Fresh off completing Pienza Neutral Bay, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-element">Central Element</a> is preparing its next move in the coveted Lower North Shore suburb.&nbsp;

Central Element (CE) has lodged plans for an eight-storey apartment building at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/54-64-barry-street-neutral-bay-nsw-2089">54–64 Barry Street</a>, a 1,659 sqm site just south of Military Road and the Neutral Bay town centre.

The $52 million development will involve the demolition of four detached homes across four lots to deliver 45 apartments, including eight affordable housing units to be managed by Bridge Housing. The mix will comprise six one-bedroom apartments, 24 two-beds, and 15 three-beds. The apartments will sit above three basement levels with 62 car parking spaces and 50 bicycle spaces.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mhn-design-union">MHN Design Union</a> (MHNDU) has returned as architect following its work on Pienza, again shaping a mid-rise form with a clear street presence. The design features a lower four-storey podium element that responds to surrounding context, with upper levels recessed to reduce perceived bulk. Communal open space is proposed both at ground level and on the rooftop, the latter including an outdoor kitchen and swimming pool.

“The building has been designed with a lower four-storey element and with building materials commensurate with the character of the area,” Beam Planning noted in its submission to the North Sydney Council.

<img alt="Barry Street, Neutral Bay Nsw 2089" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a28ab3a-b8ba-4476-81cd-e4a8bb84f3a7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Barry-Street-Neutral-Bay-1327x742.png?VersionId=hlgvxszAWXIHgHtdR5HiwIKiSli2lLZV" />

Bridge Housing will manage the affordable units for a period of 15 years, as required under the Housing SEPP’s incentive provisions.

MHNDU’s design report further highlights the site's strategic location just 250 metres from key bus stops and 1.3 kilometres from North Sydney CBD, positioning it for transit-accessible housing supply. In their planning justification, the design team emphasised the site’s compatibility with emerging local character and scale.

Central Element has a solid apartment pipeline spread all over Sydney. They recently completed&nbsp;Pienza, 37 apartments just 500 metres away from the new project, and are currently building Ethos Chatswood, Ballamac House in Coogee, and Bianca on the harbour in Drummoyne.

They have plans for future projects in Mosman, Bondi Beach, Greenwich, Lavender Bay, along with a tower on the edge of Hyde Park.

Joel Robinson

First look: Central Element unveils second Neutral Bay apartment project

Real estate investment fund Wentworth Wentworth Equities is soon to launch a "Los Angeles-inspired" residential, leisure and lifestyle precinct in Brisbane’s Hamilton riverside ahead of the predicted Olympic-led population explosion for the city.

Drawing its style inspiration and name from Los Angeles’ renowned The Grove, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hamilton-grove-19-hercules-street-hamilton-qld-4007">Hamilton Grove</a> will feature three residential towers and a vibrant street-level public precinct with curated luxury lifestyle, retail and dining offerings.

The first of the three towers, to launch in March 2026, will comprise 61 apartments, in the same building as a premium hotel.<img alt="Hamilton Grove" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d227fe61-8392-45b7-b386-9133f29a249f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-19%20at%209.10.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=HTCV35HZ4h84jQCmHwhsdIPN0ctO5d7Z" />

Wentworth Equities Executive Chairman Sameh Ibrahim said the precinct will be unique in its appeal to both residents and the wider community.

“Hamilton is already one of Brisbane’s most sought-after riverside suburbs and for good reason,” Ibrahim said.

“Where else in the world can you walk out of your front door and have everything you could possibly need at your fingertips? The city is just around the corner, the airport is only ten minutes away, you have the river and green spaces right there and premium retail and dining on your doorstep."

Wentworth Equities acquired the 7637 sqm Hercules St site in 2014, when Ibrahim said he had a "very clear vision" for the precinct, but ultimately it wasn't the right time to develop. He said Hamilton was still very much an "emerging precinct."

