A new chapter in Sydney’s urban renewal story begins today as NSW Premier Chris Minns officially turns the sod for Dawn, the fifth stage of Sekisui House Australia’s $5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> masterplanned community.

Developed in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-melrose-park-bundil-boulevard-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Dawn</a> will deliver 368 parkside residences, forming part of one of NSW’s largest privately owned urban renewal projects.&nbsp;

The milestone marks the start of the next phase in transforming Melrose Park into a new community delivering over 5,500 homes, a mixed-use town centre, 50,000 sqm of open green spaces and several future schools.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145496 project_image_fid=352993]

Kazunori Ito, Group CEO and Managing Director at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a>, said the milestone symbolises the company’s ongoing commitment to job creation, housing supply and sustainable community building.

“This moment represents more than just the start of construction," Ito said.

"It is about building a new urban heart for Sydney’s geographic centre. Dawn and the wider Melrose Park masterplan will generate thousands of jobs, deliver quality homes for families and help more people realise the dream of home ownership.

“We are proud to be supporting the NSW government’s housing targets and expanded Home Guarantee Scheme, which came into effect on 1 October. The program is already opening doors for more first home buyers at Melrose Park, many of whom are using the scheme to purchase with a five per cent deposit and no Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145496 project_image_fid=334163]

Since its introduction, the enhanced federal government’s Home Guarantee Scheme has given first home buyers greater access to the property market. With value thresholds in New South Wales now lifted to $1.5 million, buyers can secure a new apartment in Melrose Park sooner, reducing the burden of saving a 20 per cent deposit and removing costly mortgage insurance premiums.&nbsp;

The Dawn precinct, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/group-gsa">Group GSA</a> embodies Sekisui House’s global “Love of Humanity” philosophy, integrating sustainability, technology and liveability into every design detail. Residents will enjoy abundant green space, energy efficient features and a direct connection to the future Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 and Melrose Park Town Centre set to open in 2026.

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As part of the NSW government’s long-term commitment to the local community, work recently commenced on the new Melrose Park High School, a state-of-the-art education facility designed to accommodate more than 1,000 students. The school will be within walking distance to Dawn and will become a cornerstone of the precinct’s family friendly environment.

Melrose Park’s smart community vision includes EV charging stations, environmental monitoring systems with Western Sydney University and NBN node to residence connectivity. With over $216 million in planning contributions committed to local and state infrastructure, this project supports NSW’s 30-minute city goal, ensuring residents can live, work and play within easy reach of key employment and lifestyle hubs.

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Dawn’s contemporary residences all have secure basement parking and start at $649,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1.259 million for three-bedrooms.&nbsp;

The project will also overlook Central Park which spans nearly two hectares and features barbeque and picnic areas, children’s play zones and walking tracks ideal for active residents and pets.

Residents will enjoy exclusive rooftop community facilities including private rooftop gardens, beautifully landscaped podium parks and internal courtyard gardens.

Construction of Dawn, which is being led by regarded builder Decode, will be completed by Q1 2028, adding to Sekisui House’s pipeline of more than 9,000 homes and apartments under development across Australia.

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Staff Writer

Premier Chris Minns turns sod at Dawn Melrose Park as construction commences

Southport is set for one of its tallest new apartment developments in recent years with the approval of Malua, a 32-level tower just one row back from Broadwater.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/malua-18-22-norman-street-southport-qld-4215">Norman St tower</a> will comprise 151 apartments within the Southport Priority Development Area. The three adjoining lots, totalling 1,215 sqm, are currently occupied by three two-storey buildings, one a house, and two duplexes.

The majority of the apartments will be two-bedders (126), with just five one-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedrooms. There will be three basement levels, three podium levels, and a rooftop communal space with a pool, gym, private dining areas and business hub facilities.

<img alt="Malua" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21ab3437-de39-432c-b991-f33227b606dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-06%20at%208.41.37%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_dOcjcvmSMyn6utzzviBVCAgDp5ZCo_N" />

There had been prior approval for a 14-storey building, however those plans became financially unviable.

“The proposed development seeks to resolve financial viability issues of the existing development approval by providing a higher density development with a more favourable unit mix and streamlined design,” the planning report submitted to the Gold Coast City Council noted.

Plus Studio designed the tower which "aims to contribute positively to the evolving Southport skyline, with vertical relief elements, sculpted facades, and rooftop crowning features."

“When stepping into the lobby from Norman Street, pedestrians and residents pass through a sculpted podium of lush green foliage in an earthy entry experience,” Plus wrote in its design report, emphasising the landscape-led approach to the podium and ground plane.

<img alt="Malua" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="694202c2-be8f-4cde-be26-a494293058a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-06%20at%208.42.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NOIFuolMkoE8vNerov63rnbFRk_TnYUy" />

There is renewed confidence in the development market in Southport. Buyers have jumped at the chance to buy at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maris-southport-20-queen-street-southport-qld-4215">Maris</a>, the latest local Gold Coast development by MRCB. Over 75 per cent of the 192 apartments have been snapped up prior to launching to the market.&nbsp;

The last notable launch in the suburb was in late 2023 when <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eden-garden-residences-20-bauer-street-southport">Eden Garden Residences</a> hit the market. The 54 apartments, on the corner of Bauer Street and Chester Terrace, are under construction and due to complete in mid-2026.

