<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/jwland-development">JWLand</a>’s De Burgh, the final residential release within the Northbourne Village precinct in Lyneham, is nearing completion just as the Federal Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme prepares for its most significant expansion to date.&nbsp;

From October 2025, the scheme will allow first home buyers to enter the market with just a five per cent deposit and no lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), removing some of the most common barriers to ownership.

With <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/de-burgh-at-northbourne-village-40-de-burgh-street-lyneham-act-2602">De Burgh</a> on track for residents to move in by late spring 2025, the timing creates a strong opportunity for first home buyers seeking brand-new apartments in Canberra’s sought-after Inner North.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212888]

The project delivers 350 residences across two buildings, with layouts ranging from compact studios through to one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

JWLand has tailored the development for long-term liveability, integrating natural light, privacy and outdoor space into each home. Ground-floor residences feature private courtyards, while upper levels benefit from generous balconies.

Kitchens are fitted with Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, and all apartments include ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning with smartphone app control for lighting and climate.&nbsp;

Shared resident facilities include a rooftop garden, gym, lounge and parcel lockers, alongside landscaped green space within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=267376]

For buyers, the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme removes income caps and introduces unlimited places, making it more accessible than ever. With most De Burgh apartments priced under $1 million, they fall well within the updated eligibility thresholds.

The policy changes provide first home buyers with greater certainty and a smoother path to finance. Combined with the quality and location of De Burgh, the expanded scheme is expected to draw a new wave of buyers to Canberra’s Inner North.

Residents will benefit from the project’s central setting, just 600 metres from the light rail and three kilometres from Canberra’s CBD. The precinct is bordered by the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/lyneham-act-2602">Lyneham</a> wetlands and sits within easy reach of cafes, restaurants, schools and the ANU.

With completion scheduled for late 2025, De Burgh is set to be among the first major apartment projects to meet the expanded scheme head-on, offering first-time buyers a realistic pathway to ownership in one of Canberra’s most connected neighbourhoods.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139989]

Joel Robinson

JWLand’s De Burgh aligns with expanded Homebuyer Scheme, opening doors for first home buyers in Canberra’s Inner North

A subtropical pair of residential towers are in planning for a key South Brisbane site neighbouring the iconic Expo ’88 Skyneedle, with new documents revealing a vertically layered vision designed to respond to the precinct’s evolving high-density character.

The proposal has been lodged by&nbsp;Darveniza Group, which is also is behind the 400-apartment Station Quarter precinct in Alderley.

Darveniza Group, led by Jane Darveniza, the Brisbane-based investor and Queensland rich-lister and widow of the late property magnate Bojan Darveniza, is seeking approval for a mixed-use project encompassing 204 apartments, ground-level retail, food and drink tenancies, and office space across two architecturally integrated towers at 37–39 Manning Street.

Occupying an 1,822 sqm site, the proposed towers would rise above a sculptural podium base, with a recessed landscaped centre, rooftop communal areas, and a total of 220 car parks and 256 bicycle bays. The apartment mix spans one- to five-bedroom dwellings, with a design emphasis on generous balconies, cross-ventilation, and climate-responsive materials.

<img alt="First look: Twin towers proposed for Manning Street site beside Skyneedle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42c1f501-2afd-440b-af49-67c257123ea7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Manning%20podium.png?VersionId=KFlksfWzmDRD.VIYxd_1q3VAel.nN3TH" />

“The development is conceived as two slender twin buildings that meet at a lushly landscaped central recess,” the Finegrain design report states. “The façade is highly articulated with the plan form stepping back and forth to reduce visual bulk and maximise internal occupants’ access to natural light and air”.

A hallmark of the proposal is its integration of greenery, both visually and functionally. Around 77 per cent of the site’s green plot ratio is delivered through vertical planting spines, a green podium wall, and rooftop amenity. Ground-level deep planting and landscaped communal zones aim to create a shaded, walkable interface along Manning Street.

“The stepped plan form introduces variation in balcony setbacks and enclosed apartment areas, enriching both the façade expression and the resident experience,” the design team notes. “At ground and podium levels, this stepping also enhances permeability, maximising pedestrian view lines to the neighbouring Skyneedle and reinforcing a strong sense of local identity”.

