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.

Joel Robinson

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

Investors may soon find themselves with fewer reasons to buy established property and more incentives to look towards the new apartment market.

Proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions would see new and off-the-plan apartments retain access to the tax benefits, while established properties would miss out, creating a clear advantage for buyers purchasing newly built housing.

The policy direction aligns with what many developers have been saying for several years. Australia needs more housing supply, and governments are increasingly looking for ways to encourage investment into new stock rather than existing homes.

The challenge for investors is that suitable product is becoming harder to find.

For much of the last decade, one-bedroom apartments were the cornerstone of investor demand. They offered a lower entry price, strong rental appeal, and were a common feature across most apartment developments.

Today, the development pipeline looks very different.

Across both New South Wales and South East Queensland, developers are increasingly targeting owner-occupiers and downsizers, delivering larger two, three and four-bedroom apartments in response to changing buyer preferences. While one-bedroom apartments still exist, they now form a much smaller portion of many new projects.

That shift has created a shortage of investor-friendly stock, particularly in well-located projects close to transport, employment hubs and lifestyle amenity.

At the same time, rising apartment prices have pushed many new developments beyond the reach of traditional investors. On the Gold Coast and across South East Queensland, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find new apartments priced around the $1 million mark, particularly those offering strong rental fundamentals and long-term growth prospects.

We've rounded up four new apartment developments where investors can still secure a foothold in the market for around $1 million or less.

<h2 data-end="1140" data-start="844">Flourish Soleira</h2>

<h2>Priced from: $1.07 million</h2>

Popular Palm Beach developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa</a> is soon to officially launch its newest local apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>.

The one-bedroom apartments in the building were only offered to first home buyers rather than investors, and all of those have been snapped up. The two-bedroom apartments will start from $1.07 million, and the three-bedrooms, still a good investment given the popularity of Palm Beach for owner-occupiers, starting at $2,045,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

Flourish Soliera will comprise 153 apartments across two buildings, connected by a skybridge, the first ever delivered in the suburb.

True to Sherpa's booming Flourish brand of apartment projects, Flourish Soleira will have extensive rooftop amenity across both buildings including a&nbsp;wellness centre with gym, work from home, yoga, pilates, a&nbsp;heated pool, private dining rooms, pizza oven and barbecues, basketball court, and golf simulator.

<h2>Corallo, Palm Beach</h2>

Priced from: $841,500

Nearby Flourish Soleira is Changfa Group's beachfront-inspired <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/corallo-palm-beach-5-palm-beach-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Corallo</a> development. They still have some one-bedroom apartments remaining, priced from $841,500.

The 105-apartment project on Palm Beach Avenue is otherwise dominated by larger two and three-bedroom residences, many of which are aimed at owner-occupiers and downsizers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=808]

For investors, the appeal lies in Palm Beach's continued transformation from a laid-back beachside suburb into one of the Gold Coast's most sought-after residential markets. Residents at Corallo will be within walking distance of Palm Beach's surf beaches, the recreational amenity of Tallebudgera Creek, and the increasingly popular collection of cafes, restaurants and boutique retailers along the suburb's central dining precinct.

<h2>Corner House, Stones Corner</h2>

<h2>Priced from: $880,000</h2>

One of only two Brisbane apartment developments to make the list with prices under $1 million is DeMartini Fletcher's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/corner-house-stones-corner-18-stoneham-street-stones-corner-qld-4120">Corner House development</a> in Stones Corner.

One-bedroom apartments start from $880,000 within the 88-apartment development, providing investors with exposure to one of Brisbane's most established inner-south locations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149098 project_image_fid=330594]

Stones Corner has long been supported by strong tenant demand due to its proximity to major employment and education destinations. The suburb sits less than five kilometres from Brisbane's CBD and is within easy reach of the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Queensland Children's Hospital and several university campuses.

The project's location within a walkable urban village environment, surrounded by retail, dining and public transport infrastructure, continues to attract both professionals and healthcare workers seeking accommodation close to work.

Parkdrive Apartments, Chermside

Priced from: $749,000

The most affordable apartments across Brisbane's new and off the plan market are in Chermside where developer AusDev is selling one-bedroom apartments from $749,000, and two-beds from $929,000, at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">recently launched Parkdrive development</a>.

The development is strategically positioned in one of Brisbane's largest employment and retail precincts, placing residents within easy walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, St Vincent's Private Hospital Northside and the suburb's major bus interchange.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Already under construction and scheduled for completion in early 2028, Parkdrive benefits from Chermside's ongoing evolution into Brisbane's northern metropolitan centre. The suburb continues to attract significant public and private investment, supporting population growth and underpinning long-term rental demand.

