Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Joel Robinson

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]

Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place

Rentals

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Hidden within the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/mar/04/australian-hotels-face-ruin-if-coronavirus-impact-on-tourism-worsens-industry-chiefs-say?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Outlook" target="_blank" style="font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.15999984741211px;">coronavirus-devastated tourism market</a> is a related impact: the loss of customers could be financially devastating for <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/money/room-to-grow-seniors-incomes-as-retirees-become-entrepreneurs/news-story/1477d2497a7a5844151aed2c47de5a89" target="_blank" style="font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.15999984741211px;">small investors who dominate</a> short-term letting platforms such as Airbnb. After a decade of high returns, they may now wonder whether a return to the secure, if slightly less lucrative, long-term residential tenancy market is a safer bet. If investors shift from short-term letting to long-term rentals in search of greater security, this would benefit the <a href="https://theconversation.com/retiree-home-ownership-is-about-to-plummet-soon-little-more-than-half-will-own-where-they-live-115255" target="_blank" style="font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.15999984741211px;">growing numbers of Australians in rental housing</a>.
With the coronavirus pandemic there are signs this is already happening. In Dublin, for example, a <a href="https://www.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/rise-of-64pc-in-rental-properties-across-dublin-in-midst-of-coronavirus-crisis-daft-report-39061809" target="_blank">64% rise in long-term rental properties</a> has been reported this month. It’s thought landlords are withdrawing from short-term listing sites and offering properties on the rental market.
Until now, rising property prices have forced more Australians into long-term renting even as short-term letting has <a href="https://theconversation.com/who-wins-and-who-loses-when-platforms-like-airbnb-disrupt-housing-and-how-do-you-regulate-it-106234" target="_blank">eaten into the supply</a> of properties. Young adults once dominated the rental market. It’s fast becoming a more permanent solution for families and even for <a href="https://theconversation.com/fall-in-ageing-australians-home-ownership-rates-looms-as-seismic-shock-for-housing-policy-120651" target="_blank">older Australians</a>. <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/88BF225497426920CA257F5C000989A8?Opendocument" target="_blank">One in three households</a> now rent their homes.
So, with almost <a href="https://theconversation.com/ever-wondered-how-many-airbnbs-australia-has-and-where-they-all-are-we-have-the-answers-129003" target="_blank">350,000 Australian properties having been listed on Airbnb</a>, the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-45083954" target="_blank">impact on local communities</a> can be significant. The increase in short-term lettings has been linked to <a href="https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/airbnb-we-are-putting-tourists-into-houses-and-homeless-people-in-hotels-4041501-Jun2018/" target="_blank">increasing homelessness</a>.
<h2>Why landlords will look for security</h2>
Beyond the immediate impact of coronavirus on tourism in Australia, it’s possible the increased risks in the holiday lettings market may provide the impetus to align the interests of landlords and tenants around longer-term tenure.
Despite Prime Minister Scott Morrison <a href="https://www.accomnews.com.au/2020/02/travel-platforms-blamed-for-forcing-operators-to-pay-refunds/" target="_blank">urging vacationers not to ask for refunds</a> from struggling operators, the tourism downturn has introduced a new level of risk for hosts. Airbnb has enacted a policy of <a href="https://www.accomnews.com.au/2020/02/travel-platforms-blamed-for-forcing-operators-to-pay-refunds/" target="_blank">full refunds for cancellations</a>, which is <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/business/small-business/incredibly-challenging-travel-shutdown-uncertainty-for-airbnb-20200323-p54cx0" target="_blank">reported to be</a> “completely obliterating smaller hosts”.
Other platforms are advising hosts to manage COVID-19 risk themselves. This leaves many investor-landlords <a href="https://www.pri.org/stories/2020-02-19/airbnb-hosts-try-navigate-coronavirus-challenges" target="_blank">navigating a complex, public health crisis largely on their own</a>.
With some of our most popular destinations <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-18/gold-coast-tourism-industry-declares-coronavirus-crisis/11977278" target="_blank">facing an existential crisis</a>, the impacts on small business, working families and low-income Australians may be both obscured but far-reaching, as the Airbnb example shows. Big players in the tourism industry can <a href="https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/thebriefing/max-opray/2020/03/06/tourism-ministers-seek-virus-help" target="_blank">lobby federal government</a> for support. Individual agents in the share economy are largely unprotected.
To date, the home-share concept has been a winner for property investors. Holiday letting has largely moved on from the original Airbnb model of sharing one’s primary residence. Letting through digital platforms with access to a global market of tourists has brought high-rent, low-risk dividends for people with investment properties.
