Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

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After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

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Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Residential Market

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One of the new trends in Australian real estate today is young families leaving cities – particularly Sydney, in favour of seachange and treechange lifestyle locations. 
The boom of 2012-2015 resulted in a significant surge in property prices and our feeling was that more so than ever before, this particular boom would result in many young families considering alternatives to Sydney, especially when it comes time to upgrade to a bigger house.  
New internal migration statistics (excluding overseas migration) released by the Bureau of Statistics and analysed by CoreLogic RP Data last month indicate that this trend is indeed occurring. 
The statistics look at the top 25 regions nationally for internal migration, as calculated by comparing population changes between the 2008-09 financial year and 2014-15. 
Many of the top 25 regions are on the outskirts of cities, which is a typical destination for families in the inner or middle ring who need more space. However, more than half the regions are coastal or lifestyle areas, which suggests an increase in sea and treechanging. In many of these areas, the populations of the 0-14 and 25-64 age brackets are the fastest growing, which points to families driving the trend. 
This is significant because traditionally, it’s been the downsizers or empty-nesters leaving our cities for the hills or the coast in retirement. That’s still happening, but not at the rate of young families. These days, more empty-nesters are trading family homes in the suburbs for lifestyle apartments in or near their CBD. 
There’s a few reasons for this – among them is the impact of the GFC. Seachanging and treechanging was a strong trend before the financial crisis but this has now changed, with many downsizers delaying their retirement to replenish their superannuation nest eggs. Downsizing closer to the city enables them to be closer to work as well as all the recreational amenities they desire.
Family Sea &amp; Treechange Hot Spots 
Here are the 15 seachange and treechange areas that made the top 25 list for internal migration 2008-09 to 2014-15. 
1. Sunshine Coast, QLD – 4,732 migrants predominantly aged 45-64 &amp; 0-14
2. Gold Coast, QLD – 4,610 migrants predominantly aged 0-14 &amp; 45-64
3. Geelong, VIC – 2,828 migrants predominantly aged 45-64 &amp; 0-14 
4. Richmond-Tweed, NSW – 2,198 migrants predominantly aged 25-44 &amp; 0-14 
5. Mornington Peninsula, VIC – 2,141 migrants predominantly aged 45-64 &amp; 25-44 
6. Mid-North Coast, NSW – 2,057 migrants predominantly aged 45-64 &amp; 25-44
7. Central Coast, NSW – 2,009 migrants predominantly aged 45-64 &amp; 0-14 
8. Hunter Valley (exc Newcastle), NSW – 1,814 migrants predominantly aged 25-44 &amp; 45-64
9. Southern Highlands &amp; Shoalhaven, NSW – 1,746 migrants predominantly aged 45-64 &amp; 25-44
10. Bunbury, WA – 1,632 migrants predominantly aged 0-14 &amp; 25-44 
11. Mandurah, WA – 1,554 migrants predominantly aged 45-64 &amp; 25-44
12. Sydney-Outer West &amp; Blue Mountains, NSW – 1,434 migrants predominantly aged 25-44 &amp; 0-14 
13. Illawarra, NSW – 1,262 migrants predominantly aged 25-44 &amp; 0-14
14. Wide Bay, QLD – 1,148 migrants predominantly aged 45-64 &amp; 0-14
15. Latrobe-Gippsland, VIC  – 1,054 migrants predominantly aged 45-64 &amp; 25-44
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics and CoreLogic RP Data 
Some sea and treechanging families are making a permanent change and cutting ties with Sydney altogether, including finding a new job. Others are moving to lifestyle locations with public transport access back to the city so they can remain in the same job but enjoy a better lifestyle, including buying a far more affordable property to live in. 
Fly-in fly-out work opportunities, as well as more flexible workplaces that allow people to work from home at least part-time, are also enabling families to change their base from cities to lifestyle locations. 
We expect this trend to continue for at least another couple of years. Although the Sydney boom is over (but prices are still growing), many families have hit their limit with housing affordability. Gen Y couples and families in particular are far more nimble than generations past, with the idea of starting a new life in a new, more affordable location a serious option for them.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Top 10 locations in Australia for internal migration

