Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Property Forecast 2020

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Since reaching a trough last May house prices have recovered strongly.
The gains have been led by both Sydney and Melbourne which are now 14.3% and 12.4% higher than a year ago. While outcomes across the other capitals have been more mixed - there was evidence of a pre-COVID pickup in momentum.
However, price growth has slowed more recently and activity in the established housing market has slowed sharply. Auction clearance rates have fallen to low levels and turnover has fallen away.
We expect dwelling prices to fall by around 10% this year and decline further in the first half of 2021 before levelling off. The declines will be led by Sydney and Melbourne - but the other cities will not be immune to rising unemployment and slower wage growth.
Alongside the decline in house prices, we expect dwelling construction to continue to fall. The pipeline of work yet to be done remains relatively elevated in NSW and VIC but this will be rapidly eroded with high rates of work done.
Building approvals remain low and are expected to decline further, suggesting little replenishment of the pipeline of work.
Our outlook for the economy more broadly is unsurprisingly significantly weaker than 3 months ago.
We expect quarterly GDP growth will fall by around 7% in Q2 following a small fall in Q1. Coronavirus containment measures have seen a significant fall in consumer and business confidence with an outright restriction on some forms of activity.
Tourism and hospitality are likely to see the largest hits given the nature of measures in place – although the magnitude of the declines in business confidence is likely to see broad-based weakness in investment and hiring across the economy.
In line with this we expect a sharp deterioration in the labour market, with unemployment rising sharply to 11.7% by mid-year and only a partial recovery to 7.3% by end 2021.
While growth will rebound as restrictions are lifted we do not see the level of activity recovering until early-2022.
The labour market will take longer to recover which should see a slowing in wage growth from already low levels. We see high debt levels and slow wage growth continuing to weigh on the consumer.
Weak consumer demand and the sharp deterioration in business confidence will see business investment remain weak - resulting in a similar preCOVID dynamic of weak domestic demand, somewhat offset by support in government spending.
With rising spare capacity in the economy and slow wage growth, we expect inflation to be muted. This will see the RBA keep the cash rate at record lows for an extended period, and a gradual shift to a tightening bias only when inflation appears to be heading sustainably back to target and the there is a significant improvement in the labour market. 
ALAN OSTER is the NAB Group Chief Economist
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

