Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Palmera Residences fly out the door as sales pass $400 million

National property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has appointed BINAH as its construction partner for Quartet, its new Brisbane apartment development in the undersupplied suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>.

Located just two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and moments from key 2032 Olympic precincts, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet</a> will deliver 131 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments priced from $1 million to $4.2 million, combining elevated design with a wellness-focused lifestyle offering.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Goldfields’ Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan Thompson, said the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">BINAH</a> marked an important milestone for the project.&nbsp;

“Bringing BINAH on board as our construction partner will allow us to bring our vision for Quartet forward with a team that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality residential projects,” Thompson said.&nbsp;

“We’ve taken a considered approach to progressing the site because we wanted to deliver the whole package. Buyers ultimately back great developers, great projects and great builders, and with Quartet, we’ve made sure all three line up.

“People want certainty, they want to know the project will be built, that the homes will be delivered as promised, and that the developer stands behind the quality of what they create. That’s something Goldfields has built its reputation on over many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

BINAH’s Managing Director, Khalil Hafza, said the company was proud to be partnering with Goldfields to deliver Quartet.&nbsp;

“Quartet is an exciting project to bring to life, particularly given the level of detail in the residences and the extensive rooftop amenity planned for the building,” Mr Hafza said.&nbsp;

“Our focus is on delivering a high-quality build that brings that design vision to life and creates homes residents will enjoy for many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

The facilities at Quartet have been feared towards the roof, with a&nbsp;25 metre lap pool, spa, sauna and cold plunge, and a communal barbecue area and alfresco.

Town planning was designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by Melbourne-based architecture firm Cera Stribley.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/cera-stribley">Cera Stribley</a> Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Dom Cerantonio, said the project responds to both its riverside setting and Brisbane’s evolving urban character.&nbsp;

“Quartet has been designed to sit comfortably within its riverside context, offering a refined take on urban living through well-planned, generously proportioned residences that will stand the test of time,” Mr Cerantonio said.&nbsp;

“An emphasis on natural light, natural textures and carefully selected finishes from timber and marble to premium appliances, creates calm, considered interiors designed for comfort and long-term liveability.”&nbsp;

Construction of Quartet will commence in July 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Construction to commence on 131-residence tower designed around wellness-focused living

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

The first partnership between national developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> and Adelaide-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> has made a strong start, with the pair securing $21 million in unconditional sales at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-four-four-hutt-adelaide-144-hutt-street-adelaide-sa-5000">One Four Four Hutt</a>&nbsp;on the edge of the Adelaide CBD.

Over a third of apartments have been snapped up in the boutique 44-apartment project on the corner of Hutt Stret and Wakefield Road. Local downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in Adelaide's tightly-held southeast quarter have been the most prominent purchasers.

The DKO-designed, mixed-use development is one of the few new apartment projects in the precinct, an area where new housing supply has remained limited despite continued demand from buyers wanting to stay close to the CBD, Victoria Park and Adelaide's established east-end amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375378]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

"The level of early commitment reflects the confidence local buyers have in the Hutt Street precinct," Dendrinos said.

"Many purchasers are long-term east-end residents who love the area and want to stay connected to the neighbourhood. They recognise the value of a well-designed, well-located development.

"Our partnership with Otello has been central to this success, and the number of unconditional sales at this stage only strengthens our confidence in the South Australian market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375379]

Otello Director Daniel Harris said the sales result also highlighted the lack of new apartment opportunities within the Hutt Street precinct.

"One Four Four Hutt has clearly resonated with buyers, with strong early sales reflecting both the appeal of the Hutt Street corridor and the lifestyle on offer," Harris said.

"The activated ground-floor retail has also been a key drawcard, with purchasers responding to the vision of a more vibrant and connected streetscape, not just the residences themselves."

One Four Four Hutt will deliver 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of penthouses, above a ground-floor retail offering designed to further activate the Hutt Street precinct.

Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year, with completion anticipated in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151233]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

Fortis makes Adelaide debut with Otello as One Four Four Hutt records strong early sales

Reiv

<html><body>
Melbourne’s market has been described as one of the best for sellers in years – with all the stars aligned at present, according to the REIV CEO Geoff White.
He said that the Spring market was delivering everything home sellers need: solid price growth, high clearance rates and strong buyer demand.
In the September quarter, the city’s median house price increased 3.2 per cent to $740,000 Melbourne-wide, he said.
“The median price increase is taking place in tandem with a Spring clearance rate of close to 80 per cent, the highest in seven years,” he said.
“Everything is aligned for sellers, who are benefitting from strong buyer confidence and record low interest rates.”
Melbourne’s inner and middle suburbs were the main growth drivers in the September quarter with house prices in these regions up 4.2 and 3.5 per cent respectively.
After two successive quarters of strong price growth, the city’s outer suburbs recorded more moderate growth of 1.1 per cent.
He added that the top growth suburbs this quarter were widespread across the city – from Seaford in the outer south east to Williamstown and Werribee in the west.
Mr White said that Langwarrin recorded the city’s largest price growth with the median house price increasing 20 per cent over the quarter to $561,000. He added that outer suburbs remain attractive to many home buyers and investors.
“Melbourne’s more affordable areas continue to appeal to buyers seeking the value and space that the outer suburbs offer,” he said. Meanwhile, apartment prices across the city also increased in the September quarter with the metropolitan median up 2.1 per cent to $545,500.
Mr White said that although listings have not reached the peaks of 2015, the current median price and excellent clearance rates indicates that the market is as healthy as ever.
“The market shows no signs of slowing down. The September quarter was stronger than expected and the market is only expected to improve with more than 4,000 auctions forecast for October.”
QUARTERLY OVERVIEW – SEPTEMBER QUARTER 2016
<table style="width: 495px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" valign="bottom" nowrap width="257">
Top 10 Growth Suburbs (Quarterly)
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="90">
 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="64">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="92">
 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="90">
 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="64">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
 
</td>
<td width="141">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="92">
Sep-16 Median
</td>
<td width="90">
Jun-16 Median
</td>
<td width="64">
Quarterly Change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
1
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
LANGWARRIN
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$561,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$467,550
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
20.0%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
2
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
WILLIAMSTOWN
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$1,353,750
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$1,140,500
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
18.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
3
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
SEAFORD
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$605,500
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$516,500
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
17.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
4
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
FOOTSCRAY
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$855,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$745,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
14.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
5
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
FRANKSTON
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$504,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$440,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
14.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
6
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
MALVERN EAST
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$1,914,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$1,681,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
13.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
7
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
KEW
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$2,153,500
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$1,907,500
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
12.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
8
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
BRUNSWICK
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$1,056,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$935,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
12.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
9
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
GLEN WAVERLEY
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$1,290,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$1,150,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
12.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
10
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
ALTONA NORTH
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$788,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$702,500
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
12.2%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Langwarrin tops Melbourne's price growth climb: REIV

<html><body>
Victorian property values are continuing to defy gloomy price predictions and are holding firm, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria president Leah Calnan says.
The REIV's September quarter statistics suggest only metropolitan houses and regional units contracted over the quarter.
"Despite six months of COVID-19, lockdowns and moratoriums, the Victorian Property Market continues to prosper with properties remaining more valuable than they were in 2019” Ms Calnan said.
“Our members have faced so many challenges in 2020, their work and efforts are evidenced in the September Quarter results.”
“REIV market statistics are based on results directly sourced from agents and government records and provide a true picture of Victorian real estate”
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/12/melb%20v%20region.png" alt="">
Apartments in Melbourne rose 0.2 per cent over the September quarter, to a $622,500 median, up 5.4 per cent over the last 12 months.
Melbourne house values declined -1.7 per cent, down to a median $846,000, but are still 7.4 per cent up over the last 12 months.
It's been Melbourne's middle ring which have suffered the greatest losses, down -2.8 per cent on the quarter to take its median below then $1 million mark.
House values in inner Melbourne and outer Melbourne rose over the September quarter, but units went backwards in outer Melbourne (-0.3 per cent), compared to a big jump in inner Melbourne (+1.8 per cent).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/12/inner%20melb.png" alt="">
Houses in regional Victoria were the best performing market, recording 5.1 per cent growth for the quarter, taking houses to a $442,500 median. 
Regional units fell -3.1 per cent over the quarter, to a $327,000 median, but are eight per cent up over the last 12 months.
Transactions in Melbourne plummeted by 31 per cent compared to the June quarter due to the tighter restrictions in place, however sales in regional Victoria soared by 15 per cent.
 
