Two years after securing development approval for the final stage of its award-winning Thornton Precinct on the doorstep of Penrith Station, Urban Property Group is set to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/mayfair-on-penrith-172-lord-sheffield-circuit-penrith-nsw-2750">Mayfair on Penrith</a>, around 400 apartments designed to reflect two of Sydney’s most iconic structures.

The builder-developer has continued refining the design plans for the two-building development on a significant 8,280 sqm site on Sheffield Circuit, recognising the importance of the prime parcel as one of the closest developable sites to the station.

UPG enlisted architecture firm SJB to design the project. The team said they drew inspiration from both the General Post Office in Martin Place and East Circular Quay to help shape the design. The two-level colonnade, in particular, reflects the famous GPO building, which dates back to the 1860s.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136726 project_image_fid=362016]

There will be one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments on offer, with interiors by Cox Architecture. Residences will sit above a retail podium featuring hospitality and lifestyle operators such as One Playground and Volcano’s Steakhouse, contributing to an activated ground plane within the broader Thornton precinct.

A communal rooftop with a pool and views towards the Blue Mountains will provide shared open space for residents. The development is positioned between Ron Mulock Oval and Westfield Penrith, with the Nepean River and Great River Walk also nearby, placing daily amenity and green space within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136726 project_image_fid=362011]

Mayfair is being delivered by Urban Property Group, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly 40 years’ experience across Sydney. The project will be the first in Penrith to be offered with Resilience Insurance’s 10-year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) policy, which Urban Property Group has adopted across a number of its recent developments. The developer also has a 4.5-star iCIRT rating, one of the best ratings in market providing further confidence to buyers.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said providing additional assurance to off-the-plan buyers has become increasingly important.

“Anything we can do to give confidence in our product is a plus,” Elias told Apartments.com.au.

“Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. They’re making their single large investment, which is their home, and providing confidence is something that we feel is paramount.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136726 project_image_fid=362020]

The LDI policy provides a 10-year warranty covering structural defects, with independent inspections carried out during construction and protection for owners if defects arise post-completion.

Mayfair represents Urban Property Group’s sixth and final development within Thornton, consolidating the masterplanned precinct immediately east of the station.

The developer, which builds its own projects, has already commenced construction. SRM Residential is handling the sales campaign.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136726]

Joel Robinson

Urban Property Group to close the curtain on award-winning Thornton precinct with Mayfair on Penrith release

Investor appetite for Queenstown apartments is strengthening as supply constraints and four-season tourism continue to underpin demand across the alpine region.

In Frankton’s masterplanned Remarkables Park precinct,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>’s 141-apartment Mountain Oak development is attracting repeat and yield-focused buyers seeking exposure to that market dynamic.

Brandon, who specifically targeted Queenstown as an investment location, said the combination of price point and limited new supply made Mountain Oak stand out.

“It is a quality product in a location that struggles to densify,” he said, referencing Queenstown’s land-locked geography and development limitations.

<img alt="From slopes to markets: Mountain Oak connects residents to the best of Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/658d4f_48c3ec1ae5df4a2cab7d23c07c7f51b3~mv2.jpg?VersionId=27K8oQ4ExDN8Yu70VHDa9Olq59XU36m3" />

Having spent significant time in the region, Brandon pointed to its global reputation and consistent visitation as key fundamentals.

“Queenstown is a known destination from people all over the world. The place is land locked and there are issues building there. It’s also busy all year round.”

That four-season economy, driven by skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking, cycling and water-based tourism in summer, was also central to Sherry’s decision to invest.

“I believe the four-season tourism has major appeal as it would ensure that the property will not remain empty, unlike other areas in NZ,” she said.

