For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

La Vera closes in on completion as Macquarie Park continues residential transformation

Office Market

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Education providers are looking to Australian CBD offices in an attempt to attract international students demanding improved safety, connectivity, and enhanced amenities, according to a new report compiled by JLL Research.
“Education has become the ‘sleeping giant’ of office demand,” says Darren Krakowiak, JLL’s Director of Tenant Representation. 
The international student market is worth more than $30 billion a year to Australia. 
In Victoria, strong state government investment in education has boosted student intakes by 5.8% per year from 2001 to 2017, exceeding the national average of 4.9% and increasing its share of national enrolments by 2.2 percentage points.
Much of this growth is in the international student segment. 
JLL’s report, Sleeping Giant – Education sector demand in the Melbourne CBD, notes that Melbourne was rated third globally in the 2019 QS Best Student Cities Ranking.
“Over the last five years, the education sector accounted for 10.1% of Melbourne CBD office space take-up, up from 2.2% in the previous five years,” according to JLL’s Senior Director Strategic Research, Annabel McFarlane.
“This is placing pressure on the Melbourne office market and vacancy levels are close to a 30-year low in the second quarter of 2019 at 3.8%.” 
Victoria University is consolidating its city campuses into City West Precinct, a 32-storey vertical campus due for completion late in 2021. 
Monash College is taking more than 40,000 square metres of space at 750 Collins Street, Docklands, with other educators taking backfill space in repurposed offices and leasing space in clustered buildings. 
Non-university educators are also strong players in the sector, with enrolments trebling in the 10 years to 2017.
These non-traditional institutions are also using the benefits of the CBD as a competitive advantage, and are key sources of demand for space in secondary office buildings, McFarlane said.
Along with the increased demand for university premises, there has been huge growth in purpose-built student accommodation in the Melbourne CBD, particularly at the northern end close to the University of Melbourne and RMIT.
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Education sector disrupting Melbourne's office space market

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The Brisbane CBD office market will benefit from continued growth in Queensland’s economy, according to the latest research from Knight Frank.
Their Brisbane CBD Office Market Overview found the underlying growth story of Brisbane and Queensland remains, with employment in the office-based sectors to show sustained growth, despite economic growth forecasts moderating due to global factors.
Knight Frank Partner Research and Consulting Queensland and report author Jennelle Wilson said, “forecast employment growth is expected to be a standout in 2019 with the Brisbane region to record 25,000-plus more jobs in the core office-based industries, according to Oxford Economics"
“While 2020 is expected to be lower, the coming five years will average 10,500 office based jobs per annum."
The Knight Frank findings showed tenant demand in the Brisbane CBD office market had remained steady with net absorption positive and vacancy decreasing to 11.9%, the lowest level in seven years, and down from 14.6% a year earlier.
Knight Frank Partner and Joint Head of Office Leasing Mark McCann said, the finance and insurance industry accounted for 26% of tenant activity over 2018 and 2019 due to the Suncorp pre-commitment to 80 Ann Street, followed by government and public administration at 22%, and resources and energy at 10%. 
“For the past 12 months both the CBD and fringe markets have recorded positive net absorption, ending the period of one market stealing tenants from the other," he said.
Supply additions in the market through late 2019 and early 2020,  will place a gap on further near-term vacancy falls, with vacancy expected to tick slightly upwards to reach 12.5% in January 2020.
From 2020 onwards the vacancy rate will resume a downward trend.
Ms Wilson said effective rental growth has continued in the Brisbane CBD office market, as vacancy has decreased and demand remains positive, with prime and secondary effective rents growing by 1.2% and 5.6% year-on-year respectively to July 2019.
“The majority of uplift is coming from face rents as incentive erosion has slowed. Tenants are motivated to relocate and upgrade where capital costs are mitigated.”
"Investment volumes in the Brisbane CBD office market are high, sitting at $2.86 billion over the year to September, roughly $1 billion higher than the corresponding period one year earlier ($1.82 billion)," she said.
While sales over 2018 were dominated by offshore buyers, there has been a noticeable decline in the level of direct transactions being undertaken by offshore buyers during 2019, according to the research.
The data shows the balance between domestic and offshore buyers has flipped in the 2019 calendar year to date, with offshore purchasing representing only 17% of transactions, compared with 73% in 2018. 
Yields in Brisbane’s CBD office market have continued to tighten, although the pace of contraction is reducing.
Mr McGrath noted, “Compressing by 23 basis points over the past year, Brisbane CBD yields are starting to move more in line with the Sydney and Melbourne CBDs.” 
“This comes after a period of accelerated yield compression as Brisbane was re-rated by investors," said Mr McGrath.
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Outlook positive for Brisbane's CBD office market: Knight Frank

