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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Rent.com.au recorded 526,280 unique visitors to its website during November 2015.
It was the second consecutive month it has registered audience numbers in excess of its 500,000 unique visitor target.
Rent.com.au managing director Mark Woschnak said November was the start of a period typically characterised by a seasonal downturn in national audience numbers.
 “We are pleased to have maintained our audience share relative to the rest of the market which, we know from independent AC Nielsen reporting, typically declines 3% to 5% in November and as much as a further 25% in December each year.
"This proven seasonal effect on traffic is normal and expected as people naturally shift focus to the festive season and defer finding their next rental place until the New Year.'
He said compared with October 2015, rent.com.au had increased the total time that visitors spent on site, with the total advertising impressions up 19% to 18 million, capturing the attention of some of the biggest advertisers in the country interested in targeting its high‐demand audience demographic of the 18‐35 year old market.
Upon listing on the ASX in June 2015, the company also set a business objectives of increasing levels of rental property listings from non‐agent landlords.
<a href="https://www.rent.com.au/admin/landlords/19125/properties/new" target="_blank">The site is offering a period of free listing for landlords</a>.
With more than 6,500 estate agencies nationally, its typically provides over 58,000 national listings, representing over 80% of what is on offer.
<a href="/images/2015/12/7/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-07%20at%209.04.25%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/7/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-07%20at%209.04.25%20AM.png" alt="">
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Rent.com.au secures November spike ahead of seasonal rental downturn

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A top-floor office property in Perth’s new legal hub is set to go under the hammer, unlocking an opportunity to acquire a footprint in one of the city’s fastest evolving precincts.
Located at the top of the Equus Commercial building at 580 Hay Street, the 213 square metre partitioned office space features a 57 square metre terrace complete with putting green, two basement car bays and panoramic views over Perth Town Hall and the CBD skyline.
Listing agents CBRE’s Michael Milne and Ben Younger will put the property under the hammer on December 10.
The occupants of Equus building include Perth’s leading law firms, barristers and QCs, he said.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Top floor nest up for grabs in Perth’s premier legal hub

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Meriton’s two-tower project Centrium in the business district of Chatswood was launched by Lucy Turnbull, on Thursday evening shortly after it was advised that she will head the new organisation charged with overseeing planning and development across Sydney, the chair of the Greater Sydney Commission.
Centrium will have one tower as serviced apartments and the other as long-term rental accommodation, according to Meriton Group CEO Harry Triguboff.
He said Meriton was giving the Chatswood business district much-needed rental options.
It is now is one of the North Shore’s major commercial, retail and residential districts. Some of Sydney's best shopping, dining and transport facilities can be found in Chatswood.
“If we see a gap in the market, we fill it accordingly,” Triguboff said.
“If we see that there is a great need for long term rental accommodation we retain the building to help boost the depleted rental market."
Chatswood was named after Charlotte Harnett, wife of the then mayor of Willoughby, Richard Harnett. Her nickname was ‘Chattie’ and wood came from the original wooded nature of the area. It was Chattie’s Wood and the date it actually changed to Chatswood is not precisely unknown.
The announcement that former Sydney Lord Mayor Lucy Turnbull will head up the Greater Sydney Commission was good for Sydney but there are major challenges ahead, says the Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson.
“Her background as Lord Mayor of Sydney and her interest in metropolitan wide planning auger well for ensuring the commission acts with big picture thinking,” he said.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Harry Triguboff to retain Meriton's Centrium towers in Chatswood

