<p>Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.</p>

<p>The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.</p>

<p>The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.</p>

<p>The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" /></p>

<p>SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.</p>

<p>“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.</p>

<p>The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.</p>

<p>“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" /></p>

<p>The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.</p>

<p>Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.</p>

<p>The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.</p>

<p>COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" /></p>

<p>“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.</p>

<p>The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.</p>

<p>The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.</p>

<p>Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.</p>

<p><em>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a></em></p>


Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.</p>

<p>The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.</p>

<p>The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" /></p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.</p>

<p>SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”</p>

<p>The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" /></p>

<p>The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.</p>

<p>A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.</p>

<p>Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" /></p>

<p>The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.</p>

<p>Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.</p>

<p>The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.</p>


First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

<p>Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."</p>

<p>Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;</p>


Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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<p data-end="157" data-start="0">The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.</p>

<p data-end="459" data-start="159"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.</p>

<p data-end="459" data-start="159">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]</p>

<p data-end="651" data-start="461"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.</p>

<p data-end="950" data-start="653">Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.</p>

<p data-end="1081" data-start="952">“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.</p>

<p data-end="1081" data-start="952">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]</p>

<p data-end="1307" data-start="1083">Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.</p>

<p data-end="1522" data-start="1309">The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.</p>

<p data-end="1522" data-start="1309">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]</p>

<p data-end="1714" data-start="1524">Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.</p>

<p data-end="1945" data-start="1716">The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.</p>

<p data-end="1945" data-start="1716">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]</p>

<p data-end="2220" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="1947">More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.</p>
</section>
</section>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]</p>


SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

<p data-end="320" data-start="79">Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.</p>

<p data-end="638" data-start="322">The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.</p>

<p data-end="864" data-start="640">Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]</p>

<p>Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."</p>

<p>“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.</p>

<p>“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]</p>

<p>The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.</p>

<p>“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]</p>


Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Residential Market

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<p>For the fifth consecutive week, CoreLogic RP Data is expecting over 3,000 auctions to be held across the combined capital cities, with 3,028 scheduled this week, down from 3,252 last week and the year’s record number of auctions the previous week (3,729).</p>
<p>There will be less capital city auctions this week, relative to last year, when there were 3,511 over the corresponding week.</p>
<p>Despite auction volumes falling on a broad capital city level, the same cannot be said for Adelaide, the only capital city where auction volumes are set to rise, with 151 Adelaide auctions scheduled this week, compared to 138 last week.</p>
<p>Melbourne auction volumes, down from 1,622 last week to 1,601 this week, have remained relatively steady, while across Sydney, auction activity will be significantly lower this week (902), compared to last week (1,070).</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Capital </strong></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>City Auctions this week:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Sydney</strong><strong>: </strong><strong>902</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Melbourne: </strong><strong>1,601</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Brisbane: </strong><strong>179</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Adelaide: </strong><strong>151</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Perth: </strong><strong>61</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Canberra: </strong><strong>116</strong>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Summary of last week’s results:</p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/12/9/20151210-clearance-rate-table.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/12/9/20151210-clearance-rate-table.jpg" alt="" width="773" height="440"></p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/12/9/20151210-clearance-rate-graph.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/12/9/20151210-clearance-rate-graph.jpg" alt="" width="789" height="335"></p>
<p>Last week, the combined capital city final auction clearance rate was recorded at 57.3%, the lowest reading since February 2013. Much of the overall weakness was driven by Sydney, where only 52.9% of the reported auctions were sold last week, dropping from 56.2% the previous week.</p>
<p>Melbourne’s final auction clearance rate was 63.3%, over 10 percentage points higher than Sydney’s, but still lower than the cities result over the week prior (65.9%).</p>
<p>Adelaide was the only other capital city where the final auction clearance rate didn’t fall below 60%. There were 130 Adelaide auctions reported from a total of 138 that were held.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/12/9/20151210-sub-regions.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/12/9/20151210-sub-regions.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p> </p>
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smiller-vwPjRHTkST

Adelaide the standout mover in capital city auction volume: CoreLogic RP Data's Shana Miller