For investors focused on yield and tenant depth, the combination of healthcare, retail and transport infrastructure within close proximity provides a strong foundation for occupancy and rental performance.

Investors to turn to new apartments after federal government changes spark hunt for Queensland's best $1 million apartments

Residential Listings

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Residential property listings nationwide rose 3.4 percent in February from January driven mainly by a 15.1 percent rise in Sydney listings, according to new figures from SQM Research.
Listings in Hobart, however fell 0.7 percent month on month. Sydney listings had a year-on-year rise of 18 percent and Melbourne recorded  a yearly fall of 5.6%.
<a href="/images/2016/03/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-01%20at%204.21.56%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/03/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-01%20at%204.21.56%20PM.png" alt="">
SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said listings normally rise at this time of year as the market fully opens up from the summer hiatus. The rise from Sydney however is well above normal seasonality and well above levels recorded this time last year.
"This is evidence of a slower Sydney market where it is taking longer to sell," he said.
"On the other hand, recording a decline at this time of year, as what has happened with Hobart, is also abnormal and is suggestive of a strong market made up of many buyers and fewer sellers.
 "Year-on-year results indicate that residential property listings are up for most capital cities. 
"Notably, property listings in Sydney and Darwin are considerably higher than this time last year (February 2015), with residential property listings climbing from 21,769 to 25,698. Darwin also experienced excessive yearly growth with sale listings up 12% based on a total 2,050 listings. These figures indicate that the number of property sellers in both residential markets has increased when adjusting for seasonality."
<a href="/images/2016/03/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-01%20at%204.22.08%20PM.png" target="_blank"> Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/03/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-01%20at%204.22.08%20PM.png" alt="">
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Surge recorded for national residential property listings: SQM

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Property website onthehouse.com.au is set to be shut down April after its board ended negotiations with realestateVIEW just before contracts were due to be signed. 
Onthehouse had pursued a joint venture with realestateVIEW.com.au which they said had more value than a Macquarie Group-led takeover bid that was rejected in January this year. 
"I was extremely surprised they had changed their mind and I'm disappointed we've wasted the last two months of due diligence and expenses," realestateVIEW managing director Enzo Raimondo told The Australian Financial Review. 
"In the absence of a sale agreement for the Onthehouse.com.au and media businesses, they will be closed by April 2016 at an estimated closure cost of circa $1.7 million," the ontheouse company said in a statement to the ASX. 
No white knight has emerged, but industry players could be interested at a distressed sale price.
The website's assets will be written down to zero resulting in an impairment charge of $3.2 million. Residex will be retained in the envisaged restructure, forecast to deliver revenues of more than $2 million in FY16 and to operate at a break even position going forward.
In the absence of a sale agreement for the Onthehouse.com.au and media businesses, they will be closed by April 2016 at an estimated closure cost of circa $1.7 million. 
"Now we need to focus on our software business and invest in it to create new opportunities around revenue and market share," chief executive Chris Meehan said. 
"You can't continue to invest in something that is consuming $4 million in cash."
The real estate software business group's first-half revenue fell  3 per cent to $12.7 million from $13 million a year earlier. "The rebuild of the Console SaaS platform is an important element of RES’s overall strategy to increase its share of the real estate software market and develop new revenue opportunities through third party integrations," it advised.
Onthehouse was in advanced negotiations to form a joint venture that would combine the company’s consumer-centric portal (onthehouse.com.au) with real estate industry owned portal (realestateview.com.au.
It claimed the joint venture would create a significant third tier competitor in the Australian real estate portal market, with greater scale across both consumer audience and revenue, and is expected to be immediately profitable.
Chris Meehan anticipated the new business would have well over two million unique browsers per month, and around 75% of sale and rental listings.
"This joint venture would be a natural evolution for Onthehouse’s Consumer Online division.
Enzo Raimondo, RealestateVIEW’s managing director, said Onthehouse.com.au provided a strong strategic fit with RealestateVIEW.
It was last June when Onthehouse Holdings announced it was looking for a joint venture partner to assumed majority ownership of its consumer online division, the platform providing free access to property sale prices and estimated home values on most properties in Australia.
A strategic review of the company following months of internal company turmoil had resolved to keep and concentrate on its real estate solutions division that provides software tools for real estate agents, other property professionals and financial institutions through Console and Real Estate Ad Network. 
It conclusions reached by the board have been touted as avoiding the need to raise capital and dilute the current shareholding, or obtain debt funding.
The board told shareholders the business had "significant intrinsic value that is not currently recognised by the market."
Its COD was set to be developed in a non-listed JV vehicle in which OTH Holdings would maintain an interest, of between 30% and 49%.
The board anticipated JV partners could be one or several of the following:
<ol>
<li>Like businesses that can add experience, technology or other industry assets etc. to the venture; and/or,</li>
<li>Venture capital investors or other funders.</li>
</ol>
"The board believes significant value can be created in this structure without the responsibility of funding the COD business.
"The search for appropriate JV partners has commenced and OTH is currently in discussion with a number of parties," chairman Tony Scotton told shareholders mid last year.
The board expected that the separation strategy would take six months to execute. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Onthehouse set to be closed after realestateview merger deal abandoned