Joel Robinson

First look: Southport tower Malua to rise 32 levels in latest Gold Coast approval

Woolworths Group’s development arm, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fabcot">Fabcot</a>, has unveiled its latest mixed-use development.

They are seeking to reshape a prominent site in Gladesville, on the northern edge of the town centre. They've filed a&nbsp;State Significant Development Application for the amalgamated 5,623 sqm block with street frontages to Victoria Road and Eltham Street that will see <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/363-victoria-road-gladesville-nsw-2111">two buildings with 171 apartments</a> sit above an activated retail ground plane.

The tallest tower, at 13 storeys, will face Victoria Road and home 115 dwellings. A smaller nine-sytorey tower, stepping down to Eltham Street, will have the remaining 56 apartments.

The towers will rise above a podium containing a full-line 3,800 sqm Woolworths supermarket and cafe, activating along the Westminster and Eltham Street frontages.

<img alt="Fabcot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="da042a40-288e-41b8-becc-080f235a3717" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-06%20at%208.13.26%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=n99ay71Clcy6WLP4Uajw2ph6BA61wboV" />

The residential offering will include 19 one-bedroom, 118 two-bedroom, and 34 three-bedroom apartments. Residents will have access to rooftop communal terraces on both buildings, as well as a podium-level garden, contributing a total of 1,411 sqm of communal open space.

According to the Urban Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke">ClarkeHopkinsClarke</a>, “The massing places height and density along Victoria Road, reinforcing its role as the commercial spine, while stepping down towards neighbouring areas to ensure appropriate scale transitions.”&nbsp;

The design draws inspiration from the local geology and waterways, with curving tower forms and a warm, tactile material palette referencing Hawkesbury sandstone and nearby riverine landscapes.

The proposal also includes basement parking across three to four levels, accommodating 392 car spaces - 190 for retail and 202 for residents.

<img alt="Fabcot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1a01073-9a13-4ba7-9c14-43c84a751e26" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-06%20at%208.13.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KSImA_iSQiIgSRMswm7.5Sg.WRZ0fZjg" />

Fabcot is aiming to deliver a “landmark building with civic presence,” leveraging the prominent corner site to anchor the precinct’s urban renewal.

“The building’s corner location and carefully sculpted form establish it as a landmark for North Gladesville,” the Urban Design Report notes.

ClarkeHopkinsClarke has previously collaborated on other Woolworths mixed-use projects, and here again deploys stepped setbacks, articulation, and extensive landscaping to manage bulk and enhance street-level engagement. A colonnaded brick base provides texture and rhythm to the podium, while upper levels curve softly to maximise views and cross-ventilation.

The development sits within the North Gladesville Precinct, an area earmarked for transformation under Ryde’s local planning strategy. It is well-served by bus connections along Victoria Road and within proximity to community infrastructure, schools, and riverside parkland.

Gladesville is set for a full transformation with developer Third.i also planning a major mixed-use development in the area. They are seeking to redevelop the Gladesville Village Shopping Centre into an&nbsp;integrated precinct with more than 500 apartments, a new supermarket, and significant public domain upgrades.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-third-i-plots-500-unit-redevelopment-of-gladesville-village-shopping-centre">First look: Third.i plots 500-unit redevelopment of Gladesville Village Shopping Centre</a>

Fabcot reveals mixed-use plans for Gladesville town centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/omaya">Omaya</a> has brought to market a boutique collection of completed, two-storey terraces on Telopea Avenue in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/homebush-west-nsw-2140">Homebush West</a>, offering buyers the opportunity to move straight into brand-new homes in a connected inner-west location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/telopea-avenue-homebush-west-24-36-telopea-avenue-homebush-west-nsw-2140">Telopea Avenue</a> comprises four-bedroom terraces with internal basement parking, designed to balance functionality with contemporary interiors.

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Each residence is arranged across two levels, with layouts tailored to families seeking more space or downsizers wanting low-maintenance living without compromise. Skylights and large windows maximise natural light throughout the interiors, while private terraces and balconies extend living outdoors.

Inside, hybrid timber flooring flows through living and bedroom spaces, complemented by built-in wardrobes with polyurethane finishes and melamine shelving.&nbsp;

Kitchens feature Bianco Imperial Granite benchtops and splashbacks, paired with Smeg appliances including a five-burner gas cooktop, oven, rangehood, and integrated dishwasher.&nbsp;

Bathrooms continue the refined detailing with porcelain tiling, granite accents, gun metal tapware, and integrated LED lighting.

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Landscaped surrounds create a sense of greenery within the community, while individual home designs ensure each terrace retains its own character.

Positioned within a quiet residential pocket, the project sits only minutes from the activity centres of Strathfield, North Strathfield, Homebush, and Lidcombe, as well as the broader lifestyle and employment precinct of Sydney Olympic Park.

Residents also benefit from the project’s proximity to transport and amenity. Homebush and Flemington stations provide direct rail access to the Sydney CBD, with major road connections including Parramatta Road and the M4 close by.&nbsp;

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Local shops, Sydney Markets, and Strathfield Plaza cater to daily needs, while the area is well-serviced by schools, childcare centres, and universities.&nbsp;

Nearby Sydney Olympic Park and Bicentennial Park add further lifestyle appeal, offering walking trails, sports facilities, and year-round cultural events.

The terraces are delivered by Omaya, a family-run Sydney developer and builder with more than 35 years of experience and over 1,000 dwellings in its pipeline.

