<p>Brisbane-based builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bpg-developments">BPG Developments</a> has secured approval for its $250 million Newstead apartment tower.</p>

<p>The building, at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/16-22-maud-street-newstead-qld-4006">16-22 Maud Street</a>, will have 103 apartments across the 15-level building which will be crowned with a rooftop wellness facilities.</p>

<p>Residents will range from expansive two-bedroom residences, through to several penthouses on level 15. There will be 1,380 sqm&nbsp;dedicated to wellness-inspired amenities including shaded outdoor dining nooks, a fire pit, barbecue area, sunset lounge, gym, yoga deck, magnesium lap pool, sun deck, a sauna, steam room, and cold plunge pool.</p>

<p>BPG put together the 2,430 sqm super-site combines three separate titles – a vacant warehouse, an electrical &nbsp;wholesaler and an industrial shed, which were acquired in two separate transactions over a 12 month period. &nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="BPG Developments secures development approval for $250 million Newstead project" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d007d4fb-9c44-4e54-b79e-50b68711ebbd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Final%2012_Podium%20Plaza%20View_r.jpg?VersionId=w6zql5hPjAp3j1..ZTCaYLzN65Ora8Z2" /></p>

<p>BPG was founded by industry veterans Nick Parr and Glen Williams. Parr said the project feels like a "coming home of sorts" for the pair, as they've both spent&nbsp;both spent the majority of their lives living in Brisbane's inner north. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“I lived just up the road in Teneriffe for most of my childhood," Parr said.</p>

<p>"We saw this site as an opportunity to deliver a timeless project in arguably Brisbane’s most popular suburb, where &nbsp;the standard for luxury design and amenities is incredibly high."</p>

<p>Parr believes Brisbane is in a bit of a "sweet spot" currently, in that&nbsp;construction prices have stabilised and demand has continued to climb which means the market is tightening up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Brisbane market is unique in that there is no shortage of sites with existing development approvals, the issue is around the availability of builders who can deliver such projects. We are one of the few builder-developers who can build our own projects at scale &nbsp;so we are able to move quickly into delivery mode which gives confidence to our purchasers.” &nbsp;</p>

<p>Williams said they are proud of the project both&nbsp;in the sense of the significance of the site, but also in the quality and timelessness of the design. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“At BPG Projects we are conscious to prioritise quality over volume, so we tend to &nbsp;approach one project at a time," Williams said.</p>

<p>“For us we are motivated by creating a lasting legacy in our projects, so working with Plus &nbsp;Architecture to realise this vision has been a rewarding journey.” &nbsp;</p>

<p>BPG has appointed MOTIV to handle the sales and marketing of the new tower, which is expected to launch early next year. MOTIV Founder Carly Cottam said the project epitomises everything Newstead is about.</p>

<p>"Newstead is a huge success story in the revitalisation of Brisbane, and as a result it’s now one of the most popular inner suburbs, characterised by its exceptional urban design and wellness-driven lifestyle," Cottam said.</p>

<p>“We know this market values flexibility in floorplates, abundant storage and really liveable &nbsp;kitchens and interiors. That’s why designing an entire building around the owner occupier market with 100 &nbsp;percent of the floorplates representing two or three-bedroom residences mean this project is primed to appeal to the right audience.” &nbsp;</p>

<p>BPG completed Sable Palm Beach on the Gold Coast in 2019, and has plans for more developments in the suburb, as part of their $500 million development pipeline.</p>


Joel Robinson

BPG Developments secures development approval for $250 million Newstead project

<p>With three projects currently in market in Elizabeth Bay and Mosman, two of which are under construction and completing next year, apartment developer Toohey Miller is expanding its new development pipeline across Sydney.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/toohey-miller">Toohey Miller</a>, led by Nick Couloumbis, has filed plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/oxford160-160-oxford-street-paddington-nsw-2021">Oxford160</a>, 44 new apartments across a nine-storey building on Oxford Street in Paddington. It will have 12 apartment designated as affordable housing as per the Housing SEPP 2021 mid-rise reforms which trigger increased height limits, and street-level retail spaces.</p>

