ASX-listed developer Cedar Woods is progressing its plans for its Southbank arts precinct site.&nbsp;

The developer has filed plans, which are now with the&nbsp;Department of Transport and Planning, for a new 20-level tower at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/141-151-sturt-street-southbank-vic-3006">141–151 Sturt Street</a>, a 2,718 sqm block opposite the Habitat Filter sculpture.

The proposal seeks to demolish the two-level&nbsp;commercial building, including a small supermarket and medical tenancies, and create a new building with 180 apartments and a focus on an&nbsp;active public realm and arts integration.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Southbank site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76a72db6-91ef-43ae-827d-a9cfa72893d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Site.png?VersionId=DZgtB4K6BswVh0QtCs3iLjXaLp0CbcEb" />

&nbsp;

There will be a full mix of apartment configurations, including 28 studio apartments, 16 one-bedroom, 104 two-bedroom, and 32 three-bedroom units.

Retail, creative arts, and residential amenity functions are integrated across the lower levels. A food and drink tenancy is planned to front Dodds Street, while a retail tenancy fronting Sturt Street will be accessed via an elevated walkway. The first floor includes a substantial 734 sqm creative arts space, envisioned to support Melbourne’s growing cultural and digital industries.

Architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has put together the plans. In their&nbsp;Urban Design Report they highlighted the project’s ambition to embed itself within Southbank’s evolving cultural fabric.

A central feature of the design is a through-block link connecting Sturt and Dodds Streets, landscaped with native plantings and embedded with universal access ramps.

“The ramp has been thoughtfully integrated as the primary access point, ensuring universal accessibility for all users,” the report noted, with the link offering “a direct response to the urban planning scheme of creating more green spaces within our communities”.

<img alt="Southbank podium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d24b1b2-d69c-4a11-a11d-ec6df432221c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium.png?VersionId=geWoJyZDmPSLODZ_.PNJ0LvpOmyyCdpo" />

The building’s podium form responds to the mandatory height limits along Dodds Street and maintains a fine-grain interface to adjoining developments. Above the podium, the tower is articulated with recessed balconies and a focus on views toward the CBD and surrounding arts institutions. A communal rooftop recreation deck and indoor lounge are positioned on level four, adjoining seven apartments and providing over 900 sqm of resident amenity space.

Vehicle access and loading will be provided via Dodds Street, with 155 resident car spaces located across two basement levels and the first three above-ground floors. Bicycle storage is more generous, with 226 spaces distributed across resident, staff and visitor needs.

Rothelowman describes the architecture as “humanist,” with ground-level interfaces designed to encourage social interaction and provide a dignified entry for both residents and passers-by. “All street interfaces are crafted to invite and nurture human connections,” the design report states. “The façade transitions to a human scale, providing an approachable and engaging streetscape”.

Cedar Woods, while well-known for its large communities it develops outside of Australia's capital cities, they have recently developed in Melbourne's inner-ring before. They are approaching completion at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/88-leveson-north-melbourne-88-leveson-street-north-melbourne-vic-3051">88 Leveson</a>, just 15 townhouses in the heart of North Melbourne.

Joel Robinson

Cedar Woods progresses with new apartment plans in Southbank arts precinct

Brisbane developers Core Property Partners and Vector Property Australia has teamed up for Brisbane's newest apartment development.

The duo identified <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as their preferred suburb, on the fringe of the Gabba Precinct, where they've just revealed BANKSII, 72 apartments opposite Raymond Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5481]

The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will sit in a glass-wrapped building that will also feature a rooftop with an&nbsp;infinity-edge pool, a BBQ area and alfresco dining spaces, sun lounges, and a sauna, as well as a resident-only gym and a ground-floor cafe.

Rhett Williams, Director of Vector Property Australia, said the project will lift the quality of the East Brisbane community and set a new benchmark.

"In Brisbane’s current property landscape, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/banksii-east-brisbane-169-wellington-road-east-brisbane-qld-4169">BANKSII</a> stands out through its emphasis on lifestyle-oriented living, connectivity and sophisticated design," Williams says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5479]

The 10-level building has been designed by MAS Architecture. Their designs were inspired by the native Banksia flower, with the architecture and interiors reflecting the organic symmetry of its namesake flora. MAS has interpreted this throughout the building’s curved form, façade detailing and interior palette.&nbsp;

The building’s flowing geometry and natural tones are complemented by large balconies and floor-to-ceiling glazing, maximising cross-breezes, daylight and views over the city, parklands and river.

