<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pitard-group">Pitard Group</a> has officially opened the doors at EVA Elsternwick Village Apartments, delivering a collection of move-in ready residences in one of Melbourne’s most tightly held neighbourhoods.

With only a limited number of residences remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/eva-elsternwick-village-apartments-241-glen-huntly-road-elsternwick-vic-3185">EVA</a> presents a rare opportunity to secure a completed apartment in the heart of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick</a>, situated on the coveted Glen Huntly Road.

Comprising 101 residences across a mid-rise building, EVA offers a mix of spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments. Community feedback on Apartments.com.au consistently highlights the project’s quality finishes and well-resolved floorplan design.

Created in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/via-architects">VIA Architects</a>, the project reflects a design ethos centred on resident experience and contextual sensitivity. Each apartment has been crafted with an emphasis on natural light, practical functionality, and acoustic performance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93073 project_image_fid=357527]

Interiors channel a subtle Hamptons aesthetic, with engineered timber flooring, high ceilings, and soft, neutral finishes. Kitchens are appointed with ILVE European appliances, shaker-profile cabinetry, and stone benchtops, while bathrooms continue the same refined, understated palette.

Pitard Group, who also delivered the construction through their in-house team, has prioritised acoustic insulation through double glazing and noise-reducing materials - a quality noted by early residents and buyers alike.&nbsp;

Private outdoor space is a hallmark of each apartment, whether in the form of a balcony or sun-filled terrace. Many residences enjoy bay or city views, with floorplans that prioritise indoor-outdoor flow and functional layouts. Thoughtful inclusions such as Euro laundries, study zones, and abundant storage ensure the apartments are equally suited to downsizers and professionals seeking quality and low-maintenance living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93073 project_image_fid=357526]

EVA’s amenity offering extends beyond the apartments. A rooftop terrace, complete with in-built BBQs and panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne skyline, invites residents to relax or entertain in style.&nbsp;

A fifth-floor residents lounge, with north-eastern orientation and floor-to-ceiling glazing, offers an ambient retreat enhanced by kitchen and bathroom facilities.&nbsp;

Ground-floor retail and dual lifts add further convenience, while basement car parking with secure storage rounds out the amenity offering.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93073 project_image_fid=357529]

As a move-in ready address, EVA also benefits from its exceptional location. Just 130 metres from Elsternwick Station and within walking distance of tram and bus links, it places residents minutes from the CBD and the bay.&nbsp;

The surrounding neighbourhood is a cultural and culinary hub, with institutions like Attica and Bang Bang nearby, as well as daily essentials within easy reach.&nbsp;

Green spaces including Elsternwick Park and Rippon Lea Estate offer a sense of retreat, while top-tier schools and health services add to the suburb’s appeal.&nbsp;

Completed and ready to move in, EVA Elsternwick Village Apartments offers two-bedroom residences from $899,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=93073]

Staff Writer

Inside EVA: Pitard Group’s completed Elsternwick apartments

Longstanding local builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> has broken ground on its flagship Newcastle West development, ERA,&nbsp;signalling a significant step forward for what will become the city’s tallest residential address.&nbsp;

The milestone marks the beginning of construction on the 266-apartment project, which GWH describes as a defining moment in its continued growth across the region.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> has been more than two years in planning, shaped through collaboration with financier Qualitas and its design project partners from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK Australia</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/oculus">OCULUS</a>.

Before the first sod was turned, over 50 per cent of the building has been snapped up,&nbsp;a sign of buyer confidence in both the development itself and inner-city Newcastle more broadly.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351103]

Positioned on Bull Street in Newcastle West, the dual-tower project will introduce 266 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, supported by more than 2,000 sqm of resident amenity including a podium pool deck, gym, sauna, cinema room and two rooftop terraces with harbour and ocean views.

