<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.</p>

<p>While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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>.</p>


Joel Robinson

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

<p><strong>IN BRIEF</strong></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p>Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“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.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]</p>

<p>The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“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.”</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.</p>

<p>“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”</p>

<p>Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.</p>

<p>Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.</p>

<p data-end="555" data-start="341">[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]</p>


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

<p data-end="387" data-start="97">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.</p>

<p data-end="697" data-start="389">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.</p>

<p data-end="925" data-start="699">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.</p>

<p data-end="1217" data-start="927">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.</p>

<p data-end="1217" data-start="927"><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" /></p>

<p data-end="1538" data-start="1219">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.</p>

<p data-end="1723" data-start="1540">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.</p>

<p data-end="2063" data-start="1725">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.</p>

<p data-end="2063" data-start="1725"><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" /></p>

<p data-end="2205" data-start="2065">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.</p>

<p data-end="4244" data-start="4087">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.</p>

<p data-end="4598" data-start="4246">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.</p>

<p data-end="4798" data-start="4600">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.</p>

<p data-end="4798" data-start="4600">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.</p>

<p data-end="5032" data-start="4800"><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" /></p>

<p data-end="5486" data-start="5211">&nbsp;</p>

<p data-end="2205" data-start="2065">The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.</p>

<p data-end="2375" data-start="2207">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.</p>

<p data-end="2712" data-start="2377">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.</p>

<p data-end="2751" data-start="2714"><em><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></em></p>

<p data-end="2865" data-start="2753">Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.</p>

<p data-end="3067" data-start="2867">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.</p>

<p data-end="3379" data-start="3069">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.</p>

<p data-end="3379" data-start="3069"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station"><em>First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</em></a></p>

<p data-end="3883" data-start="3659">&nbsp;</p>


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

<p data-end="540" data-start="324">When the opportunity arose for South Australian developer Palumbo to return to Kent Town, where it had previously delivered East Park Apartments and the East<br />
Rundle Apartments, it wasn't one the longstanding developer-builder was going to pass up.</p>

<p data-end="680" data-start="542">The decision was quickly vindicated, with more than 30 apartments sold within the first month of launching <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-kent-town-2-8-north-terrace-kent-town-sa-5067">Royal Apartments</a> to the market.</p>

<p data-end="909" data-start="682">The 206-apartment development, which will bring significant new supply to Adelaide's tightly held eastern city fringe, also gives <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/palumbo">Palumbo</a> the opportunity to bring new life to one of Kent Town's most recognisable watering holes.</p>

<p data-end="909" data-start="682">[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376073]</p>

<p data-end="1076" data-start="911">Royal Apartments incorporates the historic Royal Hotel, a venue Palumbo Managing Director Daniel Palumbo said has a longstanding connection with the local community.</p>

<p data-end="1166" data-start="1078">"Everyone in the area has history with the Royal Hotel," Palumbo told Apartments.com.au.</p>

<p data-end="1257" data-start="1168">"It was quite an active pub and social gathering place for locals. We want to bring it back to its former glory."</p>

<p data-end="1257" data-start="1168">[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376072]</p>

<p data-end="1406" data-start="1259">The wider development will comprise two residential towers alongside the restored hotel, sitting on North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Park Lands.</p>

<p data-end="1475" data-start="1408">For Palumbo, the project also marks a return to familiar territory.</p>

<p data-end="1671" data-start="1477">The developer completed East Park Apartments next door more than a decade ago and jumped at the opportunity to develop in Kent Town again when the Royal Hotel site became available.</p>

<p data-end="1726" data-start="1673">"The opportunity emerged, and we moved to secure the site," Palumbo said.</p>

<p data-end="1874" data-start="1728">"We were approached by the previous landowner, who said they had extensive commitments in Sydney and weren't in a position to deliver the project.</p>

<p data-end="2025" data-start="1876">"We took over the site and within six months recut the design scheme to be more in keeping with the type of development we want to bring to Adelaide.</p>

<p data-end="2111" data-start="2027">"Now we're on the market and those changes have really resonated with local buyers."</p>

<p data-end="2225" data-start="2113">That has translated into a strong start to sales, with 33 apartments transacting in the project's first 35 days.</p>

<p data-end="2383" data-start="2227">Palumbo said the early purchaser profile had been consistent with the group's traditional focus on owner-occupiers rather than investor-led apartment stock.</p>

<p data-end="2446" data-start="2385">"Local owner-occupiers have always been our market," he said.</p>

<p data-end="2602" data-start="2448">"There are always some investors, but we've never developed what would be called traditional development stock. Owner-occupiers are very much our market."</p>