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The office market on the Sunshine Coast has continued to remain relatively stable during 2019, according to the latest report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The property valuation firm found, one of the big questions has been, “What will be the effects be of the large supply of which entered the market during 2018?” The answer to this has generally been a reduction in rentals for tenants, though in prime locations and A-grade stock, that reduction has been lower than the remainder of the market.
They have seen significant incentives for vacant space, though overall reductions in market reviews for existing tenants are not as significant.
One of the reasons for this is likely the high costs associated with moving work spaces for the majority of tenants with over 150 square metres of space.
Therefore there have been numerous sales of existing offices in the market.
These sales indicate that the market is still liquid for a range of holdings.
The report authors said, "the owner-occupier market is still dominating sales up to $1.5 million with owners looking to secure high quality space generally above $4000 per square metre with lower quality space typically in the $3000 to $4000 per square metre range."
"Investors are looking for multi-tenanted holdings to spread overall cash flow risk in this market, which has high vacancy, with sales typically being seen in the seven to eight per cent range depending on WALE, quality of complex, location and redevelopment potential."
"We have not seen a higher end sale over $5 million in the office space to date in 2019, though there has not been stock available to the market in this range."
"The next influx of supply is due to enter the market during the early months of 2020 with the first building within SunCentral due to be completed at that time with construction recently commenced," they concluded.
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Sunshine Coast office market continues stabilising: HTW Commercial

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The Cairns office market is relatively shallow and experiences limited sales activity, according to the latest report from property valuation firm Herron Todd White.
They found, the market has also experienced limited new development, with the last very large office building constructed in Cairns being the state government office tower completed in 2010.
The level of general commercial property sales in Cairns, inclusive of retail and commercial office premises, highlights that activity in the Cairns commercial market remains well below the levels achieved in the 2003 to 2007 period.
Sales volumes have been gradually rebuilding over the past nine years, but are still only averaging around 90 to 100 sales per annum.
The report authors said, "median prices paid specifically for strata titled premises have increased mildly over the past seven years, but our general impression is that prices per square metre of floor area are mostly stable within the $2,500 to $4,500 range."
"Most new office space leasing demand is for smaller areas and for modern, good quality green star rated premises, however there is only a handful of such buildings in Cairns. These buildings achieve high levels of occupancy and are experiencing stable rent levels typically of $350 to $450 per square metre per annum."
"Demand for lesser quality space remains limited and there is a large oversupply of good quality non-inner CBD and well exposed secondary space in the $200 to $300 per square metre per annum rental range. These conditions have placed downward pressure on secondary rents and have seen the emergence of incentives."
"The most recent sale of a large office building was the design and construct of the new Ergon premises in Bunda Street, Cairns City."
"The property sold for $14.7 million in May 2019 providing an analysed yield of 6.4%. The building comprised two levels of high quality office with a total area of 2,400 square meters, 68 car parks and an initial ten year lease term," they said.
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Cairns office market subdued and stable: HTW Commercial

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Adelaide’s office market continues its solid performance with vacancy rates dropping to their lowest level in over four years, according to the latest report from Herron Todd White.
The property valuation firm found, in our previous office market update, Adelaide CBD total vacancies were recorded at 14.2%, whereas now, according to statistics published by the Property Council of Australia, CBD vacancies measure just 12.8%.
Adelaide’s fringe office market, which encompasses the arterial roads of Greenhill Road to the south of the city and Fullarton Road and Dequetteville Terrace to the east, has recorded vacancies of 13.1%, a slight increase since our their June update.
The report said, this reflects the desire of tenants to base themselves within the CBD, as Adelaide continues to present itself as an attractive base for both international and local businesses.
"Furthermore, within the CBD office market, A-grade vacancies decreased by 0.5% and B-grade vacancies also reduced by 0.2%, while C-grade office vacancies increased by 0.5%, reflecting tenant demand for high quality and sustainable office space."
"Nationwide vacancies are forecast to reduce to 7.7% over the next two years, with modest improvements in South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia offsetting slight vacancy increases in New South Wales and Victoria. Owners are continuing to reposition B and C-grade space to increase the quality and fuel the flight to quality within the Adelaide CBD, further closing the gap between premium and secondary space."
"Overall, sentiment in the office market is encouraging, with net absorption remaining positive. As businesses grow and expand, office space continues to be sold and leased and pressure is put on B and C-grade space to adapt and improve to remain attractive to prospective tenants," the report noted.
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Adelaide office vacancy rates drop to four year low: HTW Commercial

