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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

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

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

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

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

Median Growth

Melbourne apartment values are approaching a $600,000 median after posting further one per cent gains across April, according to property data firm CoreLogic.

The gains followed a 2.1 per cent jump over March and 1.2 per cent across February, taking their rolling quarterly growth to four per cent.

Apartment values in the Victorian capital have been rising since October. They started the year with a $577,206 median. Now the median is at $599,234.

The main gains across the last six months or so across the country&nbsp;have been found in the housing&nbsp;sector, which is expected to taper off as the growth has been deemed &quot;unsustainable.&quot;

And that growth is likely to give a shot in the arm to the more affordable apartment sector.

CoreLogic&#39;s&nbsp;research director, Tim Lawless, says the pace of capital gains in the housing market could slow further over the coming months as inventory levels rise and affordability constraints dampen&nbsp;demand.

&ldquo;The slowdown in housing value appreciation is unsurprising given the rapid rate of growth seen over the past six months, especially in the context of subdued wages growth. With housing prices rising faster than incomes, it&rsquo;s likely price sensitive sectors of the market, such as first home buyers and lower income households, are finding it harder to save for a deposit and transactional costs.&rdquo;

&quot;There is already some evidence of fewer first time buyers in the market, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting a -4.0% fall in the value of first home buyer home loans through February, the first drop since May last year.

<h2>Melbourne apartments and townhouses to secure at less than the growing median</h2>

Melbourne Grand

Price - Two bedroom apartments for $569,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490 project_image_fid=93147]

One of Melbourne&#39;s most recently completed towers is the $470 million Melbourne Grand, developed by Central Equity.

They had Multiplex deliver the 58 level high-rise apartment building which won the 2020 HIA Victorian Apartment Complex of the Year award.

High-profile architects Guilford Bell + Graham Fisher designed the 646 apartment block at 560 Lonsdale Street, standing some 200 metres above street level.

One bedroom apartments are priced from $489,000, two beds from $569,000 and three bedroom apartments from $869,000.

Sky Garden, Glen Waverley 
 
Price - One bedroom apartments from $498,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2881 project_image_fid=148829]

Developed by Golden Age, Sky Garden is the latest mixed-use development in Melbourne&rsquo;s Glen Waverley.

Featuring over 4,000 sqm of internal and external facilities, the development boasts an affordable&nbsp;entry price of just $498,000.

Features include a sky garden, private cinema, gym, heated lap pool and private library.

Apartment values in the Victorian capital have been rising since October



May 2021: How did Melbourne apartment values perform over April?

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The Brisbane apartment market has continued its strong run, with values rising a further one per cent over February, according to CoreLogic's monthly Hedonic Home Value Index.

It follows a 0.4 per cent gain over January and a 0.4 per cent gain over December, which saw its median reach a 2020 high of $390,000.

Now the median sits at $396,183 and is approaching the $400,000 mark.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90553]

Values in Brisbane are now 1.8 per cent up over the quarter.

CoreLogic's head of research Tim Lawless says there are tentative signs the trend of the housing market performing considerably stronger than the unit market could become less obvious.
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CoreLogic's head of research Tim Lawless says there are tentative signs the trend of the housing market performing considerably stronger than the unit market could become less obvious.


March 2021: How did Brisbane apartment values perform over February?

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Apartments values across Sydney jumped 1.2 per cent over February, according to CoreLogic's monthly Hedonic Home Value Index.

The New South Wales capital was one of the country's strongest performers, joint second with Melbourne and Perth (both +1.2 per cent).

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21882]

The jump in values across Sydney follows -0.1 per cent declines over December and January. The February growth puts Sydney unit values one per cent up on the quarter.

Sydney's median apartment value now sits at $738,254, according to CoreLogic, up from last month's $734,198.

CoreLogic's head of research Tim Lawless says there are tentative signs the trend of the housing market performing considerably stronger than the unit market could become less obvious.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6798]

Lawless also noted that the weak rental conditions across Sydney and Melbourne unit markets looks to be turning.

"Melbourne unit rents edged higher in February after falling for nine of the previous 10 months", Lawless said.

"The improvement in unit rents across Australia's two largest cities is likely to be at least partially seasonal as demand from domestic students generally rises early in the year, but could also be attributable to more people returning to work in the inner cities as well as workers in some of the hardest hit industries such as hospitality, food and accomodation service returning to employment."
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The New South Wales capital was one of the country's strongest performers, joint second with Melbourne and Perth (both +1.2 per cent).

March 2021: How did Sydney apartment values perform over February?

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The Melbourne apartment market has continued to see price growth at the start of 2021 following a strong run toward the back end of 2020.

