Longstanding local builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> has broken ground on its flagship Newcastle West development, ERA,&nbsp;signalling a significant step forward for what will become the city’s tallest residential address.&nbsp;

The milestone marks the beginning of construction on the 266-apartment project, which GWH describes as a defining moment in its continued growth across the region.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> has been more than two years in planning, shaped through collaboration with financier Qualitas and its design project partners from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK Australia</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/oculus">OCULUS</a>.

Before the first sod was turned, over 50 per cent of the building has been snapped up,&nbsp;a sign of buyer confidence in both the development itself and inner-city Newcastle more broadly.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351103]

Positioned on Bull Street in Newcastle West, the dual-tower project will introduce 266 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, supported by more than 2,000 sqm of resident amenity including a podium pool deck, gym, sauna, cinema room and two rooftop terraces with harbour and ocean views.

Designed by FK Australia, ERA aims to set a new benchmark for urban living in Newcastle. The architecture positions the towers as a new marker on the city skyline, while the interiors emphasise daylight, generous glazing and modern finishes. Large balconies, thoughtful storage and contemporary kitchens cater to the growing owner-occupier demand in the CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

GWH says ERA represents “continued momentum for GWH, continued investment in our region, and continued delivery of projects that raise the benchmark for quality and liveability.”&nbsp;

ERA’s location in the city’s west end, within walking distance of the harbour, the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle dining precinct and the University of Newcastle’s city campus, positions it well for professionals, downsizers and investors seeking both connection and long-term value.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351106]

The developer will also construct the project, supported by the Hunter Construction Group, adding an additional layer of certainty for purchasers.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/building-from-the-ground-up-gwh-takes-fully-integrated-development-model-to-new-heights">Building from the ground up: GWH takes fully-integrated development model to new heights</a>

Buyers will also be buoyed with the fact GWH has taken out the&nbsp;coveted 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy on ERA, one of the only new developments under construction in the region with the new cover.

Offered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/resilience-latent-defects-insurance">Resilience Insurance</a>, LDI is a first-right insurance product that protects purchasers from structural or waterproofing defects within the first 10 years after completion. Geron Property's adoption of the policy aligns with broader industry movement toward more rigorous assurances and supports buyer expectations around long-term asset performance.

With construction now officially underway and pre-construction pricing still available, the East Tower release offers a selection of remaining two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $980,000 to $2.56 million.&nbsp;

Completion is anticipated for early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

GWH commences construction at ERA Newcastle, the city's tallest two buildings

Construction at Megara's new North Fremantle apartment development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/serai-north-fremantle-21-mccabe-street-north-fremantle-wa-6159">Serai</a>, has reached a new milestone.

Buyers now have a chance to walk through a completed apartment, ahead of construction completion in early 2026.

The update marks a significant step for the 98-residence development on McCabe Street, where remaining apartments and townhomes continue to be secured by buyers seeking a low maintenance, lock-and-leave lifestyle, especially those seeking an ocean or river view with only a few of those apartments left.

Demand has remained steady among buyers living within 10 to 15 kilometres of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-fremantle-wa-6159">North Fremantle</a>, largely long-term locals looking to transition from family homes without compromising on space, privacy or outlook.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=186202]

A completed three-bedroom apartment now offers the clearest preview yet of Serai’s interiors, river views and layout efficiency, with buyers responding strongly to its level of finish and indoor–outdoor connection.&nbsp;

“Many have commented on the quality of the fittings and the spaciousness of the living areas,” Megara's Stephen Vitale noted.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/megara">Megara</a>’s decision to pursue the elevated <a>North Fremantle</a> site followed two years of targeted acquisition work. Perched between the river and the ocean, the position was selected for its panoramic views and proximity to dining, boutique retail and transport connections.&nbsp;

“This exceptional location was meticulously chosen for its unrivalled outlooks and its access to the lifestyle that defines the area,” Megara Director Jamie Clarke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=186197]