<p data-end="2602" data-start="2448">[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376068]</p>

<p data-end="2742" data-start="2604">The buyer mix has been diverse so far, with downsizers and younger professionals both accounting for a significant portion of early sales.</p>

<p data-end="3013" data-start="2744">South Australia's current stamp duty settings, which allow&nbsp;eligible homeowners in South Australia aged 60 savings of up to $103,830 on stamp duty when they downsize to a new property valued at up to $2 million,&nbsp;have helped encourage downsizer activity, while younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s have been attracted to the opportunity to live immediately outside the CBD while still being able to walk into the city.</p>

<p data-end="3013" data-start="2744"></p>

<p data-end="3065" data-start="3015">Location has been a major part of the proposition for both buyer cohorts.</p>

<p data-end="3065" data-start="3015">[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376075]</p>

<p data-end="3250" data-start="3067">Royal Apartments sits on North Terrace directly opposite the Adelaide Park Lands, with residents able to walk through the parklands toward the East End, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall.</p>

<p data-end="3376" data-start="3252">Apartments have been positioned to capture views across the parklands, Adelaide skyline, Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Hills.</p>

<p data-end="3516" data-start="3378">Palumbo believes the scarcity of developable land along this section of the Park Lands makes the site particularly difficult to replicate.</p>

<p data-end="3592" data-start="3518">"There's very few allotments on that side that can be developed," he said.</p>

<p data-end="3714" data-start="3594">"If this location was in New York and you were sitting on Central Park, you'd be talking about a $60 million apartments."</p>

<p data-end="3861" data-start="3716">Royal Apartments will offer a broad mix of residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.</p>

<p data-end="4004" data-start="3863">Current listings include one-bedroom apartments from $680,000, while larger three and four-bedroom residences are priced around $2.5 million.</p>

<p data-end="4145" data-start="4006">Residents will have access to a swimming pool, gym, barbecue and recreation areas, residents' lounge and dining space, and a communal deck.</p>

<p data-end="4145" data-start="4006">[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376067]</p>

<p data-end="4273" data-start="4147">The apartments will feature generous balconies, while secure parking, bicycle storage and storage cages will also be provided.</p>

<p data-end="4480" data-start="4275">A porte-cochère-style arrival and drop-off area has also resonated with buyers, particularly those attracted to being able to walk into the CBD during the day while retaining secure vehicle access at home.</p>

<p data-end="4650" data-start="4482">Palumbo is acting as developer, architect and builder on Royal Apartments, continuing the vertically integrated model it has used across its South Australian portfolio.</p>

<p data-end="4785" data-start="4652">The group was also behind the $150 million Sofitel Adelaide, the 251-room five-star hotel and residential tower which opened in 2021.</p>

<p data-end="4889" data-start="4787">Palumbo said Royal's launch had come at an interesting time for the broader Adelaide apartment market.</p>

<p data-end="5144" data-start="4891">Buyer confidence had initially been impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Federal Budget and broader economic conditions, but Palumbo believes sentiment is beginning to improve against a backdrop of significant investment flowing into South Australia.</p>

<p data-end="5305" data-start="5146">He pointed to increased activity across defence and resources, including Olympic Dam, as potential long-term drivers of the state's economy and housing market.</p>

<p data-end="5378" data-start="5307">"Money is starting to flow into Adeliade, significant amounts as Adelaide bucks the trend of the rest of the country.," Palumbo said.</p>

<p data-end="5495" data-start="5380">"There's a lot of activity in the economy over the next decade. I think more investment will come into this market."</p>

<p data-end="5650" data-start="5497">Early works on Royal Apartments are expected to commence this year, with major construction activity and cranes anticipated on site from early next year.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6109]</p>

Palumbo's return to Kent Town strikes early chord with buyers

<p>Go-to builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> is continuing to bulk out its already impressive and diverse apartment portfolio across South East Queensland. Their latest milestone is securing development approval for Silk, its boutique riverfront apartment development in St Lucia.</p>

<p>The approval clears&nbsp;the way for the team to begin construction planning for the 22-residence project.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/silk-st-lucia-16-18-sandford-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">Silk</a> will rise 15 levels from an 810 sqm site at 16-18 Sandford Street, occupying a prominent bend of the Brisbane River with a prized northern aspect across Orleigh Park toward the Brisbane CBD.</p>

<p>The approved scheme will comprise 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences, continuing GRAYA's move into larger-format apartment developments targeting Brisbane's prestige owner-occupier market.</p>

<p>The project has been designed around the site's broad river frontage and dual-direction views, with GRAYA prioritising larger residences, privacy and outlook over apartment yield.</p>

