The Gold Coast economy has grown by 25 per cent since 2020/21 to surpass $55 billion, but perhaps the more significant story is what sits behind the headline number.

For decades, the Gold Coast has been viewed through the lens of tourism, lifestyle and population growth. The latest State of the City Report suggests that perception is increasingly out of step with reality.

Released by Invest Gold Coast, the report ranks the Gold Coast as Australia's largest non-capital city economy and, perhaps more notably, second nationally behind Sydney for Economic Complexity, a measure that assesses the diversity and sophistication of an economy.

It's a result that places the Gold Coast ahead of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, highlighting the extent to which the city's economic base has broadened beyond its traditional industries.

Today, the Gold Coast supports more than 350,000 jobs, is home to over 83,000 businesses and generates $19 billion in annual exports. Manufacturing now accounts for 62 per cent of international export growth, while sectors including health, education, advanced manufacturing, technology and professional services are becoming increasingly important contributors to the local economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the report confirmed the city's evolution into one of Australia's most significant economies.

"The Gold Coast economy continues to grow at an incredible pace. This is no surprise to those of us who have watched the evolution up close," Mayor Tate said.

"As one of the most entrepreneurial, investment driven and opportunity focused economies in the country our ambition has been realised and possibilities are endless.

"The Gold Coast has built a reputation as the city that says yes. We say yes to investment, yes to opportunity and yes to people who want to build something.

"It's this mindset helping us drive major growth across health, advanced manufacturing, screen production, marine, technology and the knowledge economy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360975]

While population growth has been one of the defining stories of the past decade, the report points to a broader economic transformation taking place.

The city's knowledge economy now contributes $7.9 billion annually and supports around 31,000 jobs, while the health and wellbeing sector contributes $5.2 billion and employs more than 42,000 people. Together, the six priority sectors identified in the report account for almost $24 billion in economic output and more than 145,000 jobs.

One of the strongest examples is the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct at Southport. The 200-hectare precinct now contains more than $5 billion worth of health, education, research and innovation infrastructure and supports over 16,000 jobs.

The report also highlights the growing role of advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace, defence and modular construction.

Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies recently became the first Australian commercial company to attempt an orbital launch, while companies including Modscape and ModnPods are helping establish the Yatala-Stapylton corridor as one of Australia's fastest-growing advanced manufacturing hubs.

The city's entrepreneurial culture is also translating into business growth.

Since 2019/20, the number of businesses operating on the Gold Coast has increased by 22 per cent, while firms employing more than 200 people have grown by 80 per cent. The report suggests the next challenge is converting more local start-ups and medium-sized businesses into nationally significant companies.

Development activity remains another key indicator of confidence.

There are currently more than $23 billion worth of major projects underway across the Gold Coast, supported by a record 75 active cranes, a figure that now exceeds Brisbane and represents a 150 per cent increase since 2016.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=343235]

Importantly, the report notes the next phase of investment will need to extend beyond residential development.

While 93 per cent of crane activity is currently tied to housing, Invest Gold Coast argues future investment will increasingly need to focus on cultural, civic, infrastructure and industry-enabling projects that strengthen the city's long-term economic resilience.

Invest Gold Coast Chair Will Hodgman said the city was now benefiting from years of economic diversification.

"What is happening on the Gold Coast is the result of the city's economic base broadening, fuelled by industries with long-term, high-growth potential," Mr Hodgman said.

"This is no longer a secondary Australian economy, the Gold Coast is becoming a globally connected city with deeper capability across health, knowledge and creative industries, advanced manufacturing, technology and exports."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365786]

Looking ahead, the Gold Coast's population is projected to exceed one million residents by 2046.

For a city that was once largely defined by tourism and lifestyle, the latest figures suggest the Gold Coast is becoming something more significant, one of Australia's most diverse and economically sophisticated urban economies, and increasingly one that national and international investors can no longer afford to overlook.

Joel Robinson

75 cranes, $23 billion pipeline and a $55 billion economy: Inside the Gold Coast economic boom

Ron Bakir's Homecorp has sold more than 75 per cent of the apartments in its wellness-driven Florence Residences in Surfers Paradise following its first weekend release.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">26-storey project on Monte Carlo Avenue</a>, which commenced construction earlier this year, has seen a flurry of buyers secure their slice of the Gold Coast's latest wellbeing-focused offering in one of the nation's most competitive property markets.