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Omaya delivers complete and move-in ready terraces on Telopea Avenue, Homebush West

Melbourne-based developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/las-group">LAS Group</a> has this month received planning approval for two adjoining sites, 101 Clarendon Street and 38 Clarke Street in Southbank, that will add around $700 million to the developer’s pipeline on completion.

The two sites were purchased from Crown in 2023 and occupy the same city block as the iconic Casino complex, acquired in an on-market transaction, consisting of multiple titles that were being used as warehouses and low-rise office space.

The resulting permits will see the delivery of two towers consisting of 52 and 25 levels, both to be designed by Fender Katsalidis.

LAS Group’s successful planning approvals are among only a select few new development sites in Southbank to receive a permit in the last three years, as appropriate sites become even more scarce in the popular city-side location.

The projects will enjoy immediate walking access to Crown Casino, South Wharf, the Aquarium, Southbank and the wider Yarra River walk precinct that features a plethora of restaurants, bars and other hospitality and entertainment offerings.

The Fender Katsalidis-designed towers will feature intricate brick masonry and arched windows at street level that will add character to the Southbank streetscape, with sleek towers rising above each podium.

The larger of the two towers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/101-clarendon-street-southbank-vic-3006">101 Clarendon Street</a>, will have 509 apartments across a 52-level building that wuill also include a resident&nbsp;lounge, private dining room, podcast room, golf simulator, co-working spaces, pet care facilities, and an outdoor terrace.

That is expected to complete in 2029.

<img alt="Clarendon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9d8595a7-d225-4532-86a9-d3c5ca7407d4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-05%20at%208.28.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=quwbfnhk5Vf6yR1Qj0GQtt0EjeIsKMci" /> 
The podium at 101 Clarendon Street. Image supplied

The smaller tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-42-clarke-street-southbank-vic-3006">38 Clarke Street</a> will be around half the size at 25 levels and home 188 apartments, a pool, gym, cold plunge, and sauna. That is expected to complete in 2028.

&nbsp;

LAS Group has a long history of developing key sites across Australia, including The Fawkner on St Kilda Road and Guild Apartments in Southbank, as well as holding significant interests in retail, mixed-use and storage facilities across Australia.

<img alt="38 Clarke" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d871b034-d2a4-490f-b9eb-b9d4b99a04c5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-05%20at%208.28.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=J3fWfemsLPQzXekl_h0QlsXoWFnRbfRF" /> 
38 Clarke Street, Southbank. Image supplied

LAS Group director and founder Les Smith said the planning approvals had come at a time when confidence was returning to the market and the need to deliver quality apartment stock in Melbourne’s inner suburbs was becoming critical to help ease the housing and affordability crisis.

“These planning approvals are the outcome of a collaborative process with multiple stakeholders and we are grateful for the involvement and support of Melbourne Water, the Department of Transport and Planning, Melbourne City Council and Property Council of Australia along the way," Smith said.

“We have a huge affinity for Melbourne believe the macro and micro economic factors that underpin long-term growth mean it is currently undervalued compared to other capital cities around Australia.

“Confidence is starting to return given the recent interest rate drops and the buoyancy in the economic climate, so we believe the time is right to bring these two new projects to market in the coming months."

LAS Group General Manager, Mia Smith said the design intent was to bring a sense of place to Southbank from the ground level and contribute positively to the thriving entertainment precinct, while delivering good quality, affordable stock to the market.

“These projects will deliver product that is affordable and accessible, while delivering a beautiful building with luxury appointments, in a wonderful location that’s next door to Crown Casino and the Southbank entertainment precinct, and on the doorstep to the CBD," Smith said.

“We are incredibly pleased with the designs that Fender Katsalidis have proposed and we are excited to make a positive impact to the urban design of this important pocket of Southbank with these exceptional design outcomes.”

LAS Group to build 700 apartments across two towers on Crown Casino’s former Southbank sites

Reiq

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The latest Real Estate Institute of Queensland vacancy data for the December 2020 quarter shows Brisbane’s inner city rental market is seeing a comeback. 

Having rocketed to almost 5% in the June Quarter, rental vacancies in the CBD have eased to 3.3%. 

“The market has yet to fully rebound,” Antonia Mercorella, CEO of the REIQ advised.

Rental vacancies around the city’s middle ring remain tight, including Hawthorne (1.4%), New Farm (1.9%), Paddington (2.1%) and St Lucia (1.7%). 

Further out into Brisbane’s outer ring and vacancies are even tighter, including Camp Hill (1.3%), Cannon Hill (1.4%), Holland Park (1.2%) and Moorooka (1.3%). 

“In the last six months we’ve witnessed some record lows across capital city suburbs; figures we’ve certainly not seen for well over a decade,” Ms. Mercorella noted.

“It’s a similar scenario as you travel around the wider regions of Brisbane including Ipswich, Logan, Morton Bay and Redlands which all have uncomfortably low stock levels around 1%.” 

Across the State’s regional areas, Cairns (1.2%), Cassowary Coast (1.1%), Isaac (1.2%), Mareeba (1.5%) and the Whitsundays (1.4%) saw vacancies rise above 1%. 

However, for the remaining regional Queensland, rental vacancies have plunged further to record an all-time median low of 0.575% including Bundaberg (0.4%), Fraser Coast (0.6%), Hervey Bay (0.9%), Mackay (0.7%), Toowoomba (0.7%) and Townsville (0.7%). 

