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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

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

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

Rent

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Melbourne house and unit rents fell over the June quarter, with unit rents recording the first annual fall in 15 years, according to the Domain Quarterly Report for June.
With Inner Melbourne seeing house rents drop by $40 and units by $35 a week over the June quarter, alongside a rapid increase in the number of properties for lease, tenants are in a strong position to negotiate prices as their options expand.
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/b16c0b957ea98f662ab985606/images/51b2c04a-57ee-441b-b0ab-6e0af9823a5a.png" width="1087" height="362" data-imagetype="External"> June 2020 QoQ change for Melbourne rental prices
“Melbourne’s rental prices fell over the June quarter for both houses and units. While house rents remained stable over the year, unit rents recorded the first annual fall in 15 years. The drop in unit rents have pushed gross rental yields to a near-record low.”
“Inner Melbourne felt the brunt of price declines over the June quarter, median house asking rents dropped a staggering $40 and units $35 a week. Vacancies have surged in inner Melbourne, with advertised rentals lifting 64 per cent from March to June. This has created a discounting war, forcing one-third of inner Melbourne landlords to slash asking rents in an attempt to secure a tenant.
“Many short-term leases have converted to long-term, increasing rental choice. With significant job losses and wage cuts, tenants may have relinquished higher-priced rentals in favour of affordability or to move in with family. Though international border closures have weakened demand, Melbourne is particularly exposed to a drop in overseas migration, student population and tourism, as a significant proportion of rental demand comes from overseas. This is particularly evident in the CBD, which also has a greater exposure to the industries most vulnerable to the job losses associated with the coronavirus pandemic and has a high proportion of households renting.”
“Vacancies are likely to remain high in the coming months across metropolitan and tourist areas, which could result in further rent reductions. Any potential renewed short-term demand from interstate travel has been curtailed as Melbourne enters a second lockdown,” said Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Melbourne unit rents fell for the first time in 15 years: Domain

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Unit rents in Adelaide remain the second most affordable of any Australian capital, recording the strongest annual growth since 2011, according to the June Quarter report from Domain
Adelaide is one of the stronger rental markets of all the major capitals. For those looking to move to the city, securing a lease remains competitive.
It has the second lowest vacancy rate, which has declined and steady asking rents.
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/b16c0b957ea98f662ab985606/images/e3e601a7-760d-43b5-bc5c-fac13d084630.png" data-imagetype="External">
June 2020 QoQ change for Adelaide rental prices
“Adelaide asking rents are steady at the record high hit last quarter, at $395 a week for houses and $320 for units. Over the June quarter, house rents held steady in only two cities, Adelaide and Darwin. Adelaide remains the second most affordable city to rent a house and could overtake Brisbane in coming months if rents continue to fall there. Rents remain lower compared to other capitals, but relative affordability is declining for units - prices in Adelaide have recorded the strongest annual growth since 2011. Adelaide offers greater value for money compared to other capital cities. As we resurface from the coronavirus lockdown, it could become a drawcard destination for those seeking affordability.”
“Securing a lease remains competitive because Adelaide has one of the stronger rental markets of all the major capitals. It has the second lowest vacancy rate, which has declined, and steady asking rents. Advertised rentals lifted early in the year, helping to keep rents stable, but stock levels appear to be shrinking again. Investor activity has been subdued in recent years and multi-unit construction targeted at investors constrained compared to other cities. This has helped to limit rental supply,” said Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
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Adelaide unit rents remain second most affordable in Australia: Domain