Since the pandemic, the Gold Coast's population has grown by more than 11 per cent, a rate approximately four times faster than Sydney's, driven largely by lifestyle changes and interstate migration. While buyer activity has moderated in some markets nationally, demand for newly built dwellings on the Gold Coast continues to gain momentum as purchasers increasingly prioritise lifestyle, amenity, wellbeing, liveability and long-term investment potential.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372743]

Homecorp CEO Ron Bakir says buyers today are looking for more than just a home.

"What we are seeing is a shift in how people define value in property," Bakir says.

"What attracts residents to new developments is a desire for more than just a residence. They are looking for a place that complements their lifestyle, supports their wellbeing and reflects the way they want to live into the future.

"Lifestyle, longevity, proactive health, wellbeing, connection and a sense of community are increasingly shaping purchasing decisions, particularly on the Gold Coast, where these factors continue to be a major drawcard."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372744]

Bakir says Homecorp is responding to this shift through an approach that places greater emphasis on design, amenity and experience working together to create places that feel considered, connected and enduring in value.

Inspired by Eastern European design, Florence Residences will comprise 120 apartments alongside a private residents-only wellness club featuring a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium, and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.

The development will also feature a residents-only lounge with private dining facilities and a rooftop bar, premium outdoor entertaining areas, a hotel-style lobby lounge, generous bike parking, and pet-friendly amenities including a heated dog wash.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372742]

A limited number of apartments remain available, with an exclusive collection of four-bedroom sub-penthouses set to be released in the coming months.

Florence is one of the latest additions to Homecorp's expanding multi-billion-dollar property portfolio, which also includes plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/homecorp-lodges-plans-for-260-million-moroccan-bathhouse-inspired-tower-in-budds-beach">$260 million development in Budds Beach</a> tailored to the growing wellness market.

A development application has been lodged for a 27-storey, 156-residence tower at 8–10 Acacia Avenue and 25–27 Oak Avenue, featuring a residents-only Moroccan spa-inspired sanctuary.

Apartments at Florence Residences are priced from $1,249,000, with construction expected to be completed by late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150414]

Buyers rush to Homecorp's Florence Residences as Gold Coast wellness trend gains momentum

The NSW Government has expanded its $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program, broadening access for affordable housing providers and smaller residential developments as it seeks to accelerate housing delivery across the state.

The Minns Government says the program has already helped bring forward more than 600 homes across Sydney and regional NSW since launching in September 2025, with similar models now adopted in South Australia and Western Australia.

The latest changes, announced by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, are designed to improve access to finance for projects that have planning approval but are struggling to secure funding.

Among the key changes is an expansion of support for community housing providers. The program will now support up to 100 per cent affordable housing projects valued at up to $30 million when delivered by not-for-profit providers, while support for larger affordable housing developments will increase for projects worth up to $80 million.

The government says the changes will help accelerate the delivery of housing for low-income workers, older people, people living with disability, and those at risk of homelessness, while reducing reliance on direct grants or subsidised loans to bridge funding gaps.

The eligibility criteria for smaller residential developments have also been broadened. The previous $5 million minimum project value threshold has been removed and replaced with a requirement that projects deliver at least four homes.

Support has also increased for projects delivering fewer than 20 homes, with the guarantee now able to cover up to 75 per cent of dwellings in a development, capped at $30 million per project.

The changes are expected to particularly benefit smaller-scale and regional developments, which often face greater challenges meeting pre-sale requirements imposed by lenders.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the scheme demonstrates how government can use its balance sheet to stimulate housing supply without relying solely on taxpayer-funded grants.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee shows how this Government is using its balance sheet to reduce risk and unlock private investment, enabling new homes to move from design to construction faster," Mookhey said.

"This landmark reform allows us to deliver homes for working families at a lower cost to taxpayers, while also maintaining strong financial discipline."

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the program had already proven effective in bringing stalled projects to market.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has already proven it can unlock stalled projects and accelerate housing delivery by giving lenders the confidence they need to back good developments," Scully said.

"These changes will allow more affordable housing and smaller developments to access support so more homes can be built faster where communities need them most."

Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the expansion would help community housing providers overcome financing barriers that often delay projects.

"We know community housing providers are ready to build more homes, too often they're held back by barriers to finance," Jackson said.

"Expanding the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee helps remove those barriers so more affordable homes can get off the ground sooner."

The announcement was welcomed by the Property Council of Australia, which has long advocated for measures aimed at improving project feasibility and access to finance.

Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson described the expansion as a practical intervention that addresses one of the most immediate constraints on housing delivery.

"This is exactly the kind of practical intervention we need right now, focused on getting projects out of the ground, not just approved," Stevenson said.

"It builds on a model the Property Council has worked closely with government to develop following calls for such a scheme ahead of last year's NSW Budget, so it's great to see it being expanded."

Stevenson said the reforms would help unlock projects that are ready to proceed but have been delayed by financing challenges. However, she noted that broader feasibility issues remain a significant barrier to increasing housing supply.

"The biggest challenge in NSW housing today is delivery. Too many projects have planning approval but are simply not financially viable to proceed under current settings," she said.

Speaking at the Property Council's NSW Housing Summit, Housing Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged that feasibility and financing pressures continue to constrain housing delivery, while reaffirming the government's commitment to work with industry on solutions.

Stevenson said the government's recognition of those challenges was encouraging ahead of next week's state budget.

"It's positive to see the government clearly recognising that feasibility pressures are now a binding constraint on supply," she said.

"With the Budget just days away, the focus must be on backing delivery, making sure projects stack up, finance can flow, and more homes can move from approval to construction."

The expanded Pre-sale Finance Guarantee forms part of the NSW Government's broader housing agenda, which also includes planning reforms, the NSW Housing Pattern Book, and a series of rezonings intended to increase housing capacity across the state.

NSW expands Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to unlock more affordable and regional housing

Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372212]

Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372225]

While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146717]

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6395]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=353235]

A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

The Walden pairs house-scale living with North Sydney connectivity

Median Rent

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Surfers Paradise is a suburb of the Gold Coast, 83kms south-east of Brisbane, known for its nightlife, pristine beaches, and towering skyline.
It is home to the Q1 tower, which at 322.5 metres tall was the tallest residential building when it was built in 2005.
Roughly four out of every five occupied dwellings in the suburb are apartments.
To see the current median asking prices for rent, <a href="/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">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/2019/9/16/SURFERS%20PARADISE.jpg" alt="">
The region covers 5.8 km2 and has a wildly fluctuating population that swells dramatically during the summer months.
The centrally-located Cavill Avenue (and its pedestrian mall) is considered the heart of the Gold Coast’s entertainment district and features shopping precincts, bars and nightclubs, and numerous restaurants.
The dense metropolitan area hugs right up against the iconic Surfers Paradise Beach – An unbroken three-kilometre strip that hosts swimmers, joggers, surfers, and sun-bathers.
Surfers Paradise consistently ranks as one Queensland’s most pricey areas, and in 2017 it became the state’s 7th most expensive suburb to buy property in.
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What you need to know about real estate in Surfers Paradise

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Sydney leads the country not just in home prices, it tops in rents too with Tamarama commanding the highest median rent of $1,725 per week for houses while Dawes Point leads in units with $1,775 pw for units.
Sydney takes all the top 10 spots for highest median rents per week for both houses and units, according to CoreLogic’s Best of the Best 2016 report.
The report’s figures are based on the median across all rental advertisements over the 12 months to September 2016.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/12/23/TamaramaTable.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2016/12/23/TamaramaTable.png" alt="">
Property Observer found across a few houses up for rent in Tamarama.
Though at present, we could not find any houses around the median price, here’s two:
A six-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/rental-properties/20-gaerloch-avenue-tamarama-nsw/property-details-rent-residential-10613128/" target="_blank">20 Gaerloch Avenue, Tamarama, NSW 2026</a> (below) is up for rent at $3,200 pw.
The beachfront house is located on Tamarama Beach and overlooks Mackenzies Bay. 
<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/2016/12/23/TamaramaFirst.jpg" alt="">
Another beachfront three-bedroom house on <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/property-house-tamarama-2026-1932842?search_token=41c224798e6d72d289f8581a" target="_blank">Birrell Street, Tamarama, NSW 2026</a> (below) is available for $2,500 per week.
<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/2016/12/23/TamaramaSecond.jpg" alt=""> 
A two-bedroom apartment on Tamarama Beach at <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/property-house-tamarama-2026-2015726?search_token=3121a724df2231da78c36ff3" target="_blank">Wonderland Avenue</a> (main picture) is available to rent for $2,200 p/w.
The fully furnished house has an an entertaining deck with BBQ and al fresco dining.
For units in Dawes Point, the suburb that leads nationally on median rent, Property Observer couldn’t find any apartments that come close to that criteria.
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Tamarama leads all Sydney in highest median rents

