Sydney developer Deicorp is set to officially open its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Showground Village</a> precinct in Castle Hill.

NSW Premier Chris Minns will attend the opening on Sunday August 31, alongside&nbsp;Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, The Hills Shire Council Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne, Landcom CEO Alex Wendler, and Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri.

Located just moments from Hills Showground Metro Station, the centre spans 9,500 sqm across four levels and features 26 specialty retailers as well as a 1,400 sqm public plaza, creating a new community meeting point for shopping, dining, fitness, and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Showground Village forms part of the Hills Showground Station Precinct, an urban renewal initiative led by Landcom and Sydney Metro that will provide for around 2,300 new jobs over the next 20 years and around 9,000 new homes.&nbsp;

Deicorp was recently approved for another new development next door to Showground Village.

The new five residential buildings in the East Showgrounds Precinct, will see another 873 dwellings delivered, as well as&nbsp;3,500 sqm of open public space in the form of landscaped courtyards, a public park and communal outdoor recreational space including a playground, barbeque area, and outdoor seating.

“This approval will allow us to start construction on a range of beautifully designed, conveniently located apartments and create another vibrant, walkable and well-connected community,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp" target="">Deicorp</a>&nbsp;Founder Fouad Deiri.

“These new homes will provide their residents with a seamless connection to jobs and services along Metro North West, and the new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill" target="">Hills Showground Village</a>&nbsp;retail precinct currently under construction."

Deicorp has several thousand apartments in planning and under construction across Sydney, from Zetland and Five Dock to Crows Nest and Macquarie Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=133881]

Joel Robinson

Deicorp, NSW Premier officially open Showground Village, new retail and hospitality hub in Castle Hill

ASX-listed developer Cedar Woods is progressing its plans for its Southbank arts precinct site.&nbsp;

The developer has filed plans, which are now with the&nbsp;Department of Transport and Planning, for a new 20-level tower at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/141-151-sturt-street-southbank-vic-3006">141–151 Sturt Street</a>, a 2,718 sqm block opposite the Habitat Filter sculpture.

The proposal seeks to demolish the two-level&nbsp;commercial building, including a small supermarket and medical tenancies, and create a new building with 180 apartments and a focus on an&nbsp;active public realm and arts integration.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Southbank site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76a72db6-91ef-43ae-827d-a9cfa72893d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Site.png?VersionId=DZgtB4K6BswVh0QtCs3iLjXaLp0CbcEb" />

&nbsp;

There will be a full mix of apartment configurations, including 28 studio apartments, 16 one-bedroom, 104 two-bedroom, and 32 three-bedroom units.

Retail, creative arts, and residential amenity functions are integrated across the lower levels. A food and drink tenancy is planned to front Dodds Street, while a retail tenancy fronting Sturt Street will be accessed via an elevated walkway. The first floor includes a substantial 734 sqm creative arts space, envisioned to support Melbourne’s growing cultural and digital industries.

Architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has put together the plans. In their&nbsp;Urban Design Report they highlighted the project’s ambition to embed itself within Southbank’s evolving cultural fabric.

A central feature of the design is a through-block link connecting Sturt and Dodds Streets, landscaped with native plantings and embedded with universal access ramps.

“The ramp has been thoughtfully integrated as the primary access point, ensuring universal accessibility for all users,” the report noted, with the link offering “a direct response to the urban planning scheme of creating more green spaces within our communities”.

<img alt="Southbank podium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d24b1b2-d69c-4a11-a11d-ec6df432221c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium.png?VersionId=geWoJyZDmPSLODZ_.PNJ0LvpOmyyCdpo" />

The building’s podium form responds to the mandatory height limits along Dodds Street and maintains a fine-grain interface to adjoining developments. Above the podium, the tower is articulated with recessed balconies and a focus on views toward the CBD and surrounding arts institutions. A communal rooftop recreation deck and indoor lounge are positioned on level four, adjoining seven apartments and providing over 900 sqm of resident amenity space.

Vehicle access and loading will be provided via Dodds Street, with 155 resident car spaces located across two basement levels and the first three above-ground floors. Bicycle storage is more generous, with 226 spaces distributed across resident, staff and visitor needs.