“Since then, Hamilton and surrounding suburbs like Ascot and Albion have significantly grown and matured into a precinct that aligns with our vision for Hamilton Grove. Brisbane as a whole has so much to offer in the way of lifestyle appeal, but as it stands it is so widespread – you go to Howard Smith Wharves for fine dining, you go to James Street for shopping, you go to West End to walk along the river – but what if you could go to Hamilton Grove for everything?

“Our vision is a precinct that brings together the best of Brisbane into one central space abundant with culture, class and culinary experience – a place that a lucky few will get to call home, but the rest of Brisbane still get to explore and experience at their leisure.”

<img alt="Hamilton Grove" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46550990-8aeb-44d4-bb47-150cdca96529" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-19%20at%209.10.50%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bmCkApPKY_Bj3z02Q8vI7Kyo_caJXOnv" />

Experienced civil engineering contractor Mainland Civil has been appointed to commence early works for the project, adding Hamilton Grove to their extensive portfolio where it will join other iconic Brisbane developments including Queens Wharf, 300 George Street, Infinity Tower and 1 William Street.

Construction on Tower One is scheduled to commence in early 2026 with completion expected in late 2028.

Fast Facts 
 
• Three residential towers and a vibrant street-level public precinct with curated luxury lifestyle, retail and dining offerings. 
• Construction on Tower One is expected to commence in Quarter One 2026, with completion expected in late 2028. 
• 7,637 square metre site at 19 Hercules St, Hamilton (part of Economic Development Queensland’s 304 hectare Northshore Hamilton Priority Development Area). 
• 61 waterfront residences and skyhomes in the first tower, ranging from two to five bedrooms. 
• Hamiton Grove will be officially launched in March 2026.

"LA-inspired" Hamilton Grove to launch on Brisbane riverside

There’s a quiet patch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>, between the bustle of Glenferrie Road and the curve of the Yarra, that rarely sees change, and even more rarely, new apartments. But that’s exactly where <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pomeroy-pacific-quattro-corp">PQD</a> is planting Kooyongkoot: a deliberate, 18-residence answer to the question of what downsizers actually want.

“This is something this pocket of Hawthorn has never seen before,” says Fil Gacesa, head of sales at PQD. “<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a> will deliver just 18 large-scale apartments in the heart of Hawthorn. It is the true definition of resort-style living.”

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/59D7VxzltmM?si=1iCzRD7FRneKryfv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

That scale is central to the story. It’s what allows for two dedicated lift cores, short corridors, and a generous lightcourt that draws natural ventilation and sunlight into every residence. It’s also what makes room for the sort of amenity usually confined to high-density towers: a fully equipped wellness centre with infrared and traditional saunas, yoga and pilates studio, cold therapy shower, and treatment room. There’s a golf simulator, car and dog wash stations, and extensive storage too, not bolted on, but baked in from the start.

But more than the checklist, it’s the design intent that carries weight. “This project has been many years in the making,” says Mark Pomeroy, Director of PQD. “Not just in planning, but in listening, to what our buyers and the local community are looking for”.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355289]

That listening shows up in the materials, oak floors, natural stone, V-ZUG appliances, and in how space is handled. Penthouses feature private rooftop terraces with pools. Terraces and garden residences embrace outdoor connection. Inside, the layouts skew large and open, geared for hosting, not just housing.

Architecturally, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>’s approach is grounded. There’s no reaching for spectacle here. Instead, the building offers a sculptural calm, anchored by landscaping from Eckersley Garden Architecture.&nbsp;

“We wanted to create spaces that feel expansive, serene, and meaningfully connected to daily life,” said founding partner Chris Stribley elsewhere.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

That sentiment, calm, connection, echoes in the location itself. Kooyongkoot sits just a short stroll from Central Gardens, Fairview Park, and the Rivoli Cinema. Tram lines and schools are close, but the street is tucked, quiet, and leaf-lined.&nbsp;

“Residents of Kooyongkoot will be a short stroll from Fairview Park, Central Gardens, and the Glenferrie Road retail strip," Gacesa notes, "but you're also cocooned in this peaceful pocket behind extensive landscaping by Eckersley Garden Architecture.”

