), Broadbeach Waters (27%) and Coolangatta (25%) on the Gold Coast; and East Toowoomba (29%) in the inland regional city of Toowoomba. 
Other growth markets are Sunshine Coast lifestyle locations Sunshine Beach (40%), Eumundi (23%) and Doonan (21%).
A standout characteristic is the recovery in resources-related markets which have spent the past few years in downturn. This trend is headed by Mackay, which now has rising demand coupled with much lower vacancies, and some suburbs are now showing good price growth.
Emerald, which is located near the mines of the Bowen Basin and the Galilee Basin, is a standout: quarterly sales have been 51, 57, 66, 62, 60, 76 and 78, while the median house price has risen 24% to $310,000 in the past 12 months. The trend here is a prime example of the recovery in the resources-related towns.
There’s further evidence of revival in Gladstone, in addition to the steady reduction in vacancies (now below 3%). In our latest analysis we have classified six Gladstone suburbs as rising markets and three suburbs (Clinton, Kin Kora and West Gladstone) have median house prices higher than a year ago. But the market remains patchy – some suburbs are still classified as decline or danger markets and most suburbs still have median prices lower than a year ago (but it’s significant that most of those suburbs have recorded an uplift in prices in the most recent quarter).
As always, never forget that markets that have strong links to the resources sector are volatile and are prone to major downturns. They’re not good places for risk-averse investors.
The larger, more diversified regional centres of Queensland continue to have steady markets, headed by Cairns and the Fraser Coast. Cairns has seven suburbs with rising sales activity, but prices have yet to react to improved demand – most Cairns suburbs have median prices lower than a year ago, although there are exceptions like Caravonica, Whitfield and Yorkeys Knob.
The Fraser Coast region, centred on Hervey Bay, now has six rising suburbs, like rapidly-improving Urangan. Toogoom, Tinana and Kawungan have all recorded strong price uplift in the past year.
Toowoomba remains a solid market without yet showing any overt growth signs, while Townsville has suffered setbacks from the recent major flooding.
The Sunshine Coast, which for some time has been the strongest of the Queensland markets, no longer has that mantle. It now has few suburbs with rising demand, but many plateau markets –which suggests this market may have passed its peak in terms of demand.
But it’s still producing strong price outcomes. Of the 99 Regional Queensland markets with annual price growth above 5%, 38 are in the Sunshine Coast region – plus another 24 suburbs have growth of less than 5%. Both house and apartment markets in and around Noosa continue to be leading performers on price growth. 
Sunshine Coast markets with annual growth above 10% include the Doonan, Eumundi, Mooloolaba, Maleny, Sunshine Beach, Woombye, Wurtulla, Pomona, Twin Waters and Peregian Beach house markets, as well as the Golden Beach, Noosa Heads, Noosaville, Peregian Springs and Warana unit markets.
As we reported in the previous edition, the post-Games boost predicted by some has not eventuated on the Gold Coast. This market was strong from 2015 to 2017 because of the pre-Commonwealth Games construction boom. 
Since then the growth has subsided and it’s difficult to find any growth suburbs (in terms of sales activity) in Gold Coast City, but 41 suburbs classified as either plateau or consistency markets – plus a couple of decline markets. The price outcomes are also mixed: 57 suburbs have median prices higher than a year ago, but there are 27 with prices lower than last year.
A notable trend on the Gold Coast is that many of the best performers on price growth are apartment markets – but not the iconic beachside enclaves like Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and Broadbeach. The unit markets showing growth are in the inland suburbs like Ashmore, Benowa, Elanora, Helensvale, Pacific Pines and Mudgeeraba – or the beachside suburbs outside the glitter strip, like Bilinga, Coolangatta, Palm Beach and Runaway Bay.
Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au
<a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au">ryder@hotspotting.com.au</a>
twitter.com/hotspotting
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Mackay leads regional Queensland price growth surge: Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