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Brisbane house and unit rents fell over the June quarter, although rents remained flat over the year, according to the June quarterly rental report from Domain.
While the Brisbane rental market has not been as impacted compared to other cities, international border closures, plummeting foreign student numbers, job losses and pay cuts have still made their mark, with Brisbane’s CBD particularly exposed to reduced rental demand.
The number of advertised rentals jumped from March to June and more landlords have cut asking rents.
 <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/b16c0b957ea98f662ab985606/images/8a68a87c-245b-4b1b-bca3-b7c5b189d119.png" width="616" height="202" data-imagetype="External">
June 2020 QoQ change for Brisbane rental prices
“Brisbane house and unit rents fell over the June quarter, although rents held steady over the year. The rental market is fragmented across Brisbane’s regions. House rents in higher priced areas weakened, while prices in more affordable areas were steady in their asking rent. Units in Brisbane city had the steepest quarterly fall while several areas remained stable or marginally increased.” “Brisbane’s vacancy rate has nudged higher compared to last year, despite this the number of advertised rentals are shrinking from the time of the city’s construction boom. It stems from the recent reduced demand temporarily lifting the number of available rentals. To date, the Brisbane rental market has not been as affected compared to other capitals, but international border closures, plummeting foreign student numbers, job losses and pay cuts have had an impact. Brisbane’s CBD is particularly exposed to the reduced demand, with advertised rentals jumping from March to June and more landlords cutting asking rents.”  “Sunshine Coast rents remain at record highs, with houses at $500 a week, steady from last quarter and units at $410 a week which have held at this high for a year. The Gold Coast is a two-speed rental market: house rents remain at a high of $520 but unit rents dropped over the quarter and year, marking the first annual fall since 2013. Gold Coast unit prices are likely to be more exposed to a drop in international tourism,” said Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
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Brisbane rental market not his as hard as other cities: Domain

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House rents declined marginally from the three-and-a-half year high achieved last quarter, while unit rents held steady at $320 a week, the highest asking price since mid-2016, according to the June Quarter rental report from Domain.
Perth’s rental market has bounced back from the post-mining boom lull, with advertised rentals continuing to shrink, giving landlords ground to raise asking rents in certain areas.
Rental discounting has been concentrated in Perth's inner-city region, and now is time for those looking to move closer to search for a rental bargain.
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/b16c0b957ea98f662ab985606/images/5752f59e-af92-45a2-9a43-72d2e89ce995.png" data-imagetype="External">
June 2020 QoQ change for Perth rental prices
“Perth’s rental recovery looks set to continue. House rents declined marginally by $5 a week from the three-and-a-half year high achieved last quarter. Unit rents held steady at $320 a week, the highest asking rent since mid-2016.”
“The market has improved considerably from the post-mining boom lull. The number of advertised rentals continues to shrink, down 19 per cent from March and has dropped 32 per cent over the year. Tenants will find rental conditions have tightened. The number of vacant rental properties is steadily shrinking, providing landlords greater grounds to raise asking rents in certain areas.”
“During the height of the pandemic lockdown, rental discounting lifted marginally, although consistently fewer rentals are being discounted compared to last year. Discounts have been largely concentrated in Perth’s inner-city which has more plentiful apartment rental supply,” said Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
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Perth's rental recovery is set to continue: Domain

