<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 

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-6" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" dir="auto">
<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:5a5ab36c-8dd3-454c-b456-c501f22f0eb4-0" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:5a5ab36c-8dd3-454c-b456-c501f22f0eb4-0" dir="auto">
<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

<html><body>
<p><span>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.</span></p>
<p><span>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.</span></p>
<p><span>"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.</span></p>
<p><span>"This has not come into full effect but we see that this trend is on the cusp of occurring.</span></p>
<p><span>"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.</span></p>
<p><span>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.</span></p>
<p><span>"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.</span></p>
<p><span>"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."</span></p>
<p><span>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.</span></p>
<p><span>"This yield is also evident in the modern areas of Macgregor as this suburb provides affordable modern dwellings ($400,000 to $600,00).</span></p>
<p><span>"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."</span></p>
<p><span>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.</span></p>
<p><span>"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.</span></p>
<p><span>"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."</span></p>
<p><span>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.</span></p>
<p><span>"Perhaps similar townhouse and unit developments will occur in these areas."</span></p>
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Canberra government Mr Fluffy buyback scheme increases investor market: HTW

<html><body>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">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.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">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.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">"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.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">"Warning: the master bedroom does feature zebra printed carpet with red walls."</span></p>
<p><span>Built out of cypress pine the property certainly presents well both on the inside and the outside. </span></p>
</body></html>

mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

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

<html><body>
<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 6<sup>th</sup> 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%.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/12/700_Murrumbidgee.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/12/700_Murrumbidgee.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The LGA’s of Junee (ranked 44<sup>th</sup>), Temora (77<sup>th</sup>), Cootamundra (151<sup>st</sup>), Hay (164<sup>th</sup>), Lockhart (175<sup>th</sup>), Narrandera (187<sup>th</sup>), and Murrumbidgee (209<sup>th</sup>) all featured in Australia’s Top 20%.</p>
<p>The region’s three most populated LGA’s, Wagga Wagga (240<sup>th</sup>), Leeton (302<sup>nd</sup>), and Griffith (423<sup>rd</sup>) didn’t perform as strongly over the last fifteen years as their smaller profile neighbours.</p>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>Leeton is described as <em>Australia's Rice Capital</em> 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 276<sup>th</sup>.</p>
<p><em>Simon Pressley is Managing Director of Propertyology, a REIA Hall Of Fame Inductee, property market analyst, accredited property investment adviser, and Buyer’s Agent. </em><a href="https://www.propertyology.com.au/more-than-a-buyers-agent/" target="_blank"><em>Propertyology works exclusively with property investors</em></a><em> to purchase properties in strategically chosen locations all over Australia.</em></p>
</body></html>

spressley-sBoeMhannA

Murrumbidgee NSW property market scorecard: Simon Pressley

<html><body>
<p>Melbourne now has its limited edition Monopoly board, but locals can secure some of the addresses in their own right.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The most sought after obvious opportunities will be within Eureka tower, under the skydeck, which features as a light blue property on the board.</p>
<p>A level 77, three bedroom, two bathroom apartment in the Eureka Tower was sold in October for just under $2 million. </p>
<p>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>.</p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/11/10/eureka.jpg" alt="" width="533" height="355"></p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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>.</p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/11/10/quay.jpg" alt="" width="414" height="314"></p>
<p>An apartment on the brown square Hardware Lane has too recently been sold.</p>
<p>It is a low density warehouse style in a neometro designed block located above the strip's vibrant cafes and restaurants.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/11/10/hardware.jpg" alt="" width="461" height="307"></p>
<p>The Bianca complex apartment was last traded in 2010 for $540,000. It was Neometro's first city apartment complex development in 2001.</p>
<p>If you want escape Melbourne for the beaches, Bells Beach secured a square on the yellow section of the board.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/11/10/jarosite.jpg" alt="" width="407" height="265"></p>
<p>There are however two properties still available in the sought after Bells Beach surfing location.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/11/10/bones.jpg" alt="" width="459" height="306"></p>
<p>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).</p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/11/10/95_bones.jpg" alt="" width="499" height="374"></p>
<p>Glenn Hardman of Barry Plant Real Estate has listed the property and hopes for over $1.2 million.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/11/10/700_box.jpg" alt="" width="567" height="396"></p>
<p>The selling agent John Clarkson of hockingstuart had hopes of $150,000 and said "it was a stunning result."</p>
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