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Agents in Mackay reported a slight decrease in sale volumes towards the start of COVID-19 restrictions, however as the government slowly starts to lift restrictions, volumes are slowly starting to improve, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm suggests in locations across the nation, the downtime delivered by isolation has spurned on owners looking to improve their assets through maintenance and upgrade. This month’s HTW report highlights where renovations are on the rise and the price points and outcomes those markets can expect.
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The report notes new listings and property values appear to have held steady with no material change in market value.
The Mackay rental market was already tight prior to the pandemic with vacancy levels under two per cent, however agents have reported increased interest, particularly from fly in fly out workers who have been unable to travel due to restrictions and will be further hampered by the effects of Virgin’s possible closure.
"We have not seen any indication to suggest that renovations have changed during lock down.
"We consider renovations to have remained steady and are still predominantly occurring in inner city locations (Mackay, East, West and South Mackay). They are generally of older style, low set or high set dwellings purchased for less than $300,000," the valuation firm said. 
There are a mix of owner-occupiers and investors looking to renovate, however the investor types tend to be tradespeople who can undertake much of the work themselves and flip them straight away.
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Depending on the size of the dwelling and the degree of ancillary improvements, they are worth between $350,000 and $550,000 on completion, the report noted.
Smaller dwellings on smaller than average lots with basic ancillary improvements are worth between $350,000 and $400,000.
Larger dwellings with significant ancillary improvements and over 700 square metre allotments are worth anywhere between $450,000 and $550,000.
A renovated house in West Mackay has recently been sold for $379,000.
The three bedroom, two bathroom home is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-west+mackay-133582790" target="_blank">57 Mogford Street</a> (pictured below).
It features open plan living zone, study, storage and backyard. 
<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/2020/6/22/west%20mackay%20.jpg" alt="">
A current listing is a three bedroom Queenslander in West Mackay priced at $549,000.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-west+mackay-133632014" target="_blank">414 Bridge Road</a> home (pictured below) comprises three bedrooms, multiple living areas, entertaining deck and in ground pool.
It also features features polished floors, stone bench topped kitchen and cupboard storage. 
<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/2020/6/22/west%20mackay%203.jpg" alt="">
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Mackay renovation activities remain steady: HTW residential 

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There is no doubt that the Mackay economy is heavily influenced by the resource sector in the Bowen Basin and associated service industries located in Paget, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said. 
The report notes Mackay enjoyed a significant and sustained mining boom which lasted until about 2012/2013 when a major downturn in the resource sector had a massive flow on effect on the Mackay economy and residential housing market. 
There were definitely some very hard times with significant job losses. The residential market fell between 20 percent and 30 percent, with the median house price falling around $100,000 during this time.
"The downturn did have some positive effects in Mackay, allowing the economy to diversify and not be fully reliant on a booming resource sector," the valuation firm said. 
Housing affordability became a real positive for the city, with workers who had been previously priced out of the housing and rental markets now able to enter the market.
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Since 2017, the Mackay residential market stabilised, the report noted. Throughout 2018 and 2019, Mackay has seen large infrastructure projects (such as the Mackay Ring Road project), an improved resource sector and increased employment opportunities have seen improved market conditions in the residential sector. 
Throw in historic low interest rates and all the ingredients are there for sustained growth in residential real estate in the short to medium term.
"The one big caveat to this is the current COVID-19 pandemic and the economic effects it might have.
"At the time of writing, there has been limited disruption to the major industries in Mackay and the Bowen Basin, however, should the virus make its way here and into the Bowen Basin resulting in large disruptions and possible mining shutdowns, the effects could become quite pronounced. I guess only time will tell," the valuation firm said. 
A two bedroom townhouse in Mackay has recently been sold for $200,000.
Te <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-qld-mackay-132809774" target="_blank">5/54 Goldsmith Street </a>home (pictured below) was last sold in 2007 for $230,000.
The townhouse features raked ceilings, lock up garage, wet room, and gardens. 
<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/2020/5/18/mackay%201.jpg" alt="">
A new listing is a two bedroom unit situated on the fringe of Mackay CBD.
The 72sqm unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-mackay-133596482" target="_blank">4/12 East Gordon Street </a>(pictured below) has been listed for sale with a price guide of $160,000.
It comes with family room, courtyard, large bathroom and private courtyard. 
<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/2020/5/18/mackay%202.jpg" alt="">
<div>Note regards COVID-19</div>
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This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks. 
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<div>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</div>
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The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Mackay property market remains unclear: HTW residential 

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2019 was a positive year not only for the Mackay residential market but for the general Mackay economy, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report.