Kooyongkoot is set for completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Staff Writer

The project that said no to compromise: Inside Kooyongkoot, Hawthorn

When long-time Ivanhoe locals Graeme and Catherine, decided it was time to downsize, they weren’t necessarily in a rush.&nbsp;

Like many in their stage of life, they had started thinking about apartment living, but anticipated making the shift in two to three years.

That timeline changed when they visited <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, a new boutique development by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>. The project ticked all the boxes they were looking for: location, quality design, and long-term lifestyle benefits, which prompted them to bring their decision forward.

“It was the right place at the right time,” they said. “We knew immediately it ticked all the boxes, and we didn’t want to wait.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=358855]

Their decision to downsize was driven by a combination of practical needs and lifestyle considerations. Their existing home, while much loved, had become increasingly difficult to maintain. It spanned multiple levels, included extensive front and back gardens, and was starting to show the wear that comes with age.&nbsp;

They were looking for a more manageable lifestyle, one with less upkeep and more freedom. A brand-new apartment with no maintenance requirements and the ability to simply “lock up and leave” gave them peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their future.

Financially, the purchase made sense as well. The available stamp duty savings, strong price-to-value offering, and timing of the settlement suited their plans, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective. The apartment's design and inclusions further supported their choice.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357493]

The layout was both functional and flexible: three bedrooms, a butler’s pantry, a separate laundry, and a large open-plan living area. It gave them the freedom to host a family, accommodate guests, or set up a home office. The expansive balcony and elevated views added to the appeal, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

“It just had a really good flow,” Catherine noted, something they found lacking in many other apartments they’d considered, particularly in the established market.

Candela’s boutique scale was another deciding factor. With a smaller number of residences and a top-floor penthouse position, the couple felt the development offered the privacy and space they were looking for, without feeling isolated.

“We liked that it wasn’t a huge development. It felt well-balanced, modern but still with a sense of community, not overwhelming,” they said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357508]

Equally important was the ability to remain in Ivanhoe, a suburb they know well and have deep roots in. After 46 years in the area, proximity to local parks, shops, and familiar faces mattered just as much as the apartment itself.

“We didn’t want to give up the community we’ve known for decades. Candela allowed us to upgrade our lifestyle while staying in the place we call home.”

With a Walk Score of 90, the village location supports a convenient, connected lifestyle. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a> Station is just a eight-minute walk away, and the neighbourhood offers access to parks, cafes, restaurants, and schools along Upper Heidelberg Road, all within easy reach.

Beyond the apartment, the couple also saw value in the broader vision for Candela, one that integrates residential living with public spaces and local amenities.&nbsp;

The development introduces 58 new apartments as well as a mix of commercial and social spaces that integrate contemporary architecture with the suburb’s existing character.&nbsp;

At ground level, residents will find a charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offers a stunning vantage point for residents to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, host gatherings, or enjoy barbecues with family and friends. It's not just a place to live; it's a vibrant community where every moment is an opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Why Ivanhoe locals are choosing to downsize to Candela

Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

Project management and construction management firm Creative Vision filed the plans for the&nbsp;multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Rents

