Brisbane-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co Developments</a> has officially launched its $250million COMO apartment development in Varsity Lakes, while simultaneously commencing construction.&nbsp;

Building work is now underway at COMO following the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/5point-projects">5Point Projects</a> as contractor to deliver the boutique development which will rise on a 2857 sqm site overlooking Lake Orr at 22 Lake Street.

When completed, <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 located in the heart of Varsity Lakes.

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The project, which will sit alongside Bond University, will deliver a diverse array of apartment designs comprising one-, two- and three-bedroom residences that have already attracted interest from local and interstate investors as well as an array of owner occupiers looking to gain a foothold in the precinct.

Red &amp; Co, which has largely focused on the Brisbane market in recent years where it has delivered more than 500 apartments and townhouses across 26 projects, has designed COMO to combine tranquil, lakeside living with the vibrant urban convenience of the vibrant Varsity Lakes village.

“We’re thrilled to announce a start to construction of COMO in conjunction with the official launch of the project, our first for the Gold Coast,” said Red &amp; Co Director and Co-Founder David Laverty.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363509]

“COMO is superbly positioned to capture the essence of the Varsity Lakes village lifestyle and its thriving café and dining precinct, while delivering a much-needed diverse supply of premium residences for the local market.

“Pre-launch inquiries have been strong among both local and interstate investors and owner-occupiers, including downsizers and upgraders who appreciate the value proposition that COMO represents.”

Prices at COMO start from $1,000,050.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the COMO development incorporates an extensive range of amenities for residents including a 25-metre rooftop lap pool, sundeck, barbecue and dining areas, as well as multiple rooftop pickleball and paddleball courts, a wellness and activity centre, gym, sauna, plunge baths and landscaped gardens.

“COMO presents a rare opportunity to secure a stylish, lifestyle-focused home in one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after neighbourhoods,” added Laverty.

“The rooftop will be the epicentre of fun for residents with an array of amenities for residents that are quite unique for a boutique project such as this, all while offering spectacular vistas across the Gold Coast as far north as Southport and south to Burleigh.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363514]

&nbsp;

Red &amp; Co has chosen the Varsity Lakes site for its proximity to top-tier schools, major shopping hubs, such as Robina Town Centre and its CBD offering, as well as key Gold Coast transport links, including Varsity Lakes Train Station.

COMO will be located just a short walk to shops, cafes and restaurants in Varsity Lakes and just a 10-minute drive to the Burleigh Heads beachfront.

With construction currently underway, Red &amp; Co anticipates COMO will be completed in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Joel Robinson

Red & Co to launch debut Gold Coast development Como Varsity Lakes as construction commences

Longstanding Gold Coast developer Raptis has acquired a prime development site on Surf Parade for its next Broadbeach apartment project.

Progressing towards completion of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-sterling-broadbeach-6-8-george-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Sterling Broadbeach</a>, 90 apartments on nearby George Avenue, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a>, led by second-generation family man Evan Raptis, has picked up a block on the corner of Surf Parade and First Avenue.

The site had been earmarked for a luxury apartment project with 33 full-floor apartments across a 37-storey tower. Raptis will go back to the drawing board and create a building more appropriate for the site. The development application will be lodged later this month.

Evan Raptis told Apartments.com.au the site ticks all the boxes.

"Broadbeach is a suburb we've developed several buildings over the years. Surf Parade ticks all the boxes for the type of apartment development we want to deliver."

Raptis had several pre-lodgement meetings with council to ensure they are aligned in the development.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f0d58573-07a4-47a8-9f5e-fbf35fb03dc3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-05%20at%204.58.23%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=iczZEd_4_o4UL0PHMPJGfy_q3tv96J5i" />

Surf Parade has emerged in recent years as one of the most popular streets in Broadbeach for development.

South East Queensland developer Mosaic Property Group kicked it off with Marella by Mosaic. Bassar Group sold out Infinity on the street, while for its&nbsp;first Gold Coast development, Polycell grabbed a Surf Parade site for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rochester-broadbeach-143-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Rochester</a>, which is nearly sold out.

Melbourne-based developer Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched its fourth Gold Coast project on the exclusive strip. The Eveleigh Broadbeach will have 100 apartments across a 31-storey building designed by Rothelowman.

GV Property Group site development specialists Antonio Mercuri and Luke Reaby, who both amalgamate sites and sell shovel-ready sites to developers up and down the Gold Coast, sold Surf Parade to Raptis.

Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development

Less than two years after breaking ground, Gardner Vaughan Group is celebrating the topping out of Bask, its second development in the exclusive coastal enclave of Bokarina on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.&nbsp;

Located only minutes from the beachfront, the two seven-storey luxury apartment towers, known individually as Mydas and Caretta, offer a selection of one-to-four-bedroom residences with views of Lake Kawana, the Glasshouse Mountains, and Bokarina Beach.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

Gardner Vaughan Group Commercial Director Sam Gardner said the milestone marks the home stretch for construction, with first residents expected to be able to move in from Spring 2026.&nbsp;

“This is a significant milestone in bringing this development to life and represents our confidence in this region’s long-term growth and appeal,” Gardner said.&nbsp;

“With 85 per cent of apartments already sold, buyers are joining an established, coastal village that offers the very best of the Sunshine Coast – seasonally patrolled surf beaches, renowned restaurants, and links to established health and retail.&nbsp;

“The final collection of three- and four- bedroom apartments range in size from 127sqm to 300sqm, each with two or three secure car parks and storage, and with construction fast approaching completion we don’t expect the last few apartments to remain on the market for long.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333362]

Local restaurateur Luke Stringer, who co-owns and manages the award-winning Bocca Italian and Playa Mexican restaurants in Bokarina, has lived in the beachside suburb for 18 months and worked there for more than three years, and said the beachside suburb was thriving.&nbsp;

“It’s fair to say Bokarina is finally stepping into the sun and there’s a lot to love about the place,"&nbsp;Stringer said.

"It’s such a great community, where you see the same smiling faces every morning and everything’s within easy reach – it’s the perfect hub in the middle of the Sunshine Coast.

“When we first opened Bocca Italian, we were the lone restaurant, but it’s been amazing to see how the area has grown. The more venues that open, the busier it gets for everyone. When Playa Mexican opened its first Saturday night, Bocca had a record night and Playa was packed too, which blew us away how everyone is thriving.&nbsp;

“There’s a great energy around the place now, and people are really embracing Bokarina as a food and lifestyle destination.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=363368]

Stringer joined other buyers at Bask Bokarina and the Gardner Vaughan Group team to celebrate the topping out at a special event in February.&nbsp;

Located in Kawana Waters, midway between Caloundra and Maroochydore, Bokarina locals enjoy scenic walking paths around Lake Kawana, playgrounds, beachfront boardwalk and parklands, alongside all the convenience of a masterplanned beachside community.&nbsp;

“You see people jogging or swimming in the morning, then grabbing coffee at the cafes, people are really embracing the area and all this growth is bringing more people to Bokarina,” Stringer added.&nbsp;

To take advantage of the vistas, each of the 135 apartments at Bask is designed with full size windows and high ceilings that provide an abundance of natural light.&nbsp;

Prices for the remaining three-bedroom apartments start at $1,599,000 and four-bedroom apartments start at $3,149,000.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=363369]

The mixed-use development also features ground-level retail space for cafés, dining options and boutiques, including the soon-to-be-opened ‘Corner Shop’, by the team behind Noosa’s well known ‘Organika’.

Sam Gardner said Gardner Vaughan Group’s 37-year history building and developing across South East Queensland has contributed to the success of its second development in Bokarina, which follows the recently completed Zinc Apartments.&nbsp;

“We care how people live and this is reflected in the way we approach the design and delivery of every development,” he said. “Furthermore, as a builder-developer we have full control over the construction program and our 100 per cent completion rate is something people can draw confidence from.”&nbsp;

Founded by civil engineers Guy Gardner and Darryl Vaughan in 1989, the family-owned business has evolved from a consultancy firm to an award-winning builder-developer, with projects across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141609]

Gardner Vaughan Group tops out Bask Bokarina apartments

Prolific Melbourne developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> has launched its fourth new Gold Coast development in as many years.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a>, led by Daniel Faigen and backed by Eddie Hirsch, co-founder of United Petroleum, has unveiled The Eveleigh, on a prime 1,100 sqm site at 7-9 Surf Parade in the heart of Broadbeach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a> will deliver 100 apartments across 31 levels, making it the company’s largest Gold Coast project to date. It builds on the success of its three earlier developments, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/hemingway-1267-1273-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach">The Hemingway in Palm Beach</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/emerson-kirra-100-musgrave-street-coolangatta">The Emerson at Kirra</a>, both completed, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yves-mermaid-beach-7-9-mermaid-avenue-mermaid-beach">Yves Mermaid Beach</a>, which is nearing completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

The announcement of The Eveleigh affirms the company’s sustained confidence in the Gold Coast market which continues to remain undersupplied. It also increases the value of Hirsch &amp; Fa​igen’s Gold Coast development portfolio to more than $700 million since the company first entered the market in 2021 with Hemingway.

