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.

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"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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

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.

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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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

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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The investor market in Canberra has generally increased with the Mr. Fluffy government buyback scheme proving to be the main stimulus for investment, Herron Todd White has reported.
The valuation firms monthly review explained that the nature of this scheme opens up the potential for smaller developments and subdivisions to occur, in particular, smaller townhouse developments.
"Potential investors or opportunistic builders and developers are actively looking for the right block with the appropriate zoning to possibly develop, which generally leads to a ripple effect within the suburb as values could increase due to the increased activity stimulation these potential blocks attract.
"This has not come into full effect but we see that this trend is on the cusp of occurring.
"However we can currently see that demand for general investment has tightened due to the slowed market conditions of Canberra. The current lease variation charges that developers must take on has been the biggest obstacle in investment and development.
The report goes on to mention there is still a significant amount of construction occurring in Canberra, whether it be units, in particular the north side and Molonglo Valley, or the development of green sites in Lawson, Moncrieff, Wright and Molonglo.
"The strong population of builders, which is a mixture of local and out of towners can see the potential opportunity of investment in these blocks of land and are expressing interest in these areas.
"These particular Mr. Fluffy blocks are predominantly within certain established circa 1940s to 1980s geographical pockets around Canberra where asbestos has been previously used. These pockets are mostly the inner city, Weston Creek/Woden Valley and the older suburbs of Belconnen and Tuggeranong."
The November review went on to show the yields that achieve a stronger return are found in the newer suburbs of Gungahlin and Woden Weston (5% to 6%) as the price points ($500,000 to $700,000) are relatively low and the quality of surrounding services is appealing.
"This yield is also evident in the modern areas of Macgregor as this suburb provides affordable modern dwellings ($400,000 to $600,00).
"The inner suburbs have a 3% to 4% yield due to the higher price points ($600,000 to $1 million) of these areas and the increase in newer boutique unit developments. As always in Canberra, it’s the inner suburbs that retain relatively strong capital value. Location is king."
Lawson is a brand new suburb in Belconnen and is in very close proximity to the University of Canberra and Westfield Belconnen, the review indicates.
"The vacant land sales have been very strong and we have noticed that some investors have been looking to build large dwellings accommodating a higher amount of bedrooms and bathrooms, perhaps looking to rent out the many rooms to potential students and increasing their gross yield.
"Location is the major driver, however until the suburb and general development of buildings and the respective services are completed in the area we cannot fully determine the extent of this."
The report concludes by suggesting availability of the Mr. Fluffy sites with development potential in the ACT will eventually run out in the medium to long term however the NSW government has recently acknowledged the presence of Mr. Fluffy dwellings in the NSW Queanbeyan region.
"Perhaps similar townhouse and unit developments will occur in these areas."
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Canberra government Mr Fluffy buyback scheme increases investor market: HTW

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The latest discounted property of the week from SQM Research is a three level, six bedroom home 35 minutes outside of the Brisbane CBD in Cornubia.
The hilltop home, 8/5 Meown Court Cornubia, is on the market for $895,000 and has been substantially reduced since coming onto the market in early October 2015, according to SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher.
"The current owners have used numerous bright colours, including different shades of greens and purple throughout the home, giving it an overall cosy coastal feel,: he said.
"Warning: the master bedroom does feature zebra printed carpet with red walls."
Built out of cypress pine the property certainly presents well both on the inside and the outside. 
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Three level six bedder makes SQM's discount of the week