House prices to fall 10-15% in 2020/2021: NAB's Alan Oster

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EXPERT OBSERVER
While property markets across Australia, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, are recovering well, the recent bushfires have had a material impact on a large number of areas and the likelihood of the reintroduction of macroprudential measures is increasing.
In addition, the implications of the fires and the coronavirus on the economy are yet to be fully determined.
RiskWise Property Research CEO Doron Peleg said unemployment, under-employment and spare capacity in the labour market also noticeably increased in January 2020 and was unlikely to substantially improve in the near future, leading to further speculation the RBA will undertake another interest rate cut before July.
“The recent bushfires will have a major short-term impact on property prices in affected areas and this will increase the risk in many regional areas given the possibility of future occurrences,” Mr Peleg said.
“This impact will depend on the actual effect of the fires as well as the normal projected demand for residential property before they occurred and their location in relation to employment hubs.
“It must also be noted that economic growth has been poor, and this is further compounded by the recent bushfires and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) although their significant impact is still to be fully determined.
“So, while the market is improving, especially in Sydney and Melbourne, material growth in asset prices and the amplified risk to the financial system increase the likelihood APRA will reintroduce macroprudential measures.”
He said improved buyer sentiment and auction clearance rates well above 70 per cent in those two cities would have a negative impact on housing affordability especially given the undersupply of family-suitable properties relative to demand driven by population increases - the biggest (recurrent) issue in the Australian property market since mid-last decade.
On the other hand, he said there was still a high level of supply of rental properties in some areas and these imbalances had ‘a very material impact’ on changes to dwelling prices of family-suitable properties versus properties unsuitable for families, particularly in high supply areas.
“Obviously, low out-of-pocket expenses for property investors are well connected with a noticeable increase in their activity. Consequently, it is expected that investor activity will further increase with a direct impact on auction clearance rates and dwelling prices,” he said.
“The recovery of the Sydney and Melbourne markets will also mitigate the risk of negative equity for properties purchased during the downturn, as dwelling prices will reach a new peak. However, properties that were settled following an off-the-plan contract with LVR of 90 per cent or more, still carry a high level of risk of negative equity. Increased levels of unemployment and under-employment increase the default risk in some markets.
“Units, particularly off-the-plan, still carry a high level of risk of significant price reductions. Areas with high unit oversupply carry a very high risk and this is still a major issue in some property markets. In addition, the reputational damage and impact of the recent construction defects of high rises increases the risk that demand for both new and existing high-rise properties will fall as their main buyers, investors, look elsewhere e.g. low-rise buildings or freestanding houses.”
STATE-BY-STATE
NSW:
Strong recovery, low interest rates and an improved job market are driving dwelling prices. However, bushfire-impacted areas carry higher risk depending on the strength of their property markets prior to the fires. The Sydney market has completely shifted from a buyers’ market to a sellers’ one. Consequently, at this stage it is likely that it will deliver double digit price increases and is likely to reach a new peak within the next six months. Housing affordability is, therefore, further deteriorating as wage growth is far lower than the expected price increases. Further, systematic undersupply of family-suitable properties is again the biggest (recurrent) issue in the Sydney property market, particularly in high-demand areas. In addition, housing finance has further improved in NSW, as expected, with increased demand from both owner-occupiers and investors. On the other hand, there is still a high level of supply of rental properties in many areas of Sydney with a noticeable impact on the demand for high-rise buildings due to the reputational damage associated with the high-profile construction defects.
Victoria:
While the labour market is deteriorating with a sharp increase in the unemployment rate in January 2020, population growth and strong sentiment continue to drive the property market. As with NSW, the property market in Melbourne is recovering well. Buyer confidence and auction clearance rates have increased significantly (77.1 per cent as at 29 February) and are well correlated with strong price increases making it a strong sellers' market. Consequently, Melbourne is one of the top two performing markets in Australia, well ahead of any others, and is likely to reach a new peak within the next six months. However, the flow-on effect is that housing affordability is highly likely to materially deteriorate given the low wage growth. This also means the undersupply of family-suitable properties will continue to be a major issue, relative to demand driven by population increases. This is exacerbated by Melbourne’s population growth which is the highest in the country at 2.1 per cent. Such population growth is a major driver for demand of dwellings. It should be noted that while investor activity is only 26.7 per cent, well below its peak, it is highly likely this will materially increase. Melbourne faces the same major imbalances, between undersupply of family-suitable properties and high level of supply of investment properties, as Sydney. The recent bushfires also had a major material impact on the demand for residential properties in Victoria's affected areas. The short-term impact on property prices will depend on the actual effect of the bushfires as well as the demand for residential property in the area before the bushfires. Repeatable events might also have a long-term effect on prices.
Queensland:
Southeast Queensland and regional areas present completely different pictures due to a two-speed economy. While buyer confidence has increased in Southeast Queensland, particularly Brisbane, regional areas carry a higher level of risk. The Queensland market greatly varies between its high and low-performing areas, and special attention should be given to the different job markets across the state, particularly since the unemployment rate has gone up from 5.7 per cent in December 2019 to 6.3 per cent in January 2020. Regional areas with a weak labour market carry a higher level of risk. The risk associated with the Queensland market should be monitored closely at the SA4 level, as deteriorating employment conditions are likely to have a significant negative impact on dwelling prices.
South Australia:
A soft labour market, with a reduction in actual employment, has meant slow growth for dwelling prices. Buyer confidence has increased, particularly in Adelaide, and this has seen an improvement in auction clearance rates and, consequently, it appears dwelling prices have reached the bottom. Popular areas continue to show evidence of recovery, particularly those with steady recent price growth rates. The labour market is a key factor in South Australia’s price growth projections and while it has improved in the past couple of years, it is still weak. The recent reduction (in January 2020) in the unemployment rate is attributed to fewer people seeking work in the state. Overall, the number of total jobs in the state has actually reduced. While serviceability measures have improved due to the RBA’s interest rate cuts, the soft labour market and the relatively high unemployment rate increases the risk of credit defaults. In addition, the demand for units among owner-occupiers in South Australia is, generally, low and some suburbs are subject to voluntary lending restrictions by the major lenders. The recent bushfires also had a major material impact on the demand for residential properties in some of South Australia's affected areas. The short-term impact on property prices will depend on the actual effect of the bushfires as well as the demand for residential property in the area before the bushfires. Repeatable events might also have a long-term effect on prices.
Western Australia:
A weak labour market and a sharp increase in the unemployment rate in January present a recurring problem for price growth. While buyer confidence has improved, particularly in Perth and housing finance has been showing signs of improvement, overall, economic activity remains well below the 10-year average and the effective unemployment is still significantly above the 10-year benchmark. Due to the weakness of the labour market, Western Australia’s annual population growth of 1 per cent is the third lowest nationally. As a result, the housing market, particularly units, has experienced continued weakness in recent years. The state government tax on overseas investors further decreases the demand for new units as investment properties. The relatively weak employment market also increases the risk of credit defaults. High-risk borrowers, combined with properties that suffer from low demand, require special attention in relation to credit provisioning.
Tasmania:
Affordability issues and a material increase in unemployment during January, with preferred alternative investments in Melbourne, have made the Apple Isle less resilient and the property market continues to experience decelerated price growth despite low supply of dwellings, low median prices, a tighter rental market and strong rental returns. A key reason for this is that the state remains less affordable than five of the states and territories (in price-to-income ratio) and the labour market is relatively weak. The attractiveness of the Melbourne market provides a preferred investment alternative in comparison to the relatively expensive properties in the popular areas of Hobart. Units carry a higher level of risk due to the relatively high number in the pipeline compared to population growth.
Northern Territory:
Continued weakness and poor population growth are having a sustained impact on dwelling prices. The poor economy continues to play a part in its subdued property market with 19.8 per cent price reductions for houses in the past five years and 35.4 per cent for units. Much of this negative capital growth in recent years is due to population issues. It was the only state/territory in Australia that experienced population loss in 2017-18. While dwelling supply in relation to population growth is low and dwellings are very affordable, the low demand for housing makes the Northern Territory a risky area especially given the low level of private investment that is significantly below the growth levels during the mining boom. Combined with a relatively large supply of units, the end of the mining boom signalled significant price reductions for units and, to a lesser extent, houses.
Australian Capital Territory:
An extremely strong job market, with only 3 per cent unemployment rate, has ensured demand for dwelling is solid. Houses in the ACT are solid performers, but new units present higher risk. The ACT market has benefited from recent developments in relation to the housing market and showed moderate price increases and a good medium to long-term outlook. The ACT has consistently delivered strong economic growth at 4 per cent which eclipses the rest of the country and provides a strong indication of its future. This is supported by healthy levels of both private capital expenditure and government expenditure.
DORON PELEG is the CEO of Riskwise
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Examining the risks and opportunities across the Australian property market: RiskWise's Doron Peleg