The company has enlisted its preferred architecture firm Rothelowman to design The Eveleigh, which will offer a thoughtfully curated lifestyle, including a substantial wellness precinct, communal recreation areas, children’s play spaces, work-from-home facilities, and shared lounge and dining areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

Designed for the prime market demographic of downsizers and interstate lifestyle investors in mind, The Eveleigh has been crafted to offer an increasingly rare blend of affordable luxury in a tightly held market. Uniquely positioned in the heart of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after lifestyle suburb of Broadbeach, the project will also boast uninterrupted beach and hinterland views.

The Surf Parade site is just a short walk to the bustling Broadbeach dining and retail precinct, Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and convention centre, and an easy stroll to Kurrawa Beach and the recreational amenity of Pratten Park on the Broadbeach foreshore.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360975]

“We’re excited to be proceeding with our fourth project on the Gold Coast in what is certain to become the new luxury precinct in Broadbeach,” says Anthony Bueti, the CFO of Hirsch &amp;a​mp; Faigen and a shareholder of the group.

“With the likes of Mosa​ic and Abedian &amp;a​mp; Co also launching quality projects in the area, the transformation will cement Broadbeach as the premier lifestyle and amenity suburb on the Gold Coast.

"After four years in the Gold Coast market, and with three successful projects completed, The Eveleigh is the product of everything we have learned to love about the Gold Coast and it will be an incredible addition to our growing portfolio in one of the most vibrant property markets in the country. We continue to remain very confident in the high-end Gold Coast property market.”

Urban Activation Director Matt George is handling sales for The Eveleigh, having sold out The Emerson, The Hemingway, and Yves, all before construction was completed.

Melbourne builder MAXCON has already commenced construction on The Eveleigh. They are forecasting a mid-2028 completion.

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Hirsch & Faigen unveils The Eveleigh in Broadbeach

Two years after securing development approval for the final stage of its award-winning Thornton Precinct on the doorstep of Penrith Station, Urban Property Group is set to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/mayfair-on-penrith-172-lord-sheffield-circuit-penrith-nsw-2750">Mayfair on Penrith</a>, around 400 apartments designed to reflect two of Sydney’s most iconic structures.

The builder-developer has continued refining the design plans for the two-building development on a significant 8,280 sqm site on Sheffield Circuit, recognising the importance of the prime parcel as one of the closest developable sites to the station.

UPG enlisted architecture firm SJB to design the project. The team said they drew inspiration from both the General Post Office in Martin Place and East Circular Quay to help shape the design. The two-level colonnade, in particular, reflects the famous GPO building, which dates back to the 1860s.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136726 project_image_fid=362014]

There will be one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments on offer, with interiors by Cox Architecture. Residences will sit above a retail podium featuring hospitality and lifestyle operators such as One Playground and Volcano’s Steakhouse, contributing to an activated ground plane within the broader Thornton precinct.

A communal rooftop with a pool and views towards the Blue Mountains will provide shared open space for residents. The development is positioned between Ron Mulock Oval and Westfield Penrith, with the Nepean River and Great River Walk also nearby, placing daily amenity and green space within walking distance.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136726 project_image_fid=362015]

Mayfair is being delivered by Urban Property Group, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly 40 years’ experience across Sydney. The project will be the first in Penrith to be offered with Resilience Insurance’s 10-year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) policy, which Urban Property Group has adopted across a number of its recent developments. The developer also has a 4.5-star iCIRT rating, one of the best ratings in market providing further confidence to buyers.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said providing additional assurance to off-the-plan buyers has become increasingly important.

“Anything we can do to give confidence in our product is a plus,” Elias told Apartments.com.au.

“Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. They’re making their single large investment, which is their home, and providing confidence is something that we feel is paramount.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136726 project_image_fid=362020]

The LDI policy provides a 10-year warranty covering structural defects, with independent inspections carried out during construction and protection for owners if defects arise post-completion.

Mayfair represents Urban Property Group’s sixth and final development within Thornton, consolidating the masterplanned precinct immediately east of the station.

The developer, which builds its own projects, has already commenced construction. SRM Residential is handling the sales campaign.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136726]

Urban Property Group to close the curtain on award-winning Thornton precinct with Mayfair on Penrith release

Rental Yields

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Chevron One, set to be Chevron Island's first high-rise, is no doubt set to attract the eye of interstate investors.

