A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Joel Robinson

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

Property News

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So far this week, 2,127 capital city auction results have been reported to CoreLogic RP Data, resulting in a preliminary auction clearance rate of 72.1% across the combined capital cities. 
There were a total of 2,615 capital city auctions held this week. This week’s result indicates that clearance rates are no longer tracking higher than they were one year ago, when the final auction clearance rate over the week was 72.3% across 2,080 auctions. Over the previous week there were 2,297 auctions with a clearance rate of 73.2%.
<a href="/images/2015/09/14/20150914-Capital-city.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/09/14/20150914-Capital-city.jpg" alt="" width="840" height="635">
 
In Melbourne, Australia’s largest auction market, a preliminary auction clearance rate of 73.7% was recorded across 1,181 auctions this week. Last week, Melbourne’s final clearance rate was recorded at 75.1% across 992 auctions, while this time last year, 1,018 properties were taken to auction across Melbourne and a clearance rate of 73.4% was recorded. The busiest Melbourne sub-regions this week were Melbourne’s Inner region and the Inner South region, where 248 and 210 auctions were held respectively. Across these two sub-regions, the preliminary clearance rates were 71.2% across the Inner region and 71.8 per cent across the Inner South.
<a href="/images/2015/09/14/20150914-Melbourne.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/09/14/20150914-Melbourne.jpg" alt="" width="817" height="545">
 
Sydney’s preliminary auction clearance rate was 75.1% this week, the 10th week in a row where Sydney has recorded a result below 80%. Last week, Sydney’s clearance rate was 76.9%, while one year ago, results show that 78.4% of Sydney homes taken to auction were successful. In terms of the number of auctions across the city, this week volumes were higher, up to 1,046 from 1,023 last week. One year ago just 743 Sydney homes were taken to auction over the week. The Northern Beaches sub-region of Sydney has shown the strongest performance so far this week, with 84.4% of the 45 reported results selling, with 18 remaining results yet to be collected.
<a href="/images/2015/09/14/20150914-Sydney.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/09/14/20150914-Sydney.jpg" alt="" width="828" height="561">
 
Brisbane’s preliminary clearance rate this week was 54.9%, up from 42.9 per cent last week. There were 178 Brisbane auctions this week, compared to 130 last week. The Gold Coast was host to 73 auctions this week. Based on the results reported to CoreLogic RP Data so far, 46.5% have been sold.
<a href="/images/2015/09/14/20150914-Brisbane.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/09/14/20150914-Brisbane.jpg" alt="" width="808" height="548">
 
This week, Adelaide saw a preliminary clearance rate of 62.0%, with 71 reported results across a total of 88 scheduled auctions. In comparison, over the previous week Adelaide’s clearance rate was 69.5% and 64.3% one year ago.
<a href="/images/2015/09/14/20150914-Adelaide.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/09/14/20150914-Adelaide.jpg" alt="" width="799" height="536">
 
There were 35 Perth auctions this week and so far 13 results have been reported, with 61.5% selling. Last week there was a 36%clearance rate for Perth.
Across Canberra a total of 79 auctions were held this week, compared to 52 last week and 51 at the same time last year. Canberra’s preliminary clearance rate of 63.6% is lower than it was the previous week (71.7%).
In Tasmania, 5 auctions were reported to CoreLogic RP Data with 4 sales. Last week, 5 auctions were reported with only 1 sale.
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smiller-vwPjRHTkST

Auction volumes rise to 2,615 across capital cities: CoreLogic RP Data's Shana Miller

