Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

<main data-perf-region="main">
Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

Residential Sales

<html><body>
A mid-century classic Pascoe Vale South house has been sold for $939,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-pascoe+vale+south-125251546">33 Ward Grove</a>, it was designed by architect Neil Clerehan.
The buyers had been looking for a long time and will move in as owner-occupiers.
Maintained in mint conditions it has been owned by the original owners for sixty years atop Coonans Hill.
The three-bedroom brick home was part of the Small Homes Service scheme in the 1950s, which was headed by Robin Boyd.
Boyd drew up the first designs, then architectural colleagues submitted others. Neil Clerehan, who took over from Boyd as director of the service in the 1950s, once said it was a successful idea for its time.
The cheap way for Melburnians to build a distinctive new house was launched in Melbourne in 1947, with backing from the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects and The Age.
Built in the early 1950s, the Pascoe Vale house had been well-maintained by its single owner and still features an original tiled open fireplace, retro kitchen cabinetry, hardwood floors and striking wallpaper.
Featuring a lounge and formal dining space with original, fully tiled open fireplace.
Kitchen features a side-by-side electric stove, breakfast nook and servery window.
Three double bedrooms have their own built-in robes.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/25/33%20Ward%20Grove-2.jpg" alt="">
There is the potential to further extend the property (STCA).
Close proximity to Shore Reserve, shops, cafes, amenities and public transport.
The property was offered through Brad Teal agents Greg Kofoed and Ursula Saba.
For five quid biers could chose from a range of architect's plans, complete with working drawings and specifications, then they found a builder to build it under the Small Homes Service.
The same house plans, 25 in the Melbourne suburbs and 25 in the country, were offered to other buyers. 
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Neil Clerehan 1950s Pascoe Vale designed home sold

<html><body>
Weekend auction listings in Melbourne almost surpassed the May record set in 2014, according to Domain's Andrew Wilson.
He said on Saturday 1120 homes were listed to go under the hammer, just below the record May weekend auction listings of 1147 set in 2014.
"This was well ahead of the previous weekends 933 auctions and also well ahead of the 759 listed over the same weekend last year," he said.
"In a sign that demand is strong as ever, the clearance rate was 79.7 percent – higher than the 78.3 percent recorded the previous weekend and remaining well ahead of the 73.8 percent recorded over the same weekend last year.
Next weekend will provide another record-level May Saturday of auctions with again well over 1100 listings likely.
"This weekend’s auction result follows the ABS reporting that seasonally adjusted national retail sales fell again over March following the fall recorded over February. This was the first consecutive monthly decline in national retail turnover since November 2012 and reflects the impact on consumers of record low incomes growth, higher unemployment and significant under-employment.
"Melbourne’s northern suburbs produced another bullish result to again lead the regions with a clearance rate of 86.8 percent.
Next highest was the inner east with 82.6 percent followed by the south east 82.1 percent, the north east 82.0 percent, the west 81.4 percent and the highest reported sales at 127, the outer east 78.5 percent, the inner city 77.4 percent and the outer south with an auction clearance rate at the weekend of 77.3 percent."
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Melbourne weekend auctions nearly break listings record