Developer Bensons Property Group are offering a range of incentives for investors in the 41 level tower designed in collaboration with Marchese Partners and Byrns Lardner Landscape Architecture.

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<h2>What investors need to know</h2>

Investors can bag a six per cent rental guarantee for five years, considerably stronger than the average yields on offer in the major capital cities.

CoreLogic calculated that gross rental yields in Sydney and Melbourne fell to fresh record lows in February, with Sydney at 2.9 per cent and Melbourne at three per cent.

Rental income is down -5.3 per cent in Sydney and -8 per cent in Melbourne annually, according to CoreLogic.

The yields on offer at Chevron One would outweigh other capital cities whose gross rental yields are around the mid-4 per cent mark or higher. Regional Queensland, the category in which Chevron Island falls in to, is at 5.1 per cent.

<a href="/new-apartments/chevron-one-36-46-stanhill-drive-chevron-island"><img alt="" height="615" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/chevron_one_pool.jpg" width="1200"></a>

Chevron One Residences offer a fully furnished, fully managed and hassle-free ‘turnkey’ lifestyle investment.

Interstate investors in particular will be keen on the 14 day free days of holiday accomodation per year for their apartment. Chevron One boasts close to 2000 sqm of resort-style amenities, with a Club One residents’ lounge, floating cinema, sculptured gardens and dining facilities.

The entry price to Chevron One is as low as $480,000 for a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment. A two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with parking is priced from $705,000.

<a href="/new-apartments/chevron-one-36-46-stanhill-drive-chevron-island"><img alt="" height="425" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/chevron_1_0.jpg" width="700"></a>

Repayments on a $700,000 apartment, with a low interest rate of around two per cent, would be around $14,630 of interest per annum, compared to the $42,000 in rental income per annum.

Hutchinson Builders have been appointed to build the tower having demolished the former building at 46 Stanhill Drive. Completion is slated for mid-2023.

 
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Chevron One Residences offer a fully furnished, fully managed and hassle-free ‘turnkey’ lifestyle investment.



Why interstate investors are eyeing up luxury Surfers Paradise apartment tower Chevron One

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The disparity in rental markets across Australia has been extreme. At one end of the spectrum we have extremely tight rental conditions in cities such as Perth and Darwin where both house and unit annual rental growth is above 10%. At the other end are the unit rental markets of Sydney and Melbourne where rents have plunged over the last year, down -5.3% in Sydney, and -8.0% lower in Melbourne. In a similar vein to housing values, rental markets are stronger within the detached housing sector relative to the unit sector.

“The strength in Perth and Darwin’s rental sector can be attributed to a mix of low supply, due to a recent history of low investor participation, and rising demand as interstate migration trends move into positive territory. The opposite trends in Sydney and Melbourne have seen rental markets weaken; higher rental supply due to a recent history of investor exuberance, weaker demand from negative interstate migration and, more recently, a demand shock from closed international borders where Melbourne and Sydney were the primary recipients of migrant arrivals,” Mr Lawless said.

However, the weak conditions across Sydney and Melbourne unit markets look to be turning. Sydney’s rental index for units has recorded two successive months of mild rises, while Melbourne unit rents edged higher in February after falling for nine of the previous ten months. The improvement in unit rents across Australia’s two largest cities is likely to be at least partially seasonal as demand from domestic students generally rises early in the year, but could also be attributable to more people returning to work in the inner cities as well as workers in some of the hardest hit industries such as hospitality, food and accommodation services returning to employment.

Until international borders re-open and migration rates return to their pre-COVID levels, a more substantial improvement in inner city apartment rents is unlikely.

<img alt="" height="342" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/rental_market_feb.jpg" width="583">

Weaker rental conditions in Sydney and Melbourne relative to rising home values is evident in the gross rental yields, with yields across both cities falling to fresh record lows in February. Gross rental yields in Sydney were recorded at 2.9% at the end of February, while in Melbourne yields averaged 3.0%. Every other capital city is recording gross rental yields around the mid-4% mark or higher, implying positive cash flow opportunities are more likely in these markets.

Australian home values surged 2.1% higher in February; the largest month-on-month change in CoreLogic’s national home value index since August 2003. Spurred on by a combination of record low mortgage rates, improving economic conditions, government incentives and low advertised supply levels, Australia’s housing market is in the midst of a broad-based boom.

Housing values are rising across each of the capital city and rest of state regions, demonstrating the diverse nature of this housing upswing.

According to CoreLogic’s research director, Tim Lawless, a synchronised growth phase like this hasn’t been seen in Australia for more than a decade. “The last time we saw a sustained period where every capital city and rest of state region was rising in value was mid-2009 through to early 2010, as post-GFC stimulus fueled buyer demand.”