“Having a strong narrative for a building helps us architecturally,” MAS noted. "We can choose colours that come off that species of flowers. The trunk and the trees and the flower elements all are now visible in our joinery on the inside and in our architectural finishes on the outside."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5485]

Apartments will feature timber floors, soft porcelain tiles, brushed bronze fittings, and stone benchtops with warm veining.&nbsp;

Kitchens feature premium SMEG appliances and generous storage, while bathrooms have been designed as calming retreats with curved cabinetry and twin sinks in the master ensuites.

The building will feature a suite of rooftop and wellness amenities. Residents will have access to an infinity-edge pool, BBQ and alfresco dining areas, sun lounges and a rooftop sauna.&nbsp;

A residents-only gym will be located on the podium level, while a ground-floor café and landscaped laneway will further activate the site and improve neighbourhood connectivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5488]

BANKSII will rise from a prime Wellington Road site, with the building oriented to overlook the adjacent Raymond Park and take in extensive city views. It is also on the doorstep of key&nbsp;lifestyle infrastructure, including the future Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, The Gabba stadium, and the planned Brisbane Live arena.&nbsp;

Public transport options, including ferry, bus and rail - including the future Cross River Rail Woolloongabba station - are all nearby, supporting a car-optional lifestyle just minutes from the CBD.

Williams said the team spent over a year searching for the ideal site before securing this location.

"We were attracted to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as it is a vibrant and growing community that offers a perfect balance of urban convenience and natural beauty with the parklands and river on our doorstep.”

The project is part of the broader Woolloongabba Games precinct, which is undergoing significant investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This urban renewal, coupled with infrastructure upgrades, is expected to enhance long-term liveability and capital growth in the area.

Given the wide max of configurations, BANKSII is expected to suit everyone from first home buyers and investors to families and downsizers.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136432]

BANKSII sales launch in booming East Brisbane apartment market

The Minns Labor Government will deliver Sydney’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade – enabling up to 10,000 new homes by rezoning land around Woollahra and Edgecliff stations, right next to the CBD, to tackle the housing crisis and rebalance growth across the city.

Recent reports by the NSW Productivity Commission have warned that Sydney is losing twice as many young people as it is gaining, while also finding that Woollahra is the most feasible Local Government Area (LGA) in New South Wales to build new housing.

Despite this, housing approvals in Woollahra consistently lag well behind other LGAs, and the population has declined by 11 per cent over the past 50 years while Greater Sydney as a whole has grown by 74 per cent.

The new station that will be an eight-minute trip from Sydney CBD, will be located on the Eastern Suburbs train line in Woollahra, where a station build was started in the 1970s but never completed.

To enable the delivery of new homes the NSW Government will lead a rezoning of Woollahra and Edgecliff stations similar to other state led rezonings to allow additional homes to be built around the stations.

Affordable housing will also make up a proportion of development on the site with the final amount of affordable housing required, to be determined as part of the rezoning process.

The area surrounding the new station is within walking distance of major green and recreational space including Cooper, Trumper, Rushcutters Bay and Centennial Parks.

The Eastern Suburbs train line between Bondi Junction and Sydney CBD also has the lowest passenger usage rates during the AM peak of any line on the Sydney network, with only 43 per cent of operating capacity during the AM peak currently being utilised by passengers.

Sydney Water and Infrastructure NSW have confirmed there is capacity in the water and wastewater systems to accommodate the proposed 10,000 dwellings without major upgrades.

The rezoning is expected to take around two years and will further support the Government’s housing targets that rebalance the delivery of new homes around existing infrastructure.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Next stop Woollahra train station - delivering up to 10,000 new homes in the heart of Sydney

<section data-element_type="section" data-id="b086848">
Fresh off completing its mixed-use Malvern project Malvern Collective, Kokoda Property Group has acquired a prime site on Richmond's Bridge Road.

They are planning a mid-rise residential development with&nbsp;integrated wellness amenities and a vibrant ground-floor retail and dining offering.

