Macquarie York has appointed Roberts Co to as the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) partner for its upcoming new Surfers Paradise apartment development, Sunset Residence.

Located at 50 Sunset Boulevard, Sunset Residences is a riverfront, design-driven tower set to elevate one of Surfers Paradise’s most rapidly transforming enclaves. The refined scheme, designed by Plus Studio, features 72 luxury residences, enhanced amenity, and improved connectivity to the Nerang &nbsp;River.&nbsp;

As ECI partner, Roberts Co is working closely with Macquarie York and the design team to optimise buildability, program, staging and procurement strategies ahead of construction commencement.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Macquarie York Director, Roy Skaf, said Roberts Co’s early engagement will help ensure the landmark development realises its full potential.&nbsp;

“Sunset Residences is a signature project for Macquarie York, a chance to define a new level of riverfront living in Surfers Paradise," Skaf said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<img alt="Roberts Co appointed Early Contractor Involvement partner for Macquarie York’s Sunset Residences on the Gold Coast" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3dd22a45-168b-4e00-b6d2-4e7310b02084" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/SunsetResidences_Interior.jpg?VersionId=NAWvGq7l6BFB4vvh6u0xXWWISboHTi6q" />

“Partnering with Roberts Co under an ECI arrangement gives us the confidence that design decisions, construction methodology and programming are being rigorously considered from day one. Their collaborative mindset and technical capability are exactly what a project of this quality demands.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Construction is expected to commence following completion of the ECI phase and final design resolution.

Sunset Residences is one of three projects Macquarie York has locally. They have Rana Palm Beach, 60 apartments on Twenty Third Avenue, and Azariah, just nine residences on the dress circle Jefferson Lane, also in Palm Beach.

Joel Robinson

Macquarie York appoints Roberts & Co for early works agreement at Sunset Residences

Few developers in South East Queensland have shaped the new development apartment market as profoundly, or as consistently, as Mosaic Property Group. In 2025, the business delivered another very strong year across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, building on the foundations of nearly two decades of discipline, long-term thinking, and relentless refinement of its craft.

Their continued success is driven from the top. Founder and Managing Director Brook Monahan, very much credits the success to a workforce of “massive grafters”, and a culture where complacency simply doesn’t exist.

“In every part of our business, we’re constantly pushing to get better” Monahan told <a href="http://apartments.com.au">Apartments.com.au</a>. “We never rest on our laurels.”

The company’s growth continued its upward trajectory, with the developer completing six luxury projects in 2025, representing approximately $850 million in value and delivering 536 new luxury homes. Mosaic also sold over $1.4 billion worth a new luxury apartments at an average price point of $3.41 million in 2025.

Heading into 2026, they have a further five projects under construction and an immediate pipeline across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, representing just shy of $2 billion in value. I spoke with Brook about everything from the evolution of Mosaic’s business to the fundamentals driving the SEQ property market.

<hr />
<h2>A market defined by two forces</h2>

The fundamental drivers of SEQ’s housing dynamics in 2025 are straightforward: a generational transfer of wealth on a scale Australia has never seen, and migration numbers that continue to exceed expectations.

“An enormous amount of wealth will move through the next decade,” Monahan explains. “That wave isn’t going anywhere.” Simultaneously, “you can’t run migration at the numbers we’re seeing, while also having a generational shift of wealth from boomers, and not expect demand to remain strong. People move here, they bring money, they want to buy a home and create a future.”

While top-end product in some pockets has softened from the frenzy of 18 months ago, Monahan believes&nbsp; the wave will remain “pretty strong,” especially for developers with brand trust and a long-term track record.&nbsp;

“The $4 million to $10 million segment remains fairly robust, but buyers are much more educated now than they’ve ever been. They have access to information and they’re smart people. They’re generally not&nbsp; willing to trust a new entrant asking $15 million with no track record.”

This heightened consumer discernment, he notes, is reshaping how premium projects are evaluated by developers.

<hr />
<h2>The problem behind the crisis</h2>

Despite strong demand, SEQ’s housing market remains severely undersupplied. Brisbane needs around 12,000 new homes per year, yet delivered only 4,000 last year. The Gold Coast requires similar levels but delivered 3,000. The backlog is massive.

“We’re probably 50,000 homes short in the next five years in Brisbane alone,” Monahan estimates. “Maybe 100,000 across the whole of Queensland.”

The core issue however isn’t planning.&nbsp;

“The planning environment is actually super supportive right now,” he says. “Approvals aren’t the problem. It’s turning approvals into real supply.”