<p><img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa5c2349-f96c-4914-a812-1f2cd6827af8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WY0vEU_7vYjeRJKQHiCwFdMxu8PvFh52" /></p>

<p>GRAYA Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Gray said the project had been shaped around local homeowners wanting to remain in St Lucia without maintaining a traditional family home.</p>

<p>"St Lucia is one of those suburbs people do not want to leave," Gray said.</p>

<p>"They know the river, the trees, UQ, the golf course, Toowong and Indooroopilly, and that familiarity is hard to replace.</p>

<p>"True riverfront opportunities here are exceptionally scarce. What we have designed at Silk is a way to stay in the suburb people love, with the scale and privacy of a private home and far less to maintain.</p>

<p>"This is not typical apartment product. It is a proper home on the river, and that is exactly what this market has been missing."</p>

<p>The approval comes as new apartment development continues to increase across the St Lucia and neighbouring Toowong corridor, although direct riverfront sites remain considerably more tightly held.</p>

<p>GRAYA Co-founder and Managing Director Andrew Gray said securing the approval had removed a significant element of development risk from Silk.</p>

<p>"Genuine riverfront sites of this quality in St Lucia are not something that comes up regularly," Gray said.</p>

<p>"The approval removes a substantial layer of execution risk, and the location underwrites demand in a way very few inner-city sites can.</p>

<p>"The fundamentals here are as strong as anything we have assessed in Brisbane."</p>

<p><img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f3d734-65e1-48e8-8ed3-2e0715ffcdd9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sOLSs_jdHkXLWbBKzRyayf5BfTb2vPsD" /></p>

<p>Silk will see GRAYA return to a stretch of the Brisbane River where it already has recent construction experience. The vertically integrated group recently completed ARC in neighbouring Toowong as builder for developer Spyre, delivering the riverfront project on a constrained site.</p>

<p>GRAYA will take a different role at Silk, controlling the project from design and development through construction and aftercare under its vertically integrated model.</p>

<p>The development will include a gym and resident leisure areas at ground level, integrated with the river's edge.</p>

<p>Silk joins a growing pipeline for GRAYA across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes Enclave, The Gallery, Coral and Ripple.</p>

<p>The developer-builder has also recently lodged plans for its largest project to date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-silo-19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">The Silo</a>, a proposed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/graya-buys-frasers-newstead-site-plans-the-silo-between-james-street-and-gasworks-precincts">$700 million mixed-use development</a> in Brisbane's James Street precinct.</p>

<p>Silk is expected to predominantly target local owner-occupiers and prestige buyers seeking a permanent riverfront home in Brisbane's inner west.</p>

<p>Registrations of interest are now open, with further details on the project and construction program to be released as it progresses.</p>

<hr />
<h2>SILK PROJECT FACTS</h2>

<p>Developer-builder: GRAYA</p>

<p>Project: Silk</p>

<p>Location: 16-18 Sandford Street, St Lucia</p>

<p>Apartments: 22</p>

<p>Built form: 15 levels</p>

<p>Site: 810 sqm riverfront holding</p>

<p>Mix: 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences</p>

<p>Status: Development approved</p>

<p>Next step: Construction planning underway</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152168]</p>


GRAYA greenlit for riverfront St Lucia apartment development, Silk

Property Prices

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Home prices hit record highs in 11 regions: CommSec's Ryan Felsman