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<div>The UK Land Registry released its latest House Price Index for the month of August 2015, which showed prices rising in the East (+8.4% year-on-year), South East (+7.6%), and yet again, in London (+6.6%).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The largest gain for the month was seen in the capital city of London (+1.7%), while Cambridgeshire recorded yet another robust +7.8% year-on-year gain.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>On the other hand prices declined in the month in a number of the regions located away from The Smoke, including in t'North West, Yorkshire &amp; t'Humber, and in the East Midlands. </div>
<div>
 Prices have also remained relatively flat over the past year in Wales and the North East like. Not shorting shortages
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>There have been some alarming statistics reported over recent years projecting dramatic housing shortages around London and the South East, and rarely is progess made on how the supply shortages will be tackled.</div>
<div>If there is one thing there has been a glut of over the past 20 years years it has been hapless experts trying in vain to pick turning points in the London housing market.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Meanwhile average house London prices have increased from £91,000 to nearly £500,000 (A$1,090,000), comfortably greater than a fivefold increase (today's average price is 5.4 times higher than in 1995, to be precise).
</div>
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<div><a href="/images/2015/09/30/HPI.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div><img src="/images/2015/09/30/HPI.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>Different strokes for different folks, of course, but the single best investment decision I've made over the years has simply been to never sell a property, regardless of what the 'experts' in the media say. Buy prime location capital city properties, never sell them. Sure you'll get cyclical downturns - see 2008, for example, which was quite a significant pull-back - but the long term trend is clear enough, provided you do buy in the right locations. 
</div>
<div>Down under</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It is worth noting that cash rate futures markets in Australia are pricing in at least one more interest rate cut in this cycle, while implied yields already suggest that two further cuts by 2017 is a distinct possibility.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/09/30/ASX.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/09/30/ASX.jpg" alt=""></div>
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<div>
<div>Even in the more bullish case scenarios, it appears likely that there are couple of years worth of slack in the labour market to be mopped up. You can clearly see in the first chart of this blog post above the impact of the UK's macroprudential measures in 2014. The City regulator the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) "ran interference" with a series of measures known as the Mortgage Market Review last year, which temporarily disrupted growth in the London housing market.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Macroprudential measures can undoubtedly slow the market for a while - HSBC will be the next bank to put the cold freeze on new investor loans in Australia - but ultimately nothing gets to work on cooling a housing market quite like higher interest rates.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Unfortunately in Britain the emerging threat of an interest rate hike in 2016 (after a long hiatus since March 2009) now seems to be resulting in a surge of activity as buyers dive in before the Bank of England taps on the brakes.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Bank of England's mortgage approvals figures released this morning revealed the highest number of approvals in 19 months and the largest monthly jump in borrowing since 2008, with a net increase of £3.4 billion smashing analyst expectations - so the market appears set to accelerate once again, fuelled by record low mortgage rates.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>All of these are factors worth taking into account as the line of market observers trying to pick the next turning point in Sydney's housing market lengthens by the day. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Macroprudential fail as London prices rise again: Pete Wargent