Sydney and Melbourne were among the strongest performing markets, recording a 2.5% and 2.1% lift in home values over the month respectively, as Australia’s two largest cities caught up from weaker performance through 2020. The quarterly trend however, is still favouring the smaller cities; Darwin housing values rose 5.5% over the past three months, Hobart values rose 4.8% and Perth was up 4.2%.

“Whether this new found growth in Sydney and Melbourne can be sustained is unclear. Both cities are still recording values below their earlier peaks, however at this current rate of appreciation it won’t be long before Australia’s two most expensive capital city markets are moving through new record highs. With household incomes expected to remain subdued and stimulus winding down, it is likely affordability will once again become a challenge in these cities,” Mr Lawless said.

A housing market trend that has persisted through the COVID period to-date is the weaker performance of unit markets relative to detached housing. Across CoreLogic’s combined capitals index, house values (+4.4% over the past three months) have recorded a growth rate more than three times higher than that of its unit counterparts (+1.4%). There are some tentative signs this trend could become less obvious, with Sydney unit values recording their first month of growth since April last year and Melbourne unit values recording their largest gain since late 2019.
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The disparity in rental markets across Australia has been extreme

jordan_55689

Unit rents down -8% in Melbourne but soar 10% in Perth and Darwin

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A broad trend that is becoming increasingly evident is the outperformance of houses over units, according to the latest report from CoreLogic.

They found that at a national level, house values have risen by 3.5% over the past six months while unit values are unchanged. More recently, the past three months has seen every capital city record a stronger result for houses over units.

“Demand for units has diminished through COVID-19 amidst record low levels of investor participation and changing living preferences. At the same time supply levels are heightened in some precincts. While demand and supply remain imbalanced we are likely to see units continue to underperform relative to detached housing markets,” Tim Lawless said.

The rental market dynamic has changed substantially through COVID but there are some early signs that weakness across the unit sector is starting to level out, if not turn around.

<img alt="" height="663" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/jan_rents_cl.png" width="706">

Rental demand has transitioned towards detached and lower density housing markets since the pandemic, partly reflecting the disruption to rental demand from overseas migration, but also the stress of changed working conditions, caused by COVID restrictions, in industry sectors that are traditionally more aligned with rental demand. Additionally, with more people working from home, demand for larger housing options has lifted.

Unit rents in Melbourne and Sydney are down 7.8% and 5.6% respectively over the past year, but in some positive news for landlords, the rate of decline is easing across these markets; in fact Sydney unit rents posted the first month-on-month rise in January (+0.8%) since March last year and Melbourne unit rents held firm over the month.

Unit rents across Brisbane and Hobart have also been on a downwards trajectory through COVID, however recent months have shown a similar trend of rising rents as conditions start to stabilise.

Part time job numbers have now fully recovered back to pre-COVID levels and more businesses are embarking on a return to work program which could be helping to support renewed demand towards inner city rental accommodation. Additionally, with rental rates now lower for inner city units, improved rental affordability could be attracting more people back to inner city renting.

Geographically, Perth and Darwin stand out with the largest rental increases. The annual lift in house rents is well into double digit territory while unit rents are also posting strong gains.

The strong rental conditions in these regions comes after a long run of falling rents and low levels of investment activity. The result is extremely tight rental supply at a time of rising demand, while affordability is relatively healthy due to the sustained fall in rents between 2013 and 2018.

<img alt="" height="603" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/jan_rents_cl_2.png" width="492">

Despite the substantial lift in Perth and Darwin rents over the past year, the median rental rate in Perth is still $90/week lower than the 2013 peak, and Darwin rents remain $145/week below their previous record high in 2014.

Gross rental yields have been under some downwards pressure as housing values outperform rents, with gross rental yields across the combined capital city yields down 9 basis points, and the combined regional areas have recorded a 19 basis point drop.

Although the general trend is towards yield compressions, there are a few broad regions where rents have risen faster than housing values, resulting in higher yields over the year. The gross yield in Perth is up 11 basis points to reach 4.4% and Darwin yields are 16 basis points higher at 6.0%.
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Rental yields in Perth and Dawin are up over 8% especially when compared to Sydney and Melbourne which are down over -5%

urban.com.au

Perth and Darwin buck the trend of weakening rental yields: CoreLogic

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The cheapest property sold at weekend auction was a $315,000 Surfers Paradise apartment.

Having been grossing $46,000 in holiday rental, the two bedroom, one bathroom apartment price reflects a 14 percent yield before costs.