Rothelowman describes the architecture as “humanist,” with ground-level interfaces designed to encourage social interaction and provide a dignified entry for both residents and passers-by. “All street interfaces are crafted to invite and nurture human connections,” the design report states. “The façade transitions to a human scale, providing an approachable and engaging streetscape”.

Cedar Woods, while well-known for its large communities it develops outside of Australia's capital cities, they have recently developed in Melbourne's inner-ring before. They are approaching completion at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/88-leveson-north-melbourne-88-leveson-street-north-melbourne-vic-3051">88 Leveson</a>, just 15 townhouses in the heart of North Melbourne.

Cedar Woods progresses with new apartment plans in Southbank arts precinct

Brisbane developers Core Property Partners and Vector Property Australia has teamed up for Brisbane's newest apartment development.

The duo identified <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as their preferred suburb, on the fringe of the Gabba Precinct, where they've just revealed BANKSII, 72 apartments opposite Raymond Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5481]

The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will sit in a glass-wrapped building that will also feature a rooftop with an&nbsp;infinity-edge pool, a BBQ area and alfresco dining spaces, sun lounges, and a sauna, as well as a resident-only gym and a ground-floor cafe.

Rhett Williams, Director of Vector Property Australia, said the project will lift the quality of the East Brisbane community and set a new benchmark.

"In Brisbane’s current property landscape, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/banksii-east-brisbane-169-wellington-road-east-brisbane-qld-4169">BANKSII</a> stands out through its emphasis on lifestyle-oriented living, connectivity and sophisticated design," Williams says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5479]

The 10-level building has been designed by MAS Architecture. Their designs were inspired by the native Banksia flower, with the architecture and interiors reflecting the organic symmetry of its namesake flora. MAS has interpreted this throughout the building’s curved form, façade detailing and interior palette.&nbsp;

The building’s flowing geometry and natural tones are complemented by large balconies and floor-to-ceiling glazing, maximising cross-breezes, daylight and views over the city, parklands and river.

“Having a strong narrative for a building helps us architecturally,” MAS noted. "We can choose colours that come off that species of flowers. The trunk and the trees and the flower elements all are now visible in our joinery on the inside and in our architectural finishes on the outside."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5485]

Apartments will feature timber floors, soft porcelain tiles, brushed bronze fittings, and stone benchtops with warm veining.&nbsp;

Kitchens feature premium SMEG appliances and generous storage, while bathrooms have been designed as calming retreats with curved cabinetry and twin sinks in the master ensuites.

The building will feature a suite of rooftop and wellness amenities. Residents will have access to an infinity-edge pool, BBQ and alfresco dining areas, sun lounges and a rooftop sauna.&nbsp;

A residents-only gym will be located on the podium level, while a ground-floor café and landscaped laneway will further activate the site and improve neighbourhood connectivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5488]

BANKSII will rise from a prime Wellington Road site, with the building oriented to overlook the adjacent Raymond Park and take in extensive city views. It is also on the doorstep of key&nbsp;lifestyle infrastructure, including the future Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, The Gabba stadium, and the planned Brisbane Live arena.&nbsp;

Public transport options, including ferry, bus and rail - including the future Cross River Rail Woolloongabba station - are all nearby, supporting a car-optional lifestyle just minutes from the CBD.

Williams said the team spent over a year searching for the ideal site before securing this location.

"We were attracted to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as it is a vibrant and growing community that offers a perfect balance of urban convenience and natural beauty with the parklands and river on our doorstep.”

The project is part of the broader Woolloongabba Games precinct, which is undergoing significant investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This urban renewal, coupled with infrastructure upgrades, is expected to enhance long-term liveability and capital growth in the area.

Given the wide max of configurations, BANKSII is expected to suit everyone from first home buyers and investors to families and downsizers.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136432]

BANKSII sales launch in booming East Brisbane apartment market

The Minns Labor Government will deliver Sydney’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade – enabling up to 10,000 new homes by rezoning land around Woollahra and Edgecliff stations, right next to the CBD, to tackle the housing crisis and rebalance growth across the city.

Recent reports by the NSW Productivity Commission have warned that Sydney is losing twice as many young people as it is gaining, while also finding that Woollahra is the most feasible Local Government Area (LGA) in New South Wales to build new housing.

Despite this, housing approvals in Woollahra consistently lag well behind other LGAs, and the population has declined by 11 per cent over the past 50 years while Greater Sydney as a whole has grown by 74 per cent.