<p>The vision for the project is to create a "welcoming and family-friendly place to live with a mix of quality and affordable homes to support the Paddington community at different life stages."</p>

<p>Designs prepared by Smart Design Studio outline a contemporary, articulated streetwall along Oxford Street, stepping back at the upper levels to mitigate bulk and improve visual integration with the local character. A new laneway will improve pedestrian connectivity to Shadforth Street, while communal open spaces are integrated at both ground and rooftop levels.</p>

<p><img alt="Oxford160" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d6e77ed-8c25-4c52-a82d-dd076c66c777" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-01%20at%209.52.46%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=hjYcxIWIDOn7JWeom6RzIz7MWc1VG6HF" /></p>

<p>According to the Urban Design Supporting Letter prepared by architect and urban designer Matthew Pullinger, the new scheme “represents a contextually sensitive, responsive and high quality renewal of the site and the broader urban landscape”.</p>

<p>Pullinger said there are a range of benefits to the project, namely its contribution to the renewal of "this part of Oxford Street as a distinctive higher density urban high street and a defining element of greater Sydney’s urban character, thereby enhancing the vitality and liveability of this important street."</p>

<p>The new building will replace&nbsp;a dated 1960s-era apartment block which has 27 studio apartments.&nbsp;Design documents note that the current structure detracts from the character of Oxford Street, with the proposal seeking to restore and enhance the continuity of active shopfronts along the northern edge of the street.</p>

<p>The last project to launch on Oxford Street sold out immediately. It was fashion legend Robby Ingham's The Cambrian, which sold all of its 15 apartments in the first five hours of its weekend launch in 2023 through Ben Stewart.</p>


Toohey Miller plans rare new apartment development on Oxford Street, Paddington 

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/geocon-group">Geocon</a>&nbsp;is advancing its plans for its new&nbsp;mixed-use precinct in Braddon, updated the designs for the prominent site at the intersection of Northbourne and Wakefield Avenues.</p>

<p>The Canberra-based developer is proposing 558 apartments and seven commercial tenancies across four buildings under a staged application first lodged in 2023. The project also includes four levels of basement parking, communal spaces, pedestrian links, and landscaping enhancements.</p>

<p>While the development’s scale remains consistent, the current amendment introduces extensive changes to apartment layouts, building envelopes, façade articulation, and basement design.</p>

<p>According to the Design Statement by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>, these adjustments were driven by two core objectives: “enhancing apartment and common area amenity” and “ensuring acknowledgement of the housing design guidelines, entity advice, and planning expectations, while retaining the integrity of the original architectural concept”.</p>

<p><img alt="Northbourne and Wakefield Avenues" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="066194ad-d73f-49b7-8e39-09e20690a7ac" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202.png?VersionId=I7eLnim8erdwd2Yu1N5sIcLSndeOK_TC" /></p>

<p>The revised apartment mix has been rebalanced to increase diversity and affordability, including a broader range of unit sizes and a higher proportion of three-bedroom dwellings. The updated design also removes problematic layouts, such as “snorkel” bedrooms and internalised studies, to improve liveability and natural light access.</p>

<p>Cox Architecture noted that “studios and smaller one-beds provide entry-level housing and broaden affordability,” while the number of family-sized three-bed apartments has been increased “in direct response to market demand and policy objectives”.</p>

<p>The circulation spaces within the towers have been redesigned to improve wayfinding and daylight penetration, while the ground floor layout has been reworked to create clearer and more visible entry points, particularly from Northbourne Avenue.</p>

<p>Refinements to the building’s massing and façades have also been introduced in response to planning feedback, with additional breaks and articulation to reduce perceived bulk. “Rooftop plant and lift overruns have been integrated and screened, resolving visibility concerns,” COX stated.</p>

<p>Basement levels have been consolidated and made more efficient, with improvements to bike and storage facilities.</p>

<p><img alt="Northbourne and Wakefield Avenues" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1ab9357-707d-46fd-95d7-d6e09c70f20b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%203.png?VersionId=crDXvrmDsGqFGcb_p6NSUlsr0vYsRacq" /></p>

<p>The precinct’s pedestrian connections have been clarified, and the public realm has been restructured to improve permeability and align with the broader Northbourne corridor urban design framework. Landscaping updates include increased deep soil zones and rooftop communal areas, with tree management to be addressed separately.</p>