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The regional city of Albury in New South Wales was a rising market for houses while for units, it was at the start of recovery, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's property clock for both April/May. 
The clock is a simple broad brush means of suggesting where property prices are and the direction they are headed.
Over the past few years there has been an increasing trend for people to purchase land on the outer edge of the two cities in the suburbs of Thurgoona, Glenroy, Killara and Baranduda and construct a new dwelling.
The outer edges of the two cities are generally a maximum of 10 kilometres from their respective CBD’s and are therefore not far to commute.
We are also seeing an increase in demand for vacant rural lifestyle and general residential allotments and in the towns surrounding Albury/Wodonga, such as Tangambalanga, Kiewa, Ebden, Howlong, Jindera and Ettamogah, as once again people are preferring to build a new home rather purchase one that may require renovating.
The twin cities have no real areas to avoid with the exception of some government housing areas, although demand for these areas is reflected in their relative low value overall compared to other parts of the twin cities.
We see an ongoing trend for the outer markets to continue to perform and grow because of opportunities of development with large tracts of englobo residential land.
There has however been a recent increase in prices being achieved for vacant land and as such we see these markets as a long-term proposition. 
Property Observer looked up some recent sales in Albury's fringe locations such as Thurgoona and Baranduda on www.realestate.com.au. 
1. The median price of a house in Thurgoona was $340,000 while for units, it was $215,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data. A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-thurgoona-120707105" target="_blank">4 Charolais Court Thurgoona NSW 2640</a> fetched $330,500.
<img src="/images/2016/05/25/700_main1.jpg" alt="">
 
2. The median house price in Baranduda was $335,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data. No data was available for units. A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-baranduda-122000690" target="_blank">10 Paterson Avenue Baranduda Vic 3691</a> traded for $300,000.
<img src="/images/2016/05/25/main-1.jpg" alt="" width="672" height="504">
 
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Albury's fringes show long-term potential: HTW

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Victoria's Mildura has remained at the start of the recovery period on valuation firm Herron Todd White's property clock for several months now.
The property clock is a simple broad brush means of indicating where property prices are and the direction they are headed. The April clock dealt with fringe suburbs across Australia and one of them was the regional Victorian city of Mildura.
Mildura is the centre of a large irrigated horticultural district and within 30 kilometres there are a number of smaller towns and communities which either pre-date Mildura or were developed to support the surrounding farming communities.
These small communities include Nichols Point, Irymple, Red Cliffs, Cardross, Koorlong, Merbein and the NSW towns of Buronga, Gol Gol, Dareton and Wentworth. All of these communities have primary schools and the larger towns have the usual shopping and recreational facilities.
Those communities within 10 kilometres of the centre of Mildura generally have real estate values which closely track those of Mildura, while the more remote towns are more affordable and generally have less capital growth. Examples of towns more than 10 kilometres from Mildura include Wentworth, Merbein and Red Cliffs. Purchasing a home in these towns is an option for buyers not able to afford a similar standard dwelling in Mildura, particularly those seeking larger lot sizes.
Typical values for a three-bedroom, one-bathroom older residence in Merbein are in the range of $120,000 to $160,000 and show rental levels of $200 to $250 per week giving a gross yield of around 8%. Yields are similar in Wentworth but a little lower in Red Cliffs.
Red Cliffs has enjoyed relatively strong population growth in the past 10 years, with several new subdivisions completed to capitalise on demand from people happy to live in a small town and often employed by businesses in the Iraak and Nangiloc irrigation districts further to the south. The recent decision by Treasury Estate Wines to close its bottling facility at Iraak has affected approximately 100 employees, many of whom lived in Red Cliffs. Demand for rental accommodation in Red Cliffs has consequently declined.
Our advice to investors is that buying a home in the fringe towns will often result in a higher yield, however, history has shown that capital gain has been low compared to Mildura or the towns closer in. 
Property Observer looked up some recent property sales in the $120,000 to $200,000 range in some of the fringes on www.realestate.com.au and came up with these:
<img src="/images/2016/05/23/700_fringe1.jpg" alt="" width="570" height="346">
1. A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-merbein-121196838" target="_blank">26 Sanders Street Merbein Vic 3505</a> sold for $165,000, according to RP Data.
<img src="/images/2016/05/23/700_fringe2.jpg" alt="" width="590" height="358">
2. A three-bedroom cottage at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-red+cliffs-120817453" target="_blank">40 Goulburn Avenue Red Cliffs Vic 3496</a> fetched $118,000.
 
