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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Sydney may be a clear winner in property prices, but when it comes to real estate investment, Melbourne has the edge.
Melbourne's eastern suburbs, which includes Glen Waverley, Dandenong, Blackburn and Box Hill, average 13.9% total return annually since 2002, says an analysis by Investment firm Portfolio Management Services (PMS).
The rental yield was 6.1%, the data shows.
Melbourne's northern and south-eastern suburbs came in next with 12 % annual returns, followed by the inner-city at 11.1%.
The audit was carried out by Atchison Consultants on 562 residential properties managed by PMS.
In comparison, Sydney's best-performing suburbs were in the north (including St Leonards, Ryde, Epping, Hunters Hill, Lane Cove and Macquarie Park), where annual returns averaged 10.9 %. The rental yield here was 4%.
The inner-west came in a close second with 10.8 % followed by the eastern suburbs at 10.4%.
Sydney's inner-west, however, led in rental yields with 6.4%.
All the suburbs for both cities averaged total return of 10% per annum.
The results highlight the long-term rewards of buying property.
Fairfax Media noted Melbourne's top-ranked eastern suburbs include growth areas like Box Hill, which has benefited from an influx of Chinese migrants, as well as from investment in transport infrastructure and hospital and education facilities.
 
For your free Property Observer eBook from RAMS, 12 tips for first-time buyers, covering everything you need to know when it comes to purchasing property, click here.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Melbourne edges out Sydney on property returns

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Investors in the upper Gold Coast are very active for nearly a year, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The latest month in review suggest a majority of investors are Sydney buyers and to a lesser extent Melbourne buyers for established housing. 
"The new housing is targeted by a mix of interstate buyers from all over Australia and Chinese buyers."
The report notes that established housing investors are mostly active in Eagleby and Beenleigh areas with price points around $240,000 achieving circa $320 per week rent or 6.93% yield. 
It also adds that new housing investors are mostly active in Pimpama and Ormeau where the price point for a typical 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2-car house on a 400 square metre lot is between $460,000 and $480,000 achieving circa $420 per week or 4.55% yield. 
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"Investors in the upper north area are far less active in the townhouse and duplex unit market, accounting for only a very small percentage of sales. 
"We are of the opinion that investors prefer housing due to historically stronger capital growth compared to units. 
"We believe that the investor activity is sustainable in the medium term with interest rates currently at record lows. 
"Sydney investors can’t stay away in particular with the median house price in Sydney over $1 million. 
"This shows that these investors can buy four houses for the price of one Sydney house. 
"Whenever banks tighten lending policy it will have an impact on the market, but how much impact is a case of let’s wait and see."
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Sydney investors dominate Beenleigh purchasing four houses for the price of one: HTW 

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Valuation firm Herron Todd White has suggested that sales relating specifically to investors have remained steady throughout 2015 for the Fraser Coast in their recent month in review report.
"Most investors target property in the sub $350,000 range, with only minimal activity above this price point.
"Rents have been gradually rising over the past two years, with some property achieving gross yields above 6%."
The HTW November report also states that many agents now comment that they simply do not have enough housing stock to cater for the ongoing demand, with a mix of interstate, intrastate and local buyers competing for existing property.
"Hervey Bay currently has at least five separate estates being developed with the next stage likely to cater for house and land packages under $400,000.
"Going forward, demand is expected to remain constant for investors as these new estates move to completion.
"Growth in rental return is not expected to continue however and is likely to stabilise in the short term, with affordability being a major factor."
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Fraser Coast remains steady above 6%: Herron Todd White

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Outside investors have shrunk considerably as a force in the Cairns market, according to Herron Todd White.
The valuation firms analysis suggests outsiders buying into Cairns have deceased from nigh on 50% of the market in 2003 down to around 22% of the market today.
They say that the switch is especially noticeable for units, where outside buyers have reduced in activity from near 70% in the heyday of the market in 2003 to approximately 36% of a much smaller market in 2015.
"The flip side is that the Cairns market these days is being sustained primarily by intending occupiers and a smattering of local investors.
"Over the same twelve year period, investor yields have improved from 6.3% to 6.8% for units and 3.6% to 4.9% for houses, though it must be said that the increased yield has in many cases been more than frittered away by higher ownership costs, particularly through escalated building insurance charges."
The report suggests that part of the explanation for the investor slowdown over the period has been the slowdown in new housing construction, especially of units.
"The absence of large unit developments has seen the absence of new units targeting out of town investors by project marketing specialists.
"Even though building conditions have improved significantly in Cairns over the past three years, building conditions are still patchy and only a fraction of normal.
"By rights Cairns should be returning as an investment hotspot given its relative affordability, especially compared to investment in the capital cities, and its good prospects as the economy continues to improve on the back of increased tourism.
The review showed that this is evidenced by the Golden Lakes unit development which commenced marketing earlier this year and has seen most of its first stage of 74 units sell to Chinese buyers.
"In addition the seven-tower Aspial Nova 8 development in the CBD, likely to ultimately consist of over 1,100 residential units, is also poised to commence its first stage development aimed largely at investor buyers."
 