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This is my final post looking at what figures from the Rental Bond Board tell as about the make-up and direction of the rental market, in Sydney and across NSW. While supply of rental accommodation has been below population growth trends, the numbers are now catching up and the popularity of investing in residential property has seen a big increase in supply, and this is slowing rental growth.
Rental Growth Slows
The general trend of median rents across the metropolitan area between 2010-11/2013-14 shows that growth in median rents has been slowing. In 2010-11 the increase was 3.1% and in 2011-12 it was 4.3%.
However in 2012-13 the figure fell below 4% to 3.1% and in 2013-14 the increase was 2.9%. Recent figures published by Corelogic RP Data and the ABS both show a slowing in rental growth with Corelogic reporting an increase of only 1.5% over the past 12 months. The ABS CPI rental series notes an increase of 2.1% over the year to March 31. Both these results confirm the trend noted in the Board’s figures.
Supply Increasing
One key factor that is putting downward pressure on rents has been the big jump in supply in NSW over recent years as more investors look to residential property, driven by falling deposit rates and the availability of cheap finance. The number of bonds held by the Board clearly shows the trend, in the following table:
 
Year:              Number of Bonds:          Increase:
2008/09          643,518                        ^8028
2209/10          648,142                        ^4624
2010/11          662,756                        ^14,614
2011/12          680,150                        ^17,394
2012/13          703,158                        ^23,008
2013/14          726,337                        ^23,179
The upward trend has been most notable since 2012/13 with some 46,187 new tenancies added to the NSW rental pool and the trend is sure to have continued into 2014/15.
Invest in Quality
As more stock becomes available, I suggest that investors, just like owner-occupiers should invest in quality and do their research to help ensure that despite more supply, they secure good opportunities in popular rental locations.
I suggest that no matter how strong investment demand is, you can never beat quality and with banks taking a tighter line on investment loans it’s even more important. The key items to keep in mind are by no means new, but it’s sensible non the less to keep them in mind, so I suggest a simple check list, in particular for off-the-plan buyers would include the following items to tick off.
Firstly try to get in early and learn all about the area where you might invest. Understand the quality of the project, if the finishes and fixtures appeal to you personally, then they will also be acceptable to tenants, and if there’s a competitive market this will be an important consideration.
Check that you can secure all of the finance for your investment, and always include the added cost of stamp duty and legal fees, plus take into account the ongoing costs like strata and management fees. Visit the project location, at least a few times, even more important if you’re going to invest outside of your home city. Do your research and gain an understanding of what sort of supply pipeline and tenant demand there might be when your project is complete. These are simple ideas, and I suggest the same even when buying an established property, because as supply continues to increase and we possibly see rents moderate, these factors will help secure tenants.
The trends come from a very big pool of tenants as the Rental Bond Board looks after what might soon be approaching 750,000 tenancy bonds across NSW, and so the figures are a very reliable reflection of the wider rental market.
Given all of the activity across our property market in the last 12 months the Board’s report for 2014-15 will I am sure make very interesting reading.
To read the first part of Peter's two-part post click here.
Peter Chittenden is managing director for residential of Colliers International. He can be contacted <a href="https://www.projectagenda.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