The coronavirus pandemic, however, is revealing cracks in the foundations of the holiday-letting model.
<h2>What has happened to renters?</h2>
<a href="https://hbr.org/2019/04/research-when-airbnb-listings-in-a-city-increase-so-do-rent-prices" target="_blank">Research</a> suggests the digital disruption of the holiday accommodation sector has had significant impacts on local renters. There is little doubt tourist demand through online letting platforms has reduced the supply and increased prices of long-term rental housing in Australia, particularly <a href="https://theconversation.com/airbnb-whos-in-whos-out-and-what-this-tells-us-about-rental-impacts-in-sydney-and-melbourne-95865" target="_blank">in parts of our capital cities</a>.
Likewise in Europe, where <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/jun/20/ten-cities-ask-eu-for-help-to-fight-airbnb-expansion" target="_blank">one in four rental properties</a> in some tourist destinations is now a holiday property. This has led some governments <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/083115/top-cities-where-airbnb-legal-or-illegal.asp" target="_blank">to introduce strict regulation</a>. It includes licensing, fines and limits on the number of days a property can be let each year.
Australia has been <a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-governments-are-treading-lightly-around-airbnb-76389" target="_blank">slower to respond</a>, despite <a href="https://jamesons.com.au/blog/australias-new-subletting-legislation-will-affect-airbnb/" target="_blank">observations</a> that Airbnb is “impacting the rental market and … bringing the cost of housing up”. Even in Tasmania, which has the <a href="https://www.planningreform.tas.gov.au/updates/short-stay-accommodation-act-2019" target="_blank">strongest market regulation</a>, <a href="https://jamesons.com.au/blog/australias-new-subletting-legislation-will-affect-airbnb/" target="_blank">one in every 27</a> Hobart homes remains listed for short-term lease. Similarly, in Sydney and Melbourne, growth in the sector has <a href="https://theconversation.com/airbnb-whos-in-whos-out-and-what-this-tells-us-about-rental-impacts-in-sydney-and-melbourne-95865" target="_blank">driven up rental housing costs</a>.
In New South Wales, <a href="https://picagroup.com.au/end-short-term-letting/" target="_blank">fines for unregistered holiday lets have increased by 500%</a>. But councils struggle to enforce laws that landlords are either unaware of or <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-26/airbnb-faces-new-clampdown-in-push-to-regulate-accommodation/11551652" target="_blank">actively avoid</a> complying with.
Home ownership has become a privilege in Australia, one <a href="https://theconversation.com/rising-inequality-in-australia-isnt-about-incomes-its-almost-all-about-housing-119872" target="_blank">driving disadvantage</a> among those who are locked out. For a single age pensioner, for example <a href="https://www.anglicare.asn.au/research-advocacy/the-rental-affordability-snapshot/docs/default-source/default-document-library/final---rental-affordability-snapshot9d02da309d6962baacc1ff0000899bca" target="_blank">less than 1% of rental housing is affordable</a>. And long-term rental housing stock is <a href="https://theconversation.com/dangerous-to-human-health-thats-a-housing-problem-much-bigger-than-a-few-high-profile-apartment-blocks-120656" target="_blank">often of poor quality</a>.
<h2>Time for a rethink</h2>
Australia’s rental housing system <a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-housing-system-needs-a-big-shake-up-heres-how-we-can-crack-this-130291" target="_blank">undeniably needs a rethink</a>. The sector presents a growing problem for state and territory governments, in terms of both the <a href="https://theconversation.com/growing-numbers-of-renters-are-trapped-for-years-in-homes-they-cant-afford-125216" target="_blank">supply of affordable rental properties</a> and finding the right <a href="https://theconversation.com/an-open-letter-on-rental-housing-reform-103825" target="_blank">balance between landlord and tenant rights</a>.
Government measures to increase the availability of rental housing through tax incentives, such as negative gearing, are unfortunately not restricted to landlords who offer longer-term tenure. To date there has been little financial incentive to eschew the higher returns of the Airbnb model for the relative stability of residential tenancies.
In times of crisis, Australians pull together. During the summer bushfires, we saw Airbnb hosts offer <a href="https://mashable.com/article/airbnb-australia-bushfire-accommodation/" target="_blank">emergency housing</a> to displaced families. They recognised the critical importance of a safe and secure home – a sanctuary. We need to recognise this critical function of home beyond times of crisis, to ensure every Australian has a <a href="https://percapita.org.au/our_work/home-for-good/" target="_blank">home for good</a>.
Per Capita’s Centre for Applied Policy in Positive Ageing is launching its Home for Good project in collaboration with The Australian Centre for Social Innovation today. You can read their policy brief on Australia’s private rental housing market <a href="https://bit.ly/homeforgood_prb" target="_blank">here</a>.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/134036/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/myfan-jordan-902873" target="_blank">Myfan Jordan</a>, Associate, Health Ageing Research Group (HARG), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/la-trobe-university-842" target="_blank">La Trobe University</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/as-coronavirus-hits-holiday-lettings-a-shift-to-longer-rentals-could-help-many-of-us-134036" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