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I have noticed that over the last few years there’s been a bit of trend towards marketing that I feel is starting to look somewhat predictable, even tired and humdrum, in both style and content.
This is not to suggest the content is wrong, but I wonder if the strength of the market has caused some marketing to be more template driven, with not enough effort focused on the core demographic in the various and I suggest very diverse markets. You see similar trends in other industries where for example both major supermarket brands tend to drive the same message across what must be very different markets. Then recently among the supermarkets we have seen one new player take a very different approach, and they are picking away at the market share of the two majors.
To help demonstrate my thinking I have had a look at some of the key demographics across the City of Sydney, the South-East and parts of the inner west, all very popular areas for medium and high-density living, but with some very individual demographics. Then when the differences are highlighted I think it’s good to ask if our marketing is on target, because there’s possibly more room to be particular.
Some Key Differences
One starting point, and one where there’s a very clear measure relates to income levels, and as might be expected in a market like the City of Sydney, there’s a big range of incomes. The areas of the city with the highest incomes are firstly centred on King Street where the median household income is around $106,000 followed by the core CBD with $102,000, and both these figures are well in excess of the metro median for Sydney.
While at the other end of the scale we have Chinatown and the CBD South at $61,500 and Redfern at $63,500, which are both well below the metro median, and I have to admit I was surprised by the figures for Chinatown. Then when looking more closely another fact in this area is the very big number of students, at almost double the average of other LGA areas. This has an impact on the buyer profile and would lead to a stronger investor market. This would normally be a key factor in marketing to this target.
Growth Potential
Incomes are a revealing pointer and another interesting measure is the potential for average population growth, because this would be a key factor in looking at values directly aligned to the potential for new supply. In this area we also find some contrasting results, this is a direct reflection of the maturity of particular sub-markets across the City.
The area with the lowest growth forecast at just 0.40% is the Macleay Street precinct and Woolloomooloo – this is not a surprise given how very limited sites are here and also how mature the market is with some pockets of high density living dating back to the 1930’s and so this is a very tightly held, high demand and low supply market.
Green Square and City South are by direct contrast areas expecting a lot of new supply and growth is forecast at 5.10%, which looks conservative, but that figure sets the tone of the area, and would influence all marketing and product development and would also impact price expectations and the potential for price growth.
Which brings me to one final area where it’s very useful to look at the population demographics and the big impact that has on how a project might be received, and I think it worth making the remark that markets are always evolving, but I’ll come back to this point.
Firstly I wanted to look at population density and what a leading indicator those figures are, in particular in areas where sites are being re-developed or in areas that were former industrial and manufacturing sites, like Sydney’s inner-east and south-east. Here we can see that there are groups of areas where density is high and well above 100 persons/hectare and this includes Elizabeth Bay, Rushcutters Bay, Redfern, Pyrmont, Haymarket, Darlinghurst and Newtown just sneaking in but set for more growth.
At the other end of the scale Alexandria and Rosebery sit well below the above figures at just 20.01 and 39.02 persons/hectare which aligns to the growth expected in both areas over the next few years, so lots of opportunity for new supply. There are a few other areas like The Rocks and Centennial Park with low figures, but these are not typical markets, while an area like Paddington is also low, but given it’s unique history and conservation needs future supply looks very limited.
Diversity
To help illustrate this topic I wanted to use a sample of demographics to help explore the diversity of our many markets and show how they signpost the evolving nature of each and very different targets. And while markets change we need to keep abreast of how we promote each area and now with the use of digital content this can be very uncomplicated and highly efficient. However the way figures always vary I think that making a big effort to engage our buyers is a first-rate idea.
Peter Chittenden is managing director for residential of Colliers International. He can be contacted <a href="https://www.projectagenda.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Understanding Sydney’s inner-city neighbourhoods: Peter Chittenden