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GUEST OBSERVER
The New South Wales region of Murrumbidgee has more than rich soils. The property markets of eight of the thirteen local government authorities which make up the region featured in the Top 20% of Australia’s best performed property markets over the last fifteen years.
The LGA of Coolamon, directly north of the region’s unofficial capital of Wagga Wagga, was the state’s best performed property market over the last fifteen years, ranked 6th in Australia. Coolamon has a modest population of 4,308 (ABS 2014) and is renowned for wheat, wool, and old-world charm. Median property values have increased by an average of 10.5% each year and were still a very affordable $162,500 as at December 2014. Average rental yields are 7.7%.
<a href="/images/2015/12/700_Murrumbidgee.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/700_Murrumbidgee.jpg" alt="">
Propertyology conducted a study to compare the historical property market performance of each of Australia’s 550 local government authorities between 2000 and 2014. Given that some property markets have higher rates of growth and others have higher rental yields, Propertyology calculated the ‘total return’ (average annual growth rate plus rental yield) and we then ranked the LGA’s from 1 to 550 based on this performance.
The Murrumbidgee region’s population of 145,000 people has been growing by less than 1% per year (below the national average of 1.5%) however, supply of new housing has been more controlled than bigger profile cities. Affordability, lifestyle, and an unemployment rate below the national average are behind the region’s strong performance.
The region contains one of the most productive and agriculturally diverse areas of Australia. The Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers replenish the rich, fertile soils which produce over 25% of NSW's fruit and vegetables, 90% of NSW citrus products, and 80% of NSW wine/grape production. Rice, wheat, lamb and beef are also major commodities.
The LGA’s of Junee (ranked 44th), Temora (77th), Cootamundra (151st), Hay (164th), Lockhart (175th), Narrandera (187th), and Murrumbidgee (209th) all featured in Australia’s Top 20%.
The region’s three most populated LGA’s, Wagga Wagga (240th), Leeton (302nd), and Griffith (423rd) didn’t perform as strongly over the last fifteen years as their smaller profile neighbours.
Property sales volumes in parts of the region have been solid during 2014/15. Leeton saw a 15.6% increase in median house values to the year ending May 2015. That is as strong as any market in Australia, other than Sydney. 180 properties have been sold in the Leeton LGA over the last year, the highest level since 2009. With a median house price of $230,000 an investor could buy four properties in Leeton for the cost of one property in Metropolitan Sydney. And, Leeton’s 6% average rental yield is superior to all capital cities.  
Leeton is described as Australia's Rice Capital and is home to the SunRice headquarters. Freedom Foods, Berri Juices, Riverina Beef and Murrumbidgee Irrigation are other big employers for the LGA which has some of the most productive citrus, rice, grapes and wheat farms.
Temora (17.6% growth in median house price) and Murrumbidgee (6.5%) have also seen solid growth over the last year. Mild growth in Wagga Wagga (3.2%), Junee (3.7%), and Griffith (1.9%) and a small reduction of 2% in Narrandera are fairly typical of most of Australia during 2014/15.
With Australian agriculture well placed to prosper from opportunities which the Asian Century provides and the very affordable cost of housing within the region, Propertyology believes that the property market outlook for this region is solid. Markets like this have a tendency to produce steady growth year-on-year. While they don’t attract the fanfare of bigger profile cities they usually have less pronounced peaks and troughs and often perform better over time.
Of the 43 LGA’s which make up Greater-Sydney, Blacktown and Camden were the highest ranked with a middle of the road performance of equal 276th.
Simon Pressley is Managing Director of Propertyology, a REIA Hall Of Fame Inductee, property market analyst, accredited property investment adviser, and Buyer’s Agent. <a href="https://www.propertyology.com.au/more-than-a-buyers-agent/" target="_blank">Propertyology works exclusively with property investors</a> to purchase properties in strategically chosen locations all over Australia.
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Murrumbidgee NSW property market scorecard: Simon Pressley