Designed by FK Australia, ERA aims to set a new benchmark for urban living in Newcastle. The architecture positions the towers as a new marker on the city skyline, while the interiors emphasise daylight, generous glazing and modern finishes. Large balconies, thoughtful storage and contemporary kitchens cater to the growing owner-occupier demand in the CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

GWH says ERA represents “continued momentum for GWH, continued investment in our region, and continued delivery of projects that raise the benchmark for quality and liveability.”&nbsp;

ERA’s location in the city’s west end, within walking distance of the harbour, the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle dining precinct and the University of Newcastle’s city campus, positions it well for professionals, downsizers and investors seeking both connection and long-term value.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351106]

The developer will also construct the project, supported by the Hunter Construction Group, adding an additional layer of certainty for purchasers.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/building-from-the-ground-up-gwh-takes-fully-integrated-development-model-to-new-heights">Building from the ground up: GWH takes fully-integrated development model to new heights</a>

Buyers will also be buoyed with the fact GWH has taken out the&nbsp;coveted 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy on ERA, one of the only new developments under construction in the region with the new cover.

Offered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/resilience-latent-defects-insurance">Resilience Insurance</a>, LDI is a first-right insurance product that protects purchasers from structural or waterproofing defects within the first 10 years after completion. Geron Property's adoption of the policy aligns with broader industry movement toward more rigorous assurances and supports buyer expectations around long-term asset performance.

With construction now officially underway and pre-construction pricing still available, the East Tower release offers a selection of remaining two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $980,000 to $2.56 million.&nbsp;

Completion is anticipated for early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

GWH commences construction at ERA Newcastle, the city's tallest two buildings

Construction at Megara's new North Fremantle apartment development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/serai-north-fremantle-21-mccabe-street-north-fremantle-wa-6159">Serai</a>, has reached a new milestone.

Buyers now have a chance to walk through a completed apartment, ahead of construction completion in early 2026.

The update marks a significant step for the 98-residence development on McCabe Street, where remaining apartments and townhomes continue to be secured by buyers seeking a low maintenance, lock-and-leave lifestyle, especially those seeking an ocean or river view with only a few of those apartments left.

Demand has remained steady among buyers living within 10 to 15 kilometres of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-fremantle-wa-6159">North Fremantle</a>, largely long-term locals looking to transition from family homes without compromising on space, privacy or outlook.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=186202]

A completed three-bedroom apartment now offers the clearest preview yet of Serai’s interiors, river views and layout efficiency, with buyers responding strongly to its level of finish and indoor–outdoor connection.&nbsp;

“Many have commented on the quality of the fittings and the spaciousness of the living areas,” Megara's Stephen Vitale noted.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/megara">Megara</a>’s decision to pursue the elevated <a>North Fremantle</a> site followed two years of targeted acquisition work. Perched between the river and the ocean, the position was selected for its panoramic views and proximity to dining, boutique retail and transport connections.&nbsp;

“This exceptional location was meticulously chosen for its unrivalled outlooks and its access to the lifestyle that defines the area,” Megara Director Jamie Clarke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=186197]

The brief to architect Felipe Soto centred on expressing those views through a sculptural building form, a direction influenced by the Amalfi Coast and the local coastal landscape.&nbsp;

The project comprises 87 apartments and 11 townhouses, with one-bedroom residences already sold out and only limited two-bedroom layouts remaining. Three-bedroom apartments start from $1.995 million, townhouses from $2.75 million, and penthouses from $3.95 million.&nbsp;

Buyers are also moving to secure residences ahead of the government’s 37.5 per cent stamp-duty concession (capped at $50,000), which applies for eligible purchases within the timeframe.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=186198]

Amenity remains a key differentiator at Serai and a consistent point of discussion among those comparing local options.

Health and lifestyle-focused spaces, including a gym and yoga studio, sauna and steam room, heated pool with cabanas, and a fire-pit lounge, are complemented by an outdoor cinema, games room, dining spaces and a maker’s studio. Secure bike and watercraft storage, washdown areas and EV charging cater to the active coastal lifestyle that defines North Fremantle living.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=186200]

For many purchasers, the combination of design, amenity and early delivery has been decisive.

“People are purchasing at Serai for the river and ocean views, the prime location within close proximity to the beach, and because they don’t have to wait,” Vitale added, noting that move-in is now less than a year away.&nbsp;

As Megara continues construction toward completion, the opening of the finished apartment provides prospective buyers with a tangible view of life at Serai, clarity that is proving influential in a market where quality, certainty and lifestyle alignment are driving decisions.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110291]

Megara releases first completed residence at Serai, North Fremantle as project tracks toward early 2026 completion

Macquarie York has appointed Roberts Co to as the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) partner for its upcoming new Surfers Paradise apartment development, Sunset Residence.