Rental trends supply heading upward: Peter Chittenden

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Under all Victorian tenancy agreements (fixed-term and periodic) entered into on or after 19 June 2019, rent can only be increased once every 12 months, rather than at six-monthly intervals.
The rent must not be increased before the end of a fixed-term tenancy agreement, unless the terms of the agreement allow for this. 
Six-monthly increases will still be allowed for agreements entered into before 19 June 2019 that are:  
<ul>
<li>existing fixed-term tenancy agreements of less than five years, and</li>
<li>existing periodic (month-by-month) tenancy agreements. </li>
</ul>
For all rent increases, landlords and property managers must use the updated notice of rent increase from the government's <a href="https://submit.consumer.vic.gov.au/ch/25390/2d6fc35/2426631/kkudkBKulnOy8z1kwAfvAXi2_pv4syhyUwzlNsIS" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">rent increases page</a>.
Landlords and property managers will now have the option to provide the prescribed renting guide Renting a home: a guide for tenants electronically to tenants who have consented to receive information this way. Previously, they were required to provide the guide as a printed booklet. 
To provide the guide electronically they must:
<ol>
<li>ensure they have the tenant’s written consent to receive notices and other documents electronically. This can be included in the terms of their lease, or obtained with the Consent to electronic service of notices and other documents form, available from the <a href="https://submit.consumer.vic.gov.au/ch/25390/2d6fc35/2428465/kkudkBKulnOy8z1kwAfvxyCeVfkKGydYNqjp4quc" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">renting guide page</a>
</li>
<li>send the tenant the following link: <a href="https://submit.consumer.vic.gov.au/ch/25390/2d6fc35/2428465/kkudkBKulnOy8z1kwAfvxyCeVfkKGydYNqjp4quc-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">consumer.vic.gov.au/rentingguide</a>
</li>
</ol>
More than 130 reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 were passed in the Victorian Parliament in 2018.
Some were selected for early implementation this year, with the remaining reforms to be fully implemented by 1 July 2020. 
To help prepare for these changes, a new dedicated <a href="https://submit.consumer.vic.gov.au/ch/25390/2d6fc35/2426770/kkudkBKulnOy8z1kwAfvUUHF0I5Iat4GUJWDXMdk" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">Changes to renting laws section</a> is now available as a one-stop information source on:
<ul>
<li>the early reforms that are already in effect</li>
<li>stakeholder consultation </li>
<li>key reforms and their impact on tenants and landlords.    </li>
</ul>
The Victorian Government said it is working with industry and community groups to develop information and training materials to help them prepare for these changes.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Victoria restricts rent increase frequency to 12 months

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Property prices have fallen in most major centres, but there seems to be little relief in sight for struggling tenants as rents continue to increase, according to new data. 
Analysis by rent.com.au shows rents in February increased in all capital cities except Brisbane and Perth, but experts say that may change soon. 
The increase follows a trend of growing rental prices within the past 12 months as the nation grappled with a lack of affordable housing. 
In 2018, house prices dropped by an average of 4.8% across the nation, prompting Deutsche Bank to identify a potential Australian housing crash as one of the top 30 risks to the global economy. 
While the current rise in rents seems out of step with the downward trend in house prices, experts say it is to be expected.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/14/RENTS.png" alt="">
Source: Rent.com.au
Static incomes, rising interest rates for existing borrowers and population growth are offsetting lower renting costs across cities. 
“Rents and house prices can move in different directions at the same time,” University of New South Wales City Futures research fellow Chris Martin said. 
“This is because house prices have a speculative component that rents do not have. Rents more directly reflect demand for, and supply of, housing as housing. By contrast, house prices also reflect a degree of speculation – that is, housing as an asset, that someone else might pay more for later.”
For the past decade, housing prices across the major capitals have risen well above the trend in rents due to low interest rates and “rampant speculation” from investors keen to capitalise on the skyrocketing prices. 
Now, would-be buyers have lost confidence and are pulling out of the market, resulting in the price drop. 
“This also means that construction commencements have also contracted, as developers are less confident about finding buyers. If this persists, this may result in supply pressures on rents,” Martin said.
Greg Bader, the CEO of rent.com.au, says the recent increase has also been influenced by an influx of demand in the market, as students seek suitable accommodation. 
“In isolation, falling house prices don’t tend to impact rents directly. However, a market downturn can lead to an oversupply of properties, which does then flow through to an eventual drop in rental prices,” Bader said.
“But this can be a slow burn.”
While the February market snapshot shows a small lift in rental prices across the peak season, Bader stresses that renters are “yet to see the impact of a housing downturn”.
There are more than 2.1 million Australians living in rental properties, with the 2016 census showing that the nation’s cohort of renters is on the rise with almost as many Australians renting, as those that own their houses.
In November, the latest Rental Affordability Index – an indicator of rental affordability relative to household incomes – found that “renters currently spend an average of 20% of their income on housing costs, while owners with a mortgage pay 16%”.
Bader said that potential renters looking for the downturn to influence cheaper rents will have to wait a while. 
“With the number of properties available increasing in many areas, it’s likely that the market will see some softening as demand teeters off – most likely in areas where there’s some oversupply [apartments] and in outer suburbs where there’s more choice,” he said. 
The best thing that renters can do in the meantime is to narrow down locations, research lifestyle options and be prepared to compromise, he said.
“Don’t be afraid to look at neighbouring suburbs which can offer just as many lifestyle options but can come at a significant discount and save you money,” Bader said.
“Be flexible. You may need to compromise on some things, but go in with an idea of what’s most important to you, e.g. a good kitchen over parking space.”
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Rents continue to rise despite fall in property prices

