Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]

Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3823]

Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3826]

The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=372542]

The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]

North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]

McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]

A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]

Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]

More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Iwan Sunito secures approval for $1.9 billion Five Dock mixed-use precinct

Property News

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There's an inflection point across the board, according to CoreLogic RP Data's head of research Tim Lawless, who looks at property markets across Australia.
The annual rate of growth has slipped to 8.7%, he advised.
You can watch the update <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6OoEyY81J8" target="_blank">here</a>. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Video: CoreLogic RP Data's Australian housing market December 2015 recap

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Melbourne had a clearance rate of 71% on the weekend compared to 64% last weekend.
It was 68% this time last year.
There were 1209 auctions reported to the REIV. 
The top sale was a five-bedroom, four-bathroom trophy home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-templestowe-121272546" target="_blank">28 Serpells Road, Templestowe</a>, which sold for $4.86 million, around $500,000 over reserve. 
The block cost $2.1 million in 2001. A record $27 billion worth of residential property has been sold by auction in Victoria, so far this year - up 27% ($6 billion) on last year.
TOP 5 HOUSES
1. 28 Serpells Road, Templestowe $4,868,000
2. 16 Hall Street, Brighton, $3,175,000
3. 2 Hoyt Street, Hampton $3,100,000
4. 5 Fairfield Avenue, Camberwell $2,840,000
5. 973-975 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North $2,800,000
TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES
1. 5 Blackwood Drive, Melton South $216,000
2. 8 Regency Place, Melton West $256,000
3. 59 Westcott Parade, Rockbank $260,000
4. 48 Mitford Crescent, Craigieburn $260,000
5. 22 Cyan Crescent, Officer $265,000
 
TOP 5 APARTMENTS
1. 32/125 Ormond Road, Elwood $2,320,000
2. 3/21 Grange Road, Sandringham $1,920,000
3. 2/11 Bevis Street, Bentleigh East $1,622,000
4. 1A Stewart Place, Richmond $1,575,000
5. 101 Eglinton Street, Kew $1,561,000
 
TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS
1. 2/14A Myrtle Grove, Preston $270,000
2. 62B Herman Road, Lalor $290,000
3. 15/2 Mckay Street, Coburg $290,000
4. 2/1 First Street, Parkdale $300,000
5. 1/432 Dorset Road, Boronia $300,000
Source <a href="/news">REIV</a>
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Templestowe tops Melbourne's weekend auctions

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Dalian Wanda, the Beijing-based conglomerate's hotel and apartment project proposal for Sydney's Circular Quay has received the City of Sydney Council unanimous approved.
Wanda's development proposal is for a 57-storey 184-apartment residential tower and a 179-room hotel at the 4040sq m site bounded by 1 Alfred Street, 19-31 Pitt Street and 31A Pitt Street.
The apartments will range from 50 sqm to 600 sqm in size.
Wanda plans to launch the apartments for sale next year.
Local architect Crone Partners' Greg Crone will be working with Kerry Hill Architects on the project which will commence construction in 2017 after the demolition of Gold Fields House at 1 Alfred Street.
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Dalian Wanda gets Circular Quay project go-ahead

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Bain &amp; Company's Boston-based head of global banking Gerard du Toit forecasts the accelerating adoption of mobile banking services will result in accelerated bank branch office closures.
 
He suggests Australia's big four banks will come under pressure to close up to 30% of branches over the next three to five years.
 
"Visits to Australian bank branches were down almost 10% in the September quarter compared to the same period two years earlier, but the percentage of transactions done via a teller was still twice as high as in the most digitally advanced markets," Bain &amp; Company's Boston-based head of global banking Gerard du Toit told the Australian Financial Review.
 
"Everything suggests this market has more branches than it is going to need five years from now.
 
"It is hard to say how many closures there will be but global trends indicate a possible reduction of 10% to 30%". 
 
Bain &amp; Co's latest annual report on global trends found that the adoption of mobile banking services accelerated rapidly in the past year.
 
But it warns banks to get the technology right.
 
