A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/auyin-property-development">Auyin</a> is the latest to turn to the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program in an effort to secure approval for its long-planned, mixed-use project in Elsternwick.

In 2018, Auyin lodged plans with Glen Eira City Council for a 14-storey building, however Council approved a reduced eight-storey scheme. A subsequent VCAT appeal in 2019 upheld the eight-storey height limit.

The project was later amended to nine storeys, but Auyin is now seeking to revive something closer to its original vision. The developer argues that the planning context has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly within the Elsternwick Activity Centre, where higher-density development has increasingly been encouraged along Glen Huntly Road.

The proposal would transform the 1,239 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-12-horne-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">7-15 Horne Street</a>, opposite Elsternwick Railway Station, into a 13-storey residential and retail development designed by CBG Architects, with 40 apartments

The site currently comprises three commercial properties.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f465dd4-509b-4082-a669-0253b313914b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20podium.png?VersionId=72frWi0SmQ5AVJ3ARRhX5ILUYObhTm7x" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 25 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences above 200 sqm of retail space at ground level. Residents would have access to a 90 sqm wellness facility, a 351 sqm communal indoor and outdoor terrace on the third level, and extensive landscaped areas throughout the development. A publicly accessible 135 sqm plaza would be created on the north-east corner of the site, providing seating, landscaping, and a new gathering space adjoining Horne Street.

The design adopts a four-storey podium that references the finer-grain character of the surrounding streetscape, with the upper tower recessed behind generous setbacks on all boundaries.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e637e763-2abc-4c34-a0aa-5c7ad36fae18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20open.png?VersionId=J1AoOpZgTyaF.KeeFSX6lMjEScX8KKRi" />

A key element of the proposal is the reconfiguration and widening of the surrounding laneways. Vehicle access would be retained from Lois Lane, with upgraded pedestrian connections linking Ross Street and Horne Street. The development would provide 58 residential car spaces, two retail car spaces, and 52 bicycle spaces across two basement levels and ground-floor facilities.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the established character of Elsternwick Village. The façade combines dark charcoal brickwork, textured concrete, bronze-toned metal detailing, and extensive planting integrated into podium and tower levels. The design also incorporates a chamfered corner treatment and publicly accessible plaza intended to strengthen pedestrian activity around the station precinct.

Elsternwick's last new development completion was&nbsp;EVA Elsternwick by Pitard late last year. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working away on its nature-led neighbourhood, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, on Gordon Street, with its first stage expected to complete next year.

First look: Auyin seeks mixed-use apartment project in growing Elsternwick Activity Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/otium-parkdale-123-125-como-parade-east-parkdale-vic-3195">Otium Parkdale</a>, the 13-residence boutique development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huxtable-property">Huxtable Property</a>, has entered its final stages of delivery, with completion expected within the coming month and more than half of the residences sold.

The Como Parade East project is nearing the finish line at a time when opportunities to purchase new apartments in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parkdale-vic-3195">Parkdale</a> remain exceptionally limited. Fewer than 10 per cent of dwellings in the bayside suburb are apartments, making developments like Otium a relatively rare addition to a market traditionally dominated by detached housing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5427]

The three-level development comprises 13 residences, including ten two-bedroom apartments and three larger three-bedroom homes, all positioned above a secure basement car park.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/almeida-architects">Almeida Architects</a> with a strong connection to its coastal surroundings, Otium combines red brick, exposed concrete and dark metal detailing with integrated landscaping and greenery. Expansive glazing, generous balconies and terraces have been incorporated throughout the design to maximise natural light and reinforce indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the residences feature engineered European oak flooring, natural and reconstituted stone benchtops, Bosch kitchen appliances, ducted heating and cooling, lift access and secure entry systems. The larger three-bedroom residences on the upper level have been designed with house-like proportions, while the two-bedroom apartments prioritise functionality, flexibility and low-maintenance living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5421]

The project is now in its final stages, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/labco">Labco</a> completing the remaining landscaping and external finishing works following the completion of the residences' interiors.

Otium's location within the heart of Parkdale continues to underpin its appeal. Residents will be just steps from local cafés, restaurants, shops and the newly elevated Parkdale Station, while the beach is less than a kilometre away.

With the project tracking ahead of schedule, buyers can currently secure a residence with a five per cent deposit and benefit from settlement terms of up to eight months. The advanced stage of construction also provides buyers with the opportunity to walk through the near-complete residences and experience the quality and finishes firsthand ahead of completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134974]

Otium Parkdale enters final month before completion as rare apartment opportunity nears sellout

A new boutique apartment development is entering the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>, with Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ausdev">Ausdev</a> bringing 33 residences to a well-connected pocket of Brisbane's north.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">Parkdrive Apartments</a>, at 25 Sammells Drive, will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences positioned within walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Bradbury Park.