The body corporate fee was advised as $159 per week, the water bill as  $420 per quarter and council rates at $3500 per annum.

The Chevron Renaissance apartment (pictured above), at 2167/23 Ferny Avenue, had previously sold to Hoxton Park investors in 2002 at $330,000, according to CoreLogic.

Prospective buyers were told "the exceptionally motivated interstate sellers must urgently liquidate" due to other commitments.

The fully furnished two bedroom apartment came with ocean, river and hinterland views from its mid-floor of the Skyline North Tower.

"Chevron Renaissance is highly regarded as a premier holiday high rise, centrally located in the heart of Surfers Paradise," the Ray White lisiting agent Harry Ranchhod advised in the marketing.

His last sale in the much traded complex was in December when 1274/23 Ferny Avenue, a two bedroom, two bathroom unit, fetched $455,000 having sold in 2003 off the plan at $658,000.
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The cheapest property sold at weekend auction was a $315,000 Surfers Paradise apartment, grossing $46,000 in holiday rental revenue

jchancellor

Surfers Paradise Chevron Renaissance apartment sale reflects a 14% yield

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Combined capital city home values have increased substantially since the financial crisis in 2008 however, this is largely being driven by Sydney and Melbourne with value growth muted in most other capital cities.
As the financial crisis hit in 2007/08, Australia’s combined capital city housing markets experienced a -6.1% decline in home values between March and December 2008.  Due to aggressive interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank (RBA) and the introduction of the boost to the First Home Owners Grant, further home value declines were averted.  In fact, home values began to rise across two cycles; from December 2008 and in June 2016, 7.5 years later, combined capital city home values are now 54.9 percent higher.
The first chart highlights the increases in home values over the past 7.5 years.  What is immediately noticeable is that the increases have been all about Sydney (87.9 percent) and Melbourne (71.8 percent).  In fact, most other capital cities have recorded growth which is around or below the rate of inflation.
<div>
<h3>Total change in capital city dwelling values December 2008 to June 2016</h3>
<a href="/images/2016/07/19/2016-07-15--image1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/07/19/2016-07-15--image1.jpg" alt="">
From December 2008, combined capital city home values increased until October 2010, rising by 21.8 percent. 
Official interest rates were first increased coming out of the financial crisis in October 2009, rising by 175 basis points to November 2010.  The boost to the First Home Buyers Grant was partially removed in September 2009 and completely removed after December 31 2010.  These combined factors saw the rate of value growth slow, followed by a decline in dwelling values. 
The second chart highlights that from December 2008 to October 2010 dwelling values rose in all cities with Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin the standouts.  Despite very low interest rates, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart recorded little value growth over this period.
<h3>Total change in capital city dwelling values December 2008 to October 2010</h3>
<a href="/images/2016/07/19/2016-07-15--image2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/07/19/2016-07-15--image2.jpg" alt="">
Between October 2010 and May 2012 as stimulus was removed from the housing market, combined capital city home values fell by -7.4 percent.  Darwin, Melbourne and Brisbane recorded the largest falls over the period.  Looking back at this period it is clear that low interest rates and first home buyer incentives stimulated the market and, as they were removed, demand was shown to be fragile. 
In October 2010, official interest rates were recorded at 4.75 percent and by May 2012 they had fallen by 100 basis points to 3.75 percent.
<h3>Total change in capital city dwelling values October 2010  to May 2012</h3>
<a href="/images/2016/07/19/2016-07-15--image3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/07/19/2016-07-15--image3.jpg" alt="">
From May 2012 to June 2016, combined capital city home values have increased by 37.3 percent while official interest rates fell by 200 basis points to 1.75 percent.  Although home values have increased over the period, Sydney and Melbourne have recorded a substantially higher rate of value growth than all other capital cities. 
<h3>Total change in capital city dwelling values May 2012 to June 2016</h3>
<a href="/images/2016/07/19/2016-07-15--image4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/07/19/2016-07-15--image4.jpg" alt="">
The data indicates that since the financial crisis the capital city housing market could be described as being extremely interest rate sensitive.  Digging deeper into the data shows that in reality it is only Sydney and Melbourne that have really responded to the stimulus of low interest rates.  The relative strength of the Sydney and Melbourne economies and the much greater employment growth has clearly assisted drive housing values higher in these cities.
Until the economic performance improves outside of Sydney and Melbourne it seems unlikely that sustainable growth will return in these areas despite the extremely low interest rates which are set to potentially move even lower over the coming months.  For Sydney and Melbourne although affordability is increasingly becoming stretched home owners have experienced a substantial increase in equity. 
With historically weak rental markets and record low yields it will be interesting to see if investors and upgraders in the two largest capital cities continue to show a thirst for housing in these cities given the growth phase has now been running for more than four years.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic RP Data. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.
 
