<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property Listings

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Data released by SQM Research reveals that national residential property listings increased in March 2020 by 3.7%, up from 296,770 in February to 307,847.
Compared to 12 months ago, listings were down by 13.2%.
All capital cities experienced increases in property listings over the month with the largest increase in Darwin of 15.6%, followed closely by Canberra with a 11.0% increase and Sydney a 10.5% increase. Hobart had the smallest increase of 2.4% increase in listings.
Listings that have been on the market for between 30 to 60 days surged by 74%, suggesting sales activity did slow during March.
Year-on-year listings show declines for all capital cities with Sydney recording a significant decline of 22.8% and Hobart an 18.5% decline this time last year.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/4/8/chart%201.png" alt="">
Louis Christopher, Managing Director of SQM Research said, “residential property listings are starting to increase and accumulate. I note the surge of stock that has been on the market between 30 and 60 days.  This may reflect the start of a capital city housing market downturn due to the health and economic impact of COVID-19. I also note though the rise in asking prices for the month, so quite a number of vendors have not really adjusted their pricing expectations as yet.”
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/4/8/chart%202.png" alt="">
Capital City asking prices increased by 0.7% for houses and increased 0.6% for houses, over the month to 31st March 2020. Unit asking prices are now at $577,000 and houses $990,500.
Compared to a year ago, the capital city asking prices posted increases of 8.8% for houses and 2.1% increase for units.
Over the month, most capital cities recorded asking price increases, with Darwin and Hobart both recording the highest increases for houses of 3.1%.  Highest price increase in units was Sydney and Perth with 0.8% increase. 
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National residential property listings increase in March; SQM Research

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National residential property listings jumped over six percent in November, according to figures released by SQM Research.
They rose 6.3 per cent from 318,874 to 338,971.
Listings are still 6.3 per cent down on the same levels this time last year.
 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/12/3/SQM%20stock%20table%20November.jpg" alt="">
Darwin was the only capital not to experience a listing increase. Their listings are now over 12 per cent down over the year.
Listings in Hobart rose nearly 12 per cent, while Adelaide, Melbourne and Canberra all saw listings grow by over 10 per cent.
Canberra is the only capital with listings higher than the same time last year.
Sydney's listings went up by just over seven percent, and are over 19 per cent down on this time last year, the most across the country.
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Hobart lead property listings surge in November: SQM

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The Sunland Group has placed the Mariner’s Cove Retail Village and Marina in Main Beach on the market.
It is located adjacent to the 5-star Palazzo Versace Hotel, and opposite the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort.
The Sea World theme park is located 1.8 kilometres north of the site.
Spanning 3.95 hectares, the waterfront site comprises the Mariner’s Cove Retail Village with a net lettable area of 4,278 square metres, and the 102-berth Mariner’s Cove Marina.
Sunland Group managing director, Sahba Abedian, said the decision to take the Mariner’s Cove precinct to market follows the completion of The Spit Masterplan, released in May.
“The Spit Masterplan sets a clear direction for development within this unique and internationally recognised coastal tourism precinct,” Abedian said.
The international campaign is being managed by James Branch, and Mark Witheriff, of Knight Frank.
Branch said future developments could include components of both a Premier 5-star hotel and residential apartments, maximising the benefits of the existing marina and high-grade marina facilities suitable for use by the growing super yacht market, as proposed by the Spit Masterplan.
The expression of interest campaign will close November 28.
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Sunland Group launches international expression of interest campaign for Mariner’s Cove

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A two bedroom St Peters terrace auction was brought forward by a week to sell for $985,000.
It ranked as the second most-viewed property in the country after its listing on realestate.com.au.
Over 180 individual groups came through the home.
The dilapidated 69 Sutherland Street terrace is so run down the selling agent had attendees had sign a waiver to enter at their own risk. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/11/8/st%20peters%20.png" alt="">
It has three bedrooms, and sits on a 117 square metre block. It was built in 1979. 
There was an initial $700,000 price guide through RRE Properties’ Michael Michos and Jim Michos who said it sold for $240,000 over reserve.
<div>
The property has missing floors, damaged walls, holes in the ceiling and no indoor toilet - It was marketed as "a blank canvass with great fundamentals."
St Peters's median house price is $1.09 million, however the inner-west suburb has not seen the downturn present in much of the country.
 
