Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Rural Sale

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The Hyles family has sold Woodlands, its 1157-hectare grazing property in Bungendore near Canberra for $3.53 million.
It came after more than 150 years of ownership.
Woodlands sold via online auction to an undisclosed buyer with the winning bid $525,000 above the reserve price
The property includes an original four-bedroom 1870s homestead built by Richard Hyles for his Australian wife Jessie, and their 10 children.
The Hyles, who came to Australia from England in 1836, were pioneer settlers in the region.
Woodlands has been passed down through five generations of the Hyles family.
Meares and Associates offered the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-livestock-nsw-bungendore-7850266" target="_blank">1157 hectare property at online auction</a> on November 15-16.
Situated eight kilometres south of Bungendore with views northwards to Lake George, Woodlands is under three hours’ drive from Sydney.
Although still managed successfully as a commercial grazing operation, based on Merino sheep, the property has obvious potential for subdivision up to a maximum of 14 lots, to meet the steady demand from Canberra for small holdings. 
More than 200,000 pine trees have been planted, either in a 120ha dedicated woodlot or in strategic shelter belts.
Average rainfall is 640mm and the property is watered by 43 dams, an equipped bore and semi-permanent creeks.
As presently managed, “Woodlands” is operated as a woolgrowing concern, with a self-replacing Merino flock of Hazeldean bloodlines producing adult fleeces of 4.5-5kg and 19-19.5 microns.
In recent years a proportion of the ewe flock has been mated to Border Leicester rams to produce first-cross lambs, the ewe portion of which has commanded ready competition at the annual regional summer restocker sales.
The property’s estimated carrying capacity of 2600-3000 DSE offers considerable upside potential, with further investment in pasture establishment and infrastructure.
Bidding for Woodlands had been expected to fetch $2.8 million to $3 million.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Woodlands at Bungendore near Canberra sold

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Wine growing land in the Mildura region is catching the eye of big wine companies as a number of large grape vineyards are purchased with the intention of redevelopment into almonds or table grapes according to Herron Todd White.
Herron Todd White's, November rural report said despite no substantial increase expected in wine grape prices for next year, wine companies now feel a need to once again compete to source grapes due to a combination of reduced supply and improving export markets.
"A 60 hectare vineyard at Gol Gol and a 46 hectare vineyard at Wargan purchased by established table grape growers for redevelopment," the report said.
"These sales follow closely behind the sale of the 900 hectare Del Rios vineyard at Kenley which is in the process of being developed to almonds and the 200 hectare vineyard at Nangiloc which is being converted to dried fruit.
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"Further eroding the available supply of grapes is the recent purchase of around 320 hectares of wine grapes in the Sunraysia region by China’s third largest wine maker, Weilong Grape Wine Company. This potentially removes approximately 6,000 tonnes of fruit that has historically been sold to local wineries. Weilong has also negotiated to buy land close to Mildura on which they intend to construct a winery, presumably to process their own fruit, but potentially also buying fruit from local growers.
"The NSW Government has recently announced plans to construct a $320 million pipeline connecting Broken Hill to the Murray River, a distance of 270 kilometres. This announcement followed a period of uncertainty for the 18,000 residents, who have relied on the Menindee Lakes for drinking water. With the lakes having run dry three times in the past 13 years, there is clearly a need to shore up their supply.
"While the decision is no doubt welcome for Broken Hill, it appears to ignore the needs of irrigators below Menindee who were hoping for a policy that would ensure that greater volumes of water would be stored at Menindee in the future."
Property Observer found a 7,339.00ha property with almond and wine grape farms on the market at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-mildura-7695503" target="_blank">1 Thurla Rd Mildura</a>.
The property currently has 565 acres of almonds, 291 acres of premier wine grapes, 16 acres of avocado plants and 250 acres of commercial lucerne.
It also features 2000 acres under spray irrigation for the production vegetables, potatoes &amp; lucerne.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Agricultural diversity driving Mildura land market: HTW