The gap between development approvals and project starts has widened significantly as construction costs escalate, contractors disappear from the market, and inexperienced developers try, and fail, to bring projects to life.

“A development application (DA) is only part of the equation, it means little without the ability to deliver,” he explains. “Many applicants underestimate the complexity involved. It’s not just about securing a site; you need the right formula and all the right ingredients to make it work. Without that, the end result will fall short of expectations and increase the risk of project failure.

The result is market distortion: sites tied up by entrants who lack experience, capital certainty, construction understanding, or a realistic feasibility model. “It’s not good for the industry,” he says. “You get more and more mooted supply but very little real delivery.”

<hr />
<h2>Construction realities and the coming resource crunch</h2>

Beyond development capability, SEQ faces macroeconomic pressures. Over $7 billion must be delivered by late 2031 just for Olympics-related obligations. Add $18 billion in hospital and health infrastructure, and the region faces a “resource drain” Monahan believes will reshape delivery timelines and construction pricing for years.

“It will ultimately be great for SEQ for the next 20 years,” he says. “But it puts enormous pressure on an already chronically undersupplied housing market.”

This pressure will inevitably influence pricing. Double-digit growth cannot continue indefinitely, but Monahan sees no path to meaningfully lower construction costs. “It’s impossible to meet demand at a cheaper price point given labour capability and resource competition,” he says.

“Those who can afford it will keep paying more and the rest are fighting to get a foothold. That’s why the market keeps creeping upward.”

<hr />
<h2>Mosaic’s disciplined blueprint: Only A-Grade, iconic, irreplicable</h2>

With a long track record of delivery and in-house construction expertise, Mosaic works backwards from the cost of delivery to determine the right price for a site—a disciplined acquisition model they’ve adhered to from day one.

&nbsp;“We’re never out of the market,” Monahan says. “But we’re extremely disciplined. We don’t buy B+ sites. We won’t buy run-of-the-mill locations. Ever. That’s not our brand and it’s also not economically viable for us in most instances.”

Mosaic’s nine current developments illustrate this discipline:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lily-by-mosaic-4-rosewood-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">Lily</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/marella-146-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">Marella</a>, Broadbeach: Two 30-storey buildings with permanently protected views over parkland, beach and coastline 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/isabel-by-mosaic-96-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Isabel</a> and, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/josephine-by-mosaic-166-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Jospehine</a>, Burleigh Heads – all “masterpiece” sites on the Esplanade with enduring view corridors of beach, water and coastline in the heart of Burleigh 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sophia-by-mosaic-1357-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Sophia</a>, Palm Beach- directly on the dunes of the most highly sought after stretch of northern Palm Beach beachfront real estate 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/madeline-by-mosaic-22-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">Madeline</a>, Broadbeach – “180 degrees beach, water and coastline views, great walk score” 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford</a>, Kangaroo Point – a site Mosaic first identified in 2016. Amazing walk score, views and inner city connectivity 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a>, Kangaroo Point – in between the Gabba and the Kangaroo Point peninsula with amazing walk score and uninterrupted and expansive northern city and river views 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1">South Brisbane (launching 2026) – core inner-city Brisbane river waterfront site on the northern end of the peninsula with amazing river connection and permanent river and city views, amazing walk score</li>
</ul>

“Nothing we buy is guesswork,” Monahan says. “It’s always an iconic suburb where people genuinely want to live, with strong connections to water, lifestyle, amenity, or permanent view corridors.”

“Mosaic’s two most recent Brisbane acquisitions were several years in the making. The Bedford, launched on the prestigious Kangaroo Point peninsula and achieving 90 per cent sales within months was a site they identified back in 2016. The second, which is the yet to be released at 91 Montague Road in South Brisbane, has been on Mosaic’s radar since 2017.&nbsp;

Arguably one of Brisbane’s last great inner city riverfront sites, it sits within the city’s most dynamic cultural hub, offering unrivalled connectivity, lifestyle, and amenity, and standing as a landmark opportunity to define the next era of riverfront living.

“We know exactly what is and isn’t a Mosaic project. Strategic site selection is the critical foundation of everything we do. We’re always assessing opportunities, but based on our two most recent Brisbane acquisitions, it’s entirely possible that the sites we’re looking at today won’t transact for several years. That discipline is what ensures every project meets our exacting standards.”

<hr />
<h2>The Mosaic engine: Consistency, capability, and relentless execution</h2>

What separates Mosaic in a crowded field is not the ability to attract capital or buy a site, but the ability to deliver highly complex high end buildings, whether that is 37 storeys or 18 storeys, repeatedly and consistently.