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EXPERT OBSERVER 
January is a typically quiet month for the housing market and the latest data indicates this fact with most capital cities seeing minimal changes in property prices over the month. In fact, all capital cities recorded a monthly change in prices of between -0.1% and +0.1% except for Hobart, which recorded a +0.4% increase.
Despite the pause in price changes over the past month, prices have recorded moderate increases over the past three months in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart and Canberra, while prices were unchanged in Adelaide and have recorded slight falls in Perth and Darwin.
Overall, the broad trend in which property prices have been increasing at a steady pace since May 2019 continues and we will get a better indication of the market momentum over the coming months as transaction activity lifts.
The market remains in the situation whereby an increasing number of people are visiting realestate.com.au looking for properties, but there remains a dearth of housing stock being listed for sale. The good news is that new listings appear to have increased dramatically in January 2020; however, they generally remain much lower than they were a year ago.
Over the next few months, what happens with listings will be key for the housing market. I would suspect that given prices have been rising since May 2019, there is now enough evidence for homeowners to have confidence to list their properties for sale and we will see a substantial rise in new listings over the coming months.
Depending on the magnitude of any increase in supply of stock for sale, this could lead to a slowing of price growth as some of the urgency to purchase is removed from the market.
January 2020 has also seen the commencement of the Federal Government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme. The scheme, which allows first home buyers within certain income ranges buying properties up to certain price points to buy with as little as a 5% deposit and avoid LMI, has seemingly been very popular.
The scheme was set to have 10,000 places available between January 2020 and June 2020 with another 10,000 spaces made available next year. In the first month of operation, 5,486 of the 10,000 spaces were taken. At the time of announcing the scheme, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that if demand was sufficient, more spaces will be made available; it will be interesting to see whether that happens.
Building approvals data indicates that the decline in new approvals may have found a floor. The latest data for December 2019 found approvals fell -0.2% over the month; however, they are now 13.7% higher than their recent low.
Housing finance data shows that demand for mortgages is continuing to climb with owner-occupiers and first home buyers the main drivers of this growth; however, there has also been a moderate lift in lending to investors.
The latest data to November 2019 shows that owner-occupier housing finance commitments have increased by 20.5% from their May 2019 lows and investor commitments are up 10.9% over the same timeframe. Mortgage demand from first home buyers was lifting prior to May 2019, with the monthly value of lending up 30.1% from its recent low in January 2019.
While there has been some improvement in mortgage demand, there hasn’t been an equally significant rise in retail trade. The latest data to December 2019 showed retail trade fell -0.55% over the month; however, that was following a 1.0% increase in November thanks to Black Friday sales.
Over the final quarter of 2019, retail trade increased 0.6% compared to 0.7% over the previous quarter. The year-on-year change in retail trade was 2.7% in December 2019.
The national unemployment rate was recorded at 5.1% in December 2019. Unemployment has been trending lower and the 5.1% in December 2019 was the lowest rate since March 2019.
While unemployment is falling, the participation rate remains at near-record highs; however, the rate of employment growth has slowed slightly compared to 2018, and part-time employment growth remains much greater than growth in full-time employment.
At their February board meeting, the Reserve Bank Board decided to keep official interest rates on hold at 0.75%. The RBA made note of the three 25 basis-point cuts over the past year and the fact that cuts can have a long and variable lag before they impact the economy.
They noted that an extended period of low interest rates will be required in order to hit their inflation and employment targets. They also noted that they are prepared to ease monetary policy further should it be required to support sustainable economic growth, full employment and the achievement of their inflation target.
Over the few coming months, I would expect that property prices will continue to increase at a moderate pace across most capital cities. Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart will likely continue to see stronger growth than elsewhere. I would also expect search activity on realestate.com.au to continue to climb as people get into the swing of 2020 and get more serious about buying a new home.
The wild card remains what will happen with property listings. While I would expect the number of property listings to show a meaningful lift over the coming months, it will be important to watch (assuming this occurs) how the supply of housing stock for sale matches with the demand for housing.
If they are in relative equilibrium it could lead to slower price growth going forward; if it remains insufficient in comparison to demand, then price growth may accelerate further over the coming month.
CAMERON KUSHER is the Director of Economic Research for the REA Group
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January brings a short pause amid continued property price growth: Cameron Kusher