<p>Geocon acquired the 10,633 sqm site earlier in 2023 following approval of a prior build-to-rent scheme by Evri Group. The existing nine-storey commercial building was demolished in 2022.</p>

<p>The current proposal, designed by Cox Architecture, is positioned as a key contributor to the ACT Government’s urban renewal vision for Northbourne Avenue, an established transport and development spine served by light rail and major arterial roads.</p>


First look: Geocon refines plans for four-tower precinct on Braddon's Northbourne Avenue

<p>The booming Bilinga beachfront is set for another luxury apartment development, with plans filed for KYRR, an 11-level block on the dress circle Pacific Parade.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kyrr-70-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">KYRR</a>, on the corner of Pacific Parade and Archer Street, will comprise 24 apartment on its prime 1,009 sqm site. There had previously been plans for a much more boutique seven-storey, five-unit scheme.</p>

<p>Plans have been pitched by CHM Living, an entity associated with James Quinert, the founder of Norwood Constructions which is based in Melbourne.</p>

<p><img alt="70 Pacific Parade and 1 Archer Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2f6159ee-3511-4b16-b9fa-ae8c008b8faf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_5.png?VersionId=4n2YaBQdjXcshUAkxX8ei9X5N0v2AWqB" /></p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/byculprit">ByCulprit Architects</a>, the project includes a sculptural façade with soft curves and natural finishes, inspired by the rhythm and calm of the nearby Pacific Ocean.</p>

<p>According to the Town Planning Report by Town Planning Alliance, the project aspires to reflect the intent of the Medium Density Residential zone, aiming to "contribute to the city’s iconic skyline along the coastal spine" with a high degree of architectural modulation and landscaping that softens the built form.</p>

<p>There will be 22 large-scale three-bedroom apartments and two five-bedroom penthouses. The wellness amenities, including a gym, steam room, sauna, pool, golf simulator, and cold plunge, will sit on level one.</p>

<p>Kyrr will follow in the footsteps of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/pipis-bilinga-303-golden-four-drive-bilinga-qld-4225">PIPIS</a> in Bilinga by SIERA, which is all but sold out with just one of its luxury 19 apartments left to sell. The building set suburb records, with the penthouses both selling for over $8 million. Down the road is Bilinga House, which has a wider mix of configurations and price points starting from just over $1.2 million.</p>


First look: Bilinga beachfront set for new luxury apartment development, KYRR

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property</a> has received development approval for Archer &amp; Albert, a 32-storey, mixed-use residential development in the heart of Chatswood.</p>

<p>Located at 57–61 Archer Street and 34 Albert Avenue, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/archer-albert-chatswood-57-61-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Archer &amp; Albert</a> will deliver 150 new homes, including affordable housing, alongside ground-floor and podium retail, commercial space, a heritage house activated as a café, additional ground-level activation, and a landscaped publicly accessible park designed for community use.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/archer-albert-chatswood-57-61-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Archer &amp; Albert</a> is one of the few large-scale residential developments in the heart of Chatswood City to progress through a council-led architectural design competition and secure development approval, positioning it at the forefront of design led housing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Archer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33cb754a-1493-4203-bd16-096d320597f6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A%2BA_C03_EXT_StreetScape_ID1.jpg?VersionId=oLUPFVAMxuRUTH1Bwki16R48cEo.vLeB" /></p>

<p>Designed by global architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, long-term collaborators of the Coronation team, the project draws inspiration from the Sydney Blue Gum High Forest and the leafy character of the South Chatswood Heritage Conservation Area. The design integrates a restored heritage-listed home and establishes a landscaped connection between Chatswood’s urban centre and its surrounding residential neighbourhoods.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is an important project for us and our first entry into the North Shore,” said Joe Nahas, Managing Director of &nbsp;Coronation Property.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are deliberate about where we invest and build, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chatswood-nsw-2067">Chatswood</a> stands out because the fundamentals are already strong. Transport, employment, education, retail and health are all in place. Archer &amp; Albert is about adding new housing into a centre that already works and building on what exists.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Chatswood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="620fcd78-00be-489b-823a-ca353387b91b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A%2BA_C04_EXT_PARK_HA_ID2.jpg?VersionId=NxSl04Zl1rzt94xlXNA6CNzSR9XMyLgP" /></p>