The brief to architect Felipe Soto centred on expressing those views through a sculptural building form, a direction influenced by the Amalfi Coast and the local coastal landscape.&nbsp;

The project comprises 87 apartments and 11 townhouses, with one-bedroom residences already sold out and only limited two-bedroom layouts remaining. Three-bedroom apartments start from $1.995 million, townhouses from $2.75 million, and penthouses from $3.95 million.&nbsp;

Buyers are also moving to secure residences ahead of the government’s 37.5 per cent stamp-duty concession (capped at $50,000), which applies for eligible purchases within the timeframe.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=186198]

Amenity remains a key differentiator at Serai and a consistent point of discussion among those comparing local options.

Health and lifestyle-focused spaces, including a gym and yoga studio, sauna and steam room, heated pool with cabanas, and a fire-pit lounge, are complemented by an outdoor cinema, games room, dining spaces and a maker’s studio. Secure bike and watercraft storage, washdown areas and EV charging cater to the active coastal lifestyle that defines North Fremantle living.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=186200]

For many purchasers, the combination of design, amenity and early delivery has been decisive.

“People are purchasing at Serai for the river and ocean views, the prime location within close proximity to the beach, and because they don’t have to wait,” Vitale added, noting that move-in is now less than a year away.&nbsp;

As Megara continues construction toward completion, the opening of the finished apartment provides prospective buyers with a tangible view of life at Serai, clarity that is proving influential in a market where quality, certainty and lifestyle alignment are driving decisions.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110291]

Staff Writer

Megara releases first completed residence at Serai, North Fremantle as project tracks toward early 2026 completion

Macquarie York has appointed Roberts Co to as the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) partner for its upcoming new Surfers Paradise apartment development, Sunset Residence.

Located at 50 Sunset Boulevard, Sunset Residences is a riverfront, design-driven tower set to elevate one of Surfers Paradise’s most rapidly transforming enclaves. The refined scheme, designed by Plus Studio, features 72 luxury residences, enhanced amenity, and improved connectivity to the Nerang &nbsp;River.&nbsp;

As ECI partner, Roberts Co is working closely with Macquarie York and the design team to optimise buildability, program, staging and procurement strategies ahead of construction commencement.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Macquarie York Director, Roy Skaf, said Roberts Co’s early engagement will help ensure the landmark development realises its full potential.&nbsp;

“Sunset Residences is a signature project for Macquarie York, a chance to define a new level of riverfront living in Surfers Paradise," Skaf said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<img alt="Roberts Co appointed Early Contractor Involvement partner for Macquarie York’s Sunset Residences on the Gold Coast" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3dd22a45-168b-4e00-b6d2-4e7310b02084" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/SunsetResidences_Interior.jpg?VersionId=NAWvGq7l6BFB4vvh6u0xXWWISboHTi6q" />

“Partnering with Roberts Co under an ECI arrangement gives us the confidence that design decisions, construction methodology and programming are being rigorously considered from day one. Their collaborative mindset and technical capability are exactly what a project of this quality demands.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Construction is expected to commence following completion of the ECI phase and final design resolution.

Sunset Residences is one of three projects Macquarie York has locally. They have Rana Palm Beach, 60 apartments on Twenty Third Avenue, and Azariah, just nine residences on the dress circle Jefferson Lane, also in Palm Beach.

Macquarie York appoints Roberts & Co for early works agreement at Sunset Residences

Few developers in South East Queensland have shaped the new development apartment market as profoundly, or as consistently, as Mosaic Property Group. In 2025, the business delivered another very strong year across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, building on the foundations of nearly two decades of discipline, long-term thinking, and relentless refinement of its craft.

Their continued success is driven from the top. Founder and Managing Director Brook Monahan, very much credits the success to a workforce of “massive grafters”, and a culture where complacency simply doesn’t exist.

“In every part of our business, we’re constantly pushing to get better” Monahan told <a href="http://apartments.com.au">Apartments.com.au</a>. “We never rest on our laurels.”