<html><body>
Melbourne agents offered a weekend auction smorgasbord of culinary-connected inner city offerings.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-carlton+north-125308038" target="_blank">The Carlton North home</a> (above) of late Japanese restaurateur, Kunihiro “Kuni” Ichikawa fetched $2.3 million.
There were eight bidders seeking the 278 sqm two bedroom Reserve Street offering which was built for him in 1967 with Japanese influences.
Alexkarbon selling agent Tony Downward noted Ichikawa introduced sushi to Australia after opening Kuni’s in the CBD in 1977.
He lived there until he died early last year aged 67.
There was a $740,000 sale of an apartment above the Collingwood eatery, The Noble Experiment.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-22%20at%208.18.52%20AM.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-vic-collingwood-125311910" target="_blank">The apartment</a>, (above) located in the old Comarty's building located on the corner of Smith and Otter Streets, had traded in 2007 at $497,500.
The pre-auction selling range was $700,000 to $770,000.
At Fitzroy North a three-bedroom apartment atop an Italian restaurant attracted keen interest.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-22%20at%208.20.39%20AM.png" alt="">
Nelson Alexander Fitzroy auctioneer Arch Staver said the $975,000 price was $225,000 above reserve when an investor outbid four others to win the keys of <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-fitzroy+north-125312074" target="_blank">the Queens Parade offering</a> (above).
The weekend preliminary auction average clearance rate has risen again to 77 percent on the second last Autumn weekend, according to CoreLogic’s latest update.
Auction activity across the combined capital cities increased this week too, up from 2,409 auctions last week, to 2,794 this week, making it the sixth busiest week so far this year.
The clearance rate across the combined capitals was 77.2 percent, increasing from a final clearance rate of 72.8 percent over the previous week.
At the same time last year, both volumes (1,920) and the clearance rate (68.9 percent) were lower.
The two largest auction markets, Melbourne and Sydney, saw their preliminary clearance rates rise, with Sydney at 80.7 percent and Melbourne at 79.2 percent, although Kevin Brogan, the CoreLogic auction analyst said that Sydney, and to a lesser extent Melbourne, tend to revise down over the week when the remaining results are captured.
Over the previous week, Sydney’s preliminary clearance rate of 79.4 percent was revised down to 74.5 percent when finalised.
Across the smaller capital city markets, Brisbane was the only city where preliminary clearance rates fell week-on-week.
Sydney was host to 1,053 auctions this week and a preliminary clearance rate of 80.7 percent was recorded, rising from 74.5 percent last week across 960 auctions.
One year ago, 735 auctions were held across Sydney and 73.2 percent were successful.
It was the strongest result since April 9.
Eight of the 15 sub-regions recorded clearance rates of at least 80 percent with the stand outs being Sydney's Inner West 88.9 percent and Sutherland's 88.6 percent.
A Sydney Harbour waterfront house at Northbridge sold for $9.3 million making it the nation’s most expensive weekend auction sale.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-22%20at%208.24.01%20AM.png" alt="">
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-northbridge-125329386" target="_blank">67 Coolawin Road</a> home (above) on 1890 sq m was marketed through Shead Property as a "once in a generation opportunity." 
The Middle Harbour home has an extensive garden that leads to a private boat house and pontoon along with wide level garden frontage.
There were 1,323 auctions held in Melbourne this week with a preliminary clearance rate of 79.2 percent. 
This week’s result shows a rise in the clearance rate for the city, after Melbourne’s final clearance rate was recorded at 75 percent last week, the lowest clearance rate for the city so far this year.
Over the same week last year, Melbourne’s clearance rate was 70 percent across 843 auctions.
Melbourne's highest was a four bedroom 1907 Queen Anne Federation house at Camberwell.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-22%20at%208.25.26%20AM.png" alt="">