The report notes a buoyant resource sector coupled with large infrastructure projects, particularly the Mackay Ring Road, saw increased employment opportunities and population growth throughout the year.

The residential market saw increased demand and slight capital growth. The rental market really gathered momentum in 2019, with vacancies below two percent and rental values increasing significantly.

"In 2019, Mackay’s economy was strong, we had record low interest rates and there were excellent employment prospects across most industries, but we only saw minor property value growth. There are a number of factors that contributed to this," the valuation firm said. 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94823]

Firstly, the median house price for Mackay fell from $438,000 to around $340,000 at the bottom of the market, a drop of around $100,000. This equity reduction eroded the purchasing power of a number of people who purchased property, particularly if they purchased at the height of the market.

Also, the strict lending policies of banks meant that a far greater deposit was required to purchase property.

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"As we head into 2020, there appears to be no slowdown in the resource sector with significant employment opportunities available," the valuation firm said.

Also, the Mackay Ring Road project is well underway, with the government approving Stage 2 and the Walkerston Bypass being recently listed on the National Infrastructure Priority list.

Add the smaller local projects, including The Resource Centre of Excellence, retail expansion including Coles at Andergrove and the Northern Beaches Emporium development plus other council projects including the Mackay CBD to Harbour link, Queens Park revitalisation project and the Rotary lookout in North Mackay and all of these projects and opportunities should keep the economic recovery of Mackay continuing into 2020.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94830]

The report notes interest rates are expected to continue at record low levels for the short term and there appears to be a softening of some of the strict criteria of the banks.

"So what do we think will happen to residential property in 2020? We think the momentum gained in Mackay over the past two years will continue into 2020. 

"We anticipate modest price growth throughout the year across all market sectors, with rentals to remain tight. With continuing record low interest rates, good employment opportunities and a general feeling of optimism across Mackay, we think 2020 will be a good year for the residential real estate market." 

A fully finished self contained apartment in Mackay has been listed for rent with a price of $340 per week.

Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mackay-417251618" target="_blank">4/24 East Gordon Street</a> (pictured below), the apartment comes with master bedroom, open plan living area, and well-equipped kitchen.

It is located within walking distance to the Town Beach and only a short drive to CBD.

<img alt="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/3/9/mackay%20.jpg">

A three bedroom Queenslander situated close to Mackay CBD has been sold for $280,000.

Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-mackay-132385018" target="_blank">26 Juliet Street </a>(pictured below), the house comes with renovated kitchen, open plan lounge and dining, and functional bathroom.

It's situated close to restaurants, schools, sporting grounds and parklands. 

<img alt="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/3/9/mackay%202.jpg">
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Mackay to see price growth throughout 2020 across all property market sectors: HTW residential 

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A North Mackay, Queensland mortgagee home was listed just months after it was sold in January of 2019.
Currently listed for $270,000 - $275,000, the property previously transacted for $255,000.
The property has been listed through Buymyplace, meaning the vendor has not employed an agent to market the property.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-north+mackay-128779974" target="_blank">10 Meadow Street</a>, the abode is a four bedroom one bathroom house.
Set on 1,000 sqm, the property was previously sold in 2011 for $275,000, the same price as what the vendors are currently seeking.
The renovated property has been listed as a rental multiple times between 2012 - 2017. In 2012 the vendors sough $435/pw.
In 2015 the vendors sought between $240/pw - $280/pw and most recently in 2017 the vendors were asking for $240/pw - $250/pw.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median sale price for a unit in <a href="/news">North Mackay</a> is $255,000, according to CoreLogic.
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North Mackay, Queensland mortgagee home listed months after purchase for 2011 price