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Fringes in Victoria's Mildura offer higher yields, but capital gains slower: HTW

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A Glebe property with a fascinatingly disturbing past went to weekend auction without initial success.
However the 1833 Georgian <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-glebe-122459534" target="_blank">Regency villa, Lyndhurst</a> in Glebe which had $7 million plus hopes sold soon afterwards.
It was the home designed by esteemed architect John Verge as a marine villa for the colonial surgeon James Bowman, the husband of the iconic pastoralist John Macarthur's daughter, Mary. 
Lyndhurst colourful history saw it briefly as the headquarters of an Australian neo-Nazi party in the late 1960s.
Regarded as one of the inner Sydney’s most historically significant homes, it last sold at $3.3 million in 2005 to stockbroker Tim Eustace and his partner Salvatore Panui.
Eustace and Panui are bound for Darlinghurst, where they bought another historic inner city landmark, Iona, for $16 million from entertainment industry couple Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin.
The top result under the auction hammer of the weekend was in Strathfield, in Sydney's inner west where Dr Vipin Goyal sold his seven-bedroom home for $6.83 million through Devine Real Estate.
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Lyndhurst, Glebe finds $7 million plus buyer

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Just like the Labor Government in Victoria, overseas property investors will have to pay more to buy a home in NSW under Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian’s state budget­ plan.
The Daly Telegraph's state politics reporter Andrew Clennell says Ms Berejiklian is understood to be seriously considering a 1.5 percent foreigner land tax surcharge to "tackle housing affordability­."
It mirrors a 1.5 percent surcharge in Victoria, ­although there is a suggestion Ms Berejiklian could impose a slightly lesser rate of 1 percent.
Victoria also imposes an extra 7 percent on stamp duty for foreign buyers but Ms Berejiklian is understood to have ruled that out.
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NSW state budget plans foreign investors land tax surcharge

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Queensland's Townsville city was at the bottom of the market cycle in both April and May in valuation firm Herron Todd White's property clock -- a simple broad brush means of suggesting where property markets are and what direction they're headed. 
Affordability concerns continue within the Townsville market with buyers only purchasing properties they regard as affordable based on their current economic circumstances. Job security, high unemployment and the absence of any local stimulus or broader economic drivers would indicate little change from this position in the short term. The residential market remains stationary at the bottom of the market cycle.
While not limited to these suburbs, the fringe areas of Condon, Burdell, Deeragun and Mount Low offer affordable entry levels for basic semi-modern homes.
Condon is in the south-western suburbs within five kilometres of Willows Shopping Centre and is easily accessible to major employment hubs of the Townsville Hospital, James Cook University and Lavarack Army Barracks via the Townsville Ring Road. Condon comprises a mixture of housing styles including semi modern on-ground masonry block and high set timber framed dwellings of fair to average condition. Pockets of this suburb have perceived social issues and a reasonable amount of government housing. Price entry into this suburb is from the low $200,000s.
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Burdell, Deeragun and Bushland Beach are located within the expanding northern beaches corridor. Over the past few years there have been major expansions in infrastructure and services along this corridor including fast food, shopping centres, schooling and strip retail centres. Deeragun comprises a mixture of dwelling types from basic to modern on ground homes. This suburb has some perceived social issues and price entry is from the low $200,000s. The areas of Burdell and Mount Low generally comprise more modern homes with price entry from the high $200,000s to low $300,000s.
Overall there remains affordable buying in all sectors of the residential market if you are willing to shop around. The secondary suburbs where there are perceived social issues offer some good buying, with the trade-off between value for money and these perceived issues posing consideration. Outer lying suburbs also offer some good value for money in the bottom of the market position with an oversupply of property available relative to current demand. 
Property Observer looked up some recently sold properties in the $200-$300,000 range on realestate.com.au and came up with these:
<img src="/images/2016/05/20/main-1.jpg" alt="" width="497" height="373">
1. A three-bedroom house with a pool at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-condon-121322790" target="_blank">133 Pinnacle Drive Condon Qld 4815</a> was traded at $255,000.
<img src="/images/2016/05/20/main-2.jpg" alt="" width="665" height="499">
2. A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-burdell-122002418" target="_blank">79 Lady Musgrave Circuit Burdell Qld 4818</a> sold for $300,000.
 
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Fringes on Queensland's Townsville offer affordable entry to home buyers: HTW