The site, at&nbsp;487–495 Bridge Road, spans&nbsp;1,650 sqm with 50 metres of dual frontage across Bridge Road and Palmer Street. It is currently leased to Adairs, and has a large retail building and 20 onsite car parks.
</section>

<section data-element_type="section" data-id="534a164">
Kokoda Property Group’s acquisition forms part of a broader phase of growth in Melbourne, building on momentum from the completion of Malvern Collective and the recent purchase of a Burnley Street site for the developer’s first commercial project.&nbsp;

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating.

“Melbourne is regaining momentum,"&nbsp;Stevens said.

"After a cautious period post-COVID, we’re seeing buyer sentiment stabilise and capital leaning back into well-located, quality projects. Victoria now benefits from deep builder capacity and competitive delivery pricing, creating a rare opportunity to bring design-led inner-city developments to market without compromising on craftsmanship.

“Richmond ticks all the boxes for us – connectivity, culture and everyday amenity – making Bridge Road the perfect address for an amenity-rich, multi-use development."

<img alt="Kokoda" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a8de51d-8092-480a-8b7e-e081816692c2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-29%20at%208.54.27%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VRHpV5.6beOu2cieKHWrw3ErMPuVOAuj" />

Envisioned as an “urban lantern” the building will bring a distinctive new presence to Bridge Road with a sculptural retail frontage, designed to honour the street’s heritage character while contributing to its renewal.

Stevens said the acquisition reflects the developer’s commitment to design-led addresses in Melbourne’s inner city.

“Drawing on Richmond’s rich heritage and dynamic character, we’ve envisioned a contemporary building that respects the past while elevating the way people live today. With dual frontages, curated ground-floor spaces, and a focus on wellness, this project will contribute to the neighbourhood’s evolution, appealing to both downsizers and a new generation of professionals.”

Kokoda Property will now progress concept design ahead of a future planning process.
</section>

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating

First look: Kokoda secures Richmond site for new apartment development

Gold Coast developer Drew Group is fast approaching sell-out at its Main Beach apartment development, Lagoon Main Beach.

In the last nine months, Drew Group and sales partner Pezet Matheson have secured 31 sales totalling over $75 million, as the two-tower development advances towards completion under the expert eye of Hutchinson Builders.

“Today's buyers are more discerning than ever," Drew Group Managing Director Jon Drew says.

"It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=193023]

Just over 50 per cent of recent&nbsp;sales have been to local buyers, reflecting the deep trust and connection within the Gold Coast community that Drew Group has developed over the years.

Demand has been particularly robust at the top end, with two of the three exclusive penthouses already sold, alongside five sub-penthouses. Only seven apartments remain in Lagoon's Signature Series — one&nbsp;penthouse and six sub-penthouses.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=284864]

Drew Group has also removed the much-maligned sunset clause from all contracts at Lagoon. The sunset clause — although rarely invoked, yet on occasion known to have been — allows developers to take back contracts on apartments should the building not be completed within the timeframe specified in the contract.

Pezet Matheson Co-Director Jayde Pezet says the fact Lagoon is&nbsp;within a year of completion, and has no sunset clause in contracts, provides certainty to buyers.

"This is paramount in the current market," Pezet says.

Drew Group has committed to providing the highest level of security inclusions — none more impressive than the Ubiquity Access Control System, a cutting-edge facial recognition technology that is one of the most state-of-the-art keyless entry systems on the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=190743]

One of the biggest drawcards to Lagoon has been the size of the apartments.

"It is unlikely that any future new development in Main Beach will be able to offer such spacious living at this price point," Drew says.

"Today's buyers are more discerning than ever, carefully evaluating amenities like gyms, spas, workspaces, and beach lockers, along with quality finishes. It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

Lagoon is set to complete construction in mid-2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108747]