<img alt="From slopes to markets: Mountain Oak connects residents to the best of Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Living_WEB.jpg?VersionId=3LglY20Jp_MAzQYdvwODRWvtjL.cZcqI" />

Mountain Oak has been structured to respond to that sustained demand, with 365-day visitor accommodation consent underpinning a mix of one-bedroom, flexi, two-bedroom and dual-key configurations that can operate as either short-term visitor accommodation or long-term rental housing. Dual-key apartments comprise two self-contained residences on one title, allowing owners to generate dual income streams or occupy one side while leasing the other.&nbsp;

Under Safari Group’s optional visitor accommodation management model, owners receive 60 per cent of the annual income generated by their apartment, with 24/7 on-site management, guest services and listing exposure included. Independent appraisal modelling suggests gross yields of up to 15 per cent for certain two-bedroom configurations, based on estimated nightly rates and occupancy assumptions.

For Brandon, that flexibility aligned with his broader investment strategy.

“It helps to know that I can have it managed either way,” he said. “My focus is on purchasing high yield cashflow properties.”

<img alt="Investors back Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments as Queenstown’s four-season economy drives demand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c786ba7f-f974-4ce3-9833-1bcd9f2938d6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/658d4f_ae3c049f388f4c13bf801649d91cbb4a~mv2%20%281%29.jpg?VersionId=J25uvzGdvtFaXGzuwz28ewJ9wWzbtvur" />

He selected a one-bedroom flexi configuration, citing both yield and adaptability.

“I work remotely and can travel to most places and work. I enjoy making spaces that work for the lifestyle that I live and it seems that others also enjoy it.”

Ranging from 54 to 57 square metres, the one-bedroom flexi incorporates a separate multipurpose room suited to a home office, additional storage, or accommodation for ski gear and seasonal equipment, an increasingly relevant inclusion for buyers balancing remote work and alpine travel.

Interiors feature underfloor heating in bathrooms and a heat pump in the main living area, supporting year-round comfort. Upper-level apartments are positioned to maximise natural light, with sliding windows and balustrades in select residences enhancing outlook and ventilation. Units are available in both light and dark interior schemes.

<img alt="Investors back Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments as Queenstown’s four-season economy drives demand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8f9492e9-8ee0-4aae-856c-8996ed9d9a06" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/658d4f_7d066f5200024c1aa472d01e2dc776ed~mv2.jpg?VersionId=MLR5xn6fLqPdBi7vxyRT.1zhQX3Ln0Ev" />

Sherry, a repeat Safari Group buyer, said her previous experience with the developer provided confidence to secure another apartment.

“Their developments have always finished on time, the quality has been high, and I didn't feel that my investment may be at risk,” she said. “Knowledge of the developer and our two existing Safari apartments gave us the confidence to proceed with this one.”

Safari Group has delivered more than 2,000 hotel units and residential apartments nationally and is now undertaking its fifth Queenstown development, reinforcing buyer confidence in delivery capability.

Although Sherry was not initially targeting Queenstown due to its price profile, prior visits reshaped her view of the market.

“I absolutely love this region and believe it is a major tourist attraction, which led me to the decision to invest.”

<img alt="How Mountain Oak Apartments draws holiday home buyers to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Construction commenced in June 2025, with completion anticipated by mid-2027. Apartments are priced from NZ$639,000, and the development carries Overseas Investment Office exemption approval, allowing non-residents to purchase.

For both investors, the purchase represents a balance of income generation and long-term portfolio positioning in a tightly held alpine market.

“I firmly believe my investments in Safari developments are a combination of all these elements,” Sherry said. “The location of this project enabled me to diversify.”

As Queenstown continues to attract year-round visitation alongside constrained housing supply, Mountain Oak’s dual-key flexibility, optional on-site management structure and established developer track record are resonating with investors seeking exposure to the region’s resilient tourism economy.

Investors back Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments as Queenstown’s four-season economy drives demand

The Minns Labor Government is today unveiling a game-changing new precinct at Bays West – delivering up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes - directly above the new Bays West Metro Station currently under construction.