Agents secured $5.02 million for Croydon at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-camberwell-125286186" target="_blank">28 Kintore Street</a>, (above) positioned in the highly-prized Tara Estate close to Junction shopping.
Last sold in 1994 for $650,000, and before that $116,000 in 1979, the century-old charmer set on almost 900q m, was offered through Jellis Craig who had a price guide of $4.5 million to $5 million.
The Herald Sun reported there had been a $5 million reserve for the home that attracted three bidders.
Melbourne had the cheapest sale of the nation when a two bedroom villa at Melton South sold for $251,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-22%20at%208.28.33%20AM.png" alt="">
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-melton+south-125247254" target="_blank">1/18 Toolern Street</a>, the 1980-built villa was marketed as suitable for first home buyers, investors and downsizers.
It last sold at $207,000 in 2012.
There is 90 sqm space with indoor/outdoor zones comprising of central lounge/meal area that opens to an alfresco courtyard.
The property was offered through Raine &amp; Horne agents Kieran Carson and Genna Di Pasquale.
Of the Melbourne sub-regions, seven of the nine regions recorded clearance rates at or above 75 percent, with the highest clearance recorded across the Outer East, with preliminary results showing 87.8 percent of the 98 results were successful.
There were 160 Brisbane homes taken to auction this week, with 93 results reported so far. 
A six bedroom Clayfield house sold for $1.75 million through Ray White agent Damon Warat was Brisbane’s most expensive reported weekend auction sale.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-22%20at%208.33.55%20AM.png" alt="">
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-clayfield-125260494" target="_blank">122 Alexandria Road</a>, the property has been recently renovated. It last traded in 2010 at $1.3 million.
The preliminary clearance rate for Brisbane at 51.6 percent, was the only capital city down from last week, when it was 59 percent, but similar to one year ago, when 50.9 percent of the 131 properties taken to auction were successful.
In Adelaide, a 70.4 percent preliminary result was recorded this week across 114 auctions.
The 102 Adelaide auctions returned a clearance rate of 63 percent, while at the same time last year, 92 homes were taken to auction, with 68.8 per cent recording a successful result.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/21/700_esplanade.jpg" alt="">
There was no sale when a stunning six-bedroom Glenelg North Victorian-Italianate style home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-glenelg+north-125280622" target="_blank">36 North Esplanade</a> (above) attracted three registered bidders, but then no bids.
Adelaide's cheapest sale was a two bedroom Kent Town unit sold for $342,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-22%20at%208.52.09%20AM.png" alt="">
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-sa-kent+town-125359730" target="_blank">3/2-8 College Road</a>, (above) the property last sold in 2005 at $230,000.
Set 10 minutes from Rundle Street, the property was offered through Harris Real Estate who had offered $320,000 price guidance.
Across Canberra, 85 homes were taken to auction this week.
Preliminary results show a clearance rate of 75.3 percent, up from 74.3 percent the previous week.
A five bedroom elevated Red Hill house sold for $1.541 million making it Canberra's most expensive weekend auction sale.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-22%20at%208.53.19%20AM.png" alt="">
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-act-red+hill-125308426" target="_blank">26 Fishburn Street</a> (above), the property that overlooks a treetop landscape had last sold at $1.38 million in 2015.
The 1960s home, with 1990s renovation, was marketed with additional potential for redevelopment or renovation through Peter Blackshaw Real Estate agent Andrew Chamberlain.
Perth’s preliminary clearance rate was 50 percent this week, up from 42.1 percent last week.
This week 48 Perth homes were auctioned.
At the same time last year, 42.9 percent of Perth auctions cleared.
 