Lagoon Main Beach approaches sell-out as local buyers drive $75m in sales

Price Recovery

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
The CoreLogic Home Value Index results for October out today confirm a 1.2% rise in national dwelling values over the month, delivering the fourth straight month of rising values.  
The October result was the largest month-on-month gain in the national index since May 2015.
The recent gains come after a broad-based decline in housing values, with the national index declining 8.4% between October 2017 and June 2019.  
The positive October result takes national dwelling values 2.9% off their June 2019 floor, however values remain 5.7% below their peak, highlighting that despite the recent gains, home values are at a similar level to where they were three years ago.  
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2019-11/index_results_as_at_20191031.png" width="600" height="283">
The strongest growth conditions continue to be centered in Melbourne and Sydney, however dwelling values trended higher across most of the capital cities as lower mortgage rates and improved credit availability spurred on buyer demand.  
Dwelling values were up across every capital city apart from Perth over the month, and based on the rolling three-month change, the only capitals where values fell were Perth (-1.7%) and Darwin (-1.2%).  
The stronger rebound in Melbourne and Sydney can be attributed to a blend of factors; tighter labour market conditions and stronger population growth relative to the other capitals, coupled with the stimulatory effect of the lowest mortgage rates since the 1950’s, and improved access to credit.  
Stamp duty exemptions for first home buyers purchasing under specific price points have added additional stimulus to housing demand.  
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2019-11/change_since_peak_20191031.png" width="600" height="473">
The recovery trend in Melbourne overtook Sydney in October, with dwelling values surging 2.3% higher over the month; the largest month-on-month gain since November 2009.  
Melbourne housing values have recovered 6.0% since moving through a trough in May 2019, while Sydney values are up 5.3% since the recent May low. The smaller capitals have delivered a mixed performance, although the general theme is one of improving conditions.  
The rolling three-month change in Brisbane housing values (+1.1%) was the highest since December 2015, Adelaide (+0.1%) posted the strongest rolling quarter since December 2018, while Hobart (+1.0%) and Canberra (+2.4%) recorded the largest three month rise in values since March 2019 and May 2017.  The downwards trend in Perth and Darwin home values has continued, however both markets are showing an improvement in the trend rate of decline.  
The rolling three-month trend in Perth housing values recorded the smallest decline in fourteen months (-1.7%) and Darwin dwelling values posted a rare monthly rise in October.  
Both cities have seen dwelling values consistently trending lower since mid-2014, with Darwin down a cumulative 31% and Perth values 22% lower.  
Perth is now recording the lowest median house value of any capital city ($451,800) and Darwin house values are a close second with a median of $468,300.  
Unsurprisingly, the Northern Territory and Western Australia are also showing the highest proportion of first home buyer activity, with first time buyers not weighed down by negative equity and with the ability to take advantage of very affordable housing in these regions. 
TIM LAWLESS is the CoreLogic Head of Research
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Property values see fourth month of consecutive growth: Tim Lawless

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
With many of Australia’s capital city housing markets posting a gain in values over the past three months, a recovery trend is looking increasingly entrenched… but how long will it take for residential property values to reach a new record high if the current rate of growth continues?
If housing values continue to rise at the same rate recorded over the past three months, national dwelling values could reach a new record high in six months time.
Based on CoreLogic’s Home Value Index, national dwelling values remained 5.7% below their peak at the end of October. With values rising by 2.9% over the past three months (averaging a rise of just under 1% per month), it would take approximately 6 months for housing values to return to their historic high.
Most of Australia’s capital cities have recorded a rise in dwelling values over the past three months, with the only exceptions being Perth and Darwin, where values have been trending lower since mid-2014. While values continue to reduce, housing affordability is continuing to improve and buying opportunities are becoming more plentiful.
The same can’t be said of Hobart and Canberra which are the two capitals where housing values are already at new record highs.
Hobart values recorded only a mild correction of 1.3% from peak to trough, with the market reaching a new record high in October 2019.
Similarly, Canberra housing values recorded a peak to trough decline of only 1.5% during the downturn, and moved through a new record high in September this year.
Across the remaining capital cities, Melbourne is on track to stage a full recovery the earliest. If the current run rate of growth continues, Melbourne’s housing market will recover in January. During the correction, Melbourne housing values fell by 11.1% from peak to trough and remained 5.8% below their peak in October.
Dwelling values across Melbourne’s Inner precinct were only 1.5% below their peak in October, and this subregion is on track set a new valuation benchmark by the end of November; the earliest of any of Melbourne’s sub-regions. Despite the earlier recovery period across the Inner precinct of Melbourne, the prestigious Inner East is recording the fastest rate of growth, with values up 8.3% over the past three months and on track for a recovery within three months.
Brisbane is showing the next fastest recovery time frame; not because values are rising rapidly, but mostly because the correction in values across Brisbane was quite shallow (down 2.9% from peak to trough). The past three months of gains (+1.1% or 0.4% per month) has put Brisbane housing values on a path to recover within the next 4 months.
Sydney’s housing market is on track to post a recovery within six months, or around April next year if the current pace of growth continues. Housing values are trending higher rapidly, up 5.0% over the past three months, however the correction was more substantial across Sydney, with housing values falling by 14.9% from peak to trough. Sydney dwelling values remained 10.4% below their 2017 peak at the end of last month.
The recovery trajectory in Adelaide is looking more drawn out, with values rising at the quarterly rate of only 0.1%. Although housing values are down only 1.2% since peaking, such a sluggish rate of appreciation is likely to see a prolonged recovery phase. Despite what looks to be a long recovery period, two of Adelaide’s sub-regions have already reached new record housing values. Both the North and South of Adelaide posted a new record high for housing values in October this year.
A recovery in the housing market should help to provide some support for Australian economic conditions, boosting household wealth which will potentially lead to improved confidence and a greater willingness from households to spend, while also supporting the residential building and development sector where dwelling approvals have tanked.
On the flipside, for non-home owners, a recovery in housing values implies the affordability dividends provided by the recent housing downturn are now a thing of the past. With housing values rising rapidly in some areas, we could see less first home buyer participation in the market as affordability pressures start to dampen activity across this important sector of the market.
TIM LAWLESS is the CoreLogic Head of Research
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How long until housing values reach a new record high? Tim Lawless