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Mackay has been in recovery mode for the 12 months, with improved market confidence across the residential sector, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report notes values bottomed out and have now started to improve slightly.
"On the prestige front, we have seen a variety of properties sell, with the majority of sales around $1.2 million give or take $50,000," the valuation firm said. 
"For this amount, you can get good quality rural residential properties comprising large executive style dwelling and associated ancillary improvements."
Examples provided by the HTW report include <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-the+leap-129464526" target="_blank">241 Kochs Road</a>, Farleigh (pictured above) for $1.24 million and <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-the+leap-131335718" target="_blank">185 Ian Reddacliffe Drive</a> (pictured below) for $1.2 million.
<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/2019/11/20/185%20Ian%20Reddacliff%20drive.jpg" alt="">
"In town, we have also seen some good quality residential sales. These include the sale of 11 Joseph Court for $1.05 million," the valuation firm said. 
It comprises a large, two-storey architecturally designed dwelling representing the highest sale in a standard residential estate.
The jewel in the crown however belongs to the sale of <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-dolphin+heads-130953794" target="_blank">30 Beach Road, Dolphin Heads</a> (pictured below) for $1.73 million.
<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/2019/11/20/30%20beach%20rd.jpg" alt="">
This property comprises a large architecturally designed dwelling on absolute beach front at Dolphin Heads and represents the highest sale recorded in Mackay in the past 12 months.
Local agents report good interest in prestige property, however a lack of high quality stock is currently holding the market back.
"One way we have seen around this is the increase in new construction of prestige dwellings.
"A number of large architectural dwellings are currently being built or planned for construction right across the Mackay region." 
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Mackay sees increase in new construction of prestige dwellings: HTW residential 

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Between 2013 and 2017, it was a pretty tough slog for investors in residential real estate in Mackay, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at rental yields across the nation. 
"The downturn in the resource sector and flow on effects to Mackay have been well documented in this column, but are important to give context in the current market," the valuation firm said. 
Rental vacancy rates blew out significantly from around 1% to a high of 9.4%, with market rental values falling between 30% and 50%.
"Investors all but left the market during this period, putting greater pressure on values of purely investment grade stock, in particular flats and units.
"However, over the past 12 to 18 months, the tide has definitely started turning," the valuation firm said. 
Rental vacancy rates have been falling over the past two years and currently sit at just below 2% with market rental values increasing throughout this period.
In fact, the rate of increase in rental values rose faster than any increase in capital values during this period, meaning yields are increasing.
This fact alone, with the prospect of increasing capital values in the medium term, is making Mackay a great place to invest at present, the report noted.
"So, what are the yields being achieved at present?
"For residential dwellings, gross yields currently sit between 5% and 6%, with the higher yields currently available on lower value dwellings," the valuation firm said. 
The HTW report suggests the minimum rental levels in Mackay have been rising steadily, allowing greater yields on these properties.
The risk is the older properties may require capital expenditure and repairs and do not reap the depreciation benefits on more modern properties.
"In terms of gross yields only, the highest yields currently available are with units. Unit values fell significantly in the downturn and have only started to increase slightly since," the valuation firm said. 
For example, an older style walk up two-storey attached unit in close proximity to the CBD can still be purchased for under $150,000, with some recent sales as low as $110,000.
These units can command a rental of between $180 and $200 per week giving gross yields of between 7% and 8.5%.
"Just a word of caution, these rates are gross yields only and do not take into account the higher costs of insurance and body corporate levies in Mackay or rates payable." 
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Mackay minimum rental levels rise steadily: HTW residential 