Rockhampton recorded the lowest rental vacancies for the December 2020 quarter at 0.2%. 

“During the pandemic, the Palaszczuk Government introduced a range of measures keeping tenants in place for longer which is part of the reason we have incredibly low rental availability across Queensland,” says Ms. Mercorella. 

“We have also seen a significant amount of interstate migration, with renters also moving to Queensland, so all of these factors have contributed to our current tight vacancy rates.”

The popular destination for interstate migration, the Sunshine Coast hasn’t shifted in months, firmly gripped at 0.3%. 

Many areas such as Buddina (0.3%), Caloundra (0.3%), Maroochydore (0.5%), Noosa (0.4%) and Sunrise Beach (0.5%) have continued to tighten marginally over the last three months.

The Gold Coast isn’t far behind, with Surfers Paradise, which recorded more than 2,100 vacant rentals at the peak of the pandemic nine months ago, currently at 0.7% stock availability. 

“In fact, its rental market has rebounded beyond pre-COVID levels to reach a record low never before recorded,” she said.

The record low vacancies reported across the entire Gold Coast include Arundel (0.6%), Labrador (0.7%), Oxenford (0.1%), Runaway Bay (0.5%) and Southport (0.7%) and in the south, Broadbeach (0.8%), Currumbin (0.3%), Miami (0.2%), Palm Beach (0.3%) and Varsity Lakes (0.6%). 
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Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Toowoomba and Townsville have seen their rental vacancies plunge to record an all-time median low


jchancellor

Record low rental vacancies across regional and coastal Queensland

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Antonia Mercorella, the CEO of the REIQ says the Queensland Government's proposed measures in the COVID-19 are the most onerous of their kind for property owners across all the states.
With landlords and real estate professionals emailing hundreds of letters to the Premier opposing the proposed measures, the REIQ is calling on the Palaszczuk Government to amend aspects of the proposed laws set to be debated in parliament today.
The measures include a rental grant of up to $2000 per person for COVID-19 affected tenants who have exhausted all other financial options.   
The REIQ wants the legislation to have rent deferrals rather than permanent rent waiver rights for tenants.
"This aligns with the Federal Government model and framework adopted/being adopted in other jurisdictions," Antonia Mercorella said.
“We support the protection of tenants who are in financial distress due to this pandemic.
"However, the scope of these proposed measures are too broad in their application.
"In fact, they are the most onerous of their kind for property owners across all Australian jurisdictions to date.”
The REIQ is calling for a minimum income reduction threshold for tenants to meet before they qualify for the protection measures as in New South Wales, a 25% income reduction requirement applies.
It also wants a standard requirement for tenants to substantiate a rent reduction request to allow landlords to make properly informed and fair decisions about rent reductions.
It seeks to scrap the proposed break lease right that allows tenants to simply walk away from tenancy agreements with only one weeks’ notice notwithstanding that those tenants are afforded all the other protections provided under the Renter Protection Package; and to also remove the proposed automatic right to a 6-month tenancy agreement extension which in effect introduces a 12-month moratorium in Queensland with the consequential imposition of permanent rent waivers that would be extended over this additional period.
“The current protection measures clearly ignore the voices and rights of property owners.
"Property owners, like tenants, are entitled to be supported by COVID-19 regulatory protections that support the entire rental market,” says Ms. Mercorella.
"And once landlords discover the true extent of these distorted reforms, it will cause a revolt of a kind not seen before in a residential tenancy context.”
Queensland, like NSW, will both provide up to a 25 percent discount on land tax for the 2020 calendar year as part of packages worth $400 million and $440 million respectively, on the proviso savings are passed to tenants in the form of rental relief.
 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