<html><body>Melbourne homeowners may need to wait at least two years before the property market shows signs of growth according to Finder, Australia’s most visited comparison site.  In this month’s <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/rba-cash-rate" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Finder RBA Cash Rate Survey™</a>, all experts surveyed expect a cash rate hold in August (40/40), with the consensus being that no further cuts will be implemented this year. However, more than two-thirds (26, 72%) of experts forecast an increase in 2021 or 2022. Of those who weighed in on property, the majority are pessimistic about Melbourne prices increasing before April 2021 (75%, 18/24), while one-third (29%, 7/24) expect the market to stagnate until 2022 or beyond. <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/cc5e9bce699fa1d71a67cf499/images/04359ef0-2dec-4061-afa3-b17165532308.png" data-imagetype="External"> The outlook is slightly rosier for the Sydney housing market, with 38% of experts (9/24) predicting that house prices will recover before April 2021.  Graham Cooke, insights manager at Finder, said that the unpredictability of COVID-19 has sent ripples of unease through the market. “Both Melbourne and Sydney experienced double-digit growth throughout most of 2019. But widespread unemployment, travel bans and a second virus wave has caused a surge in property vacancies throughout both capitals." “Melbourne’s median house price fell by 3.5% to $881,369 between March and June 2020, and Sydney wasn’t far behind with a 2% drop during this period." “As Sydney teeters on the edge of a second major outbreak, prospects may be equally grim for homeowners here when it comes to the housing market recovery period,” Cooke said.  A surprisingly high percentage of experts and economists (42%, 11) also believe that now is a good time for homeowners to put their property on the market.  Only a quarter of experts (26%, 7) said homeowners should wait for 2 years before selling their property. Cooke said, “It is clear that there is widespread uncertainty in the market as to what prices will be in the near future." “With investors fleeing the market, banks are fighting tooth and nail for owner-occupier customers. It’s the ultimate borrower’s market. If your home loan has a 3 in front of it, you’re paying too much in 2020,” he said. </body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Melbourne property recovery will be delayed to 2021/2022: Finder.com.au

<html><body>
Real estate experts from CoreLogic, Macquarie, PieLabs and the Proptech Association of Australia are joining Stone &amp; Chalk for a discussion on the real estate recovery post-COVID.
The virtual event, on Wednesday June 17 at 12pm, is free. 
<div>Chris Rolls from PieLabs, Eliza Owen from CoreLogic and Domonic Thompson from Macquarie will be on the panel.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>They will be discussing what the residential real estate market is going to look like for both tech businesses and agents as we define the 'new normal'.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The event will be moderated by Kylie Davis, CEO of the Proptech Association of Australia..</div>
<div> </div>
<div>To register, <a href="https://events.humanitix.com/the-proptech-panel-the-post-covid-recovery" target="_blank">click here</a>.</div>
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Expert discussion panel on post-COVID real estate recovery

