A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/auyin-property-development">Auyin</a> is the latest to turn to the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program in an effort to secure approval for its long-planned, mixed-use project in Elsternwick.

In 2018, Auyin lodged plans with Glen Eira City Council for a 14-storey building, however Council approved a reduced eight-storey scheme. A subsequent VCAT appeal in 2019 upheld the eight-storey height limit.

The project was later amended to nine storeys, but Auyin is now seeking to revive something closer to its original vision. The developer argues that the planning context has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly within the Elsternwick Activity Centre, where higher-density development has increasingly been encouraged along Glen Huntly Road.

The proposal would transform the 1,239 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-12-horne-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">7-15 Horne Street</a>, opposite Elsternwick Railway Station, into a 13-storey residential and retail development designed by CBG Architects, with 40 apartments

The site currently comprises three commercial properties.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f465dd4-509b-4082-a669-0253b313914b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20podium.png?VersionId=72frWi0SmQ5AVJ3ARRhX5ILUYObhTm7x" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 25 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences above 200 sqm of retail space at ground level. Residents would have access to a 90 sqm wellness facility, a 351 sqm communal indoor and outdoor terrace on the third level, and extensive landscaped areas throughout the development. A publicly accessible 135 sqm plaza would be created on the north-east corner of the site, providing seating, landscaping, and a new gathering space adjoining Horne Street.

The design adopts a four-storey podium that references the finer-grain character of the surrounding streetscape, with the upper tower recessed behind generous setbacks on all boundaries.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e637e763-2abc-4c34-a0aa-5c7ad36fae18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20open.png?VersionId=J1AoOpZgTyaF.KeeFSX6lMjEScX8KKRi" />

A key element of the proposal is the reconfiguration and widening of the surrounding laneways. Vehicle access would be retained from Lois Lane, with upgraded pedestrian connections linking Ross Street and Horne Street. The development would provide 58 residential car spaces, two retail car spaces, and 52 bicycle spaces across two basement levels and ground-floor facilities.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the established character of Elsternwick Village. The façade combines dark charcoal brickwork, textured concrete, bronze-toned metal detailing, and extensive planting integrated into podium and tower levels. The design also incorporates a chamfered corner treatment and publicly accessible plaza intended to strengthen pedestrian activity around the station precinct.

Elsternwick's last new development completion was&nbsp;EVA Elsternwick by Pitard late last year. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working away on its nature-led neighbourhood, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, on Gordon Street, with its first stage expected to complete next year.

First look: Auyin seeks mixed-use apartment project in growing Elsternwick Activity Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/otium-parkdale-123-125-como-parade-east-parkdale-vic-3195">Otium Parkdale</a>, the 13-residence boutique development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huxtable-property">Huxtable Property</a>, has entered its final stages of delivery, with completion expected within the coming month and more than half of the residences sold.

The Como Parade East project is nearing the finish line at a time when opportunities to purchase new apartments in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parkdale-vic-3195">Parkdale</a> remain exceptionally limited. Fewer than 10 per cent of dwellings in the bayside suburb are apartments, making developments like Otium a relatively rare addition to a market traditionally dominated by detached housing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5427]

The three-level development comprises 13 residences, including ten two-bedroom apartments and three larger three-bedroom homes, all positioned above a secure basement car park.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/almeida-architects">Almeida Architects</a> with a strong connection to its coastal surroundings, Otium combines red brick, exposed concrete and dark metal detailing with integrated landscaping and greenery. Expansive glazing, generous balconies and terraces have been incorporated throughout the design to maximise natural light and reinforce indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the residences feature engineered European oak flooring, natural and reconstituted stone benchtops, Bosch kitchen appliances, ducted heating and cooling, lift access and secure entry systems. The larger three-bedroom residences on the upper level have been designed with house-like proportions, while the two-bedroom apartments prioritise functionality, flexibility and low-maintenance living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5421]

The project is now in its final stages, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/labco">Labco</a> completing the remaining landscaping and external finishing works following the completion of the residences' interiors.

Otium's location within the heart of Parkdale continues to underpin its appeal. Residents will be just steps from local cafés, restaurants, shops and the newly elevated Parkdale Station, while the beach is less than a kilometre away.

