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

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

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

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ray White

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Ben Cannon, who was at Ray White, has joined McGrath Estate Agents in its Brisbane office at Bulimba.
Cannon has been an agent for 16 years having worked in the Inner South East of Brisbane for his entire life.
He is a licensed agent and auctioneer. 
Cannon has been ranked an Elite Performer Ray White Group for three recent financial years.
He was ranked in the network's top 2% of agents in Australia.
Ben is joined by fellow property specialist Jade Loch and Gunther Behrendt in his transition to McGrath Bulimba. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Ben Cannon quits Ray White for McGrath in Brisbane

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Despite a slowdown in vacant land sales volume in 2018, the weighted average price for vacant land improved to $276,959, reflecting a 5% increase from the corresponding 2017 calendar year, according to latest Ray White's SEQ Vacant Land report.
Ray White Special Projects QLD agent Mark Creevey said the undersupplied development corridors including Brisbane City, Moreton Bay and Gold Coast witnessed the strongest price growth among the 10 local authorities from the year prior.
“The 2018 calendar year exhibited a clear slowdown in vacant land sales activity for the majority of the 10 local authorities that make up South East Queensland, with a total of 8,733 vacant lots sold, reflecting a 33.64% fall from the 2017 calendar year,” he said.
“The fall in sales activity is primarily considered a result of macro prudential regulation in the financial markets.
“This remains the single largest factor influencing the market at present, with buyers stifled by reduced borrowing capacity, resulting from lower gearing requirements and greater scrutiny over serviceability by banks.
“We expect price growth through major growth corridors to remain a trend into the second half of 2019, as a result of thinning supply, the recent Federal Election result, the relaxation of regulations applied by APRA to the lending institutions and recent interest rate cuts.”
<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/2019/7/9/seq%201%20.jpg" alt=""> Ray White Special Projects QLD Executive Director Tony Williams said quality land supply remained the key challenge for South East Queensland in the short-to-medium term, with 2018 lot approvals down 22.26% on the year prior.
“Notable reductions in future supply pipelines were observed for the Gold Coast, which saw lot approvals down 46%, Logan City down 47.55% and Moreton Bay seeing a drop of 33.95%,” he said.
“The Redland Bay region exhibited strong results across the board with an increase in vacant lot sales of 7.02%, while experiencing price growth of 14.10% for the year.
“Future supply again appears to be the key challenge to the continued growth for the region, with lot approvals down 37.75% for the year.
“Notwithstanding the recent reduction in land sales volumes, we’re confident in the general outlook for the land market in SEQ.
“Enquiry levels from locals and increasing numbers of interstate and even overseas groups are strong, with limited opportunities at present to acquire sites which offer scale, access to infrastructure, approvals or even a clear planning pathway to an approval.”
<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/2019/7/9/seq%202.jpg" alt="">
Ray White Special Projects QLD Executive Director Matthew Fritzsche said he anticipated a number of factors would continue to underpin the SEQ land market in the medium term.
“More affordable median land values between SEQ and southern markets still provides significant upside for southern buyers investing in SEQ,” he said.
“While continued population growth in SEQ is positive, it’s still well below peak numbers experienced in the early to mid-2000’s, highlighting the potential for further increases.
“Delivery and investment in major infrastructure projects such as Queen's Wharf, Cross River Rail, Brisbane Metro, Brisbane Live, Brisbane Airport second runway and the potential SEQ 2032 Olympic Bid, will be key factors.
Click <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/7/9/seq%203.jpg" target="_blank">here</a> to enlarge.
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Price growth in South East Queensland land market continues