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The average median rent across the country remained marginally stable at $404 for Q3 with only a 0.3 percent increase from Quarter 2 (Q2), according to Rent.com.au.
Only one of the top Australian capitals saw an increase in median rent; Adelaide recorded a 3 percent increase in its median rent from $330 in Q2 to $340 in Q3.
Conversely, Sydney recorded a decrease; the New South Wales capital saw rents drop 1.9 percent from Q2 to Q3, with median rents now sitting at $520.
Sydney still is the most expensive Australian city with affordability per room sitting at $248/pw whilst Perth is the most affordable capital city for renters at a median of $130/pw
By looking at dwelling type, Sydney continued to be skewed towards apartments comprising 58.6 percent, while Perth’s property makeup was 73.8 percent houses.
Looking at Rent.com.au’s Q3 search data, which is indicative of suburb desirability, Melbourne CBD was the highest searched suburb, followed by Adelaide, Perth and Sydney CBD. This indicates Australia’s inner CBD areas are hot across all major capitals.
<a href="/images/2016/10/20/Median%20rent.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/20/Median%20rent.jpg" alt="">
On a regional level, both Queensland and Western Australia saw an increase in their median rent across the quarter to $340 and $350, accordingly. Median rents remained healthy across the rest of the country, with no change in prices for NSW ($350), SA ($250) and Victoria ($270).
Renters could find the cheapest rentals in SA’s regional areas in Q3, with a median rent of $250 per week.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Median rent:
o Sydney, which was the most expensive city for renters in September 2016 with a median weekly rent of $542, also recorded a decrease in the median rent, quarter to quarter.
o Sydney is still the most expensive city for renters, with asking median rents at $520 in Q3, despite the $10 decrease quarter-to-quarter.
o Properties in New South Wales (NSW) regional areas showed the median rent remained consistent between Q2 and Q3 at $350 per week.
Affordability:
o The median price per room in Sydney in Q3 was $248.
o The top 5 most affordable suburbs were: Carramar ($300), Appin ($315), Blackett ($320), Emerton ($320) and Cabramatta ($330), while the top 5 most expensive suburbs in NSW in Q3 were: Seaforth ($1,200), South Coogee ($1,200), Castlecrag ($1,195), Barangaroo ($1,025) and Caringbah South ($1,025).
QUEENSLAND
Median rent:
o Queensland’s regional areas saw the second highest increase in median rents, a $10 increase from $330 in Q2 to $340 in Q3.
o QLD’s capital, Brisbane, recorded an average median rent of $400 in Q3, consistent with the median rent in Q2. o Brisbane metro’s median rent was just $6.25 less than the national average.
Affordability:
o The median price per room in Brisbane in Q3 was $150.
o The top 5 most affordable suburbs were: Russell Island ($245), Macleay Island ($285), Woodridge ($290), Logan Central ($300) and Caboolture South ($300), while the top 5 most expensive suburbs in QLD in Q3 were: Newport ($650), Chapel Hill ($650), Reedy Creek ($590), Burleigh Waters ($585) and Brisbane CBD ($580).
VICTORIA
Median rent:
o Properties in Victoria (VIC) regional areas showed the median rent remained consistent between Q2 and Q3 at $270 per week.
o Melbourne metro rentals saw no change in median rent from Q3 to Q2, sitting at $380.
o Melbourne’s property market makeup in Q3 was 43.4 per cent apartments and 56.5 per cent houses.
Affordability:
o The median price per room in Melbourne in Q3 was $163.
o The top five most affordable suburbs were: Corio ($235), Norlane ($245), Ballan ($265), St Leonards ($270) and Frankston North ($280), while the top 5 most expensive suburbs in VIC in Q3 were: Albert Park ($700), Black Rock ($650), Clifton Hill ($630), Brighton East ($608) and North Melbourne ($590).
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Median rent:
o Western Australia’s (WA) regional areas saw a small increase of 1.45 per cent between the quarters, increasing from $345 to $350.
o Perth’s property market makeup in Q3 was 73.8 per cent houses, the highest number across the country. o Perth metro rentals saw no change in median rent from Q3 to Q2, sitting at $380.
Affordability:
o The median price per room in Perth in Q3 was $130.
o The top five cheapest suburbs were: Safety Bay ($280), Wembley ($280), Girrawheen ($283), Armadale ($288) and Osborne Park ($290), while the top 5 most expensive suburbs in WA in Q3 were: Mount Claremont ($880), City Beach ($875), Gwelup ($650), North Fremantle ($645) and Stirling ($638).
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Median rent:
o Adelaide median rents rose 3.03 per cent from $330 in Q2 to $340 in Q3. Apartments and houses were the cheapest to rent in SA for the Q3 period. The median rent for apartments was $190 per week, while houses would set a renter back $255 per week.
o Properties in South Australia (SA) regional areas showed the median rent remained consistent between Q2 and Q3 at $250 per week.
o Adelaide showed it had the lowest percentage makeup of apartments in Q3 – only 25 per cent, with the remaining 75 per cent houses. Adelaide also recorded the highest percentage of house listings across the country.
o Renters could find the cheapest regional rentals in SA during Q3, with a median rent of $250 per week.
Affordability:
o The median price per room in Sydney in Q3 was $125.
o The top five most affordable suburbs were: Elizabeth Vale ($206), Elizabeth Grove ($225), Elizabeth South ($240), Devon Park ($243) and Elizabeth North ($255), while the top 5 most expensive suburbs in SA in Q3 were: Burnside ($583), West Lakes ($463), Eastwood ($450), Adelaide CBD ($450) and Kent Town ($450).
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Median rent:
o Darwin apartments and houses experienced an overall 6.8 per cent rise in median rent to $470 in Q3 from $440 in Q2 o The Northern Territory (NT) saw the largest increase in rent overall in regional areas, rising 7.1 per cent in Q3 to $450 per week, from $420 (Q2).
o The most expensive apartments in regional Australia could be found in the NT for $440 per week.
Affordability:
o The median price per room in Darwin in Q3 was $175.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Median rent:
o Median rents in Canberra dropped 4.4 per cent from $450 in Q2 to $430 in Q3.
o Properties in Australian Capital Territory’s (ACT) regional areas showed the median rent remained consistent between Q2 and Q3 at $450.
o The ACT was in line with the NT as the two most expensive states to find rentals in Q3 at a median rent of $450 per week.
Affordability:
o The median price per room in Canberra in Q3 was $183.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Average median rent remains at $404 a week: Rent.com.au

