Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a> has made a striking debut on the Gold Coast, officially unveiling its $250 million COMO development in Varsity Lakes, a lifestyle-driven residential project anchored by an extensive rooftop wellness and activity precinct.

Having recently launched to market, construction has already been fast-tracked by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/5point-projects">5Point Projects</a>, ensuring momentum continues on what is set to become a landmark residential address for the growing Varsity Lakes community.

Located at 22 Lake Street, Varsity Lakes, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO</a> will comprise 156 apartments across 16 levels, comprising one-, two- and three-bedroom residences designed for modern living. However, it is the project’s rooftop amenity offering that sets COMO apart.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363510]

Designed as a dedicated wellness and recreation hub, the rooftop will feature a 25-metre lap pool, fully equipped gymnasium, and multiple pickleball and paddleball courts - amenities rarely seen in boutique apartment projects.

Residents will also have access to a sauna and plunge baths, while landscaped gardens and relaxation zones will provide tranquil spaces overlooking sweeping panoramic views across the Gold Coast skyline.

The rooftop precinct has been designed to function as the social and wellness heart of the development, encouraging residents to embrace an active, balanced lifestyle within their own building.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363512]

Red &amp; Co director David Laverty said the amenity offering was central to the project’s design from the outset.

“Amenities were at the forefront of our decisions,” Laverty said.

“Buyers today are looking for more than just an apartment - they want a lifestyle that promotes health, connection and balance.

“The rooftop at COMO has been designed to be the epicentre of that lifestyle, with a suite of wellness and recreation facilities that are quite unique for a boutique development of this scale.”

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363514]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the residences prioritise liveability, featuring spacious layouts, 2.7-metre ceilings and high-quality finishes throughout.

The development sits beside Bond University, placing residents within walking distance of education, retail and dining options within the vibrant Varsity Lakes precinct, including Robina Town Centre, Varsity Lakes Train Station and a range of leading schools.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

Laverty said the location was a key driver behind Red &amp; Co’s decision to bring the project to the Gold Coast.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/varsity-lakes-qld-4227">Varsity Lakes</a> was a clear choice for us to invest in as it’s a lifestyle hub that seamlessly blends lakeside living with urbanity,” he said.&nbsp;

“Como will capitalize on this great location, delivering a project that not only creates premium homes, but a lifestyle defined by community, wellbeing, and connectivity.”

Red &amp; Co has delivered more than 500 apartments and townhouses across 26 projects in Brisbane in recent years, with COMO marking the company’s first major Gold Coast development.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Joel Robinson

Red & Co unveils amenity-rich Como development in Varsity Lakes

Gold Coast developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/big-projects">Big Projects</a> has secured approval for its second Mermaid Beach project.

The developer, currently selling <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-frederick-mermaid-beach-2265-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">The Frederick in Nobby Beach</a>, has secured approval for its next project just 1.5 kilomnetres up the road.

The new development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glenelg-residences-2462-2472-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Glenelg Residences</a>, has been designed by BDA Architecture and&nbsp;will have just under 100 apartments across an 11-storey building&nbsp;at 2462–2472 Gold Coast Highway, on the corner of Glenelg Avenue just under 300m from the future Mermaid Beach Light Rail stop.

The apartments, a mix of two- and three-bedrooms, will sit above a retail-focused ground plane and under extensive rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.04%20am.png?VersionId=z6NV4izeuvhBSSVlY6vK6TPO1LxrFeaG" />

BDA said in its planning submission that the project is intended to support the area’s transition toward higher-density, mixed-use living. “This project offers the opportunity to generate appropriate higher-intensity development within the future Light Rail corridor of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Mermaid Beach</a>,” the submission noted.

At ground level, Glenelg Residences will include eight retail tenancies designed to activate the street frontage, complemented by a basement bar offering an additional hospitality element. Above, residents will have access to a rooftop amenity deck featuring an infinity pool, hot and cold plunge spas, day beds, and barbecue facilities.

The architectural approach adopts a restrained material palette of brick, textured concrete, and integrated landscaping, with cantilevered concrete frames and cascading planting intended to soften the built form. BDA described the design as aiming to create “a memorable sculptural mid-rise mixed-use building” that responds to both its coastal setting and urban context.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.45%20am.png?VersionId=cpjIVBqcT_sujmo2UMWkVyLcQ7WGJHaQ" />

The approval comes as the City of Gold Coast continues to plan for significant population growth, with regional targets requiring more than 100,000 new high-density dwellings by 2046.