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Ray White Double Bay have recruited Ballard Property young gun Alan Fettes to their team following the hole left by number one agent Gavin Rubinstein.
Fettes, who has five years experience selling real estate in Sydney's eastern suburbs, has been billed as the youngest agent to ever earn $1 million in commission at the age of 24.
The appointment has been described by Ray White as a "dawn of a new era" for Ray White Double Bay.
Fettes was previously at Ballard Property for two years, having previously spent three years at Pillinger.
Fettes (right of the main image) has brought his sales associate Calvin Stewart with him (left of the main image).
“I’m thrilled to be joining the most successful real estate businesses in the country, Ray White Double Bay has always been an office in which I envied to be a part of," Fettes said. "The support from the agents within the office combined with the reach that the household brand provides will elevate my career to new heights.
“The processes and structures Ray White has been developing and mastering for last 117 years are in my opinion - unmatched. This will now allow me to add an extra level of service to my clients.”
Ray White Double Bay managing director Elliott Placks said now was the time to re-invigorate and add a new layer to his collaborative team.
“Bringing Alan to the team is an important step as we look towards the future. This business has been going from strength to strength for more than 32 years, and I look forward to leading the already strong sales force over the coming years,” Mr Placks said.
“Every business goes through a period of renewal from time to time and we’re thrilled to have Alan join us. No doubt he’ll bring a new sense of excitement and fresh positive energy  to our office.
“We have a team that thrives on the success of each other and we celebrate and share with each other. That is a value statement that we hold dear and very clear at Ray White Double Bay.
“Alan is an established agent and we will support his ambitions into the future.
“I am so excited about the future and since taking ownership of the flagship office in the Ray White stable, I am relishing the next phase of growth for us all."
Gavin Rubinstein, who <a href="/news/gavin-rubinstein-departs-ray-white-double-bay">departed Ray White Double Bay late last month</a>, has been kept on by the real estate giant and is <a href="/news/gavin-rubinstein-heading-to-queen-street-woollahra-under-ray-white-banner">opening his own Ray White shop in Woollahra</a>.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Ray White Double Bay hire Gavin Rubinstein replacement

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With all April's interruptions, Ray White offices recorded $3.2 billion in sales, some 14% down on April 2018. 
It was a bigger drop than March when there were $3.75 billion in sales – down 11% on the prior March.
NSW was down from around $960 million in April last year to $806 million this April.
But the bigger drop was in Victoria from around $587 million to $406 million last month.
In NZ, total sales fell around $30 million to $758 million. 
Tasmania was up slightly to $13 million.
With $664 million sales, Queensland was off only marginally, just 2% on last year which helped cushion the larger declines in other states, Ray White board director Dan White noted.
"Looking back on April, it was a tough month and we are actually glad it’s now behind us given all the public holidays, school holidays and the federal election campaign getting underway," White said.
White noted the Queensland CEO Tony Warland detecting from far north Queensland to the southern border that "there was a definite sign of a stronger real estate economy".
He said everyone in Townsville had a very positive belief of recovery after the floods, and life is returning to normality there.
"The Central Coast is steady and enjoying the prospects of improvement, while the Sunshine Coast is actually going gangbusters with our Kawana office recording three PBs in a row," White said.
"The whole Sunshine Coast has the lifestyle that the market is looking for while the Gold Coast is enjoying a strong economy in real estate transactions compared to the rest of the country.
"In Brisbane, many of our vendors are putting up high quality properties for high quality returns.
"So while there’s a lot of stock in many other markets, there’s no reports of stock in abundance in Brisbane but days on market are still being tested.
White also noted the group had a solid month across the group with some 1200 auctions conducted, with almost 40,000 people attending auctions across Australia and New Zealand.
Average bidders slipped back to 2.5 people per auction.
In May last year Ray White sold more than $4.1 billion of property across Australasia, which was 6% shy of May 2017.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Ray White sees 14% year on year sales tally decline in April 2019