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<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p>The Australian Chamber-Westpac Survey of Industrial Trends, the longest running business survey in Australia, dating from 1966, provides a timely update on the manufacturing sector and insights into economy-wide trends.</p>
<p>The Westpac-AusChamber Actual Composite index moderated in the December quarter to 53.5, down 3.2pts, from 56.7 in September. This is a still solid reading, above the historic average of 49 and up from an average of 52.4 for 2014.</p>
<p>The trend strengthening of the Composite index in 2015 has been centred on new orders, output and overtime, with some moderation in new orders and output in the final months of the year.</p>
<p>Manufacturing is benefitting from a strong upswing in new home building activity, as well as the lift in renovation activity and from the significant improvement in competitiveness flowing from the sharply lower currency, down 25% against the US dollar from mid-2014. However, the cycle remains constrained. <span>Consumer spending is below trend, mining investment is turning down sharply and global fragilities persist. </span></p>
<p>Exports are rising modestly, supported by the lower currency but constrained by still sluggish world growth. A net 3% of firms reported a lift in exports.</p>
<p>Expectations are positive, centred on new orders and output. Firms expect to respond to this strength by increasing overtime. The Expected Composite index is at 60.8, up 1.0pt on September. A net 38% expect the general business environment to strengthen over the next six months, up from 19% in September.</p>
<p>Businesses are looking to 2016 to be a positive year for profitability, driven by increased turnover and a lower Australian dollar boosting export returns. A net 19% expect profits to increase.</p>
<p>There are tentative signs that investment by the sector is nearing a turning point, consistent with a trend reduction in the sector's spare capacity. A solid net 15% of firms expect to increase equipment spending in the next year. The improvement has, to date, been centred on fewer firms looking to reduce spending.</p>
<p>On jobs, the survey's Labour Market composite was at a solid 52.2 in December, albeit down from a five year of 55.9 in September. The Index correctly foreshadowed the strengthening in economy wide jobs growth evident over the past year. It points to further solid gains into 2016.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/12/9/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-10%20at%2011.13.24%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/12/9/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-10%20at%2011.13.24%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p><span>Andrew Hanlan is senior economist for Westpac and can be contacted </span><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-hanlan/3/222/430" target="_blank">here</a><span>. </span></p>
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Conditions moderate, but still positive: Westpac's Andrew Hanlan

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<div>At the headline level it was another spirited month for housing finance nationally, with the seasonally adjusted $32.6 billion in October being the sixth greatest month on record following a lending blitz through 2015.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Although owner-occupier commitments increased again in the month, investor finance continued to slump, dropping by 6.1%.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/12/9/HF1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/12/9/HF1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>The devil of this data series forever lies within the detail, with a number of sources indicating that there has been a level of jiggery-pokery with regards to the classification of loans between owner-occupiers and investors (since there is now a clear price incentive to opt for homebuyer loans).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The second chart below shows that owner-occupier commitments and refinancing have both increased solidly, while APRA's macroprudential measures have ensured that investor finance is now falling away quickly.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The net result was that total housing finance in trend terms remained flat in the month at $33.2 billion.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/12/9/HF2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/12/9/HF2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>Whether or not housing markets can push forward in 2016 will depend upon the extent to which the growth in owner-occupier loans can offset declining investor lending. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Certainly we can see that the number of owner-occupier loans is trending up, but equally there is a chance that tightening mortgage rates could slow this sector of the market going forward.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/12/9/HF3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/12/9/HF3.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">State versus state</span></strong><br><br><div>Skipping down to the state level we can see that the trend number of owner-occupier commitments is in decline in Western Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and Queensland, which is home to a significant number of declining regional markets in line with the resources investment collapse.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The trend in the number of owner-occupier commitments in the Australian Capital Territory has been stone dead flat for months.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The increase in the number of mortgages written has been driven purely by the two most populous states, New South Wales and Victoria. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/12/9/HF4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div>Generally speaking the higher value loans are written in the capital cities, and as such the dollar value of owner-occupier commitments tends to be a better indicator of what is playing out in the capitals.<br><br>In terms of the trend <strong>value</strong> of owner-occupier commitments, both Western Australia and the Northern Territory are again in decline. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Brisbane market is faring relatively well at the present time, helping to nudge the aggregate value of owner-occupier commitments in Queensland steadily up, while Victoria and New South Wales in particular are rising fast.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In fact, trend monthly owner-occupier commitments in New South Wales have ripped up the chart to sit some 43 per cent higher over the year at more than $8 billion (awooga!).</div>
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<div><span>As noted, when it comes to housing finance the devil is always in the detail: more than $3 billion of the New South Wales monthly figure related to refinancing, and over the past year there has also been a slight uptick in finance for renovations.</span></div>
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<div><a href="/images/2015/12/9/HF6.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
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<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br></span></strong>
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<div>Overall, there are many more different trends to cover than can be analysed in one blog post - it was a solid result nationally, and it all rather depends upon which market you are interested in.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>One thing that we can say with certainty is that the investor boom is a cooked goose for this cycle, with investor finance now down by 9.2 per cent year-on-year. In 2016, the homebuyer sector of the market will swim back into focus.</div>
<p> </p>
<p><span><em>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>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>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>.</em></p>
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Investor boom is a cooked goose: Pete Wargent