Located at 50 Sunset Boulevard, Sunset Residences is a riverfront, design-driven tower set to elevate one of Surfers Paradise’s most rapidly transforming enclaves. The refined scheme, designed by Plus Studio, features 72 luxury residences, enhanced amenity, and improved connectivity to the Nerang &nbsp;River.&nbsp;

As ECI partner, Roberts Co is working closely with Macquarie York and the design team to optimise buildability, program, staging and procurement strategies ahead of construction commencement.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Macquarie York Director, Roy Skaf, said Roberts Co’s early engagement will help ensure the landmark development realises its full potential.&nbsp;

“Sunset Residences is a signature project for Macquarie York, a chance to define a new level of riverfront living in Surfers Paradise," Skaf said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<img alt="Roberts Co appointed Early Contractor Involvement partner for Macquarie York’s Sunset Residences on the Gold Coast" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3dd22a45-168b-4e00-b6d2-4e7310b02084" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/SunsetResidences_Interior.jpg?VersionId=NAWvGq7l6BFB4vvh6u0xXWWISboHTi6q" />

“Partnering with Roberts Co under an ECI arrangement gives us the confidence that design decisions, construction methodology and programming are being rigorously considered from day one. Their collaborative mindset and technical capability are exactly what a project of this quality demands.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Construction is expected to commence following completion of the ECI phase and final design resolution.

Sunset Residences is one of three projects Macquarie York has locally. They have Rana Palm Beach, 60 apartments on Twenty Third Avenue, and Azariah, just nine residences on the dress circle Jefferson Lane, also in Palm Beach.

Macquarie York appoints Roberts & Co for early works agreement at Sunset Residences

Few developers in South East Queensland have shaped the new development apartment market as profoundly, or as consistently, as Mosaic Property Group. In 2025, the business delivered another very strong year across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, building on the foundations of nearly two decades of discipline, long-term thinking, and relentless refinement of its craft.

Their continued success is driven from the top. Founder and Managing Director Brook Monahan, very much credits the success to a workforce of “massive grafters”, and a culture where complacency simply doesn’t exist.

“In every part of our business, we’re constantly pushing to get better” Monahan told <a href="http://apartments.com.au">Apartments.com.au</a>. “We never rest on our laurels.”

The company’s growth continued its upward trajectory, with the developer completing six luxury projects in 2025, representing approximately $850 million in value and delivering 536 new luxury homes. Mosaic also sold over $1.4 billion worth a new luxury apartments at an average price point of $3.41 million in 2025.

Heading into 2026, they have a further five projects under construction and an immediate pipeline across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, representing just shy of $2 billion in value. I spoke with Brook about everything from the evolution of Mosaic’s business to the fundamentals driving the SEQ property market.

<img alt="Brook" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea443354-6099-40c2-970b-06cab2e842d1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-12%20at%2010.21.14%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=anKZRLE61XX0opq0PCZMDsmwVWqNF.Od" />

<hr />
<h2>A market defined by two forces</h2>

The fundamental drivers of SEQ’s housing dynamics in 2025 are straightforward: a generational transfer of wealth on a scale Australia has never seen, and migration numbers that continue to exceed expectations.

“An enormous amount of wealth will move through the next decade,” Monahan explains. “That wave isn’t going anywhere.” Simultaneously, “you can’t run migration at the numbers we’re seeing, while also having a generational shift of wealth from boomers, and not expect demand to remain strong. People move here, they bring money, they want to buy a home and create a future.”

While top-end product in some pockets has softened from the frenzy of 18 months ago, Monahan believes&nbsp; the wave will remain “pretty strong,” especially for developers with brand trust and a long-term track record.&nbsp;

“The $4 million to $10 million segment remains fairly robust, but buyers are much more educated now than they’ve ever been. They have access to information and they’re smart people. They’re generally not&nbsp; willing to trust a new entrant asking $15 million with no track record.”

This heightened consumer discernment, he notes, is reshaping how premium projects are evaluated by developers.

<hr />
<h2>The problem behind the crisis</h2>

Despite strong demand, SEQ’s housing market remains severely undersupplied. Brisbane needs around 12,000 new homes per year, yet delivered only 4,000 last year. The Gold Coast requires around 6500 but delivered less than half of that. The backlog is massive.