<html><body>
<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p>Aussie home prices continued to ease in July with the CoreLogic Daily Home Value index of five capital cities down by 2.3 per cent after peaking on April 22. In July, broader national dwelling prices fell by 0.6 per cent, capital city home prices were down 0.8 per cent, but regional home prices were broadly flat.</p>
<p>Attention will focus on the property downturn in Australia’s two most populous cities – Sydney and Melbourne – with virus lockdowns and outbreaks weighing on sentiment and activity. While price declines are broadening across capital cities, regional dwelling prices held up in July, led by gains in regional South Australia (up 1 per cent), Northern Territory (up 0.7 per cent) and New South Wales (up 0.5 per cent). Of course, regional home prices may continue to outperform capital cities in the near-to-medium term as Aussies work remotely and seek lifestyle locations in rural and beachside towns during the pandemic.</p>
<p>And Canberra’s property market appears to be benefiting from the prominent role of the Federal Government and growing public service policy response to the economic downturn. In fact, home prices rose by 0.6 per cent in the nation’s capital in July – the seventh successive month of price increases. REA Group recently reported, “Buyer search activity has more than doubled compared to last year and has seen the biggest increase in search since the first COVID-19 lockdown in March. Rent search activity is up 75 per cent compared to last year, and first home buyer enquiry has tripled compared to the same time last year.”</p>
<p>The Melbourne virus lockdown - with property sales and auctions now being conducted online – had a notable impact on home prices, which fell by 1.2 per cent in July –the biggest decline since January 2019. Melbourne home prices are down by 3.7 per cent since recent peaks on April 6, weighing on national home prices.</p>
<p>With the Victorian Government declaring a ‘state of disaster’ – including the imposition of curfews limiting movements for a further six weeks – it is likely that Melbourne auction clearance rates could return to levels seen in April of around 20 per cent or lower. Data from Domain already shows that just 285 Melbourne homes were listed for sale last week, down 46 per cent from the previous week, with a preliminary auction clearance rate of 58 per cent.</p>
<p><strong>What do the figures show?</strong></p>
<p><em>Home prices - July</em></p>
<p>The CoreLogic Home Value Index of national home prices fell by 0.6 per cent in July. But home prices were still 7.1 per cent higher over the year.</p>
<p>In capital cities, prices fell by 0.8 per cent, but prices were still up 7.9 per cent over the year. House prices also fell by 0.8 per cent in July and apartment prices eased by 0.6 per cent. House prices were still up 8.1 per cent on a year ago and prices of apartments increased by 7.5 per cent.</p>
<p>In regional areas, home prices were flat in July with house prices unchanged, but apartment prices rose by 0.1 per cent. Regional home prices were up 3.9 per cent on the year to July.</p>
<p>The average Australian capital city house price (median price) in July was $673,072 and the average unit price was $570,862.</p>
<p>Home prices were lower in six of the eight capital cities in July. Home prices fell by the most in Melbourne (down 1.2 per cent), followed by Sydney (down 0.9 per cent), Perth (down 0.6 per cent), Brisbane (down 0.4 per cent), Darwin (down 0.3 per cent) and Hobart (down 0.2 per cent). But prices rose in Canberra (up 0.6 per cent) and Adelaide (up 0.1 per cent).</p>
<p>Home prices were higher than a year ago in six of the eight capital cities in July. Prices rose the most in Sydney (up 12.1 per cent), followed by Melbourne (up 8.7 per cent), Canberra (up 7.2 per cent), Hobart (up 5.9 per cent), Brisbane (up 3.8 per cent) and Adelaide (up 2.4 per cent). But prices were down in Perth (down 2.5 per cent) and Darwin (down 2.2 per cent).</p>
<p>Total returns on national dwellings rose by 10.9 per cent in the year to July with houses up by 10.7 per cent on a year earlier and units up by 11.4 per cent. In contrast, the S&amp;P/ASX All Ordinaries Accumulation Index fell by 8.4 per cent over the year to July.</p>
<p><em>Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ indexes - July</em></p>
<p>The AiGroup’s Performance of Manufacturing Index rose by 2 points to 53.5 in July. Any reading above 50 indicates an expansion in activity.</p>
<p>The improvement in factory activity was broad-based, including production (up 4.1 points to 56.4), employment (up 3.8 to 53.4 points), supplier deliveries (up 4.2 to 51.8), and finished stocks (up 5.3 to 51.8). But new orders (down 3 points to 52.7), exports (down 5.8 points to 41.4) and sales (down 3.9 points to 52.2) all eased.</p>
<p>The AiGroup said, “There was a further stabilisation in manufacturing conditions in July. Food &amp; beverage manufacturers noted stabilising demand after months of volatility, while the instant asset tax write-off increased sales for many machinery &amp; equipment manufacturers. Other respondents in this sector noted an increase in demand from the transport and agricultural machinery &amp; equipment. Respondents across all manufacturing sectors noted increased interest in locally made manufactured goods.”</p>
<p>And, “The improvement in manufacturing conditions in July was driven by only two sectors: food &amp; beverages and machinery &amp; equipment. Metal products; chemicals; building materials, wood, furniture &amp; other manufacturing remained firmly in contraction in July. Manufacturers in these sectors reported a lack of sales from customers due to COVID-19. Some respondents noted that they have completed previous orders but had few new orders coming in.”</p>
<p>The ‘final’ CBA/IHS Markit Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose from 51.2 in June to 54 in July. Any reading above 50 indicates an expansion in activity.</p>
<p>According to CBA/IHS Markit, “The recovery in the Australian manufacturing sector gathered pace in July, according to the latest PMI data, with output and new orders both returning to growth. Survey data also showed that firms stepped up their purchasing activity and business confidence remained positive. However, employment continued to be reduced despite a rise in backlogs of work. Prices meanwhile signalled weakened inflationary pressures, with input prices and output charges increasing at slower rates.”</p>
<p><strong>What are the implications for interest rates and investors?</strong></p>
<p>While CoreLogic’s national home value index is heavily skewed towards to the two big cities, the resilience displayed so far by regional property markets serves to highlight the nationwide variances in performances across capital cities and regional towns. The ACT, in particular, appears set to benefit from rising government employment as services are increasingly rolled out to assist Aussie households and businesses during the pandemic.</p>
<p>The pandemic also appears to be resulting in a change of mindset for some big city urban dwellers. In July, home prices in the Blue Mountains and Central Coast were up modestly. The allure of more affordable housing, remote working arrangements and superior lifestyle choices are already showing up in relatively stable home prices and lower rental vacancies in both regions of New South Wales.</p>
<p>Record low interest rates and mortgage relief from the banks have provided support to the property market. But virus uncertainty, less appetite to take on more mortgage debt, rising unemployment, lower household incomes, lower inbound migration, elevated rental vacancies and the eventual removal of policy support could weigh on property prices over coming months. That said, governments have rolled out a variety of measures, including stamp duty and land tax concessions, along with new residential homebuilding grants to stimulate the market.</p>
<p>The expansion in Aussie manufacturing activity continued into July in a pleasing development for policymakers. Importantly, the improvement in the AiGroup gauge was driven by higher production and employment, but an easing in new orders and falling exports will need to be closely monitored.</p>
<p>Commonwealth Bank Group economists also noted that, “Business expectations remained positive as firms look towards the economy returning to normality in the coming months. Policy stimulus and increased infrastructure work were also factors behind the optimism.” But given Melbourne’s importance as a manufacturing hub, the tightening of restrictions are likely to weigh on demand and confidence in August.</p>
<p><strong>RYAN FELSMAN </strong><em>is a Senior Economist at CommSec</em></p>
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Regional home prices have remained resilient: CommSec's Ryan Felsman