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Across the country there were 47,483 unique new property listing over the 28 days ended 7 February 2016. The number of new property listings is 11% higher than at the same time last year.  
If we look back over recent years it is the highest number of new property listings at this time of year since 2010. If we look at the combined capital cities we have also seen a large ramp-up in new listings with 27,430 new listings which is 5.4% higher than at the same time last year.  
Again it is the highest number of new property listings over the corresponding period since 2010. The first chart shows that over the Christmas / New Year period there is typically a sharp fall in new listings.  If history is any guide new listings are likely to continue to rise until the middle of March.
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<img src="/images/2016/02/12/Chart-1-1-580x139.jpg" alt="">
 
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<img src="/images/2016/02/12/Chart-2-1-580x144.jpg" alt="">
 
Total residential property listings experience a seasonal fall each Christmas / New Year period however, the slowdown is nowhere near the magnitude of the slowing in new listings.  The most recent data in the chart also indicates that total listings are actually starting to decline.  Across the country there are 239,398 total unique property listings which is -1.6% lower over the week but 0.2% higher relative to the same period in 2015.  
For the combined capital cities there are 99,137 total unique property listings which is -1.0% lower over the week but 2.6% higher year-on-year.  Much like new listings, total listings typically continue to rise up until the middle of March each year.  Given this it will be interesting to see if the fall in total listings over the most recent week will be short lived or whether there are some different factors at play.
<a href="/images/2016/02/12/Chart-3-1-580x326.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/12/Chart-3-1-580x326.jpg" alt="">
If we look at the number of listings across the individual capital cities there are some rather interesting differences across the cities. While new listing overall are higher than a year ago they are lower in Sydney and Darwin. 
In fact new listings in both Sydney and Darwin are at their lowest level for this time of year since 2012. Elsewhere new listings in Melbourne and Brisbane are at their highest level on record (since 2007) for this time of year. In Adelaide and Perth new listings are at their highest levels for this time of year since 2010 and in Hobart and Canberra they are at their highest levels at this time of year since 2014. 
Whether the surge in new listings in most capital cities is in response to a belief that housing demand is improving or trying to beat a potential slowdown remains to be seen.  The rise in Perth new listings in particular is counterintuitive considering it has been the weakest capital city housing market over the past twelve months and you would expect given those conditions fewer people would be looking to sell.
Turning to total listings, although they are 2.6% higher year-on-year across the combined capital cities, Sydney, Perth and Darwin are the only cities in which total listings are higher than a year ago. This seems more in-line with market conditions with concerns the Sydney market is slowing and values falling in Perth and Darwin it appears that total listings reflect the slowdown in sales activity in these markets. 
If we look at the other capital cities relative to the same time of year previously, Melbourne listings are at their lowest level since 2011, Brisbane its lowest since 2008, Adelaide and Hobart listings are at their lowest levels since 2010 and Canberra listings are at their lowest level since 2014.  The relatively low level of stock across these cities has the potential to spark competition for the available stock and lead to increasing values. 
Of course this would only occur if buyer demand is also rising and it is a little too early in the year to tell if that is occurring.
<a href="/images/2016/02/12/Chart-4-1-580x207.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/12/Chart-4-1-580x207.jpg" alt="">
The CoreLogic RP Data Listings Index tracks pre-listing activity by real estate agents across our proprietary platforms. The index points to properties about to be listed for sale and correlates with new listings data.
At a national level, the listings index is at its highest level since early October of last year however the seasonally adjusted data still shows the seasonal slowdown. In terms of a comparison to the current reading compared to the comparable week in past years, the Index is at its highest level for this time of year on record.
Looking at the Listings Index across individual capital cities shows some varied trends when we compare the current value to the value over the same week in previous years.  The Index is lower relative to a year ago in Sydney (-8.9%) and Adelaide (-3.1%). In Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart and Darwin the Index is at a record high for this time of year.  In both Perth and Canberra the Index is at its highest level for this time of year since 2011. Based on this data we can expect over the coming weeks new listings to be higher than they were across most capital cities.
The listings data and Listings Index will be interesting to track over the coming weeks. The capital city housing markets were showing softer value growth conditions over the second half of 2015 however, early indicators for 2016 have showed a bit of a rebound in the CoreLogic Home Value Index and improved auction clearance rates.  It is important to note that the indicators early in the year are based on a thinner number of sales so it will be important to track the trends as they are updated week to week.
What we do know is that the amount of properties listed for sale both in terms of new listings and total listings is high and it will be interesting to see how well these properties are absorbed by the market over the coming weeks and months.  Particularly as auction volumes and buyer activity typically starts to pick-up between now and Easter.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic RP Data. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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New residential property listings are ramping up quickly in 2016: Cameron Kusher