Established in 1989, Ausdev has a long-standing presence across both development and construction, with Parkdrive Apartments representing its latest residential project in Brisbane's northern suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363778]

The development has been designed around open-plan living and natural light, with residences featuring stone benchtops, timber cabinetry, BOSCH appliances, and private balconies that extend the living areas outdoors.

Kitchens are positioned as the centrepiece of the homes, incorporating natural material palettes and integrated appliances, while bathrooms have been designed with a focus on functionality and understated finishes.

Residents will have access to a communal barbecue and entertaining area on Level 3, providing shared outdoor space within the development. Secure parking and lift access are also incorporated into the building.

The project will deliver a limited collection of 33 apartments, with one-bedroom residences priced from $749,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Beyond the building itself, the location places residents within easy reach of several of Chermside's key amenities. Bradbury Park is around 350 metres away, while Westfield Chermside is approximately 1.3 kilometres from the site. The Prince Charles Hospital is located within 750 metres, and the Chermside Bus Interchange is around 1.5 kilometres away, providing connections across Brisbane.

Parkdrive Apartments adds to the growing residential pipeline in Chermside, a suburb that continues to evolve as a major retail, healthcare, and transport hub for Brisbane's north.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152125]

Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370900]

The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150499]

Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

Realestate.com.au

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Residential listings can now be seen in virtual reality on realestate.com.au with the release of a new app on Google's mobile virtual reality platform Daydream.
The toolkit is built on Matterport’s VR Software Development Kit (SDK) with the number of properties available in VR to increase as the technology is more widely adopted.
Nigel Dalton, REA Group chief inventor said it is Australia’s first property app on Daydream. realestate VR will change the way people experience and interact with property.
"By 2020, most Australian homes will have VR headsets, and we’re confident the leading real estate agents will embrace virtual reality to create a brand new experience for a whole new generation of property seekers," he said.
<img src="/images/2016/11/11/realestate%20VR%202.jpg" alt="">
"The simplest practical example of virtual reality creating time for people is open for inspections. Instead of mum, partner and the kids running across town to view potential properties, either to purchase or rent, this time-consuming process could now happen in one place in just a matter of minutes.”
Matt Bell, Matterport chief strategy officer said Matterport's VR SDK allows anyone to quickly create VR applications using real-world content, enabling VR to be rapidly adopted across a range of industries.
Realestate VR by realestate.com.au is available in the Google Play Store for use on Daydream View, Google’s mobile VR headset and controller. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/vr/" target="_blank">www.realestate.com.au/vr/</a>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Realestate.com.au launches virtual reality property app

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Australian property seekers and daydreamers will soon be able to explore their dream home in virtual reality through realestate VR, realestate.com.au’s virtual reality property app.
Coming soon to Android mobile devices, realestate VR will allow people to tour.
Selected properties on realestate.com.au will soon be available to view in virtual reality, giving real estate agents a key point of difference as they endeavour to make their property stand out from the crowd.
realestate.com.au continues to invest in, and trial new technology.
Nigel Dalton, Chief Information Officer at REA Group, commented that while virtual reality is not a new innovation, they had been trialling and testing its functionality for some time now.
“All you need to do is look at the runaway success of the Pokemon Go app to realise how in demand new technology is.
"We’re confident that both augmented reality and virtual reality will become increasingly useful tools for property seekers when looking for their next home.”
Realestate VR by realestate.com.au will be available in the coming months for download from Android app stores, including Google Daydream and Oculus for Samsung Gear VR.
 
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Realestate.com.au moves property inspections into virtual reality

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The REA Group has announced six months’ paid parental leave for primary caregivers and three months of paid leave for secondary carers/partners.
“Becoming a parent is incredibly exciting and we want our people to enjoy the experience without worrying about how to combine work and family,” said Tracey Fellows, REA Group CEO.
The group will also pay superannuation for the entire period of leave, paid and unpaid, for up to 12 months, to ensure employees’ super isn’t impacted, said a media release.
“By providing six months’ paid leave to our employees who are primary carers, and three months paid leave for secondary carers, we’re giving our people financial security to take the time they need with their families," Fellows added.
“People are at the heart of everything we do and we are very proud to be one of the first Australian technology companies to offer this kind of benefit to our employees.” 
After joining work, primary carers can work at reduced hours (75% of agreed work hours) at full pay for the first four weeks. 
“We want to show leadership across every facet of our business and this includes how we care for our employees when they become parents. A high proportion of our people are millennials and each year over 10% of our Australian workforce take parental leave," said Barb Hyman, REA Group’s executive general manager, People and Culture.
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