With the project tracking ahead of schedule, buyers can currently secure a residence with a five per cent deposit and benefit from settlement terms of up to eight months. The advanced stage of construction also provides buyers with the opportunity to walk through the near-complete residences and experience the quality and finishes firsthand ahead of completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134974]

Otium Parkdale enters final month before completion as rare apartment opportunity nears sellout

A new boutique apartment development is entering the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>, with Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ausdev">Ausdev</a> bringing 33 residences to a well-connected pocket of Brisbane's north.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">Parkdrive Apartments</a>, at 25 Sammells Drive, will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences positioned within walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Bradbury Park.

Established in 1989, Ausdev has a long-standing presence across both development and construction, with Parkdrive Apartments representing its latest residential project in Brisbane's northern suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363778]

The development has been designed around open-plan living and natural light, with residences featuring stone benchtops, timber cabinetry, BOSCH appliances, and private balconies that extend the living areas outdoors.

Kitchens are positioned as the centrepiece of the homes, incorporating natural material palettes and integrated appliances, while bathrooms have been designed with a focus on functionality and understated finishes.

Residents will have access to a communal barbecue and entertaining area on Level 3, providing shared outdoor space within the development. Secure parking and lift access are also incorporated into the building.

The project will deliver a limited collection of 33 apartments, with one-bedroom residences priced from $749,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Beyond the building itself, the location places residents within easy reach of several of Chermside's key amenities. Bradbury Park is around 350 metres away, while Westfield Chermside is approximately 1.3 kilometres from the site. The Prince Charles Hospital is located within 750 metres, and the Chermside Bus Interchange is around 1.5 kilometres away, providing connections across Brisbane.

Parkdrive Apartments adds to the growing residential pipeline in Chermside, a suburb that continues to evolve as a major retail, healthcare, and transport hub for Brisbane's north.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152125]

Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370900]

The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150499]

Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

Residential Investment

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If you're looking to park the 'lazy half-million' in NSW Mid North Coast, it won't go as far as the previous years, according to property valuation firm Herron Todd White in their July 2016 residential market report on dwellings in the sub $500,000 range.
Port Macquarie particularly has limited stock available in this price range compared to last year and generally only includes properties such as villas or units, three-bedroom dwellings and smaller older style four-bedroom dwellings, says the report.
Combined with the limited stock and another drop in interest rates in early May the market has remained buoyant with more buyers than sellers. There are now limited areas of Port Macquarie where these sub $500,000 properties can be found for purchase. Areas include Flynns Beach, Clifton and the outer western fringes of the township. Dwellings in this price bracket are becoming rare within other areas of Port Macquarie and are therefore being sold very quickly whenever they come on the market. Rents have eased slightly, however current high demand is evident around the CBD, hospital and Charles Stuart University areas.
"We note that there are several student accommodation style developments currently under construction within these areas and once complete, will provide good supply and therefore rental growth may slow," say HTW.
HTW considers the following areas as solid investment:
• Good quality older villas or lower end villa complexes, consisting of two villas sold as in one line, have been popular with investors producing an almost positively geared return.
• Three- or four-bedroom older homes on the eastern side of Port Macquarie or near the CBD, around the $450,000 to $550,000 mark, are also producing good returns in most instances and have excellent potential for future capital growth.
• New house and land packages in the outer and western regions of Port Macquarie and nearby towns and villages can be purchased between $450,000 and $550,000. While theses dwellings are not located within the main stream capital growth area, tax depreciation is making up the shortfall for the prudent buyer.
Port Macquarie on the mid north coast still has the highest rates for capital growth and rental returns. The smaller regional and coastal towns and villages have also showed signs of slowing with properties remaining on the market longer and purchase prices not being achieved. However, rental returns for the above areas remain firm with limited vacancies.
Property Observer found a four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-port+macquarie-120104681" target="_blank">4 Clifton Drive, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444</a> (above) recently sold for $390,000.
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NSW'S Port Macquarie offers best capital growth in sub $500,000 property range: HTW