Mr du Toit said Australian banks should learn from the Netherland's ABN Amro which halved its branches over the past three years without losing market share having spent five years ago with branch staff focused on training customers, especially babyboomers up on how to use self-service options.
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Bank landlords face 30% branch office closure

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More young Australians are taking to rent-vesting, a trend where young buyers – typically Gen Y, purchase their first property for investment purposes rather than living in it, says John McGrath in his latest blog in Switzer.
Rent-vesting is one of the most important emerging property investment trends in Australia today.
"Unlike the Gen X and Baby Boomer buyers before them, Gen Y is not willing to sacrifice their lifestyle in order to own real estate," McGrath says.
"While Gen X and the boomers didn’t mind purchasing in affordable locations on the outskirts of a city and often far away from work, beaches and CBD nightlife, Gen Y doesn’t want a bar of it. They certainly share their predecessors’ desire to own property but lifestyle is priority one."   
So they’re buying for investment first in affordable suburban areas while renting in the trendy inner city locations that are priced beyond their means, he says.
Other Gen Ys are remaining at home with mum and dad to save as much money as possible before flying the coop.   
These junior investors are typically buying in middle to outer ring suburbs where rental yields are strong and the bulk of the rent covers the mortgage, meaning little out-of-pocket expenses and minimal impact on their lifestyles while getting great start in property.
"Once you’re in the market, it becomes much easier to buy other properties (either more investments or the dream family home) down the track with accrued equity," he says.
"Hats off to these buyers. This is a fantastic example of markets evolving as property values rise and lifestyle areas become unaffordable for those just starting out in real estate."  
According to McGrath, Rentvesting really took off after the First Home Owner Grant changed. When it was first introduced, the grant was available for all types of first home properties. When the rules changed and the grant became only available to newly built or off-the-plan properties, the incentive for young people to buy their first property for owner occupation was reduced.
A recent Mortgage Choice survey shows rentvesting has increased from 21% of investors to 37% over the past 12 months alone.
McGrath lists two important trends among junior investors.
First, they are getting in early. Domain research shows the average age at which Gen Y buys their first property investment is 25 years compared to 35 years for Gen X and 45 years for Baby Boomers.
Secondly, junior investors are building larger investment portfolios than their predecessors, who typically aimed to own their own home outright with maybe one investment.
The reasons could range from trying to mitigate uncertainty over the future of the pension and the understanding that superannuation is unlikely to be enough on its own when they retire. Hence the need for income assets. 
 
For your free Property Observer eBook from RAMS, 12 tips for first-time buyers, covering everything you need to know when it comes to purchasing property, click here.
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Gen Y make early entry into property through rent-vesting: John McGrath

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What’s your property worth?
<a href="https://www.propertyvalue.com.au/" target="_blank">Property Value</a>, launched in July by CoreLogic RP Data, is an online tool for buyers and sellers to estimate the value of a property in Australia, benchmark against comparable properties for sale or rent and even look up the history over the past 30 years to see what that property has previously sold for.