</div>
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Dilapidated St Peters terrace sells for almost $1 million

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National residential property listings increased in October by two per cent, according to figures from SQM Research.
They ticked to 321,754, up from 318,874 in September. 
Listings are still down nearly five per cent compared to 12 months ago.
All states were up over October, apart from Darwin where listings dropped 2.4 per cent.
The biggest jump was in Sydney, with listings up over four per cent in October, however the harbour capital also has the biggest gap to its stock levels last year, down 19 per cent.
Canberra saw the second highest stock level increase, just behind Sydney, to be one of just three capitals with stock levels higher than they were 12 months ago.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/6/SQM%20research%20listings.jpg" alt="">
Source: SQM Research
Sydney's total listings still sit behind Brisbane, with Melbourne having the most stock on the market in October.
Sydney's fresh stock however is considerably closer to Melbourne's number of listings as we head in to summer. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/6/SQM%20days%20on%20market.jpg" alt=""> Source: SQM Research
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Real estate listings rise mid-spring: SQM Research

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New capital city listings remain down year on year - everywhere bar Adelaide, which has seen a minor increase.
The city with by far the sharpest drop in new listings is Darwin at -31.3%, according to CoreLogic.
Following close behind are Melbourne and Hobart, both down -18%, a significantly larger fall than Sydney's -6.6%.
In terms of overall listing numbers, a similar scene is being played out with the only significant changes being the -21% fall in Sydney listings, plus Perth joining Adelaide with increasing listing volumes.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/10/21/OCT%2021%20Listing%20Stats.JPG" alt="">
In contrast to these numbers, auction activity is set to rise across the combined capital cities this week with 2,436 homes scheduled to go under the hammer, making it the busiest week for auctions so far this year.
The busiest auction suburb this week is Reservoir with 21 homes set to go under the hammer, followed by Port Melbourne (19), and Kew (18).
The increase in auction activity is largely due to Melbourne, where vendors are rushing to auction prior to the Melbourne Cup week slowdown. The city is currently expecting around 1,435 auctions this week, the busiest week Melbourne has seen since this time last year, when 1,709 homes were taken to auction.
Sydney is set to see auction volumes remain relatively steady week-on-week, with 729 homes set to go under the hammer this week, while one year ago, 798 auctions were held across the city.
As for the smaller auction markets, Adelaide and Tasmania will see auction volumes increase week-on-week, while Brisbane, Canberra and Perth will see fewer auctions, according to CoreLogic data.
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Adelaide bucks the falling listing trend: CoreLogic

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EXPERT OBSERVER
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.
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2019-10/new_and_total_listing_capital_cities.png" width="600" height="399">
 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.    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.  
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2019-10/new_and_total_listing_capital_cities_chart.png" width="600" height="370">
 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. 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. 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.  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.  
<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
 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.   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. 
<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
 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.
TIM LAWLESS is the CoreLogic head of research
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Spring hasn't quite sprung for real estate listings: Tim Lawless

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National residential property listings decreased by four per cent in September, according to SQM Research.
They dropped from 325,693 to 312,754 over the month, a surprise given listings generally pick up over spring.
Compared to 12 months ago, listings were down nearly seven per cent.
Louis Christopher, Managing Director of SQM Research said September’s decline in listings was an abnormal result.
"Listings normally rise for the first month of the spring selling season," Christopher noted.
"New listings did rise. It's just that older listings recorded a large decline. It suggests stock is being absorbed at a quicker rate.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/2/Stock%20on%20market%20SQM.jpg" alt=""> Source: SQM Research
"Turning to Sydney, the evidence, by way of the fall in listings, the rise in auction clearance rates and the accelerated rise in asking prices, all suggest that the city has indeed entered into a new housing boom. 
"Melbourne is not that far behind the mark as well. I think we can expect to record rapid rises in dwelling prices for our two largest cities at least in the December quarter and likely beyond.”  
The lack of listings was felt the most in Hobart, a decrease of 6.4 per cent over September.
Melbourne and Perth both saw listings dwindle by 5.8 per cent over the month, with New South Wales at a 5.7 per cent decrease.
The lowest decrease was Canberra. Their listings declined 1.1 per cent.
Sydney's listings declined the most year on year, down 20 per cent. Perth and Darwin recorded a nine per cent yearly decrease. 
 