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The Mackay market experienced significant value loss between 2013 and 2017, but momentum has now shifted with slight increases in value, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
"In the entry or lower markets, we are seeing most buyers looking for good bones they can add value to," the valuation firm stated. 
The HTW report notes there is a real chance of capital growth, which first home buyers may capitalise on.
This market segment is traditionally around the sub-$300,000 and has been very active, the firm said. 
"For this amount, you are buying older style lowset and highset dwellings in traditional suburbs such as South Mackay, North Mackay, East Mackay and West Mackay," the valuation firm noted. 
A three bedroom cottage at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-west+mackay-131490238" target="_blank"> 17 Paulette Street, West Mackay</a> (pictured below) has recently been sold for $325,000. 
Nestled on an 814 square metre allotment, the home comprises three bedrooms, sunroom, kitchen, and bathroom. 
It last sold for in 2009 for $310,000. 
<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/2019/9/18/west%20mackay%20.jpg" alt="">
For upgraders in the middle market, location becomes a big factor according to the HTW report. 
Good quality executive estates are becoming more and more popular with the bounce back in the market.
"The market is now starting to really differentiate between good quality estates and other slightly less quality estates that have a percentage of investment stock," the valuation firm said. 
"These dwellings are normally large rendered masonry four bedroom, two bathroom dwellings, with prices that start at $500,000."
The high end market has two definite fundamentals, being location and quality of improvements.
In the location group, areas that have excellent views or frontage to water are sought after and often have older-style improvements but command a premium for the location aspects.
"On the improvements side, we are seeing prestige estates becoming more popular, with very large prestige dwellings being constructed with extensive ancillary improvements. Both these sectors start at $800,000 and above." 
A beachfront home at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-eimeo-131619802" target="_blank"> 4/3 Mango Avenue, Eimeo</a> (pictured below) has been listed for sale with $1.3 million hopes. 
Set on a 500 square metre block, the home comprises three bedrooms, open plan living areas, timber kitchen, and rumpus room.
Other features include alfresco dining area, lap pool, high ceilings, and led lighting. 
<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/2019/9/18/eimeo.jpg" alt="">
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Mackay property slightly increasing in value: HTW residential 

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Mackay's Coral Cay Resort has been purchased by West Australian-based Facilimate Hotels. 
Located on a large 9,148 square metres site, the hotel at 14-18 Nebo Road comprises 82 one, two and three bedroom apartments, a restaurant, two meeting rooms, a swimming pool, gymnasium, manager's residence and outdoor car parking. 
The sale is evidence that investor sentiment is on the rise in Mackay market, showing signs of recovery following recent mining project approvals, said Managing Director of Facilimate Hotels, Stephen Lauder.
"With the hotel situated between our Brisbane and Cairns hotels, we identified synergies in adding the asset to our portfolio and increasing our footprint in the Queensland market," Lauder. 
This ideal represents the group's third purchase in Queensland, following its acquisition of the Pacific Hotel Cairns and Urban Hotel Brisbane.
It boosts its portfolio of owned and operated assets to six across the ACT, Western Australia and Queensland.
The sale was by embattled fund manager Blue Sky which took a capital loss of about $6 million after Facilitate paid about $10 million.
Blue Sky Residential Asset Managers, an unlisted fund that comes under the umbrella of ASX-listed Blue Sky Alternative Investments Limited, paid $16 millio in May 2013.
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Facilimate Hotels buys Mackay Coral Cay Resort  

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A North Mackay, Queensland mortgagee home has been listed just months after it was sold in January of 2019.
Currently listed for $270,000 - $275,000, the property previously transacted for $255,000.
The property has been listed through Buymyplace, meaning the vendor has not employed an agent to market the property.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-north+mackay-128779974" target="_blank">10 Meadow Street</a>, the abode is a four bedroom one bathroom house.
Set on 1,000 sqm, the property was previously sold in 2011 for $275,000, the same price as what the vendors are currently seeking.
The renovated property has been listed as a rental multiple times between 2012 - 2017. In 2012 the vendors sough $435/pw.
In 2015 the vendors sought between $240/pw - $280/pw and most recently in 2017 the vendors were asking for $240/pw - $250/pw.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median sale price for a unit in <a href="/developments/north-mackay-qld-4740">North Mackay</a> is $255,000, according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as -2.6%.
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