<p>Aras Labutis, Head of Urban Transformation at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property</a>, said the project reflects a disciplined, collaborative approach to city shaping.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Chatswood sits at an important junction between high-density commercial activity and established residential &nbsp;neighbourhoods," Labutis said.</p>

<p>"Our focus for Archer &amp; Albert was to manage that transition carefully, respecting what’s already there &nbsp;while contributing something new that feels deliberate and enduring."</p>

<p>The approved scheme delivers:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>A 32-storey mixed-use tower comprising 150 homes, including 41 affordable housing dwellings • 530sqm of ground-floor retail, dining and commercial offerings&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A 760sqm wellness tenancy integrated within the podium&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A restored heritage building, thoughtfully reimagined as a café overlooking the park&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A landscaped public park, designed as a calm green retreat in the heart of Chatswood&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Resident amenities include a premium gym, golf simulator, mahjong room, dedicated wellness areas, private &nbsp;dining facilities and a curated wine room&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Deep private balconies designed to capture outlooks and northern light&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A refined material palette of natural stone, timber and terracotta&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=29796]</p>


Coronation receives green light for Archer & Albert apartments in Chatswood

Property Listings

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<p>Listings are up 2.2 percent in Melbourne on this time last year, which is the only capital city to have more stock for sale than last April.</p>

<p>Darwin sees the biggest drop in overall listings, down by 35.9 percent according to CoreLogic.</p>

<p>Other cities aren't too far behind with Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart all down more than 30 percent in stock levels of private treaty listings.</p>

<p><strong><em>Related article: <a href="/news/urbans-top-five-melbourne-apartments-with-5-star-hotel-amenities-for-sale-in-april-2021">Urban's top five Melbourne apartments with 5-star hotel amenities for sale in April 2021</a></em></strong></p>

<p>Perth is down 22 percent.</p>

<p>Sydney has the lowest stock dip, at 16 percent.</p>

<p>The chart includes house and apartment resale listings.</p>

<p><img alt="" height="379" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cl_2021_cc_listings.jpg" width="644"></p>

<p>There are currently 83,000 property listings across the nation, which is 17 percent down on the same time last year.</p>

<p>The level of new stock, ie fresh offerings over the past four weeks, is not a consistent between the capitals.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=2772]</p>

<p><strong><em>Related article: <a href="/news/vic/april-2021-the-top-5-two-bedroom-apartments-for-investors-in-melbourne-under-800-000">The top 5 two-bedroom apartments for investors in Melbourne under $800,000</a></em></strong></p>

<p>Perth sees a 64 percent jump in vendors arriving in the market.</p>

<p>Melbourne, Darwin and Adelaide have also seen a spike in fresh listings.</p>

<p>Hobart has seen a contraction in vendors.</p>
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April 2021 sees far fewer overall listings than the same time in 2020

jchancellor

Melbourne is the only capital city with more listings than last April: CoreLogic

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<p>The number of national capital city established homes newly advertised for sale over the week ending February 7 surged by 11.5% compared to the previous week's total, according to Dr Andrew Wilson, chief economist at the property platform Archistar.</p>

<p>The latest data shows the national total new listings over 2021 so far have are now 7 percent higher than recorded over the same period in 2020.</p>

<p>Melbourne saw the biggest early February jump, up by 28.% followed by Sydney 15%, Adelaide 11.5% and Brisbane up 10%.</p>

<p>Dr Wilson noted newly listed home numbers for Perth however fell by 36% over the week clearly reflecting the impact of its recent coronavirus lockdown.</p>

<p>Melbourne also reported the most newly listed established homes for sale over the past week - 12.7% higher than Sydney’s total.</p>

<p>“Newly advertised listing numbers can be expected to continue to surge over coming weeks and track higher than last year’s results at the same time - particularly as the autumn home auction season gathers pace,’ Dr Wilson said.</p>

<p>“More listings will be good news for buyers offered more choices – but they can expect to pay higher prices in a hot market,” he added.</p>