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<p>Sydney’s house and unit price recovery halted over the June quarter, with prices down by almost $23,000 and just over $14,000 respectively.</p>
<p>The June quarter also marks the first time house prices have moderated since early 2019.</p>
<p>While Sydney property prices remain higher than in 2019, house and unit prices are $55,000 and $52,000 below the mid-2017 peak respectively, presenting an opportunity for prospective buyers.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://mcusercontent.com/b16c0b957ea98f662ab985606/images/6eb18b44-dce9-4acc-ad0c-748c449a5292.png" data-imagetype="External"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>June 2020 QoQ change for Sydney house and unit prices</em></p>
<p dir="ltr">“Sydney’s house and unit price recovery was abruptly halted over the June quarter, down 2 per cent and 1.9 per cent respectively. Houses have lost almost $23,000 and units just over $14,000 in the June quarter, the first quarter to show the impact of COVID-19. For houses, this is the first time prices have moderated since early 2019 and a year for units. Sydney was in an upswing prior to this interruption, highlighted by the strong annual growth, up by 10.5 per cent for houses and 7.3 per cent for units. House prices are $110,000 above the early 2019 trough but remain $55,000 below the mid-2017 peak. Unit prices are $50,000 above the mid-2019 trough but remain $52,000 below the mid-2017 peak.”</p>
<p>“Price falls to date have been minimal; significant government stimulus, mortgage holidays and low interest rates have helped to support home values. This is assisting many homeowners through economically challenging times and has kept distressed and urgent selling low. The risk to prices becomes greater once the stimulus measures cease and we face the fiscal cliff. While lenders have extended the mortgage pause for those under serious financial strain and the JobKeeper subsidy will be extended and tapered until the end of March next year, the outlook for prices largely depends upon how well the economy is tracking at the time stimulus ends.”</p>
<p>“The full impact of the economic shutdown was evident in the June quarter. Sales activity, listings and clearance rates fell in April but were rebounding by June. It is clear confidence has lifted from the April lows, sellers have returned, and more buyers think now is a good time to purchase - nationally rising to a six-month high, according to the Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment. Buyer interest has renewed from the April lows - those with job security are being enticed by low mortgage rates, government financial incentives and taking advantage of improved affordability. Price expectations have changed rapidly in recent months, with more vendors adjusting asking prices downwards to seek a timely sale. In June, 15.2 per cent of sellers reduced asking prices, three times higher than the same time last year. The proportion of properties discounted is a leading indicator of price movement, evidence that further price weakness lies ahead,” said Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.</p>
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Sydney's property price recovery halted over the June quarter: Domain