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Gosford has taken out the No.1 spot in RiskWise’s 2020 list of Top 10 Danger Zones.

RiskWise Property Research CEO Doron Peleg said the NSW suburb topped the list due to a number of factors including the recent bushfire risk, oversupply of units (at more than 72 per cent of existing stock) and that units unsuitable for families were not in high demand.

“It is hard to convince prospective buyers that this is the best investment they can make when there are plenty of other options available,” Mr Peleg said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317]

“Another at-risk area is the suburb of Mascot with 1,061 units in the pipeline, at an addition of 17.67% to existing stock, and where news of the construction defects impacted the entire suburb.

“Areas outside of Sydney and Melbourne, such as Darwin, experienced overall weakness in the property market due to low population growth (the Northern Territory was the only state in Australia that experienced population loss in 2017-18). Darwin units delivered -33.7 per cent capital growth over the last five years.”

<img alt="" src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/14/RiskWise%20DangerZONES.JPG">

He said while apartment prices in Sydney and Melbourne were enjoying price rises, this was not the case in high-supply areas.

“The best case scenario in these areas is they are simply underperforming the market, but the worst case scenario is they are actually losing money,” Mr Peleg said.

“For example, while Domain’s latest House Price Report shows in the 2019 December quarter prices rose 4.3 per cent, this was not the case in suburbs with high oversupply and particularly those affected by construction defects, such as Mascot where prices fell 4.6 per cent to $880,000. In Homebush West, where the Centenary Park building is located, prices also fell 9.3 per cent to $565,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227]

“These areas not only have the risk of being in the Danger Zone due to oversupply but also construction defect risk.