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Home value growth remains all about Sydney and Melbourne: Cameron Kusher

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Some investors have sought to move money away from the major capitals and into regional areas, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at rental yields across the nation. 
The report noted the Southern Highlands has remained relatively popular due to its good proximity to Sydney while still being relatively affordable in selected areas close to the main local townships of Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale.
"For example, a basic 1990s three to four bedroom project home in East Bowral can be purchased for between $650,000 and $750,000 in the present market and we are seeing rental returns on these in the mid to high $500 per week range," the valuation firm said. 
Brand new project homes in Renwick and Braemar are a similar range with a slightly higher rental return.
These properties are generally achieving good rental returns as they have lower vacancy rates due to good proximity to the highway and central shopping hubs.
Overall the Southern Highlands would most likely be considered to have good rental yields but nothing exceptional due to also typically benefiting from reasonable capital growth, again off the back of its good proximity to Sydney.
"As far as the best rental yields go, we are mostly seeing these come from properties that have multiple areas of occupancy, whether that be semi- detached duplex or apartment style properties which are seeing yields in the high 5% to 6% region.
"This is mostly due to the lowest rental available in the Highlands region being around the $350 to $400 per week range, so these smaller (two to three bedroom) dual occupancy style dwellings are achieving good rental returns," the valuation firm said. 
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Smaller dual occupancy style dwellings achieving good rental returns in the Southern Highlands: HTW

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The rental market in Mildura has been tight in recent years, with agents reporting very low vacancy rates, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at rental yields across the nation. 
The report notes rents have been steadily increasing as a result. Gross yields of around 6% are typical for cheaper houses, in say the $225,000 to $275,000 range, stepping down to around 5% for more expensive houses in the $300,000 to $400,000 range.
"Investors who buy cheaper residential units can expect to get higher gross yields of up to 7%, however this has in the past been counterbalanced by reduced potential for longer term capital gain," the valuation firm said. 
"Investors also need to be mindful of the need for maintenance and eventual upgrading when buying older units or houses."
Demand for rental housing appears to come from a range of tenants and we regularly hear of families who move to Mildura for employment reasons (teachers, police officers etc.) having difficulty in finding suitable rental accommodation.
The growth in the areas planted to table grapes and citrus in the Mildura region has also created demand for seasonal workers and it is clear that there is a shortage of cheaper accommodation options for this sector.
Many older houses and cottages scattered throughout the surrounding rural area, together with a number of old motels are now generating comparatively strong rental returns as a result of being let to these seasonal workers.
"Our advice to investors is always to buy a property that you could imagine living in yourself. There are numerous examples of compact four-bedroom houses that have been built intentionally for the rental market and which have little if any verandah areas," the valuation firm said. 
"Mildura’s long hot summers are always more pleasurable when there is a covered outdoor area and we would expect tenant churn will be higher in the plainer homes that are not well suited to our climate.
"While yields are generally lower for newer homes and units, there will be lower maintenance costs and also the potential to claim depreciation allowances.
"We recommend any investors who would like to consider the option of claiming depreciation allowances contact our office for more details." 
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Rents steadily increasing in Mildura: HTW residential 