“We’re probably 54,000 homes short in the next five years in Brisbane alone,” Monahan estimates. “Maybe 100,000 across the whole of Queensland.”

The core issue however isn’t planning.&nbsp;

“The planning environment is actually super supportive right now,” he says. “Approvals aren’t the problem. It’s turning approvals into real supply.”

The gap between development approvals and project starts has widened significantly as construction costs escalate, contractors disappear from the market, and inexperienced developers try, and fail, to bring projects to life.

“A development application (DA) is only part of the equation, it means little without the ability to deliver,” he explains. “Many applicants underestimate the complexity involved. It’s not just about securing a site; you need the right formula and all the right ingredients to make it work. Without that, the end result will fall short of expectations and increase the risk of project failure.

The result is market distortion: sites tied up by entrants who lack experience, capital certainty, construction understanding, or a realistic feasibility model. “It’s not good for the industry,” he says. “You get more and more mooted supply but very little real delivery.”

<hr />
<h2>Construction realities and the coming resource crunch</h2>

Beyond development capability, SEQ faces macroeconomic pressures. Over $7 billion must be delivered by late 2031 just for Olympics-related obligations. Add $18 billion in hospital and health infrastructure, and the region faces a “resource drain” Monahan believes will reshape delivery timelines and construction pricing for years.

“It will ultimately be great for SEQ for the next 20 years,” he says. “But it puts enormous pressure on an already chronically undersupplied housing market.”

This pressure will inevitably influence pricing. Double-digit growth cannot continue indefinitely, but Monahan sees no path to meaningfully lower construction costs. “It’s impossible to meet demand at a cheaper price point given labour capability and resource competition,” he says.

“Those who can afford it will keep paying more and the rest are fighting to get a foothold. That’s why the market keeps creeping upward.”

<hr />
<h2>Mosaic’s disciplined blueprint: Only A-Grade, iconic, irreplicable</h2>

With a long track record of delivery and in-house construction expertise, Mosaic works backwards from the cost of delivery to determine the right price for a site—a disciplined acquisition model they’ve adhered to from day one.

&nbsp;“We’re never out of the market,” Monahan says. “But we’re extremely disciplined. We don’t buy B+ sites. We won’t buy run-of-the-mill locations. Ever. That’s not our brand and it’s also not economically viable for us in most instances.”

Mosaic’s nine current developments illustrate this discipline:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lily-by-mosaic-4-rosewood-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">Lily</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/marella-146-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">Marella</a>, Broadbeach: Two 30-storey buildings with permanently protected views over parkland, beach and coastline 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/isabel-by-mosaic-96-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Isabel</a> and, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/josephine-by-mosaic-166-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Jospehine</a>, Burleigh Heads – all “masterpiece” sites on the Esplanade with enduring view corridors of beach, water and coastline in the heart of Burleigh 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sophia-by-mosaic-1357-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Sophia</a>, Palm Beach- directly on the dunes of the most highly sought after stretch of northern Palm Beach beachfront real estate 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/madeline-by-mosaic-22-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">Madeline</a>, Broadbeach – “180 degrees beach, water and coastline views, great walk score” 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford</a>, Kangaroo Point – a site Mosaic first identified in 2016. Amazing walk score, views and inner city connectivity 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a>, Kangaroo Point – in between the Gabba and the Kangaroo Point peninsula with amazing walk score and uninterrupted and expansive northern city and river views 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1">South Brisbane (launching 2026) – core inner-city Brisbane river waterfront site on the northern end of the peninsula with amazing river connection and permanent river and city views, amazing walk score</li>
</ul>

“Nothing we buy is guesswork,” Monahan says. “It’s always an iconic suburb where people genuinely want to live, with strong connections to water, lifestyle, amenity, or permanent view corridors.”

“Mosaic’s two most recent Brisbane acquisitions were several years in the making. The Bedford, launched on the prestigious Kangaroo Point peninsula and achieving 90 per cent sales within months was a site they identified back in 2016. The second, which is the yet to be released at 91 Montague Road in South Brisbane, has been on Mosaic’s radar since 2017.&nbsp;

Arguably one of Brisbane’s last great inner city riverfront sites, it sits within the city’s most dynamic cultural hub, offering unrivalled connectivity, lifestyle, and amenity, and standing as a landmark opportunity to define the next era of riverfront living.