<p>Archistar is an Australian property platform which combines architectural design with artificial intelligence to inform decision-making in property and is used by agents, developers, architects, government planners and homeowners nationwide.</p>

<p>.</p>
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The latest data shows the national total new listings over 2021 so far have are now 7 percent higher than recorded over the same period in 2020

Property listings starting to rise

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<p>SQM Research has calculated national residential property listings decreased in January by 2.9%, falling from 272,999 in December 2020 to 265,116. </p>

<p>Compared to 12 months ago, listings were down by 10.5%.</p>

<p>All capital cities experienced seasonal decreases in property listings over the month except for Perth which had a 0.1% increase in listings.  </p>

<p>The largest decrease was in Melbourne of 4.7%.</p>

<p>Year-on-year listings also show larger declines for most capital cities with the exception of Sydney and Melbourne, both recording increases of 4.5% and 21%, respectively.</p>

<p>Nationally, new listings (over the past 30 days) decreased by a 24% over the course of January with 16,234 less properties on the market. </p>

<p>Hobart’s new listings decreased by a significant 33.28%, followed by Canberra which decreased by 26%.  Sydney recorded the lowest decrease in new listings of 2%.</p>

<p>The month of January traditionally records falls in properties listed for sale as the market is still in a summer holiday mode. SQM’s Louis Christopher said.</p>

<p>“This year was no exception. </p>

<p>“However, when we consider the number of new listings compared to January 2020, there was a material rise in nearly all cities.</p>

<p>“This finding is consistent with the observed early start to the auction market over January and February,” he added.</p>
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Property listings decline in January: SQM Research

<html><body>
<p>The traditional Christmas property listing decline saw listings fall -7.9 per cent over December, down from 296,267 in November to 272,999, figures released by SQM Research show.</p>

<p>Sydney drove the decline, down -18.3 per cent, although their 26,038 total listings in December 2020 was 13.8 per cent higher than it was in December 19 (22,888).</p>

<p>Listings in Melbourne were a huge 30.5 per cent higher than in December 2020 compared to 2019. They have 39,475 listings on the market compared to 30,247 12 months ago.</p>

<p>New listings were unsurprisingly down by 17 per cent nationally in December, with 13,680 less new properties listed for sale.</p>

<p><img alt="" height="564" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sqm_december_listings.jpg" width="1200"></p>

<p>Sydney’s new listings decreased by 41.8 per cent followed by Melbourne which decreased by 27.1 per cent. </p>

<p>Hobart was the only capital city that recorded an increase in new listings of 0.8 per cent.</p>

<p>Louis Christopher, managing director of SQM Research said it's no surprise to see listings decline at this time of the year.</p>

<p>“The month of December traditionally records falls in properties listed for sale as it is the start of the festive and summer holiday period," Christopher says, adding however that activity was strong all the way through to the last weekend before Christmas.</p>

<p>He said this was unusual and likely reflected a degree of catch up from the property inspection restrictions earlier in the year.</p>

<p>"Going forward I believe listings activity is going to remain strong in early 2021 but could weaken on the wind up of Job Keeper in March 2021.</p>

<p>"We believe Job Keeper has provided support to the market over 2020.”</p>

<p> </p>

<p> </p>
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New listings were down by 17 per cent nationally in December, with 13,680 less new properties listed for sale.

Property listings tail off in December, but activity strong through to Christmas: SQM Research

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<p>Auction volumes were down week on week across the combined capital cities, with a total of 1,185 homes scheduled for auction. The lower activity which we have historically noted over school holiday periods, returned a preliminary clearance rate of 65.1%. </p>
<p>Across Australia’s two largest auction markets, the lower activity across both cities saw the clearance rate improve.</p>
<p>There were 439 Melbourne homes taken to auction returning a preliminary clearance rate of 64.3%, which was higher than last week’s preliminary figure of 62.7% across 645 auctions, with a final result of 61%.</p>
<p>In Sydney, 563 homes were auctioned this week returning a preliminary clearance rate of 68.1%, higher than last week’s 66.9% preliminary result, when a higher number of auctions were held (644). The final clearance rate last week came in at 62.9%.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/6/CL%20JULY%207%20CC.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p>Over the past 12 months across the capital city markets every city has seen a decrease in total listings with Melbourne faring the best and Perth as well as Canberra being hit the hardest.</p>
<p>Across new listings however, both Melbourne and Sydney have seen large increases around 20% with the only other market seeing an increase being Perth.</p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