The median apartment value was up 0.1 per cent, according to data analytics firm CoreLogic, following from 0.6 per cent gains in December and 0.7 per cent gains in November.

The gain sees the median apartment value hit $577,206. Apartment investors were given a boost over January, with unit rents holding firm having declined 7.8 per cent over the past year.

Urban has taken a look at five apartments blocks to secure under or around the median apartment value.

<h2>1. Collins &amp; Bates, Chadstone</h2>

Price: Two bedroom apartments starting from $520,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3950]

In the 98 residence Collins &amp; Bates, you can secure a two bedroom apartment for well below Melbourne's median apartment value. Prices for two beds start from $520,000, with one bed apartments from $420,000. All three bedroom residences, which started from $1 million, are sold out.

Aultun Property Group are the developers behind Collins &amp; Bates. They had Point Architects design the residences and had C&amp;C Interiors handle the interiors which feature Caesar stone bench tops, porcelain splashbacks, Bosch appliances, wool carpets and engineered oak timber flooring.

<h2>2. Hurstmon, Malvern East</h2>

Price: One bedroom apartments starting from $449,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4807]

Landream's Hurstmon development, set for completion in early 2022, has one bedroom apartments available from as low as $449,000. Their two bedroom apartments are a step up, starting from $795,000.

Designed by Telha Clarke, the 39 residence development is surrounded by stately trees and lush, established gardens.

<h2>3. Verre, Preston</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7275]

Wolf&amp;Lamb's Verre development, set for completion in early 2022, has one, two and three bedroom residences on offer with prices ranging from $385,000 to $815,000.

The 57 residence complex has been designed by Chamberlain Architects.

<h2>4. Melbourne Grand, Melbourne</h2>

Price: Two bedroom apartments starting from $569,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490]

Winner of the HIA Victorian apartment complex of the year for 2020, the Melbourne Grand has its two bedroom apartments starting from $569,000, just below Melbourne's median apartment price.

The 652 unit project, developed by Central Equity, offers a range of one, two and three bedroom apartments priced from $489,000.

<h2>5. Volaire, West Melbourne</h2>

Price: Two bedroom apartments starting from $599,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2407]

Just above Melbourne's median price are two bedroom apartments in the 159 apartment development Volaire. The CBUS Property-developed project spanning 10 levels has been designed by Hayball to pay homage to the site's industrial heritage with its architectural façade.

The triangular building features cantilevered balconies and occupies its own island site with a ground floor restaurant.

 
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Apartment investors were given a boost over January, with unit rents holding firm having declined 7.8 per cent over the past year.

Melbourne apartment median value up 0.1% in January: What you can buy for the new median 

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Brisbane’s median house price has hit a record-breaking $720,000, after 4.4 per cent annual house price growth in 2020. 

According to the latest Queensland Market Monitor published by the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, Brisbane’s median house price rose 1.4 per cent in the September quarter to $720,000 across 2751 transactions.

Annually, Brisbane’s median house price rose 4.4 per cent to reach $710,000 with 12,309 transactions.

The REIQ advised Brisbane houses are in the “rising phase of the price cycle.”

The state's most expensive housing market, Noosa was the best performer for median house price growth for a third consecutive quarter, rising 3.6 per cent growth to $895,000. 

Noosa’s quarterly median unit price was also the top performer for units, rising 5 per cent to $705,000. 

The Gold Coast saw a 3.2 percent annual house price rise to September, to $640,000.

The Gold Coast's unit and townhouse median price recorded a 1.8 per cent rise to $420,000.
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The REIQ advised Brisbane houses are in the “rising phase of the price cycle.”

jchancellor

Brisbane’s median house price hits record $720,000

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The median house price in Victoria has recorded its largest increase since 2000, according to data from Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s quarterly December report.  

For the first time, metropolitan houses in Melbourne surpassed a median value of $900,000, jumping by 9.5 per cent from the September quarter to $941,000.  

House prices in middle Melbourne increased by 8 per cent to $1,066,500.

Regional Victoria recording its highest quarterly growth since 2003 with houses at median price of $485,500, up 9.2 per cent from the September quarter, and 7.5 per cent annual growth.

Regional unit prices recorded a 3.5 per cent quarterly increase, to be now 10.3 per cent more valuable than they were 12 months ago.    

Units in metro Melbourne achieved a median price of $639,500, 2.5 per cent higher than the September quarter and an annual increase of 3.8 per cent.  

Following the lifting of intensive lockdowns in October, activity in the property sector returned in Victoria, with an estimated 29,500 transactions in the December quarter, the highest number of quarterly transactions in 2020, surpassing the March quarter at 27,500.  