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
The recovery in Australian dwelling prices that began in mid-2019 has carried into early 2020, albeit with some moderation in monthly gains from the very strong finish to 2019.
The CoreLogic home value index, covering the eight major capital cities, rose 0.9% in Jan, a touch down on the 1.2% gain in December month and the very strong 2.0% gain in Nov. Annual price growth lifted to 5.2%yr.
Prices nationally have now recovered over two thirds of their 2017-19 correction but are still 3% below their 2017 peak. At the current pace of monthly gains, they should regain that level by mid 2020.
Several factors contributed to the turnaround in 2019 including: reduced uncertainty around housing-related tax policy following the Federal election; 75bps in official rate cuts from the RBA; and some easing in regulatory guidelines around loan serviceability assessments.
All capital cities and regional areas within states recorded gains in Jan with more evidence of price gains starting to show through outside the Sydney and Melbourne markets that have led the cycle.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/4/Dwelling%20Prices%20CL%20JAN.JPG" alt="">
Sydney recorded a 1.1% rise taking annual growth to 7.9%yr. Prices are up 11.2% from their May 2019 low but still 5.4% below their peak in mid-2017. Houses and top and middle tier properties continue to outpace units and lower tier properties although all tiers and segments have seen a moderation in prices gains month to month.
Melbourne recorded a 1.2% rise with prices up 8.2%yr and just 1.2% below their 2017 peak.
Brisbane dwelling prices posted a solid 0.5% rise lifting annual growth to 1.1%yr, a modest pace but with the quarterly pulse in price growth running the strongest in five years.
Across the other capital city markets: Perth posted a 0.1% gain in Dec, essentially holding flat in recent months; Adelaide prices rose 0.2%, annual growth ticking up into slightly positive (+0.4%yr); Hobart recorded a robust 0.9%mth gain to be up 3.1%yr; Canberra recorded a 0.3%mth gain to be up 3.1%yr; and even Darwin posted a slight 0.1%mth gain despite prices still being down materially on a year ago (–8.1%yr).
Note that seasonal fluctuations do affect prices through the Christmas-New Year period, with gains in December and January typically a touch softer than in Nov.
That said, the moderation from the very strong November rise is consistent with our view that gains will moderate as prices in the key Sydney and Melbourne markets start to near previous peaks and affordability constraints re-emerge.
MATTHEW HASSAN is a Senior Economist at Westpac
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Matthew_Hassan-HHWHptmrw4

Australian dwelling price lift carries into 2020: Matthew Hassan

<html><body>
Average dwelling values across the country rose 1.1 per cent over December and 2.3 per cent over 2019, according to property data firm CoreLogic.
The jump, led by Sydney narrowly edging out Melbourne again, reflects a four per cent quarterly rise in values, the highest quarterly increase since November 2009.
The 1.1 per cent increase was a slight slowdown from the previous two months where national dwelling values rose 1.7 per cent in November and 1.2 per cent in October.
Sydney led the way again in December, with a 1.7 per cent rise in dwelling values, over Melbourne's 1.4 per cent.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/December%20Index.jpg" alt="">
CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless said the slight reduction in dwelling values increases would suggest that the pace of capital gains may have been dampened by higher advertised stock levels or worsening affordability pressures through early summer.
“The positive year-end results mask what has been a year of two distinct halves -we saw capital city dwelling values fall by 3.8% over the first six months of 2019 and then rebound by 7.0% over the second half of the year.
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“The housing value rebound was spurred on by lower mortgage rates, a relaxation in borrower serviceability assessments, improved housing affordability and renewed certainty around property taxation policies post the federal election. 
"Lower advertised stock levels persisted providing additional upwards pressure on prices amidst rising buyer activity.” 
Breaking it down in to houses and apartments, houses drove the value increase in Sydney and Melbourne.
Sydney houses, after <a href="/expert-insights/buying/sydney-house-values-jump-over-three-percent-in-november-corelogic">recording a three per cent gain in November</a>, saw a two per cent rise in December, where Melbourne, who had a 2.4 per cent gain in November, saw a 1.7 per cent rise in December.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/December%20Quarter%20CoreLogic.jpg" alt="">
 