“These buildings are inherently complex to deliver well,” Monahan says. “It takes a long time to know exactly what the market wants, how to deliver it, how to secure the right contractors and consultants, and how to align the product with what the market is actually willing to pay and can afford.”

With so many contractors exiting the market in recent years, genuine delivery capability has become increasingly rare. Monahan welcomes credible new entrants but cautions that underestimating the complexity of luxury development can lead to poor outcomes.&nbsp;

“It’s easy to assume high-end projects equal high returns, but without the right experience, track record, and capability, it’s a tough road. Attracting capital is one thing—delivering on expectations is another, and when that doesn’t happen, it impacts the entire market.’”

<hr />
<h2>Looking to 2026: A pipeline built on patience and precision</h2>

As 2025 draws to a close, Mosaic stands at the strongest point in its history. Since 2012 alone, the company has completed more than $2 billion in projects and is set to deliver another $2 billion worth of developments, hundreds of luxury apartments, all bearing Mosaic’s hallmark of impeccable delivery.&nbsp;

Next to launch are two standout projects: Josephine, an exclusive collection of just 30 half- and full-floor ultra-luxury residences coming soon to the Burleigh Heads beachfront, and a landmark tower on Montague Road in South Brisbane, comprising 204 apartments in the heart of the city’s cultural hub on the banks of the Brisbane river.

“We never arrive. There’s no finish line for us,” said Monahan. “Our focus is on continuing to evolve in the luxury space, creating incredible, design- and lifestyle-led properties that people love living in and that stand the test of time.” 
&nbsp;

What’s ahead for South East Queensland’s next development wave: Five minutes with Mosaic’s Brook Monahan

Developer Third.i has topped out its luxury Potts Point apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/muse-potts-point-30-34-brougham-street-potts-point-nsw-2011">Muse</a>.

Under construction by Dilcara and expected to complete in mid-2026, Muse comprises just 13 apartments designed by acclaimed architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/wmk-architecture">WMK Architecture</a> and Mathieson. The building’s design celebrates Potts Point’s heritage character while introducing refined modern elements like advanced building technology and private balconies and terraces that offer views of the Sydney city skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112613 project_image_fid=231687]

Luke Berry, Director &amp; Co-Founder at Thirdi Group, said Muse is a celebration of Potts Point’s unique character and charm.

"With only 13 residences, we’ve created something truly special for those who appreciate exclusivity and design excellence," Berry says"

"The views, the location, and the lifestyle make Muse a rare opportunity in Sydney’s property market. We’re thrilled to see the project take shape and look forward to welcoming our residents in mid-2026.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112613 project_image_fid=231686]

Only a limited number of residences remain at Muse.

Third.i recently launched The Rushcutters nearby, also just 13 large-scale apartments. The two-bedroom apartments were all snapped up in double-quick time. The three-bedroom apartments are priced from just under $5 million.

Potts Point has always been popular for apartment living, but given the lack of suitable development sites in the affluent suburb, new apartment developments have been few and far between.

Early next year Ceerose will launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/belgravia-potts-point-117-victoria-street-potts-point-nsw-2011">Belgravia</a>, a mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments on Victoria Street.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112613]

Staff Writer

Third.i tops out Muse, Potts Point apartments

Buyer interest in Capital Corporation’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-residences-at-wahroonga-estate-169-fox-valley-road-wahroonga-nsw-2076">The Residences at Wahroonga Estate</a> has been gaining momentum following the recent groundbreaking and the commencement of construction.

Enquiry data has pointed to a clear theme: larger apartments are leading demand, particularly among downsizers who want to remain on Sydney’s Upper North Shore.

Since June, three-bedroom layouts have attracted the highest level of enquiry. The three-bed, two-bath, two-car apartments priced from $1.69 million generated the most enquiries, the highest of any floorplan, followed by the larger three-bed garden residences which are priced at $2.25 million.

It's been a prevailing theme for Capital Corporation, who, in the early stages of marketing, reacted to buyer feedback to create more three-bedroom apartments.

The numbers echo what <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a> has observed since the project’s early stages. Buyers want generous internal space, established amenity and the ability to age in place without leaving the area.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=284378]

Capital Corporation Managing Director Jim Hunter said this was a major factor in the estate’s momentum, noting that “the combination of premium design, convenience and direct access to Sydney’s leading private hospital has proven to be a major drawcard”.