<img alt="First look: Twin towers proposed for Manning Street site beside Skyneedle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3f26dfc-6b93-465c-9ffb-0a2530372a23" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Manning%20site.png?VersionId=JflvKdqDxcaHTFbb9HL5TwoiRgeQ2LqA" />

The site directly adjoins the heritage-listed Skyneedle at 35 Manning Street, an enduring legacy of World Expo ’88. The accompanying heritage impact report by Pendergast Architects contends that the proposal has been carefully conceived to protect the cultural significance and landmark visibility of the structure.

“The design provides setbacks, tower separation and podium articulation to maintain the visibility and landmark role of the adjoining Skyneedle,” the report states. “The significance of the Skyneedle lies principally in its landmark visibility and cultural symbolism, rather than in detailed fabric or architectural setting”.

The proposal sits within the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct, under Brisbane’s TLPI 02/2023, where revised planning controls support high-density, mixed-use development integrated with subtropical design and increased public realm contributions.

Finegrain’s design reflects this intent, drawing cues from the site's adjacency to Musgrave Park, the subtropical landscape of South Brisbane, and cultural landmarks such as QPAC and South Bank.

Twin green towers proposed for Manning Street, South Brisbane site beside Skyneedle

A first-of-its-kind culinary precinct is coming to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a>, inspired by global street-food flavours and best-in-class restaurants and entertainment.

Deicorp’s emerging mid-city precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/melrose-central-melrose-park-33-hope-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Central</a>, will become the go-to precinct within the wider Melrose Park community, and at its heart, a first-of-its-kind culinary precinct that brings the buzz of Asia’s most iconic food streets to life.

Spanning more than 4,700 sqm, Melrose Central street food precinct is inspired by the energy and vibrant flavours of street-food neighbourhoods from Hong Kong and Tokyo to Seoul and Singapore.

This new destination will be over three times the size of existing offerings like Burwood Chinatown or Westfield Chatswood’s Hawker Lane, positioning Melrose Central as a must-visit dining hub for all of Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134220 project_image_fid=289878]

Designed by Anthony Ho of Basalt Studio, this street food concept blurs the lines between culinary theatre, art, and entertainment, offering an immersive experience. Neon-lit laneways thread between open kitchens and live grill stations, while murals, interactive displays, and light installations will bring the precinct to life, trading until late, a first for the area.

“We’ve imagined our street food concept as a graduated evolution of everything people love about Burwood Chinatown, East Village and Regent Place, elevated by the immersive artistry creating a city-style dining offer,” said Bilinda Turner, Head of Retail at Deicorp.

“By curating the very best tenants from across Australia, we’re creating a fit-for-purpose town centre for 2025 and beyond. It’s something that people truly haven’t seen before."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134220 project_image_fid=352610]

Melrose Central is far more than a food precinct. Spanning 30,000 sqm across four levels, the shopping centre will be home to approximately 100 retailers, providing a total lifestyle offering from morning until late evening.

Fresh food offerings span a brand new Coles Supermarket, Local Grocer, Korean Supermarket, Bakery and boutique fresh food, as well as a Dan Murphy's, while health needs are covered from a pharmacy, medical centre and allied health. Fitness and wellbeing take centre stage from a dedicated wellbeing hub that includes pilates, recovery, Infrared saunas and a gym, to name a few.

Variety stores will feature throughout, as well as personal care offerings from nail salons to hairdressers, as well as a dedicated early-learning centre on level 1.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134220 project_image_fid=289888]

Situated above the retail precinct will be 495 Turner Studio-designed apartments that open onto 6,000 sqm of lush podium gardens and rooftop terraces.

Located just six kilometres east of Parramatta’s CBD and 15km from Sydney CBD, Melrose Central forms the retail and lifestyle heart of Melrose Park, an urban-renewal precinct that is set to deliver more than 11,000 homes, 22,000 new residents, and 50,000 sqm of park and open space.