REIV president Leah Calnan said the Victorian property market has remained “remarkably resilient” in 2020 despite dire market predictions at the on-set of COVID-19.  
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For the first time, metropolitan houses in Melbourne surpassed a median value of $900,000



Victoria's median house price records largest increase since 2000

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Melbourne house values soared a massive 2.4 per cent over October, leaving Sydney trailing in its wake, according to CoreLogic.
Melbourne's huge success over the month also took its quarterly gains higher than Sydney, posting 5.7 per cent gains.
Sydney house values were up another 1.8 per cent in October, with quarterly gains of 5.3 per cent.
The October price surge in houses is the biggest month-on-month gain since May 2015.
To enlarge, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/11/1/Capital%20values%20October%202019.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a>.
<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/2019/11/1/Capital%20values%20October%202019.jpg" alt="">
Last month the nations two biggest capital city markets <a href="/news/sydney-and-melbourne-compete-to-lead-the-recovery-as-perth-struggles-continue-corelogic-september-update">posted 1.6 per cent gains</a> in house values.
Melbourne's unit market also outperformed Sydney in October, posting two per cent gains to Sydney's 1.2 per cent increase.
Nationally dwelling prices were up 1.2 per cent across all capitals and territories, the fourth month in a row of dwelling value gains.
To enlarge, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/11/1/Capital%20dwelling%20values%20Oct%202019.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a>.
<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/2019/11/1/Capital%20dwelling%20values%20Oct%202019.jpg" alt="">
Perth was the only capital not to see gains, with their value decline over the quarter now approaching Darwin after the Northern Territory capital saw a 0.3 per cent dwelling value increase over October.
Darwin's slight increase was led by houses, up 0.7 per cent. Perth's median dwelling value has now slipped behind Adelaide.
Sydney and Melbourne's dwelling values are approaching the break even point annually after a huge turn around in the markets in the last few months.
 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Melbourne house value growth overtakes Sydney after October surge: CoreLogic

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Adelaide recorded a marginal quarterly decline in house prices, down by 0.3% to $519,517, according to Domain.
Comparatively, however, the 0.3% drop follows five consecutive months of house price increases and the result is up 4.1% year-on-year.
Adelaide was one of the few capital cities to record an increase in median unit prices over the September quarter, jumping 1.6% to $313,074. The quarterly result is 2.6% higher than the same time last year.
Domain quarterly stratified median house prices:
<table border="1" cellpadding="0">
<thead><tr>
<td>
HOUSE
</td>
<td>
SEP 2017
</td>
<td>
JUN 2017
</td>
<td>
SEP 2016
</td>
<td>
QOQ %
</td>
<td>
YOY %
</td>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Sydney
</td>
<td>
$1,167,516
</td>
<td>
$1,190,677
</td>
<td>
$1,079,309
</td>
<td>
-1.9%
</td>
<td>
8.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Melbourne
</td>
<td>
$880,902
</td>
<td>
$869,598
</td>
<td>
$773,399
</td>
<td>
1.3%
</td>
<td>
13.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Brisbane
</td>
<td>
$551,840
</td>
<td>
$552,874
</td>
<td>
$531,767
</td>
<td>
-0.2%
</td>
<td>
3.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Adelaide
</td>
<td>
$519,517
</td>
<td>
$520,846
</td>
<td>
$498,971
</td>
<td>
-0.3%
</td>
<td>
4.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Perth
</td>
<td>
$554,095
</td>
<td>
$561,391
</td>
<td>
$567,314
</td>
<td>
-1.3%
</td>
<td>
-2.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Canberra
</td>
<td>
$723,980
</td>
<td>
$693,962
</td>
<td>
$655,468
</td>
<td>
4.3%
</td>
<td>
10.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Hobart
</td>
<td>
$409,592
</td>
<td>
$392,170
</td>
<td>
$356,916
</td>
<td>
4.4%
</td>
<td>
14.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Darwin
</td>
<td>
$593,329
</td>
<td>
$615,670
</td>
<td>
$610,510
</td>
<td>
-3.6%
</td>
<td>
-2.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
National
</td>
<td>
$819,455
</td>
<td>
$823,381
</td>
<td>
$758,367
</td>
<td>
-0.5%
</td>
<td>
10.8%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The median house rental price in Adelaide remained steady at $360 per week over the September quarter, up 2.9% year-on-year.
However, while house rental prices may have remained flat, Adelaide was the only city to record a positive increase in median unit rental prices – increasing 1.7% over the quarter to $295 per week.
"Second only to Hobart, Adelaide has one of the most affordable median house prices of all capital cities, and the most affordable median unit price," said Domain chief economist, Dr Andrew Wilson.
"Despite experiencing a drop in median house price over the quarter, the solid local market provides investors with growing confidence as it continues to deliver resilient results."
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Adelaide median house price steady: Domain