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Melbourne now has its limited edition Monopoly board, but locals can secure some of the addresses in their own right.
We looked up <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/" target="_blank">realestateview.com.au</a> to see what it costs to call some of the landmark localities home.
The most sought after obvious opportunities will be within Eureka tower, under the skydeck, which features as a light blue property on the board.
A level 77, three bedroom, two bathroom apartment in the Eureka Tower was sold in October for just under $2 million. 
Robert Mitchelson of Icon Property was the selling agent of <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/eureka-7-riverside-quay-southbank/Property-Details-sold-residential-9207262" target="_blank">7701/7 Riverside Quay</a>.
<img src="/images/2015/11/10/eureka.jpg" alt="" width="533" height="355">
A two bedroom, two bathroom property is listed on the market by Lillian Law and Melissa Teo from MICM Real Estate at $1.15 million. 
The apartment is at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/5805-7-riverside-quay-southbank/Property-Details-buy-residential-8661154" target="_blank">5805/7 Riverside Quay</a>.
<img src="/images/2015/11/10/quay.jpg" alt="" width="414" height="314">
An apartment on the brown square Hardware Lane has too recently been sold.
It is a low density warehouse style in a neometro designed block located above the strip's vibrant cafes and restaurants.
The two bedroom property at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/5-117-hardware-street-melbourne/Property-Details-sold-residential-9211858" target="_blank">5/117 Hardware Lane</a> (below) was sold for $645,000 by Galldon Real Estate in August. 
<img src="/images/2015/11/10/hardware.jpg" alt="" width="461" height="307">
The Bianca complex apartment was last traded in 2010 for $540,000. It was Neometro's first city apartment complex development in 2001.
If you want escape Melbourne for the beaches, Bells Beach secured a square on the yellow section of the board.
There has just been a recent sale in Bells Beach, a two bedroom, two bathroom beach house has just been sold for an undisclosed price.
The beach house at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/110-jarosite-road-bells-beach/Property-Details-sold-residential-9379916" target="_blank">110 Jarosite Road</a> (below) was sold by Lisa Wiggins of Great Ocean Road Real Estate.
<img src="/images/2015/11/10/jarosite.jpg" alt="" width="407" height="265">
There are however two properties still available in the sought after Bells Beach surfing location.
A four bedroom, two bathroom at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/90-bones-road-bells-beach/Property-Details-buy-residential-8240518" target="_blank">90 Bones Road</a> (below) has been listed by Tim Carson and John McMahon who have $1.6 million plus hopes.
<img src="/images/2015/11/10/bones.jpg" alt="" width="459" height="306">
A three bedroom, two bathroom property is also available down the road at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/90-bones-road-bells-beach/Property-Details-buy-residential-8240518" target="_blank">95 Bones Road</a> (below).
<img src="/images/2015/11/10/95_bones.jpg" alt="" width="499" height="374">
Glenn Hardman of Barry Plant Real Estate has listed the property and hopes for over $1.2 million.
If you're lucky enough to own a property in Brighton (not on the board!) then you are within your rights to buy a bathing box on the beach. 
Box number <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/bathing-box-6-dendy-street-beach-brighton/Property-Details-buy-residential-8489600" target="_blank">6 Denby Beach</a> (below) sold for a record $246,000 at auction in March this year, and there hasn't been any offered since.
<img src="/images/2015/11/10/700_box.jpg" alt="" width="567" height="396">
The selling agent John Clarkson of hockingstuart had hopes of $150,000 and said "it was a stunning result."
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How to buy for real on the Melbourne Monopoly property board

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Strong demand for homes in the southern Sydney suburbs of Como, Engadine, Gymea and Sans Souci is driving the market for dual occupancy development sites, modern project homes and renovated older homes.
Herron Todd White's October Month in Review noted large premiums are being paid for the potential dual occupancy sites with building and renovating costs increasing due in part to a tight employment market for builders.
"An example of a strong result within the year in Como is a modern 5-bedroom project home  recently selling at auction for an astonishing $1.8 million," the report said.
"This home was previously sold in March 2014 for $1.355 million, so this was a tidy profit.
"Local agents attribute the increase to the mere convenience of move in and enjoy with absolutely no work required."
 