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<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px; line-height: 1.3em;">Wolfdene’s AVA II townhouses in Melbourne have received the Award for Excellence in the affordable housing category at the recent Urban Development Institute of Australia’s 2015 Annual Awards.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px; line-height: 1.3em;">Located in the South East near Cranbourne suburb, the two and three bedroom townhouses offer value for money and a low-maintenance alternative to standard house and land.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px; line-height: 1.3em;">“Housing affordability is a big issue in the Melbourne market, this award is recognition of Wolfdene’s commitment to providing housing diversity in the urban growth areas,” said Jon Atchison, the director of Wolfdene.</span></p>
<div>AVA II are six-star energy rated and designed in collaboration with SJB, who also designed Sydney's Casba project, which recently won the World Architecture Festival Award for Mixed Use Completed Buildings.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“With a flowing open plan design and an abundance of natural light, AVA II is a value for money and low maintenance alternative to standard house and land,” said the UDIA judging panel.</div>
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<div>“Quality medium density product that mixes design and function with affordability is essential to providing a viable option for price sensitive first home buyers, key workers and downsizers," said Atchison.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“We are committed to rolling out additional MD sites throughout our full portfolio of master-planned communities.” </div>
<div> </div>
<div>AVA II offers 10 two and three-bedroom townhouses, ranging from $310,000 to $360,000.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Get into the housing market soon: Free RAMS eBook. </div>
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Wolfdene's AVA II wins UDIA award for affordable housing

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<p><span>The Byron Bay ridgeline estate, Villa Benventano has been listed with $5 million plus hopes.</span></p>
<p><span>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.</span></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><span>The eastern courtyard includes a hand built stone pizza oven and the western courtyard a new swimming pool. </span></p>
<p><span>Both are met by landscaped gardens with vegetable gardens, various fruit trees and 5300 macadamia trees for primary producer status.</span></p>
<p><span>There is also a large fully equipped shed an<span>d recently upgraded de-husking facilities which ensure the farm operations are professional and easy to manage. </span></span></p>
<p><span>The current owners spent over $120,000 extending Villa Benventano in 2008 which included the addition of the infinity edge pool.</span></p>
<p>The property is a 20 minute drive from Byron Bay and has been on the market for 888 days.</p>
<p>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>.</p>
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Byron Bay's Villa Benventano listed with $5m plus hopes

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<p>Sea-changing is a long-held Australian tradition for retirees and empty nesters, however property expert John McGrath believes the next wave of sea-changers will be young families leaving Sydney for good.</p>
<p>In John's recent Switzer blog article, he cited the annual McGrath report and highlighted how Sydney families have previously adapted to rising house prices by moving to less expensive commuter areas like the Central Coast and Wollongong; or buying apartments over houses in Sydney.</p>
<p>"Family apartment living was a significant trend in the early 2000s but today, average Sydney apartments are more expensive than houses anywhere else in Australia and many families are tired of feeling stretched," he said.</p>
<p>"We believe a desire for an easier, more affordable lifestyle will contribute to a growing contingent of families leaving Sydney altogether."</p>
<p>McGrath suggested that some families are still willing to commute, with our offices reporting more Sydney buyers on the Central Coast and in Newcastle and the Southern Highlands this year.</p>
<p>He backed the statement up by referring to the Australian Bureau of Statistics census figures, which showed a rising number of new residents in Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong who have moved from other parts of NSW (typically Sydney) since 2001.</p>
<p>McGrath added that Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne are also proving popular with Sydney families looking further afield for even better value for money.</p>
<p>"Many are relocating to Melbourne, with Bureau of Statistics data showing the highest net interstate migration in 40 years in Victoria last year with the majority of interstate migrants coming from NSW."</p>
<p>He also suggested that a change in employment practices is also facilitating the trend in young families leaving Sydney.</p>
<p>"An increasing number of businesses are allowing their staff to work from home, especially those with specialised skills who can negotiate working away from the office into their contracts because their abilities are so highly sought-after," he said.</p>
<p>There is also a rising number of families with one parent working in a fly-in, fly-out job, particularly in the mining sector, which gives them the freedom to set up their home base in any location that has an airport as they simply don’t need to be in Sydney.</p>
<p>The article indicates that more empty nesters are shunning the sea-change in favour of CBD living, which is reflected in forecasts that retirement age residents will be the fastest growing group in the City of Sydney LGA (local government area) by 2026, up 72% on 2011 compared to an increase of 34% in working age residents, according to population analysts, forecast.id.</p>
<p>McGrath suggest that delayed retirement post-global financial crisis is contributing to this trend.</p>
<p>"There is a desire for lower maintenance living close to work; providing childcare for their grandkids; and an inner city construction boom providing an abundance of high quality options for a generation that wants to enjoy the next phase of their lives in security and comfort.</p>
<p>"The global NORC phenomenon (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities) is expected to evolve in Sydney, with more apartment buildings not actually designated for seniors gradually developing a predominately older community as existing owners ‘age in place’ and downsizers move in."</p>
<p>He concluded by stating that his offices are observing more empty nesters from Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and Upper North Shore downsizing to the Inner East, Inner City and Inner West.</p>
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Sydney families to flee for sea-change: John McGrath