More than 800,000 people have used <a href="https://www.propertyvalue.com.au/" target="_blank">www.propertyvalue.com.au</a> so far, which works out to 66,000 user hours invested.
CoreLogic RP Data is giving away one week free access to Property Value - redeemable at:
<a href="https://www.propertyvalue.com.au/xmas" target="_blank">www.propertyvalue.com.au/xmas</a> (Valued at $49.00 the offer is for one x log in per individual, valid for one week. The offer expires on January 1).
The offer also includes access to new site additions including: local schools with Naplan scores, development approval data for properties, streets and suburbs, scatterplot charting and access to charting the return on a $100 investment for any two suburbs over the past five years.
“Property Value provides more data coverage and decision-making tools than any other offering and it also works brilliantly on mobile,” CoreLogic RP Data head of consumer Paul Argus said.
“It’s a great tool for anyone looking to buy or sell property, particularly investors. Every street and property holds its own profile. Suburbs can be compared side by side and estimated rent and yield scores can be assessed.
“A perfect scenario showcasing the functions and attributes housed in the Property Value site, and included below, is our extraction around picking and comparing the best performing suburbs over time,” he added.
Assisted by CoreLogic RP Data research analyst Cameron Kusher, the data used highlights a few things.
Firstly, while capital city figures tell a broad story, “the experience across individual suburbs can be vastly different,” he said.
This is highlighted by the NSW example. “Most people would have anticipated that a market like Mosman would have outperformed Parramatta, however, this hasn’t been the case. It actually highlights that new investment in a region generally has a positive impact on housing demand and subsequently property values,” Kusher said.
“The data also highlights that picking winners in the market is very difficult which is why investment in the housing market should be a long-term investment not a punt on short-term gains.”
See below - real-time examples broken down as follows:
• NSW – Premium vs. up and coming (Mosman vs Parramatta)
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.16.47%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.16.47%20PM.png" alt="">
• QLD – Brisbane inner city vs Gold Coast (Newmarket vs Southport)
• VIC – Toorak vs Canterbury (premium suburbs)
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.18.12%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.18.12%20PM.png" alt="">
• WA – Battle of the beaches
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.21.02%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.21.02%20PM.png" alt="">
NSW – Premium vs. up and coming (Mosman vs Parramatta)
• Would turn $100 into $185 over 5 years if invested in Parramatta
• Compared to $125 if invested in Mosman
VIC – Toorak vs Canterbury (premium suburbs)
• Toorak was ahead until the last few months where Canterbury growth has increased significantly
• $100 invested in Canterbury in Dec 2010 would yield $135 today
WA – Battle of the beaches
• Returns on Scarborough investment overtook Cottesloe in Dec 2013
• $100 invested in Cottesloe in Dec 2010 would yield $95 today
QLD – Brisbane inner city vs Gold Coast (Newmarket vs Southport) 
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.23.28%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.23.28%20PM.png" alt="">
• Neck and neck over last 5 years with Southport experiencing a dip in 2012 followed by recovery in 2015
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Propertyvalue.com.au is giving one-week free access