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Outside investors shrink from 50% to 22% in Cairns: HTW

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Throughout the inner west suburbs of Alexandria and Erskineville, investors have always made up a high percentage of property owners due to the relatively close proximity to the CBD, the recent Herron Todd White review revealed.
The report however suggested that over the past two years investor activity has dramatically increased due to the construction of several new high density unit developments, particularly in Erskineville.
"A large industrial section at the southern end of Erskineville has seen the most construction and suddenly there has been an increase in supply and investors have flocked to the area.
"The price point of these units, at approximately $600,000 for a 1-bedroom unit and $850,000 for a 2-bedroom unit, appears to be at about the right level for investors in these areas."
The report added that many of these unit were purchased off the plan up to two years ago and at the time, a 1-bedroom unit would achieve around $550 per week rent and a 2-bedroom unit around $750 per week.
"This would have seemed like a fair yield at the time but we are now seeing these same units sell for significantly more due to the extremely strong growth in the market.
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"The consequence of this has been decreased investor interest in re-sales of these units due to a now very low yield. 
"Local agents have recently stated that as investors try to increase the rental price there has been decreased demand, pushing vacancy rates up in the areas for the first time in years.
"This has the potential to lead to decreased investor demand throughout Erskineville and surrounding suburbs with more newly constructed stock to come onto the market."
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Significant price increase in Erskineville apartments: HTW

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GUEST OBSERVER
A few short years ago, locations like Port Hedland in Western Australia or Emerald in Queensland were offering returns of up to 15%.
Well, that was then, this is now and the dive in commodities prices has been mirrored in property investment returns.
Adding to the slowdown, most lenders have dropped the LVRs on higher returning investments such as student accommodation and serviced apartments to levels that would have left many investors scratching their heads and wondering if the extra deposit required was really worth the returns.
This raises the obvious question of whether cash flow positive investments are dead or at least, needing urgent resuscitation.
Having owned several cash flow positive properties in both Queensland and WA, I know firsthand how much it can hurt when rentals start to fall.
Yet, despite this, I am still adamant that positive cash flow is the right investment strategy for most investors.
So, that means the next question is where in the current market can you find cash flow positive properties?
The answer is quite simple. You have to create them rather than hold off in the hope they find you.
Duplexes and dual key properties are the best and safest cash flow positive property an investor can acquire, particularly in today’s tough economic climate.
They can be developed in most metropolitan locations which means you don’t run the risk of fluctuating returns based on local industry plus there’s the opportunity for two rental incomes under one roof which generally shows a profit rather than a loss.
Duplexes also have the added benefit of a potential development profit through subdivision.
And this potential for development is really worth considering because instead of sitting back and waiting for capital growth you can create and drive equity, in turn, becoming a master of your own destiny.
Here’s a checklist of issues to consider:
Location due diligence is still just as important as any other property investment so narrow your search to growth areas with high rental demand for three bedroom dwellings.
Make sure the land is subdividable before you purchase. It’s too late once you’ve signed so think about enlisting the services of a town planner.
Find an experienced builder that has undertaken these types of build before and don’t over pay. Sure, it’s a bigger build but it’s all under one roof.
If you’re thinking about planning and subdivision always refer to local professionals who know the intricacies of the council with whom you will be dealing.
Finally, remember that you don’t need to sell the property to make a profit.
When you factor in things like agent’s fees and capital gains tax, you can actually access the same, if not more, equity by simply revaluing the property and increasing your mortgage.
This type of  “equity release” can then be used to move onto the next project and the duplex could still be cash flow positive, depending on the rental income.
This is a very sound strategy as the property can still create an income and gain capital growth while you continue to build your portfolio.
Paul Bieg is the founder of <a href="https://www.bigpropertyinvest.com.au/" target="_blank">Big Property Investments</a>
<a href="https://www.bigpropertyinvest.com.au" target="_blank" style="font-size: 12.16px; line-height: 1.3em;"> </a>
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