“We know exactly what is and isn’t a Mosaic project. Strategic site selection is the critical foundation of everything we do. We’re always assessing opportunities, but based on our two most recent Brisbane acquisitions, it’s entirely possible that the sites we’re looking at today won’t transact for several years. That discipline is what ensures every project meets our exacting standards.”

<hr />
<h2>The Mosaic engine: Consistency, capability, and relentless execution</h2>

What separates Mosaic in a crowded field is not the ability to attract capital or buy a site, but the ability to deliver highly complex high end buildings, whether that is 37 storeys or 18 storeys, repeatedly and consistently.

“These buildings are inherently complex to deliver well,” Monahan says. “It takes a long time to know exactly what the market wants, how to deliver it, how to secure the right contractors and consultants, and how to align the product with what the market is actually willing to pay and can afford.”

With so many contractors exiting the market in recent years, genuine delivery capability has become increasingly rare. Monahan welcomes credible new entrants but cautions that underestimating the complexity of luxury development can lead to poor outcomes.&nbsp;

“It’s easy to assume high-end projects equal high returns, but without the right experience, track record, and capability, it’s a tough road. Attracting capital is one thing—delivering on expectations is another, and when that doesn’t happen, it impacts the entire market.’”

<hr />
<h2>Looking to 2026: A pipeline built on patience and precision</h2>

As 2025 draws to a close, Mosaic stands at the strongest point in its history. Since 2012 alone, the company has completed more than $2 billion in projects and is set to deliver another $2 billion worth of developments, hundreds of luxury apartments, all bearing Mosaic’s hallmark of impeccable delivery.&nbsp;

Next to launch are two standout projects: Josephine, an exclusive collection of just 30 half- and full-floor ultra-luxury residences coming soon to the Burleigh Heads beachfront, and a landmark tower on Montague Road in South Brisbane, comprising 204 apartments in the heart of the city’s cultural hub on the banks of the Brisbane river.

“We never arrive. There’s no finish line for us,” said Monahan. “Our focus is on continuing to evolve in the luxury space, creating incredible, design- and lifestyle-led properties that people love living in and that stand the test of time.” 
&nbsp;

What’s ahead for South East Queensland’s next development wave: Five minutes with Mosaic’s Brook Monahan

Property Value

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How does a property-valuer come up with distinct values of the same property and all within four weeks?
Background: 
A couple were splitting up amicably and both accepted to explore the opportunity to buying each other out. Each party made loan applications to separate lenders for finance. Both parties agreed to buy the other out at $520,000.
First Valuation - Strike one:
The first attempt at financing the purchase was made and a property-valuer was engaged by lending body to provide a valuation report. The mortgage broker received notice that the valuation report provided to the bank, stated the value of the home was only: $500,000.
Second Valuation - Strike two:
A week later, the second party attempted to obtain finance with a different lender and the lender appointed their panel valuer. The valuer on their panel, so happens to be the same valuer. BINGO!! You guessed it, the valuation came back at $500,000.
Third and Final Valuation - Strike three?
The subject property is placed on the market. The agency suggested a cleanup of the garden and staging of the home. A keen purchaser exchanged contracts at $545,000.
The new purchaser’s lender sent their panel valuer, 4 weeks after the first valuation was obtained, now wait for it: YES, the same valuer appeared on the scene.
This time however, the property valuation report came in at contract price: $545,000.
What happened from the first to the third valuation other than; mowing lawns and a simple make-over?
Leave me your thoughts:
Before you go jumping to conclusions and for the savvy mortgage brokers out there, here is a little more background information;
<ul>
<li>The couple had approximately $180,000 equity in the home.</li>
<li>The new purchaser obtained a 95% LVR on their mortgage. Figures disclosed to the agent at the time of purchase. </li>
<li>The property settled on or about three months ago; time calculated from publishing of this article.</li>
</ul>
Now please: this is your turn to enlighten me with what just happened? I welcome your comments and this with great anticipation. 
EDWIN ALMEIDA is licensee in charge of <a href="https://www.just-think.com.au/" target="_blank">Just Think Real Estate</a>.<a href="https://www.just-thin.com.au/"> </a>
He is also the creator of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JustThinkProperty" target="_blank">Oz Real Estate.TV</a> and a presenter for <a href="https://propertyinvestingvault.com/" target="_blank">propertyinvestingvault.com</a>.
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ealmedia-arK4DBYLjS