A dedicated stop on Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will arrive at the precinct’s Hope Street entrance, and the forthcoming Parramatta Gateway Bridge will link directly to Sydney Olympic Park and Wentworth Point.&nbsp;

Supported by a 10-minute drive, this growing catchment of 200,000 people, which is projected to grow to 279,000 by 2026, and an average household income above the Greater Sydney average, Melrose Central embodies Deicorp’s vision for transport-oriented, community-focused placemaking.&nbsp;

Melrose Central street food precinct and the wider Melrose Central retail town centre are both slated to open in mid-2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134220]

Melrose Central: First-of-its-kind culinary precinct coming to Sydney’s West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> has unveiled the fifth and final stage of its $1 billion Norwest community, The Orchards.

The final stage, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/zeste-at-the-orchards-norwest-104-fairway-drive-norwest-nsw-2153">Zeste</a>, will deliver 209 apartments across two distinctive buildings, Essence and Eden. The 135 apartments in Essence will be the first to be released to the market, which will bring to an end the decade-long vision to create a&nbsp;neighbourhood defined by design excellence, sustainability, and community engagement.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351878]

David Lee, Sales Manager at Sekisui House Australia said, Zeste's oversized living spaces and diverse apartment mix, which includes the introduction of&nbsp;Breezeway Sky Homes for the first time, deliver a unique lifestyle offering.

Early purchasers will benefit from exclusive VIP pricing as well as the choice of one premium upgrade, which Lee says is a "thank you" for their commitment to the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351876]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, Zeste embodies Sekisui House’s global design philosophy of creating harmony between people, homes and nature. Principal Ben Pomroy explained that Zeste is about living within the landscape.

“With two large courtyards, the lagoon pool precinct for the wider community and a central courtyard with pavilion exclusively for Zeste residents, the architecture frames an experience of living in a park," Pomroy said.

“Over 50 per cent of the site is landscaped, ensuring a deep connection to nature at every stage of daily life. The buildings are designed as a collection of smaller, finer-grain forms, with over 85% of apartments enjoying dual aspects.

“The focus on natural ventilation, generous layouts and communal interaction creates a residential environment that is both sustainable and socially connected.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351886]

Natalie Shalala, a member of Rothelowman’s interiors team said they reimagined the former site’s Orchard homestead with a contemporary twist. &nbsp;

“The design draws on the nostalgia of the past orchard – timber floors, the warmth of a fireplace, the rituals of the homestead and reinvents them for modern apartment living,"&nbsp;Shalala said.

“We have created two tonal palettes, one with pale honey undertones and another with a soft blush inspired by nectar. A highlight feature is the cathedral glass light box, a bespoke design element that re-interprets the classic lantern. It is both beautiful and functional, tying kitchen and bathroom spaces together in a way that feels entirely unique."

Shalala said the&nbsp;day-to-day liveability has been carefully considered, with abundant storage solutions, butler’s pantries, bike storage and joinery designed to simplify routines and enhance comfort.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=352090]

Apartments in Zeste start from $715,000 for one-bedrooms and extend through to expansive three-bedroom Sky Homes priced from $2.25 million. Floorplans range from 59 sqm to 144sqm.

The mix in Essence comprises 41 one-bedroom, seven one-bedroom + Max space, 39 two-bedroom, 40 two-bedroom Breezeway Sky Homes (24 of which include additional Max spaces), and eight three-bedroom residences.&nbsp;

Max spaces are integrated into select residences, offering a flexible room that can be tailored to individual needs, ideal as a home office, children’s play area, or additional storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351881]

Zeste continues Sekisui House Australia’s partnership with Altogether Group, providing sustainable water, power and data services to residents. Passive design strategies include cross-ventilation, deep landscaping and water features that encourage evaporative cooling, aligning with The Orchards long-term environmental goals.&nbsp;

Construction is set to commence on the Zeste buildings in early 2026, with completion anticipated in late 2027 to early 2028.&nbsp;

More than 850 apartments have been sold across the masterplan, contributing to The Orchards community of 1,300 apartments when complete.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150510]

Sekisui House Australia launches Zeste, the final stage of its $1 billion Norwest masterplan

A significant addition to the Bella Vista Station Precinct is in the pipeline, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/landen-property">Landen</a> formally lodging a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-memorial-avenue-bella-vista-40-memorial-avenue-nsw-2153">new apartment community on Memorial Avenue</a>.