The company’s growth continued its upward trajectory, with the developer completing six luxury projects in 2025, representing approximately $850 million in value and delivering 536 new luxury homes. Mosaic also sold over $1.4 billion worth a new luxury apartments at an average price point of $3.41 million in 2025.

Heading into 2026, they have a further five projects under construction and an immediate pipeline across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, representing just shy of $2 billion in value. I spoke with Brook about everything from the evolution of Mosaic’s business to the fundamentals driving the SEQ property market.

<img alt="Brook" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea443354-6099-40c2-970b-06cab2e842d1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-12%20at%2010.21.14%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=anKZRLE61XX0opq0PCZMDsmwVWqNF.Od" />

<hr />
<h2>A market defined by two forces</h2>

The fundamental drivers of SEQ’s housing dynamics in 2025 are straightforward: a generational transfer of wealth on a scale Australia has never seen, and migration numbers that continue to exceed expectations.

“An enormous amount of wealth will move through the next decade,” Monahan explains. “That wave isn’t going anywhere.” Simultaneously, “you can’t run migration at the numbers we’re seeing, while also having a generational shift of wealth from boomers, and not expect demand to remain strong. People move here, they bring money, they want to buy a home and create a future.”

While top-end product in some pockets has softened from the frenzy of 18 months ago, Monahan believes&nbsp; the wave will remain “pretty strong,” especially for developers with brand trust and a long-term track record.&nbsp;

“The $4 million to $10 million segment remains fairly robust, but buyers are much more educated now than they’ve ever been. They have access to information and they’re smart people. They’re generally not&nbsp; willing to trust a new entrant asking $15 million with no track record.”

This heightened consumer discernment, he notes, is reshaping how premium projects are evaluated by developers.

<hr />
<h2>The problem behind the crisis</h2>

Despite strong demand, SEQ’s housing market remains severely undersupplied. Brisbane needs around 12,000 new homes per year, yet delivered only 4,000 last year. The Gold Coast requires around 6500 but delivered less than half of that. The backlog is massive.

“We’re probably 54,000 homes short in the next five years in Brisbane alone,” Monahan estimates. “Maybe 100,000 across the whole of Queensland.”

The core issue however isn’t planning.&nbsp;

“The planning environment is actually super supportive right now,” he says. “Approvals aren’t the problem. It’s turning approvals into real supply.”

The gap between development approvals and project starts has widened significantly as construction costs escalate, contractors disappear from the market, and inexperienced developers try, and fail, to bring projects to life.

“A development application (DA) is only part of the equation, it means little without the ability to deliver,” he explains. “Many applicants underestimate the complexity involved. It’s not just about securing a site; you need the right formula and all the right ingredients to make it work. Without that, the end result will fall short of expectations and increase the risk of project failure.

The result is market distortion: sites tied up by entrants who lack experience, capital certainty, construction understanding, or a realistic feasibility model. “It’s not good for the industry,” he says. “You get more and more mooted supply but very little real delivery.”

<hr />
<h2>Construction realities and the coming resource crunch</h2>

Beyond development capability, SEQ faces macroeconomic pressures. Over $7 billion must be delivered by late 2031 just for Olympics-related obligations. Add $18 billion in hospital and health infrastructure, and the region faces a “resource drain” Monahan believes will reshape delivery timelines and construction pricing for years.

“It will ultimately be great for SEQ for the next 20 years,” he says. “But it puts enormous pressure on an already chronically undersupplied housing market.”

This pressure will inevitably influence pricing. Double-digit growth cannot continue indefinitely, but Monahan sees no path to meaningfully lower construction costs. “It’s impossible to meet demand at a cheaper price point given labour capability and resource competition,” he says.

“Those who can afford it will keep paying more and the rest are fighting to get a foothold. That’s why the market keeps creeping upward.”

<hr />
<h2>Mosaic’s disciplined blueprint: Only A-Grade, iconic, irreplicable</h2>

With a long track record of delivery and in-house construction expertise, Mosaic works backwards from the cost of delivery to determine the right price for a site—a disciplined acquisition model they’ve adhered to from day one.