</body></html>

Strong May weekend for Sydney, Melbourne auctions

<html><body>
Sydney auction levels are set to rise again this weekend with sellers rushing the late autumn market in record numbers, according to Domain's Andrew Wilson.
He said nearly 900 homes are scheduled for Sydney auction this weekend, up from the 778 held last weekend. 
"The upper north shore will again host the highest number of auctions of the Sydney regions this weekend with 136 closely followed by the inner west (132), the city and east (117), the south (102), the lower north (68), the south west (65), the northern beaches (61), Canterbury Bankstown (53), the north west (49), the west (48), the central coast (16) and the Blue Mountains with 5 auctions scheduled this weekend," he said.
"Maroubra is the most popular suburb in Sydney this weekend for auctions with 12 followed by Mosman, Ashfield, Surry Hills, Baulkham Hills each with 10 and a number of suburbs with 9 auctions listed including Castle Hill, Randwick, Leichhardt, Frenchs Forest, St Ives and Alexandria."
</body></html>

Sydney weekend auction levels set to rise again

<html><body>
ABC Melbourne radio broadcaster Libbi Gorr and her TV producer partner Stewart Burchmore doubled their money when they secured $3.23 million for their redundant Sydney home at its weekend auction.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-north+bondi-125279338" target="_blank">The three bedroom North Bondi auction offering</a>, (above) which has been a $1350 weekly rental earner over the past four years, cost $1,605,000 in 2007.
Phillips Pantzer Donnelley had four bidders - all above the signalled $2.9 million reserve - on the offering which was marketed as as having potential to live in, renovate or completely rebuild.
Gorr, growing up in Murrumbeena, got her big break with Andrew Denton's ABC sports comedy program Live and Sweaty, where her satirical character Elle McFeast emerged in 1991.
By coincidence nearby Glen Huntly saw the nation's cheapest weekend result when <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-vic-glen+huntly-125226550" target="_blank">a one bedroom apartment</a> (below) sold for $260,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.09.20%20AM.png" alt="">
Having recently had a makeover, Woodards agent Ruth Roberts got a sale having previously sought unsuccessfully to secure $310,000 when it was scheduled for 2013 auction.
The first floor 131 Grange Road property traded last in 2005 at $175,000. The 44 sqm 1965-built apartment was advertised in 2015 for a $275 a week rental.
Auction markets have remained resilient, with both volumes and the preliminary clearance rate rising week-on-week, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that the strong auction results add some complexity to speculation that the housing market is moving through its peak rate of growth.
"At face value, auction markets are continuing to indicate continued strength in selling conditions across Sydney and Melbourne, however it’s harder to know whether vendors are adjusting their reserve pricing in order to clear their property," Corelogic's auction analyst Kevin Brogan said.
Sydney returned to be the capital city with the highest clearance rate - and it also secured the top sale when records fell in Strathfield, with an $8.8 million sale by Sanity boss Ray Itaoui and wife Rachel. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-strathfield-125164754" target="_blank">Their Frank Lloyd-Wright inspired mansion</a> (below) that cost them $5 million in 2010 sold through Georges Ellis &amp; Co agent Joseph Georges.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.10.27%20AM.png" alt="">
The suburb record has been set four times in the past year.
There were 2,376 auctions held across the capital cities over the week to Saturday, with a preliminary auction clearance rate of 76.2 percent.
Last week, a final clearance rate of 73 percent was recorded across 1,689 auctions.
It was a better performance that the corresponding period last year, auction volumes were lower at 1,876 properties taken to auction and a clearance rate of 69.5 percent.
Melbourne had the highest number of auctions with 1,092 properties going to market, with a lower preliminary rate of clearance week-on-week at 76.8 percent, down on the 77.5 percent across 792 auctions.