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Seven of the eight Australian capitals saw an increase in median rent in August from July, with Sydney the most expensive for renters, according to data compiled by rent.com.au.
The national average median rent increased by 1.4 percent to $395 in August. Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, reported a median average weekly rent of $542. On a regional level, median rents remained healthy across the board, with no change in the median rent for apartments or houses on Rent.com.au.
The Northern Territory reported the only decrease in overall median rent, dropping 3.25 percent from July. Its capital, Darwin, reported a 3.25 percent decrease to $463, following a spike in July. 
The report was based on data related to property listings on Rent.com.au in August. Apartments made up 36 per cent of all listings while houses comprised 63 per cent. The majority of dwellings were three-bedroom houses, comprising 31.5 percent of all dwellings on the site. The median price for a three-bedroom house in August was $375.
<a href="/images/2016/09/09/rentals.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/09/rentals.png" alt="">
State and territory breakdown 
Sydney, NSW 
Sydney tenants experienced another rise in the median rent for apartments. Median apartment rents increased from $510 to $520 per week, now only $60 less than median house rents, which remained steady at $580. 
New South Wales recorded an increase in asking rents of 1 per cent in apartments and 2 per cent in houses in August. A six-month price is also recorded for the state, with asking rents up 5.26 per cent for apartments and 1.1 per cent for houses. 
New South Wales over indexes in apartments, with a makeup of 45 per cent in the state against the national average of 36 percent. 
Melbourne, VIC 
Median apartment rents in Victoria increased from $360 to $370 (a 3 percent rise), now in line with median house rents, which also increased from $360 per week. 
Houses in Melbourne saw a 3 percent increase in price for the month of August, with median rents now $410 per week, slightly ahead of apartment median rents, up 1 percent to $385 per week. 
Brisbane, QLD 
Queensland median rents have steadied, remaining at $350 for apartments and $380 for houses, lining up against July’s figures. Apartment prices have seen no change since January when the median rental was $360, while the asking rent on houses has remained steady in Queensland since April ($370). 
In Brisbane metro, apartment prices remained consistent in August at $400 per week, close to year-to-date figures that have not peaked over $405 since January this year. Houses saw a small price increase in August, rising 1 percent to $423 per week. 
Adelaide, SA 
South Australian house rents are at their lowest since April, with the asking median rent now $325 per week, down 2 percent from July. Similarly, median apartment prices have risen slightly, up 4 percent in August to $280 from July’s $270. 
On a city level, Adelaide’s median rent climbed to $290 per week for apartments, an increase of 2 per cent on last month, but 3.57 percent below the state average. Houses saw a 3 percent increase in median rent, up to $360 per week. 
Perth, WA 
Western Australia’s median rents have steadied, remaining at $330 for apartments and $380 for houses in August. Apartment and house prices have seen no change since June when the median rental was $335 and $375 respectively. 
Houses in Perth’s metropolitan area increased by 3 percent to $390 per week, while a smaller rise (1 percent) was recorded in the median rent for apartments, now at $345. 
In August, WA showed the lowest number of listed apartments, making the highest concentration of houses in WA (76 percent), closely followed by SA (second highest at 75 percent). 
Hobart, TAS 
Tasmania’s house rental prices rose 3 percent in August, shifting the median rent from $280 in July to $288 per week. Apartment prices moved up 1 percent to $243 in August. The state continues to lay claim to Australia’s most affordable prices. 
At city level, Hobart apartment prices dropped 17 percent to the lowest median rent per week of $278, year-to- date, down from $333 in July. House prices on a metro level also rose by 12 percent to a median rent of $393 per week. 
Canberra, ACT 
Over in the Australian Capital Territory, both apartments and house rents increased in August. The month saw a 1 percent change in the median price of apartments (up $10 to $400 per week) and 3 per cent in the median price of houses ($455 per week in August). 
Canberra median rents remained steady in August, maintaining the record high for apartment prices year-to- date ($390) and $450 per week for houses. House prices reached a high in May at $470 but have since decreased. 
Darwin, NT 
Northern Territory tenants saw a 3 percent fall in house rents for the month of August. Territory rents hit a high $520 per week in March, but dropped to $500 last month from July’s $518. Apartments, however, remained steady at a median rent of $400. 
The market switches slightly on a metro level. Darwin apartments recorded a 4 percent decrease in the median rent to $425 per week, returning to June prices. On a city level, house rents remained consistent at $550 per week – a level that has not dropped since June. 
Overall, Darwin as a region recorded a combined median rent of $463, a decrease of 3.25 percent from July. 
 