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Gavin Rubinstein is whispered to be heading to Woollahra where he will still operate under the Ray White network.
He is destined for Queen Street, Woollahra, the upmarket district where Randall Kemp has fronted the national brand from Moncur Street.
Kemp and Rubinstein are suppose to work collaboratively, as Rubinstein seeks listings in Bellevue Hill, Rose Bay, Vaucluse, Dover Heights, Double Bay and Bondi.
Rubinstein, along with his current five members of The Rubinstein Group, has been with Ray White Double Bay for more than a decade. 
His only recent social media tweet has been: Don’t follow the path. Blaze the trail. 
It is understood he will own the agency business.
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There have been recently denied suggestions that the White family Ray White head office was "mortified" at the prospect of losing Rubinstein from the group where he has been the top seller for the past six years.
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<div class="m_-4316370515819688225gmail_signature" dir="ltr" data-smartmail="gmail_signature">Gavin Rubinstein's departure from Ray White Double Bay was announced by Ray White Double Bay’s managing director, Elliott Placks late last month.</div>
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“We have enjoyed watching Gavin and his team grow and develop over the years. Our business is like family, and sometimes you have to let them go to grow,” Mr Placks said.
Rubinstein, 31, celebrated 10 years in the real estate industry in 2017, and was just nine months short of 10 years with Ray White Double Bay.
Rubinstein ranked as the number one residential salesperson in all of Australia for Ray White in the past six years.
Placks described the departure as simply “a parting of ways” having briefly initially been reported as describing it as a “divorce”.
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“It’s not an ugly divorce in any sense,” he reportedly said.
“Our values have shifted over the past six months and we’ve decided to part ways."
Rubinstein’s current listings go to May 23 auction.
Last October Rubinstein was featured on the front cover of the local paper, described as "a celebrity in the dazzling world of eastern suburbs property."
There has been no comment forthcoming from Placks on Rubinstein's repositioning, but the two were increasingly engaged in competitive pitching for the same listings when they both operated out of the Double Bay office.
Ray White Double Bay has <a href="/news/ray-white-double-bay-hire-gavin-rubinstein-replacement">recently recruited Alan Fettes</a> from Ballard Property Group.
 
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Gavin Rubinstein heading to Queen Street, Woollahra under Ray White banner

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Ray White Marine, the largest full service marine brokerage in Australasia, has established a new office within the Royce-Rolls Motor Cars Showroom in Richmond.
CEO and founder Rick Rodwell said the business already had many existing luxury yacht clients in Melbourne, which was home to the highest number of megayacht owners (above 40m) in Australia, so the initiative will also provide local support for both these new and pre-owned brokerage vessel owners.
“Ray White Marine’s Melbourne office will provide the Victorian market with the first sales and service presence of a leading global euro luxury motor yacht brand as the exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributor for Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, and the iconic Riva marque. Other brands in the Ferretti Group include semi displacement and planing yachts from Custom Line, and the full custom superyacht from 45m to 90m built by the CRN shipyard,” Mr Rodwell said.
Ray White Marine is also appointed the Australian and New Zealand distributor for Technohull high performance bespoke RIBS.
The move will also expand the marine auction program to conduct events locally for buyers and sellers alike in consort with the more than 90 local offices in the Ray White real estate network in Victoria.
“Connoisseurs of high end luxury motor cars tend to be interested in luxury yachts, and vice versa, so it makes sense to form an association of this nature,” said Zagame Automotive founder and managing director, Bobby Zagame.
The Ferretti Group has announced the launch of the Riva 50m Megayacht hull #1.
Ray White Marine officially opens in Melbourne this May 15 from 6pm on Level one of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars showroom, 420 Swan St, Richmond.
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Ray White Marine opens it's doors in Melbourne