REA Group announces six months paid parental leave for primary carers

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Realestate.com.au is creating its own purpose-built space at the Sydney Cricket Ground, after signing on as an official Premier Partner of the Sydney Swans.
The partnership will see realestate.com.au connect with AFL fans at the ground.
The partnership will include branding on the video scoreboard at the SCG and a new hospitality space.
“Sport and property are two of Australia’s biggest obsessions, there’s a natural connection between us and the Sydney Swans," said Tracey Fellows, chief executive officer of REA Group.
“It’s also exciting that we will get a little slice of real estate at the Sydney Cricket Ground and we look forward to welcoming our valued customers into the purpose-built space to take in the action.”
“Season 2016 marks the year that we return to our spiritual home, so it’s only fitting to welcome a new partner who is helping Australians find their new homes," the Sydney Swans CEO and managing director Andrew Ireland said.
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realestate.com.au to build new home with Sydney Swans

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News Corp and Realestate.com.au are buying the US online property business Move in a deal that values the company at $US950 million ($1.08bn).
The deal is led by News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson. REA Group, which is 61.6% owned by News Corp and is the operator of Australia’s number one property website <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">realestate.com.au</a>, will take a 20% stake in Move with 80% to be held by News Corp.
The sale price represents a premium of 37% over Move’s last closing stock price. REA’s share will be acquired for approximately $US200 million.
Listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange, Move has the property portals<a href="https://www.realtor.com/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;"> realtor.com</a>, seniorhousingnet.com and <a href="https://www.moving.com/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">moving.com</a>, a website that seeks to capture the increased amount of time people spend on the internet researching auxiliary real estate topics, such as home removals, rentals and home-improvement projects. These might be searches before or after making actual purchase decisions.
It has the exclusive and perpetual right to operate realtor.com, the official site of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). 
The group has 35 million monthly unique visitors.
Move reported $US227 million in revenue last year generating the highest revenue per unique user in the industry.
Thomson said in a statement to the Nasdaq he intended to use the media platforms and compelling content to "turbo-charge traffic growth" and create the most successful real estate website in the US. 
The takeover will up the ante in the $US34 billion US digital real estate market, where the top two players recently announced plans to merge.
In July the US market leader Zillow agreed to buy Trulia for $US3.5 billion. Trulia and Zillow lost a combined $US30 million in 2013.
Australian tycoon James Packer is Zillow’s second largest shareholder, with a 9.4% stake through his private investment vehicle Cavalane Holdings.
Robert Thomson said real estate agents and brokers are expected to spend $US14 billion on online advertising in 2014, of which Move is expected to capture about 2%.
The US real estate market, the world’s largest, has room for robust growth in coming years, according to Thomson, and "was still in the early days of its digital transition."
There are approximately 2 million real estate agents and brokers in the US that generate approximately $60 billion of commission income annually.
"We believe there is much room for that percentage to grow, because the market is in the midst of a secular shift to digital advertising as real estate agents seek to reach home buyers where they are spending their time and searching for homes – online.
"We’re bullish about Move’s prospects as more marketing is directed online and realtors require state-of-the-art software to maximize their returns.
"We look at other competitors in the US market as well as other platforms around the world as an important indicator of the size of the opportunity.
"According to Euromonitor – there are 259 million Internet users in the US, nearly 5x that of the UK and 14x that of Australia.
"According to census data, 5 million homes are sold per annum in the US, 5x that of the UK and 10x that of Australia.
"There is certainly a huge variation in valuation versus market potential across these geographies," he said.
REA’s operations and investments include leading online real estate websites in Italy (casa.it) and Luxembourg (atHome.lu) with presence also in regional France. In Asia, REA operates MyFun.com for the Chinese market and squarefoot.com.hk in Hong Kong and recently acquired a 17.22% stake in iProperty, the leading online real estate advertising business across South East Asia. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

News Corp's realestate.com.au makes move into United States digital property market