As coronavirus hits holiday lettings, a shift to longer rentals could help many of us

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Regulation is coming for the short-term rental accommodation (STRA) industry in NSW, but not before further discussion on how it should work for residential dwellings.
The advent of online accommodation booking platforms has seen the national industry estimated to be worth $31 billion nationally in 2016, with NSW’s share about half of that figure, with short term rentals benefiting the economy and providing income for property owners.
But the shift away from hotels, motels and the traditional bed and breakfast establishments has caused problems for communities. 
At present, STRA is regulated differently in different local government areas across NSW, undermining certainty for hosts and communities.
The new schemes is a long time coming, following a parliamentary inquiry in 2015-16 and an options paper in 2017. 
In June 2018, the NSW Government announced a state-wide planning code permitting the use of dwellings under certain conditions, including limits on the days the rental can take place.
The NSW Parliament passed the Fair Trading Amendment (Short-term Rental Accommodation) Act 2018 in August 2018.
There will be a mandatory code of conduct that will apply to online booking platforms, letting agents, hosts and guests.
It was proposed that strata schemes can adopt a by-law that prohibits STRA where the property is not a host’s principal place of residence. 
Any such by-law will need to be adopted by special resolution, with 75% of votes supporting the proposal at a general meeting.
There will be ‘exempt’ and ‘complying’ approval pathways that enable a limit on the number of days possible depending whether the host is present and where the host is not present.
The policy seeks state-wide consistency in the definition and permissibility of STRA, although it will allow regional councils to nominate different day limits for un-hosted rentals,
These council include locations with many coastal location such as in Clarence Valley Shire around Angorie, Yamba and Iluka. Ditto Muswellbrook Shire around Denman and Sandy Hollow. There's also special rules around Lake Macquarie and Ballina Shire.
The presiding departments, the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) and Department of Customer Service (DCS)  are now seeking further feedback from the NSW public on the government's proposal.
There are going to be rules that ban hosts and guests in certain circumstances mostly regarding anti-social behaviour. The decision will come from the commissioner who will maintain a registry publicly available on the internet.
The rules require booking platforms and letting agents to keep the full particulars of each accommodation arrangement for five years.
Feedback is sought on matters including the process for registering a property; the information required to be included on the register; who gets access to information on the register and the costs associated with establishing and managing the register.
Given the time that industry may need to develop and establish the register, the regulatory framework won't commence until 2020, although there is some prospect of a staged implementation towards the end of 2019.
The closing date for submissions is September 11. Making a submission at www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/exhibition/have-your-say-short-term-rental-accommodation-reforms or mail to: Director, Housing Policy NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment GPO Box 39, Sydney NSW 2001.
Meanwhile the government has convened an advisory committee which includes stakeholders including Airbnb; Home Away/Stayz; Property Owners Association New South Wales, Destination New South Wales and the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

NSW short-term rentals set to be hit with new regulations

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South Gladstone ranks as the cheapest rental in Queensland, according to the latest Investar suburb performance report. 
The report suggests the median unit rent in this mining locality sits at $120 per week. 
It is followed by West Gladstone and Blackall with $150 per week median rents. 
The median rent of other locations within the mining area listed below: 
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top">
State
</td>
<td valign="top">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top">
Dwelling Type
</td>
<td valign="top">
Bedrooms 
</td>
<td valign="top">
Median rent 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
South Gladstone 
</td>
<td valign="top">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top">
4680
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$120
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
West Gladstone 
</td>
<td valign="top">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top">
4680
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$150
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Blackall 
</td>
<td valign="top">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top">
4472
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
3
</td>
<td valign="top">
$150
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Mount Morgan
</td>
<td valign="top">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top">
4714
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$170
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Charleville
</td>
<td valign="top">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top">
4470
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$175
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Chinchilla 
</td>
<td valign="top">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top">
4413
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$180
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Dysart 
</td>
<td valign="top">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top">
4745
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
3
</td>
<td valign="top">
$180
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: Investar 
A current listing is a two bedroom ground floor unit in South Gladstone priced at $115 per week. 
Located in a quiet complex, the unit at 2/32 Elizabeth Street (pictured above) comes with two carpeted bedrooms, functional kitchen, open plan living and dining area, and renovated bathroom.
Other features include the deck, security screens throughout and undercover car park plus roadside parking.
<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/2019/7/11/blackall%20.jpg" alt="">
A fully fenced three bedroom house at Blackall has been listed for rent with a price of $150 per week. 
Located at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-blackall-412143571" target="_blank"> 24 Daisy Street</a> (pictured above), the air-conditioned home comprises three bedrooms, one bathroom and carport. 
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What rentals do Queensland mining town landlords get? Investar 