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GUEST OBSERVATION
A little-discussed facet of the real estate market is that people are not turning over their properties as fast as they used to.
It used to be that, on average, people would turn over their properties between three – four years, which of course meant that some people stayed in their properties forever whilst other people would turn over their properties within a year or two.
This was driven by a large pool of people who saw real estate as a money-making mechanism rather than buying homes to live in.
There were people who made a living out of buying properties, renovating and selling.
That trend has eased back significantly as the cost of doing so has become too significant that it is now also a higher risk proposition, and because there is a diminishing number of properties that are old enough to require major renovations.
As such, we are starting to see that people are staying in their properties significantly longer.
In the 12-months to July 2018, we saw a variety of turnover rates throughout Australia, with the regional areas having a higher turnover rate than the capital cities.
For example: Sydney saw a turnover rate of 4.1% but outside of Sydney it was 5.6%.
Regional Tasmania saw the highest level of turnover for all regions with 6.1%, whilst the lowest turnover levels were in Perth at just 3.3%.
Closer to home, we see the Gold Coast with quite a higher turnover rate at 7.2%.
In fact, on the Gold Coast, there were 18,206 sales out of 253,045 total dwellings.
This is a good healthy turnover which does continue to show the strong interest and demand for Gold Coast properties, but we are likely to continue to see the turnover rate soften, particularly in the current climate where there is greater uncertainty about the direction of the real estate market in the medium term.
I have had a significant increase in questions regarding what is going to happen to the real estate market should there be a change of Federal Government at our upcoming Election, and negative gearing be eliminated for the resale residential market.
Anyone who has negative gearing up until the time the new legislation passes through Parliament will retain those negative gearing rights.
This is likely to see a significant jump in the number of people looking to buy their investment properties in the period between the Election and the legislation passing Parliament, which could take two or three months.
This is also a very important window of opportunity for sellers of properties to be able to offer their property to that increased number of investors as undoubtedly there will be a pull forward demand by investor buyers pre the change of legislation, and then a significantly smaller number of investor buyers for resale properties after the legislation passes through.
This means some very careful strategy for both buyers and sellers. Key to that is the decision of which party is elected at the upcoming election.
Give it some careful thought.
It may well be if you have a property ideal for an investor that you should be selling, and we would love to hear from you so we can give you more information around that.
If you are wanting to take advantage of negative gearing and the Labor party is elected, then you need to do so before the new legislation passes through Parliament.
Andrew Bell is Chief Executive Officer of the Ray White Surfers Paradise Group.
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What to consider before negative gearing changes: Ray White's Andrew Bell 

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Ray White's former leading agent Gavin Rubinstein is airborn today.
He has posted a selfie to his near 20,000 Instagram followers from his pointy end plane seat, which came after a short video via his camera team as he headed through the international terminal.
No glamorous holiday or work destination this time, but a charity fundraising commitment, RISE 2019 in Christchurch following its recent mosque shootings. 
<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/2019/5/2/GR1.jpg" alt="">
After Tuesday night's sudden departure <a href="/news/gavin-rubinstein-departs-ray-white-double-bay">from Ray White Double Bay</a>, Rubinstein had posted an image of himself and three associates, Oliver Lavers, Cae Thomas and newest recruit Bradley Plos, jumping in the air with the caption 'Dreamchasers'.
Sydney socialite Barbara Coombes, executive assistant at Coombes Property, commented on the post, writing that the image was "cool &amp; perfectly styled might I add."
Lavers also posted after the big announcement to Instagram a picture of the extended team including Remi Quinlivan.
The decision that ended Rubinstein's time at Ray White came after the newly installed Double Bay chief Elliott Placks returned from a holiday in Mauritius celebrating his 10th anniversary with wife Lauren Smorgon.
The Rubinstein Group website is down.
But team member Jerome Srot was taking his mobile calls.
There is no indication yet as to Rubinstein's plans.
 
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Gavin Rubinstein aims high after Ray White Double Bay departure