New listings soar across Melbourne and Sydney: CoreLogic

<html><body>
<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<div>A quick look at today's arrivals and departures figures. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Well, it's a bit like the famous old chart chronicling 1,001 days in the well-being of a Thanksgiving turkey.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Chinese short-term arrivals into Australia fell to a seasonally adjusted total of just 19,500 in February, to be down by about 90 per cent. </div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6i1Av1jlptY/XpaY17aaUAI/AAAAAAAA1O4/101Tn39UUQw_-P0YcoS3-TsyQN-nZEV1wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/China.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6i1Av1jlptY/XpaY17aaUAI/AAAAAAAA1O4/101Tn39UUQw_-P0YcoS3-TsyQN-nZEV1wCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/China.jpg" width="640" height="354" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1447"></a></div>
<p>Ouch.</p>
<div>There were still some 72,500 international arrivals for the purposes of education in the month, but February is normally one of the two months of the year wherein far higher numbers are expected, as students are typically expected to return from their Xmas break.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>And it was not so this year, as many international students were stuck in China or elsewhere. </div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeXFrYQDY6A/Xpa-UDHYKVI/AAAAAAAA1Pg/LSoyrsL_PFcFBq3Dzi4CLb_i2Tv4c9AtgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/A3.jpg" width="640" height="370" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1388"></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div>Australia has long seen its economy juiced by relatively high intake resulting from net overseas migration, international students, and tourism from China and other parts of Asia. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>To date, there's been less impact showing up in the figures for permanent and long-term movements.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Indeed, there were still some 97,840 permanent and long term arrivals in the month, and only 32,930 long-term departures, although the next intake is often higher than this in sunny February. </div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkdk1MBywwg/Xpa9GHqK5aI/AAAAAAAA1PY/qxn4apeYbIkrv_iGpZS-z2yuVw52bMJBQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/A1.jpg" width="640" height="368" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1395"></div>
<div> </div>
<div>These figures will naturally slow through the remainder of Q1 and Q2, however. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Thus while the economy might see a staged re-entry to business trading, things can't really 'return to normal' until the borders can be opened again, which must obviously take time. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Out of interest, the IMF is forecasting a very strong rebound for Australia's economy in 2021 - faster than the US, UK, Germany, Canada, or France - though how they actually arrived at these figure is anyone's guess. </div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lG7XeYPpXJc/XpbmleYO-jI/AAAAAAAA1QA/xc0cVVG5gXsrOWZmtShtXxNqO8HIOs9rACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMF.jpg" width="640" height="346" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1398"></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Source: Joiner, IFM Investors</em></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div>A sceptic might justifiably ask how their 2020 forecasts are tracking so far...</div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Listings down</span></strong></div>
<p>There's not been too much sign of forced selling in the housing market just yet, with new listings all but cut in half.</p>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fzr9yrwd84U/Xpa3PsmxG2I/AAAAAAAA1PQ/sX72dYuvdc40IQ0nLSSBnI2KrKNTjKzsQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/EVmOH_7UMAErMCP.jpg" width="640" height="376" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="828"></div>
<p><em>S</em><em>ource:</em><em> My Housing Market</em></p>
<p>Resi construction is also forecast to all but dry up this year, with annual dwelling commencements tipped to dip below 100,000 over the coming quarters (UBS), which would the lowest rate of new supply since 'at least 1960' (h/t Scutty).</p>
<p>In fact, we're still seeing plenty of competition for the limited amount of new stock in blue chip areas, and even some examples of prices going above price guides.</p>
<p>It's extremely doubtful that's the case in outer suburban areas or regional hubs, though, as rising unemployment and underemployment begin to bite</p>
<p><strong>PETE WARGENT</strong><em> is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.</em></p>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