How can property valuations be miles apart? Edwin Almeida

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Fractional property investing platform BrickX has updated the valuations for six of its properties in Sydney and Melbourne, with growth varying from 0 to 7.4 per cent.
The valuations were done by independent valuation firm Preston Rowe Paterson in June 2017.
BrickX, which buys properties and splits each one into 10,000 units or ‘Bricks’ which investors can then buy, has been on a buying spree in the last few months. It purchased six properties between April and June, five in Sydney and one in Melbourne.
In its year-end sale, the investing platform waived the transaction fees for buying or pre-ordering ‘bricks’ for its Brunswick property (above). The company charges a the transaction fee of 1.75% on every purchase of ‘brick’ or while selling ‘bricks’.  
The biggest change in valuation was for a two-bedroom house in Annandale, where the property value rose 7.4 per cent in the last six months to $1.45 million as at June. The growth was in line with the wider suburb index, BrickX said.
Brick valuation increased 8.81 per cent to $112.84, taking into account the acquisition costs and cash reserve, BrickX said. 
Meanwhile, a one-bedroom unit in the Sydney suburb of Enmore remained constant at $650,000 compared with six months before. In fact, the new value of a ‘brick’ is $67.48, a slight fall from December’s $67.82. The same was the case with a two-bedroom unit at Mosman, which was steady from its December valuation. 
The property was valued at $1.4 million in June while the ‘brick’ price actually edged down 0.51 percent to $143.43 per ‘brick’.
Among other properties with notable growth was a two-bedroom unit in Bondi Beach, which increased 3.7 percent in value to $1.4 million from its initial purchase price of $1.35 million. BrickX said the growth was also in line with the overall growth in the suburb.
The brick price rose to $100.19 from an initial $96.
Another two-bedroom unit in Double Bay showed a growth of 3.4 percent in value at $1.35 million on the initial purchase price in September 2016. This property exceeded the suburb index, said BrickX.
The value of a ‘brick’ is now $98.46, a 3.64 percent increase from the initial $95.
The only property with an updated valuation from Melbourne, was in Prahran. This two-bedroom unit rose 1.3 percent to $1.19 million and BrickX said it performed in line with the wider suburb index. 
The ‘brick’ also rose a modest 0.44 percent to $123.88.
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Annandale house provides biggest boost to BrickX investors with 7.4 percent growth in six months

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GUEST OBSERVER
Sound neighbourly relations and an attractive streetscape have the potential to improve the value of a property and slash days on market considerably for those vendors seeking a swift sale.
The streetscape refers to the appearance of all houses, footpaths, gardens and landscaping along a street.
But it is possible to upset the local streetscape applecart with just a single property eyesore, which has the potential to turn away buyers now and in the future.
The infamous and so-called 'hoarder’s home' in Bondi, in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs is an example.
This is an extreme example, however it has been an issue for those living in Boonara Avenue, Bondi for many, many years, and has undoubtedly impacted the values of homes located near this controversial property.
The streetscape is the visual identity of a neighbourhood and plays an important role in facilitating interaction between residents and creating a community.
It also contributes to building the value of our properties, which for many of us, are our most important investment asset.
The property industry talks ad infinitum about the importance of presenting a property in its best light to potential sellers.
However, a subtler element is how your street presents to potential buyers. The streetscape is really the first impression for potential buyers, even before they walk through the front gate.
To be fair, individual owners can do little about the collective streetscape, but the value of a good looking street, where all the gardens are well-tended, can have an impact on the saleability of a property.
It’s worth keeping in mind that by collectively maintaining the kerbside appeal of all properties in a street, owners can maintain and grow the values of their properties.
Angus Raine is executive chairman, Raine &amp; Horne and can be contacted <a href="https://www.raineandhorne.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Love thy neighbour – it could be worth tens of thousands to the value of your home: Angus Raine