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To date in 2019, the Perth office leasing market has seen both rental incentives and rental rates stabilise, according to the latest report from Herron Todd White.
The most recent Property Council of Australia (PCA) Office Market Report indicates the total vacancy rate for office space in the Perth CBD dropped marginally from 18.5% to 18.4% in the six months to July 2019.
The reduction is attributed to positive demand for premium and B-grade buildings.
The property valuation firm found, whilst it's an encouraging sign, Perth’s CBD has the highest vacancy rate of all capital cities in Australia.
There are no significant building projects in the pipeline until 2020 and the revitalisation of the CBD landscape, with major infrastructure projects such as Elizabeth Quay continuing to move ahead.
The report noted, "incentives for quality buildings in Perth’s core CBD have even experienced some downward pressure with early signs of growth in the space needs of particular tenants."
"Property owners continue to be proactive in trying to entice existing tenants to recommit and in order to attract new tenants."
"Accordingly, incentives are still being offered in the market place (typically between 25 and 50%). Furthermore, landlords are providing their existing and prospective tenants with bespoke floor plates, flexible work spaces, meeting hubs, refurbished foyers, some featuring concierge services, gymnasiums or wellness centres with some more innovative landlords looking at child care or child minding facilities within their buildings, in addition to the obligatory end of trip facilities, bike storage rooms and, in some cases, bike repair shops," the report stated.
In terms of capital transactions, demand for office property in the Perth CBD has been felt predominantly from institutions and foreign (south-east Asian) buyers seeking counter-cyclical acquisitions of secondary assets with good prospects for re-positioning.
The West Perth office market has not fared as well as the CBD for the six months to July 2019 as the total vacancy rate rose from 14.8% to 16.9%.
Similar to the Perth CBD however, vacancy rates for A-grade space actually tightened during this period however this was off-set by a substantial increase in vacancies for lower grade premises.
The authors said, "the total vacancy rate for office space in the Perth CBD dropped marginally from 18.5% to 18.4% in the six months to July 2019."
"The lack of quality office stock with medium to long term WALEs combined with subdued economic conditions has affected transaction activity. We expect these trends to continue in the short term," they concluded.
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Perth's rental office market evens out: HTW commercial

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2019 has seen vacancy rates continue to tighten for A-grade office stock in the nation’s capital, having fallen to 5% from 5.4% in the six months to July 2019 and having already decreased from 8.6% for the six months prior to that, according to the latest report from Herron Todd White.
The property valuation firm found, absorption of A-grade stock has continued to improve, primarily for property in close proximity to the CBD and predominantly by Commonwealth government departments.
While the supply level for premium office stock is currently tight, new stock coming on-line in 2020 and 2021 will relieve this pressure and potentially offset any significant rental growth experienced currently, especially in the premium sector.
Notable office development currently taking place within the CBD includes Amalgamated Property Group’s Civic Quarter, situated alongside the Northbourne Avenue development corridor with direct exposure to the light rail system. 
The report notes, "While there has been very strong interest in the above both government and corporate tenants alike, demand for office space certainly exists outside of the CBD."
"An example of a significant sale transaction is 16-18 Mort Street, Canberra City in June 2019 for $108.5 million. The property was constructed in 1992 and features a total of 14,506 square metre B-Grade office space."
"The continued popularity and growth of co-working spaces and buildings with shared facilities to satiate an ever growing mobile office population that demands more flexible spaces coupled with a move towards smarter more energy efficient buildings will see an increased proportion of current B-grade stock undergoing substantial refurbishment and modernization in order to stay competitive and garner local and offshore investment interest," it concluded.
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Canberra vacancy rates tighten for A-grade office stock: HTW Commercial

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The office market in Rockhampton has stabilised, however remains relatively flat, according to the latest report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The property valuation firm found, there have been no major office developments in the CBD since the completion of the NAB building in 2012, however there is still a significant vacancy rate and until existing vacancies are absorbed across the CBD, it is unlikely we will see any other major office developments in the immediate term.
However the Council has recently let the contract for the construction of a new art gallery in the CBD on a 2,800 square metre site.
It will require the demolition of existing office buildings which provide about 3,000 to 4,000 square metres of office space.
The report noted, "rentals have been relatively stable over the past 12 to 24 months, however leases that were negotiated some five to ten years ago that are coming to an end are seeing some re-negotiations as the previous rentals are now considered above market."
"Generally speaking, office rentals within the Rockhampton CBD have been ranging from about $225 to $300 per square metre gross. Rentals above $300 per square metre gross are for prime office tenancies only."
"There have been no recent major transactions of office buildings."
"The most recent was the sale of the NAB building which transacted in 2016 for $9.35 million."
"Owner-occupiers remain fairly active in the market, with most activity in the sub- $1 million price bracket."
"Vacant office buildings have been very thinly traded above the $1 million price bracket in recent years."
"With multiple infrastructure projects commencing and in the pipeline, things are looking positive for the office market in Rockhampton in the short to medium term," the report concluded.
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Rockhampton office market left flat: HTW Commercial