Hobart house values dropped 0.2 per cent, a stark contrast to unit values which rose 1.9 per cent.
Perth values were steady across houses and units after recording an <a href="/expert-insights/buying/perth-records-first-monthly-dwelling-value-increases-in-two-years-corelogic">increase last month for the first time in two years</a>.
Apartment gains also slowed a touch, Sydney up one per cent after 1.8 per cent gains in November, and Melbourne's apartment values rose less than one per cent for the first time since prices started bouncing back in July.
Dwelling values at the end of 2019 are 3.1 per cent below their record highs in October 2017.
Sydney and Melbourne recorded the highest annual capital gain, with both cities posting a 5.3 per cent rise in dwelling values over the year.
“A nominal recovery in housing values implies home owners are becoming wealthier, which may also help to support household spending," Tim Lawless added.
"However, the flipside is that housing affordability is set to deteriorate even further as dwelling values outpace growth in household incomes, signaling a set-back for those saving for a deposit.”
Five of the eight capital cities ended the year with price rises.
 
 
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Real estate values up four per cent over December quarter, the biggest quarterly rise since 2009

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The recent trend across the regional markets of Australia has seen a clear improvement in the performance of housing across the major centres adjacent to Sydney and Melbourne, as well as rising values in many of the coastal lifestyle markets, according to the latest CoreLogic home value index for October.
Conversely, the report found drought-affected areas have seen a drop in demand for housing with values falling sharply across many of the rural sub-regions associated with crops and grazing.
Mr Lawless said focusing on housing market conditions across the broad value-based cohorts highlights that the market recovery is being led by the most expensive quarter of the market, although values are also rising across the more affordable strata as well, just not as rapidly.”
"Across the combined capital cities, values within the top quartile were up 5.3% over the three months ending October 2019, while the broad middle of the market was up 2.6% and the lower quartile was up 0.7%."
“These ‘macro’ figures are influenced by stronger housing market conditions in Sydney and Melbourne where housing values are inherently higher, however the trends are reflected at a sub-regional level as well,” Mr Lawless said.
Over the three months ending October 2019, the fastest appreciation in capital city home values has been across the top quartile of Melbourne and Sydney where values were 7.1% and 5.9% higher.
The next best performing sectors were also in Sydney and Melbourne, with the broad ‘middle’ of the market recording a 4.6% rise in Sydney and 4.5% rise in Melbourne.
The lower quartile of Sydney and Melbourne dwelling values were the sectors that recorded the third largest rise over the past three months, up 3.2% across Sydney’s lower quartile and 3.8% higher across Melbourne’s lower quartile.
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Sydney and Melbourne property markets take top three spots in recovery: CoreLogic

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There has been a 1.2% rise in national dwelling values over the month, the fourth straight month of rising values, according to the CoreLogic Home Value Index results for October.
The October result was the largest month-on-month gain in the national index since May 2015. The recent gains come after a broad-based decline in housing values, with the national index declining 8.4% between October 2017 and June 2019.
CoreLogic noted that the positive October result takes national dwelling values 2.9% off their June 2019 floor, however values remain 5.7% below their peak, highlighting that despite the recent gains, home values are at a similar level to where they were three years ago.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/11/1/CL%20Index%20Results%20OCT.JPG" alt="">
 
The strongest growth conditions continue to be centered in Melbourne and Sydney, however dwelling values trended higher across most of the capital cities.
Dwelling values were up across every capital city apart from Perth over the month, and over the past three months, the only capitals where values fell were Perth (-1.7%) and Darwin (-1.2%).
According to CoreLogic research director Tim Lawless, the stronger rebound in Melbourne and Sydney can be attributed to a blend of factors; tighter labour market conditions and stronger population growth relative to the other capitals, coupled with the stimulatory effect of the lowest mortgage rates since the 1950’s, and improved access to credit.
He said Stamp duty exemptions for first home buyers purchasing under specific price points have added additional stimulus to housing demand.
Melbourne housing values have recovered 6.0% since moving through a trough in May 2019, while Sydney values are up 5.3% since the recent May low. 
CoreLogic's October report said, "the downwards trend in Perth and Darwin home values has continued, however both markets are showing an improvement in the trend rate of decline."
"Both cities have seen dwelling values consistently trending lower since mid-2014, with Darwin down a cumulative 31% and Perth values 22% lower."
"Perth is now recording the lowest median house value of any capital city ($451,800) and Darwin house values are a close second with a median of $468,300."
"Unsurprisingly, the Northern Territory and Western Australia are also showing the highest proportion of first home buyer activity, with first time buyers not weighed down by negative equity and with the ability to take advantage of very affordable housing in these regions," it concluded.
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