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“Vacancy” is not a good word for any investor looking to keep a stable cash flow and a decent tenant, and yet it seems many areas are facing rents decreasing in the capital cities, according to SQM Research, with Canberra and Perth suffering the most.
Similarly, Perth has recently had a tough run with tenants breaking leases and vacancy rates increasing - late last year, in fact, Property Observer reported that <a href="/news/perth-landlords-lower-rents-to-dissuade-potential-buyers">Perth landlords were lowering rents to dissuade tenants from leaving</a>.
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52% of Gen Y said they’d like to live in the inner suburbs.
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Realestate.com.au have released the top 10 suburbs searched online for apartment rentals over the past six months (September 2013 to February 2014) based on their internal statistics.
The top 10 list:
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<li>Brisbane (QLD) 4.7% vacancy rate (SQM Research) Daniel Argent from Urban Property in Brisbane says that the rental demand for inner Brisbane apartments is increasing.“There is definitely a high level of rental demand for inner city apartments. There are a lot of people looking for two-bedroom apartments that are close to shopping and transport. With such high demand we find that most of the properties are tenanted within two weeks of listing,” said Argent. </li>
<li>Canberra (ACT) 2.5% vacancy rate (SQM Research) </li>
<li>Perth (WA) 5.7% vacancy rate (SQM Research) <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-wa-perth-412854299" target="_blank">This two bedroom, two bathroom apartment</a> is currently available to rent in Perth. Sitting on the border of East Perth and Perth, it’s available at $750 a week. </li>
<li>Melbourne (VIC) 6.2% vacancy rate (SQM Research) </li>
<li>Docklands (VIC) 5.8% vacancy rate (SQM Research) A renter could lease an apartment in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-docklands-412777379" target="_blank">this Docklands complex at $400 a week</a>. Unfurnished studio apartments at Victoria Point are leasing from $315 per week. Docklands' difficult conception and towering cranes previously saw Property Observer take a deeper look at the area, expected to have attracted $17.5 billion by 2025 in private sector investment, in this <a href="/news/vic/docklands-finding-its-feet-after-a-difficult-conception">suburb spotlight</a>. </li>
<li>Southbank (VIC) 2.3% vacancy rate (SQM Research) An unfurnished <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-southbank-412778263" target="_blank">one bedroom apartment in the Victoria Tower</a> will set a renter back at least $405 per week. Shared facilities include a gym, tennis court, spa, sauna and pool. </li>
<li>Braddon (ACT) 1.5% vacancy rate (SQM Research) This <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-act-braddon-412841911" target="_blank">three bedroom, two bathroom townhouse in Braddon</a> is significantly more affordable, at $670 per week. </li>
<li>Nathan (QLD) 3.3% vacancy rate (SQM Research) </li>
<li>Parramatta (NSW) 2% vacancy rate (SQM Research) The booming Sydney "second CBD" suburb of Parramatta is currently seeing <a href="/expert-insights/buying/slab-to-be-set-on-highest-residential-tower-in-parramatta-v-by-crown-today">the tallest residential tower in the area, V by Crown</a>, under construction. The impressive development may just underpin the longevity of the area. </li>
<li>Chatswood (NSW) 2.8% vacancy rate (SQM Research) <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-chatswood-412715351" target="_blank">T</a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-chatswood-412715351" target="_blank">his freshly painted and two bedder</a> in Sydney’s Chatswood is available for $525 per week. </li>
</ol>
For more data, including median prices and rents on each of these areas, you can use our free suburb data pages. 
 
Interestingly, as noted above, the vacancy rates are still high on a number of these areas - and SQM Research's Louis Christopher has since tweeted Property Observer that he has put out warnings to investors on a number of these suburbs. Docklands and Southbank, in particular, have long had a <a href="/expert-insights/buying/melbourne-residential-unit-market-oversupplied-and-its-going-to-get-worse-terry-ryder">reputation of an apartment market oversupply</a>.
The number of tenants and sharers seeking apartments rather than other types of property, both established and new, is up to 39% of the market – an increase of 7% since 2012, according to the realestate.com.au figures.
<blockquote>
The number of tenants and sharers seeking apartments is now at 39% of the market.
</blockquote>
Tenants under the age of 35, earning between $50,000 and $99,000 are those driving this trend. Within this, 52% of Gen Y said they’d like to live in the inner suburbs.
While only 6% of Gen Y tenants nominated regional suburbs as their ideal location, 15% of baby boomers preferred regional suburbs, in their 2014 Consumer Insights Report on Tenants and Sharers.
Of all tenants, 72% of Gen Y said they’d take care of the property like it was their own, with 84% of Baby Boomers citing the same. Six in 10 tenants have said they spent money to make improvements to a rental property.
The general manager of sales and operations at realestate.com.au, Arthur Charlaftis, said that the key for tenants is research and knowing the key statistics about the area, as well as the amenities and lifestyle available.
<a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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