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Agents report that conditions within the Gold Coast office market have been slowing for a while now, according to the latest report from property valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The report found, that exacerbating this sentiment in 2019 to date was the Royal Commission into misconduct in the banking, superannuation and financial services industry and the federal government election campaign.
However after a marketplace hiatus over this period (February to May) the impact of these events seems to have well and truly passed and business appears to have moved back into normal mode once again.
The HTW valuers said, "continuation of the low interest rate environment, with rates reducing yet again, is certainly a positive for the market place in a general sense."
"To date in 2019, we have seen settlement of several sizeable office building transactions."
In January: 130 Bundall Road, Bundall. 3,682 square metre lettable area on a 2,226 square metre site at $11 million (source: CoreLogic). 70% occupied and reflecting a WALE of 2.16 years (by income). Passing yield circa 5.43%. Analysed yield 7.34% (with 7.5% PVA). $2,988 per square metre on floor area. Owner-occupier buyer.
In March: Lakeside 1, Bermuda Point, Lot 1101/1 Lake Orr Drive, Varsity Lakes. 6,114 square metres lettable area on a 7,916 square metre site at $25.1 million (source: CoreLogic). Reported as circa 96% occupied and returning a net passing income in the order of $2.285 million. Based on these metrics, passing yield would be in the order of 9% with a lettable floor area rate of circa $4,105 per square metre, although we consider the passing rental level full.
 In May: 169 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes. 3,364 square metres lettable area on a 13,000 square metre site at $14 million (source: CoreLogic). Fully leased and reflecting an estimated WALE of 1.38 years (by income). Passing yield circa 8.73%. Analysed yield 6.85% (with 5% PVA). $4,172 per square metre on floor area. Considered a future residential redevelopment site.
In August: Confidential. Circa 2,500 square metres lettable area U/C exceeding $8 million. 95% occupied and reflecting a WALE of 1.5 years (by income). Will reflect a passing yield of circa 7.6%.
HTW valuers said, "several other larger office buildings have also been put to the market place. All have drawn interest from prospective buyers."
"Based on bone fide offers received, interest in the Gold Coast office sector would appear to be holding firm, although our observation is that yields may be softening slightly, to analysed yields ranging from 7.25% to 8%."
"Supply of larger office floor space (1,000 square metres plus) has been hampered on the Gold Coast for some time now due in the main to no new office buildings being developed."
"The lack of new buildings has attracted entrepreneurial investors to older buildings in the Gold Coast’s older established office precincts such as Southport, Bundall and Surfers Paradise," stated the valuers.
The Property Council of Australia July 2019 Office Market Report indicates a total vacancy factor for the Gold Coast of 12.9%.
This is up from 11.6% in their January 2019 report. Leasing agents had noted a tougher first half for 2019, but expect the second half to be better.
The report authors said, "the negative net absorption of -6,850 square metres is attributed to businesses consolidating into smaller premises, etc.
"Overall, we consider the increased level in the Gold Coast vacancy factor may dampen some investors’ views of the Gold Coast office sector, with the result being solidification of slightly higher yields, but on the positive side of the ledger, rental rates appear to be achieving moderate gains."
"So all in all, the bottom line is likely to be retention of asset value levels over the remainder of 2019," they concluded.
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Gold Coast office market shrugs off slowdown: HTW Commercial

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Office investment activity in Newcastle has been fairly subdued over the past 12 months, according to the latest report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The property valuation firm said the outlier was the headline grabbing sale of 18 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle (pictured) to IOOF Investment Management Ltd for a reported sum of $52.2 million of course, A record for office property in the city.
Colliers International describes the property as, “an A Grade, seven-level commercial building completed in 2017 that provides investors with a top tier asset featuring outstanding investment credentials."
"The 6,524 square metre building is 100% leased to a diverse list of corporate and Government tenants. Plus it is well-positioned in the prominent Honeysuckle harbour front precinct of the Newcastle CBD."
The property was designed to meet a 4.5-star NABERS energy rating and was awarded a 5-Star Green Star rating.
The sale reflects an approximate yield of 6.2% and reflects the continuance of low yields for well positioned and occupied investment stock in the current market.
A-grade vacancy remains at historic lows and with major office developments around the Wickham transport interchange being built fully or majority pre-committed, this vacancy rate will remain low for some time, the report concluded.
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