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<p><span>GUEST OBSERVER</span></p>
<p><span>Narrow lot designs will be one of the key changes to the home building market in 2016 as it has also been for 2015. It’s no secret that land sizes are becoming smaller to cater for the growing population.</span></p>
<p><span>According to the December 2014 report ‘A PLAN FOR GROWING SYDNEY’ by NSW Government Planning and Environment* – over the next 20 years, the population in Sydney will grow much faster than in the last 20 years. The report states that, “Projections indicate that Sydney will need around 664,000 additional homes over the next 20 years. New housing will be needed in greenfield locations and the established urban area. Providing housing in a variety of sizes, types and locations will be essential to meeting Sydney’s future housing need."</span></p>
<p><span>To respond to these issues, the Government will introduce planning controls and work with the development industry to increase the number of homes in established urban and development areas. The government is also encouraging innovative, well-designed, smaller homes to suit lifestyles and budgets of the growing population. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">With smaller block sizes, it means more demand for innovative designs that don’t compromise on space. Some people won’t consider buying a block of land unless it has the space they need for their ideal home. All builders are becoming savvier about the way they build a practical ‘family home’.</span></p>
<p><span>As well as narrow block designs, there are many other trends and buyer behaviour that Allworth Homes predicts for 2016.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>1.      Knock-down rebuilds will continue to increase.</strong> </span></p>
<p><span>Home buyers are realising re-building a brand new home on their existing property is beneficial in the long run, financially and logistically. We have seen a marked increase in the number of re-build sites at Allworth Homes and are confident these numbers will keep rising in 2016. We believe this trend comes down to people crunching the numbers around associated costs relating to ‘moving’ compared to building ‘new’. Mixed with the fact that they are future proofing the resale of their home down the track, it’s a clear winner as to why people are choosing to go down this road.</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p><span><strong>2.      Buyers are demanding more transparency. </strong></span></p>
<p><span>People are now more educated about what’s involved in building a new home but are still drowning in uncertainty around costs. Buyers want transparency up front. They want to know what they’re in for. Allworth Homes promotes a ‘Ready To Live’ price at every display home door. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">We have been pricing homes on various sites for so long we feel confident in promoting an all up price that will be very close to the final quotation. There are some conditions relating to lot size, services and site fall but in the majority of cases, our ‘Ready To Live’ price should be spot on.</span></p>
<p><strong style="line-height: 1.3em;">3.      Buyers are future proofing their homes for multigenerational living.</strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">  </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">A lot of new home buyers are now following the trend toward ‘future-proofing’ their new home design. That is, designs that allow, with a small amount of renovation work, a former living area to be converted into sleeping accommodation with bathroom access, for example. Homes with versatile spaces that can be used in different ways and accommodate multi-generational living will continue to be in high demand in the coming years.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>4.      High land prices in Sydney will make it tougher for First Home Buyers entering the market. </strong></span></p>
<p><span>This is an unfortunate reality that doesn’t need much explanation. We are seeing a decrease in the amount of sites for first home buyers can afford in Sydney and with the reduction in the First Home Owners Grant, we expect those numbers to keep dropping.</span></p>
<p><span>Good news is this may be short lived. With major land release planned and lot sizes decreasing, competition amongst developers should see land priced within the in reach of first home buyers in Sydney late 2016 – 2017.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>5.      </strong>A tighter market and major developers focussing on ‘Mum and Dad’ buyers will see the return of the discerning traditional buyer, pushing solid long-term contract home builders to the fore. Newer, speculative builders once reliant on a burgeoning market will have to re-invent themselves to survive.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>6.      </strong>The shortage of bricklayers and subsequent increased labour costs has seen many builders turning to alternate materials. These alternates - do they pass conservative NSW buyers ‘knock test’? Do they provide adequate termite protection? Long term maintenance issues. resale values… all questions buyers will consider in their decision. Whilst Allworth Homes is considering alternatives to brickwork, none have yet passed muster for us. Allworth are sticking with brick at this stage. More bricklayers will be freed up by the builders going other ways and we feel brick will be people’s number one choice for some time.</span></p>
<p>Stephen Thompson is managing director, <a href="https://allworthhomes.com.au" target="_blank">Allworth Homes</a>.</p>
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2016 home building trends and predictions: Stephen Thompson