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reiwa.com’s latest preliminary data shows Perth's residential vacancy rate has risen to 4.9 per cent in the past three months to May as the number of properties for lease increased.  This is the highest vacancy rate in six years, after it reached 4.8 per cent in the September quarter of 2009.  There are now 8,147 homes available for tenants, up by almost 600 over the last month. 
Top Suburbs - Available Rentals
Perth 236
East Perth 225
Baldivis 176
Scarborough 167
REIWA President David Airey said the slowdown in Western Australia’s population growth rate had created the oversupply, along with a significant newly constructed dwellings coming to completion.  “The competition among property owners is having an effect on price, with the metropolitan median rent dropping by five dollars on the March quarter to $425 per week, which represents a cut of $25 on the same time last year,” Mr Airey said.  Perth’s median rent peaked at $475 per week in the middle of 2013, but has since fallen by $50, or around 10 per cent, across the board.  “The long term equilibrium for Perth’s vacancy rate is three per cent, so the current situation means there is over 50 per cent more properties on the market than is usual,” Mr Airey said. 
The City of Belmont saw the biggest individual drop, with its local rental median falling from $450 per week to $425 per week between April and May. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Perth's highest residential landlord vacancy rate since 2009

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The REIV has released tables with a summary of Melbourne and Victorian median house prices and rents for the 12 months ending March 2015.
Yields for two bedroom houses.
<table class="t1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
Region
</td>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
Gross Rental Yield
</td>
<td class="td2" valign="bottom">
 Median Rent
</td>
<td class="td3" valign="bottom">
 Median Price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
Inner
</td>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
3.2%
</td>
<td class="td5" valign="bottom">
$490
</td>
<td class="td6" valign="bottom">
$804,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
Middle
</td>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
2.9%
</td>
<td class="td2" valign="bottom">
$345
</td>
<td class="td3" valign="bottom">
$627,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
Outer
</td>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
3.9%
</td>
<td class="td5" valign="bottom">
$300
</td>
<td class="td6" valign="bottom">
$400,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
Metro
</td>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
3.0%
</td>
<td class="td2" valign="bottom">
$410
</td>
<td class="td3" valign="bottom">
$700,550
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
Regional
</td>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
5.3%
</td>
<td class="td5" valign="bottom">
$250
</td>
<td class="td6" valign="bottom">
$245,500
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Yields for three bedroom houses
<table class="t1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
Region
</td>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
Gross Rental Yield
</td>
<td class="td2" valign="bottom">
 Median Rent
</td>
<td class="td3" valign="bottom">
 Median Price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
Inner
</td>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
3.0%
</td>
<td class="td5" valign="bottom">
$580
</td>
<td class="td6" valign="bottom">
$1,005,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
Middle
</td>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
3.1%
</td>
<td class="td2" valign="bottom">
$380
</td>
<td class="td3" valign="bottom">
$645,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
Outer
</td>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
4.1%
</td>
<td class="td5" valign="bottom">
$341
</td>
<td class="td6" valign="bottom">
$435,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
Metro
</td>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
4.9%
</td>
<td class="td2" valign="bottom">
$290
</td>
<td class="td3" valign="bottom">
$310,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
Regional
</td>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
3.4%
</td>
<td class="td5" valign="bottom">
$380
</td>
<td class="td6" valign="bottom">
$580,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Yields for four bedroom houses 
<table class="t1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
Region
</td>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
Gross Rental Yield
</td>
<td class="td2" valign="bottom">
 Median Rent
</td>
<td class="td3" valign="bottom">
 Median Price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
Inner
</td>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
2.6%
</td>
<td class="td5" valign="bottom">
$770
</td>
<td class="td6" valign="bottom">
$1,535,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
Middle
</td>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
2.9%
</td>
<td class="td2" valign="bottom">
$495
</td>
<td class="td3" valign="bottom">
$886,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
Outer
</td>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
3.7%
</td>
<td class="td5" valign="bottom">
$395
</td>
<td class="td6" valign="bottom">
$560,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
Metro
</td>
<td class="td1" valign="bottom">
3.2%
</td>
<td class="td2" valign="bottom">
$440
</td>
<td class="td3" valign="bottom">
$726,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
Regional
</td>
<td class="td4" valign="bottom">
4.3%
</td>
<td class="td5" valign="bottom">
$350
</td>
<td class="td6" valign="bottom">
$425,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
The REIV has also released tables with a summary of <a href="/expert-insights/buying/melbourne-residential-apartment-investors-yielding-from-3-5-reiv">Melbourne and Victorian median unit prices and rents for the 12 months ending March 2015</a>.
 