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Weekly rents across Australia’s capital cities rose by just 0.3% over the 12 months to November-end, the lowest annual growth rate on record, according to the latest CoreLogic RP Data monthly rental review.
Sydney and Melbourne were the only cities where rental rates rose at least 2% for the year.
Rates fell over the year in Brisbane, Perth and Darwin, while the remaining capitals have seen rents rise by less than 1.5% over the year.
The combined capital city rental rates are $486/week for houses $464/week for units, according to the data.
“It is anticipated that the rate of rental growth will continue to slow over the coming months due to increased supply of housing and rental stock coupled with slower migration rates which has reduced rental demand,” CoreLogic RP Data research analyst Cameron Kusher said.
Dwelling rental rates across the combined capital cities were recorded at $483 per week, an increase of just 0.2% over the first 11 months of the year while over the past 12 months, they have risen by a record low 0.3%.
“Today’s results point to a broad trend of weakening rental growth, particularly throughout this year. With less than one month to go before year's end, it is apparent that rental growth will be very soft over 2015," Kusher said.
“The construction boom across the capital cities, coupled with slowing population growth, low mortgage rates and the recent heightened level of activity from investors who add to the pool of rental stock are the major contributing factors to the slowing rental growth.
“Sydney and Melbourne, which have seen the largest ramp up in new housing supply and investor activity over recent year, continued to record rental rises over the past year.
"However, each city is seeing a slowing in the pace of rental growth relative to 12 months ago.
He said the increase in investment stock gives landlords little scope to lift rental rates, while the low mortgage rate environment offers little incentive to push yields higher.
Looking across the individual capital cities, over the past year, Sydney and Melbourne have recorded the greatest increases in weekly rents, albeit at low levels compared with the pace of capital gains, while rents have fallen in Brisbane, Perth and Darwin.
Over the past three months rents are lower in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin, are unchanged in Hobart and have increased in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.
Over the past month, house rents were unchanged while unit rents rose 0.2%. For the three-month period, house rents fell -0.2% compared to a 0.4% rise in unit rents.
Demand for units , while still weak, is holding up better than rental demand for houses, the data shows.
Over the past year, house rents have increased by 0.1%, while units have recorded a much greater 1.7% annual rise.
Annual rental growth has slowed over the month but has reached a new record low level. Across each capital city, the current annual rate of rental growth is lower than the decade average, highlighting the weak rental growth conditions compared with the historical trend.
Canberra is the only city where the annual change in rent over the past year has been greater than growth a year ago.
The current building boom and recent record high levels of investment purchasing is causing oversupply at a time where the rate of population growth is slowing.
The slowing population growth is continuing to hit the rental market demand and contributed to a record low rate of rental growth.
The report said growth in rental rates is expected to slow even further over the coming months, and possibly rental rates will start to fall on an annual basis over the coming months.
The large pipeline of residential construction activity as well as high levels of investment demand (albeit slowing) means that people choosing to rent are likely to continue to have more accommodation choices and landlords limited scope to increase rents.
Capital city rents are increasing at their slowest annual pace on record, however, a decline in home values over the month has halted the decline in gross rental yields.
At a combined capital city level, gross rental yields were at 3.4 percent for houses in November 2015 and at 4.3 percent for units. Combined capital city house and unit rental yields are currently both at record lows.
A year earlier, gross rental yields were recorded at 3.7% for houses and 4.5% for units across the combined capitals.
The report says that the sluggish rental market may result in a further compression of yields over the coming months.
From an investment perspective it means that capital growth, which is slowing, is going to remain a much more important factor for a return from an investment.
Gross rental yields are lowest for houses in Melbourne (3%) and highest in Hobart (5.4%).
Gross unit yields are lowest in Sydney at 4.1% and highest in Darwin at 5.5%.
Sydney unit yields are currently at a record low. Gross yields have edged slightly higher in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra after sitting at record lows in October.
Across every capital city except for Hobart, house rental yields are lower now than they were at the same time last year. The general decline in yields is reflective of sluggish rental increases for houses and stronger value growth.
The unit market shows different trends to the detached housing market largely due to the weaker value growth conditions for units and the fact that rental growth is a little stronger than it is for houses. Yields are higher than a year ago in Canberra and unchanged in Melbourne and Brisbane while elsewhere yields have softened over the past year.
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Capital city rental growth lowest on record: CoreLogic RP Data

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WBP Property Group has appointed Greg Wickham as its chief executive.
The former Opteon Property Group CE will assume the position of CEO of WBP Property Group, effective 1 February 2016, in what the company describes as an exciting new growth phase.
WBP Property Group is an independently owned and operated national valuation, buyer's advocacy and property services company established in 1992.
Greville Pabst, the current CEO will become the executive chairman.
"Australia’s residential mortgage valuation industry is worth an estimated $500 million per annum, of which the group conservatively boasts 6% market share," Greville Pabst said adding WBP Property Group’s market share will grow to 10% in the next 24 months, through combination of continued organic growth and strategic acquisition.
Its valuation business grew by a reported 31% last financial year, with more than half of the growth experienced in Sydney. 
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WBP Property Group appoint Greg Wickham as CEO 