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Whilst property markets closely watch what can directly influence market sentiment in 2016 we should be watching very closely what will indirectly affect the market and just how big these influences may be.
I can nominate six (6) such influences that I believe will have significant repercussions on how we should be approaching the markets.
<h5>1. Illegal Property Acquisitions</h5>
I find this topic quite fascinating given I have always been of the belief that this practice is (or was) huge and I have not changed my opinion. In May, 2015 the then treasurer Joe Hockey set aside 60 investigators from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) stating that from their initial investigations “they are just at the tip of the iceberg.”
Fast forward seven months where this week the ATO announced that it was now investigating an estimated 31 million records from 1985 to 2015. This order applies to all states and territories for not only sales transactions but also all rental agreements, landlords, weekly rents, length of lease and rental bonds. The biggest investigation into Australian real estate since 1993 when the ATO moved records to computer technologies and every real estate agency in Australia was forced into providing every transaction record.
So from this point forward I’m going to call this the “Please Explain Inquiry” given the ATO obviously believes that they have uncovered interesting irregularities.
It should also be noted that the Department for Rip Van Winkle otherwise known as the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) have just appointed former ASIO director, general David Irvine, to the board. Two very big announcements in the space of a week – watch for some big announcements in 2016.
<h5>2. Underquoting Reforms in NSW</h5>
Not before time from 1 January 2016 real estate agents must quote the likely selling price at the figure(s) that appear on the Agency Agreement. The fines and penalties for failure to do so are severe. The NSW Government Office of Fair Trading will be out in force next year policing their prized new legislation that is a major win for consumers and ethical agents. This will also cause major problems for the habitual agents who love nothing more than buying listings through valuing properties at ridiculous prices. . Expect to see plenty of naming and shaming in 2016.
<h5>3. Off – The – Plan Purchases</h5>
It would be an understatement to suggest that investors are not skittish and squirming about their recent property acquisitions. What remains to be seen is how many pull the plug and walk – away from their purchases believing that Sydney’s apartment investment markets are facing a massive correction in 2016.
Again the NSW government has been busy rushing through more property legislation stopping developers cancelling existing contracts – sunset clauses, because the apartment prices have increased significantly. That loophole has been now shut for good.
<h5>4. Council Mergers</h5>
An announcement regarding the mergers is just days away although I am reliably advised that Mosman will not be forced into a merge and will stand alone. Having said that it will lose all powers regarding new apartment development approvals and this now will be handled by the state government.
<h5>5. 2016 Federal Election</h5>
They say that the Melbourne Cup stops the nation – well a federal election can stop the real estate markets. We can expect to hear plenty in 2016 about what’s now off the table and what’s now on the table. Two words will play a massive part and I’m not talking about negative gearing. No tax reform will be the keywords in 2016 although at this stage its anyone’s guess to what extent and just what lengths the Turnbull government will go. Whatever the case this will be a major distraction in 2016 where I’d love a dollar every time I hear the words Goods &amp; Services tax – GST.
This now leads me to the very big X Factor for 2016.
<h5>6. X Factor</h5>
The premier must have been reading my blogs with a new report from the NRMA confirming that planning is in the early stages to see a rail line from Sydney’s northern beaches through Mosman to Cremorne and Neutral Bay to the Sydney CBD.
The other key recommendation is for a tunnel under the Spit Bridge connecting with Seaforth and the Warringah Freeway linking up with the new harbour tunnel which eventually will connect to the WestConnex.
The report stated – “For decades, the northern beaches and the lower north shore has been the Bermuda triangle of transport infrastructure, where plans have come and gone to disappear without a trace.” It then went on to say “The chronic neglect has left our roads badly congested and buses at or over capacity. We believe the government must now take this opportunity to put the region back on the agenda as part of its overall drive to improve infrastructure across Sydney.”
The report revealed that Spit Road and Military Road were two of the worst in Sydney with higher traffic than Parramatta Road. On an average weekday, 70,000 vehicles use the Spit Bridge, 80,000 use Military Road and approximately 64,000 use Parramatta Road at Camperdown.
So you can expect to see high rise along Military Road and even more high density around the new suburb train stations.
Thank you for joining us in 2015 and we will be back with Virtual Realty News in 2016 – our 16th year. From all of us at Richardson &amp; Wrench Mosman/Neutral Bay we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.
<h5>MOSMAN – 2088</h5>
• Number of houses on the market this time last year – 84
• Number of houses on the market last week – 55
• Number of houses on the market this week – 53
• Number of apartments on the market this time last year – 59
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 51
• Number of apartments on the market this week – 42
<h5>CREMORNE – 2090</h5>
• Number of houses on the market this time last year – 11
• Number of houses on the market last week – 11
• Number of houses on the market this week – 6
• Number of apartments on the market this time last year – 20
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 17
• Number of apartments on the market this week – 15
<h5>NEUTRAL BAY – 2089</h5>
• Number of houses on the market this time last year – 10
• Number of houses on the market last week – 8
•Number of houses on the market this week – 7
• Number of apartments on the market this time last year– 34
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 30
*Number of apartments on the market this week – 26
ROBERT SIMEON is a director of <a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/" target="_blank" title="RWM" rel="nofollow">Richardson Wrench Mosman and Neutral Bay</a> and has been selling residential real estate in Sydney since 1985.  He has also been writing real estate blog <a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" target="_blank" title="Virtual Realty News" rel="nofollow">Virtual Realty News</a> since 2000. 
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Plenty of x-factor on the 2016 property menu: Robert Simeon