International arrivals at multiyear lows: Pete Wargent

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<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p>In what feels like a repeat of the pre-election period from 2019, there's really not much new stock coming to the capital city housing markets right now.</p>
<p>SQM Research showed that this has been reflected in tighter stock levels across the country as at April 2020, with all capital cities recording substantial year-on-year declines. </p>
<p class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1EMCEYVnE9o/Xrd9IoMV84I/AAAAAAAA1pY/U9Ev7hxZbiUOzGWnQKfMQ8FqNffTkHvUQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/SQM1.jpg" width="640" height="372" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1363"></p>
<p>CoreLogic also reports the lowest level of supply in years. </p>
<p class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LAywSqFu4mo/Xrd9-heUtvI/AAAAAAAA1pk/c-0u1ixbaY0OBJ2GO-X4wzempH65CNNsACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/CL1.jpg" width="640" height="386" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="1120"></p>
<p>We're still actively searching for properties despite the logistical challenges, and a character home came up for sale on Brisbane's northside this week, which looked as though it may be of some interest for one of our clients. </p>
<p>Saturday open homes aren't allowed just yet, although they will be again very soon given that Queensland is fairly consistently reporting zero new cases of COVID-19 now.</p>
<p>Actually, with the exception of the Cedar Meats cluster in Victoria, Australia is recording close to zero cases per day, while ICU cases have declined to just 17.</p>
<p><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7EGm6iwarc/XreUQkA59HI/AAAAAAAA1pw/03OrdAGUMg4j0OeoAtCVRWiWHkBMEI1zQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/CV1.jpg" width="640" height="362" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1408"> </p>
<p>Agents can, however, take people through in groups of up to half a dozen at a time. </p>
<p>This particular house had 27 groups through yesterday and was locked away under offer before the day was out. </p>
<p>Huh.</p>
<p>Pro tip: call your bank and ask for a lower mortgage rate, as there are some extraordinarily attractive deals out there now, starting from a low 2-handle. </p>
<p><strong>PETE WARGENT</strong><em> is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.</em></p>
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Listings tighten across the nation, a pre-election repeat: Pete Wargent

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<p class="post-title entry-title">EXPERT OBSERVATION</p>
<div>A big jump in listings in Melbourne and Canberra this month, with Melbourne's available stock now comfortably exceeding 39,000, according to SQM Research's latest data and media release.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>There were small declines in October for Brisbane, Adelaide, and notably Darwin and Perth.</div>
<div>
<br>But the two major capital cities are well up from last year.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28-ipGfRnqI/W-DpkBGNtnI/AAAAAAAAssA/T0C2fxMYRVY1XCtva9nrk-Ijs1nJBnIeACLcBGAs/s1600/SQM1.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28-ipGfRnqI/W-DpkBGNtnI/AAAAAAAAssA/T0C2fxMYRVY1XCtva9nrk-Ijs1nJBnIeACLcBGAs/s640/SQM1.jpg" width="640" height="370" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1375"></a></div>
<div>
<br>It took a bit longer to get there, but Melbourne has now well and truly joined Sydney with its slowing market, with stock levels leaping 5.9 per cent higher in the month of October alone.</div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3AiiL_6oLo/W-Dpkbv6LhI/AAAAAAAAssE/VWGYlMduTKUq5m_Tfp7jcGYyZQUr1vfVwCLcBGAs/s1600/SQM2.jpg"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3AiiL_6oLo/W-Dpkbv6LhI/AAAAAAAAssE/VWGYlMduTKUq5m_Tfp7jcGYyZQUr1vfVwCLcBGAs/s640/SQM2.jpg" width="640" height="376" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1360"></a></div>
<p class="post-body entry-content">From a year earlier, Melbourne listings are up by 24.3 per cent, suggesting very slow sales activity in the Victorian capital.</p>
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Melbourne stock surge: Pete Wargent