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A three bedroom, one bathroom property in Aldinga Beach was Adelaide's most affordable property after it's $232,000 weekend sale. 
Targeted at investors, the 1976 property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-aldinga+beach-121152154" target="_blank">3 Fidge Street </a>was described as 'run down' by selling agent Nick Van Vliet of First National Real Estate.
Aside from the house, the front and back gardens are bordered by numerous fruit trees including almond, stone fruit and figs.
A large shed with internal office provides a great work and hobby space and is backed by a chicken coop and wood oven.
The 760 sqm dwelling was last traded in for $177,500 in 2004, which gives it an annual appreciation of 3.8%.
Aldinga Beach is an outer southern suburb of Adelaide, located 45 kilometres from the CBD.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Aldinga Adelaide beach house weekend's most affordable sale

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Melton West - and the 3337 postcode - was identified as one of the most affordable rental suburbs closest to Melbourne's central business district, according to Australia's first rental affordability index.
The index is a joint project between peak housing advocate National Shelter, Community Sector Banking and SGS Economics &amp; Planning.
Property Observer went looking for houses and apartments in Melbourne's Melton West to find a suitable range. These are the ones we came up with:
 1. A four-bedroom house on <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/rental-properties/19-lomandra-bowl-melton-west/Property-Details-rent-residential-9789526">19 Lomandra Bowl, MELTON WEST 3337</a> (above) is available for $370 a week. This one topped the rentals for houses. 
2. A three-bedroom house on <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/rental-properties/4-red-oak-street-melton-west/Property-Details-rent-residential-9784033">4 Red Oak Street, MELTON WEST 3337</a> (below) is available for $280 a week.
<img src="/images/2015/11/26/4-Red-Oak-Street-Melton-West-VIC-3337-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-9784033.jpg" alt="" width="469" height="352">
3. A two-bedroom unit on <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/rental-properties/2-7-fishburn-grove-melton-west/Property-Details-rent-residential-9787782" target="_blank">2/7 Fishburn Grove, MELTON WEST 3337</a> (below) is out for rent for $255 a week.
<img src="/images/2015/11/26/2-7-Fishburn-Grove-Melton-West-VIC-3337-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-9787782.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" style="font-size: 12.16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
4. A two-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/rental-properties/25u-scott-street-melton/Property-Details-rent-residential-9789004" target="_blank">25U Scott Street, MELTON 3337</a> (below) is available for $220 a week and was the cheapest. 
<img src="/images/2015/11/26/700_scott.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="328">
The median house rental for Melton West is $280 per week with a median gross yield of 4.7%, according to data on <a href="/news">www.propertyvalue.com.au</a>.
Its median gross yield is higher than the national average of 4.24%.
For units, the median rent is $260 per week, while the gross yield is 5.7%, also higher than the national average of 4.63%, the data shows. 
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Melton West rental affordability: What landlords are asking from tenants

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Carlton conveyancer Mandeep Johal, 37, has been reprimanded and had conditions placed on his licence, by his and Consumer Affairs Victoria's consent, after the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal found he contravened the Conveyancers Act 2006.
Consumer Affairs Victoria applied for an inquiry into Mr Johal's conduct after receiving numerous complaints when he was trading as MM Conveyancing, Metropolitan Melbourne Conveyancing and Budget Conveyancing.
The tribunal found Mr Johal had contravened the Act and its associated regulations by failing to:
<ul>
<li>disclose a potential or actual conflict of interest relating to his conveyancing services</li>
<li>disclose the costs of conveyancing work to his clients, and including legally required information in his cost disclosures</li>
<li>notify the Business Licensing Authority of information required in his conveyancer's licence application</li>
<li>comply with the rules of conduct a conveyancer must adhere to under the law.</li>
</ul>
As part of the conditions placed on his licence, Mr Johal must:
<ul>
<li>install a voicemail and email notification advising clients that their telephone call or email will be responded to within 48 hours</li>
<li>implement and publish a complaint-handling procedure, have it audited every six months for three years, and provide a copy of the audit report to the Director within five days of receiving it.</li>
</ul>
Mr Johal was also ordered, by consent, to undertake an Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing at the Melbourne Polytechnic within nine months of the date of the tribunal's order, and to notify the Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria after successfully completing it.
Mr Johal was also ordered to pay a penalty of $1000 into the Victorian Property Fund.
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MM Conveyancing told to get some education: VCAT