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You’ve found what you think is a brilliant development site.  Now it’s time to jump on that roller coaster and start the ride of your life as you commence the analysis process.  Will the project be feasible?  What is feasible anyway?  
Feasible is really another word for “is it going to be financially worth it for you to spend your time, energy, money, blood, sweat and tears developing this site?”
Some advice I can give you about property investing and anyone in property will also tell you, to stay emotionally unattached to the property, as this is where bad decisions can be made. I have seen it many times and this is where it can all come undone.
Firstly, it’s important to determine your development strategy and your investing criteria prior to looking for a development site.  Your strategy may include:
<ul>
<li>Land Subdivision</li>
<li>Renovate an existing dwelling</li>
<li>Dual occupancy or low density development</li>
<li>Renovate an existing dwelling and build new villas/units also on the land</li>
<li>Medium density development</li>
<li>All of the above</li>
</ul>
Your budget will help to determine your development strategy. A simple land subdivision will be less costly (but not necessarily quicker) than a larger villa/unit development for instance. 
As part of your strategy, you will need to think about what profit margin you would feel comfortable making from a development.   You may have heard about the ‘20% profit margin’ rule for developers?   Once all development costs are taken from the potential sale result of the properties, (when selling the properties) there will be a 20% profit margin.  Personally, I don’t always work back from a certain profit margin as I find this restrictive.  
Most Property Bloom clients are looking to boost their portfolios, create some equity and hold the new properties long term, so we also need to meet other criteria such as rental returns and depreciation benefits on completion.  
To determine the feasibility of a site, you will need to:
<ul>
<li>Talk to an accountant who specialises in property and one who preferably develops property themselves as they can advise you on the best structure or entity to purchase under and explain the tax implications when developing such as GST and CGT.  </li>
<li>Meet with a finance broker or a bank to determine your budget and the best loan structure for your development.  It’s important to choose a lender that offers construction loans for more than one dwelling and find out what their lending criteria is around this i.e. not all residential lenders will lend to you for a four unit site for instance.  Check interest rates on these loans.</li>
<li>Meet with solicitor to determine their costs. They will check for restrictive covenants or easements that may affect the land. They will also make sure services are available and connected especially if you are developing in a new area as well as finalising the deal for you.</li>
<li>Read the local Development Control Plan (DCP) and Local Environment Plan (LEP) and speak with your council’s town planner to find out DA and CC (Construction Certificate) fees and charges. </li>
<li>Meet with an architect and builder to determine what you can build on the site and estimated construction costs.  Some builders offer standard designs which will save you design fees.  If they do this, then they will be familiar with the local planning requirements.  If you are not happy with a standard design, engage a local architect to design specifically for the site. Get a quote.</li>
<li>A surveyor will give you advice on the subdivision process and estimate costs relating to the subdivision including sewer extension and service connection costs.  </li>
<li>If you are time poor and/or inexperienced, then factor in a cost to use a project manager. The cost can be taken up in the depreciation schedule and you will save a lot of time.</li>
<li>Talk to real estate agents to determine the value of your development and rental returns on completion and their management costs if you are holding as this will have huge impact on the success of the feasibility.  It's important to take current market conditions into account.</li>
<li>Research other costs such as Stamp Duty and if there are any government grants applicable that  may offset some of the stamp duty, insurance costs and interest/holding costs.</li>
</ul>
The aim is to keep the above costs to a minimum so you will receive a higher profit margin. At Property Bloom we have negotiated discounts with all our suppliers, builders and consultants. Even our preferred property managers give our clients a discounted management fee, so if you can do the same, you'll make a good saving.  
Compile a spread sheet for the costs or there are software programs available to help you with this process.
The more development sites you assess, the quicker you'll understand which ones are feasible and which ones just don't stack up. Have fun and enjoy the ride!
Jo Chivers is chief executive officer of property development project managers <a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/about" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a>. 
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Is that development project feasible? Jo Chivers

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I can count on the fingers of one of Homer Simpson’s hands the number of people who commentate on real estate and actually understand it.
There are plenty of people at the coalface of the industry who get real estate. It’s just that you’re never likely to hear about them in the media.
Among the public pontificators, there’s a lack of understanding about the drivers of events in real estate that’s become a contagion on the industry.
There certainly aren’t any journalists working for metropolitan newspapers who have any knowledge of market dynamics. It’s become very last century to actually know about the subject on which you write.
They compound their ignorance and confound their audience by seeking enlightenment from others who know little, notably economists. 
When I consider all the economists who have been regular lecturers about real estate – Shane Oliver, Saul Eslake, Gerard Minack, Paul Bloxham, poor old Steve Keen, pretty much everyone who works for Moody’s, absolutely everyone employed by CommSec – I can’t think of one who understands this business.
Most of them employ the Graham Richardson method of media commentary – a big ego connected to a hyperactive mouth, without the intervention of coherent thought processes. It works a treat.
It’s how much noise you make that matters. Knowledge is optional.
There are specialist real estate research companies that should bring some expertise to the table, but they’re all so devoted to making money out of computer-generated numbers they don’t conduct any real analysis. They just shovel out median price data to generate publicity. Most of their employees could write their real estate smarts on the back of a postage stamp in crayon.
The lowest-common-denominator mistake they all make – and it’s the curse of real estate consumers trying to understand what’s going on – is that they generalise. To do more would require genuine real estate wisdom. 
And because they generalise, they mislead and confuse – themselves and others.
This is why none of the chattering economists and others who sermonize on property can explain why this prolonged era of record low interest rates has managed to produce a property boom in only one Australian city.
They’re all so flummoxed by this that they pretend it’s not happening. Quoting a single generalised national figure to describe what happening to “Australian property values” is the limit of their contribution.
But the statement “Australian house prices rose 9.8% in the year to 30 June” (the latest ABS Property Price Index) is an absurdity, because prices have risen that much only in Sydney. In six of the eight capital cities, it’s been less than 3%, including two with “negative growth”.
If genuine market analysis happened in this country, someone would be making a study of this strange occurrence. Why has Sydney boomed and nowhere else? (Here’s a clue: it’s not related to interest rates, as I explained in my column on 18 August).
Last time real estate went seriously ballistic in Australia, everywhere boomed. In 2003, all of the eight capital cities had double-digit growth in their median house prices. The worst was a 13% rise. Four did better than 20% and the city average rise was 19%.
That’s what everyone expects a property boom to look like. And that’s why economists and media can’t get their heads around the current situation. 
It’s all about interest rates, isn’t it? So why isn’t it booming everywhere? Why are Perth and Darwin going backwards? Why aren’t Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide firing? 
Maybe the tools we use to measure things aren’t up to the task. Perhaps the blunt instrument of median price data, with a single figure to describe each capital city, needs to be replaced.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a>
 