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The number of residential property listings dropped 0.2% in January across Australia, driven by a large fall in Sydney. 
The number of listed properties fell to 342,899 in January 2016, decreasing 0.2% from December 2015.
Residential property listings were up in every capital city except Sydney and Melbourne over January, according to figures from SQM Research.
Sydney had the largest fall in available properties with listings down 5.2%.
Melbourne listings were down 2.6% over the month. 
Brisbane had the largest month-on-month increase in residential property listings, up 3% over January, followed by Perth up 2.5% and Canberra up 1.6%.
However, year-on-year results indicate that residential property listings are up for most capital cities.
Property listings in Sydney and Canberra are higher than this time last year with Sydney experiencing a yearly rise of 13.7% and Canberra recording a rise of 11.2%.
Year-on-year, Melbourne and Hobart were the only two capital cities to record a drop in properties available for sale. Melbourne listing dropped 8.9% while Hobart listings dropped 7.7%.
SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher says the figures are further proof that the Sydney market is beginning to cool.
“As we enter into the new property season it’s clear that our latest indicators are suggesting a continued mixed market across the nation.
“On the one hand there is an overhang of stock on the market in Sydney, which is a symptom of the slowdown in the market there that started the second half of last year.
"While on the other hand Melbourne does not appear to have any overhang, and so will be entering the new season less stock on the market than what has been the average for the past five years."
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SQM sees overhang in Sydney's 2016 listings

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Hello Real Estate and Minrex Resources NL have agreed not to complete their proposed reverse takeover, scheduled for January 2016.
Hello Real Estate has instead indicated discussions with a number of private equity firms have "progressed" to raise the necessary capital elsewhere for funding the demand for its home owner controlled real estate sales system.
Hello Real Estate’s growth has in the last three months seen the number of Hello licensees in Australia increase from 12 to 35 prompting its claim as Australia’s fastest growing real estate disruptor through its sale by owner system.
<a href="https://www.hello.com.au/?page=home" target="_blank">Hello, a licensed real estate agency</a> that offers a low fixed fee service for clients to sell their own property, comes with dedicated hands-on mentoring.
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<div align="justify"><a href="/images/2016/01/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-18%20at%2010.28.00%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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Hello Real Estate had been set for December 2015 stock market listing with the move by Minrex Resources NL to take over Hello for $6.75 million.
It was anticipated Minrex would change into HelloReal Estate Limited raising $5 million in capital to expand the Hello business.
Hello describes itself as a licensed real estate business "which offers its clients a fixed-fee service to sell their own property supported by a team of professional service providers, covering all aspects of selling, web listings, advertising, negotiation, conveyancing and settlement services as well as professional mentoring."
According to Hello, the system achieves significant savings, less time on market and "the best market price for the property".
Hello launched in 2012 in South Australia and then into NSW in mid-2013.
The intended listed company was to have a new board, headed by Bob Lapointe, the franchise entrepreneur who brought Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut and Sizzler to Australia.
Now in his 70s, Bob Lapointe has chaired Hello since May 2014.
MinRex Resources NL (“MinRex”) is an exploration company, listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, with its principal focus being the exploration and development of gold, base metal and tin projects in Australia.
MinRex holds two principal projects, the Deflector Extended Gold Project at Gullewa in Western Australia and the Heemskirk Tin Project in Tasmania.
The intended Hello Real Estate <a href="/news/gold-mining-company-turns-to-hello-for-sale-by-owner-disruptee-business">stock market listing</a> via MinRex emerged mid last year, with MinRex now consulting with the ASX to resume quotation of its shares as soon as possible and will continue with its current exploration portfolio.
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Hello.com.au Real Estate calls off backdoor ASX listing