REIQ leads revolt against Queensland Government's COVID-19 tenancy protections

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is seeking urgent action from the Queensland State Government to assist in maintaining the stability of the Queensland property market in the face of the economic impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Queensland’s residential real estate sector is worth over $1 trillion and employs over 50,000 Queenslanders directly with many more employed in associated industries. Activity within the real estate sector contributes in excess of $30 billion every year to the Queensland Government.
Protecting and sustaining the Queensland real estate sector is critical to safeguarding our property market and supporting our local economy. In order to do so, strong action needs to be taken.
The REIQ has proactively developed a set of recommendations and proposed initiatives that will assist in minimising the potential economic impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the real estate sector. In order to maintain stability and optimism in the Queensland property market during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, The REIQ is urgently asking the Queensland State Government to:
a. Extend the First Home Buyers Grant to established housing: Expanding the First Home Buyers Grant beyond new construction will stimulate economic activity through the introduction of increased numbers of first home buyers to the broader property market. 
b. Implement a 50% reduction in development application costs across all Local Governments and introduce streamlined application processes: Removing barriers to development and reducing costs will assist to boost construction levels, increase competition and importantly, reduce cost for the end purchaser.
c. Deliver a 75% reduction in stamp duty for the period of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: A short-term, but significant, reduction in stamp duty payable on property transactions will have a positive effect on confidence within the property market. This, in turn, will offset the predicted drop in real estate transactions expected during the immediate crisis period. 
Lessening the financial burden of stamp duty in particular will lessen the perceived financial risk and act as a significant incentive to purchasers who may otherwise be discouraged from purchasing during this crucial period.
Similarly, such an initiative would encourage vendors to list their properties during the coronavirus period, buoyed by the likelihood of increased buyer activity.
In the 18 months following the end of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, The REIQ are urgently seeking the following further stamp duty related reforms to continue to support and stimulate the property market, which include:
a. Removal of stamp duty for persons aged 65+ years: This will encourage older Queenslanders to move into age-appropriate accommodation by reducing the financial burden of such a move. A likely consequence of this would be greater access to housing stock for younger Queenslanders.
b. A 50% reduction in stamp duty where residential investment property purchases are committed to the permanent rental market in Queensland for 3 years or more: A significant reduction in stamp duty for residential investment properties will have the effect of stimulating property investment in Queensland.
c. A 40% reduction in stamp duty for all other residential property purchases: A significant reduction in stamp duty payable on non-investment residential property purchases will have the effect of instilling confidence into the property market and provide incentive to individuals Australia-wide to consider migration to Queensland.
In calling for a 50% reduction in stamp duty for property purchases committed to the permanent rental market for 3 years or more (b), a natural consequence of the Prime Minister’s rental eviction moratorium and similar measure introduced to combat the financial impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is that property investors (current or prospective) are likely to lose confidence in residential real estate as a viable investment option. 
Queensland has rapidly growing residential rental demand, a situation likely to be exacerbated by the financial impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The combination of increased rental demand and decreased property investment is a looming social time bomb. More than 90% of Queensland residential investment property supply is provided by ‘mum and dad’ investors who are most likely to be sensitive to increased risk to their property investment returns.
A significant decrease in stamp duty payable on residential investment properties, qualified by enforceable commitment by investors to making that property available to the permanent rental market, will have the dual effects of stimulating investment confidence and activity. It will position Queensland as a highly attractive investment market and ensure adequate supply is maintained to meet increasing demand.
To support property owner generally impacted by potential reductions in rental income, and households financially impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19), The REIQ is also urgently requesting the Queensland State Government to facilitate the following:
a. Provide a significant reduction or temporary removal of land tax for the period of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic;
b. Waive local government rates for those who have lost their income as a result of this crisis; and,
c. Implement a 50% discount on local government rates to assist household budgets and assist in stimulating the Queensland economy. 
Finally, to directly support the real estate profession that provide front line contact with participants in the property market and an invaluable service to property owners, investors and tenants, both commercial and residential, The REIQ is urgently seeking the Queensland State Government to:
a. Provide a 12-month extension to all existing licence and registration holders in Queensland, commencing 1 May 2020;
b. Provide Queensland State Government funding to The REIQ to assist it to continue to provide essential resources, training and support to the real estate industry, during the coronavirus (COVID-19) period and beyond; and,
c. Provide Queensland State Government funding to establish a Property Think Tank to identify new initiatives to maintain and regenerate local property markets and create opportunities and jobs within the real estate sector, with the consequential benefit being the continued generation of State Government revenue.
The REIQ believes that it isn’t enough to put money in people’s pockets during this time; instead, we need maintain confidence in the Queensland property market and assist the real estate sector to ride out this crisis and emerge stronger and more resilient for the benefit of all Queenslanders.
The REIQ fundamentally believe these relief package measures will keep Queenslanders employed within the State’s second largest employment sector, keep essential services functioning at this critical time, and most importantly accelerate our State economy’s recovery once this crisis has passed.
ANTONIA MERCORELLA is the CEO of the REIQ 
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REIQ urgently calls on State Government to protect Queensland property market: Antonia Mercorella

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The REIQ has begun a digital campaign to alert voters to the "threat" of Labor’s negative gearing reforms.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the campaign, called Stand For Stability, "will educate voters about the true impact of Labor’s very damaging negative gearing reforms, an impact that will affect every member of the community through devaluing assets, rising rents and lost government revenue."
“Labor’s proposed changes to negative gearing will be disastrous, adding further pressure to our fragile housing market by pushing down house prices, devaluing people’s biggest asset – their home or their investment property – and pushing up rents,” Ms Mercorella said. 
She highlighted recent concerns that many people don't understand what the proposed changes to negative gearing are and the effect it will have. 
Notably recent research from SQM has suggested rents could rise as much as 22 per cent if the reforms are introduced. 
Ms Mercorella said, “the research is very clear, the economy is facing challenges and the threat to growth is real. Labor will worsen housing affordability for renters through these reforms. Further, if recent reports are accurate, it is clear their policies are based on misleading, inaccurate data.”
“Why would Labor add fuel to the fire with these massive changes to negative gearing structures and capital gains tax arrangements? It’s reckless,” Ms Mercorella concluded
The online campaign will include animated videos, social media tiles and long form articles leading viewers and voters to <a id="LPlnk900533" href="http://reiq.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0yMDM0MTExJnA9MSZ1PTUxMzY3MDk2OSZsaT0xODA1NTI3MQ/index" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">StandForStability.com.au</a>.
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REIQ CEO calls Labor's negative gearing policy reckless and disastrous