The landmark transformation will convert underutilised government-owned port land on the Harbour into Sydney’s newest suburb, while retaining important deep-water port facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

<img alt="Bays West" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5f01d10-0b6b-49de-8033-d3ef2728cb6d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-04%20at%204.06.12%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=UA6_r._1jYROJ5tFNXMHqjNYLKYWIN.Y" />

Affordable housing will be embedded from the outset, including dedicated homes for essential workers such as nurses, teachers, paramedics, firefighters and police so they can live closer to the communities they serve.

The precinct will combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years.

Night-time entertainment and creative industries will be anchored by the revitalisation of the historic White Bay Power Station as a cultural and community destination, connected to the harbour across a new expansive public forecourt.

Planning of the area will prioritise connectivity, including active transport links to neighbouring communities such as Rozelle, Balmain and Glebe, improved pedestrian access to the waterfront, and connections to the CBD, including an active transport link across the Glebe Island Bridge.

The Government will lead a master planning process that will include an international design competition to guide development across the precinct, ensuring homes, essential infrastructure, jobs, public spaces and transport links are delivered together.

It will be led by a new delivery agency to be established over the coming weeks, which will report to Minister Kamper who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo. Once established, the publicly owned land in the precinct will be transferred to the new agency.

This is the first new suburb that has been built in inner Sydney in decades, it will see homes built alongside the Bays West Metro Station ensuring young people, families and downsizers are only minutes away from the CBD. As part of the transformation of the Bays West precinct, bulk port operations – including cement, gypsum and sugar handling – will cease on Glebe Island by no later than 2030.

<img alt="Glebe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46ef3c23-2ce1-4912-b8ba-5247de19d7b9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-04%20at%204.02.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=I5xKa7hLNlsueMsltA2dsYrRYtZCKvZz" />

The Government will work closely with industry to minimise impacts and ensure the continuity of supply. This includes a commitment of $270 million to improve road connections around the port at Port Kembla and to investigate increased rail freight capacity.

Working harbour operations across the precinct will be consolidated, mostly into White Bay, ensuring the precinct will continue to provide critical services for the harbour, including boat maintenance and marine construction and as a base for tug boats and for emergency services.

A new staging area will be established in White Bay, securing the future of the New Year’s Eve fireworks, Vivid and other major events for decades to come.

<img alt="Glebe island" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0554b153-b225-445b-a633-75aecea7dec9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-04%20at%204.06.17%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=P45ABy8KLuwjzVf04APWfeC4aOMA1Ngx" />

The cruise terminal will be retained in its current location, meaning tourists arriving in Sydney will be welcomed by the new precinct, with new shore-power facilities currently being installed that will reduce noise and emissions. The Sydney Heritage Fleet will also be offered new premises in White Bay.

Deep-water berths will be retained to preserve Sydney Harbour’s strategic operational capability, and the removal of the existing 1970s industrial silos, currently used as a billboard, as well as to store cement and sugar, will unlock new opportunities for public space and future housing.

“Right above a new metro station and minutes from the CBD, we’re delivering thousands of homes where people actually need them - close to work, close to services and close to transport,"&nbsp;Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said.

“Importantly, this precinct will include affordable and essential worker housing from day one, so nurses, teachers, paramedics and police can live closer to the communities they serve.

“We understand that not everyone will welcome change, but cities don’t stand still. If Sydney is going to remain a place young people and families can afford to live in, we have to use well-located land better and plan for the future.”

Glebe Island to accomodate 8,500 new homes near new Bays Metro Station

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a> has unveiled its exclusive penthouse collection at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Amargo</a>, its new apartment development in Palm Beach.

There are just four penthouses as part of the collection, however only three remain for sale, with a Palm Beach local already snapping up one of the apartments prior to its launch.

&nbsp;

“We are thrilled to unveil the debut penthouses within the Flourish story,” said Christie Leet, founder of Sherpa Group.

“The penthouses epitomise unparalleled luxury and contemporary elegance, offering an exclusive experience in modern living.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=362273]

Located at 6-12 Sixth Avenue, the penthouses will crown Amargo, which will rise 18 levels and offer a diverse product mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, attracting a wide demographic of buyers.&nbsp;

“Creating a multigenerational community is core for us at Sherpa," Leet added.