  
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Property listings record abnormal decrease over September: SQM

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There are now just 182 listings remaining on the Purplebricks website.
It's less than a quarter of what remained in July when they still held <a href="/news/purplebricks-australian-property-listings-shrink-to-just-800-homes-for-sale">800 listings</a>. 
Since then a number of properties have been presumably sold or vendors have ditched the UK-based disruptor for local estate agents.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/9/13/Tallai%20PurpleBricks.JPG" alt="">
The <a href="https://www.purplebricks.com.au/search/property-for-sale#?q&amp;location=&amp;page=1&amp;searchType=ForSale&amp;sortBy=2" target="_blank">remaining 182 offerings</a> range from around $2.4 at 19 Alawara Drive, Tallai (pictured above), a seven bedroom, seven bathroom house set on 0.82 hectares to $150,000 for 140 Gilmore Ave, Medina.
The 522 square metre Medina, West Australia holding has been for sale since December 2018 with the asking price reduced from $170,000 in August 2019.
According to their website, around 73 agents are still on deck, down from 85 in July.
In early May, Purplebricks Australia announced its intention to exit the Australian market.
Despite the newly-installed CEO Neil Tavender and Kenny Bruce having overhauled the pricing model, so that half the fee was paid upfront and half on completion of the sale, Purplebricks decided to abandon the Australian market.
The pressure on the Australian business was most clearly exposed when it reported an $18 million interim loss for the six months to October last year.
Vic Darvey, the Purplebricks Group CEO said in May that after much consideration it had "made the difficult decision to close the Australian business."
"We’ve been operating here for two and half years and, unfortunately, we have been unable to make the progress in the Australian market that we’ve wanted, despite the tireless efforts of our employees," he concluded.
The Australian branch announced that they would take no further listings in Australia, but intended to finalise all existing agreements.
They announced their decision just a week after UBS said the company was<a href="/news/purplebricks-not-likely-to-make-profit-in-australia-until-2022-ubs"> not likely to make money in Australia</a> until 2022.
In the month prior to the shutdown it was forecast that Purplebricks would potentially have to close its Australian operations <a href="/news/purplebricks-australian-agency-may-need-to-be-abandoned-to-save-uk-mothership">to save the UK mothership</a>.
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Purplebricks Australia down to just 182 property listings