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<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p>As I write this (December 2015), house prices have fallen in most major capital cities for the first time in several years.</p>
<p>In fact, the CoreLogic RP Data Home Value Index for November 2015 showed that home prices fell by 1.5% across Australia's capital cities over the month, with five of the eight capital cities showing declines.</p>
<p>So, what does this mean?</p>
<p>In my opinion, and also that of the ANZ and several other financial institutions around the country (thankfully), is that housing markets in Australian capital cities will cool, not crash in 2016.</p>
<p>The actions of APRA and subsequently the banks have achieved the desired result by dampening prices through tighter investor lending conditions.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong>1.</strong> My Prediction for 2016: The CoreLogic RP Data Home Value Index will show an average decline of between 5% and 10% for Australia’s capital cities over 2016.</span></p>
<p><br>The Turnbull Government will be re-elected at the 2016 Federal Election.</p>
<p>Whilst the Prime Ministerial ‘musical chairs’ appears to be over, the music hasn’t fully stopped for the Australian public.</p>
<p>The timing of the next federal election is unknown at this stage, however according to the Constitution, must be held by no later than 14 January 2017.</p>
<p>Pollsters are suggesting that Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull may capitalise on his ‘honeymoon’ ratings and call an early election, potentially as early as March, however the PM has affirmed he is in no rush.</p>
<p>"I'm expecting it to be about this time (next year), well perhaps November is getting a bit late, I would say around September, October next year is when you should expect the next election to be," Turnbull told reporters in November 2015.</p>
<p><strong>2.</strong> My Prediction for 2016: I’ll take a stab and say Saturday September 25, 2016 with the Coalition comfortably elected.<br> <br>Interest rates will remain stable whilst the economy shows modest growth.</p>
<p>December’s GDP growth results came as a surprise to many analysts, with Australia's economy showing signs of picking up momentum by registering 2.5% growth over the past year.</p>
<p>Despite this being the fastest economic growth in 18 months, it is still below the economy's long-term trend of 3.5% - a sign of continued patchiness in the economy.<br>Subsequently, it’s hard to envision any material change in interest rates over the course of 2016.</p>
<p><strong>3</strong>. My Prediction for 2016: The Australian economy will record GDP growth of 2.5% - 3.0% over the course of 2016 and interest rates will remain unchanged or increase by a maximum of 25 basis points.<br> <br>Architectural excellence and innovation will define success.</p>
<p>It goes without saying that 2015 has been a year of architectural excellence in property. As markets have accelerated, so have the expectations of a building’s occupants.<br>Whether it is skyscrapers inspired by ‘Beyonce’s curves’, the world’s smartest office building or a retail experience so authentic that a young Melbourne architect took out the top global gong, success is being defined by the ability to experience and inspire.</p>
<p><strong>4</strong>. My Prediction for 2016: Architecture will expand to be branded, experiential and intelligent.<br> <br>New, disruptive technologies will shake up our industry.</p>
<p>The next 12 months will feature some genuine game changers that excite and inspire me like nothing else in the industry.</p>
<p>I genuinely believe that our sector - largely unaffected by the disruption we have seen in the travel or media industries, for example -  will experience an inflection point over the coming year.</p>
<p>Just think about this for a moment. These four trends – prefabrication, crowdfunding, 3D printing and virtual reality – are all at a point of their evolution where the products are fundamentally proven but the everyday impact is yet to be felt. 2016 will be the year where the next “UBER” hits the Australian property sector.</p>
<p><strong>5</strong>. My Prediction for 2016: One (if not more) of the four trends above will become ubiquitous and fundamentally change the way we do business.<br> <br>The globalisation of real estate markets has just begun.</p>
<p>The flow of offshore capital into Australian property markets reached historical highs in 2015, largely due to a significant increase in Chinese investment in residential real estate.</p>
<p>Despite the sometimes xenophobic rhetoric underpinning the national conversation, one thing is clear: the fundamentals haven’t changed and certainly won’t change for at least a generation.</p>
<p>We are at the start of our “Asian century” and foreign direct investment will only grow.</p>
<p><strong>6</strong>. My Prediction for 2016: Foreign direct investment in Australian residential and commercial property will grow.<br> <br>Governments start to wake to the demographic and environmental challenge.</p>
<p>There continues to be a strange disconnect between the rhetoric of our national leaders, Federal and State Governments’ policies and the sobering demographic and environmental challenges that confront the Australian economy over the next few decades.</p>
<p>An ageing population and climate change sit at the center of this monumental challenge.</p>
<p>With a change in Prime Minister and the installment of a more moderate and pragmatic government, perhaps 2016 will be the year in which public policy catches up with the needs of the public.</p>
<p><strong>7</strong>. My Prediction for 2016: Major policy reform platforms will be established around tax, health and the environment.</p>
<p>Adam Di Marco is publisher and founder of <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com" target="_blank">TheUrbanDeveloper.com</a>. <span>Adam is also a director of Brisbane-based investment, management and development firm, </span><a href="https://www.marquette.com.au/" target="blank">Marquette Properties</a><span>.</span></p>
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10% price declines possible amid 7 predictions for Australian property in 2016: Adam Di Marco