 
 
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Victorian property values defy gloomy price predictions: REIV

<html><body>
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria is calling on the Victoria government to allow one-on-one inspections of properties.
The VIC peak body says inspections will help save a number of Victorians from financial distress and homelessness.
REIV chief executive Gil King says what they are asking for is "absolutely safe".
“We understand that the larger gatherings at public auctions and open houses are a risk", King says.
"That is not what we are asking for.  
"Private one on one inspections are absolutely safe.”
King says online auctions aren't happening because people can not see the house they want to buy in person.
"The Victorian property market has come to a standstill with zero auctions over the weekend", King added.
"This is about people, buyers, vendors and tenants alike.   
"Allowing private inspections means that the market will be ready for revival when the time is right.”
Metro Property Management director Leah Calnan, who is the REIV's chairperson of the property management chapter committee, says inspections can be conducted safely.
“The real estate industry has been prepared with systems, processes and procedures to allow safe inspections by appointment.”
“We see everyday the impact this hard lockdown is having on our tenants and owners; we cannot expect people to lease or buy without seeing the property.”
“It will be a legal nightmare to have someone buy or rent and then want to exit the contract when they eventually see the property.”
 
 
</body></html>

REIV call for inspection by appointment as a safe and simple answer

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Rental homes are now more accessible in Melbourne as vacancy rates relaxed slightly in June, while the rental market tightened further in Regional Victoria.
The REIV recorded a healthy 3.0 per cent vacancy rate in Melbourne while Regional Victoria recorded a further tightening of the rental market with 1.8 per cent.
The slight increase in vacancy rate did not impact the median rents with Melbourne median rental prices for houses now at $473 per week, $13 more than the previous month.
Median rents for Metropolitan units have also increased, from $410 per week in May to $420 per week for June.
Rental prices in regional Victoria are holding firm, with median house rents remaining unchanged on $350 per week for the past six consecutive months, regional units are sitting at $300 per week, a $5 increase on May.
The relaxation of vacancy rates could be largely attributed to inner city areas as smaller properties move from short term rentals like Airbnb. Fall in visitors, international students has meant that more property owners are returning to the traditional rental market.
REIV President Leah Calnan Melbourne’s rental market continues to grow.
“Melbourne’s rental market is holding firm in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic creating unique conditions.” Ms Calnan said.
“The relaxing of vacancy rates means there are more homes available for people to rent, and there has never been a more important time to have a roof over your head.”
“This rental data, combined with the annual growth shown in the June Quarterly Medians, demonstrates the strength and resilience of the Victorian property market.”
<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/2020/7/31/1_REIV%20MELBOURNE.jpg" alt="">
<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/2020/7/31/1_2%20REIV%20MELBOURNE.jpg" alt="">
Source: REIV 
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Rents hold steady as vacancy rates relax in Melbourne

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Rental prices have fallen in Metropolitan Melbourne following a month of some improvement in vacancy rates across the State.
The monthly rental data from the REIV shows median rents for houses are now more affordable at $470 per week, down from February’s $480 per week, but still higher than the same time last year.
Metropolitan units are also now cheaper to rent, from $450 per week in February down to $430 per week.
The Regional Victorian vacancy rate climbed from 1.8% to 1.9% over the month, however median house rents remain unchanged on $350 per week, with units rising to $295 per week.
In Geelong, house rental prices shrunk by $10 to $400 per week, the Ballarat region remained steady on $340 per week, while house rents increased in the Bendigo region by $7 to sit at $350 per week.
Although there has been some improvement in vacancy rates with Metropolitan Melbourne recording 2.3% for two consecutive months, Victoria needs vacancy rates of 3%- 4% to maintain a healthy market.”
The numbers released today reflect the strong market in the lead up to the State of Emergency, and are consistent with our March quarter median prices.
REIV President Leah Calnan said Victoria’s that the temporary measures in place due to COVID-19 make it challenging to gauge the real situation but the underlying strength of the Victorian property market is undeniable.
“Victoria’s rental accommodation supply is growing, more rental homes are now available but there remains a need for more properties to be listed to cater for growing demand.” Ms Calnan said.
“The State Government needs to work more closlely with property owners, to help build a reliable supply of rental accommodation in Victoria.
 