“For example, the number of apartment sales in Sydney Olympic Park fall dramatically by 75 per cent following the defects identified in Opal Tower with buyers showing little interest for apartments across the suburb.

“What we are seeing is that new units in high-supply suburbs either resulted in a loss or underperformed the market, even during periods of strong price increases.

“The recent downturn is not the major factor in those losses - even ignoring the recent downturn and then recovery, they are still materially underperforming the market.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6201]

According to analysis by BIS Oxford Economics in April last year, two-thirds of Melbourne apartments sold off the plan during the eight-year period between 2011 and 2019 either made no price gains or lost money on resale. In Brisbane, this figure was 50 per cent and in Sydney about a quarter.

Figures from the Real Estate Institute of Australia also show the Brisbane unit market continued to underperform in 2019, resulting in negative 1.2 per cent growth.

Mr Peleg said HIA figures showed building approvals in the 2019 calendar year were 18.5 per cent lower compared to 2018.

“This is well below their peak indicating the demand for off-the-plan units has reduced,” he said. “The expectation was that over time, and with the reduction in dwellings under construction, the stock would be absorbed.

“However, we have recently seen an increase in high-rise dwelling approvals and the risk of losses from buying off-the-plan is increasing. The point is the risks are very tangible, they have been realised and we have witnessed major price reductions in a number of areas with oversupply.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6798]

“It should be noted that even in phenomenal boomtimes, based on that eight-year perspective, when you buy off-the-plan apartments in high-supply areas there is a greater risk, and the construction defects only compound this.

“It is not only financial risk but also the newly emerging construction risk.

“Finally, the potential re-introduction of credit restrictions by the regulator would likely have a material impact on investors, generally are the majority of new apartment buyers in those areas, and further increases the potential risk of low demand and underperformance of these investments.

“The major objective of investors is to build equity and in the current market conditions the most effective way to do so is to simply invest in existing properties that are suitable for families in high-demand areas,” he concluded.
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Gosford is the biggest property dangerzone of 2020: RiskWise

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Houses in southeast Queensland are enjoying higher demand and improved capital growth as buyer confidence rises.
According to the latest RiskWise Property Research Risks &amp; Opportunities Report, housing finance in Queensland is showing signs of improvement with an increase of 16.9 per cent since February 2019 after a reduction of 7.7 per cent relative to August 2018.
At this stage only modest (i.e. 3-5%) price growth is expected with the likelihood for strong (i.e. double digits) price increase low.
While the Sydney and Melbourne markets were experiencing continued (while improving) issues in relation to housing unaffordability, southeast Queensland enjoyed a more stable market, good population growth and healthy rental returns, making it attractive to both home buyers and property investors.
However, he said while houses were enjoying a resurgence in demand, this was not the case for units.
Units in Queensland, particularly in high-supply areas and other places where the demand for units is consistently low (and houses enjoy strong popularity as a dwelling alternative), also carry a higher level of risk.
One of the reasons for this is because the demand for units among owner-occupiers is low.
Also, in addition to APRA’s lending restrictions, units in some suburbs are also subject to voluntary lending restrictions by major lenders, such as lower loan-to-value ratio due to oversupply.
Units in inner-city Brisbane have the highest level of risk with a very large number of properties in the pipeline and increased rates of defaults for those bought off-the-plan. In fact, many areas with oversupply have been labelled 'danger zones' by lenders and also have low sales volumes.
Mr Peleg said with many of these over-supply areas also presenting a major financing barrier due to requirements for large deposits, in particular off-the-plan units, there was a high level of risk that should be further assessed based on the absorption of the current supply into the market in the next two years and the reduction in commencements.
He said the impact in the short to medium term would be gradually mitigated by a reduction in these dwelling commencements alongside strong population growth.
Mr Peleg noted that the Queensland market greatly varied between high and low-performing areas and special attention should be given to the different job markets across the state, particularly since the unemployment rate had risen from 5.9 per cent in April to 6.5 per cent in October.
This is especially the case in the mining towns in Central and North Queensland, that generally experience low demand, versus houses in popular beachside suburbs on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast that have delivered strong capital growth.
It is important to remember that a softer employment market is well connected with low population growth, lower demand for dwellings and price reductions.
The risk associated with the Queensland market should be monitored closely at the SA4 level, as deteriorating employment conditions are likely to have a significant negative impact on dwelling prices.
The mining towns still present a relatively higher investment risk due to a very large proportion of investors with negative equity and insufficient growth drivers since the end of the boom.
DORON PELEG is the CEO at RiskWise
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Positive outlook for southeast Queensland's housing market in 2020: RiskWise's Doron Peleg