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Lack of industry knowledge contagious: Terry Ryder

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There is no one correct strategy for successful property investment.
There are many diverse ways to grow your wealth with residential real estate. The best strategy depends on the individual. 
But the various methods have one thing in common. They work only if the individual investor implements the plan with intelligence and diligence.
I’ve been involved in a series of seminars in recent weeks, as a speaker and as an organiser. I’ve witnessed discussion of numerous investment strategies. They all work, so long as the individual investor is accesses good information, taps into quality advice and makes good locational choices. 
I’ve presented at a number of seminars organised by Melbourne-based Performance Property Advisory. This business has a very clear approach to property investment on behalf of its clients, based on a singular focus on the one capital city that presents the best buying opportunities and potential for capital growth. Three years ago it was Sydney and more recently Brisbane was the focus.
The approach is very much quality homes in inner-city suburbs. From what I can tell, it works well for Performance Property’s client base. It’s a good strategy but there are others equally valid.
One of the approaches used by Brisbane-based PPI Advice is creating equity by buying houses where the land and zoning allow additional dwellings on the property. They’re focused primarily on inner and middle-ring suburbs of Brisbane, when the housing and amenities are of a high standard.
I’ve seen examples where investors have had considerable success with this kind of value-adding exercise. Done well, equity of $400,000 or $500,000 can be generated on one property.
On Saturday I spoke at a Melbourne seminar organised by Louise Lucas and the Property Education Company. Other speakers included clients of the business who have built substantial portfolios of well-performing properties by buying in affordable suburbs of capital cities and in good regional centres.
Some of the properties featured were what I sometimes refer to as “ugly real estate” – the kind of houses that make you think “I’m not sure I’d want to live in something like that”, located in downmarket suburbs with a certain kind of reputation.
But I know from three decades of research that ugly real estate grows strongly in value if it has certain qualities. If it’s solid, affordable and well-located in terms of public transport, schools and shops, it’ll appreciate in value. It doesn’t need to be pretty to achieve good capital growth.
Many downmarket suburbs have excellent capital growth rates. That’s why I often urge investors not to be real estate snobs. The key question is not “Would I be happy to live there?” but “Who would be happy to live there?”
People may aspire to live in the prime suburbs but most can’t afford it. They buy where they can afford the prices. If it’s solid and located near desirable amenities and jobs nodes, they’ll overlook a lot. 
That’s why the greatest demand goes to the cheaper areas. 
That’s why 234 people bought in Toorak (median $3.1 million) in the past year, but 801 in Frankston ($388,000) and 1,187 in Point Cook ($470,000). Houses sell twice as fast in Frankston as in Toorak and the rental yields are double.
Which is the right way to do it? It depends on the individual, where their preferences lie and how much they can afford to pay.
They’re all the right way – if the individual investor goes about it the right way. The right way includes undertaking genuine research and being prepared to pay for good information and quality advice.
 