That connection to health and wellbeing has proven especially influential for older owner-occupiers. Research commissioned by Capital Corporation found that one in three Australians downsizing do so for health-related reasons, with a third specifically seeking proximity to medical facilities.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=262185]

The buyer profile emerging at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/wahroonga-nsw-2076">Wahroonga</a> Estate reflects this shift. Local residents Peter and Corinne Collins, both in their mid-70s, are among those who chose to downsize within the suburb after decades in their family home. They secured a top-floor three-bedroom apartment after queuing on launch day in March, citing the bushland setting, walkability, and peace of mind of being close to medical services as key reasons for their purchase.

“Being able to walk everywhere, including to the hospital if we need to, really gave us peace of mind,” Corinne told Apartments.com.au.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/from-family-home-to-bushland-retreat-why-peter-and-corinne-chose-the-residences-at-wahroonga-estate">From family home to bushland retreat: Why Peter and Corinne chose The Residences at Wahroonga Estate</a>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=3629]

Architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/group-gsa">Group GSA</a>&nbsp;are behind the design at The Residences at Wahroonga Estate. There are 128 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, complete with interiors&nbsp;by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/coco-republic-interior-design">Coco Republic</a>. Floor-to-ceiling glass maximises views of the bushland ridgeline, while on-site amenity includes a residents’ lounge, pet-friendly Green Spine, BBQ pavilion and direct access to Coups Creek bushland and walking tracks.

Gold Star iCIRT-rated builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/dasco-australia">DASCO</a>&nbsp;was&nbsp;appointed earlier this year to deliver The Residences at Wahroonga Estate. They are expected to complete the building in late 2027, with residents to move in shortly after.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135247]

Downsizer demand continues to shape The Residences at Wahroonga Estate

With Brisbane’s housing market soaring and home ownership becoming increasingly out of reach for many buyers, townhouses have emerged as the new urban dream, offering private, low-maintenance retreats complete with pools, parklands, and lifestyle amenities.

As Brisbane faces a growing shortage of quality new residential offerings, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/honeycombes-property-group">Honeycombes Property Group</a> has released to the market Songbird Terraces, a boutique development of just 34 terrace homes in the heart of the leafy residential enclave of Oxley.

Offering a more affordable option to the white picket fence house, buyers can purchase a brand new architecturally designed three bedroom terrace home overlooking park and bushland with a communal heated pool, BBQ terrace, private parklands and an on-site café, while being just minutes from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/oxley-qld-4075">Oxley</a>’s village centre, train station, and a range of schools and amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149443 project_image_fid=5241]

Each of the spacious three bedroom plus multi purpose room or four bedroom townhomes feature premium finishes, landscaped courtyards, designer kitchens, two-car accommodation, and optional upgrades for tailored living.

Honeycombes Property Group Managing Director Peter Honeycombe said with completion anticipated in early 2027, this was an incredibly rare chance to buy a fixed-price, brand-new, off the plan home in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held and liveable suburbs, without the stress of auctions and chaotic open homes.

“With prices starting from $1.195 million, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/songbird-terraces-oxley-10-honeyeater-circuit-oxley-qld-4075">Songbird Terraces</a> are designed for owner occupiers seeking space, style and lifestyle, without the maintenance,” Honeycombe said.

“Surrounded by natural bushland and close to manicured parks, walking trails, boutique shops, cafes, cinemas and golf courses, Oxley continues to stand out as one of Brisbane’s most liveable suburbs.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149443 project_image_fid=355541]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a> Residential Director Andrew Scriven said with a limited number of homes available, Songbird Terraces was attracting strong interest from families, upsizers, first home buyers and downsizers looking for quality, location and long-term value.&nbsp;

“Demand is high, supply is low, and the market is crying out for high-quality homes in established well connected areas like Oxley,” Scriven said.

“What was once seen as a compromise between a house and an apartment a townhouse has now become a lifestyle choice, more and more homebuyers are shifting their focus from traditional detached houses to modern, low-maintenance townhouses that offer greater value and convenience.

“As the city’s population grows and urban sprawl becomes less sustainable, Brisbane’s townhouse market is set to expand even further.&nbsp;

“There’s definitely a panic from buyers who’ve been pushed out of the house market but still want to stay in well-connected suburbs with great schools and amenities, they are worried they will miss out as property prices continually rise.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149443 project_image_fid=5238]

After eight years of calling Australia home, Agnes Skoraczewska and Matt Biskupski decided it was finally time to take the next step and purchase a home of their own. With property prices continuing to climb, the couple didn’t want to wait any longer and secured a three-bedroom plus multi purpose room townhouse at Songbird Terraces, locking in a fixed price ahead of their move in 2027.

“The truth is, we didn’t want to wait any longer,” Biskupski said. “Seeing what was happening in the market, we realised now was the right time to buy. It gives us peace of mind knowing we no longer have to worry about renting.”