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Savills Australia has announced the promotion of Graham Postma to Managing Director, Western Australia, effective April next year.
His appointment follows the recent announcement that the current managing director Paul Craig, will move into the role as Chief Executive Officer of Savills Australia &amp; New Zealand.
Currently the Director of Office Leasing in WA, Graham will continue to lead the commercial leasing team whilst assuming the responsibilities of managing director.
Graham has been a key member of the WA leadership team for the past 13 years, having specialised in commercial leasing for more than 23 years.
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Savills promote Graham Postma to WA GM

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GUEST OBSERVER
As I write this (December 2015), house prices have fallen in most major capital cities for the first time in several years.
In fact, the CoreLogic RP Data Home Value Index for November 2015 showed that home prices fell by 1.5% across Australia's capital cities over the month, with five of the eight capital cities showing declines.
So, what does this mean?
In my opinion, and also that of the ANZ and several other financial institutions around the country (thankfully), is that housing markets in Australian capital cities will cool, not crash in 2016.
The actions of APRA and subsequently the banks have achieved the desired result by dampening prices through tighter investor lending conditions.
1. My Prediction for 2016: The CoreLogic RP Data Home Value Index will show an average decline of between 5% and 10% for Australia’s capital cities over 2016.
 The Turnbull Government will be re-elected at the 2016 Federal Election.
Whilst the Prime Ministerial ‘musical chairs’ appears to be over, the music hasn’t fully stopped for the Australian public.
The timing of the next federal election is unknown at this stage, however according to the Constitution, must be held by no later than 14 January 2017.
Pollsters are suggesting that Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull may capitalise on his ‘honeymoon’ ratings and call an early election, potentially as early as March, however the PM has affirmed he is in no rush.
"I'm expecting it to be about this time (next year), well perhaps November is getting a bit late, I would say around September, October next year is when you should expect the next election to be," Turnbull told reporters in November 2015.
2. My Prediction for 2016: I’ll take a stab and say Saturday September 25, 2016 with the Coalition comfortably elected.   Interest rates will remain stable whilst the economy shows modest growth.
December’s GDP growth results came as a surprise to many analysts, with Australia's economy showing signs of picking up momentum by registering 2.5% growth over the past year.
Despite this being the fastest economic growth in 18 months, it is still below the economy's long-term trend of 3.5% - a sign of continued patchiness in the economy. Subsequently, it’s hard to envision any material change in interest rates over the course of 2016.
3. My Prediction for 2016: The Australian economy will record GDP growth of 2.5% - 3.0% over the course of 2016 and interest rates will remain unchanged or increase by a maximum of 25 basis points.   Architectural excellence and innovation will define success.
It goes without saying that 2015 has been a year of architectural excellence in property. As markets have accelerated, so have the expectations of a building’s occupants. Whether it is skyscrapers inspired by ‘Beyonce’s curves’, the world’s smartest office building or a retail experience so authentic that a young Melbourne architect took out the top global gong, success is being defined by the ability to experience and inspire.
4. My Prediction for 2016: Architecture will expand to be branded, experiential and intelligent.   New, disruptive technologies will shake up our industry.
The next 12 months will feature some genuine game changers that excite and inspire me like nothing else in the industry.
I genuinely believe that our sector - largely unaffected by the disruption we have seen in the travel or media industries, for example -  will experience an inflection point over the coming year.
Just think about this for a moment. These four trends – prefabrication, crowdfunding, 3D printing and virtual reality – are all at a point of their evolution where the products are fundamentally proven but the everyday impact is yet to be felt. 2016 will be the year where the next “UBER” hits the Australian property sector.
5. My Prediction for 2016: One (if not more) of the four trends above will become ubiquitous and fundamentally change the way we do business.   The globalisation of real estate markets has just begun.
The flow of offshore capital into Australian property markets reached historical highs in 2015, largely due to a significant increase in Chinese investment in residential real estate.
Despite the sometimes xenophobic rhetoric underpinning the national conversation, one thing is clear: the fundamentals haven’t changed and certainly won’t change for at least a generation.
We are at the start of our “Asian century” and foreign direct investment will only grow.
6. My Prediction for 2016: Foreign direct investment in Australian residential and commercial property will grow.   Governments start to wake to the demographic and environmental challenge.
There continues to be a strange disconnect between the rhetoric of our national leaders, Federal and State Governments’ policies and the sobering demographic and environmental challenges that confront the Australian economy over the next few decades.
An ageing population and climate change sit at the center of this monumental challenge.
With a change in Prime Minister and the installment of a more moderate and pragmatic government, perhaps 2016 will be the year in which public policy catches up with the needs of the public.
7. My Prediction for 2016: Major policy reform platforms will be established around tax, health and the environment.
Adam Di Marco is publisher and founder of <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com" target="_blank">TheUrbanDeveloper.com</a>. Adam is also a director of Brisbane-based investment, management and development firm, <a href="https://www.marquette.com.au/" target="blank">Marquette Properties</a>.
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10% price declines possible amid 7 predictions for Australian property in 2016: Adam Di Marco

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The award winning mortgage broker N1 Finance, partnering with Seekahome Pty Ltd, has created a mobile and tablet only application which allows property owners to create rental listings for free in as little as 90 seconds.
The application, titled 'Snailapp', allows landlords to source their own tenants through and a engage with them directly through the apps messenger service.
Roughly 1.8 million households rented a property, according to Australian census data and with average management fees around 5 per cent and an average property price of $500,000 across all states, landlords are paying $1,100 a year in property management fees.
Managing Director of N1 Finance Ren Wong said that even with a conservative estimate of 600,000 properties managed by agents in Australia, the addressable market for DIY rental apps would be $660 million.
Snailapp is available now on iOS and Android. 
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