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<p><span>The stringent government response to COVID-19 has undoubtedly placed the property market cycle at the cusp of another downswing. </span>So far, property value declines have been fairly mild.</p>
<p>Nationally, the May home value index results show that the dwelling market declined just 0.4 per cent over the month, and preliminary indicators for June are showing the rate of decline has gathered some momentum through the month.</p>
<p><span>However, the Australian housing market is not one market, but a collection of many. Over the past few months, dwelling market performance has varied by region, in both a cyclical and structural way.</span></p>
<p><span>As per historic cycles, the most expensive parts of Sydney and Melbourne seem to be leading the current downswing.</span></p>
<p><span>Over the month of May, dwelling values in the top quartile of the Melbourne market (dwellings worth $959,500 or more) had fallen by 1.3 per cent, compared with a 0.6 per cent decline across the middle of the market, and a 0.3 per cent decline in the lowest value quartile.</span></p>
<p><span>Across Sydney, the same period saw a decline in the highest market segment (where dwellings are worth over $1.35 million) of 0.6 per cent, followed by a 0.4 per cent decline across the middle of the market, and a slight increase in the lowest value segment of 0.1 per cent.</span></p>
<p><span>The historic cycles across the upper, middle and lower market value tiers are presented below. The graphs suggest the more </span><span>expensive parts of the Sydney and Melbourne dwelling markets have higher levels of volatility, and are at times a ‘first mover’ </span><span>when it comes to the direction of price change.</span></p>
<p><span>Research from the RBA </span><span>asserts that more expensive property can be most reactive and volatile in responses to changes in the cash rate. The performance of property markets amid COVID-19 suggest the high end of the market may also be more responsive to negative economic shocks.</span></p>
<p>To enlarge, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/6/26/1_Quarterly%20Growth%20in%20Sydney%20dwellings.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p>
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<p><strong>Which markets have been most impacted by COVID-19?</strong></p>
<p><span>The tables below show SA4 regions across the capital cities, ranked by the capital growth performance in dwelling markets from March to May.</span></p>
<p>To enlarge, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/6/26/1_CoreLogic%20Englarged.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/6/26/1_CoreLogic%20Englarged.jpg" alt="" width="686" height="694"></p>
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<p><span>Unsurprisingly, Melbourne’s inner city and eastern suburbs have seen the largest decline across the metropolitan region, and </span><span>the past two months have seen a decline in values across some high end markets in Sydney, such as North Sydney, the Inner West and the Northern Beaches.</span></p>
<p><span>Perhaps more surprising is the continued decline in Mandurah, which had the largest slip in dwelling market values over the past two months. Mandurah dwelling values were 38 per cent below their 2006 peak at the end of May this year. The renewed downwards pressure comes just after the Perth dwelling market was starting to enjoy a long-awaited </span><span>growth phase in the start of 2020</span><span>.</span></p>
<p><span>Payroll data </span><span>analysis from the ABS suggests that payroll job losses across Mandurah has been 6.0 per cent between mid-march and the end of May. This is not especially severe when it comes to job loss across Perth regions, nor would Mandurah have been particularly susceptible to a demand shock from a decline in overseas migration. However, the decline in dwelling values is off the back of a longer-term downward trend, suggesting demand conditions were already fragile across the region.</span></p>
<p><span>The Perth </span><span>– </span><span>South East region on the other hand, where dwelling values have slipped -1.2 per cent between March and May, has recently been almost entirely dependent on net overseas migration for new housing demand. ABS regional population growth data for 2018/19 suggests internal migration over the year was negative, compared with about 4,500 net overseas migration arrivals.</span></p>
<p><span>International border closures in response to COVID-19 may have created a significant demand shock which had interrupted a recovery in the Perth - South East region. Prior to this, dwelling values in the area had seen four consecutive months of growth between December 2019 and March 2020.</span></p>
<p><span>At a suburb level, the biggest price falls are more reflective of the historic cyclical trends, where the downturn is most prevalent in the high end of Sydney and Melbourne this far. At this stage, sound analysis of the change in suburb-level dwelling markets is limited to areas where there are relatively high sales observations.</span></p>
<p><span>It appears that Malvern East, in the Melbourne metropolitan, has been the worst suburb-level performer between the end of March and the end of May across the capital cities, with total dwelling market values down -4.8 per cent. Other relatively steep value falls have been seen across the Melbourne suburbs of Glen Iris (-3.8 per cent), Northcote (-3.5 per cent), Port Melbourne (-3.2 per cent), and Brunswick East (-3.1 per cent).</span></p>
<p><span>Across Sydney, the biggest suburb-level falls in dwelling values had occurred across Mosman (-2.5 per cent), Lane Cove North (-2.4 per cent) Manly (-2.3 per cent), Leichhardt (-1.7 per cent) and Wentworth Point (-1.4 per cent).</span></p>
<p><span>As the downturn progresses, we are likely to see continued declines in inner-city markets that had previously relied on international migration for new housing demand. However, as the wider economic downturn drags on housing demand, mild price declines are likely to spread, resulting in a more broad-based downturn in the next 12 months.</span></p>
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<p><span>Eliza Owen is h</span>ead of research for Australia at CoreLogic.</p>
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CoreLogic reveals where property price falls have occurred since the onset of COVID-19