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a>
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Don't be a real estate snob: Terry Ryder

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The combined capital city weighted average clearance rate fell to 72.9% last week, down from 74.6% the previous week, while auction volumes rose from 2,118 to 2,248. Over the current week, CoreLogic RP Data is tracking 2,639 scheduled auctions, which will bring the total auctions for winter 2015 to over 26,500 which is the highest level on record.
This week, between Melbourne and Sydney, Australia’s two largest auction markets, there are more than 2,200 auctions scheduled, with Melbourne expecting 1,190 auctions over the week and 1,086 in Sydney. Both cities saw clearance rates fall last week with Melbourne’s final auction clearance rate down to 74.3 per cent from 76.5% the previous week. Meanwhile, Sydney’s clearance rate of 76.2% was almost identical to the result recorded one year ago (76.1%).
The number of residential auctions scheduled across Adelaide (105), Brisbane (159) and Perth (40) this week is higher than last week, while Tasmania is expecting auction volumes to remain unchanged, with 9 auctions scheduled across the state.
In Canberra, CoreLogic RP Data is currently tracking 50 auctions, a fall from last week when 75 auctions were held, but higher than at the same time last year (37). For the fourth week in a row, Canberra’s clearance rate surpassed the 70% mark, with last week’s final clearance rate for the city recorded at 71.2%.
Richmond in Victoria has the highest volume of auctions scheduled for any one individual suburb this week, with 24 properties set to go under the hammer.  Following on from this, Reservoir, also in Victoria, has 21 auctions scheduled.
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Highest winter total auction level on record: CoreLogic RP Data's Shana Miller

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Some of you may remember a television advertisement that appeared many years ago that went like this – “So you think you’re a good driver? Try this quick quiz.”
In many ways this applies to the real estate industry and what some of us apply to working out just where our markets are headed. Just like a motor vehicle we constantly check the fuel gauge to see how much fuel is in the tank.
You can’t rely on many of the commentators given at best their analysis is weak and lacks clarity and confirmation, given a large proportion is at best guess work. So how do some real estate agents try to better understand how and where the market is headed? Simply we go straight to a major information data source that being the dominant home loan companies who finance the property markets.
This week, I spoke with Alex Nochar who is Managing Director of Shore Financial who are one of the biggest lenders in our market demographic. First question – how many millions of dollars of housing loans do you presently have on your books that are pre – approved and actively looking to buy? The answer just over $270 million. Second question – what is the pre – approved value for Mosman and the adjoining areas? That number is just over $80 million.
That does not include the many applications that are awaiting approval and being processed although what we do take from this is that this is just one individual lender and does not include the big banks and or private banks. We will be attempting in coming weeks to find out just how many millions of dollars there are in pre – approved loans for Mosman real estate.
This tells us that there is still plenty of growth in our markets although it is quite surprising that one never hears of this method of better understanding our property markets. Can you imagine what the figure would be for the total Sydney area and how interesting this would be if the total numbers for each real estate demographic market were published on a weekly basis?
There is no clear patterns emerging across Sydney given some are experiencing strong stock levels and many others weak stock levels. For example, over the last four years we are seeing housing stock numbers declining in Mosman. This week there are 56 houses on the market, this time last years there were 65 houses on the market, the same week in 2013 there were 77 houses on the market and the same week in 2012 there were 120 houses on the market. In 2012 Mosman recorded 33 weeks with more than one hundred houses on the market. In 2015 it is looking like we won’t crack one hundred houses on the market once – the highest number this year so far has been 84 back in March.
With interest we should be watching the stock market in China which has lost approximately 40 per cent in the last three months, where when we see stock market corrections money is then diverted into real estate. The latest Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) annual report showed that the total value of investment proposals in 2013/14 soared to $167.4 billion which is an increase of 23.4 per cent. No surprises to note that China is now the biggest player foreign based buyer of Australian real estate with foreign investment in commercial and residential real estate doubling from $37.5 billion to $74.6 billion.
Recently a research paper was released that Chinese purchases totaled just 2 per cent of all transactions in 2014 according to data from the FIRB. Well that’s interesting although the real story is what the Australian Taxation Office reveals once they have completed their forensic investigation into illegal overseas acquisitions. Those who acquired property illegally have until 1 November 2015 to come forward and avoid prosecution. It will be very interesting to see how many are prosecuted and the numbers of apartments and houses that come back onto the market. I’m predicting that this number will be significant and illegal purchases will be much higher than first envisaged. Watch this space!
I wouldn’t be overly concerned with the recent use of that ‘recession’ word given it’s hard to see this happening anytime soon. We know that to technically be in recession the next two quarters in real GDP will need to return two quarters of negative growth in GDP. The next quarter’s GDP results are out on December 2 and the next on March 2 – so let’s wait until then before we start using that “R” word.
<h5>MOSMAN – 2088</h5>
• Number of houses on the market this time last year – 65
• Number of houses on the market last week – 66
• Number of houses on the market this week – 56
• Number of apartments on the market this time last year – 47
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 47
• Number of apartments on the market this week – 49
<h5>CREMORNE – 2090</h5>
• Number of houses on the market this time last year –10
• Number of houses on the market last week – 4
• Number of houses on the market this week – 6
• Number of apartments on the market this time last year – 15
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 19
• Number of apartments on the market this week – 20
<h5>NEUTRAL BAY – 2089</h5>
• Number of houses on the market this time last year – 7
• Number of houses on the market last week – 5
•Number of houses on the market this week – 2
• Number of apartments on the market this time last year– 33
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 35
• Number of apartments on the market this week – 37
 