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The inner Brisbane market has reported a sharp rise in rental vacancies, a lift from 2.1 per cent to 4.0 per cent in the December quarter.
But while this may seem a big jump, it’s actually not unusual for this market in the December quarter, the REIQ suggest.
"The 0-5km ring empties of renters in the Christmas/early January period and vacancies rise," said the REIQ chief Antonia Mercorella.
There has been an almost-decade long pattern of higher vacancies in December followed by a fall in the March quarter as the market returns to business as usual.
There was also a fall in the June and September quarters last year too in the inner city.
Brisbane’s middle ring (5-20km) held rock steady at 2.0 per cent from September to the December quarter. This closes out a very stable year for this region. In December 2017 the middle ring was 2.1 per cent, before it bumped up to 2.8 per cent in the March quarter. The June and September quarters were 2.1 per cent and 2.0 per cent respectively. The market forces of supply and demand are well balanced in this section of the market.
Brisbane LGA eased by 0.5 per cent, moving from a tight 2.0 per cent closer to a healthy ranking of 2.5 per cent. For most of 2017 this market averaged around 3.0 per cent to 3.5 per cent. Throughout 2018 it tightened a little as the more affordable middle ring lured tenants away from the central suburbs. But as supply to the inner city apartment market slows, it’s possible we’ll start to see this market tighten again over the coming year.
The Greater Brisbane region tightened from 2.4 per cent to 2.3 per cent.
A combination of factors is triggering investor nervousness in the Queensland rental market as the REIQ is seeing a slowdown in investor activity.
"Local agents in pockets of the southeast corner are reporting falling sales volumes, attributable to the perfect storm of real estate headwinds of tightened lending criteria, the legislation review, and the pending federal election," said Antonia Mercorella.
"As federal election campaigning begins to ramp up uncertainty around potential negative gearing adjustments and capital gains tax changes have caused many investors to hit pause on possible buying activity.
"The REIQ is hearing from agents that financing is causing contracts to fall over.
"We’re seeing tightened lending restrictions slowing both investors and first home buyers from getting into the market.
"The State Government’s ongoing review of the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act is adding to the unease, particularly given the types of changes introduced in Victoria following a similar review of its rental legislation.
"Investors are concerned about a loss of control over their asset and worry about unwieldy legislation that will reduce their rights while ramping up concessions to tenants," she said.
Outer Brisbane (Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay and Redland) tightened from 2.8 per cent to 2.0 per cent, moving from healthy to tight. This market is being dragged into tight territory by the Redlands, which fell from 4.8 per cent to 1.6 per cent.
Ipswich tightened from 2.4 per cent to 1.8 per cent. Local agents report some jitters from investors who are nervous about the ongoing State Government review of the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act. The population grew from 166,904 in 2011 to 193,733 – a gain of 26,829. This will add to the strain on rental accommodation.
Logan tightened from 3.5 per cent to 2. 4 per cent. This market has moved from healthy into tight and, similar to Ipswich, is partially feeling the impact of population growth. From 2011 to 2016, the population of Logan grew by more than 25,000, or the equivalent of more than 5,000 people a year. With many regions reporting muted investor activity this population growth will push vacancy rates lower.
Moreton Bay held steady at 2.0 per cent, the same as the September quarter. Home to North Lakes, one of the fastest growing SA2s in Queensland, according to ABS data, a stable vacancy rate of 2.0 per cent is noteworthy and indicates a region where supply and demand are well balanced. 
<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/2019/2/25/REIQ2.jpg" alt="">
The Gold Coast's December quarter vacancy rate saw a jump in the vacancy rate from 1.7 per cent to 4.8 per cent.
Several projects have been completed and added to the rental pool.
The largest of these is JLL’s Smith Collective build-to-rent dwellings.
The precinct has around 1251 dwellings, with first tenants moving in last month.   
Other developments have come online in Varsity, Broadbeach, Miami, Burleigh and Robina.
Agents are indicating that the market is price sensitive and tenants have choice, conditions that are relatively new to this market.
The REIQ signalled the third stand-out result for the December quarter was the Redlands, which tightened from 4.8 per cent to 1.6 per cent.
"This result represents a return to business as usual for this region which historically reports around 2 per cent vacancies," 
"The September result of 4.8 per cent was an outlier."
Local agents report that there has been noticeably less activity in the December/January period than usual.
Tenants are staying put, one property manager reported, summarising the general consensus on Redlands.
The Sunshine Coast SD (Sunshine Coast LGA and Noosa Shire combined) has tightened and is now firmly classified a tight rental market.
The vacancy rate has dropped from 2.4 per cent to 1.8 per cent. These tightened conditions will continue to exert upward pressure on prices and it is likely we will see some movement in rents if these conditions continue.
 
 
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Inner Brisbane vacancy rate jumps to 4 percent: REIQ

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Real estate peak body, The Real Estate Institute of Queensland, together with REA Group, the owners of listing portals realestate.com.au and Flatmates.com.au, have worked to establish a short-term solution for Townsville’s potential housing shortfall.
As the flooded homes are slowly cleaned up, displaced Townsville residents, along with workers flying into the city to help with repairs and clean-up efforts, may struggle to find suitable accommodation.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said she had seen this situation in other areas facing disasters, including the Whitsundays after Cyclone Debbie in 2017. 
"The displaced locals whose homes have flooded and the hundreds of workers who have come to the area to start on repairs place a strain on available accommodation.
“Flatmates.com.au will waive listing fees for those in Townsville who are opening their homes, rent free to anyone in need of short-term accommodation during the massive clean-up operation,” Ms Mercorella said.
“It’s difficult to forecast how severe the housing shortfall might be, but this kind of creative and proactive solution should help ease some of the strain on the housing supply,” she said. 
Single rooms are well suited to tradespeople who are only in town for short periods and this will hopefully free up larger housing accommodation for families who have lost their home and property.
<a id="LPlnk632194" href="http://reiq.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0yMDE1MTM0JnA9MSZ1PTUxMzY3MDk2OSZsaT0xNzc1NDQ3Mg/index" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Flatmates.com.au</a> general manager, Simon Hope, said housing solutions was at the heart of what REA Group is all about.
“We wanted to help by offering a solution that brings together those who have spare accommodation and those who are in need of accommodation in a simple and effective way,” he said.
 “This solution is about helping the people of Townsville get back on their feet, so Flatmates.com.au will be waiving all fees for those people offering rent free accommodation.” he said.
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REIQ and REA partner to ease Townsville housing shortfall