When they discovered Songbird Terraces, the decision came easily.

“The area is lovely and quiet, yet still so close to the city, it’s the perfect balance for work and life,” Skoraczewska said. “It’s a place where we can recharge our batteries while staying connected to everything we need.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149443 project_image_fid=5237]

For Agnes and Matt, buying off the plan offered the ideal solution, the confidence of securing their dream home at today’s prices, and the excitement of planning for the future in a community that perfectly fits their lifestyle.

As the final residential precinct within the Songbird Oxley master plan, Songbird Terraces will continue to breathe new life into the area and help create a suburb destination rich in lifestyle amenity.

Colliers Residential Director Lily O'Connell said Songbird is positioned to take full advantage of elevated north and east-facing parkland views, the homes feature low-maintenance design and high energy efficiency to reduce ongoing costs while enhancing everyday comfort.

“And with an array of layouts, catering to a diverse range of lifestyles this is an offering for all,” O'Connell said.

“This is the final release in a masterplanned community that’s become one of Oxley’s most desirable addresses, offering a last chance to enter this community where opportunities are few and far between.”

The homes will be delivered by Clearcon Builders, specialists in premium townhome construction. They will commence construction before Christmas, and is aiming to complete the development in early 2027.

<h2>Songbird Terraces Snapshot</h2>

<ul>
	<li>34 architecturally designed 3 bedroom + multi-purpose room terrace homes.</li>
	<li>An array of layouts, catering to a diverse range of lifestyles.</li>
	<li>Perfectly positioned to take advantage of north and east views over park and bushland.</li>
	<li>A multi-purpose room, which can serve as a second living area, teen retreat, study or fourth bedroom.</li>
	<li>Designer kitchens featuring high quality engineered stone benchtops and European appliances.</li>
	<li>Spacious outdoor living areas and landscaped courtyards perfect for alfresco dining.</li>
	<li>Generous internal and external spaces, designed to take advantage of views overlooking park and bushland.</li>
	<li>Low maintenance, energy efficient &amp; two car accommodation.</li>
	<li>Access to a heated resort-style pool, outdoor entertaining terrace and beautifully landscaped gardens and park.</li>
</ul>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149443]

Songbird Terraces offer 34 architect-designed townhomes in private enclave, surrounded by bushland, parks and resort style amenity

Townhouse living, Brisbane’s new affordable urban dream?

Momentum Wealth

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When researching the market, it is important to understand what demand drivers can push up property prices in the long term. But an often underestimated factor is the supply side of the equation.  
An oversupplied market can jeopardise that important growth you are looking for when investing in property for the long-term. But how do you factor in future supply? 
A first good indicator of a future supply issue can be uncovered by asking yourself how easily your investment can be replicated by others. In other words, how much competition will your property have in the future? This is important to know, as high supply signals more competition in the market, therefore your ability to command a premium price is reduced. 
Take for example the areas on the fringe of suburbia, with large tracts of undeveloped land nearby. Achieving a high price for a property in these areas may prove difficult, because similar properties are readily available in new land subdivisions nearby. 
If you are looking for capital growth, it is often a better choice to go for a property in an established area with high demand and little room for expansion. Similarly, high-demand areas that are “land-locked” by hills or bodies of water can limit future supply and put upwards pressure on prices. 
It is also a good idea to check the zoning regulations of any area you believe is of interest. 
Local councils use residential zoning to regulate housing density. An area that is zoned to allow high-density apartments or townhouses could raise some red flags, because development could bring an oversupply of these dwelling types to the area which could negatively impact your own investment plans. It is very easy for others to build properties much the same as yours nearby. 
At Momentum Wealth, we carefully consider supply factors when assessing potential properties for clients. We identify localities in which there is likely to be little competition and we focus on properties with unique and highly valued features. We also tend to avoid areas in which there is a lot of free land for expansion while keeping an eye on zoning and development issues. 
If you would like to learn more about professional research strategies, <a href="https://wvw.momentumwealth.com.au/ResearchEbook?utm_source=Property+Observer&amp;utm_medium=Ebook&amp;utm_campaign=Ebooks" target="_blank">check out our new ebook ” How to find investment-grade properties using professional research principles”.</a> 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Supply: the forgotten part of the property investment equation