&nbsp;“We’re never out of the market,” Monahan says. “But we’re extremely disciplined. We don’t buy B+ sites. We won’t buy run-of-the-mill locations. Ever. That’s not our brand and it’s also not economically viable for us in most instances.”

Mosaic’s nine current developments illustrate this discipline:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lily-by-mosaic-4-rosewood-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">Lily</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/marella-146-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">Marella</a>, Broadbeach: Two 30-storey buildings with permanently protected views over parkland, beach and coastline 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/isabel-by-mosaic-96-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Isabel</a> and, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/josephine-by-mosaic-166-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Jospehine</a>, Burleigh Heads – all “masterpiece” sites on the Esplanade with enduring view corridors of beach, water and coastline in the heart of Burleigh 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sophia-by-mosaic-1357-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Sophia</a>, Palm Beach- directly on the dunes of the most highly sought after stretch of northern Palm Beach beachfront real estate 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/madeline-by-mosaic-22-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">Madeline</a>, Broadbeach – “180 degrees beach, water and coastline views, great walk score” 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford</a>, Kangaroo Point – a site Mosaic first identified in 2016. Amazing walk score, views and inner city connectivity 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a>, Kangaroo Point – in between the Gabba and the Kangaroo Point peninsula with amazing walk score and uninterrupted and expansive northern city and river views 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1">South Brisbane (launching 2026) – core inner-city Brisbane river waterfront site on the northern end of the peninsula with amazing river connection and permanent river and city views, amazing walk score</li>
</ul>

“Nothing we buy is guesswork,” Monahan says. “It’s always an iconic suburb where people genuinely want to live, with strong connections to water, lifestyle, amenity, or permanent view corridors.”

“Mosaic’s two most recent Brisbane acquisitions were several years in the making. The Bedford, launched on the prestigious Kangaroo Point peninsula and achieving 90 per cent sales within months was a site they identified back in 2016. The second, which is the yet to be released at 91 Montague Road in South Brisbane, has been on Mosaic’s radar since 2017.&nbsp;

Arguably one of Brisbane’s last great inner city riverfront sites, it sits within the city’s most dynamic cultural hub, offering unrivalled connectivity, lifestyle, and amenity, and standing as a landmark opportunity to define the next era of riverfront living.

“We know exactly what is and isn’t a Mosaic project. Strategic site selection is the critical foundation of everything we do. We’re always assessing opportunities, but based on our two most recent Brisbane acquisitions, it’s entirely possible that the sites we’re looking at today won’t transact for several years. That discipline is what ensures every project meets our exacting standards.”

<hr />
<h2>The Mosaic engine: Consistency, capability, and relentless execution</h2>

What separates Mosaic in a crowded field is not the ability to attract capital or buy a site, but the ability to deliver highly complex high end buildings, whether that is 37 storeys or 18 storeys, repeatedly and consistently.

“These buildings are inherently complex to deliver well,” Monahan says. “It takes a long time to know exactly what the market wants, how to deliver it, how to secure the right contractors and consultants, and how to align the product with what the market is actually willing to pay and can afford.”

With so many contractors exiting the market in recent years, genuine delivery capability has become increasingly rare. Monahan welcomes credible new entrants but cautions that underestimating the complexity of luxury development can lead to poor outcomes.&nbsp;

“It’s easy to assume high-end projects equal high returns, but without the right experience, track record, and capability, it’s a tough road. Attracting capital is one thing—delivering on expectations is another, and when that doesn’t happen, it impacts the entire market.’”

<hr />
<h2>Looking to 2026: A pipeline built on patience and precision</h2>

As 2025 draws to a close, Mosaic stands at the strongest point in its history. Since 2012 alone, the company has completed more than $2 billion in projects and is set to deliver another $2 billion worth of developments, hundreds of luxury apartments, all bearing Mosaic’s hallmark of impeccable delivery.&nbsp;

Next to launch are two standout projects: Josephine, an exclusive collection of just 30 half- and full-floor ultra-luxury residences coming soon to the Burleigh Heads beachfront, and a landmark tower on Montague Road in South Brisbane, comprising 204 apartments in the heart of the city’s cultural hub on the banks of the Brisbane river.