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Turkish investment trust Nurol REIT has chosen Raine &amp; Horne Dubai as its lead agency to market an extensive AED 3 billion (AUD $1.12 billion) Turkish real estate portfolio to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
Nurol REIT is a US$25 billion (A$34.76 billion) business conglomerate, and is significantly involved in Dubai’s Jumeirah Park and Jumeirah Village Triangle, and Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi.
The property portfolio, located in Istanbul, Turkey, includes Nurol Life, a luxury residential apartment tower in the heart of the city and a mixed-use community Nurol Park close to Ataturk Airport.
Nurol Park is classified as prime Istanbul real estate and comprises two commercial buildings, eight residential towers and a hotel.
The third asset, Nurol Tower, is located next to Istanbul Court and comprises affordable residential and office properties. 
“The decision to appoint Raine &amp; Horne Dubai as the lead agency makes plenty of sense, as a large chunk of Turkish real estate sold to foreign buyers is purchased by GCC investors,” said Angus Raine, executive chairman, Raine &amp; Horne.
Since the liberalisation of the foreign investment laws in Turkey in 2012, GCC investment in the country's property sector has risen by 500%, while the Gulf states account for nearly a quarter of the foreign buyers, at 24%, according to Dubai-based property research firm, REIDIN.
“High capital growth and great investment propositions, combined with a raft of important future infrastructure projects and secure legislation and regulation, means Turkey is a key market for property investors, and our buyers in the Gulf are demonstrating their confidence in Istanbul's healthy property market," said Sanjay Chimnani, Joint Managing Director of Raine &amp; Horne Dubai.
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Raine & Horne to market Turkish property portfolio to GCC

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<img src="/images/2015/11/26/NEW_RAMS_LOGO.jpg" alt="">
Buying a property alone can be more difficult than buying with someone else but with careful preparation it’s certainly doable. 
You’ll feel a great sense of pride if you do buy a place by yourself. It’s a great achievement, and one that many first home buyers accomplish every year.
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
<ul>
<li>Work out your budget – Remember the costs of buying such as legal fees, stamp duty and removalist charges when you’re saving for your deposit. Don’t forget strata fees, council rates, utility bills, insurance, and repair costs when working out how much you can afford in mortgage repayments.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Get pre-approval – Before you start seriously looking, get pre-approval on a home loan to confirm the amount you can borrow. This might also improve your bargaining position when you come to make an offer. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Plan for the unexpected – What would happen if you lost your job, fell ill and couldn’t work, or if property prices dropped? Consider income protection insurance as may pay a proportion of your wage if you can’t work due to illness or accident. Get home and contents insurance to cover against property damage or theft.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Be realistic – Saving for a deposit may take longer solo and you may not be able to afford as big a mortgage as if you had someone else to help out. Be prepared to make some compromises to buy what you can afford. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Ask for second opinions – enlist friends and relatives to look at properties you’re considering and tell you what they think. They may see shortcomings or benefits you’ve overlooked. Choose people you trust to give fair and constructive opinions.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Seek advice – mortgage brokers, solicitors, financial planners and building inspectors can provide useful input to your decisions. Also, talk to others who have bought property alone about their experiences. </li>
</ul>
Quick tip: Have confidence. Plenty of people do buy property alone.
TO FIND OUT HOW RAMS CAN HELP EASE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS, GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LOCAL RAMS HOME LOAN EXPERT OR DROP IN FOR YOUR <a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/297888911;125002156;k" target="_blank">FREE FIRST HOME BUYERS’ GUIDE</a>.
For more great property advice and tips on buying your first home from RAMS subscribe to <a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/297885979;125002157;w" target="_blank">The Great Australian Dream property series</a>.
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.
Disclaimer: Information in this material is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. You should also obtain independent professional advice relevant to your financial circumstances.
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