The new station that will be an eight-minute trip from Sydney CBD, will be located on the Eastern Suburbs train line in Woollahra, where a station build was started in the 1970s but never completed.

To enable the delivery of new homes the NSW Government will lead a rezoning of Woollahra and Edgecliff stations similar to other state led rezonings to allow additional homes to be built around the stations.

Affordable housing will also make up a proportion of development on the site with the final amount of affordable housing required, to be determined as part of the rezoning process.

The area surrounding the new station is within walking distance of major green and recreational space including Cooper, Trumper, Rushcutters Bay and Centennial Parks.

The Eastern Suburbs train line between Bondi Junction and Sydney CBD also has the lowest passenger usage rates during the AM peak of any line on the Sydney network, with only 43 per cent of operating capacity during the AM peak currently being utilised by passengers.

Sydney Water and Infrastructure NSW have confirmed there is capacity in the water and wastewater systems to accommodate the proposed 10,000 dwellings without major upgrades.

The rezoning is expected to take around two years and will further support the Government’s housing targets that rebalance the delivery of new homes around existing infrastructure.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Next stop Woollahra train station - delivering up to 10,000 new homes in the heart of Sydney

<section data-element_type="section" data-id="b086848">
Fresh off completing its mixed-use Malvern project Malvern Collective, Kokoda Property Group has acquired a prime site on Richmond's Bridge Road.

They are planning a mid-rise residential development with&nbsp;integrated wellness amenities and a vibrant ground-floor retail and dining offering.

The site, at&nbsp;487–495 Bridge Road, spans&nbsp;1,650 sqm with 50 metres of dual frontage across Bridge Road and Palmer Street. It is currently leased to Adairs, and has a large retail building and 20 onsite car parks.
</section>

<section data-element_type="section" data-id="534a164">
Kokoda Property Group’s acquisition forms part of a broader phase of growth in Melbourne, building on momentum from the completion of Malvern Collective and the recent purchase of a Burnley Street site for the developer’s first commercial project.&nbsp;

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating.

“Melbourne is regaining momentum,"&nbsp;Stevens said.

"After a cautious period post-COVID, we’re seeing buyer sentiment stabilise and capital leaning back into well-located, quality projects. Victoria now benefits from deep builder capacity and competitive delivery pricing, creating a rare opportunity to bring design-led inner-city developments to market without compromising on craftsmanship.

“Richmond ticks all the boxes for us – connectivity, culture and everyday amenity – making Bridge Road the perfect address for an amenity-rich, multi-use development."

<img alt="Kokoda" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a8de51d-8092-480a-8b7e-e081816692c2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-29%20at%208.54.27%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VRHpV5.6beOu2cieKHWrw3ErMPuVOAuj" />

Envisioned as an “urban lantern” the building will bring a distinctive new presence to Bridge Road with a sculptural retail frontage, designed to honour the street’s heritage character while contributing to its renewal.

Stevens said the acquisition reflects the developer’s commitment to design-led addresses in Melbourne’s inner city.

“Drawing on Richmond’s rich heritage and dynamic character, we’ve envisioned a contemporary building that respects the past while elevating the way people live today. With dual frontages, curated ground-floor spaces, and a focus on wellness, this project will contribute to the neighbourhood’s evolution, appealing to both downsizers and a new generation of professionals.”

Kokoda Property will now progress concept design ahead of a future planning process.
</section>

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating

First look: Kokoda secures Richmond site for new apartment development

Regional Property

As COVID-19 marks the shift to valuing the importance of living nearby lifestyle amenities and natural spaces, beachside properties are becoming a hot commodity amongst investors and homebuyers.

Imagine investing in one of Australia&rsquo;s booming coastal hotspots, reaping the rewards of owning a beachside property in a suburb yet to reach its capital growth peak.

Urban takes a look at five properties in fast-growing beachside suburbs that may make for an exciting lifestyle change and strong investment decision.

1. Ryrie Home, Geelong

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88243]

Located in the fastest-growing regional city in Australia, Ryrie Home provides the ideal sea change for residents hoping to escape the bustle of cities like Melbourne and Sydney.

Located within walking distance to Eastern Beach, the property is also proving popular with investors. It was listed as Urban&#39;s most popular investor project for Q1 2021.