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Unit rent fell over the quarter and year, representing the sharpest decline in more than 15 years, with rents now at its lowest in half a decade. according to the Domain Rental Report for the June quarter
House and unit rents fell by as much as $50 a week in areas like the city and eastern suburbs.
Tenants are in a strong position to negotiate prices or seek out cheaper properties.
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/b16c0b957ea98f662ab985606/images/24eb4c6b-dc5f-491e-9f23-55c9de4700a2.png" data-imagetype="External">June 2020 QoQ change for Sydney rental prices
“Sydney’s rental market conditions have become highly varied. House rents remained stable over the quarter and year, and are 3.6 per cent below the 2017 peak. Rents fell in the quarter across several Sydney regions, tumbling as much as $50 a week in the city and eastern suburbs and $40 a week in the northern suburbs. Tenants are in a strong position to negotiate prices or seek out cheaper properties. Rental price growth appears to be supported by more stable conditions across Sydney’s outer areas while house rents fell substantially in the inner areas. There were also significant increases in advertised rentals in Sydney’s inner areas at a time of weakened demand. Foreign student numbers and overseas migration have plummeted, as well as a drop in tourism. These are also areas more exposed to drops in migration, tourism, jobs losses and have a high portion of rentals.” “For the past two years Sydney unit rents have tumbled annually as tenants benefited from heightened investor activity in previous years, as completed off-the-plan apartments add to supply. The pace of decline has now gathered additional momentum. The depth of the fall over the quarter and year is the sharpest in more than 15 years. Unit rents have now fallen 9.1 per cent from the 2017 peak, pushing them back to the lowest in half a decade. The city and east, inner west and lower north shore have felt the brunt. Deteriorating unit rents have forced Sydney’s gross yields to a record low of 3.66 per cent.” “Tenants now have the novelty of choice. The rapid rise in advertised rentals have put pressure on rents. Tenants are using this as bargaining power to negotiate a deal while landlords compete to lure them. The number of advertised rentals jumped almost 13 per cent across Sydney from March to June, surging 43 per cent in the city and east and 29 per cent in the inner west, as a wave of short-term rentals converted to long-term as border closures curtailed international tourism. Demand has weakened as migration ceases, international students remain offshore and economic uncertainty rattles many tenants, forcing them to evaluate their personal circumstances,” said Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
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Sydney rents hit hardest in the city and eastern suburbs: Domain

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EXPERT OBSERVER
High-intent renters are still very active on realestate.com.au, despite a softening market and relatively high supply.
The REA Insights Weekly Demand Index is a weekly metric that looks at the volume of high-intent renter activity on the realestate.com.au website and app and tracks that activity over time.
Specifically, it looks at how users are behaving when they interact with live rental listings.
The characteristics of serious renter activity includes but is not limited to; the number of visits to a listing, looking at the photos for a listing multiple times, saving the property, sharing the property and/or making an enquiry with the agent.
Who is it useful for?
For renters looking for new rental accommodation the index gives a good indication of the level of competition they can expect when they look at and apply for properties. Higher renter activity on a listing would suggest greater competition for that property or property type. In this index we’ve aggregated the high-intent rental activity and analysed it by state.
For owners of rental properties the index indicates the likelihood that they will be able to rent out their property.
Why REA Group is well placed to tell this story
Realestate.com.au is Australia’s number one property portal. In April 11.9 million Australians visited the platform* creating an unparalleled view of consumer demand for Australian property. This vast onsite activity sends millions of signals of intent that allow the experts at REA Insights to model behavioural demand.
What is the latest data actually showing?
The latest data shows that the number of highly-engaged rental listing interactions on realestate.com.au increased by 2.7 per cent last week. That means that serious renter activity has now increased for 10 of the past 11 weeks (falling the previous week) and is up 102.9 per cent from its low in March. The 2.7 per cent weekly increase did not completely offset the -4.3 per cent fall the previous week.
One of the likely drivers of such high volumes of serious renter activity is the fact that the number of new rental properties becoming available is shrinking. With less stock, those serious about renting are required to narrow their focus and are more likely to be highly-engaged with what’s available online.
The data indicates that it isn’t just search volumes that are climbing, we are also seeing a significant increase in the volume of people searching that are in the late stage of their rental decision.
All states recorded an increase in the volume of high-intent rental activity last week except for Western Australia and Tasmania, which fell slightly.
Since the recent low related to COVID-19 serious renter activity has more than doubled in New South Wales (110.2%), Victoria (133.8%) and Australian Capital Territory (140.1%). The smallest gains have occurred in Tasmania (45.2%) and Northern Territory (48.5%).
What about compared to last year?
Nationally, serious renter activity is up 70.5 per cent higher on last year.
The heightened rental activity is being felt in all states and territories with the largest annual increases in Australian Capital Territory (102.0%) and New South Wales (84.3%), while South Australia (20.8%) and Western Australia (41.5%) recorded the smallest increases.
While a lot of people are showing high-intent in their rental searches it remains to be seen whether they will actually move, especially considering there is a rental moratorium in place.
The rental market remains challenged with international borders closed, first-home buyer demand being pulled forward the government’s HomeBuyer initiative and people under the age of 30 being much more likely to have lost their jobs through COVID-19.
While a lot of people are actively looking at rental accommodation it may not be until later in the year when we actually see them moving into new rental accommodation.
CAMERON KUSHER is the Director of Economic Research for the REA Group
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High-intent renters are still very active on realestate.com.au: Cameron Kusher