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Rents rose in seven of eight Australian capital cities in August: rent.com.au 

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The level of residential listings nationwide fell in all capital cities during August according to SQM Research.
The decrease was due to decreasing stock, according to SQM, who state August property levels fell 4.3 percentage points to 333,123 listings from July to August.
<a href="/images/2016/09/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-06%20at%2011.29.01%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-06%20at%2011.29.01%20AM.png" alt="">
SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said the latest indicators on listings and asking prices suggest the national housing market is not displaying any major uplift in activity at this point in time.
"It seems to be a very mixed housing market overall with the stronger markets being Melbourne and Hobart and the weaker markets being Perth and Darwin," he said.
"Hobart recorded the largest decrease for August with property listings falling 7.0 percent. Adelaide followed with a monthly change of 6.4 percent, based on 15,781 listings. Year-on-year Hobart property listings are down 10.7 percent compared to this time last year (August 2015).
"In contrast, Sydney property listings are up 12.3 percent from this time last year (August 2015).
"Falls in listings for August are not unusual for this time of year in the lead up to the spring selling season.
"We expect a bounce back to a rise in listings when it reports in September. "
<a href="/images/2016/09/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-06%20at%2011.30.33%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-06%20at%2011.30.33%20AM.png" alt="">
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Residential listings in all capital cities fell during August: SQM