<html><body>
For your next investment property, no doubt you’ll be researching different locations and property types. But which of these two factors is more important when it comes to property investing? 
Every major Australian city has hundreds of suburbs to research when buying an investment property. 
On top of that, there is a large range of property types to choose from: apartments and flats, villas and townhouses, stand-alone dwellings, development sites, vacant land etc. 
With so many options, it can be hard to figure out what to prioritise: should you focus on a property type and research to find the suburb that maximises returns for your chosen type, or do you research to find the best location and then decide on the best property type for that location? 
The answer to that question is not straightforward and will depend on your property investment goals. For most investors, the end goal is to create substantial personal wealth. 
If wealth creation is the main objective, typically location trumps property type as the most important aspect to consider. However, that doesn’t mean type isn’t important. It means that the type to focus on will be a consequence of the location you’ve selected. After all, a location may only make a good investment if you hold the right property type in that location.
Let us illustrate this. Bart is an investor looking for capital growth, and as such, has focused on location over property type. He found a location that ticks all the boxes, and is now deciding between two types available on the market: an older, stand-alone dwelling on a large block with development potential or a brand new apartment in one of the many apartment complexes that are popping up everywhere in the suburb.   
Generally, the house on the large block of land would make the better investment thanks to its large land component, which will continue to appreciate more and more as land becomes scarcer. If Bart selects the apartment, he would have to deal with increasing competition for this type in the area, which means he’d be competing with other apartments for tenants resulting in lower rentals returns. Further to that, the continued construction of new apartments will mean that there is always a large supply of similar stock on the market, which puts downwards pressure on his apartment’s value. 
If, on the other hand, Bart’s risk appetite was low and he was financially more constrained, he would have prioritised finding a neutral or positive cash-flow property and might have focused on a different type in a different location all together.
The main thing to take away from this is that when evaluating your chosen location and property type, you must always take into consideration your unique circumstances, which will entail your financial capacity, risk tolerance and life circumstances.
For more insight into the do’s and don’ts of property research, download your free copy of our latest ebook: <a href="https://wvw.momentumwealth.com.au/ResearchEbook?utm_source=Property+Observer&amp;utm_medium=Ebook&amp;utm_campaign=Ebooks" target="_blank">”How to find investment-grade properties using professional research principles”. </a>
<a href="https://wvw.momentumwealth.com.au/ResearchEbook?utm_source=Property+Observer&amp;utm_medium=Ebook&amp;utm_campaign=Ebooks" target="_blank"> </a>
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Location Vs property type – which is more important?

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For some (inexperienced) property investors, it’s often a burning issue: where is the next property hotspot going to be? It’s also a popular media topic and property spruikers love to claim to know where the next one will be.
Yet despite the hype around hotspots, they’re actually often irrelevant when it comes to property investment.
That’s because property investment is a long-term strategy requiring a 10-plus year view, while so-called hotspots are, more often than not, a short-term phenomenon.
To assess a suburb’s long-term investment potential, it’s crucial to know what factors will affect its value over time. Here are 5 features you can incorporate into your assessment of a suburb’s potential: 
 - Activity centres
Look for smaller local centres or larger shopping complexes that feature food and beverage offerings, retail stores and service providers, which can be utilised by local residents. This type of amenity will be valued by owner-occupiers and renters alike, meaning demand for suburbs that feature good activity centres will be higher. 
 - Close to major employment centres
Given the continued urban sprawl of many Australian capital cities, people want to live closer to the area where they work (such as city CBDs) to reduce their commutes. Suburbs closer to major employment hubs will typically be in higher demand. Furthermore, investing in suburbs on the urban fringe can limit capital growth as there is typically an abundance of land that can be developed, which adds extra housing supply that puts downwards pressure on prices. 
 - Public transport links
Growing capital cities are facing increasingly congested roads.  Public transport is therefore an important benefit to any suburb. Being in walking distance to good public transport links such as a train station or bus interchange is a highly sought-after feature. 
 - Parks and other recreational amenities
Parks, activity centres, playgrounds and other recreational amenities not only make suburbs looks more family friendly, but they also provide locals with some great lifestyle options, making the area more attractive and highly valued.
 - Schools and child care facilities
Many families want to live in specific catchment zones that feature high-performing public schools. Our research has uncovered as much as a 12% difference in prices for similar stock on 2 nearby streets, where the higher-valued street was in a catchment zone for a top-performing school whereas the other was not. You can check the performance of public schools on the NAPLAN website.  
Investors looking to invest in property in the coming years should take a long-term view rather than rely on hot-spotting. By focusing on the fundamentals, such as the above 5 features, you will be better positioned to find an outperforming property.
For more insight into the do’s and don’ts of property research, download your free copy of our latest ebook: <a href="https://wvw.momentumwealth.com.au/ResearchEbook?utm_source=Property+Observer&amp;utm_medium=Ebook&amp;utm_campaign=Ebooks" target="_blank">”How to find investment-grade properties using professional research principles”. </a>
 