Positioned beside the Elizabeth Macarthur Creek corridor, the project is among the first major transit-oriented residential proposals within the Metro precinct.

The masterplan, designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">Turner Architects</a>,&nbsp;outlines a four-stage delivery, comprising four buildings between four and fifteen storeys, and includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a limited selection of four-bedroom penthouses and terraces.

The project places a strong emphasis on housing diversity and liveability, with apartment sizes ranging from 50 to 180 sqm. The first stage will deliver 213 dwellings, followed by 231 in the second stage. Construction is expected to commence in 2026, pending approvals.

<img alt="Bella Vista Apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bb3d84b1-d2df-4e26-915a-31b27faf9b1a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/View02_01-scaled.jpg?VersionId=Gb0AUtZ3VXsLxrqUaw_AwT_vcBwQ_FJu" />

As the first transit-oriented development (TOD) in the precinct, Landen’s Bella Vista community has been designed to align closely with the surrounding Metro infrastructure. The proposal integrates new pedestrian and cycling paths, a new bridge over Elizabeth Macarthur Creek, and direct access to Bella Vista Metro Station.

Lush communal amenities are also central to the design. 'The Grove' and the 'Garden Link' will create landscaped community areas that reflect the area's agricultural heritage and provide direct access to the creekside.&nbsp;

The ‘Garden Patio’ is conceived as a multi-use indoor-outdoor facility offering a gym, study nooks, and communal lounge spaces.&nbsp;Rooftop terraces across the buildings will offer views to the Blue Mountains and Parramatta skyline.

<img alt="Bella Vista Apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="778da409-d5cf-4e7d-9ba9-0c36990bf0b4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/landen-bella-property-image.jpg?VersionId=ukPpmVcHF71xRc7U3MUT5rtGwOsntMMz" />

Landen’s Head of Property, Shane Harding, said the proposal highlights the developer’s precinct-scale ambition.

“As the first TOD proposal in Bella Vista, it highlights Landen’s ability to pioneer precinct-scale projects, integrate housing with infrastructure, and deliver outcomes that align with government priorities,” Harding told the Daily Telegraph.

The project arrives at a time of rapid growth in Western Sydney, with Bella Vista alone forecast to more than double in population by 2046. The development’s location, between the Bella Vista and Kellyville Metro stations, positions it as a connected lifestyle hub for families, professionals and downsizers seeking access to transport, schools, and employment centres.

Pending approval, the development is slated for completion in 2028.

Landen plans 444-apartment community in Bella Vista Metro zone

Rp Data

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A preliminary weighted average clearance rate of 68.5% was recorded this week across capital cities compared to 67.8% last week and 70.4% this time last year.
This result is consistent with the year's trend. The year to date clearance rate for capital cities was 68.3% before this week.
In Sydney a preliminary clearance rate of 75.5%  was recorded compared to 71.9% last week and 79.5% last year. Despite the clearance rate not being higher than a year ago the auction market has improved with more homes being sold.
In Melbourne there was a preliminary clearance rate of 68% recorded compared to 70% last week and 68.6% this time last year. Concerns the auction market was beginning to weaken have not been added to this week.
Next week will prove an interesting test, with a record of around 1800 auctions scheduled.
In Brisbane a preliminary clearance rate of 50.5% was recorded compared to 48.8% last week.
Adelaide recorded a clearance rate of 50%  compared to 55.8% last week.
In Canberra a clearance rate of 50% was recorded.
In Perth a clearance rate of 60% was recorded.
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Capital cities land on trend: RP Data's national auction wrap