"Amargo embodies this ethos, welcoming first-home buyers, families and right-sizers alike – ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=362271]

The penthouses, which range in price from just over $3 million to $4.6 million, each have three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and extensive balconies. Select penthouses will have&nbsp;dedicated media rooms. They have four-metre-high ceilings, Gaggenau appliances, and natural stone materials.

Flourish is crowned by an&nbsp;800 sqm rooftop retreat with a&nbsp;pool, pool deck cabanas and day beds, private outdoor barbecues and pizza oven, an internal private dining space, as well as a gym, yoga zones, steam rooms, and hot and cold magnesium pools.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=306037]

“We’re really excited about what we’re delivering here- Flourish is more than just apartments; it’s about creating a place where people feel truly at home,” Leet said.

Construction is already well underway on Amargo, with residents expected to move in by Q2 2027. The project is around 85 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146527]

A first look inside Flourish penthouse collection at Palm Beach

Builder-developer Urban Property Group (UPG) is continuing to expand into new markets. UPG is heading to the Hills District, where it is planning a 40-storey mixed use building near Castle Hill Metro Station.

They've gone down the favoured developer route of a State Significant Development Application, which should see developments approved within the space of nine months.

The tower will comprise 371 apartments, 42 of which will be affordable housing, above a ground-floor retail precinct at 16-20 Old Castle Hill Road, on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and within walking distance of Castle Hill Metro Station, an area identified for higher density under both local and state strategic planning frameworks.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc">Studio SC</a>, the tower would rise from a brick podium base, accommodating one retail tenancy and communal open space, before transitioning to a slender glazed residential form above. Six basement levels are proposed beneath the building to house parking and services.

<img alt="First Look: Urban Property unveils 40-storey mixed-use tower in Castle Hill with 371 homes and affordable housing component" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08dc82f9-b826-4e18-8c60-4c90f7472317" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%20G%20%28b%29%20-%20Ground%20level%20render.jpg?VersionId=EOv1ly45k_Bc1F73C0hdwXSG4FVSTETt" />

“Castle Hill is undergoing a significant transformation, evolving from a traditionally low-rise suburban centre into a true metropolitan destination anchored by the Sydney Metro Northwest," the Architectural Design Report prepared by Studio SC noted.

The majority of apartments (194) will be two-bedrooms. 90 one-bedroom apartments are planned, 83 three-beds, and four four-bedroom apartments.

Studio SC’s design adopts a podium-and-tower composition, with warm-toned masonry at the lower levels intended to anchor the building within its streetscape context.

"At the podium, the architecture is anchored through solid brickwork in warm, earthy tones, reflecting the local sandstone formations and the natural colour palette of the surrounding hills," Studio SC added.

Above, the tower transitions to a lighter glass expression, articulated with fins and tonal variation to reduce visual bulk and respond to changing light conditions.

<img alt="First Look: Urban Property unveils 40-storey mixed-use tower in Castle Hill with 371 homes and affordable housing component" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f13cb2ee-ebfc-4204-9aba-e2dbd9e5d4bd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%20G%20%28a%29%20-%20Pool%20view.jpg?VersionId=Dnpusa.b5d6Nkx2clPlzWosDdh_1QW2V" />

Urban Property Group is one of Sydney's most active developers. They have projects currently under construction in Little Bay, Penrith, and Macquarie Park, with future projects earmarked for Wollongong.

Castle Hill has been one of the most popular suburbs for development across Sydney in the last five years, as developers scramble for land around the newly extended Sydney Metro.&nbsp;

Kassis Homes kicked it all off with Grand Reve, along with Deicorp who has delivered over 1,000 apartments in the area and continues to develop. The likes of Dubai-backed developer Arada will take to market their project in the coming months, while Masscon has just launched Avenue on Cadman Crescent.

First Look: Urban Property Group unveils 40-storey mixed-use tower in Castle Hill

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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