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The number of auctions due to be held across the capital city markets this week will remain relatively steady, with CoreLogic currently tracking 1,758 auctions, down from 1,876 last week. 
In Australia’s largest auction market of Melbourne, 778 auctions are scheduled this week, following a higher 871 last week, while in the second largest auction market of Sydney, the number of auctions being held this week (669) is higher relative to last week (647).
Last year, 2,599 auctions were held over the comparable week, which is substantially higher than the activity CoreLogic is tracking this week. This is reflective of what has been seen across the auction market so far this year.  Over the 2016 calendar year to date, 29,426 capital city auctions have been held, compared to 32,616 over the same period last year.
Capital City Auctions this week:
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<li>Sydney: 669</li>
<li>Melbourne: 778</li>
<li>Brisbane: 117</li>
<li>Adelaide: 84</li>
<li>Perth: 37</li>
<li>Canberra: 65</li>
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This week, Mosman in Sydney is the busiest individual suburb for auctions, with CoreLogic tracking 16 auctions so far this week. Following Mosman are three Melbourne suburbs, Glen Waverley and Richmond, with 13 auctions scheduled and Thomastown with 12 auctions.
Summary of last week’s results:
<a href="/images/2016/05/20/20160519-capital-city-table.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/05/20/20160519-capital-city-table.png" alt="">
Final results show that clearance rates strengthened last week, up from 67.7 per cent the previous week to 69.5 per cent, bringing the combined capital city clearance rate back in line with results seen towards the end of last month. The latest result marks the seventh consecutive week where the capital city clearance rate was under the 70 per cent mark, however this isn’t the case for Melbourne (71.3 per cent) and Sydney (76.2 per cent), where clearance rates were above 70 per cent for the sixth week in a row for Melbourne and the fourth week in a row for Sydney.
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Last week, in each of the smaller capital city markets, clearance rates were up on a week-on-week basis.
Looking at some of the key regional auction markets, clearance rates were strongest in Wollongong (73.9 per cent) and Geelong (80.8 per cent) last week, however the number of auctions held in both regions was lower than over the previous week. In the two Queensland lifestyle markets of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, less than half of all reported auctions cleared last week.
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Weekend auction numbers steady: CoreLogic RP Data's Shana Miller

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The suburb of Berkeley Vale in NSW's Central Coast region - postcode 2261 - generated a median gross yield of 8 percent on units over the last 12 months, and is in the top 10 on CoreLogic RP Data's latest list of suburbs with the highest median gross yield, according to property value.
Berkeley Vale's yield was well above the national average of 4.63 percent, the data showed.
The median unit sale price in the suburb was $222,000, a little more than half the national average of $438,000.
Berkeley Vale showed impressive growth in median prices over a 12-month period at 5.71 percent, well above the 2.1 percent growth nationally.
<a href="/images/2016/05/17/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-17%20at%2012.07.42%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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From a rental perspective, the median rent was $340 per week and Berkeley Vale was at seventh place in NSW on yields with a gross yield of 8 percent. 
The suburb had a population of around 46,000 people, according to the last ABS census data.
Property Observer looked up a few units in Berkeley Vale around the median range for renting on www.realestate.com.au.
<img src="/images/2016/05/20/image9.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="486" style="line-height: 1.3em;">
1. A two-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-berkeley+vale-418385170" target="_blank">115/15 Lorraine Ave Berkeley Vale</a> is up for rent for $310 per week. This property last traded for $170,000 in 2003 and was listed in early 2015 with price expectations of more than $199,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
 
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Median unit prices in NSW's Berkeley Vale grew more than national average

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Sydney is at the starting to decline property cycle for units, but its rental vacancy situation indicates a balanced market, in contrast to Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth and Darwin which are facing oversupply, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's May 2016 capital city market indicators for units.
Rental vacancies show an increasing trend in most capitals barring Canberra where it was tightening, according to HTW.
Canberra also stands out when it comes to new properties being sold at prices exceeding their potential resale value, which happens very frequently in the capital city, in contrast to the occasional such sales in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.   
Interestingly, the trend in unit construction in Melbourne is 'steady' in spite of the oversupply and the volume of unit sales tilting towards a decline. 
 
<a href="/images/2016/05/09/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-09%20at%201.35.48%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Sydney units a balanced market, Brisbane, Melbourne in oversupply: HTW 

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Tasmanian house sales cooled off during the March 2016 quarter however the unit market has taken up the slack according to the REIT.
Unit sales during the quarter are up 17.3 percent with the North West increasing 40 percent month on month and Hobart up 31.9 percent month on month.
Hobart’s median house price fell $5,000 to $385,000. Launceston was down $4,000 to $286,000 and the North West Coast down $25,000 to $235,000. 
The state median price for homes is $315,000.
REIT President Tony Collidge said a monthly breakdown of sales shows momentum had returned to the market at the end of March after a sluggish January/February. 
"If we exclude the December 2015 results, our March quarter 2016 was the highest performing quarter over the past two and a half years," he said.
"Whilst 41 suburbs or towns currently experience their highest median price ever, more than 163 areas are still at prices below 2008 levels.
"We have an affordable market with a capacity for growth. I remain confident that the future of real estate in Tasmania is optimistic and positive.”
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