“We never arrive. There’s no finish line for us,” said Monahan. “Our focus is on continuing to evolve in the luxury space, creating incredible, design- and lifestyle-led properties that people love living in and that stand the test of time.” 
&nbsp;

What’s ahead for South East Queensland’s next development wave: Five minutes with Mosaic’s Brook Monahan

Developer Third.i has topped out its luxury Potts Point apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/muse-potts-point-30-34-brougham-street-potts-point-nsw-2011">Muse</a>.

Under construction by Dilcara and expected to complete in mid-2026, Muse comprises just 13 apartments designed by acclaimed architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/wmk-architecture">WMK Architecture</a> and Mathieson. The building’s design celebrates Potts Point’s heritage character while introducing refined modern elements like advanced building technology and private balconies and terraces that offer views of the Sydney city skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112613 project_image_fid=231687]

Luke Berry, Director &amp; Co-Founder at Thirdi Group, said Muse is a celebration of Potts Point’s unique character and charm.

"With only 13 residences, we’ve created something truly special for those who appreciate exclusivity and design excellence," Berry says"

"The views, the location, and the lifestyle make Muse a rare opportunity in Sydney’s property market. We’re thrilled to see the project take shape and look forward to welcoming our residents in mid-2026.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112613 project_image_fid=231686]

Only a limited number of residences remain at Muse.

Third.i recently launched The Rushcutters nearby, also just 13 large-scale apartments. The two-bedroom apartments were all snapped up in double-quick time. The three-bedroom apartments are priced from just under $5 million.

Potts Point has always been popular for apartment living, but given the lack of suitable development sites in the affluent suburb, new apartment developments have been few and far between.

Early next year Ceerose will launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/belgravia-potts-point-117-victoria-street-potts-point-nsw-2011">Belgravia</a>, a mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments on Victoria Street.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112613]

Third.i tops out Muse, Potts Point apartments

Rental News

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
The CoreLogic quarterly rent review released today shows national weekly rents increased by 0.3% over the second quarter of 2019; slower than the 1.0% increase the previous quarter and level with rental growth over the June 2018 quarter.
Capital city rents were 0.1% higher over the quarter and -0.1% lower year-on-year. Regional market also saw an increase and were 0.7% higher over the quarter to be 1.9% higher over the past 12 months.
The annual change in combined capital city rents remains at record low levels (based on data which is available back to 2005) while annual growth in regional rents has remained fairly steady over the past quarter.
The report found:
<ul>
<li>
Rents increased in all capital cities except for Sydney and Darwin over the past 12months
</li>
<li>
Brisbane and Perth were the only two capitals where the annual change in rents over the past year was superior to growth over the same period in 2018
</li>
<li>
Gross rental yields are currently recorded at 4.14% nationally compared to 4.10% at the end of the previous quarter and 3.83% a year ago.
</li>
<li>
Gross rental yields increased over the past quarter across all capital cities except for Sydney and Canberra while over the past year, yields have firmed across all capital cities.
</li>
<li>
Nationally, rents were unchanged on a monthly basis in June 2019.
</li>
<li>
Over the second quarter of 2019, national rents have increased by just 0.3%; a sluggish rate of growth and well down on the seasonally strong first quarter in which rents rose by 1.0%.
</li>
<li>
At the end of the 2018-19 financial year, national rents were recorded at $438/week.
</li>
<li>
Rental rates across the combined capital cities sat at $466/week and substantially higher than the $380/week across the combined regional markets
</li>
<li>
Looking at the change in rents over the month across the capital cities, rents were lower in Sydney, Darwin and Canberra; they were unchanged in Perth and higher elsewhere.
</li>
</ul>
 