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Canberra is set for its strongest growth market in years, following a recent surge in demand in the housing markets across the national capital.
Our latest analysis of sales activity and prices shows that the number of suburbs with rising demand is the highest in the five years we have been conducting our quarterly surveys.
Our two previous reports both found 18 suburbs with rising demand, but this new survey has identified 32 growth suburbs. The previous best was the 26 growth suburbs in the Autumn 2019 survey.
Our research also reveals good price performance, with two-thirds of Canberra suburbs delivering growth in their median house prices in the past 12months. Of the 41 Canberra suburbs with growing house prices, 24 have increased more than 5% in annual terms.
This reinforces a point I regularly make: that the generalised price data published in mainstream media (one figure to describe an entire city market) often fails to tell the full story. In the case of Canberra, most suburbs are achieving price growth well above the generalised figures quoted by research firms (mostly 3-4% for Canberra in the past year).
The overall outcome is a departure from the usual status of the national capital’s real estate market, which is one of steady, consistent performance. The surge in the number of locations where sales activity is rising suggests 2020 will be a year of above-average price performance.
Canberra’s property market continues to be underpinned by a strong ACT economy. The ACT ranked fourth among the states and territories in the State of the States report published by CommSec in January 2020, ahead of Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia – and was ranked No.1 on housing finance and employment, and No.2 on equipment investment.
The ACT consistently has the highest average incomes and the lowest unemployment rate in the nation.
Three Canberra precincts stand out for the number of suburbs with rising sales activity: Belconnen (eight growth suburbs), Gungahlin (six) and Tuggeranong (seven). The Inner North precinct also features prominently, with four suburbs with upwardly mobile markets.
With Belconnen, Gungahlin and the Inner North featuring strongly, it reinforces (yet again) that the strongest part of the Canberra market is in the north of the city.
The Belconnen District is a real standout, with eight growth suburbs and 10 others with steady sales performance. Rising markets include Dunlop, Florey, Giralang, Higgins, Holt and Melba.
It also has several of the suburbs where median house prices have grown more than 5% in the past 12 months, including Melba (11%), Macquarie (8%), Macgregor (7%) and Latham (8%).
Leading Gungahlin District suburbs for price growth include Crace (up 10%), while the suburb of Gungahlin is one of the leaders among Canberra’s apartment markets (median unit price up 14%). In the Inner North precinct, the suburb of O’Connor was Canberra’s No.1 suburb for annual price growth (median house price up 20% to $1.26 million).
While many of the top performing precincts are in the northern part of Canberra, the Tuggeranong District in the far south is an emerging market worth tracking.
With seven growth suburbs and seven others with consistent sales activity, it’s close behind the Belconnen District in terms of buyer demand. The rising markets include Banks, Bonython, Conder, Fadden, Kambah, Monash and Theodore.
Numerous suburbs in the Tuggeranong District have had solid price growth in the past 12 months, including Calwell (5%), Chishom (6%), Conder (8%), Fadden (7%), Kambah (7%) and Theodore (7%).
TERRY RYDER is the founder of hotspotting.com.au ryder@hotspotting.com.au twitter.com/hotspotting
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Canberra real estate set for its strongest growth in years: Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