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Glen Waverley has been ranked by Investar recently as the best four year average annual median growth suburb in the country for houses.
The suburb 19 kilometres south-east of Melbourne has had a four year annual increase of 19 percent for its houses.
The median price for these houses is $1.85 million
Property Observer searched for recent residential sales highlighting properties that showed strong growth with resales in the past four years.  
Much of the growth has come from new builds. The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-glen+waverley-122480470" target="_blank">30 Tobias Avenue</a> in Glen Waverley (below) sold for $2.215 million last month, having last traded for $1.141 million in 2014, showing a price growth of over 43 percent. It looked like<a href="https://www.onthehouse.com.au/6485693/30_tobias_ave_glen_waverley_vic_3150" target="_blank"> this</a> when last sold.
<img src="/images/2016/08/19/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-19%20at%209.01.53%20AM.png" alt="" width="382" height="263">
An old building however at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-glen+waverley-123068450" target="_blank">43 Whites Lane</a> fetched $826,000 (below) when sold last month, having last traded for $690,000 in 2014, showing a price growth of 9.33 percent. 
Before selling for $690,00 in 2014, it traded two years earlier for $425,000, showing another strong price growth of 26.6 percent.
<img src="/images/2016/08/19/Glen%20Wav%201.jpg" alt="" width="383" height="228">
Two similar townhouse properties at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-glen+waverley-117605847" target="_blank">18A</a> and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://realestate.xitech.com.au/Barry_Plant/12463" target="_blank">18B Coomleigh Avenue</a> have shown strong price growth. 
The property (below) at 18A sold for $799,000 in 2014, and 18B went for $996,000 a year later, an appreciation of 20 percent.
<img src="/images/2016/08/19/Glen%20Waverly%202.jpg" alt="" width="385" height="206">
 
Investar's top five performing suburbs for houses with the best four year average annual median growth.
Rank - Suburb - State - Dwelling - the Median Price Median Price Growth 1 yr - the Median Price 4 Yr Average - Median Rent Rental Yield 
 
1. GLEN WAVERLEY - VIC - Five bedroom house - $1.85 million - 7.55% - 19.08% - $580
 
2. SAN SOUCI - NSW - Four bedroom house - $1.695 million - 10.23% - 18.21% - $420
 
3. PORT DOUGLAS - QLD - Two bedroom house - $545,000 - 27.69% - 17.19% - $480
 
4. HEBERSHAM - NSW - Four bedroom house - $550,000 - 14.58% - 16.85% - $435
 
5. DUNDAS VALLEY - NSW - Three bedroom house - $1.094 million - 36.25% - 17.08% - $520
 
 
 
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Glen Waverley leads the largest increase in median house prices in last four years 

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In spite of high growth in Sydney and Melbourne, growth in Australia as a whole is significantly lower than other housing markets around the world – according to the latest Knight Frank Global House Price Index.
Onthehouse.com.au data reveals that the annual median capital growth rate for Australia’s houses and units was just 5.7% and 5.6% respectively. It is likely that nationally, houses and units are similar in their growth rate because there are more units in dense, high growth areas.
The two significant resource markets – Darwin and Perth – have showed poor performance over the last year. Houses in Darwin fell -3.74% in the last year, from $575,000 in May 2014 to $554,000 in May 2015.
The deepening downward trend for these markets can be seen below.
<a href="/images/2015/07/24/G3_Resource_State_Trends.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/24/G3_Resource_State_Trends.jpg" alt="">
The differing trends represent the persistent, two tiered housing market that makes growth across the board seem stable. The Iron Ore price remains low at just US$60 per dry metric tonne, a commodity which averaged over US$100 per unit this time last year. Little has been done to create sustainable employment following low resource prices, and the end of the construction phase in the mining boom.
It is therefore misleading to look at data in such aggregation. The two tiered housing market makes it difficult for policy makers and Reserve Bank to influence housing growth.
With a boom on the south east coast that sets a higher deposit hurdle, and a bust in the resource states that has an unclear future, the state of the Australian housing market seems dismal. However, sustainable house and unit growth are an indicator of the strength of the economy. Though we present a summary of statistics by city metropolitan regions, there are suburbs with idiosyncrasies that make them a promising for investment. These include diverse employment opportunities, planning regulation, quality properties and affordability. Exploring such places outside of the major cities could present a more accessible growth or high yield strategy.
ELIZA OWEN is a market analyst for <a href="https://www.onthehouse.com.au/" target="_blank">Onthehouse.com.au</a>.
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