This is thanks to Geelong&rsquo;s low vacancy rate of 1.7 per cent and the 10 per cent per annum growth in apartments over the last three years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=168395]

Investors are similarly drawn to the growing region thanks to transport improvements in Geelong, including the $100 million fast rail and the&nbsp;$6.7 billion Westgate Tunnel which will shave 20 minutes off any commute.

Developed by Franz&eacute; and designed by Architectus, the project boasts one, two and three-bedroom residences across 11 storeys, drawing upon Geelong&rsquo;s history and its architectural vernacular.

2. Siskas at Taskers, Fremantle

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7864 project_image_fid=142658]

Only a 20-minutes drive to Perth&rsquo;s CBD or a swift boat cruise to the magnificent Rottnest Island, Siskas is a great new development to hit Fremantle.

Delivered by Gary Dempsey Developments, the development makes up the highly-anticipated final release of their coveted Taskers development.

Just 250-metres to Rocky Bay&rsquo;s stunning riverside walking trails or 450-metres to the pristine sands of Leighton Beach, Siskas enhances the cosmopolitan way of life that is resonating with owner-occupiers and investors alike.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7864 project_image_fid=142657]

Designed by Zuideveld Marchant Hur, the development features five-star hotel-quality amenities, including 3,000sqm of private landscaped grounds, communal herb garden and fruit trees and temperature-controlled wine appreciation room.

If you are looking for an investment property, Fremantle units rent for $430 per week with a rental yield of 4.3 per cent, according to REA Group.

3. Pearl, Main Beach

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106752 project_image_fid=169993]

Located at 3550-3552&nbsp;Main Beach Parade, Pearl rises 30 floors and boasts 80 two and three-bedroom residences in the affluent Gold Coast suburb.

Although demographics point to a large portion of established independents, youth and elderly singles, families moving to Main Beach have been steadily growing, making Main Beach an enviable location for budding investors.

This is all thanks to the convenience of living close by the Marina Mirage, which has an array of boutique shopping and waterfront dining experiences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106752 project_image_fid=170009]

Developed by Raptis, Pearl offers a striking architectural presence and includes an exquisite lobby, rooftop pool and easy beach access.

Over the past year alone, two-bedroom units in Main Beach have seen weekly asking prices grow 17.0 per cent, according to SQM Research.

4.&nbsp;La Sal, Chelsea

[smartcode_project:default project_id=15254 project_image_fid=41692]

Drawing inspiration from the salt and sand of the sea nearby, La Sal presents the perfect beachside lifestyle in Chelsea.

Hallmarked by investors as a good investment suburb, Chelsea ranks second in Victoria when it comes to estimated capital gains experienced by property investors over the past three years, according to Smart Property Investment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=15254 project_image_fid=41694]

Conceptualised and crafted by Lowe Living together with the acclaimed Chamberlain Architects, this boutique series of three townhomes and six apartments lies moments from Chelsea Beach.

The contemporary two-level built form sits in perfect harmony with its stunning beachside setting, evoking the essence of its striking context.

5. Villea, Palm Beach

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=178468]

Delivered by Abadeen Group, Villea is nestled in the heart of the Southern Gold Coast and located only 400-metres from the beach.

The development comprises two and three-bedroom apartments, all with secure car parking and unrivalled panoramic views. 
 
Located in a commanding position with 70-metres of Northern frontage, Villea boasts incredible views over the Pacific Ocean, Tallebudgera Creek and the Burleigh Headland.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=178475]

Designed by BDA Architecture, each apartment has been meticulously designed to maximise space, light, and liveability, with sophisticated interiors that celebrate attention to detail and premium finishes.

On the heels of surging interstate migration, Palm Beach units have had exponential growth of more than 83 per cent over the past half-decade.