<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/2020/6/3/17_REIV.jpg" alt="" width="337" height="499">
Source: REIV Rental Data
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Victoria vacancy rates improving: REIV

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The REIA Housing Affordability Report is out for the March quarter and shows a marginal improvement across the country to housing affordability.
The proportion of income required to meet loan repayments decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 34.7 per cent over the quarter, according to the report.
In his introduction to the report REIA president, Adrian Kelly outlined the highlights of the findings.
“With the exception of Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia, housing affordability improved across the states and territories with the Australian Capital Territory having the largest improvement 1.1 percentage points,” said Mr Kelly.
“Rental affordability improved in the March quarter with the proportion of income required to meet rent payments decreasing to 23.5 per cent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter.
“Rental affordability improved in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, but declined in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.”
When it comes to loans the total number has declined compared to the December quarter of the previous year.
“This is not unusual for the first quarter of the calendar year, however there was a 4.2 per cent increase on the number of new loans from the same quarter of 2019,” said Mr Kelly.
“The number of first home buyers decreased to 27,082, a decrease of 10.7 per cent during the quarter but an increase of 23.1 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
“With the introduction of the First Home Buyer Deposit scheme on 1 January we expect that share of first home buyers will continue to grow.”
The report shows the number of first home buyers decreased in all states and territories over the March quarter.
The largest decrease was in the Australian Capital Territory (-22.2 per cent).
Compared to the corresponding quarter 2019, the number of first home buyers increased in all states and territories, with the largest increase in the Australian Capital Territory (57.6 per cent).
The next edition of the report will reflect the impact the current COVID19 pandemic has had on affordability.
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<h2>State by State</h2>
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NSW
Over the March quarter, housing affordability in New South Wales improved with the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments decreasing to 42.5 per cent, a decrease of 0.4 percentage points over the quarter but an increase of 4.5 percentage points compared with the corresponding quarter 2019.
With the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments 7.8 percentage points higher than the nation’s average, New South Wales remained the least affordable state or territory in which to buy a home.
Over the March quarter, rental affordability in New South Wales declined marginally with the proportion of income required to meet median rents increasing to 27.5 per cent, an increase of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter but a decrease of 0.7 percentage points compared with the corresponding quarter 2019.
In New South Wales, the number of loans to first home buyers decreased to 6,622 a decrease of 11.0 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 33.3 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
Of the total number of first home buyers that purchased during the March quarter, 24.5 per cent were from New South Wales while first home buyers make up 32.9 per cent of the state’s owner-occupier market.
The average loan to first home buyers increased to $502,552, an increase of 2.4 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 19.8 per cent compared to the same quarter last year.
The number of dwelling loans in New South Wales decreased to 20,105, a decrease of 17.5 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 8.5 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size increased to $595,315, an increase of 0.4 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 22.2 per cent compared to the corresponding quarter of 2019. New South Wales has the largest average loan size across the country, 22.4 per cent higher than the national average.
Victoria
Over the March quarter, housing affordability declined in Victoria with proportion of family income devoted to meeting average loan repayments increasing to 37.5 per cent, an increase of 1.0 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 2.9 per cent when compared to the corresponding quarter in the previous year.
Rental affordability in Victoria declined over the quarter with the proportion of income required to meet median rent increasing to 23.0 per cent, an increase of 0.4 percentage points over the quarter but a decrease of 0.1 percentage points over the previous year.
The number of loans to first home buyers in Victoria decreased to 8,624, a decrease of 16.0 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 24.4 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
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Of the total number of first home buyers that purchased during the March quarter, 31.8 per cent were from Victoria while first home buyers make up 40.3 per cent of the state’s owner-occupier market.