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Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast all posted record annual median house prices in the September quarter of the REIQ Queensland Market Monitor report. 
The Sunshine Coast was the best performer, delivering a 6.3 percent growth to a new median house price high of $595,000.
The Brisbane annual median house price grew 2.3 per cent to a new high of $675,000, while the Gold Coast grew 3.8 per cent to $629,000.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the strength of growth proved that Queensland real estate was a good investment and could be relied upon to deliver capital growth.
“While other markets around the country are struggling in the face of tightened lending criteria and cooling investor appetite, the southeast corner of Queensland continues to deliver steady, sustainable growth,” Mercorella said.
<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/2018/12/11/REIQ1.jpg" alt="">
“Queensland’s economy is proving itself to be a good performer, against a backdrop of national gloom, with new jobs bringing population growth and demand for housing,” she said.
“The southeast corner is our powerhouse, without a doubt, but additionally we’re seeing strong results in regions that have been struggling.
“The resources sector is improving and we’re seeing regions such as Mackay and areas of western Queensland firmly in recovery.”
The unit market has not fared so well and has delivered largely softer results across the state as this product battles against oversupply issues.
Brisbane LGA annual median unit price fell 2.2 per cent to $440,000. This market is now only 5.5 per cent stronger than it was five years ago.
The Gold Coast unit market, which is the biggest unit market in the state with more than 10,000 sales per year, fell 1.6 per cent to an annual median unit price of $425,000.
“This is the first time we’ve been clear in the post-Comms Game period and it’s encouraging to see that the market is bubbling along," Mercorella said.
Click here to enlarge.
<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/2018/12/11/REIQ3.jpg" alt="">
"The house market has delivered good growth and the unit market is still absorbing some small oversupply, but on the whole we remaining optimistic for this market,” Ms Mercorella said.
The Sunshine Coast SD bucked the trend, adding 3.1 per cent to the annual median unit price, to reach $430,000.
Noosa was the strongest performing house and unit market for the 12 months to September 2018. The Noosa median house price grew 8.7 per cent to a stunning $715,000. The median unit price grew a breathtaking 12.2 per cent to a new record price of $550,000.
“This market has roared up to the top of the table and completely smashed the growth trends,” Ms Mercorella said. 
“The demand for living in Noosa, either in a house or unit, seems to be almost insatiable,” she said.
It was a mixed bag for houses in the regional markets.
Whitsundays saw a huge increase of 10.8 percent over the year to see its median house price reach $360,000. Mackay roared back to post a 5.6 percent growth in the annual median house price. 
Cairns (1.2%), Fraser Coast (1.1%) and Toowoomba (0.6%) saw their median house price grow, with Bundaberg remaining steady. 
The house price markets in Rockhampton eased 0.8 percent, while Townsville (-4.5%) and Gladstone prices fell significantly again, down 8.1 percent to $266,500.
 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast all post record annual median house prices in September Quarter