Urban takes a look at five properties in fast-growing beachside suburbs that may make for an exciting lifestyle change and strong investment decision

max.kwok_55688

Five of Australia's best holiday home apartments near the beach

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The idea of moving to the country has <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-10/post-covid-19-pandemic-simpler-life-migration/12229082">gained momentum</a> through the COVID-19 pandemic. Many workplaces have introduced <a href="https://theconversation.com/with-management-resistance-overcome-working-from-home-may-be-here-to-stay-144850">new policies on working from home</a> that give employees the flexibility needed to make the switch.
Lockdowns have shown many just how cramped and uncomfortable life can be when you cannot escape to the usual activities that get you out of the house. And if everything is closed, what is the point of being in the city and paying a higher rent or mortgage anyway? The Reserve Bank has <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2020/sep/the-rental-market-and-covid-19">noted rents have gone down</a> and vacancy rates have gone up in major cities.
At the same time, some real estate agents have <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-15/australians-seek-regional-affordability-house-prices-coronavirus/12242252">noticed an upturn</a> in interest in renting or buying rural and regional properties. The <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/these-are-the-best-performing-property-markets-in-australia-domain-house-price-report-1000315/">demand in some regional areas</a> has pushed up prices by <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/where-regional-australian-house-prices-moved-the-most-domain-house-price-report-1000799/">as much as 30%</a> in the year to October. It seems many are already making the switch to country living.
It sounds idyllic. Escape the rat race, have space to grow veggies and let the kids play outside. You won’t have to commute any more, and you might even be able to buy a house in the country at a time when city prices remain out of reach for many. You could be living the dream.
Find a place that matches your values
So how do you know if this is right for you, or a disaster waiting to happen?
In <a href="https://eprints.usq.edu.au/34713/">my research</a> with people who moved to the country, I found successful moves came down to how closely aligned people’s values were with the attributes of the place they moved to. For example, some people value space and quiet more than bustle and activity. If they found these attributes in their new home, then they were able to craft a new life that was deeply satisfying.
When you look through the pages of a glossy magazine such as Country Style, you might find yourself yearning for the lifestyle it depicts – the grassy fields, the peaceful but quirky homes filled with flea-market finds, the home-grown abundance and the happy, contented people. These are long-held and highly regarded values that many hold dear.
The roots of these ideals are deep. Representations of the country as a rural idyll, a place to escape to, are centuries older than our <a href="https://theconversation.com/imagining-your-own-seachange-how-media-inspire-our-great-escapes-105207">current media</a>.
Epicurus (340BC to 270BC) moved from the centre of Athens to the countryside just outside so he could grow vegetables and live simply. Virgil’s (70BC to 19BC) Eclogues emphasised a rural idyll, as did much later painters such as John Constable and Eugene von Guérard. Henry David Thoreau’s Walden (1845) is an oft-quoted classic about an urban dweller moving to a rural place to live a better life (albeit temporarily in his case).
Early Australian writers such as A.B. “Banjo” Paterson and Henry Lawson took up this nostalgic ideal in the fledgling colony. So did artists such as Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton and Charles Condor when they travelled to then-rural Heidelberg, now part of Melbourne, to paint the uniquely Australian countryside.
More recently, we have seen Peter Mayle’s <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Year_in_Provence">A Year in Provence</a> (1991) sketch a romantic picture of city dwellers moving to rural France. And there are popular television series such as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Good_Life_(1975_TV_series)">The Good Life</a> (1975-77), <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SeaChange">Seachange</a> (1998-2000, 2019), <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Cottage_Australia">River Cottage Australia</a> (2013-16) and most recently <a href="https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/10/escape-from-the-city-reaches-final-episode">Escape from the City</a>.
Beware the gap between depictions and reality
We know the media are a powerful factor in helping us develop and share our identity and personal narratives. We respond to television shows, books and magazines that we are interested in by becoming their audience. We might share values, goals, ideas or even similar stories with the media we watch. We then, consciously or unconsciously, learn from or adopt those ideas and values in a process of socialisation that shows us how we might live a better life.
Media are only a representation, however. A multitude of factors, not least of which are sales and advertising revenues, go into the process of decision-making as images and stories are crafted for the various outlets. There can be a tendency for media to adopt stereotypes as a shorthand form of communication, but these do not necessarily reflect the reality they purport to depict.
This might seem obvious, but it is all too easy to accept these images as truth when we are inclined towards that viewpoint anyway.
Do you value the things that make a rural place what it is, whether that is peacefulness, an absence of people, vistas of rolling hills, or the community of a small country town? If you do, there’s a good chance a move to the country will enable you to live more closely in line with your values and so be a successful one.
If, on the other hand, you value city-style living, which includes attractions, shops, events and being close to services, you might want to reassess whether a seachange or treechange is right for you.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rachael-wallis-568028">Rachael Wallis</a>, Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/it-seemed-like-a-good-idea-in-lockdown-but-is-moving-to-the-country-right-for-you-148807">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

It seemed like a good idea in lockdown, but is moving to the country right for you?