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A securely leased apartment block at Frankston in Melbourne's popular south-eastern bayside suburb has price expectation in the high $1 millions.
Available through Savills Australia, the <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-frankston-502049122" target="_blank">Park Street property</a> sits directly opposite Beauty Park and is a short walk to shops, schools and public transport.
It comprises a two level residential building, with eight one bedroom units in good condition and undercover parking on a 788 sqm site.
Savills' agents Julian Heatherich and James Lockwood say that the property is fully leased, with the exception of one unit which has been refurbished.
It has a potential, fully leased, income of $80,920.
Julian said the property would suit investors and developers with multiple options to fully refurbish, value-add or redevelop.
"The property will appeal to both investors and developers looking to value-add or redevelop subject to council approval," he said. 
"It is currently fully let, with the exception of one unit due to refurbishment, with an excellent leasing history and is situated in a fantastic location within walking distance of all essential amenities."
James highlighted the properties key investment attributes.
<ul>
<li>The location in a bayside precinct within walking distance of the beach, transport and shops;</li>
<li>The secure lease profile;</li>
<li>The solid building in very good condition; </li>
<li>The generous 788 square metre site;</li>
<li>The exceptional add-value potential; and,</li>
<li>The potential for redevelopment (STCA).</li>
</ul>
"This is a great opportunity for an investor and/or developer with the option of either maintaining an investment with a proven income stream, or a value-add redevelopment with the advantage of ongoing income in the planning stages," James said.
"Properties of this calibre and versatility in bayside locations are highly sought after by tenants and investors alike." 
The property will be sold by Expressions of Interest closing, Tuesday, August 23 at 12pm.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Bayside Frankston apartment block close to the beach for sale

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Investors or first-home buyers can still find dwellings around $500,000 in Sydney if they venture a little further from the CBD area, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White’s residential property market report for July.
Two such areas are East Sydney and the Inner West.  
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East
After strong growth over the past 18 months, there is little property in the eastern suburbs that can be found in the $500,000 price range other than small studios within the CBD and smaller one-bedroom units around the city fringe suburbs of Potts Point, Chippendale, Elizabeth Bay and Surry Hills, according to HTW's property report.
With low vacancy rates and strong yields, they still represent good investments with rental yields on average around 5%. 
As an example, an art deco style studio unit with no car accommodation, updated kitchen and bathroom, timber flooring and combined living/ bedroom with a rental estimate of $450 per week, sold in Greenknowe Avenue, Elizabeth Bay in May 2016 for $452,000. 
Property Observer found another sale in nearby Potts Point — a studio at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-potts+point-122657674" target="_blank">6/16 Macleay Street</a> for $450,000.
Inner West 
Similar to the eastern suburbs, this price point is limited to studio, one-bedroom units and very modest older style two-bedroom units with no car accommodation, according to HTW.
A semi-modern studio unit on Parramatta Road, Camperdown with car space and currently rented for $425 per week sold in May 2016 for $490,000. 
Following the railway line, Ashfield, Summer Hill and Haberfield have old style one-bedroom, one-bathroom units that are near to the $500,000 range and still providing good rental returns and low vacancy rates with the opportunity for capital appreciation if the purchaser has access to funds to fully renovate in the future.
Property Observer found a one-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-ashfield-122830018" target="_blank">2/74 Alt Street Ashfield NSW 2131</a> for $472,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
 
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Good yields characterise cheap units in eastern and Inner West Sydney: HTW  

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Monarch Investments Group (Monarch) have been granted approval by the Campbelltown City Council to develop its new masterplanned community - The Meadows.
The $135 million project, located n Sydney's South West growth corridor, will feature 210 houses, a swimming pool, playground and recreational facilities.
It's located within one kilometre from Edmondson Park Train Station and the billion dollar Edmondson Park Town Centre.
Prices start from $624,950 for a three bedroom duplex and range in lot size from 230 sqm to 390 sqm.
Packages include a dishwasher, air conditioning, open plan living area, floor coverings, fencing, landscaping, blinds, light fittings and an ensuite.
Monarch has sold over 6,000 land lots across Sydney and New South Wales over the last 60 years.
More than 1600 of these sales were secured in the South West.
They recently sold the last remaining house and land package in its $160 million Ingleburn Gardens Estate comprising 329 houses and land parcels.
CEO of Monarch Peter Icklow suggested the investment potential in the South West is significant.
“The South West growth corridor is one of the fastest growing areas in Sydney and is earmarked for significant private and government spending on major infrastructure and community facilities within the next decade," he said.
"The Meadows is situated in the epicentre of this activity and has already attracted a broad range of purchasers including first home buyers, downsizers, growing families and investors.”
The state government has committed to invest over $3.6 billion in its Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan over a 10 year period. 
This plan includes investment in health, education, transport (bus and rail) and community infrastructure.
Icklow said that they sold their first house and land package in 2009 in Ingleburn Gardens Estate for $325,000. Today it is worth $650,000 and is renting for $500 per week.
"Based on these figures, within the 10 years I expect house and land sales in The Meadows to eclipse at least $900,000 based on an average annual 5 per cent increase over that time," he added.
Recently released data from CoreLogic RPData revealed the suburb of Bardia was ranked seventh in a national list of suburbs with the biggest rise in median house price growth between 2010 and 2015. 
To read more about the development <a href="https://monarchinvestments.com/the-meadows-bardia/" target="_blank">click here</a>. 
 