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EXPERT OBSERVER
A strong economy in the ACT has helped deliver solid capital growth for houses in recent years with moderate price increases and a good medium to long-term outlook expected.
According to the latest RiskWise Property Research Risks &amp; Opportunities Report, the economic growth rate of 4 per cent eclipsed the rest of the country and provided a strong indication of its future.
This was supported by healthy levels of both private capital expenditure and government expenditure.
As projected in our previous Risks and Opportunities report, the ACT housing market delivered solid capital growth in recent years.
While this growth is more moderate since the second half of 2017, the current growth remains solid and the market is showing resilience.
This is largely driven by solid economic growth and a relatively low level of effective unemployment which sits at 3.3 per cent, compared to Australia with 5.3 per cent.
These conditions are favourable for a strong housing market and make it an attractive destination for property buyers.
He said recent developments in relation to the housing market, such as lower interest rates (with another expected in early 2020) and some loosening of credit restrictions, had encouraged moderate price increases and a good medium to long-term outlook.
The ACT also enjoys a high investor serviceability ratio which has significantly benefited investors who have found it easy to service their loans relative to the rest of the property market,
However, the case is not the same for the unit market which is suffering from an increased number of new dwellings relative to its population growth.
Combined with an overall preference for houses over units, this presents a greater risk for units.
Units delivered only 3.9 per cent capital growth in the past three years, (way below the capital growth of houses with 14.5 per cent), mainly driven by an increased number of properties in the pipeline.
So, the risk associated with units is higher than houses, particularly in high-supply areas such as Gungahlin (where there are 315 units in the pipeline at 20.6 per cent of the current stock).
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Healthy outlook for ACT housing market: RiskWise's Doron Peleg

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EXPERT OBSERVER
While houses in Tasmania have enjoyed exceptional price growth in recent years, there has been a marked drop in this increase which is highly likely to continue.
According to the latest RiskWise Property Research Risks &amp; Opportunities Report, and as projected in previous reports, the Tasmanian market has been experiencing decelerated price growth over the past year.
One of the key reasons for the deceleration was that the state remained less affordable than five of the states and territories (in price-to-income ratio) making the market less attractive to investors and owner-occupiers.
Other factors include the economic growth of Tasmania, which is ranked fifth in Australia, having the lowest median weekly wage and low annual wage growth of 2.3 per cent.
As house prices continue to rise, they are becoming less affordable due to the low median household income and less affordability means less demand, which affects price growth.
Houses in the southern state had enjoyed exceptional capital growth in recent years due to low supply, affordability, lack of attractive investment destinations at the time, i.e. the Sydney and Melbourne markets, a tighter rental market and strong rental returns.
However, while houses in Tasmania are expected to deliver positive capital growth in the short term, the market has been experiencing decelerated price growth and we expect this to continue in 2020 with some areas likely to deliver very low or negative capital growth.
It should also be noted that the recovery of the Melbourne market, with its strong fundamentals and affordability in a number of areas, such as the Western suburbs and Geelong, are providing more attractive investment opportunities than Tasmania, especially Hobart which has become less affordable.
CoreLogic figures show the annual price growth for houses in Hobart is 3 per cent compared to 9.7 per cent last year.
However, houses in Tasmania carried a low-medium risk level as approximately 86 per cent were owner-occupied.
In addition, houses in high-demand areas, particularly affordable houses, still enjoy strong demand and present low risk.
Furthermore, unlike some other states, lending restrictions have had a relatively modest impact.
He said while units had also delivered strong growth, they carried a higher level of risk due to the relatively high number in the pipeline compared to population growth.
The relatively high proportion of units that are investment properties also increases the risk associated with such properties, particularly with the improved attractiveness of the Melbourne market.
Also, there are a number of risk factors that may have a negative impact on units in the medium to long term. For example, off-the-plan units carry a significantly higher level of risk.
Furthermore, the unit-to-house price ratio in Tasmania is high. Our research shows that, statistically, if the unit-to-house ratio exceeds 65 per cent it makes houses a much better investment option for buyers with significantly higher capital growth.
Conversely, if it falls below 45 per cent, units are preferred. In Greater Hobart, the median unit price is $378,846, while the median house price is $492,465, placing the unit-to-house ratio at 77 per cent, which is considered high and this means there is certainly a higher risk for units.
DORON PELEG is the CEO at Riskwise
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Tasmanian housing market continues to slow: Riskwise's Doron Peleg

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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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Australian dwelling price lift carries into 2020: Matthew Hassan