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A Western Division pastoral property, Moorna Station is being marketed by CBRE on behalf of the Walsh family, who have held the historic property since 1983.
Expressions of interest for <a href="https://property.cbre.com.au/properties/465-rufus-river-road-wentworth-nsw-2648/" target="_blank">Moorna Station</a> close on October 27, with offers expected to be submitted on the high side of $8 million. 
Moorna Station, in the lower Murray region, is a sustainable grazing operation supplemented by cropping, with further potential for more intensive development, including irrigated horticulture and viticulture.
Situated 30 kilometres west of Wentworth, fronting the north bank of the Murray River, Moorna Station is 18,896 hectares.
The property was one of the first to be settled on the lower Murray when it was taken up in 1846 by Ned Bagot, at about twice its present size.
In 1850 the station changed hands to E.B. Scott, who built the first homestead before selling in 1862 to John Crozier, whose extended family stayed until 1939.
It was then bought by a syndicate of South Australian interests including the Hawker family of Bungaree Merino stud, who introduced their bloodlines to the 70-year-old Moorna stud.
In 1972 Moorna was acquired by Douglas Morphett, who divided the property in two when reselling in 1978, the eastern section becoming Warrananga, while the homestead block was bought by David Hawker, who sold to the present owners.
The Moorna homestead, erected in 1869 by William Crozier was expanded by his brother-in-law Ben Chaffey in 1912.
Set in established gardens beside the Murray River, the rendered brick homestead of 10 bedrooms comprises three wings with a central courtyard.
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Moorna Station offered with $8 million plus hopes

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GUEST OBSERVER
Ever fancied a tree change or a sea change or any kind of change - where you set your sights a few hours away from the capital cities? It's an increasing phenomenon for both investors and home owners.
What makes regional properties so attractive to investors is how affordable they are. They boast a much better entry price than their city counterparts. As capital cities such as Sydney and Melbourne become more expensive in terms of both property and lifestyle we're seeing a small exodus of renters and lower income earners to regional centres such as Newcastle or Geelong.
As these areas boost their infrastructure and local economies, this in turn further encourages population expansion. It's not even just regional centres but also major towns. Certainly several experts have noticed the imminent expansion out to the country and regions driven in part by the sky rocketing prices of Sydney and Melbourne.
All of this means that well-chosen regional centres are an exciting proposition for the canny investor.
Buying in regional areas come with a whole new slate of potential risks you may not have thought of.
However, buying in regional areas come with a whole new slate of potential risks you may not have thought of. In cities you may have to contend with strict council planning permissions, aircraft noise or lack of parking. But property investors in rural or regional areas can possibly be up for anything from feral cats to flooding and fires and drought. Let's run through a few of the usual and unusual pitfalls to consider:
 
Flood Zones: With a rapidly shifting climate, flood areas themselves are changing across Australia. There are even parts of Sydney that are identified as flood zones. Other regional centres have a history of flooding - parts of the coastal plains on the South Coast, such as Thirroul - being notable examples. Then there can be once-in-a-lifetime, catastrophic floods, like the floods which swamped Brisbane and Queensland a few years ago.
Scour through the local government records and ask to see the flood zone map for your property. While the council has the responsibility for flood prevention, in certain circumstances the property owner does too. Flood insurance will also add to the cost of the property. 
 
Soil: It's critical to do soil tests for any property you buy in regional or rural areas. The type of soil that your property is situated on can incur extra costs for earthworks and land retention. Hire a professional engineer to carry out tests. They will look for things like contaminants, and if the property is on a large rock. All these things will affect the foundation the house is built on and also affect any plans to subdivide and add new buildings. 
Fire danger: This is part and parcel of the harsh landscape of Australia. Bush fires have become more menacing and frequentin recent times. So it’s crucial you check with the local council and ask to view the bushfire prone map. This will tell you how dangerous the area you're buying into is and how susceptible to fires. You'll need to consider insurance and there may also be bushfire construction compliance codes you need to meet which will add to the cost of building the house and perhaps limit what you can do with it. 
 