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Sydney's southern suburbs selling strong: Herron Todd White

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Auction clearance rates fell for the third consecutive week across the combined capital cities, down to 61.0% last week across a total of 2,288 reported auction results.
The number of auctions due to be held across the capital cities this week rose to 3,068 from 2,547 last week when there were just 629 auctions held across Melbourne as the city prepared for Melbourne Cup.
This week, 1,262 auctions are scheduled for Melbourne and 1,297 across Sydney, accounting for over 80% of all capital city auctions. These figures also demonstrate just how much of an impact these two auction markets results can have on the weighted average clearance rate. Last week, Sydney’s final clearance rate fell to 60.2%, heightening the reality that the clearance rate could likely slip into the 50’s over the coming weeks to wrap up an otherwise strong year for the city.
Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney, and Perth are all expecting fewer auctions than last week, while in Melbourne and Adelaide, the number of auctions this week relative to last week is higher.
Compared to last year when there were 2,942 auctions held across the combined capitals, auction activity will be busier in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney this year, while volumes are expected to be slightly lower in Brisbane, Canberra and Perth as per below
Sydney: 1,297 this year, 1,261 last year Melbourne: 1,262 this year, 1,139 last year Adelaide: 151 this year, 131 last year Canberra: 127 this year, 141 last year Brisbane: 173 this year, 188 last year Perth: 45 this year, 65 last year
In terms of clearance rates, last week the best performing capital city auction market was Canberra, where 71.0% of the reported auctions were successful. Following this was Melbourne, where the final auction clearance rate for the week came in at 65.6%.
This week, the busiest individual suburbs for auctions nationally are Mount Waverley (Vic) with 23, Glen Waverley (Vic) with 18 and Mosman (NSW) with 17.
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Combined capital clearance rate at 61% while auction volumes rise: CoreLogic RP Data's Shana Miller

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A two storey home with a geodesic hexadome design has been listed for sale in Napoleons, Victoria.
The house boasts a distinctive timber feature ceiling under its unusual roofline.
The unconventional nature of the home ensures it comes with an integrated continuous surface.
The unique construction removes the need for material-wasting interior support walls. 
Built in the late 1980's, the two bedroom house features high ceilings and a timber staircase.
There are reportedly more than 400,000 hexadome homes throughout the world adopted extensively in Japan. 
The Rural Activity zoned property features an Olympic size dressage arena with four stables across the 16 hectare land.
Chris Leonard from PRD Nationwide Ballarat has the listing of <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-vic-napoleons-7780390" target="_blank">395 Sobeys Road</a> with $460,000 plus hopes.
Currently the median sales price of houses in the area is $255,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data. 
The property was listed late last month.
It was last traded in 2005 for $355,500.
Napoleons is just 15 minutes from Ballarat and just over an hour from Geelong.
There hasn't been a house sale in the quiet town for around a year.
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Hexadome house offering in Victoria

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A property featuring an outdoor pit toilet with sweeping views over the Clandulla ranges in New South Wales is currently on the market for $125,000.
<img src="/images/2015/11/5/700_loo2.jpg" alt="" width="397" height="241">
The 1012sqm property, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-nsw-clandulla-120074537" target="_blank">488 Cooper Drive Clandulla</a>, will appeal to both fans of outdated public transport and unusual fixtures, with an original train carriage renovated into a two bedder already on the property decked out with an original "red rattler" flip down toilet.
<img src="/images/2015/11/5/700_yep_its_a_toilet.jpg" alt="" width="436" height="265">
The listing, through Buy My Place, mentions the carriage was built for track work, comes complete with "a large smoko dining area with kitchen sink and cupboards" and has been updated internally with three doors to give a range of cooling options.
 
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Loo with a view price starts at $125,000

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A Tasmanian three bedroom three level home complete with solar power, dam and veggie garden is the newest entrant on the top ten most discounted properties nationwide list from SQM Research. 
The property, 62 Stacey's Road, Nubeena, coming in at number nine on the list with an asking price of $265,000.
SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said the vendor was originally asking for offers between $385,425 and $425,000 back in August 2013. 
"Since then the vendor has slowly reduced the price by 31%, bringing the asking price down to just $265,000," he said.
"The home is within close proximity of Roaring Beach, which the vendor say's has a notable Artisan community. 
"The small township of Nubeena is located just ten minutes away with access to local schools, shops, restaurants and more."
 <a href="/images/2015/11/5/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-05%20at%203.10.30%20PM.png" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/11/5/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-05%20at%203.10.30%20PM.png" alt="">
 