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<p class="post-title entry-title">EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
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<div>There was a significant rebound in business confidence and conditions in May, albeit they still, of course, remain at historically weak levels:</div>
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<div>Business confidence jumped 20 points higher, but is still in negative territory, while business conditions improved by 10 points over the month. </div>
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<div><em>Via the NAB Survey, <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8DtJIwNCOM/Xt8jOdG5hVI/AAAAAAAA2OM/Ho9bYL4tHukFvsEFIsFTPJZ-uwa0HChfgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/Nab1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>:</em></div>
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<br><div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Source: NAB Survey</em></span></div>
<br><div>Well, it's a decent start, as restrictions are eased.</div>
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<div>There have been some spectacular results for Australia in respect of COVID-19 today, with only two new confirmed cases, with two cases remaining in ICU:</div>
<br><div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6ppm6ZYJwg/Xt8k9UNyS3I/AAAAAAAA2Oc/LoA_SuoFzrcH8CUFePxERXc0g-K9GuVBACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/CV1.jpg" width="640" height="360" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1426"></div>
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<div>Both of the new confirmed cases were returned overseas travellers, held in New South Wales quarantine:</div>
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<br>New Zealand is also now officially COVID-19 free.</div>
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<br><strong>PETE WARGENT</strong><em> is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.</em>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Business conditions begin to claw back: Pete Wargent

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<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px;">A $215,000 Perth apartment has fallen $85,000 in price since its 2007 peak sale price.</span></p>
<p><span>Located at </span><span style="font-size: 12.16px;">4E/811 Hay Street, the small Paragon unit features a single bedroom, single bathroom, and living area.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px;">It has just 41 square metre of internal floorspace.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px;">The apartment sold for $215,000 earlier this year.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px;">It had previously sold in 2012 for <span>$287,000.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px;"><span>Its peak sale price was in 2007 at $300,000.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px;">The latest sale is comparable to the unit's value in 2003, when it was secured for $210,000.</span></p>
<p>There was a $206,000 sale in 2000 when sold by developers Westpoint and Paragon. </p>
<p><span>Allen Ang and Kennie Chung, from Realestate 88 Inner City, had the 2020 listing.</span></p>
<p><span>It was leased <span>for $300 per week until September, so reflected a seven per cent yield.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Its asking rental was $390 in 2014.</span></span></p>
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One bedroom Paragon, Perth apartment falls $85,000 from its peak 2007 price

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<p><span>A Melbourne residential unit has come onto the market priced at $5,000 less than it was sold for more than a decade.</span></p>
<p><span>Located at 3206/31 A'Beckett Street, the apartment features two bedrooms, one bathroom, a combined kitchen and living area, and a car space.</span></p>
<p><span>It last sold in 2008, for $443,500.</span></p>
<p><span>It has been listed in 2020 for </span><span style="font-size: 12.16px;">$438,000.</span></p>
<p>The sale reflects a growing concern about the stability of Melbourne's housing market in the current economic climate, with HSBC estimating prices could drop by as much as 17% if the current downturn is prolonged.</p>
<p>Another unit, on the same street, has also been <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/listed-my80-unit-facing-potential-loss-of-96-000-on-2014-price" target="_blank">recently listed with a price guide reflecting a likely loss on the investment.</a></p>
<p><span>Sam Liu, from Selling Melbourne Real Estate, has the A'Beckett Street listing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px;"> </span></p>
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Melbourne apartment listed for $5,000 less than 2008 sale price