In the March quarter 2020, the average loan to first home buyers was $437,871, an increase of 2.3 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 14.0 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019. In Victoria, the total number of loans decreased to 21,396, a decrease of 15.8 per cent during the quarter but an increase of 4.3 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size was $514,741 over the quarter, an increase of 4.1 per cent and an increase of 18.8 per cent when compared to the corresponding quarter 2019. Victoria’s average loan size is 5.9 per cent higher than the national average.
Queensland
Housing affordability improved in Queensland over the March quarter with the proportion of income required to meet home loan repayments decreasing to 30.4 per cent, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points over the quarter but an increase of 0.8 percentage points when compared to the March quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in Queensland improved over the quarter with the proportion of the median family income required to meet the median rent decreasing to 22.0 per cent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter but remained stable compared with the same quarter 2019.
Over the March quarter, the number of loans to first home buyers in Queensland decreased to 5,419, a decrease of 5.9 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 20.8 per cent compared to the same quarter of 2019.
Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 20.0 per cent were from Queensland while the proportion of first home buyers in the state’s owner-occupier market was 34.1 per cent.
The average loan size to first home buyers increased to $374,036, an increase of 3.4 per cent during the quarter and an increase of 12.9 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The number of loans decreased in Queensland to 15,911, a decrease of 11.1 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 5.4 per cent compared to the March quarter of the previous year.
The average loan size increased to $414,154, an increase of 0.4 per cent during the quarter and an increase of 12.0 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019. Queensland’s average loan size is 14.8 per cent lower than the national average.
South Australia
Over the March quarter, housing affordability in South Australia improved with the proportion of income required to meet monthly loan repayments decreasing to 27.9 per cent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter but an increase of 0.2 percentage points compared to the March quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in South Australia declined over the quarter with the proportion of income required to meet rent payments increasing to 22.5 per cent, an increase of 0.2 percentage points over the quarter but a decrease of 0.3 percentage points compared to the March quarter 2019.
Over the March quarter, the number of loans to first home buyers in South Australia decreased to 1,493, a decrease of 10.5 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 8.7 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
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Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 5.5 per cent were from South Australia while the proportion of first home buyers in the state’s owner-occupier market was 25.9 per cent.
The average loan size to first home buyers increased to $334,226, an increase of 1.4 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 8.2 per cent when compared to a year earlier.
In South Australia, the total number of loans decreased to 5,764, a decrease of 11.5 per cent over the quarter and a decrease of 4.5 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size increased to $358,171, an increase of 0.8 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 10.3 per cent compared to the same time last year.
South Australia’s average loan size is 26.3 per cent lower than the national average.
Western Australia
Over the March quarter, housing affordability in Western Australia declined with the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments increasing to 25.0 per cent, an increase of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter and an increase of 0.2 percentage points compared to the March quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in Western Australia improved during the March quarter with the proportion of family income required to meet the median rent decreasing to 16.6 per cent, a marginal decrease of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter and a marginal increase of 0.1 percentage points compared to the year before.
The number of first home buyers in Western Australia decreased to 3,547 in the March quarter, a decrease of 2.3 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 12.0 per cent compared to the same time last year.
Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 13.1 per cent were from Western Australia while the proportion of first home buyers in the state’s owner-occupier market was 45.9 per cent.
The average loan to first home buyers increased to $353,115, an increase of 2.2 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 9.1 per cent when compared to the March quarter 2019.
The total number of loans in Western Australia decreased to 7,733, a decrease of 6.7 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 4.3 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size increased to $406,246, an increase of 2.0 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 10.3 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