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There are signs that the Queensland Government's proposed legislation proposed on rental protections is being reviewed.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland has launched a campaign against laws set to be put to parliament next Wednesday which will effect 600,000 landlords.
The Palaszczuk Government has promised to consult more widely on its proposed rental protections after thousands of angry letters to the Premier’s office in just one day.
The government and REIQ will meet today.
REIQ chief executive Antonia Mercorella said her organisation was not opposed to a six-month moratorium protecting people from eviction, or from entitled tenants getting a rent reduction.
But she said landlords wanted rent deferrals on the discounted portion of rent, rather than permanent rent waivers.
The REIQ want tenants to provide proof of financial difficulty.
They want a threshold as to how much a tenant must be financially impacted before protection.
“It’s not their fault they can’t make their payments if they’ve lost their job. But it goes too far.
“It throws the property owners to the wolves .... this will break many property investors”.
Ms Mercorella said banks weren’t giving out mortgage pauses as easily as the Government seemed to believe.
Housing Minister Mick de Benni has advised the laws would not be a blanket rent waiver, but allowed property owners and tenants to renegotiate rental agreements for the short term.
“No Queenslander should have to end this lockdown period with no job and an insurmountable debt, through no fault of their own,” he said.
“All of us have a role to play to get through this, including the banks who need to provide mortgage relief for landlords.”
 
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Queensland Government set to ratchet back COVID-19 rental rules