Crown Roads: Crown roads are an infrequent oddity that can catch regional property owners by surprise. Essentially crown roads are long dormant roads that run through properties. They are usually not even visible nor are they roads in the strict sense. They are more like old worn out tracks and are often only visible on survey maps. Nonetheless they can cause all kinds of headaches for the owner of the property.
Crown roads mean that members of the public are allowed to drive through the property provided they stay on the road. It can be difficult to develop or renovate your property as the crown road cannot be moved and you'll find yourself working around it. And trying to get rid of the crown road is legally difficult and can be highly expensive or both. Not to mention how crown roads can create bad blood with neighbours in battles over access. 
So to avoid the trauma and stress of a crown road check out the survey maps to any property thoroughly.
Utilities: How well connected is the property for water, gas, electricity and heating? If it is somewhat self-sufficient by using systems such as rain water tanks or solar panels – then commission a report and find out the average rain levels or sunlight. Also it’s worth checking out the worst case "what ifs"... For example, what if the roads to the town are all flooded, can the property cope on its own for a few days? What kind of emergency utility back-ups do you have in case of natural disasters?
Area development: What kind of industries may move in next door? This can be anything from highly disruptive operations like coal seam mining to abattoirs and fruit harvesting. It's worth investigating the local economy generally. Country and regional areas are highly affected by any sudden changes to the local industry; for instance, if a large plant closes down or a new rural cattle station opens up. This will have a flow on effect to the economy and the population growth. 
Environmental protection: You'll definitely need to investigate your land management responsibilities. This covers a whole raft of things from pest or weed control, to land degradation, removing trees or building and maintaining fences, native vegetation and health issues. Both the state government and local government may have different requirements form you the landowner. So take care to find your what your responsibilities are and factor in any potential costs. 
So, to sum up, just as much, if not more research is required when buying into regional and rural property markets. There are a slate of highly variable differences to consider that can affect whether your investment is really viable. So, to paraphrase John Williamson - do give us a home among the gum trees but check that the plum trees aren't going to fall on the house.
 SAM KHALIL is founder and director of <a href="https://www.dpn.com.au/" target="_blank">Direct Property Network</a>.
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Tips for buying property in rural or regional locations: DPN's Sam Khalil

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Property prices in Australia’s regional resource hubs have plunged by up to 74% over the past three years, according to CBRE’s latest research Australian ViewPoint, as the market continues to come off its peak after riding the mining boom for more than a decade.
The research paper, <a href="https://researchgateway.cbre.com/Layouts/PublicReportAccess/Default.aspx?PUBID=7a61a674-8a41-4d03-a28a-cac27a301a15" target="_blank">Volatile pricing in mining towns</a>, by Jacob Fong and Sam Reilly shows mining towns are now seeing the flipside of the cycle, as resource spending declines and transient populations relocate. 
Residential markets in Queensland’s mining towns have experienced the biggest drop in property prices, with some sales reflecting falls of 73.4% in Dysart and 70.6% in Moranbah over the past three years.
<a href="/images/2015/10/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-27%20at%2010.36.53%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/10/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-27%20at%2010.36.53%20AM.png" alt="" width="1020" height="833"> 
CBRE senior research manager Sam Reilly said the Isaac region had been highly exposed to resource spending and was now seeing significant contraction as the market came off its peak. 
“The boom period for Queensland’s mining town house prices is over, and as investment spending continues to slow, demand for property has contracted significantly, resulting in substantial price volatility in these markets,” Mr Reilly said. 
“Rental demand, previously fuelled by resource employment has now fallen and plunging rental returns have seen capital values contract by more than 70% in some areas.” 
On the west coast, residential markets in the state’s mining towns have also experienced a sharp tumble in property prices, with Karratha council area recording a 44% fall in prices since 2012 – including a 31% dive in the past year. 
Mr Reilly said the construction led jobs boom in Australia’s resource rich areas had passed. 
“$65 billion in mining projects across Australia have been completed over the past two years and have now transitioned to the export phase, which is far less labour intensive,” Mr Reilly explained. 
“With commodity prices down 40% from 2012 levels, the chances of a rapid rebound in new resource projects is low, therefore, the residential markets in Australia’s mining towns are unlikely to enter a new growth cycle over at least the medium term.” 
<a href="/images/2015/10/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-27%20at%2010.39.20%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/10/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-27%20at%2010.39.20%20AM.png" alt="">
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