Western Australia’s average loan size is 16.4 per cent lower than the national average.
Tasmania
Housing affordability in Tasmania declined over the March quarter with the proportion of income required to meet home loan repayments increasing to 29.6 per cent, an increase of 0.4 percentage points over the quarter and an increase of 2.8 percentage points from the March quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in Tasmania also declined over the quarter with the proportion of income required to meet median rents increasing to 30.5 per cent, an increase of 0.5 percentage points over the quarter and an increase of 1.2 percentage points compared with the March quarter 2019.
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The number of first home buyers in Tasmania decreased to 564, a decrease of 0.5 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 11.9 per cent compared to the same quarter of the previous year.
Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 2.1 per cent were from Tasmania while the proportion of first home buyers in the state’s owner-occupier market was 32.6 per cent.
The average loan to first home buyers increased to $302,128, an increase of 3.6 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 6.2 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The total number of new loans for dwellings in Tasmania decreased to 1,732, a decrease of 8.3 per cent over the quarter and a decrease of 16.0 per cent compared to the corresponding quarter 2019.
The average loan size increased to $343,649, an increase of 2.8 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 21.0 per cent compared to the same time last year.
Tasmania continues to have the lowest average loan size across the country. Tasmania’s average loan size is 29.3 per cent lower than the national average.
Northern Territory
Housing affordability in the Northern Territory improved with the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments decreasing to 20.2 per cent in the March quarter, a decrease of 0.8 percentage points over the quarter and a decrease of 1.5 percentage points when compared to the March quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in the Northern Territory improved over the quarter with the proportion of income required to meet the median rent decreasing to 20.6 per cent, a decrease of 0.6 percentage points over the quarter and a decrease of 0.3 percentage points compared to the March quarter 2019.
The number of loans to first home buyers in the Northern Territory decreased to 200, a decrease of 8.7 per cent over the March quarter but an increase of 10.5 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 0.7 per cent were from the Northern Territory while the proportion of first home buyers in the Territory’s owner-occupier market was 44.9 per cent.
The average loan size to first home buyers increased to $366,500, an increase of 7.3 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 5.0 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The number of new loans in the Northern Territory decreased to 445, a decrease of 15.1 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 6.7 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size decreased to $346,517, a decrease of 2.6 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 1.8 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019. The Northern Territory’s average loan size is 28.7 per cent lower than the national average.
Australian Capital Territory
Housing affordability in the Australian Capital Territory improved over the March quarter with the proportion of income required to meet home loan repayments decreasing to 21.2 per cent, a decrease of 1.1
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percentage points over the quarter and a decrease of 0.5 percentage points compared to the corresponding quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in the Australian Capital Territory declined over the March quarter with the proportion of income required to meet the median rent increasing to 19.0 per cent, an increase of 0.2 percentage points over the quarter but remained stable compared to the March quarter 2019.
The number of loans to first home buyers in the Australian Capital Territory decreased to 613, a decrease of 22.2 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 57.6 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 2.3 per cent were from the Australian Capital Territory while the proportion of first home buyers in the Territory’s owner-occupier market was 32.6 per cent.
The average loan for first home buyers increased to $446,330, an increase of 4.8 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 14.8 per cent compared to the corresponding quarter 2019.
The number of loans in the Australian Capital Territory decreased to 1,883, a decrease of 20.9 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 20.9 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size decreased to $458,471, a decrease of 3.8 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 6.8 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The Australian Capital Territory’s average loan size is 5.7 per cent lower than the national average.
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Housing affordability improves marginally in the March Quarter: REIA