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Green light given for The Meadows

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GUEST OBSERVER
Recently, tax residency has become a contentious and difficult issue. Tax partner Fletch Heinemann from Cooper Grace Ward explains below. 
Q1 – 0:15 – Am I a tax resident of Australia?
Q2 – 1:05 – What does it mean to ‘reside in Australia’?
Q3 – 2:19 – What is a ‘permanent place of abode overseas’?
Q4 – 3:35 – What if I still have a property in Australia?
Q5 – 4:40 – What about if I pay tax outside of Australia?
Click below to watch 
<h1> </h1>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMiZ5ks3u2M" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2016/07/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-06%20at%201.11.25%20PM.png" alt=""></a> 
For more information, <a href="https://www.cgw.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Property 101: Fast facts on residency for tax purposes

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Longreach sits amid Investar's 10 most distressed localities. It is among the four Queensland locailities in the list. Investar put the distress rate at 48 percent in Longreach.
Thornton from NSW topped the lis, with Hinchinbrook the only other NSW entry.
The list was produced using live on the market rental and sales listing data including distressed sale condition keyword analysis.
It identified listings with one or more keywords that would indicate an increased level of seller motivation and calculated this as a percentage of total listings on the market.
This data is designed to identify suburbs with the highest percentage of potentially distressed price stock based on the descriptions used by agents and vendors.
Current examples at Longreach include <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-longreach-120314653" target="_blank">177 Kingfisher Street</a> which is advertised as having a "drastically reduced $299,000" sale price. Its initial asking price was $350,000. It was bought for $355,000 in 2012.
 
Suburb State Postcode Dwelling Type Bedrooms % of Listings Days on Market Median Price Median Price Growth 1 yr Median Rent Rental Yield Median Rent Growth 1 yr
1 THORNTON NSW 2322 House 3 76.29% 63 $373,500 9.05% $350 4.87% 2.94%
2 NOLLAMARA WA 6061 Unit 3 60.47% 112 $410,000 -8.69% $380 4.81% -9.53%
3 KILMORE VIC 3764 House 4 56.32% 131 $340,000 5.10% $340 5.20% 3.03%
4 BRACKEN RIDGE QLD 4017 Townhouse 3 50.00% 126 $325,000 0.00% $375 6.00% 2.73%
5 SCARNESS QLD 4655 House 4 50.00% 298 $327,000 -2.39% $330 5.24% -1.50%
6 LONGREACH QLD 4730 House 3 48.72% 563 $255,000 -3.78% $250 5.09% -9.10%
7 COOKTOWN QLD 4895 House 2 48.00% 338 $320,000 0.00% $275 4.46% 1.85%
8 MOUNT TARCOOLA WA 6530 House 3 47.37% 178 $299,000 -12.71% $300 5.21% -11.77%
9 HINCHINBROOK NSW 2168 House 3 43.75% 71 $600,000 3.53% $460 3.98% 2.22%
10 EAST BUNBURY WA 6230 Unit 3 43.48% 124 $299,500 -11.92% $330 5.72% 3.12% 
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Longreach sits amid Investar's 10 most distressed localities