This time last year, 871 properties were taken to auction across Melbourne and a clearance rate of 71.3 per cent was recorded.
Melbourne's top sale was a five bedroom house at Kew that sold for $4.515 million.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-kew-125252722" target="_blank">8 Mawson Street</a> (below) property offered through Marshall White agents Mike Beardsley and Scarlett Hang.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.11.25%20AM.png" alt="">
Reality TV renovators Joe and Fil sold their Maribyrnong house which was transformed on the Channel 7 show, House Rules.
Listed so they can move on to their next project, the pair had added a fourth bedroom and third bathroom to <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-maribyrnong-125216890" target="_blank">the house at 12 Grandview Avenue</a> (below).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.12.15%20AM.png" alt="">
Rendina Real Estate, Kensington agent Richard Rending told The Herald Sun prior to auction the buyer interest had been in the vicinity of $1.3 million.
The House Rules contestants Joe and Fil sold for $1.27 million after it was passed in at $1.11 million
In Sydney, 938 auctions were held this week, up from 592 over the previous week, with 700 plus held on Saturday.
The preliminary clearance rate of 79.4 percent was up from 73.8 percent last week.
It was higher than this time last year, when a clearance rate of 76.2 percent was recorded across 647 auctions.
The Northern Beaches region recorded the strongest clearance rate of 91.4 percent across 94 auctions.
There were 127 Brisbane homes taken to auction with the preliminary clearance rate for the city at 61.8 percent, up from 59.6 percent last week and higher than one year ago, when just 49.3 percent of the 151 properties taken to auction were successful.
A three bedroom Brisbane townhouse at Richlands sold for $280,000, making it Brisbane’s most cheapest weekend auction result. It sold at $339,000 on its 2009 completion
Located at 23/20 Kathleen Street, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-qld-richlands-125226690" target="_blank">the Progress Park property</a> (below) was marketed as suitable for investment or first home buyers when offered through MTR Property Group agent Marilyn Thurtell.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.16.27%20AM.png" alt="">
Brisbane's dearest sale was a renovated 1910 Nundah house at $2.46 million. The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-nundah-125274330" target="_blank">33 Oxford Street</a> (below) property captures bay breezes and city skyline. The two storey house with pool and tennis court was offered through Ray White having last sold at $1,905,000 in 2009.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.17.22%20AM.png" alt="">
Adelaide saw a preliminary clearance rate of 71.8 percent, with 71 reported results across a total of 100 scheduled auctions.
In comparison, over the previous week Adelaide’s clearance rate was 62.5 percent and 66.3 percent one year ago.
A four bedroom house at Trinity Gardens sold for $1.47 million making it Adelaide’s most expensive weekend auction result.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-trinity+gardens-125273854" target="_blank">115 Ashbrook Avenue</a>, (below) the property sits on a 841 sqm block of land. The 1900 home last traded at $505,000 in 2004.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.18.23%20AM.png" alt="">
The property was offered through Klemich Real Estate agent Steve Alexander who had advised $1.25 million expectations.
There were 31 Perth auctions this week and so far 14 results have been reported, with 42.9 percent selling.
Last week there was a 43.8 percent clearance rate for Perth.
Across Canberra a total of 79 auctions were held compared to 58 last week and 52 at the same time last year.
Canberra’s preliminary clearance rate of 75.8 percent is higher than it was the previous week's 64.7 percent.
A modern two-storey house at Deakin sold for $1.694 million making it Canberra’s most expensive weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-deakin-125275538" target="_blank">13 Newdegate Street</a>, (below) the four bedroom property offered through LJ Hooker who had a $1.5 million price guide.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.19.41%20AM.png" alt="">
</body></html>