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Rental growth has been flat in most areas over the first quarter of 2014 while property prices have surged, leading to lower yields on investment properties, according to RP Data.
Units in Hobart made the biggest rental gains in the quarter, rising by 4.7% to $280 a week.
Rent for units in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney also increased slightly over the quarter, by 1.4%, 1.3% and 1% respectively.
Adelaide was the only capital city in which detached houses made rental gains. The median rent for a detached house in Adelaide increased by a 1.5% to $345 in the quarter.
Rents in the other capital cities were flat or declined in the quarter, dampening rental results for the 12 month period.
Darwin units were the strongest performers of capital city properties for the 12 months to the end of March, with rents rising 5.8% to a weekly median of $550. Rents on Sydney units gained 4.3% to reach a median of $490 a week.
Rent for detached houses in Melbourne and units in Brisbane also made reasonable gains over the 12 months to March, appreciating 2.7% and 2.6% respectively.
Perth and Canberra were the weakest capital city markets over the 12 months to March.
Rents for houses in Perth fell 2%, while rents for units dropped by 4.3%.
Detached houses in Canberra achieved 5.8% less rent, and the median rent for units fell 4.7%.
“With home value growth comparatively strong we are seeing a deterioration of rental yields in most capital cities,” RP Data analyst Cameron Kusher said in a statement.
“We expect that rental growth is likely to continue at moderate levels over the coming year, due largely to the climbing demand for housing which is highlighted by escalating sales transactions nationally.”
Over the year to the end of March, house prices in Sydney rose by 16.41% and units gained 12.17%, according to the RP Data-Rismark Daily Home Value Index: Monthly Values.
In Melbourne, house prices rose by 11.94%, while unit prices appreciated by 8.95%, the index showed.
RP Data Quarterly Rental Review to end March 2014
 <img src="/images/2014/04/14/zoe%20april%2014%20one.png" alt="">
Source: RP Data
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Rental growth flat while property prices surge: RP Data

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There were 2,669 auctions held across the combined capital cities last week, having fallen from 3,039 over the previous week.
While volumes were down when compared to the previous week, it is expected that this coming week will change that with auction volumes set to rise by 23%. Last week the preliminary auction clearance rate was recorded at 67.3% across the capital cities, compared to a final auction clearance rate of 67.7% the previous week.
At the same time last year, there were 1,308 capital city auctions and the final auction clearance rate was recorded at 61.7%.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Capital-city.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3082" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Capital-city.jpg" alt="20140406 Capital city" width="1003" height="729"></a>
In similar fashion to previous weeks, Sydney has recorded the strongest capital city auction clearance rate at 75.4% based on preliminary collection. There were 1,124 auctions held across the city last week, compared to 1,163 the previous week when the final auction clearance rate was recorded at 75.9%.
It is probably a good time to make mention of the fact that we have noticed over the past few weeks that we are seeing some downward revision each week when Sydney’s final results are being calculated. This is more than likely due to the reporting culture of auctions, where agents hold off on reporting their successful auction until they can confirm that no after auction result has been obtained. Over the same week last year, there were 528 Sydney properties taken to auction with 66.4% of these recording a successful result.
While Sydney’s auction market showed significant strength over the first quarter of 2014, it is interesting to see that this aligned with overall market performance. According to the RP Data-Rismark Daily Home Value Index, Sydney dwelling values increased by 4.4% over the March 2014 quarter. Based on the most recent weekly update, across the private treaty market, Sydney homes are currently selling at the fastest rate of any capital city.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Sydney.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3084" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Sydney.jpg" alt="20140406 Sydney" width="1000" height="654"></a>
For Melbourne there were 1,204 auctions across the city last week with a preliminary clearance rate of 63.4% recorded from 960 auction results compared to 66.9% recorded last weekend and 63.2% this weekend last year. Over March 2014 the clearance rate was 69.9% from 5,322 auctions.
House and unit values are definitely rising but the high auction volumes are continuing to provide buyers with increased opportunity which is also likely contributing to a lower clearance rates as buyers have a greater number of auction properties to choose from.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Melbourne.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3083" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Melbourne.jpg" alt="20140406 Melbourne" width="1002" height="651"></a>
Last week across the Brisbane auction market we saw conditions improve with the preliminary auction clearance rate recorded at 57.9%, with 122 Brisbane auctions held over the week.
Despite the strengthening clearance rate, last week was a sharp fall in Brisbane auction volumes after the busy week prior when there were 238 auctions held and a clearance rate of 47.1%, however, over the coming week volumes are set to ramp up again, with 218 Brisbane auction scheduled so far.
When we look at the Brisbane auction market at the same time last year, there were significantly less auctions (92) while the clearance rate was recorded at 49.3%, which is generally on par with the current market performance.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Brisbane.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3081" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Brisbane.jpg" alt="20140406 Brisbane" width="996" height="653"></a>
There were 98 Adelaide properties taken to auction last week, with the preliminary clearance rate coming in at 67.3%, compared to the previous week when the final clearance rate was recorded at 55.6% across 107 auctions.
At the same time last year, there were 54 Adelaide properties auctioned over the week, with half of the properties recording a successful result at the time of reporting.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Adelaide.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3080" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Adelaide.jpg" alt="20140406 Adelaide" width="989" height="652"></a>
Once again, auction activity across the other capital cities was much more subdued and again, results were mixed.
There were 33 auctions held in Perth last week and the preliminary clearance rate was recorded at 26.7%. Across Hobart, 22 properties went to auction with a clearance rate of 50.0% and a 43.8% clearance rate in Canberra across 66 auctions.
There were 8 auctions held in Darwin last week and so far RP Data has captured a result for 5 of these auctions. At this point, no successful results have been recorded.
There are currently 3,271 auctions being tracked by RP Data over the coming week, in what is set to be a busy week leading up to Easter.
*Melbourne auction commentary provided by Robert Larocca, RP Data’s Victorian housing market specialist
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Melbourne's preliminary clearance rate the lowest of the year so far: RP Data's national auction market wrap