<html><body>
Kambalda East has the cheapest rentals in Western Australia, according to the latest Investar suburb performance report.
The report reveals the top 100 cheapest localities across the country.
It suggests the median rent in Kambalda East for a three bedroom house sits at $170 a week. 
This is followed by Geraldton and Orelia with $190 per week.
The median rent in Armadale for both house and unit sits at $200 per week. 
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top">
State
</td>
<td valign="top">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top">
Dwelling Type
</td>
<td valign="top">
Bedrooms 
</td>
<td valign="top">
Median rent 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Kambalda East
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6442
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
3
</td>
<td valign="top">
$170
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Geraldton
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6530
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$190
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Orelia
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6167
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$190
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Armadale
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6112
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$200
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Armadale
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6112
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$200
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Kambalda West
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6442
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
3
</td>
<td valign="top">
$200
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Shoal Water
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6169
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$200
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Osborne Park
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6017
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
Studio&amp;1
</td>
<td valign="top">
$200
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Maylands
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6051
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
Studio&amp;1
</td>
<td valign="top">
$210
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Victoria Park
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6100
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
Studio&amp;1
</td>
<td valign="top">
$210
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Hamilton Hill
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6163
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
Studio&amp;1
</td>
<td valign="top">
$215
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Baldivis
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6171
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$215
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Gosnells
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6110
</td>
<td valign="top">
Townhouse
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$220
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: Investar
A three bedroom house nestled on the edge of East Kambalda has been listed for $180 per week. 
Situated on a large block, the house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-kambalda+east-412942407" target="_blank">33 Acacia Road</a> (pictured above) comprises three bedrooms, renovated kitchen, large living area, and home office or study.
It also features a shaded patio, a carport and garage. 
<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/2019/7/11/geraldton.jpg" alt="">
A Geraldton two bedroom unit currently on the market is priced at $185 per week.
Located close to all amenities in Geraldton, the furnished brick unit at 10/13 Ainsworth Street (pictured above) comes with open plan lounge area, two bedrooms, enclosed rear yard and single carport. 
It's just a short stroll to the CBD and beaches. 
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Kambalda East is WA's cheapest rental location: Investar 

<html><body>
Queenstown has the cheapest rentals across Tasmania, according to the latest Investar suburb performance report.
The report suggests its median rent for a two bedroom house sits at $140 per week and its median rent for a three bedroom sits at $150.
It is followed by Rosebery with $150 a week and Zeehan with $165 a week. 
There has been a decline in median rent in these localities over the past year. 
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Rank
</td>
<td valign="top">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top">
State
</td>
<td valign="top">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top">
Dwelling Type
</td>
<td valign="top">
Bedrooms 
</td>
<td valign="top">
Median rent 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
1
</td>
<td valign="top">
Queenstown
</td>
<td valign="top">
TAS
</td>
<td valign="top">
7467
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$140
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
Queenstown
</td>
<td valign="top">
TAS
</td>
<td valign="top">
7467
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
3
</td>
<td valign="top">
$150
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
3
</td>
<td valign="top">
Rosebery
</td>
<td valign="top">
TAS
</td>
<td valign="top">
7470
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
3
</td>
<td valign="top">
$150
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
4
</td>
<td valign="top">
Zeehan
</td>
<td valign="top">
TAS
</td>
<td valign="top">
7469
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
3
</td>
<td valign="top">
$165
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: Investar 
A new offering in Queenstown is a three bedroom house located at the southern end of the town with views of Mount Owen.
Within walking distance to local public school and general store, the house at 13 Murray Street<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-queenstown-426916210" target="_blank"> </a>(pictured above) has been listed for rent with a price guide of $160 per week. 
It comes with three bedrooms, living room with views, and open car space. 
<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/2019/7/11/rosebery.jpg" alt=""> 
Another example is a Rosebery three bedroom house priced at $140 per week. 
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-rosebery-426314342" target="_blank">3 Colebrook Street</a> (pictured above), it comes with three bedrooms, large kitchen and dining area and veranda. 
The house also features wood heater and good sized laundry area. 
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Queenstown tops Tasmania's cheapest rental areas: Investar 