How to buy for real on the Melbourne Monopoly property board

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 26">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>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.</span></p>
<p><span>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.</span></p>
<p><span>"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.</span></p>
<p><span>"This home was previously sold in March 2014 for $1.355 million, so this was a tidy profit.</span></p>
<p><span>"Local agents attribute the increase to the mere convenience of move in and enjoy with absolutely no work required."</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Sydney's southern suburbs selling strong: Herron Todd White

<html><body>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>This week, 1,262 auctions are scheduled for Melbourne and 1,297 across <strong>Sydney, </strong>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.</p>
<p><strong>Brisbane</strong>, <strong>Canberra</strong>, <strong>Sydney</strong>, and <strong>Perth</strong> are all expecting fewer auctions than last week, while in <strong>Melbourne</strong> and <strong>Adelaide</strong>, the number of auctions this week relative to last week is higher.</p>
<p>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</p>
<p><strong>Sydney</strong>: 1,297 this year, 1,261 last year<br><strong>Melbourne</strong>: 1,262 this year, 1,139 last year<br><strong>Adelaide</strong>: 151 this year, 131 last year<br><strong>Canberra</strong>: 127 this year, 141 last year<br><strong>Brisbane</strong>: 173 this year, 188 last year<br><strong>Perth</strong>: 45 this year, 65 last year</p>
<p>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%.</p>
<p>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.</p>
</body></html>

smiller-vwPjRHTkST

Combined capital clearance rate at 61% while auction volumes rise: CoreLogic RP Data's Shana Miller

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

Hexadome house offering in Victoria

<html><body>
<p>A property featuring an outdoor pit toilet with sweeping views over the Clandulla ranges<span> in New South Wales is currently on the market for $125,000.</span></p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/11/5/700_loo2.jpg" alt="" width="397" height="241"></p>
<p>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 "<span>red rattler" flip down toilet.</span></p>
<p><span><img src="/images/2015/11/5/700_yep_its_a_toilet.jpg" alt="" width="436" height="265"></span></p>
<p><span>The listing, through Buy My Place, mentions the <span>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.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
</body></html>

Loo with a view price starts at $125,000

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

Tasmanian three bedder makes SQM's top ten discounted list

<html><body>
<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>
<div>
<br>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>
<div> </div>
<div>Ultimately monthly building approvals figures will always and forever be lumpy, and the trend weights arguably add limited value here.<br><br>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.<br><br>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 <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>quite</strong></span> 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>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/11/4/BA.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/11/4/BA.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<span>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.</span><br><br><span>Incredibly, the annual total number of attached dwelling approvals is approaching the number of houses approved, something that nobody was predicting three years ago.</span>
</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/11/4/BA1.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2015/11/4/BA1.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator"><span>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.</span></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Across the capitals</span></strong><br><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>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator"><a href="/images/2015/11/4/BA2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2015/11/4/BA2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">
<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>
<div> </div>
<div>Melbourne waved through another 2,842 units in September for a fresh rolling annual high of 34,726 approvals.<br><br>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?<br><br>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>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/11/4/BA3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/11/4/BA3.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>What more is there to say on this point that I haven't already said over the past two years?<br><br>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>
<br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">High rise gluts power on</span></strong><br><br><div>In particular, the number of high rise (4+ storey) units being approved continues to defy common sense in Victoria...</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/11/4/BA4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/11/4/BA4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>...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.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/11/4/BA5.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2015/11/4/BA5.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>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".</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/11/4/BA6.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2015/11/4/BA6.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<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>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<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>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<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>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">
<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>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Residential Market

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Residential Market

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News