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It was a tricky year in the property markets last year, with the landscape shifting in some capitals following the Federal election which saw a new FHB initiative.
There were many stories that caught the eye of our readership.
Property Observer's 19 most popular stories of 2019 including our regular columnist Terry Ryder who endeavoured to point out <a href="/expert-insights/investing/australias-top-10-property-price-growth-areas-in-2019-hotspottings-terry-ryder">Australia's top 10 property price growth areas</a>.
There was also Ryder's contribution on <a href="/expert-insights/buying">Where is it a good time to be buying property in 2019</a>.
There was also strong reader interest in the <a href="/expert-insights/top-five-suburbs-for-property-investors-in-2019-margaret-lomas">Top five suburbs for property investors in 2019: by Margaret Lomas</a>.
Bad news triggered strong interest especially when <a href="/news/prestige-melbourne-home-builder-canny-builders-goes-into-voluntary-administration">Prestige Melbourne home builder Canny Builders went into voluntary administration</a>. 
In Sydney there was the <a href="/expert-insights/investing/chinese-epping-developer-collapse-sees-61-gondon-elysee-apartments-for-sale">Chinese Epping developer collapse triggering 61 Gondon Elysee apartments for sale</a>.
We watched after <a href="/news/landmark-white-shares-fall-10-percent-after-dark-web-data-revelation">LandMark White shares fall 10 percent after dark web data revelation</a>.
A big story was after cracks emerged in the apartment market with concerns over the quality of construction.
The issue extended to legacy builders as evident when <a href="/news/cracks-see-frasers-property-clemton-park-village-caught-up-in-widening-apartment-building-defect-calamity">Cracks saw Frasers Property Clemton Park Village caught up in widening apartment building defect calamity</a>.
Readers were keen to see the <a href="/news/nsw-government-to-appoint-building-commissioner-following-industry-reform-report">NSW government appoint Building Commissioner following industry reform report</a>.
There were <a href="/news/precast-column-movement-concerns-stops-work-at-cbus-447-collins-street-pantscraper-twin-tower-project">Precast column movement concerns that briefly stopped work at CBUS 447 Collins Street, Pantscraper twin tower project</a>.
There were emerging trends including <a href="/expert-insights/techfin-and-the-technology-battle-of-the-banks">Techfin and the technology battle of the banks</a>. 
Along with build to rent. <a href="/news/nsw-government-shortlists-three-consortia-for-redfern-build-to-rent-development">NSW Government shortlists three consortia for Redfern build-to-rent development</a>.
The 19th most popular article was a curiosity story showing the a<a href="/news/precast-column-movement-concerns-stops-work-at-cbus-447-collins-street-pantscraper-twin-tower-project"> </a>shift to residency seeing <a href="/news/shift-to-residency-sees-sydneys-palm-beach-top-ato-tax-payers-list">Sydney's Palm Beach top ATO tax payers list</a>. 
There's no higher profile celebrity than <a href="/news/selling-houses-australias-andrew-winter-lists-his-own-reno">Selling Houses Australia's property guru Andrew Winter who listed his own reno</a>. It did sell eventually.
Readers loved it when <a href="/news/delta-goodrem-secures-4-8-million-paparazzi-proof-sydney-bolthole">Delta Goodrem secured a $4.8 million paparazzi-proof Sydney bolthole</a>.
The Block always captures attend and last year it was <a href="/expert-insights/building/the-agencys-jesse-raeburn-portrayed-as-cocky-contestant-on-skint-the-block-goldrush-series">The Agency's Jesse Raeburn when portrayed as cocky contestant on skint The Block Goldrush series</a>.
There's no sale yet but readers were interested in <a href="/news/mortgage-choice-co-founder-peter-higgins-lists-sydney-polo-club">Mortgage Choice co-founder Peter Higgins listing Sydney Polo Club</a>.
Development projects always attract interest: we saw strong readership of the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/development-approval-for-goldfields-project-in-chatswood">Development approval for Goldfields project in Chatswood</a>.
Plus interest when the <a href="/expert-insights/investing/historic-cyclops-leichhardt-toy-factory-listed-with-development-potential">Historic Cyclops, Leichhardt toy factory was listed with development potential</a>.
There was interest when the <a href="/expert-insights/investing/leichhardt-warehouse-with-residential-development-potential-sold-for-3-335-million">Leichhardt warehouse with residential development potential sold for $3.335 million</a>.
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Property Forecast 2020

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