<html><body>
MadeComfy, a performance-based short-term rental specialist, has opened a Brisbane office.
It has appointed 13-year property veteran Melissa Baker as its new Queensland general manager.
This follows a $6 million capital raising in May following consistent 500% year-on-year growth in Sydney and Melbourne.
MadeComfy recently released a study of the Queensland short-term rental market that showed the demand for short-term rentals (STR) more than doubled over the last two years, with STR making up 11.8% of Australia’s total tourist accommodation.
The STR report showed that short-term rentals in Queensland contributed $162 million to national tourism revenue in 2016, providing over 1.2 million nights of accommodation to the almost 1.5 million international visitors Brisbane attracted.
Melissa Baker said MadeComfy’s research has shown conclusively that Australia’s demand for short-term accommodation options are only going to keep increasing.
"Compared to Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane enjoys year-round bookings which is great for local property owners who may be considering short-term rental options such as Airbnb, Booking.com or HomeAway.”
MadeComfy claims they are delivering property owners in Sydney and Melbourne an approximately 7% to 11% rental yield return.
It was recently recognised as Sydney’s most innovative company at the 2018 NSW Business Chamber Award as well as being named as one of Westpac’s 200 Businesses of Tomorrow.
MadeComfy say they combine technology and property management services to deliver easy, transparent and profitable short-term rental experience for homeowners.
</body></html>

Short-term rental service raises $6 million to expand to Brisbane

<html><body>
Landlords offering free rent, internet on new apartments in Brisbane’s CBD is not just an indication that it’s a tenant’s market, but that it is near saturation as well, says a QUT property economist.
Tenants are calling the shots in the Brisbane CBD and inner ring suburb rental market, according to QUT economist Dr Lyndall Bryant. Of the 500 properties listed in the past six months in sought-after West End, the average days to rent was 39 days.
“That’s five-and-a-half weeks of your apartment sitting empty, so landlords might as well offer a month’s free rent on a six-month lease since it’s likely to be empty anyway,” Dr Bryant said.
“The average rental in West End is $400 a week, which means that with a four-week, rent-free period, tenants, in effect, can get the equivalent of their bond back for free.
They could conceivably move into a new apartment every six months and save two months’ rent every year.
“If this is happening in West End which has great amenity – close to the river, the city and a cosmopolitan hub - what these figures are showing us is that the market is reaching saturation.”
Dr Bryant said demand for near-city apartment living came from three groups: students, young professionals and empty nesters.
With 10,000 new apartments currently under construction, it was unclear where fresh demand for these units would come from, except possibly from international students because of the falling Australian dollar.
"In addition to the 10,000 near-city apartments under construction, inner ring Brisbane has another 15,000 apartments approved and another 15,000 waiting approval.
“If all these properties go ahead there will be an apartment oversupply and it’ll be a tenants’ market for the foreseeable future.  When landlords aren’t getting returns on their investment, they sell up and property values fall.
“Brisbane has shown good investment returns in recent years but incentives such as free rent and internet indicate we are approaching saturation.
“This isn’t good for the market. Any new developments should look very closely at their value proposition until the demand fundamentals shift."
 Dr Bryant said commercial vacancies were at an all-time high.
"Brisbane office market vacancies have blown out to 15 per cent as the mining boom has contracted," she said.
"This has meant there are fewer white collar workers looking for shorter term accommodation who could take up tenancies in near-city apartments."
Dr Bryant said a further complication was recent changes by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) that had been effective in putting the brakes on property investment lending. 
"In an effort to cool the overheated property market down south, APRA has required the banks to actively discourage higher risk mortgage lending for property investors. That is, interest only loans, high loan to value ratio loans, and loans with very long terms.
“It’s one thing to create high-density, inner city living but not everyone wants to live in an apartment and so it’s important to maintain choice in housing types. 
“With the inner city apartment market reaching saturation, it’s time to shift the policy focus to other segments of the market such as affordable greenfield and “grey field” development."
QUT is one of five Australian universities that have come together to form the Australian Technology Network of Universities.
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Free rent and internet to lure tenants in over-crowded Brisbane CBD: QUT economist

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Brisbane CBD office transactions are up 27% for the 12 months to June 2015 when compared to the previous year, with a total of approximately $1.473 billion worth of sales.
According to Savills 14 properties were sold to June 2015 , down on the five year average of 15.
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<a href="/images/2015/07/25/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-25%20at%2011.30.20%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Leasing deals greater than 500sqm increased 46% when compared to year ending June 2014, with around 49% of space leased in the Government precinct. 
<a href="/images/2015/07/25/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-25%20at%2011.42.05%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/25/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-25%20at%2011.42.05%20PM.png" alt="">
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