<img class="align-center" src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rental%20Yeild_20190708.PNG" alt="Rental Yeild_20190708.PNG" width="610" height="214" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c1236628-e3c8-4737-9cd1-2ce69c0ce9b0" data-image-style="" data-responsive-image-style="wide" data-zoom-image-style="_as_uploaded" data-mfp-src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rental%20Yeild_20190708.PNG">
 Although rental rates in Sydney are falling, the city still remains as the most expensive city to rent a property with a median rent of $580/week. For many years Hobart has been the most affordable rental market however, the rapid growth in rents over recent years has seen it become more expensive than Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin and on par with the cost of renting in Melbourne.
Overall, the rental market remains quite mixed, however, it is clear that Sydney accounts for a large share of overall renters with annual falls in Sydney leading to a fall in the combined capital city index.
Sydney and Melbourne continues to experience the impact of heightened demand from investors over recent years along with a substantial ramp-up in new housing (largely apartment) supply, much of which was purchased by investors.
Darwin rents have been falling for many years and they continue to decline. The past year has seen a change of direction for both the Brisbane and Perth rental markets, following a number of years of declines rents are now climbing again.
CAMERON KUSHER is the head of research for the Australian branch of CoreLogic
Kusher regularly posts on the <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news" target="_blank">CoreLogic website</a>.
</body></html>

ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Brisbane and Perth had standout rental growth this year: Cameron Kusher

<html><body>
Perth is seeing a surge in the leasing of one to three-bedroom properties, helping tenants take advantage of improved affordability in the rental market, according to recent reiwa.com analysis.
REIWA president Hayden Groves said one-bedroom leased property activity had increased by 50 percent in the March quarter, while two and three-bedroom properties had increased by 18 per cent.
“There was a significant amount of leasing activity in the one to three bedroom market over the quarter, while four and five bedroom properties experienced a small decline."
“Affordability in Perth’s rental market has improved over the last 18 months, tenants who may have been living in shared accommodation are now finding that they can afford to move out on their own, which is why we’re seeing this shift to smaller households,” Groves said.
In the three months to 31 March 2016, the total volume of leased properties in the Perth metro area increased by 17 per cent on the December 2015 quarter.
“While rental listings in Perth remain above the long-term average, the number of properties leased in the March quarter has soared well above the growth of listings which is a real positive for the market."
He said this has brought the vacancy rate down to 5.6 percent in the March quarter from six per cent in the December quarter as tenants have soaked up stock.
At a sub-regional level, nearly half of Perth’s sub-regions maintained a stable overall median rent in the March quarter, while there were mixed results for average leasing days across the metro area.
“The biggest improvement in average leasing days was felt in the Perth City, Fremantle and Western Suburbs sub-regions, while on average it took longer to lease a property in Joondalup South, Wanneroo North West and Wanneroo South in the March quarter than it did in the December 2015 quarter,” Groves said.
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Leasing activity spikes in Perth rental market as affordability improves: REIWA