Radio's Libbi Gorr doubles money in weekend auction sale

<html><body>
An ATO rule was introduced to catch foreign sellers taking money overseas.
But it was applied to all Australian sellers of $2 million-plus properties - and will now cover all sales above $750,000 in an expanded audit which will also catch local hidden black market property sellers.
The rule classifies all sellers as overseas investors unless they get a special tax clearance.
That means that all buyers of $750,000 plus properties must deduct 10 percent from the purchase price and pay that amount to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) unless the seller can furnish a tax clearance. 
The rule will affect everyone, including Australians, despite being aimed at overseas investors taking their property windfalls overseas.
The measure can be traced back to the days when former treasurer Joe Hockey caved into pressures to curb Chinese investment in Australian residential property in 2015.
In the process, the treasurer was convinced by the Australian Taxation Office to widen the net to cover local residents.
According to an ATO fact sheet, in May 2013, the government announced that it would introduce a 10 percent non-final withholding tax on payments made to foreign residents who dispose of certain taxable Australian property with a market value above a specified $2 million threshold.
The new legislation for this measure became law in February 2016.
The $2 million rule applied to vacant land, buildings, residential and commercial property, leaseholds and strata title schemes.
The ATO website says, "The government is strengthening our foreign resident capital gains tax (CGT) regime to assist in the collection of foreign residents' liabilities."
A purchaser who does not receive a “clearance certificate” from the vendor and does not send 10 per cent of the purchase price off to the ATO will be liable to pay that 10 percent to the ATO plus
In the majority of cases, local resident vendors will have no problem obtaining a clearance certificate, but it might increase the risk of a tax audit for property sellers who:
<ul>
<li>Have not filed tax returns for many years;</li>
<li>Have filed tax returns, which would indicate they could not afford such a property;</li>
<li>Are selling their residential house at the same time as their neighbours to a single developer, which may give rise to a profit making scheme (such that the principal residence capital gains tax exemption may not apply to the value uplift generated by selling the properties together); or</li>
<li>Where the ATO has gathered information that indicates the vendor is in the business of developing property, which means that the principal residence capital gains tax exemption may not apply.</li>
</ul>
It was inevitable that over time, the ATO would shift their audit target identification processes to lower than $2 million-plus property vendors.
If the vendor has a tax debt, the application for a “clearance certificate” may in some circumstances involve the ATO seeking to recover some or all of that tax debt from the purchaser by way of a garnishee notice. 
In June of last year Property Observer reported on the obligations for seller and buyers for $2 million plus clearance certificates.
Similarly in June last year Property Observer reported on new legislation on the sale of $2 million plus homes.
Property Observer also reported in May last year about the upcoming ATO legislation that will affect sales of $2 million.
Property Observer commented on how the new ATO rule on property deals for $2 million houses will affect Chinese buyers.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

All $750,000 plus property sales to be caught in ATO audit aimed at overseas investors