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Almost 70 Queensland suburbs delivered double digit house price growth over 12 months to June, according to the latest REIQ research from the Queensland Market Monitor report.
There were 11 suburbs that reached an annual house price growth of more than 20 percent.
The top performing was Blackwater in the Central Highlands region not far from Rockhampton, which saw its prices soar 151%.
Spring Mountain near Ipswich grew over 103%, while there was more success all along the Queensland coast.
House prices in Collinsville, inland from the Whitsundays rose 46% over the year, during which Minyama (45%), Hollywell (30%), Mount Coolum (pictured above, 22%), Dundooran in Hervey Bay (21%) and Idalia in Townsville (21%) grew as the coasts best performers.
Hamilton (33%), Miles (23%), and Boonah (21%) were the inlands best performers also secured over the 20 percent growth mark.
Click here to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/11/7/top-qld.jpg" target="_blank">enlarge the full list.</a>
<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/2018/11/7/top-qld.jpg" alt="">
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said while many headlines predicted doom and gloom for the property market, the reality was very different with many markets in Queensland performing exceptionally well.
“A total of 68 suburbs throughout Queensland have delivered double-digit growth over 12 months, which is a really strong result,” Mercorella said.
“And there are m any more suburbs delivering strong single-digit growth. It’s a great market to be in at the moment.”
“The top area delivering the strongest growth has been Blackwater, with 151 per cent growth. This is a results of the resurgence in coal prices and the low base starting point."
A total of 41 suburbs in the southeast corner dominated the list of top performers for capital growth in Queensland, comprising around 60 percent of all 68 suburbs included on the list.
Mercorella however suggested the suburbs delivering good growth are not all focused in the southeast corner, with a liberal sprinkling of suburbs throughout central and northern Queensland.
“This spread of suburbs is a good indication that Queensland real estate is delivering steady sustainable growth across the board. We’re seeing growth outside the southeast corner,” Ms Mercorella said.
Mercorella cautioned against celebrating another ‘boom’.  
“While we’re definitely seeing prices come back in western Queensland mining towns, such as Blackwater, these prices are still below their peak. It’s unlikely we’ll see a return to pre-2013 prices in those areas anytime soon,” she said. 
A total of 13 suburbs in Brisbane LGA made the list of top performers for the past year. Hamilton was the fifth strongest performer in Queensland and the best performer in Brisbane LGA.
House prices in Hamilton increased 32.9 per cent for the past year, to $1,442,000. Hamilton was also the most expensive suburb included on the list of Queensland top performers.
Other suburbs in Brisbane LGA reaching a capital growth for houses of 10 per cent or higher were Sandgate, Paddington, Mount Ommaney, Sunnybank, Graceville, Hendra, Shorncliffe, Seven Hills, Nundah, Kedron, Bulimba and Auchenflower.
Ipswich had six suburbs on the list, the Gold Coast had four and Moreton Bay had three. Redland and Logan had not suburbs on the list. 
Hollywell in the Gold Coast is listed as the sixth performer in Queensland, with houses reaching a capital growth of 30.5 per cent for the past year taking its median to $810,000.
The top performer in regional Queensland was Townsville, where there were four suburbs reaching double digit house price growth. 
Cairns and Gympie had three suburbs on the list of top performers. 
Palm Cove was the best performer in Cairns, ranking 26th within the Queensland tally. House prices in Palm Cove increased 14.3 per cent, to $606,000 in June 2018. 
The Whitsunday only reported Collinsville on the list, which is ranked third throughout the state. Collinsville is a mining town, reporting an annual capital growth for houses of 46.2 per cent, to $95,000 in June 2018.
 
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Coastal areas star as Queensland's double-digit growth suburbs are revealed: REIQ

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<div>The Queensland rental market has tightened over the year to June 2018.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The latest quarter reported 24 tight markets, up from 19 tight markets in the March quarter according to the latest report from REIQ.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Brisbane LGA ’s rental market moved from the healthy range, with vacancies of 3.1 per cent in March, to the tight range, with 2.3 per cent in June 2018.  However, this market is being described by local agents as patchy, with tenants favouring certain pockets over others.</div>
<div>
 The rental markets in Greater Brisbane, including the outer Brisbane regions of Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay and Redland, are tight with vacancies in the range of 1.2 per cent to 2.5 per cent.</div>
<div>
 The historically tight markets of the Sunshine and Gold coasts have loosened this quarter, however, they have for the most part remained within the tight range.</div>
<div>
 The Fraser Coast rental market tightened more than 1 percentage point, from 1.9 per cent to 0.8 per cent.  Regional Queensland continued strengthening this quarter, with Toowoomba, Mackay, Bundaberg, and Rockhampton operating within the tight or healthy range.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Greater Brisbane’s vacancy rates tightened to 2.2 per cent, sitting within the tight range for the first time in nearly three years.</div>
<div>
 The tightest of all markets in Queensland is South Burnett, where vacancies were recorded at 0.5 per cent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The tightest major centre rental market is Maryborough, with 0.7 per cent vacancy rate (a tightening of 1.8 per cent) from 2.5 per cent in the March quarter.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Cassowary Coast is the weakest rental market in Queensland. This market is historically weak but 5.9 per cent is an improvement on recent levels which included 11.5 per cent in December 2017.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The second weakest major centre market is Townsville at 4 per cent vacancy rate however in March 2017 the Townsville vacancy rate was 6.2 per cent.</div>
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Brisbane patchy, as REIQ reports the increasing tightness of rental markets

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The REIQ membership have voted to change the constitution, mandating two member director positions for women and one for an under-35.
To change the constitution a special resolution requires support from 75 per cent of the membership.
These changes mark a shift for the 100-year-old organisation, signifying a drive to ensure greater diversity in the boardroom and bringing it into line with modern corporate Australia.
“Women make up 50.6 per cent of the population in Queensland and yet they are under-represented at a boardroom level throughout the state,” REIQ Chairman Peter Brewer said.
“Governments and corporations are introducing these targets to ensure that a range of ideas from diverse backgrounds are heard at all levels and the REIQ is among them,” Brewer added. 
In its 100 year history, the REIQ membership has elected only seven women to the Board and only one under-35-year-old Member Director.
This constitutional change reflects the new three-year strategic plan that focuses on being more inclusive and developing a deeper understanding of our membership.
“Like all membership organisations, we are struggling to connect with younger people and we want to make sure that our decisions are made with the entire membership in mind, reflecting the diverse range of voices and experiences in the membership,” he said.
The REIQ CEO is Antonia Mercorella, the first woman to be appointed to the role in its 100-year history.
The REIQ Board already mandates two positions reserved for regional Queensland Member Directors.
The changes to the constitution will roll out over the next two years and be in full effect by 2020.
The REIQ is the peak body for real estate practitioners throughout Queensland, representing more than 15,000 real estate agents, property managers, buyers agents, business brokers, auctioneers and commercial &amp; industrial agents.
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