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GUEST OBSERVATION
You’ve lost income because of the coronavirus crisis and finding it hard to pay the bills. What if you can’t pay your rent? 
The short answer, if you live in Australia, is that rules changes give you more time – at least six months – before you face eviction.
But that’s all. Nothing else has changed. As <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2020/apr/03/coronavirus-update-live-news-australia-queensland-victoria-nsw-qld-tas-act-sa-wa-nt-covid19-latest-updates?page=with:block-5e86b5d58f0866297e9f624a" target="_blank" style="font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said</a>, the moratorium on evictions “doesn’t mean there’s a moratorium on rents”.
Whatever rent you don’t pay you will still owe, with consequences eventually.
There’s unlikely to be any other national assistance for residential tenants along the lines the commercial tenancy market <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/update-coronavirus-measures-030420" target="_blank">might get</a>.
But there may be other assistance on offer according to your state and territory. In Queensland, for example, you may be eligible for a one-off rental payment.
So this is how your options stand.
Eviction moratorium
The National Cabinet – incorporating the federal cabinet and state and territory leaders – announced the eviction moratorium <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-03/eight-million-tenants-wait-to-learn-coronavirus-rent-bill/12114082" target="_blank">on March 29</a>. Rental law is a state and territory matter, so legal enforcement depends on these governments enacting legislation.
Tasmania was the first <a href="https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au/topics/housing/residential-tenancies-covid-19-emergency-provisions" target="_blank">to do so</a>, pre-empting the National Cabinet decision with a four-month ban on evictions. It’s likely a good indication of what other states and territories will do.
The Tasmanian legislation prohibits commercial and residential landlords from serving notice to vacate for rent arrears for the duration of the “emergency period”, unless:
<ul>
<li>
the lease is non-fixed term and property is being sold (with notice being served before April 3)
</li>
<li>
the Residential Tenancy Commissioner orders termination because of “severe hardship” to either party.
</li>
</ul>
Severe hardship is an established part of tenancy law. It allows parties to apply for a fixed-term lease to be terminated without penalty. It is possible a landlord could argue financial hardship based on needing rent to cover their own debts, but commissioners (or tribunals in other jurisdictions) are likely to scrutinise such applications closely.
(Severe hardship is discussed further below, under “What if I want to break the lease?”).
What if I don’t pay my rent?
If you don’t pay your rent, your debt will keep accruing. Once the moratorium ends, you face eviction.
Your landlord will have the right to keep your bond to cover the rent. If you owe more, they can chase it up through debt collectors or file court proceedings. If this happens, your personal <a href="https://www.canstar.com.au/credit-score/what-is-a-credit-rating/" target="_blank">credit rating</a> could take a hit, and costs may be added to any judgment against you.
So take the Prime Minister’s <a href="https://www.afr.com/property/commercial/office-tenants-inundate-landlords-with-rent-relief-requests-20200330-p54fe6" target="_blank">advice</a>: negotiate with your landlord or agent.
Try to work out an arrangement both sides can live with. Remember, many private landlords rely on rent to pay the mortgage. Even with the <a href="https://www.ausbanking.org.au/covid-19-relief-faqs/" target="_blank">major banks offering mortgage relief</a> during coronavirus crisis, the interest on that debt will keep accruing.
Can I get any rent assistance?
There are generally no special provisions for rent assistance during the coronavirus crisis.
So far only <a href="https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/renting/rent-assistance/bond-loan/covid19-rental-grant" target="_blank">Queensland</a> is offering any form of special rental assistance – a one-off payment of up to $2,000, paid directly to your lessor. To be eligible, you must have lost your job due to the pandemic and have applied to Centrelink for income support.
In other states the usual rules for <a href="https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/rent-assistance" target="_blank">rent assistance</a> apply. You need to first qualify for Centrelink income support, such as the JobSeeker payment, Youth Allowance or the Parenting Payment. Centrelink provides up to A$139 a fortnight if you’re single, and A$164 for a couple with two children.
What about a rent reduction?
As mentioned, there’s no sign there’ll be direct subsidies for residential tenants, though there may be a national package to reduce commercial rents.
The closest thing so far announced is the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-02/act-government-covid19-coronavirus-spending-package-announced/12114504" target="_blank">Australian Capital Territory’s</a> encouragement to residential landlords to lower rents by at least 25% through direct tax relief equal to half the discount (up about $100 a week). The scheme is voluntary, so it remains to be seen how effective it will be.
What if I want to break the lease?
If you’re not on a fixed-term lease, but a monthly or weekly tenancy, you simply have to give the required notice to the landlord (usually 21 days).
If you’re on fixed-term lease, state and territory laws allow both tenants and owners to apply to break the lease without penalty if its continuation causes “severe hardship”.
But this option “should be seen as a last resort,” <a href="https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au/topics/housing/residential-tenancies-covid-19-emergency-provisions" target="_blank">advises</a> the Tasmanian government. “It is best to maintain a positive relationship between owners and tenants. The best way to do this is for owners and tenants to discuss their concerns.”
It is possible your lease may contain a force majeure clause providing for suspension or termination when unforeseeable events (for which neither party is responsible) occur. Unfortunately, such clauses are extremely rare in leases, and unlikely to cover pandemics.
Is there anything else to consider?
If you consistently miss rent payments you risk going on a “black list” – a privately owned tenancy database that real estate agents use to screen tenants. A track record of missing payments can mean a black mark on a future rental application.
So the bottom line: talk with your landlord.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/135312/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mark-giancaspro-182268" target="_blank">Mark Giancaspro</a>, Lecturer in Law, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119" target="_blank">University of Adelaide</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/david-brown-103001" target="_blank">David Brown</a>, Co-Director, Bankruptcy and Insolvency Scholarship Unit, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119" target="_blank">University of Adelaide</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-if-i-cant-pay-my-rent-these-are-the-options-for-rent-relief-in-australia-135312" target="_blank">original article</a>.
Correction: this article has been amended to clarify that consistent non-payment of rent is required to be listed on a residential tenancy database. The article originally suggested any non-payment was a risk. For more advice contact the tenants advice service in your state or territory.
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What to do if you can't pay rent (nothing is not a good option)