</body></html>

Melbourne residential house investors yielding from 2.6%: REIV

<html><body>
The REIV has released tables with a summary of Melbourne and Victorian median prices and rents for the 12 months ending March 2015.
Yields for one bedroom units.
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="152">
<col width="152">
<col width="156">
<col width="159">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Region "]'>Region </td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Gross Rental Yield"]'>Gross Rental Yield</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Median Rent"]'>Median Rent</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Median Price"]'>Median Price</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Inner"]'>Inner</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.05]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>5.0%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,356]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$356</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,367000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$367,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Middle"]'>Middle</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.048]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>4.8%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,280]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$280</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,305000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$305,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Outer"]'>Outer</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.041]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>4.1%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,230]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$230</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,291250]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$291,250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Metro"]'>Metro</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.051]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>5.1%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,350]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$350</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,355000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$355,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Regional"]'>Regional</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.057]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>5.7%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,165]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$165</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,149500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$149,500 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Yields for two bedroom units
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="152">
<col width="152">
<col width="156">
<col width="159">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Region "]'>Region </td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Gross Rental Yield"]'>Gross Rental Yield</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Median Rent"]'>Median Rent</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Median Price"]'>Median Price</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Inner"]'>Inner</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.042]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>4.2%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,450]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$450</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,554500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$554,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Middle"]'>Middle</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.04]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>4.0%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,351]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$351</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,460000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$460,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Outer"]'>Outer</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.049]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>4.9%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,280]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$280</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,351000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$351,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Metro"]'>Metro</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.042]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>4.2%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,395]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$395</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,487000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$487,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Regional"]'>Regional</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.052]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>5.2%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,240]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$240</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,240000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$240,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Yields for three bedroom units.
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="152">
<col width="152">
<col width="156">
<col width="159">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Region "]'>Region </td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Gross Rental Yield"]'>Gross Rental Yield</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Median Rent"]'>Median Rent</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Median Price"]'>Median Price</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Inner"]'>Inner</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.038]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>3.8%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,600]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$600</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,831000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$831,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Middle"]'>Middle</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.035]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>3.5%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,442]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$442</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,651000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$651,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Outer"]'>Outer</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.042]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>4.2%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,352]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$352</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,440000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$440,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Metro"]'>Metro</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.038]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>3.8%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,460]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$460</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,635000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$635,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Regional"]'>Regional</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.049]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>4.9%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,310]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$310</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,329000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$329,000 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 
The REIV has also <a href="/expert-insights/buying/melbourne-residential-house-investors-yielding-from-2-6-reiv">released tables on house yields</a>. 
 
 
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