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REIV President Leah Calnan has condemned the actions of a former member of the REIV who recently pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking cocaine.
Kristiana Karakostas (pictured) faced the Melbourne County Court last week over drug trafficking charges, where she pleaded guilty. She will be sentenced later this month.
In light of the guilty plea, the REIV has quickly terminated membership of Ms Karakostas.
REIV President Leah Calnan said, “the REIV does not tolerate illegal or unethical behaviour; drugs create so much pain and suffering in our community.” 
“The REIV has acted swiftly in terminating the membership of Ms Karakostas and revoking the Novice Auctioneer of the Year Award which she won in 2019, she added.
 
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REIV strip auctioneer of membership due to drug trafficking charges

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Victoria’s housing market is bouncing back from the recent downturn, according to the latest REIV quarterly median price data.
A springtime boost is helping to restore the housing market with house prices up by 4.5% in the latest REIV September Median Quarterly, while the price of units has grown by 3.9%.
Melbourne’s growth of 4.5% is the highest quarterly result since March 2017.
Melbourne’s housing growth was led by the northern suburbs with Preston achieving the highest quarterly growth with 25.7%, closely followed by the neighbouring Coburg on 20.8%.
Melbournes highest growth was in middle Melbourne, where house prices grew by 8.3%.
Doreen overtook Pakenham and Cragieburn to achieve the most number of housing sales during the September Quarter. 
Donvale remains Melbournes most consistent suburb, being the only area to achieve positive growth both quarterly and yearly.
The growth was shared across the board in regional Victoria with unit prices increasing by a massive 7.1%.
Bendigo is the top regional housing performer, scoring 11.9% quarterly and 29.7% annual growth. 
While Churchill and Moe have been crowned as the two most affordable suburbs in regional Victoria.
REIV Presidents Leah Calnan said the September quarter has brought the news prospective sellers have been waiting to hear.
“Enthusiasm is growing as prices surge and properties are being snapped up more quickly, this is the perfect time to get on the market,” Calnan said.
“Warmer spring weather, lower interest rates and easier loaning protocols have resulted in significant growth for Victoria’s real estate sector.
“Growing prices and increasing sales are great news for everybody, and our market is in the midst of a much-needed recovery.
“The September Quarterly results make for great reading, but we are not out of the woods yet.”
September Quarter 2019 Median Prices
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Median Prices, Seasonally Adjusted
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Note: Year-on-year growth is based on rolling annual figures
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<td valign="top">
Sep-19 Quarter
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Jun-19 Quarter
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<td valign="top">
Quarterly Change
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12 months to Sep-19 Quarter
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12 months to Sep-18 Quarter
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Annual Change
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Metropolitan Melbourne
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House
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$830,000
</td>
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$794,000
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4.5%
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$810,000
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$835,500
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-3.1%
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Unit and Apartment
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$613,500
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$590,500
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3.9%
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$595,000
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$597,500
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-0.4%
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Regional Victoria
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House
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$408,500
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$405,000
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0.9%
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$410,000
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$395,000
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3.8%
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Unit and Apartment
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$302,500
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$282,500
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7.1%
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$295,000
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$290,000
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1.7%
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Sep-19 Quarter
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Jun-19 Quarter
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Quarterly Change
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12 months to Sep-19 Quarter
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12 months to Sep-18 Quarter
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Annual Change
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Inner Melbourne
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House
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$1,379,500
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$1,342,500
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2.8%
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$1,381,000
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$1,526,000
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-9.5%
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Unit and Apartment
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$601,000
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$587,500
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2.3%
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$590,000
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$595,000
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-0.8%
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Middle Melbourne
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$983,000
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$907,500
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8.3%
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$925,000
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$1,005,000
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-8.0%
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Unit and Apartment
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$680,500
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$654,000
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4.1%
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$655,000
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$661,000
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-0.9%
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Outer Melbourne
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$658,500
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$631,000
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4.4%
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$645,000
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$675,000
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-4.4%
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Unit and Apartment
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$519,500
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$496,000
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
4.7%
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$505,500
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$515,000
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
-1.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
<td valign="top">
Sep-19 Quarter
</td>
<td valign="top">
Jun-19 Quarter
</td>
<td valign="top">
Quarterly Change
</td>
<td valign="top">
12 months to Sep-19 Quarter
</td>
<td valign="top">
12 months to Sep-18 Quarter
</td>
<td valign="top">
Annual Change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
Auctions
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
House
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$978,000
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$925,500
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
5.7%
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$950,000
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$950,000
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
0.0%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
Unit and Apartment
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$695,000
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$652,000
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
6.6%
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$666,000
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$670,000
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
-0.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
Private Sale
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
House
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$727,000
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$715,500
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
1.6%
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$730,000
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$750,000
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
-2.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
Unit and Apartment
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$554,000
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$542,000
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
2.2%
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$545,000
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
$539,000
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap>
1.1%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
</div>
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Victoria's residential prices bouncing back 