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<h2>GUEST OBSERVER</h2>
In the resource regions – Western Australia and the Northern Territory – property values continue to fall.
Even though quarterly growth continues to be in negative territory in the Perth and Darwin house markets, the figures were slightly better in the April quarter compared to the March quarter, suggesting an ease in the fall of growth. Annual growth for these markets is presented in Graph 3.
Graph 3: Annual Growth Rates – Perth and Darwin
<a href="/images/2016/06/03/Graph_3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/06/03/Graph_3.jpg" alt="">
Source: Residex
The graph shows that property values have been falling in these areas throughout much of 2015 up to today. It has been established that movements in commodities can be closely tied to economic and housing market performance in WA and the NT. Despite a small rally in the commodity price index in the first quarter of 2016, iron ore is still less than one third of what it was worth when it peaked at US$180 in February 2011.
Additionally, profits from the mining sector are not as widely spread throughout the states, as the operational phase of the mining boom employs less labour than the construction period. Interestingly, it seems that the Queensland labour market is suffering a higher unemployment rate (6.5%) in response to mining divestment. This could be because of the tighter labour markets in WA and the NT, where workers have higher mobility in response to mining and construction projects.
Across the country, the transition from the mining to service industries is overstated in its ability to absorb lost jobs and income. The official Australian unemployment rate was 5.7% in April (seasonally adjusted), unchanged from the previous month. However, April saw the loss of 9,300 full time jobs and an increase in 20,000 part time positions. Despite the official statistics, employment is being picked up through more precarious work.
Given that part time and casual work has been linked to reduced bargaining power for pay increases, it is no surprise that increases in Australia’s annual wage growth reached a historic low of 2.1% in the March quarter. Low wages may also be contributing to low inflation, which is in turn fuelling expectations of further cash rate cuts this year.
Moving forward, I would expect modest falls in house values in the major east coast cities, while units and resource market dwellings adjust to changed conditions in demand. Low interest rates and falling dwelling prices may present opportunity in certain markets across the country, but purchasers should look for strong and diverse economic fundamentals in the markets they choose to buy in.
Eliza Owen is the market analyst for Onthehouse.com.au. She can be contacted <a href="https://www.onthehouse.com.au/" target="_blank">here.</a>
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Value declines in resource regions show signs of easing: Eliza Owen

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Vacant land sale prices over the 2014-2015 financial year increased by 6% across the combined capital cities, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
CoreLogic RP Data's Property Pulse found for the 25 years to June 2015, combined capital city median vacant land prices increased by 417% and by 422% across the combined regional areas.
CoreLogic RP Data research analyst Cameron Kusher said the median lot size for capital city vacant land has seemingly hit a trough having been relatively stable over the past two years - meanwhile lot sizes have trended higher over the past year in regional areas.
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“With higher prices and fairly steady land areas, the rate per square metre of land has continued to rise over the past year across the combined capital cities while it has fallen in regional markets,” he said. 
"Our research shows that median lot sizes have been reasonably stable across the combined capital cities over the past twelve months. In regional markets, it has actually risen by 8.3% over the past year. 
“On a rate per square metre basis, vacant land in Sydney and Perth is much more expensive than all other capital cities. The rate per square metre has generally risen over the past year.” 
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The report noted vacant land prices are much higher than all other capital cities in Sydney, with the cost of vacant land has risen sharply over the past year in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Capital city land prices keep rising: CoreLogic RP Data

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The valuation firm Herron Todd White has issued its latest property clock for units - a simple broad brush means to suggest where property markets are - and what direction prices are moving in.
The valuation firm has included capital and regional cities on the property clock for unit price direction.
<a href="/images/2015/09/03/Screen%20Shot%202015-09-03%20at%202.32.37%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>.
For more information, <a href="https://www.htw.com.au/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Rockhampton, Horsham, Newcastle units at peak pricing in September HTW property clock

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Combined capital city dwelling values are 5.3% higher for the three months to the end of August, according to CoreLogic RP Data, despite a slowing in the appreciation rate.
CoreLogic RP Data head of research Tim Lawless said dwelling values across Melbourne were 8.0% higher over the rolling quarter, and Sydney values were up 7.4%.
"Both cities have seen dwelling values trend substantially higher than other capitals, where the third highest growth rate over the three month period was Brisbane, which showed an increase in values of 2.2%," he said.
"While the three largest capital cities, together with Hobart, have all recorded growth in dwelling values over the past three months, half the nation’s capital cities have recorded a fall in values. Darwin recorded the most substantial decline in values with a fall of 3.2% over the three month period, while Perth values were down by 1.5%, Canberra values were 0.8% lower and Adelaide values are slightly lower, at 0.1%.”
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