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<p><span>The four bedroom, octagonal shaped Grandview is up for auction in Mittagong.</span></p>
<p><span>Built and designed in 1981 by renowned Southern Highlands builder Colin Sell, the award winning architectural design of Grandview still maintains its original interiors. </span></p>
<p><span>The rotunda-style, open plan living and dining room are the centre piece of the property with cathedral ceilings, exposed brickwork and a central fireplace.</span></p>
<p><span>The wraparound entertainment and viewing deck is met by landscaped gardens and district and mountain views from all angles.</span></p>
<p><span>There is a separate family room, a home office and an underhouse studio or workshop.</span></p>
<p><span>Privately placed on 2288 sqm and surrounded by landscaped gardens, the unique home is a short walk to Mittagong town centre.</span></p>
<p><span>Rick Mooney of Ray White Mittagong has the listing of <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mittagong-121474714" target="_blank"><span>56 Oxley Drive</span></a>.</span></p>
<p><span>Octagonal shaped houses are becoming more and more a curiosity after The Block's conversion of the octagonal shaped Hotel Saville in South Yarra. </span></p>
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Mittagong's octagonal Grandview up for auction

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<p><span>The former rugby league champion Bradley Clyde is selling his resort style family home at Sylvania Waters.</span></p>
<p><span>Bradley, the only player to have twice won the Clive Churchill medal as the best player in the grand final, bought the contemporary four bedroom, three bathroom home in 2014 for $1.6 million.</span></p>
<p>The property, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-sylvania+waters-121323146" target="_blank">22 Hampton Road Sylvania Waters</a>, features an in-ground pool and has been listed through Nigel McAllister of McGrath Sylvania who has $1.6 million plus hopes for its December 12 auction. </p>
<p><span>Widely considered as one of the best forwards in the game, Bradley had a long and fruitful career at club level as well as representing Australia 19 times.</span></p>
<p><span>Born and raised in Canberra he spent most of his career at the Canberra Raiders before moving to Canterbury to represent the Bulldogs.</span></p>
<p><span>After a year in Canterbury he moved to England to finish his playing career with Leeds Rhinos.</span></p>
<p><span>Clyde moved into management soon after retiring and spent seven years with Canterbury Bulldogs before being sacked.</span></p>
<p><span>Clyde is an inductee to the Australian Capital Territory sporting hall of fame.</span></p>
<p><span>He currently works as a business development executive for Australia's leading business process outsource company Chandler, however he still is part of the NRL set up as a match review committee and anti-doping tribunal member.</span></p>
<p><em>This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph. </em></p>
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