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<h1 class="legacy"> </h1>
GUEST OBSERVATION
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/mar/24/newly-unemployed-australians-queue-at-centrelink-offices-as-mygov-website-crashes-again">queues of unemployed people</a> outside Centrelink offices in recent days are reminiscent of the dole queues seen across Australia during the Great Depression of the 1930s.
At that time, most states provided inadequate food vouchers rather than cash to people in the form of income support payments. This made it particularly difficult for renters, many of whom were unemployed due to the mass closure of factories, to continue to pay rent.
In NSW, lower-income areas of Sydney were particularly badly hit by unemployment, and because the working class was a renting class, this quickly translated into homelessness.
For example, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/24918466?q&amp;versionId=45061110">male unemployment reached</a> 38.9% in the then-working class suburb of Newtown by 1933, well above the NSW average of 32% and three times the rate in the affluent suburb of Vaucluse.
Tent cities sprang up in Sydney’s Domain and on the outskirts of the city in suburbs like La Perouse, such as the ironically named tent city, Happy Valley. Although this is likely to underestimate the numbers of homeless at the time, the <a href="http://www.drbilldayanthropologist.com/resources/Freedom%20to%20Sleep.pdf">1933 census reported</a>
<blockquote>
33,000 people [were] travelling in the hope of work and 400,000 [were] living in shelters made of ‘iron, calico, canvas, bark, hessian and other scavenged materials’.
</blockquote>
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/323097/original/file-20200326-168912-a096xu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Residents in Happy Valley in the 1930s. <a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/statelibraryofnsw/3081780220/in/album-72157616798173209/">State Library of New South Wales</a>
<h2>COVID-19 and assistance for renters</h2>
There are distinct parallels between the severe economic downturn of the 1930s and the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 crisis in terms of mass business closures and worker layoffs.
The Australian government has <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-24/renters-desperate-for-relief-as-jobs-disappear-coronavirus/12086080">estimated that one million Australians</a> could become unemployed as a result of the coronavirus. However, it is not clear if this comprises only those who will be directly affected by business closures or includes people impacted by the flow-on effects.
Taking into account the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6202.0">current unemployment rate</a>, an additional one million Australians would bring the rate to 13% of the Australian workforce, from my own estimates.
Although the increase in Centrelink payments announced by the Morrison government will help those workers suddenly without jobs, additional measures are needed to protect people who can’t pay their rents and are faced with possible eviction
The National Cabinet is working on a range of strategies to assist renters, <a href="https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/tax-breaks-for-landlords-who-grant-rent-relief-20200325-p54dn7">including preventing landlords from evicting tenants</a> directly impacted by the coronavirus and offering tax relief to landlords who reduce or waive rents.
But these need to be supplemented by strong legislative measures, such as the amendment <a href="https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/bill/files/3741/Passed%20by%20both%20Houses.pdf">passed by the NSW parliament</a> this week that empowers the housing minister to <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/fundamentally-flawed-nsw-real-estate-body-slams-rent-freeze-bid-20200325-p54dy5">ban evictions for renters for six months</a>.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-25/tenancy-law-changes-under-coronavirus-crisis-before-tas-parli/12089798">Emergency laws</a> to protect renters are also currently being debated in Tasmania.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/323100/original/file-20200326-168918-ngzyi8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Queues of people formed outside Centrelink offices nationwide this week. JOEL CARRETT/AAP
<h2>Staving off homelessness in the Great Depression</h2>
There is precedent for legislative reform of this kind from the Great Depression.
In response to the mass numbers of job losses in NSW, the government at the time, led by Premier Jack Lang, passed two pieces of legislation aimed at providing relief for renters. This legislation was very significant, as it was the first of its kind that afforded tenants across NSW any serious amount of protection.
One of the bills, passed as the <a href="https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/acts/1931-45.pdf">Reduction of Rent Act 1931</a>, reduced rents state-wide by 22.5% and made leases that did not acknowledge this reduction illegal.
 