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Big Projects, led by Matthew and John Barrett, is part of a growing cohort of developers that deliver construction in-house, providing a high level of confidence to prospective purchasers.
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150260]

Big Projects secures approval for Glenelg Residences in Mermaid Beach

Sherpa Group is ramping up its investment in the southern Gold Coast by lodging a development application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, a new $350 million project in Coolangatta.

The move comes after the group’s $27 million acquisition of the 2,029 sqm site on the corner of Griffith and Warner Street, last year.

They will develop 194 apartments across a 26-storey tower, which will become Sherpa’s largest project to date.

Viveré will be the next chapter in the Flourish story, following closely behind Amargo, Oasis, and the Avenues in Palm Beach, as well as Symphony in Brisbane, all designed to deliver affordable housing in lifestyle-rich locations, giving locals a real chance to secure a residence close to the beachfront.

The HAL Architect-designed project will offer a diverse range of residences, from one-, two, and three- bedroom apartments to the premium Canopy range to luxury penthouses.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c85f5a7e-a22f-4745-8def-400adb3c0b35" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.43%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=OY.chur3BPExn1exQ2q8clHqWnW_CaBi" />

“The Gold Coast is undergoing a period of immense growth, with more people drawn to the incredible 
lifestyle that’s available, leading to strong growth in property prices,” said Christie Leet, founder of Sherpa 
Group.

“Our goal at Sherpa is to ensure locals are not priced out of the market in prime locations, which is why we 
created the Flourish collection.

“Flourish Vivere will form the next chapter in our portfolio, and we are so excited to be lodging the DA, marking our first project in Coolangatta.”

A signature of the Flourish developments is the communal rooftop. Flourish Vivere will showcase a private resident’s lounge, outdoor dining with barbecues and pizza ovens, heated pool, fully-equipped gym, and a wellness centre with sauna and steam room.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c09372cc-aae6-4458-af2e-f291bd19a5e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Sc_RLXl5jiff.tnadogXjQJ_WIpDjf3p" />

The project is strategically located to offer a walkable lifestyle, with the Strand shopping centre, cafes, restaurants, shops and the beach, all just a short stroll away.

“We have meticulously planned Vivere to build on the Flourish legacy, creating a truly special project,”&nbsp;Leet added.

“Wellness, lifestyle and community are at the forefront of every decision we make, and that has not 
changed for Vivere.”

With the DA now lodged with the Gold Coast City Council, Sherpa has moved quickly to secure LPS Group as the builder, offering buyers a level of certainty that is rarely seen in today’s market.

Sherpa has delivered 16 residential projects over the past seven years with a pipeline of $1 billion, with more under construction.

Sherpa takes Flourish brand to Coolangatta, lays plans for Flourish Vivere 

S&amp;S Projects is boosting its investment at Rainbow Bay to more than $1 billion after the prolific Gold Coast developer acquired a new site for $20.25 million and immediately laid plans for a new luxury apartment project in the sought-after precinct.

The site, which is the company’s fifth acquisition at Rainbow Bay in the past four years, will be home to the company’s largest project to date after delivering 3 sold-out projects and construction progresses on Radia worth a combined $215m. 
S&amp;S Projects is currently finalising plans for its latest strategic acquisition, a 1,518 sqm site located 209-213 Boundary Street in Coolangatta, with a development application expected to be lodged within weeks.

The luxury residential development will build on the company’s highly successful projects at Rainbow Bay, comprising Flow, Awaken, Esprit and Radia, with Radia currently under construction by Hutchinson Builders.

“We have been unflinching in our commitment to Rainbow Bay and the transformation we have helped drive in this incredible part of the Gold Coast, which is among the city’s most desirable residential locations,” said S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun.

“Our fifth project will reflect the best of what we have done so far to create a lifestyle precinct that is second to none.”

The latest development, which has yet to be named, is proposed to accommodate 88 luxury apartments in a design that will immerse residents in a unique wellness lifestyle that expands on the legacy of S&amp;S Project’s earlier developments at Rainbow Bay.