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Rental properties make money for investors through income and capital gains, both of which are taxable. Depending on your annual income from investments, wages and other sources, tax can eat up a sizable chunk of your returns.
One way to minimise your tax bill is to ensure you’re claiming all of the deductions you can on your investment property.
Expenses you incur due to owning a rental property can be offset set against the income the investment brings in.
If the deductions add up to more than the income, you can offset the tax loss against earnings from other sources. If the income is higher than the total value of deductions, you must pay tax on the excess.
For more tax planning tips for property investment in the new financial year, download our free eBook from Mortgage Down.
For more information, contact Mortgage Down by <a href="https://mortgagedown.com.au" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.
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How to maximise your tax advantages and pay off your home sooner

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Capital city areas comprise four of the top five regions nationally for investor concentrations, with Darwin topping the list at 42.9 percent of all dwellings owned by investors.
The Gold Coast shows the second highest ranking for investment concentration nationally, with 32.8 percent of dwellings owned by investors.
 Inner capital city apartment markets dominate investor preferences, according to CoreLogic, followed by lifestyle, regional and mining locations.
The only capital city missing from the top 20 list nationally is Hobart (ranked 31 nationally) where investors comprised 18.3 percent of all dwellings.
Across the regional markets, the highest investment concentrations were generally located in the major regional centres associated with either lifestyle factors such as tourism and holiday homes, or locations more aligned with the mining and resources sector.
<a href="/images/2016/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-20%20at%209.32.24%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-20%20at%209.32.24%20AM.png" alt="">
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Inner capital city apartment markets dominate investor preference followed by lifestyle, regional and mining locations

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The majority of respondents to a recent survey by REIWA negatively gear their investment property.
The survey of property investors in Western Australia found that 72 percent of respondents negatively gear their investment property and from those 76 percent owned just one or two investment properties,
REIWA President Hayden Groves said indicates that the majority of investors are everyday West Aussies who hold small property portfolios.
"These findings debunk the myth that property investment and negative gearing only assists those who are wealthy," he said.
“We can see that West Australians employed across a whole range of industries negatively gear their investment property. 
“We hope these findings provide further insight into why we want negative gearing to be retained in its current form or, alternatively, a review of the entire tax system be carried out.
More than half of respondents to the survey earn a gross salary of less than $100,00.
Top five industry groups in WA whose employees invest in property: 
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  Business and human resource – 23 percent 
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  Mining and engineering – 17 percent 
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  Construction and building – 13 percent 
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  Health, education, and social and welfare – 11 percent 
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  Public service – 11 percent
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Property 101: Negative gearing in West Australia

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GUEST OBSERVER
Housing finance approvals continue to point to subdued conditions in April with a further softening in investor activity.
The headline figure – the number of owner occupier finance approvals – posted a 1.7 percent rise, more or less in line with expectations (market +2.5 percent, Westpac 2 percent).
The detail was a touch softer including additional data on the value of investor loans.
Ex refinance, the number of new owner occupier loans was up just 1.1 percent, only reversing part of March’s 1.5 percent decline. Overall, the monthly moves are slow and suggest owner occupier demand is drifting around rather than strengthening or weakening.
Within the owner occupier segment, the number of loans of housing-related loans posted a solid rise but are still down significantly on a year ago (+4 percent mth, –5.9 percent yr on a combined basis).
By state, gains were a bit firmer in Vic and Qld but softer in the other main states.
The value of investor loans fell 5 percent to be down over 20 percent yr.
Notably, the weakness in the investor segment outweighed the gain in owner-occupiers with the total value of loans ex refi down 3.7 percent mth, 9.2 percent yr.
Overall, the numbers suggest conditions remained soft in April ahead of the RBA’s May rate cut.
The Bank’s moves should draw more buyers into the market although that will take a few months to become apparent in finance approvals and may continue to be offset by weak investor activity. Details  Owner–occupiers (no.)   1.7%mth, 4.6%yr          
– ex-financing (no.)        1.1%mth, 0.7%yr          
Construction of dwellings (no.)               4.4%mth, –5.6%yr        
Purchase of newly built dwellings (no.)   3.3%mth, –6.7%yr        
Value of loans:             
Owner-occupiers ($bn)   0.1%mth, 7.8%yr          
Investors ($bn)              –5%mth, –20.8%yr       
Total ($bn)                    –1.8%mth, –4.4%yr      
Total ex refi ($bn)          –3.7%mth, –9.2%yr                      
 
Matthew Hassan is senior economist with <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au/" target="_blank">Westpac</a>.
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