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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Property markets need more truth, less dare: Robert Simeon

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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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OK, here we go again. 2016 has well and truly kicked in and before we know it January will be gone. Strewth, it's Australia Day next week!
So have you set your goals for 2016?ï¿½ Yeah, I know...boring!
Yes, goal setting can be pretty dry - what do they say? Make your goals SMART - Specific, Meaningful, Action Orientated, Realistic and Timely. That's so 1980's - I'm going to an 1980's themed birthday party soon, maybe I'll dress as a SMART goal!
So here's my fun way to set goals.
Each year I go away on a girls weekend and we share our goals or dreams for the following year over a few glasses of wine. One of us stays sober enough to write them all down and then we check in to see how we've all tracked the next year, over more wine of course. It's fun and sharing our goals in this way makes us more accountable.
What I tried to do this year was think about what I wanted to achieve from my goals or dreams. Actually, I focussed on HOW I was going to ENJOY the results of achieving the goals rather than the goals themselves.
So here's the results of my goals that I'll be enjoying soon:
- more time hanging out with those I love.
- going to Europe next year with those I love.
- relaxing time at the beach or immersed in other elements of nature.
- becoming fitter and healthier.
- growing my awesome business.
As Napoleon Hill said; "A goal is a dream with a deadline".
Once I had written down what I wanted to enjoy from achieving my goals, writing the goals and setting the deadlines was easy.
Basically my goals are to create more opportunity. Opportunity is defined as; a time or set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.
Opportunity, whether it be to make money or to meet people or to simply relax, is golden. Being specific and visualising opportunity is important. But the most important thing is to take action.
I've been talking to a number of people lately who are doing just that - taking action. There are some that I'd spoken to months ago, in fact one chap I started talking to five years ago, and after thinking about their investment goals over the Christmas break, they are now ready.
So action will be taken, sooner than later and by Property Bloom for these new clients. By helping them develop property, I'll also be achieving my goals.
I read a funny Seth Godin story where he lists seventeen times to start taking action, my favourite is "The best time to start was last year, the best opportunities are gone" (I've heard this one so many times from property investors) but then he finishes his long list of the best time to starts with; "Actually, as you've probably guessed,ï¿½the best time to startï¿½was last year. The second best time to start isï¿½right now."
ï¿½
Jo Chivers is chief executive officer of property development project managersï¿½<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/about" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a>.
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