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The December quarter saw a drop in Metropolitan Melbourne’s median house price of 3.7 per cent to $796,500 while Regional Victoria’s went up by 2.5 per cent to $411,000.
Regional Victoria’s property market was the top performer in the 2018 calendar year, with a 5.5 per cent annual increase in the median house price to $400,000 (up from $379,000) and annual increases of more than 20 per cent in the top five towns.   The 2.5 per cent regional increase in the median house price for the December quarter was the second strongest for the year, in contrast to Metropolitan Melbourne which had its weakest quarter.
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s latest data reveals that greater Melbourne’s median house price increased 1.4 per cent to $826,500 (from $815,000) and the unit price increased 1.8 per cent to $597,000 (from $586,500) in the 2018 calendar year.   REIV President Robyn Waters said that despite low confidence, sluggish auction clearance rates and a 20 per cent reduction in residential property sales in the past 12 months, vendors are still getting "good prices" for their homes when they do sell.   “It might take you a bit longer to sell and you might have to put in a bit more effort, but the big picture is showing that house prices have increased slightly in Melbourne over the past 12 months,” Ms Waters said.   “Confidence is a major factor in the property market and this latest REIV data is showing that the market overall is steady, coming off an increase in the median house price of 13.2 per cent in 2017 which could not be sustained.   “The top 20 star suburbs of 2018 were all in the outer ring with most located in the expanding south east and Mornington Peninsula/Bayside areas; new transport infrastructure including Skyrail and the Monash Freeway widening are likely to have been a factor in this growth.”
Malvern down 20% to $2.1 million
Kew down 17% to $1,975,000
Toorak down 16% to $2.8 million
South Yarra down 16% to $1.6 million
Balwyn down 16% to $2 million
Brighton down 15% to $1.99 million
Source REIV December 2018 quarter   Ms Waters said properties are being tightly held in Inner Melbourne as vendors wait out this period while the markets in Outer Melbourne and Regional Victoria are stronger as buyers are inclined to snap up more affordable options.   “There is no doubt that the banks’ tighter lending conditions are contributing to this trend as are incentives for first homebuyers which encourage the purchase of affordable properties, more likely to be found in Outer Melbourne or Regional Victoria,” Ms Waters said.   “That said, there were a few inner suburbs – Malvern East, Thornbury and Hawthorn - that fared well in the last quarter of 2018 thanks to an increase in the number and value of sales from the September quarter. This is a good indication that confidence is starting to pick up in the prestige areas.   “The REIV expects Victoria’s property market to remain steady in the first half of 2019 as we await the outcome of the banking Royal Commission and Federal Election but things should begin to look up again in the second half of the year.”   “Our latest data showed some surprise quarterly increases in inland Victoria with Golden Point, Irymple and Daylesford all achieving an uplift of more than nine per cent.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/1/Strip%20ad%20keep%20up%20in%202019.jpg" alt=""></a>   The REIV claimed its property data is the most accurate and up-to-date in Victoria, collated and submitted directly by those working at the coalface.   "As the State’s peak body for real estate agents, with around 80 per cent of agencies being valued members, the REIV is uniquely placed to access this raw data which is not subject to interpretation, speculation, assumptions or third-party sources," Robyn Waters said.
Other data showed a deeper decline throughout 2018, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">including the ABS</a>.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Metropolitan Melbourne December 2018 quarter saw property prices decline, but Outer Melbourne and Regional Victoria still rising: REIV

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The REIV is expecting about 270 auctions in 161 suburbs this weekend, lower the normal given the Spring racing carnival.
The top auction locations this week are Craigieburn (10) and Rosebud (7), followed by Belmont and Frankston with six and five auctions respectively.
<table border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Last weekend</td>
<td>
1473 auctions (exc. 46 postponed and 91 withdrawn)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
This weekend
</td>
<td>
270 auctions
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
This weekend last year
</td>
<td>
71% from 278 auctions
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Next weekend the auctions pick up when on there will be 1190 auctions.
The there will be a 17/18 November peak with 1430 auctions.
In three weeks’ time, 24/25 November, the auctions slip back to 1020 auctions.
A three bedroom Craigieburn house has been scheduled for auction on November 3 with $400,000 to $440,000 hopes (pictured above).
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-craigieburn-129519378" target="_blank">36 Cimberwood Drive</a>, the low maintenance home consists of lounge room, open plan kitchen, dining, three large bedrooms with BIRs, central bright bathroom and car space..
It is centrally located close to several schools, main Craigieburn shopping centres and other general living amenities including transport.
<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/2018/11/1/craigieburn%202.jpg" alt="">
Another example in Craigieburn is a four bedroom house priced at $550,000 to $605,000 (pictured above).
It also has been scheduled for going under the hammer on November 3.
The house situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-craigieburn-129206942" target="_blank">32 Montpellier Crescent</a> features two living areas, four generous-sized bedrooms, modern kitchen and alfresco with landscaped garden and great sized back yard.
It is located close to local schools, public transport, parkland and Craigieburn central shopping centre.
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