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<p><span>A Melbourne residential unit has been listed with a price guide which could trigger a loss of up to $96,000 on its 2014 purchase price.</span></p>
<p><span>Located at 4310/80 A'Beckett Street - within the MY80 building - the apartment features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a car space.</span></p>
<p><span>It comprises 57 square metres of internal floorspace.</span></p>
<p><span>The tower also features a swimming pool, gym, sauna, conference room, restaurant, coffee shop and garden.</span></p>
<p><span>It sold in 2014 for $786,000.</span></p>
<p><span>The current listing gives a price guide of $690,000 to $720,000.</span></p>
<p><span>Jenny Wu, from JT Oliver, has the listing.</span></p>
<p><span>Her price guidance was based on the following three comparable sales.</span></p>
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<p><span>2710/80 Abeckett Street </span></p>
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<p><span>$630,000</span></p>
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<p><span>03-Nov-19</span></p>
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<p><span>6104/462 Elizabeth Street  </span></p>
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<p><span>$630,000</span></p>
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<p><span>02-Sep-19</span></p>
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<p><span>2703/265-273 Exhibition Street </span></p>
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<p><span>$740,000</span></p>
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<p><span>17-Oct-19</span></p>
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<p>The sale reflects a growing concern about the stability of Melbourne's housing market in the current economic climate, with HSBC estimating prices could drop by as much as 17% if the current downturn is prolonged.</p>
<p>Another unit, on the same street, has also been <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/melbourne-apartment-listed-for-100-000-less-than-2008-sale-price" target="_blank">recently listed with a price guide reflecting a likely loss on the investment.</a></p>
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Listed MY80 Melbourne apartment facing potential loss of $96,000 on 2014 price 

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<p class="post-title entry-title">EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p class="post-title entry-title">There are 3 key drivers of property prices.</p>
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<strong>(i) Supply</strong> - the rate of construction and the properties listed for sale on the market;</div>
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<strong>(ii) Interest rates</strong> - the cost of borrowing; and</div>
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<strong>(iii) Population growth</strong> - immigration, natural population growth (births minus deaths), and interstate migration.</div>
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<div>Or, as depicted in his infographic:</div>
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<div><em>Source: Tim Boyle, Finalytics</em></div>
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<div>People often state that the unemployment rate is critical, but this argument isn't backed up by any hard statistics.<br><br>In fact the last couple of times the unemployment rate spiked housing prices soared the following year, as pointed out by Stuart Wemyss of ProSolution, <em>Game of Mates</em> author Dr. Cameron Murray, and others:</div>
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<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGeIhomU-Rw/XsDARe3SG3I/AAAAAAAA1xg/AF7pCtVj6yImNusAc2_soCsN-9f2dwlHQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/A3.jpg" width="640" height="366" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="738"></div>
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<div>There's also an enormous fiscal stimulus washing through, comfortably dwarfing anything we've seen in recent decades. </div>
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<p class="post-body entry-content"><br><strong>Boyle's 3 drivers today</strong><br><br>In that context, here's what's happening with Boyle's 3 key drivers today.<br><br>Supply is extremely tight at the moment.<br><br>Dwelling construction is plunging towards 70-year lows and vendors aren't listing either.<br><br><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ituPSwbTdvU/XrNkMZcBltI/AAAAAAAA1lM/lSj4XGqL1Gcc-lP5wKWKzjVlXG5YWXJ-gCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/CL2.jpg" width="640" height="386"><br><br></p>
<div><em>Source: CoreLogic</em></div>
<p class="post-body entry-content"><br>Lending rates, meanwhile, are at the lowest level in modern history.<br><br><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHbGid402-g/XrNlXdwQxnI/AAAAAAAA1lc/Fd54mmUYX1kJWedMT-5JdHyEbCZFOZD3ACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/CL3.jpg" width="640" height="398"><br><br></p>
<div>This effectively allows borrowers to take on bigger mortgages, as I showed in my recent post on lending trends.<br><br>ANZ have just noted the same thing:<br><br><div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGysfQwD18o/XsDAo9GSxRI/AAAAAAAA1xs/Vx2-pm8vZHE32TUM-20dz-8UmDRRD4DyQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/ANZ1.jpg" width="640" height="448" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1143"></div>
<br>The big unknown factor at this stage is <strong>population growth.</strong>
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<div>My base case expectation or scenario is that within the next few months the powerful interests such as the Property Council, Australia's universities, the airlines, Tourism Australia, and big business at the top end of town will have forced the government's hand to reopen the borders, albeit with a period of enforced quarantine.</div>
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<div>As for the thesis that things will be totally different after COVID-19...well as a gallant but struggling home-schooler I reckon that's total garbage!<br><br>People can't wait to get back and out to spend, socialise, travel, go to work, and holiday again.</div>
<p class="post-body entry-content"><br>It's just the way we're designed, we're pack animals.<br><br></p>
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<div>And moreover, Australia will likely be seen as one of the safest and most desirable countries on earth in which to live.</div>
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<br><strong>PETE WARGENT</strong><em> is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.</em>
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