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Tasmanian three bedder makes SQM's top ten discounted list

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<div>An unusual looking Building Approvals data release from the ABS, which showed a seasonally adjusted 2.1% increase in monthly approvals to 18,900 (21.4% year-on-year) but the trend result declining by 1.8% for the month to 18,309 (to be up by just 6.8% year-on-year).</div>
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 The trend result led to various reports of the building boom being over. Confusing? It certainly was, with the trend result evidently applying negative "tail weights" to the strong run of monthly approvals at the beginning of the year.</div>
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<div>Ultimately monthly building approvals figures will always and forever be lumpy, and the trend weights arguably add limited value here. Below I have instead charted the original unadjusted data by month for houses and other dwellings - no seasonal adjustments and no trend weights, just a moving average whacked through the middle - so you can make your own mind up. So, have building approvals peaked or not? In short, detached house approvals have probably peaked for the cycle. On the other hand townhouses, units and apartments may not quite yet have peaked, but given tighter lending criteria being applied for investors and waning rental yields, the peak of the cycle appears likely to be imminent.</div>
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The rolling annual data shows that over the year to September a record total of 230,296 dwellings was approved, with some 114,218 of them being attached dwellings, which is also a record. Incredibly, the annual total number of attached dwelling approvals is approaching the number of houses approved, something that nobody was predicting three years ago.
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<div class="separator">Indeed some folk predicted there would be no material increase in approvals period, which just goes to show how unpredictable cycles can be at times.</div>
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Across the capitals <div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">House approvals continue to trend up steadily in Sydney and Melbourne, but are flatlining in Brisbane, and are now trending down in Perth, Adelaide and Canberra. </div>
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<div>Over the past 12 months Sydney has seen four big months for attached dwellings approvals ranging from 3,111 in May to a record 4,260 in July, but approvals tailed away again in September to just 1,835.</div>
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<div>Melbourne waved through another 2,842 units in September for a fresh rolling annual high of 34,726 approvals. Meanwhile Brisbane had another whopping month of high rise approvals, also sending its annual unit approvals to a new high of 18,301. This figure is up from an equivalent total of just 5,412 three years ago - again, think back to the commentary at the time, did anyone predict this surge in approvals or Chinese capital? The Brisbane Central Business District is set to "benefit" from new high rise towers which will nudge against the city's 274 metre height limit, a restriction set for aviation regulations.</div>
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<div>What more is there to say on this point that I haven't already said over the past two years? Whether or not all of these apartments are built, steer clear of the obvious areas of oversupply in Melbourne and Brisbane in particular, and be even more wary than usual about buying expensive off-the-plan or new build units. </div>
 High rise gluts power on <div>In particular, the number of high rise (4+ storey) units being approved continues to defy common sense in Victoria...</div>
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<div>...and in Queensland, which saw its greatest ever month for high rise apartment approvals in September. The ratio of new stock to existing stock in a number of Brisbane's inner suburbs is exceptionally high, as documented here previously.</div>
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<div>Meanwhile, New South Wales may have passed its cyclical peak in respect of high rise approvals, although due to necessity crowded Sydney will continue to approve more of this dwelling type in future. Nevertheless the higher-density sector is one I'd mark down to "underperform".</div>
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<div class="separator">The wrap</div>
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<div class="separator">Overall, despite talk of the building boom being "at an end" thanks to the prplexing ABS trend data, this was a reasonably strong headline result for building approvals, though once again skewed towards high-density projects. </div>
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<div class="separator">With the macroprudential screw tightening it seems increasingly likely that unit approvals could soon drop off too, and a significant percentage of approved developments may never make it through to the completion stage.</div>
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<div class="separator">Accordingly the dwelling starts data series will be one to watch closely. Note that there can be a significant lag between approval and completion for multi-unit developments, perhaps up to several years. </div>
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PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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