The other piece of significant tenancy reform was the <a href="https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/acts/1931-30.pdf">Ejectments Postponement Bill 1931</a>. This bill <a href="https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/researchpapers/Documents/tenants-rights-in-nsw/09-99.pdf">prohibited eviction</a> from a dwelling house without an order of the court. If the court could be shown the rent could not be paid, the tenancy could be extended indefinitely.
In his second reading speech, William McKell, minister for justice in the Lang government, described the bill as “a bona fide effort to provide against hardship due to unemployment”.
As honourable members are aware, there is a large amount of unemployment, and there are many very deserving and reputable people who, unfortunately, are not able to pay their rent. It is a tragedy that people of that type, with their families, are being evicted from their homes, and the Government is desirous of preventing as far as possible evictions of that character.
Though the government was committed to helping renters, McKell clearly distinguishes between the deserving and undeserving unemployed in his speech, an unhelpful way of thinking that is still with us today.
Although it is not known how many evictions the reforms of 1931 prevented, the new laws were undoubtedly a boon for renters, given the news coverage of the time. Landlords and their representatives complained about the impact the laws had on their ability to evict tenants.
In fact, the Real Estate Institute <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/16830179/1160545">noted the financial hardship</a> the Ejectments Postponement Act was placing on landlords.
Hundreds of cases have been reported to the Real Estate Institute, where the owners of houses, dependent on rents for their livelihood, have been refused possession, and have also been refused relief under the dole system, on the grounds that they are property owners.
Unfortunately for renters, these reforms were relatively short-lived. The Lang government was sacked by the NSW governor in May 1932 and replaced in the next election by the more conservative United Australia Party and Country Party coalition government.
This change in government saw the passage of the <a href="https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/acts/1935-33.pdf">Landlord and Tenant (Amendment) Act 1932</a>, which repealed the Ejectments Postponement Act 1931. The rent reduction law was also made more favourable to landlords.
The interests of landlords were prioritised over those of unemployed renters, a salutary lesson to present governments not to let ideology and vested interests get in the way of needed reforms that will benefit a significant portion of the population during a crisis not of their making.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/134644/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/vanessa-whittington-908975">Vanessa Whittington</a>, PhD Candidate, Institute for Culture and Society, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/lessons-from-the-great-depression-how-to-prevent-evictions-in-an-economic-crisis-134644">original article</a>.
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Lessons from the Great Depression: how to prevent evictions in an economic crisis

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National rents were -0.1% lower over the month to September 2019, with a median rental value of $436/week, according to the latest Quarterly Rental Review from CoreLogic
They found Rental rates across the combined capital cities came in -0.2% lower over the month with a weekly median rental value of $464/week which remains considerably higher than the combined regional markets where the median rental value current sits at $381/week, with rents across regional areas having risen by 0.1% over the month of September 2019.
Looking at the change in rents over the month across the capital cities, Adelaide was the only capital city to record a monthly rise in rents (+0.1%), with rental rates lower in Sydney (-0.3%), Melbourne (-0.1%), Perth (- 0.1%), Hobart (-0.2%), Darwin (-0.2%) and Canberra (- 0.3%), while unchanged in Brisbane.
According to CoreLogic’s head of research, Tim Lawless, “the broad based weakness in rental conditions can probably be attributed to a rise in rental supply following the surge in investment and residential construction activity through the previous housing boom which has contributed to rental supply."
"Additionally, as first home buyer numbers have surged, this has likely contributed to a reduction in demand as renters convert to buyers.”
“Markets where rents are rising the fastest have generally seen less of a supply response, creating tight rental conditions and pushing rents higher,” he concluded.
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