<html><body>
Capital city rents declined over the past year for the first time since 1996 though weekly rents rose slightly, according to the latest CoreLogic RP Data update.  
Rental rates across the combined capital cities were -0.2% lower over the past year, while weekly rents increased by a fraction 0.2% in March for the capital cities. 
Over the year, Melbourne recorded the biggest increase in rental rates at 2 per cent followed by Sydney at 1.4 per cent, Canberra 1.2 per cent and Hobart 0.3 per cent, shows CoreLogic RP Data March rent review figures.
On the flipside, the cities to see a drop in rents included Darwin -11.5%, Perth -8.4 per cent, Adelaide -1.0%, and Brisbane with a -0.7% drop.
The combined capital city house rents were recorded at $489 per week in March while unit rents were $469 per week, said CoreLogic analysts. Over the past month, house rents have increased by 0.1% and unit rents by 0.4% and over the past three months, house rents rose 0.5% compared to a 0.9% rise in unit rents.
The March results show that recent rental increases are likely to be seasonal which is further highlighted by the fact that rents are lower over the year. Over the past 12 months, house rents were -0.5% lower and unit rents increased by 1.5%. 
“It is important to note that a much higher proportion of total unit stock is rented compared to housing stock,” said senior analyst Cameron Kusher.
“We have been tracking the annual change in capital city rents since 1996 and this is the first time we have seen rental rates falling.” 
“The extra accommodation supply, as a result of the current building boom, along with the recent record high levels of investment purchasing is adding substantial new dwelling supply to the rental market at a time when the rate of population growth is slowing from quarter to quarter. Furthermore, wages are increasing at their slowest annual pace.
“Today’s results also highlight a swift easing in rental market conditions over the past year. We’ve attributed this ease to a variety of influences such as falling real wages, excess rental supply in certain areas and lower rates of population growth which have impacted on demand for rental accommodation.”
“With dwelling approvals recently at record highs, construction activity set to peak over the next 24 months and many new properties still to settle, the rental demand weakness is expected to persist. In all probability, there won’t be much scope for landlords to lift rental rates given current conditions have given greater negotiation opportunities to those in rental situation.”
While rental rates remain at record highs in Sydney and Melbourne, rents are lower than their previous peaks in all remaining capital cities. The decline in dwelling rents from peaks is recorded at: -0.9% in Brisbane, -1.2% in Adelaide, -12.8% in Perth, -0.1% in Hobart, -15.6% in Darwin and -7.4% in Canberra.
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Annual capital city rental change in decline and lowest since 1996: CoreLogic RP Data

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Rental property website Rent.com.au Limited (ASX: RNT) is raising more than $5.4 million through a rights issue to fund its offline branding campaign, the company said in a release.
Rent.com will issue up to 36,376,607 shares at $0.15 each and it is a fully underwritten, non‐renounceable pro rata offer.
The issue will raise $5,456,491 (before costs) and the company will have a total of $8.5 million cash (after costs) after completion of the issue.
The highlights of the fund raising are:  
* Demand for sub‐underwriting allocation was heavily oversubscribed
* Funds to be used primarily on commencing offline marketing activities
Rent.com founder and managing director Mark Woschnak said he was pleased with the strong demand from institutional and sophisticated investors. 
“We recently announced that March 2016 was one of our strongest months on record, with the strongest new agent registrations since listing and all‐time highs in the number of unique visitors and also non‐agent listings on the site,” Woschnak said.
“We have a strong Board and executive team, robust and scalable technology and are now well capitalised to further accelerate our commercialisation objectives by commencing offline marketing activities to support our recently deployed national sales team.”
Shareholders as at the Record Date of April 13 will be eligible to buy one additional share for every three they hold at the Record Date, with acceptance forms to be returned by April 28, the media release said.
The issue price of $0.15 per share represents an 18% discount to the 10-day Volume Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”).
Jett Capital Advisors Pty Ltd are the lead manager and underwriter of the Offer, with GMP Securities acting as brokers. 
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Rent.com.au to raise $5.45 million through rights issue

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Apartment rents Australia-wide rose 2.4% over the year to September to arrive at a median price of $420 per week, with total vacancy increasing to 3%, according to the 2015 Q4 residential review from Knight Frank.
The review found apartment sales volume, capital values and rents grew nationwide despite gross rental yields tightening in the September 2015 quarter.
Michelle Ciesielski, director of residential research for Knight Frank said in September 2015, gross rental yields for Australian apartments averaged 4.64%.
"Over the year to September 2015, Australian apartment capital values have experienced 7.7% growth with the last three months of this period recording growth of 2.4% to stand at a median capital value of $473,500," she said.
"Capital growth amongst the capital cities has continued to be led by Greater Sydney (at 15.6%), Greater Hobart (at 5.8%) and Greater Melbourne (at 5.4%) over the past year.
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"When utilising growth in sales volume as a leading indicator, it would be expected that Greater Brisbane and Greater Melbourne are likely to witness further capital growth heading into 2016. Greater Hobart and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are displaying signs of a potential upswing over the medium term for capital growth after experiencing negative growth in 2014.
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"Highest annual rental growth is still being experienced in Greater Sydney, at 5.7% over the year to September 2015 while achieving a median rent of $560 per week. Although since mid-2015 rents in Greater Sydney have remained steady as total vacancy has fallen from 2.1% to 1.9% over this time, it is likely we will once again see a rise in rents early in the new year.
"With continued negative growth in apartment capital values over the past year, Greater Darwin recorded the highest gross rental yield at 5.87% in September 2015, although rents continued to fall throughout this period. As shown in Figure 4, Greater Sydney returns the lowest gross rental yields across Australia, at 4.30%. When plotted over a five year range, current yields in Greater Sydney are at the lower end of the range; a similar experience being recorded by Greater Brisbane and Greater Perth."
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Apartment sales volume, capital values and rents grow: Knight Frank