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
Despite the recent easing, auction clearance rates are actually consistent with long term averages and still outweigh the private treaty sales clearance on any given day.
I'm concerned the consistent negative commentary on auction clearance rates could lead to fewer vendors supporting the proven method of sales success.
This negative commentary is not supported by empirical research, not compared with other sale methods or, apart from the auction clearance rate, never supported by underlying auction metrics.
Just as the market sets the property value, the market should also choose the appropriate sale method and not be turned off by this negative commentary.
Some analysts had formed the view that auctions don’t work in today’s market using only the "one dimensional auction clearance" numbers reported by the data providers.  
The auction day clearance rate is only one part of the equation. In reality, you are three times more likely to get a sale by auction than by private treaty on any given Saturday in some cities.
Ray White sells one in every 10 houses in Australia, including more houses in every single price bracket than any other agency group - from affordable stock to harbourfront luxury.
The group also sells more property via the auction method, being the listing agent for one in four auction properties across Australasia.
As the largest auction house we do not look at clearance rates in isolation, metrics such as properties withdrawn from auction and the market, properties sold prior to auction day, properties sold post auction day are all factored in.
Passed In status (ie highest bid), registered and active bidders, number of bids per property and crowd sizes are essential to understanding why auctions are a crucial method of sale and achieve exceptional results.
Data providers and analysts do not have the capability to collect these underlying metrics to form a holistic view.
Added to this once the Saturday auction and news cycle is completed data providers do not take into consideration properties sold post auction which are still under auction conditions.
Many of the group's most successful auction businesses also only auction mid-week and not on Saturdays at all. Many of these large offices regularly clear 70 - 80 per cent of their stock on a Thursday night and will therefore not be counted by the portals on the weekend. 
Our auction data is robust, rich and importantly complete, and shows us a lot more about buyer sentiment and market conditions than what the third party data collectors announce each Saturday afternoon.
While analysts are quick to give their opinions on such limited data, perhaps to meet the demands of the news cycle, it’s unclear on what basis they form extrapolated market views.
More concerning is when large institutions, including the Reserve Bank, quote this one dimensional data when explaining interest rate settings. Added to this concern is, data providers collect auction results via antiquated manual collection methods and can be inflated or understated depending on those who choose to respond and response rates. Many choose not to report to third party data providers.
While the market has softened, persistent commentary regarding auction results is largely unhelpful to both sellers and buyers based on such thin, unsubstantiated data.
In addition to commentators passing judgement on auctions based solely on clearance rate, auction naysayers forget the benefits auctions provide to sellers and buyers being, transparency, timely, immediate feedback, committed buyers and sellers and ultimately an immediate understanding regarding the market value.
Certainly there has been a reduction in auction day clearance rates compared to 2017 and early 2018 but auction results are in line with long-term trends despite the negative publicity.
Even more importantly, transaction rates at 30, 60 and 90 days for properties marketed under the auction method over the past three months have jumped significantly in all regions in comparison to those marketed any other way.
For example, in Sydney over the past 90 days, the Ray White auction clearance rate at 30 days is 48.1 per cent, while the private treaty sale rate is just 16.5 per cent.
In Melbourne, the Ray White auction clearance rate at 30 days is currently 46 per cent, while the private treaty sale rate is just 20 per cent.
This data is consistent across our residential, commercial and rural property.
Market conditions will always fluctuate but the best outcomes for homeowners looking to sell are created by agents maximising competition through auction campaigns.
This is just as true and relevant today as it was when the man himself, Ray White, started auctioning in 1902. And that will never change.
DAN WHITE (pictured in title) is the Managing Director of the Ray White Group
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Auctions clearance rates consistently beat private treaty: Dan White

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An extra $7.5 million in property has changed hands in the days following the year's largest in-house auction.
<a href="/news/ray-white-surfers-see-energetic-auction-bidding-at-the-event-2019">Ray White Surfers Paradise’s 25th The Event</a> was held on January 28 where 95 properties went under the hammer.
About $19 million in sales were made on the day but that figure has now reached $26.5 million.
The clearance rate now stands at more than 60 per cent.
More properties are under conditional contract awaiting finance approvals.
Ray White Surfers Paradise Group chief executive Andrew Bell said he was happy with the results.
“There has been some negative sentiment around real estate markets of Australia recently, although the market here on the Gold Coast has spoken differently.” 
More than 2000 people attended this year’s event, with 230 of those registering to bid on the day.
“Six of the properties that were sold at The Event 2019 were to purchasers sight unseen,” he said.
“The RWSP auction videos were so impressive that buyers were prepared to buy on the day without the need for an internal inspection.  "
“These results are representing some of the best sales figures in the country at present,” he concluded.
There has been an additional $30 million in private treaty sales as a result of The Event.
Last year, about 1000 people attended, including 170 registered bidders, recording $35.4 million worth of sales on the day.  
<a href="/news/ray-white-surfers-see-energetic-auction-bidding-at-the-event-2019">Sales since the event</a> included 1410/3018 Surfers Paradise Boulevard (pictured above).
Located in the Wyndham Surfers Paradise development, the one bedroom one bathroom unit sold for $314,000.
Set on 73 sqm, the apartment is situated one block from the beach.
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