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Port Macquarie (postcode 2444), the coastal town north of Sydney, saw median rent drop more than 5.13% to $370 per week for all rental properties advertised in the 30 days up to the first week of February, according to rent.com.au.
The coastal town still made it to the top five of the most-searched regional locations list compiled by <a href="https://rent.com.au" target="_blank">rent.com.au</a>, and was also more affordable in terms of renting compared with surrounding suburbs. 
The median rent of surrounding suburbs Fernbank Creek, North Shore, Riverside, Thruster and Lake Innes was $395 per week for the quarter ended September, though there was no data available for the previous 90 days.
The lowest rental for the 30 days was $190 per week for a one-bedroom dwelling, while the maximum was $800 for a five-bedroom place.
The average days on market for all rental properties advertised in Port Macquarie in 90 days till February 8 was 29 days, five days less than the previous quarter. 
There were a total of 130 rental properties advertised in Port Macquarie within the above-mentioned 30 days, up 39 from the previous 30 days. Of the 130, there were 77 houses and 53 apartments.
There are a total of 4,949 rental properties in Port Macquarie, which is 30% of all properties there (ABS, Census Data, 2011). 
Houses make up an overwhelming majority (84.9%) of Port Macquarie, with only 15.1% apartments, according to ABS data. 
Property Observer found a couple of dwellings as examples around the median price range:
<img src="/images/2016/03/23/w640-h393-8875477_1_pi_160302_044341.jpeg" alt="">
A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/property-house-port+macquarie-2444-1694744" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">96 Koala Street</a> (above) has a rent of $400 pw.
<img src="/images/2016/03/23/image9.jpg" alt="">
A three-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/property-unit-port+macquarie-2444-1686644" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">4/131 Bridge Street</a> (above) is available for $380 pw.
The ASX-listed Rent.com.au Ltd achieved a record 615,405 unique visitors to its website in January, followed by more than 610,000 unique visitors in February.
Landlords are able to list their property for free in a limited time offer on <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/" target="_blank">rent.com.au</a>. 
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Port Macquarie median rent down five percent in 30 days, among the top five most searched suburbs: rent.com.au

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Vacant residential space in Melbourne and regional Victoria has been relatively flat over the past four months, with vacancy rates stable at 2.9% and 2.4% respectively.
The median rent for houses in metropolitan Melbourne also remained flat over the month at $400 while rents in regional Victoria were up 1.7% to $295 a week, <a href="/news">according to the REIV</a>.
 
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="2" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Vacancy Rate"]'>Vacancy Rate</td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="2" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Median Rent"]'>Median Rent</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"July 2015",null,null,null,1]'>Sep 2015</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"June 2015",null,null,null,1]'>Aug 2015</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"July 2015",null,null,null,1]'>Sep 2015</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"June 2015",null,null,null,1]'>Aug 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"METRO"]'>METRO</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2.9]">2.9</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"0.0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,3]">2.9</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,400]">$400</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,400]">$400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"REGIONAL"]'>REGIONAL</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2.4]">2.4</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2.3]">2.4</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,290]">$295</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,290]">$290</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
The following table provides a summary of median prices and rents for the 12 months ending June 2015.
<table dir="ltr" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="152">
<col width="152">
<col width="156">
<col width="159">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Region "]'>Region</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Gross Rental Yield"]'>Gross Rental Yield</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Median Rent"]'>Median Rent</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Median Price"]'>Median Price</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Inner"]'>Inner</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.032]">3.1%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,490]">$490</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,804000]">$825,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Middle"]'>Middle</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.029]">2.9%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,345]">$350</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,627500]">$633,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Outer"]'>Outer</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.039]">3.8%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,300]">$300</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,400000]">$410,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Metro"]'>Metro</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.03]">3.0%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,410]">$410</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,700550]">$710,750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Regional"]'>Regional</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.053]">5.3%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,250]">$250</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,245500]">$247,500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 
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