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The vendor discount metric measures, for properties that sell below the initial list price, the difference between the original list price and the ultimate sale price. The metric is calculated as a median across a rolling 3 months of data.
Within the past 3 months, housing conditions have started to stabilise but there has been no noticeable reduction in discounting levels. As at July 2019, the median vendor discount nationally, was 5.9% and as the chart shows, discounting has steadied over recent months.
At the same time a year ago, discounting levels were recorded at 4.9% and the last time discounts were as large as they are currently was August 2011. The heightened discounting is reflective of the weaker housing conditions over the past year and the increasing level of discount has recently ceased as housing conditions have improved.
To enlarge, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%201.JPG" target="_blank">click here</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%201.JPG" alt="">
The combined capital cities have recorded a slight reduction in discounting levels over recent months.
As at July 2019, vendor discounting was recorded at 6.1%, which was slightly lower than the recent peak of 6.3%. Discounting levels have increased from 5.1% a year ago and haven’t reached their recent heights any time in the past 12 years.
Across the combined regional markets, discounting has increased from 4.7% a year ago to 5.6% as conditions have deteriorated.
Although discounting levels across the regional markets are lower than those in the capital cities, there is no sign of a reduction and the last time discounting was this high was March 2013.
To enlarge, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%202.JPG" target="_blank">click here</a>.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%202.JPG" alt="">
Sydney has seen discounting levels fall from a peak of 7.7% in February 2019 to 6.3% in July 2019.
The recent reduction in discounting mirrors the ongoing improvement in housing market conditions through 2019.
Although discounting levels are reducing, they remain higher than they’ve been any time previously over the past 12 years.
The median vendor discount in regional NSW has increased to 5.5% in July 2019 from 4.4% at the same time in 2018. Although discounting levels haven’t reduced, they have steadied over recent months however, they are at their highest levels since February 2013.
To enlarge, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%203.JPG" target="_blank">click here</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%203.JPG" alt="">
The level of vendor discounting in Melbourne has fallen from a peak of 7.1% in February 2019 to 6.5% in July 2019.
The reduction has followed the improvement in housing market conditions over the period. Despite the recent improvement, discounting is much higher than the 4.4% a year earlier and remains higher than it has previously been over the past 12 years.
Although discounting levels remain relatively low in regional Vic, they have continued to climb over the past year and are at their highest level since August 2013.
As at July 2018, vendor discounting was recorded at 3.8% and by July 2019, this had increased to 5.4%.
To enlarge, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%204.JPG" target="_blank">click here</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%204.JPG" alt="">
Over the past year, there has been an ongoing increase in the level of discounting by vendors in Brisbane.
As at July 2019, the median discount was 5.0% compared to 4.3% a year earlier.
Although discounting is still quite low, the 5.0% in July 2019 is the largest median discount since April 2013.
The level of vendor discounting in regional Qld has increased from 5.4% in July 2018 to 5.7% in July 2019. The level of discounting has reduced slightly over recent months however, the last time discounting levels were as high as they are currently was August 2013.
To enlarge, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%205.JPG" target="_blank">click here</a>.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%205.JPG" alt="">
As the housing market has seen values fall in Adelaide, the level of discounting has increased.
As at July 2019, the median vendor discount was 5.7% compared to 5.0% a year earlier. At 5.7%, vendor discounting hasn’t been as high as it is currently since August 2013.
In regional SA there has been a slight reduction in the magnitude of discounting over recent months.
As at July 2019, the median discount was recorded at 6.0%, which was slightly higher than the 5.8% discount a year earlier.
The level of discounting in Perth has been elevated for a number of years as housing demand has remained weak and values have continued to decline since mid-2014. As at July 2019, the median vendor discount was 6.9% compared to 6.5% a year earlier. The last time discount levels were this high was early 2009.
To enlarge, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%206.JPG" target="_blank">click here</a>.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%206.JPG" alt="">
In regional WA, the median vendor discount has continued to trend higher over recent years as housing market conditions have deteriorated.
As at July 2019, the median discount was 8.8%, up from 8.3% a year earlier.
The 8.8% discount is the highest in regional WA since the beginning of 2009.
As value growth in Hobart has slowed over the past year, there has been an increase in discounting. In July 2018, median vendor discounting was 3.5% compared to 3.8% currently.
Over recent months, discounting levels have started to reduce again suggesting that buyers and sellers are closer aligned with their price expectations.
As value growth has slowed in regional Tas over the past year, there has been a moderate increase in discounting. A year ago, discounting was recorded at 4.3% compared to 4.6% currently. Mid 2017 was the last time discounting levels were as high as they are currently.
To enlarge, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%207.JPG" target="_blank">click here</a>.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%207.JPG" alt="">
The weak housing market over recent years in Darwin has seen an elevated level of discounting occurring.
As at July 2018, the median vendor discount was already high at 7.7% and it increased to 8.2% by July 2019.
Across regional NT the level of discounting by vendors remains low however, it is currently higher than it was a year ago. In July 2019, median vendor discounting was recorded at 3.9% compared to 2.9% a year earlier. Because of low volume of sales, the level of discounting in regional NT tends to be quite volatile.
To enlarge, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%208.JPG" target="_blank">click here</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%208.JPG" alt="">
Canberra has recorded a slight increase in the median vendor discount over the past year however, discounting levels remain extremely low across the city.
A year ago, vendor discounting was recorded at 2.5% compared to 3.1% currently.
The increase reflects the slowing housing market.
To enlarge, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%209.JPG" target="_blank">click here</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/8/23/CL%20Median%20Vendor%20Discount%209.JPG" alt="">
The increase in discounting levels over the past year is reflective of the weakening housing market conditions.
Certain capital cities are already showing signs that discounting levels are reducing and with a housing recovery expected to continue, discounts should reduce further.
Of course, lower interest rates and changed lending rules have enabled more buyers in the market and at this point, the volume for stock remains low.
As a result, negotiations in the marketplace are swinging from being in favour of the buyer to being more in favour of the seller and that is likely to also contribute to reduced levels of discounting over the coming year.
CAMERON KUSHER is the head of research for the Australian branch of CoreLogic
Kusher regularly posts on the <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news" target="_blank">CoreLogic website</a>.
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