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Forget the hotspots – the 5 suburb features for long-term property success

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Transport infrastructure is an important factor for property investors to consider. But what type of projects typically influence property prices?
Infrastructure developments typically generate demand for housing and can cause price rises in adjacent suburbs. Sometimes the benefit to an area is obvious, other times only the truly astute investors will realise the flow-on effects.  
The value of a locality is based on many things: its proximity to employment centres and amenities is an important factor, as is the beauty and safety of the area. If new transport infrastructure is set to improve upon these factors, it is possible the area will receive a boost in value. 
New infrastructure can include public transport as well as major connecting roads. By interconnecting suburbs people’s perception of distance changes. For instance, if a new road cuts travel time to the city, this might make the suburb much more attractive for commuters. 
The infrastructure projects with the biggest impact are typically projects involving the rail network, new major roads, or significant improvements to existing roads. All these projects have the potential to impact on property values.  
If an existing rail line is extended, this can certainly improve the value of outlying suburbs that then no longer have to solely rely on buses and roads. 
While new roads can make an area more accessible, the widening of roads can impact areas by reducing congestion and reducing travel times. Reconfiguring of roads and new bridges can also make a significant change. 
For property investors, it is key to research and keep track of upcoming projects, because the best time to buy in an area is right before they receive the full benefit of the projects, when prices haven’t had a chance to move upwards yet. 
Luckily, the Government plans most of these projects well in advance and the planning documents are typically available to the public. But investors should also keep an ear out for new announcements particularly around election time.  
For more insights into how to research the market, grab your FREE copy of our latest ebook: <a href="https://wvw.momentumwealth.com.au/ResearchEbook?utm_source=Property+Observer&amp;utm_medium=Ebook&amp;utm_campaign=Ebooks" target="_blank">How to find investment-grade properties using professional research principles.</a>
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The importance of infrastructure projects for capital growth

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Investors seeking maximum rental income and capital growth must invest in property that is high in demand and is also limited in supply. 
What are some important demand drivers to keep in mind?
Essential demand factors to consider when assessing a property for investment are demographic and social changes, because these influence where people want to live and what kind of property they want to live in. 
An example of social change is the lifestyle preferences of today’s Australians. We tend to see ourselves as more sophisticated today than we did a few decades ago. We are more focused on lifestyle and, as such, residing in fashionable locations is becoming more desirable. 
Investors may benefit from capitalising on these preferences by investing in property near café strips, close to rivers, beaches or harbours, and in inner city locations rather than rural locations. 
Another key factor responsible for driving demand is demographic trends. For example, many baby boomers hold the view that the prosperity they have worked hard for is to be spent on lifestyle. Many are trading their large suburban homes for smaller lifestyle-oriented properties located close to the ocean or near café strips. 
Younger generations, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, are also attracted to lifestyle. It is common for these generations to delay marriage or starting a family to allow themselves to achieve career goals. Single family households are also on the rise.  
These demographic phenomena point to smaller, lifestyle-oriented dwellings close to good amenities, transport, schools and workplace being in higher demand in the coming years.
When you are considering the many factors that drive demand, remember to look for properties that appeal to both owner-occupiers and tenants. 
After all, many of the features of a property that are valued by owner-occupiers are also sought by tenants. 
For example, bedroom size, a usable kitchen, storage, and car parking are just as highly valued by today’s tenants who will pay good rents for these features.
If you would like to learn more about professional research strategies, <a href="https://wvw.momentumwealth.com.au/ResearchEbook?utm_source=Property+Observer&amp;utm_medium=Ebook&amp;utm_campaign=Ebooks" target="_blank">check out our new ebook ”How to find investment-grade properties using professional research principles”.</a> 
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Picking a winner – property research strategies 