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The number of unique residential properties advertised for sale across the country over the four weeks to 30 March 2014 was recorded at 243,941. 
This figure consists of 47,805 newly listed properties over the four weeks and 196,136 re-listed properties.
As highlighted by the <a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/2014/02/homes-prepared-sale-real-estate-agent-activity-gathers-pace-2014/" target="_blank">RP Data listings index</a>, there has been a surge in the number of new properties listed for sale and they are 18.9% higher than they were at the same time a year ago. Although new listings have surged, total properties advertised for sale are -3.8% lower than they were a year ago which is reflective of the rapid rate of sale we are seeing nationally. Although new listings are way up on a year ago, the rate of sale is much faster and total listings are falling. 
To put it simply, properties are being absorbed by the market faster than they are being listed for sale.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3065" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Chart-12.jpg" alt="Chart 1" width="500" height="180">
Looking at the different residential property types; new listings for houses are 20.2% higher than they were a year ago however, total house listings are -4.5% lower.
New unit listings are also significantly higher, up 22.6% while total unit listings are -5.1% lower.  New vacant land listings are -5.4% lower than they were a year ago however, total listings are 2.1% higher.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3063" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Chart-21.jpg" alt="Chart 2" width="444" height="262">
Looking across the individual capital cities, each region except for Canberra (-12.0%) is recording a higher number of new properties listed for sale than they were a year ago. 
Sydney and Melbourne, which are also recording the strongest capital growth conditions, have recorded the largest rise in new listings over the year, up 49.7% and 32.0% respectively compared with a year ago.  Clearly new properties are coming to the market in both cities however, evidence suggests that most are selling quite shortly after the listing.
Although new capital city property listings are generally higher than they were a year ago, total listings are generally much lower than they were a year ago. Across the combined capital cities total listings are -8.3% lower than they were a year ago and each city except Hobart (3.3%) and Darwin (25.2%) is recording fewer total listings.  
Although both Sydney and Melbourne are each recording fewer total properties advertised for sale than a year ago, it is interesting to note that total listings in Melbourne (33,144) are significantly higher than in Sydney (22,423).
It is encouraging to see that a greater number of new residential properties are coming to the market than at the same time last year however, it is important to remember that in most regions sales transactions are much higher than they were a year ago. 
Clearly buyer demand has escalated and quality properties are not staying on the market for a long period of time which is highlighted by the fact that total listings both at a national and capital city level are lower than they were a year ago.
</body></html>

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