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<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p>The number of new listings being added to the combined capitals housing market has seen a hefty 44% rise from the depths of the winter slowdown in early July through to the first week of October, however that hasn’t been enough to push fresh listing numbers in line with previous years.  The number of new capital city listings over the past twenty eight days was tracking at the lowest level for this time of the year since CoreLogic started tracking real estate listings in 2007.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2019-10/new_and_total_listing_capital_cities.png" width="600" height="399"></p>
<p><br>22,939 fresh real estate listings were added to the capital city housing markets over the past twenty eight days; 13% lower than the same time last year and 15% below the thirteen year average.   <br><br>New stock levels are down across every capital city, with the largest fall in Darwin where newly advertised listings are 36% lower than a year ago and 63% below the highs recorded in 2007.   Darwin housing conditions have been weak since the middle of 2014, so its understandable that home owners would be reluctant to list their property under such challenging selling conditions.  </p>
<p><img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2019-10/new_and_total_listing_capital_cities_chart.png" width="600" height="370"></p>
<p><br>The same logic can’t be used for stronger markets though.  Properties in Hobart are averaging just 28 days to sell and homes are selling, on average, in less than fifty days across Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, yet vendors seem to be lacking confidence to put their home on the market with new listing numbers down in these cities also.  Auction clearance rates remain high across the main auction markets and prices are under renewed upwards pressure.<br><br>So why the lack of new listings in cities where housing market conditions are picking up.   It’s reasonable to expect there would be some level of pent up demand amongst home owners who were unwilling to sell during the downturn and were waiting for selling conditions to improve.<br><br>Potentially a partial explanation can found in persistently low levels of consumer sentiment.  The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment recorded its lowest reading since mid-2015 in October.  With Australians increasingly concerned about their finances and the economic outlook, it may be the case that prospective vendors are choosing to sit on their hands until they feel more confident.  A property transaction, whether it be an option to sell or buy, is a high commitment decision that is much harder to make during periods of uncertainty. <br><br>Another explanation is the recency of the improved market conditions.  Capital city dwelling values were still trending lower only three months ago and the change to more positive conditions wasn’t widely anticipated.  Realistically it can take some time for home owners to get their affairs in order and prepare their property for sale.  With this context, a lag between the improved market conditions and a more substantial rise in new listings isn’t all that surprising.  </p>
<p><img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2019-10/capital_city_listing_summary.png" width="600" height="342">Capital City Listing Summary</p>
<p><br>Another barrier that may be preventing a more significant lift in listing numbers is high transaction costs, especially if the home owner is downsizing or upgrading which would incur a stamp duty payment.<br> <br>With market activity rising, active buyers are becoming more competitive across a shallow pool of listings which is adding some urgency to the market.  With increased competition, vendors are regaining some of the leverage they lost through the housing downturn and buyers could be feeling the first pangs of FOMO as they see properties selling faster and prices rising. </p>
<p><img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2019-10/monthly_sales_combine_capital_cities.png" width="600" height="282">Monthly Sales, Combined Capital Cities</p>
<p><br>Historically the seasonal peak in new listing numbers is around the second week of November, so there is still some time for the spring / early summer listing season to ramp up.  If the market recovery continues at the same pace as the last few months its almost certain that more home owners based in the markets showing strength will take advantage of the renewed level of buyer demand.</p>
<p><em><em><strong>TIM LAWLESS</strong> is the CoreLogic head of research</em></em></p>
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tlawless-5VLUrbAk9s

Spring hasn't quite sprung for real estate listings: Tim Lawless

<html><body>
<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p>There's not been too much sign of forced selling in the housing market just yet, with new listings all but cut in half.</p>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fzr9yrwd84U/Xpa3PsmxG2I/AAAAAAAA1PQ/sX72dYuvdc40IQ0nLSSBnI2KrKNTjKzsQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/EVmOH_7UMAErMCP.jpg" width="640" height="376" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="828"></div>
<p><em>S</em><em>ource:</em><em> My Housing Market</em></p>
<div> </div>
<p>Resi construction is also forecast to all but dry up this year, with annual dwelling commencements tipped to dip below 100,000 over the coming quarters (UBS), which would the lowest rate of new supply since 'at least 1960' (h/t Scutty).</p>
<p>In fact, we're still seeing plenty of competition for the limited amount of new stock in blue chip areas, and even some examples of prices going above price guides.</p>
<p>It's extremely doubtful that's the case in outer suburban areas or regional hubs, though, as rising unemployment and underemployment begin to bite</p>
<p><strong>PETE WARGENT</strong><em> is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.</em></p>
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