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One ‘quick win’ for investors regardless of what and where they buy is finding a property that can be bought for less than it is worth. 
You might wonder how that is possible. It seems a little strange that people would sell property for less than it is worth, but it does happen and our buyer’s agents have snapped up plenty of opportunities for our clients over the years.  Here are 5 reasons why someone would sell a property below market value.
1. They don’t care
There are occasions where the seller does not care what the market value of a property is. In the case of a mortgagee-in-possession for example, where a lender has taken possession of a property, they typically just want to dispose of the property as soon as possible. The lender is mainly concerned with recovering the debt owed on the property. While they have a duty to maximise the price, a public auction usually would satisfy an obligation to obtain a fair price. Mortgagee sales are therefore often a good place to find a property below market value.
2. Ignorance 
Some people may simply be oblivious to the true, sometimes hidden, value of their property. For example, they may not have bothered to discover the zoning codes in the area, which may make their property worth more than similar houses in the area with a different zoning. Or another example could be a seller that lives interstate with little interest in keeping up to date with market prices, and doesn’t do enough research when setting a sales price.
3. They want to
Did you know there are some sellers that actually do not want to sell at market value? As hard as that may be to believe, there are rare occasions where this occurs. For instance, when there is a bitter dispute between partners (life partners or business partners) they may turn vindictive towards each other and would rather see the other side suffer than win themselves. 
4. The only choice left
For some people, selling below market value seems to be only choice left. For instance, the bank may be threatening them with repossession. Or they may have purchased elsewhere and either don’t want to take out, or cannot take out, bridging finance. For whatever reason, in their minds they believe the only choice left is to sell below market value. 
5. Emotional pressure
Some people do not deal with pressure very well, and in property there is often a lot of emotional pressure. If financial pressures are building up, people become irrational. For example, if the property has been on the market for a long time, the emotional price becomes too high and they would rather slash the price than have the uncertainty of not selling their home or investment property. 
Even if you can find a property below market value, that doesn’t automatically make it a good investment. All the typical research criteria still need to stack up! For more insight into the do’s and don’ts of property research, download your free copy of our latest ebook: <a href="https://wvw.momentumwealth.com.au/ResearchEbook?utm_source=Property+Observer&amp;utm_medium=Ebook&amp;utm_campaign=Ebooks" target="_blank">”How to find investment-grade properties using professional research principles”.</a> 
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How investors can find undervalued properties

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Property investment consultants Momentum Wealth are inviting wholesale investors to participate in the development of their newly secured riverfront site in the Perth suburb of Crawley.
The 1,539sqm late 1960s site was secured in an off-market transaction, located nearby the Blue Boat Shed, Perth’s most photographed building.
The six existing apartments on the site will be demolished and developed into a prime development, said Momentum Wealth’s Philip Anderson.
“This development will be the first development fronting Mounts Bay Road with sweeping river views in over 10 years”, he said.
The site is located in a small, tightly held residential pocket between Kings Park and Mounts Bay Road with limited prospects of future supply.
“That pocket of Crawley is an established apartment market with an older, more affluent owner-occupier demographic which makes it perfectly suited to an iconic development of this nature,” Anderson said.
Each of the proposed apartments in the complex will be set over its own floor, offering luxury amenities.
A minimum investment of $100,000 is required from potential wholesale investors.
The project will be targeting an internal rate of return between 18 and 20 per cent, with a total equity raise of $10 million.
Comprising of between eight and 10 apartments, the development is expected to appeal to local, interstate and international buyers.
Amenities will include large outdoor living areas, three parking bays per apartment and views of Swan River and Kings Park.
<a href="https://www.momentumwealth.com.au/crawleyfund/?utm_source=PropObs&amp;utm_medium=Tower&amp;utm_campaign=POdigi" target="_blank">Expressions of interest are now open</a> at Momentum Wealth. 
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Prestige Crawley residential project investment opportunity offered by Momentum Wealth

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Perth developer Momentum Wealth has settled on a $2.9 million development site in Dalkeith.
Momentum are now undertaking plans to create six luxury dwellings on the 1,105 sqm Gallop Road property near the Dalkeith Village Shopping Centre.
Philip Anderson, Manager of Development at Momentum Wealth, said the acquisition forms part of the developer’s strategy to target the “missing middle” of townhouse product in premium, established locations where such housing options are in limited supply.
“We identified a prime opportunity following the recent rezoning under the City of Nedlands to target this gap in the market and capture pent-up demand from buyers who want the option to downsize without compromising on quality or location.”
“This density has not previously been seen in the Dalkeith area and remains relatively limited, so the combination of high buyer demand and low levels of competing stock creates ideal conditions for the project,” he said.
It's the second purchase from Momentum in the Dalkeith area recently, with a property on the nearby Adelma Road due to settle early next year.
Momentum assumed a similar strategy with their recent acquisition of the iconic Yelo site in Trigg, with the planned boutique apartment development also addressing a gap in the local market for high-quality but downsized options.
Momentum Wealth are currently running an investor survey.
For a chance to win a $500 Flight Centre voucher or a $250 voucher for Coles Myer, take the <a href="https://www.momentumwealth.com.au/national-property-investor-survey-2020/" target="_blank">short survey here</a>.
 
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Momentum Wealth

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