<html><body>
The Tweed Coast property market is emerging as an attractive option for homebuyers and investors alike, offering higher annual growths for dwellings and solid rental yields, according to new data released by PRDnationwide.
Median sales price in the Tweed Shire region has seen an annual price rise of 13.4 percent and 6.7 percent for houses and units, respectively. 
Home sellers enjoyed an average sale price of $584,500; whilst units received an average of $395,000.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/19/rsz_slide_1_1.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/19/rsz_slide_1_1.png" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/19/rsz_slide_1_1.png" width="700" height="425"></a>
The northern New South Wales area is renowned for its coastline, farmland and scenery and provides an ideal destination for holidays, and comes matched with a booming tourism industry.
A four bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-banora+point-117761563" target="_blank">76 Botanical Cct</a> in nearby Banora Point (below) has been listed for $675,000.
<img src="https://s2.postimg.org/7ggeidejd/rsz_1tweedsale.png">
The report noted the competitive real estate market is also complemented by strong economic growth opportunities through the development of infrastructure and commercial projects. 
Anticipated projects being rolled out during the first half of 2017 have been valued at a total of $33.8M. Kingscliff Foreshore Revitalisation is the main infrastructure project, which commenced construction in February 2017.
The average amount of days that Tweed Coast properties are on the market has fluctuated over the past twelve months, sitting at 72 days for house and 51 days for units during the final quarter of 2016.
<img src="https://s8.postimg.org/fkfn3t5ol/rsz_2tweeds.png" width="700" height="425">
Similarly, a four bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-tweed+heads-122305186" target="_blank">5 Mugga Way</a> Tweed Heads (above) sold for $643,000.
Median weekly rents have also been on an upward swing since the beginning of 2016, and currently sits at $598 for houses and $440 for units. The area recorded a low vacancy rate of 1.1%, plus rental yields of 4.2%  for houses and 5.0% for units. Interest in Tweed Coast area property market is recorded at 527 online visits per property, compared to the average of 716 visits per property in New South Wales.
</body></html>

Tweed Coast property an attractive option for investors: PRDnationwide

<html><body>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/76310/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Chinese investors are often blamed for Australia’s escalating house prices but a number of factors might mean the demand will drop off in coming years.
A recently released report found investment in residential real estate by the Chinese is slowing. As the gap in rental yields between the two countries closes and house prices increase, Australian residential real estate is beginning to look less attractive. The lifting of restrictions on Chinese urban residential property ownership and personal investment monetary restrictions may also play a part.
China has 1,340 high net worth individuals and 568 billionaires. Their combined net worth is equivalent to Australia’s GDP.
Many Chinese investors have access to both legitimate and hidden income and wealth and seek to invest both in overseas real estate. This is at a time when China is in the grip of its own housing affordability crisis.
Why Australia has seemed attractive
In 2015, Chinese investors ploughed approximately A$6.8 billion into Australian commercial and residential real estate. Current Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) policies channel incoming real estate investment funding into new dwellings, creating additional jobs in construction and supporting economic growth.
Though temporary Australian residents may be required to sell older residential property when they leave Australia, many foreign nationals are able to retain, rent out, sell or live in newly constructed dwellings. This is a major draw card for Chinese investment in new residential buildings.
Other pull factors include Australia’s stable financial institutions, compared to China,, well regulated land title system, buoyant real estate market, high capital gains rates in major cities and lower deposit requirements.
Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) may keep an eye on these factors when considering new foreign investment in the housing market, but it struggles to counteract the push effect of Chinese property law restrictions and investor needs.
Factors in China at play
Conditions in China’s economy and regulatory environment also push Chinese investors to focus on overseas markets. The depreciation of the Chinese currency is a significant force. As this currency is devalued, Chinese investors reconsider what and where they can afford to purchase.
Australia’s rental yields of 2-3% in major cities are twice that of China’s. Legislative changes to residential property investment in China also makes Australia look appealing.
China has a dual property ownership system that segregates rural and urban land ownership systems. Rural cooperatives own the rural land ownership rights. Cooperative members can only sell to other members of the same rural cooperative.
This limits competition for rural land and keeps rural land prices low. But it also means rural land is an unattractive investment choice for Chinese.
Urban land, on the other hand, remains state owned with a 70 year lease system to housing owners. The system limits ownership of urban residential buildings to people with urban registration or those that have lived in and paid taxes in the same urban area for five consecutive years. This situation stops many Chinese from being able to purchase urban residential property.
Between 2011 and 2015, those who did have the appropriate registration were limited to a maximum purchase of two residential properties within their urban area – one property to live in and one as an investment. This limitation still applies in Beijing.
The limitation was put in place to counteract major housing affordability discontent as an increasing number of people were locked out of the housing market. This problem is exacerbated by the 30% deposit requirement on residential real estate purchases. This combination of factors forces many Chinese investors into purchasing properties on China’s black market where ownership is uncertain or seek investment opportunities outside China.
The Chinese State Administration of Foreign Exchange introduced new regulations to tighten the flow of capital from China in November 2016. This agency is tasked with the approval of outgoing overseas payments of more than US$5 million. However, most housing acquisitions in Australia fall below this limit.
From 2017, a new rule was introduced to limit the yearly foreign currency holding to US$50,000 for individual investors..
Larger Chinese development companies operating in Australia are known to sell individual residential units “off the plan” directly to Chinese property investors. Where this is the case, the developer has a vested interest in finding ways to circumvent the new limits on foreign currency holding in order to settle a contract. However, it will take time for developers to adjust their methods.
As house prices increase, rental yields generally fall. This is due to the large amount borrowed by investors compared to what they receive in rental income.
Though rent prices have increased significantly in Melbourne and Sydney, they have not kept pace with house prices. Rental yields have fallen in major cities.
In China, where the rental yield is 1-1.5%, some investors reconsider whether it is worth the effort of renting out their properties. Instead, they rely on the capital gain to create a profit while leaving the property vacant, preventing wear and tear to it. This practice has serious implications for the supply of rental properties in China.
As Australia continues to struggle with escalating house prices and decreasing rental yields, residential real estate investment becomes less attractive as a long term investment for Chinese investors. The reliance on capital gains may result in higher numbers of vacant properties in Australia, counteracting the FIRB’s intentions.
The restrictions enacted by Chinese regulators may slow the flow of money out of China in the short term. However, Chinese investors are likely to find ways to circumvent these restrictions. The lifting of restrictions on Chinese residential property ownership may refocus investment choice location to within China.
Erika Altmann<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/erika-altmann-361218"> </a>is qualitative researcher, University of Tasmania and author for The Conversation. She can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/erika-altmann-361218">here</a>.
Zhixuan Yang is lecturer in Real Property Development and Management and author for The Conversation.
</body></html>