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Expat buyers should be aware that many of the homes available for sale are not yet listed on the internet.
These are properties that estate agents or buyers’ agents know have vendors willing to sell in the new year that have yet to advertised.
Peter Kelaher of PK Property Search and Negotiators says that a large proportion of the transactions negotiated by his firm are silent sales. 
“Agents call us to say that a property is going on the internet in a month’s time,” says Kelaher.
Despite the softer auction statistics, inner Sydney agents are recording a significant amount of sale activity away from the Saturday auction limelight.  
Anthony Birdsall at Laing Real Estate said his agency was seeing good stock sell through private treaty negotiations.
The penny was dropping that inner Sydney apartment prices don’t seem to be going down in a hurry as competition remains for premium offerings, he said.
Some agents in some suburbs around Sydney have noted fewer overseas buyers, meaning less competition for expats in their acquisitions.
It can be traced back to then Treasurer Joe Hockey's crackdown on illegal foreign property investment, with new rules now meaning substantial fines for real estate agents, conveyancers and migration agents who knowingly assist illegal purchases. 
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Expats warned top listings might not yet be online

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The Byron Bay ridgeline estate, Villa Benventano has been listed with $5 million plus hopes.
Last traded in 2004 for $4.18 million, the five bedroom Tuscan style home commands an enviable position with views over Lennox Head and the Byron Bay hinterland.
The 22.44 hectare property features a three bedroom guest wing, a newly built library, a double sided stone fireplace and a 4000 bottle wine cellar.
The eastern courtyard includes a hand built stone pizza oven and the western courtyard a new swimming pool. 
Both are met by landscaped gardens with vegetable gardens, various fruit trees and 5300 macadamia trees for primary producer status.
There is also a large fully equipped shed and recently upgraded de-husking facilities which ensure the farm operations are professional and easy to manage. 
The current owners spent over $120,000 extending Villa Benventano in 2008 which included the addition of the infinity edge pool.
The property is a 20 minute drive from Byron Bay and has been on the market for 888 days.
Noel Outerbridge of Century 21 has the listing of <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/277-friday-hut-road-brooklet/Property-Details-buy-residential-9354040" target="_blank">277 Friday Hut Road</a>.
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Byron Bay's Villa Benventano listed with $5m plus hopes

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The award winning mortgage broker N1 Finance, partnering with Seekahome Pty Ltd, has created a mobile and tablet only application which allows property owners to create rental listings for free in as little as 90 seconds.
The application, titled 'Snailapp', allows landlords to source their own tenants through and a engage with them directly through the apps messenger service.
Roughly 1.8 million households rented a property, according to Australian census data and with average management fees around 5 per cent and an average property price of $500,000 across all states, landlords are paying $1,100 a year in property management fees.
Managing Director of N1 Finance Ren Wong said that even with a conservative estimate of 600,000 properties managed by agents in Australia, the addressable market for DIY rental apps would be $660 million.
Snailapp is available now on iOS and Android. 
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Mobile, tablet rental app allows listings within 90 seconds

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SQM Research found that listings fell slightly by 0.4% in November, with monthly falls being seen in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.</div>
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<div>This is fairly unusual to see as the spring selling season typically reaches its peak, although the decline did follow on from a surge in October. </div>
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<div><a href="/images/2015/12/8/SQM1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/12/8/SQM1.jpg" alt=""></div>
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<div>Over the past year listings are up in Sydney (+11.8%) and Darwin (+11.4%).</div>
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<div>On the other hand Melbourne (-7.0%) and Hobart (-9.1%) listings have declined sharply over the year.</div>
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<div><a href="/images/2015/12/8/SQM2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/12/8/SQM2.jpg" alt=""></div>
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<div>Despite the increased vendor activity in Sydney over the past 12 months, the harbour city still only had 28,597 listings as at November 2015 compared to more than 44,000 in Melbourne.</div>
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<div>A market slowdown is to be expected in Sydney given that house prices have increased by +59.4 per cent since July 2012, or nearly $400,000.</div>
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<div><a href="/images/2015/12/8/Residex.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/12/8/Residex.jpg" alt=""></div>
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<div>
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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Slight listings decline in November: Pete Wargent

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A one bedroom penthouse apartment is available in 906/39 Cooper Street Strathfield 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-strathfield-120942842" target="_blank">ultra-modern penthouse</a> has been given a price guide of $550,000 - $570,000 by listing agent Hannah Kim of Strathfield Partners.
The 61 sqm apartment has tiled living spaces and an entertainers balcony with CBD views.
The property is minutes away from Strathfield station, shops cafes &amp; schools.
The property last traded for $395,000 in 2009.
An apartment on level six in the same block sold in July for $570,000. 
The price guide for the rental of the property is $550-590 per week, a gross rental yield of roughly 5.26%.
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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