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Melbourne’s outer south-eastern suburbs continue to prove to be a popular region amongst buyers, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
It's particularly the case for newly settled migrant families, young couples and first home buyers who are taking advantage of the affordable land prices in areas of the Casey and Cardinia districts.
The valuation firm took a look at rental yield across the country to dissect where to find the best returns in their residential markets.
The report suggests there are many estates to choose from in these fast-developing areas.
"House and land packages are attractive for first home buyers and young families as they allow flexibility in designing their own home to cater to their individual needs," the valuation firm said. 
In the ever-expanding Cardinia Shire municipality, the median house price is $552,385 and $396,469 for a unit respectively, according to Corelogic.
In recent years, Pakenham has become a major growth area for the outer south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne appealing to young families with its proximity to parks, shopping retail outlets, schools and child care centres.
In the suburb of Pakenham, statistics show that houses are priced at an average of $485,000, generating a weekly rent of $360 per week, yielding at a rate of 3.5% to 4%.
The HTW report provides two examples, including a house and a unit. 
A single storey house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-pakenham-131806650" target="_blank"> 16 Jacaranda Way, Pakenham</a> (pictured below) has recently been sold for $595,000.
Set on a 645 square metre block, the house comprises four bedrooms plus study, two living areas, two bathrooms, double garage and alfresco.
The home is close to Heritage Springs shopping centre, primary school and Hippity Hop Child Care centre.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/16/pakenham%201.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom unit at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-vic-pakenham-131609490" target="_blank"> 2/16-20 Honeysuckle Close, Pakenham</a> (pictured below) has been sold for $437,000.
The 174 square metre home comprises three bedrooms, two bathrooms, outdoor entertaining area and single car space. 
Overlooking parkland, the unit is within walking distance from the lakeside shops.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/16/pakenham%202.jpg" alt="">
"Whilst the rental yields in the outer south-eastern suburbs may not be as high as properties in the CBD and inner suburbs, homeowners and investors can experience an average annual capital growth of 9.3% a year for houses and 14.49% for units in these growth corridor areas," the valuation firm said, 
"This just shows that different investors have different strategies when it comes to investing in property and it all comes down to the individual’s end goal as some may look for properties that generate high yields and others look for higher capital growth."
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Melbourne South Eastern suburbs tipped for 9.3% annual capital growth: HTW residential 

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About 25% of Lismore’s population lives in rental accommodation with the median rent now being $395 per week for houses and a median rental yield of just under 4.7%, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at the rental yields across the country to dissect where to find best returns in residential markets. 
The official population of Lismore City as at 30 June 2018 was 43,843 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The median rent for units in the Lismore area is $275 per week, with a median rental yield of just over 5%.
With a low vacancy rate relative to many regional centres of 1% and the ability to buy a four-bedroom, two-bathroom dwelling for under $400,000, Lismore and its surrounding suburbs represents an opportunity to invest in property without going into debt up to the eyeballs.
"The trade-off for this relative stability is normally lower capital growth, however for the first time investor, building a stable base for a property portfolio is important," the valuation firm said. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/10/21/lismore%20median%20sale%20price.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/21/lismore%20median%20sale%20price.jpg" alt=""> 
Source: HTW 
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Lismore's median rental yields just over 5%: HTW residential 

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For those chasing income rather than growth, Tamworth offers a range of options all with attractive returns, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at rental yields across the nation. 
"Whether it be single residential or a unit block, there is something for all investors. Tamworth sees all types of investors and no particular strategy (growth versus yield) dominates," the valuation firm said. 
"To begin with, let’s take a look at single residential investments. The average return throughout Tamworth sits around the 5% mark (say 4.5% to 6%) for most single residential dwellings.
"Now, while this is certainly a better yield than that found in the larger cities, it is still not amazing. The area we find attracts yield investors is that of West Tamworth, in particular Coledale." 
This area has a lot of housing commission and is not a desirable location for owner occupiers, however with sub-$200,000 buy in and returns north of 8%, it is certainly attractive for investors.
A recent sale of <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-tamworth-131112554" target="_blank">47 Cossa Street</a> (pictured below) at $130,000 showed a gross return of 9.6% with a tenant in place at $240 per week.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/16/tamworth%201.jpg" alt="">
"If single residential or properties in undesirable locations isn’t your cup of tea and you prefer multiple-occupancy properties than do not stress, Tamworth has that covered as well," the valuation firm added. 
Duplexes and triplexes typically see gross returns of 6% to 8% depending on the location, with those in the more desirable areas of East and North Tamworth falling towards the lower end.
The report suggests the benefit of a multiple occupancy property is less risk with less chance of all units being empty as well as higher capital growth than the properties mentioned previously.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-duplex+semi-detached-nsw-tamworth-129465162" target="_blank">22 Charles Coxen Close, Oxley Vale</a> (pictured below), recently sold for $429,000 with an assessed weekly return of $560 or an annual gross return of 6.8%.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/16/tamworth%202.jpg" alt="">
"For the last style of investment property we check out unit blocks (four or more units on one title)," the valuation firm added. 
While these properties are bought and sold less frequently, they certainly have a place within the market.
The returns for unit blocks are not dissimilar to those of duplexes or triplexes, with investors expecting 6% plus returns.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-tamworth-129881678" target="_blank">100-102 Belmore Street, West Tamworth</a> (pictured below) which consists of a four unit building and a separate three-bedroom dwelling sold for $1.090 million earlier this year.
"With a gross return of $68,120 or 6.2% and the potential to subdivide or build more units, this was an attractive buy for any investor with the cash," the valuation firm commented. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/16/tamworth%203.jpg" alt="">
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