The development will feature an expansive rooftop garden and wellness centre with a resort- style pool, among a host of lifestyle amenities planned for residents.

“Rainbow Bay, with its beautiful, protected beach and alongside one of the world’s best surf breaks at Snapper Rocks, is the natural wellness heartland of the Gold Coast,” said Gedoun.

“We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden.”

The latest acquisition comes as S&amp;S Projects is at the completion of Esprit and construction continues on Radia, which are part of their significant portfolio undertaken by the company at Rainbow Bay since 2022.

The $215 million Radia, which comprises 38 apartments, is currently the flagship development by S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay which is expected to be completed in 2027.

Jayde Pezet, of Pezet Matheson, which has managed sales and marketing for S&amp;S Projects across their Gold Coast portfolio, emphasised the developer’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.

“S&amp;S Projects continue to elevate the benchmark of luxury with each development," Pezet said.

“We have worked with S&amp;amp;S on their 4 other projects in Rainbow Bay and their approach reflects a team that is constantly learning, refining, and pushing the standard higher.

“Their hyper-local knowledge and deep expertise within the luxury property sector are what truly set them apart, allowing them to deliver projects that feel both globally sophisticated and authentically connected to their coastal environment”

S&amp;S Projects plans to officially launch its latest project at Rainbow Bay in the second half of this year.

“As we embark on our largest project yet, we have pulled out all stops to create another landmark development that truly reflects the relaxed southern Gold Coast lifestyle,” Gedoun added.

S&S buys $20m Rainbow Bay site for fifth beachside apartment project

Japandi, an emerging design trend that combines Scandinavian functionality with Japanese rustic minimalism, remains relatively untested in Australia’s residential development market.

As developers look to differentiate their projects and offer something distinct to buyers, Brisbane-based developer Lantona has embraced the hybrid style for its recently launched Toowong apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/koya-residences-6-josling-street-toowong-qld-4066">Koya Residences</a>, with early response to the design proving positive.

Lantona entrusted Red Door Architecture and interiors practice Luma Design Co with delivering the Japandi brief. The approach blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, emphasising warm, restrained interiors, natural materials and clean lines. Drawing on the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection) and the Scandinavian principle of hygge (comfort and cosiness), it creates serene, uncluttered and sustainable living environments.

These design principles are expressed throughout the Josling Street development, both in its exterior form and across the 40 one-, two- and three-bedroom residences within.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366229]

Koya reflects a deliberately scaled approach, with the five-storey form designed to align with the surrounding residential streetscape rather than dominate it.

“Koya is conceived as a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings. Every decision, from material selection to spatial planning, has been guided by long-term liveability and enduring relevance,” the developer said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366243]

Positioned within an established inner-west neighbourhood, the development sits near riverfront parklands and the Bicentennial Bikeway, while remaining within walking distance of Toowong Village and multiple public transport options connecting to the CBD, St Lucia and West End.

Lantona said the location was central to the project’s conception, pointing to Toowong’s balance of green space, transport access and proximity to major education institutions.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> combines river access, walkability, immediate CBD connection and a strong educational presence. That balance made it the obvious setting for Koya.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366230]

Communal amenity is concentrated on the rooftop, where a shared retreat will include a pool, dining areas and outdoor spaces oriented towards neighbourhood and city views. The design allows for both private use and small gatherings, extending the living environment beyond individual apartments.

Koya enters the market at a time when smaller-scale developments are becoming less common in established suburbs, with many recent projects in the suburb shooting for the sky.

In a nod of confidence,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/brisbane-builders">Brisbane Builders</a>&nbsp;has already commenced construction on the building, which is slated for completion in early 2027. Keenan &amp; Byrne is marketing Koya.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150787]

Japandi-inspired Koya Residences launch in Toowong

Rental News

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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:
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Rents increased in all capital cities except for Sydney and Darwin over the past 12months
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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
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<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.
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<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.
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<li>
Nationally, rents were unchanged on a monthly basis in June 2019.
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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%.
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At the end of the 2018-19 financial year, national rents were recorded at $438/week.
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Rental rates across the combined capital cities sat at $466/week and substantially higher than the $380/week across the combined regional markets
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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>
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<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>.
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

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

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

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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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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

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>
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