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A new survey has found moving house in Sydney can cost almost half of the annual monthly wage. 
Respondents to the to the Fair Go Finance ‘Make Moving Happen’, a survey of 3,383 Australian renters found $3,402 is spent on average to move properties.
 Sydney is the most expensive capital city for renters to move with Melbourne is the cheapest.
Fair Go Finance managing director Paul Walshe said the research also found one in four renters moves every two years, and nearly half (44%) of renters surveyed have needed some assistance to pay the bond.
"If people are using a bond loan purely for bridging finance between properties, they need to make sure they can repay it early without penalty," he said. 
"Features like this allow for greater flexibility when the need to move occurs, especially when it is unexpected due to job transfers or following a relationship breakdown.
"The biggest moving expense is furniture with renters spending around $880 to fit out their new rental. Removal companies were the second biggest expense ($200) and utilities’ connection fees the third ($195)."
Average weekly earnings 
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="213">
Full-time adult average weekly total earnings
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
Weekly
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
Monthly
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="213">
Ave national
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$1,545.6
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$6,182.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="213">
Ave Vic
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$1,396.6
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$5,586.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="213">
Ave NSW
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$1,512.1
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$6,048.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="213">
Ave QLD
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$1,440.9
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$5,763.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="213">
Ave WA
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$1,691.2
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$6,764.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="213">
Ave SA
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$1,348.2
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$5,392.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="213">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6302.0" target="_blank">Source: ABS</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71"> </td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71"> </td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
Moving cost and bond 
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="130">
Average Moving Cost
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
National
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Melbourne
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
End-of-lease cleaning
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $188
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $149
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $175
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $151
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $244
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $161
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
Hire of van
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $142
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $160
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $118
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $141
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $134
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $140
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
Removal company
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $200
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $210
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $148
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $210
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $228
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $165
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
Transport for family
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $80
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $38
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $88
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $81
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $78
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $47
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
Transport for pets
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $20
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $6
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $19
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $13
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $15
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $15
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
Buying furniture for new property
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $880
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $1,030
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $1,076
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $1,032
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $795
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $921
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
Connection fees (for example connection to phone, electricity or internet)
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $195
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $195
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $218
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $235
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $173
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $203
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
Storage (for furniture or items not moving into the new property)
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $84
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $76
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $50
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $53
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $67
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $70
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
Other
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $91
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $96
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $44
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $69
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $74
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $73
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="130">
TOTAL
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,880
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,962
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,935
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,984
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,810
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,794
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="130">
AVERAGE BOND
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,522
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,816
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,768
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,670
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,578
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,514
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="130">
MOVING COSTS+BOND 
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$3,402
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$3,778
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$3,703
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$3,653
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$3,388
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$3,308
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
**Excludes Darwin, Hobart and Canberra due to insufficient sample
Lost bond 
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
NATIONAL
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $1,083.64 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65"> </td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $1,085.58
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $1,100.54
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $1,063.60
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $1,180.76
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $998.32
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $975.44
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
WA
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $1,115.58
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
Perth
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $915.44
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
SA
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $1,292.27
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $1,407.28
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</body></html>

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