Why Chinese investors find Australian real estate so alluring

<html><body>
A beachfront esplanade terrace at Middle Park was the nation's top sale of a weekend auction listing at $5 million plus.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-middle+park-125172066" target="_blank">The Beaconsfield Parade terrace</a> (above) - formerly owned by Collingwood player Nathan Buckley - sold shortly after being passed in without bid.
Its subsequent sale - at an undisclosed price - matched expectations held by Cayzer agent Michael Szulc for the three bedroom modernised terrace.
It was sold by Buckley for $3.6 million in 2007 when the now Collingwood coach and his wife Tania moved to their $3.93 million Toorak home.
It had traded at $1.38 million in 2001.
The weekend's big sale came Friday night when after three years of marketing $70 million was paid for the Double Bay harbourfront, Elaine.
After 126 years of ownership by the Fairfax media dynasty, it was bought by software tech billionaire Scott Farquhar.
The combined national capital city preliminary clearance rate bounced back to sit at 76.9 percent this weekend, increasing from last weekend, when final results saw the clearance rate fall to 69.8 percent after 10 consecutive weeks remaining in the mid-70 percent range.
The rebound in the preliminary clearance rate has occurred against a backdrop of higher auction volumes, with 2,347 properties taken to auction across the combined capital cities, up from last week’s 1,751, however lower than one year ago (2,675) given fewer auction offering in most of the capital cities.
Kevin Brogan, auction analyst at CoreLogic said the higher clearance rate and increase in volumes this week were attributable to stronger results across the two larger auction markets of Melbourne and Sydney, with performance across the remaining capitals remaining varied over the week.
Across Melbourne, 79.9 percent of the 1,087 reported auctions sold.
There were 1,232 auctions held, rising from 828 last weekend when the final auction clearance rate was 75.2 percent.
The inner region of Melbourne had a preliminary clearance rate of 75.1 percent with the strongest results at the North East region and North West region, with 88.4 percent and 82.9 percent of auctions clearing respectively. 
<div class="story-intro">
The creative duo, Round the Twist creator Paul Jennings and his actor partner Mary-Anne Fahey secured the pre-auction sale of their St Kilda pad. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-01%20at%208.43.09%20AM.png" alt="">
</div>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-st+kilda-125096482" target="_blank">The four-bedroom Acland Street semi </a>(above) sold for an undisclosed sum between its $1.9 million to $2.09 million price guidance through Whitefox agent Brad Ward.
It traded at $1.55 million in 2013 when bought by the couple who are spending the majority of their time in Warrnambool.
Jennings has sold more than 8.9 million books, including The Cabbage Patch Fib while Fahey is best known for her The Comedy Company character Kylie Mole.
The retired North Melbourne defender Michael Firrito and wife Bonnie, who are upsizing, sold in Ascot Vale.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-01%20at%208.44.21%20AM.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-ascot+vale-125093838" target="_blank">The four bedroom Kent Street semi</a> (above) fetched $1,316,500 through AlexKarbon agent Charles Bongiovanni who advised The Herald Sun that the reserve was about $1.28 million. It was bought in 2011 at $760,000.
In Sydney, 804 properties were taken to auction with a preliminary clearance rate of 78.4 percent, increasing from last weekend when the final clearance rate for the city was 72.4 percent, across 596 auctions.
One year ago, 818 Sydney homes were taken to auction and the clearance rate was 71.7 percent. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-01%20at%208.45.44%20AM.png" alt="">
A Strathfield offering saw the inner west suburb top the Sydney auction results for consecutive weekends. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-strathfield-125101794" target="_blank">The $4.75 million Newton Road Strathfield sale</a> (above) was just six kms away from Sydney's cheapest, when <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-studio-nsw-ashfield-125151206" target="_blank">an Ashfield studio apartment</a> (below) sold pre-auction at $295,000. The $305 a week Ashfield rental last sold in 1995 at $65,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-01%20at%208.46.51%20AM.png" alt="">
The eastern suburbs region, where 40 results have been reported so far, saw a 75 percent preliminary clearance rate.
The strongest regions were the Inner South West at 88 percent and Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury at 84.2 percent. 
Brisbane was host to 124 auctions this week and so far 87 results have been reported, with 56.3 percent sold. A $990,000 sale was its top reported result when a three bedroom Coorparoo house sold. There were many prices withheld from publication.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-01%20at%208.47.59%20AM.png" alt="">
The $990,000 top sale was<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-coorparoo-125145146" target="_blank"> a bungalow</a> (above) last sold in 1949.
Last weekend, Brisbane auction volumes across the city were higher with 134 auctions held across the city and a 44.3 percent clearance rate recorded. 
This week, Adelaide saw a preliminary clearance rate of 65.4 percent, with 52 reported results across a total of 82 scheduled auctions. Over the previous week Adelaide’s clearance rate was 58.2 percent and 61 percent one year ago. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-01%20at%208.49.08%20AM.png" alt="">
Adelaide has the nation's cheapest result when <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-salisbury+east-125139414" target="_blank">a three bedroom 1970s Andrew Avenue, Salisbury East brick home </a>(above) sold for $253,000. It last sold at $80,000 in 1995. The price guidance had been $210,000 plus through Harcourts Brock Williams.
In Perth, 33 auctions took place, with Perth’s preliminary clearance rate of 53.8 percent across the 13 reported results. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-01%20at%208.50.32%20AM.png" alt="">
Canberra’s preliminary auction clearance rate of 67.9 percent was lower than the 69.4 percent recorded last weekend. Evatt was the busiest suburb with three results including <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/16-60-copland-drive-evatt-act-2617-2013506730" target="_blank">a $490,000 three bedroom 1995 townhouse</a> (above) which last sold at $392,500 in 2011.
Tasmania saw 10 auctions take place and with nine results have been reported so far, there have been six sales.
</body></html>

Beachfront Middle Park terrace nation's top weekend sale

<html><body>
Future Fund board member Michael Wachtel and photographer wife Linda headlined the Easter weekend Portsea auction listings.
It was passed in at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-portsea-124942066" target="_blank">$1.26 million and sold soon after</a>.
There were 27 auction across the Mornington Peninsula the weekend.
The couple's  long-time Back Beach Road weekender was been listed after the Australia Day weekend auction acquisition closer to the bay.
The couple paid $660,000 for the home in 2004.
Kay &amp; Burton agent Liz Jensen has been marketing the home as a 'charming Portsea beach house'.
The classic 'L' shape holiday home has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a north-facing entertaining sun deck that flows from the kitchen, dining and living spaces.
Wachtel, who is also an advisor at Credit Suisse, spent $1.95 million on Blair Ridge which came with Fiona Brockhoff designed gardens.
It's been a busy time for Wachtel, who also sold his long-held Toorak home last month at a private auction for just under $8 million to Fraser Wilkinson of Wilkinson Electronic Document Solutions.
The Cross Street terrace, which cost $726,000 in the recession-hit Melbourne in 1992, sold through Kay &amp; Burton agents Gerald Delany and Michael Gibson.
They have paid $3.2 million for a 400 sqm Balmerino Ave, Toorak site where they intend building a new town house.
</body></html>

Residential Sales

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Residential Sales

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News