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A significant dairy farm enterprise in the Port Campbell district has been listed by Ruralco for December 9 auction.
The sale is two adjoining farms with a combined land area of 266.35 hectares.
They are currently operated as one single farm unit, while each farm has a comfortable timber family home on the respective properties.
It is located about five kilometres north of the Port Campbell township and seventeen kilometres south of Timboon.
Major milk and cheese processing infrastructure is available nearby, while the farm is currently a Murray Goulburn supplier.
The eastern property fronting Eastern Creek Road comprises an area of 159 hectares and includes a 40-unit rotary dairy dating from 2007 with a 12,000 litre milk vat, 360 cow capacity yard and a 30 tonne capacity feed silo.
The adjoining second holding of 107 hectares also includes an older style 15-a-side double-up herringbone dairy with a 6,200 litre milk vat, a 250 cow capacity cow yard also a 30 tonne capacity feed silo and a Dairy King feed system.
This dairy was last used for milking in August 2013.
It is judged as being ideal for a farm employee or manager by Ruralco Property agent Peter Worden.
The entire property is currently being operated under the management of Simon Richardson, who says he is comfortably milking up to 300 cows, but with some further investment in development this could be increased to about 600 milkers.
Worden says that the auction is to resolve financial matters relating to a corporate owner.
He anticipates a sale price in the region of $2.6 to $2.9 million.
"I think everyone appreciates that the dairy industry has faced difficult conditions in the main beyond the control of the individual family farm or dairy operator," Worden said.
"This auction is to clear a path forwards and under more normal dairy industry conditions offers of this nature would not be occurring."
"Ï think this offer for sale needs to be judged as an opportunity at what is likely to be close to the cyclical low of the industry and this is a well-regarded and highly productive dairy district of Victoria."
The website <a href="https://www.weeona.com.au">www.weeona.com.au</a> has the offering.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Murray Goulburn milk supplier farms at Port Campbell set for auction

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Denistoun Park, the 28 ha Mornington Peninsula property stabling the horses of Jason Warren Racing, has been listed for sale.
The Tuerong property is located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-tuerong-7851142" target="_blank">355 Balnarring Road</a>, an hour from Melbourne.
Jason Warren and wife, Yasmin purchased Denistoun Park in 2010.
"It wasn't a decision we took lightly," <a href="https://jasonwarrenracing.com.au/trainer-profile" target="_blank">he told TVN's Jason Richardson</a>.
It is a prime thoroughbred racing property previously leased to horse trainers, the Freedman Brothers.
Set at the end of a towering gum drive, the property offers a 1650 metre irrigated grass track, sand track, 68 stables, 60 meter straight pool, two walkers, sand arena and 60 post and rail paddocks with loose books providing a unique onsite training and spelling options.
It is near Balnarring Beach.
The property is offered through RT Edgar agents Lisa Fraser-Smith and Holly Longmuir.
Offers are due 10 November.
A lease back is possible.
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Denistoun Park at Tuerong for sale

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The international punter and horse racing owner-breeder, Paul Makin and wife Lyndal have paid $4,025,000 for a rural retreat in far New South Wales.
Located between Byron Bay and Bungalow, it's a 14 hectare Talofa ranch style property with larger than usual homestead.
The contemporary four-pavillion, log cabin-style home was built by an American couple, Rebecca and Richard Korhammer. 
It overlooks open paddocks, a dam and mature gardens. Listed through Unique Estates agent Nicolette van Wijngaarden, it had been earning $250,000 per annum in holiday rental income.
Makin, who is almost 80, has been living in Hong Kong but is moving back to be closer to family to Australia. The couple recently sold a $4 million Main Beach, Gold Coast apartment and secured an apartment in Brisbane's Riparian Plaza complex.
Makin, who as a boy sold Sydney newspapers at the Doncaster Hotel, hails from Kensington.
He has seen racing success all over the world.
Starcraft was his best known horse which Makin shipped off to England-based trainer Luca Cumani in 2005.
In half a dozen starts for Cumani, Starcraft won two of Europe's most important mile races, the Prix du Moulin in France and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in England.
Makin almost retired five years ago, but is back with Marcel, who is at stud at Newmarket, and Marcel’s half-brother who will be trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam, the former husband of expat horse trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Horse breeder Paul Makin buys Byron hinterland retreat

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Strathvean, in the Eastern Riverina just outside Tarcutta, has been sold prior to online auction by Sydney rural property specialists Meares &amp; Associates.
There had been a price indication of $3.8 million to $4 million.
The purchasers are a farming family from the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area who intend on moving away from irrigation into livestock production.
This highly intensive and diversified <a href="https://www.meares.com.au/search-properties/details/Strathvean" target="_blank">holding comprises 888.3 hectares (2,195 acres)</a> of predominantly productive arable flats and undulating valley floors, with some timbered ridge lines, making it ideally suited to both breeding and fattening of sheep and cattle.
Strathvean was owned and operated by the Gaskin family for over 25 years and they are now looking to enjoy retirement.
Strathvean had previously carried 400 cows on a self-replacing herd basis, growing out their progeny to 400-480kg liveweight selling direct to Rangers Valley Feedlot. The success of the beef enterprise has over the years been underpinned by the piggery, which todays boasts a capacity of 3,000 grower pigs at any one time.
A feature of the property is the four to six bedroom homestead, originally built in the 1870s, and with extensions completed in 1996-1997. 
Chris Meares said Strathvean received 12 serious enquirers looking to inspect. 
"With the capacity to run 7,000 to 8,000 DSEs, combined with the piggery operation providing the ability to generate serious income from day one proved to be the catalyst for the high number of enquiries and its eventual sale”, Meares concluded.
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Strathvean sold in the Eastern Riverina

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/66750/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Gina Rinehart has partnered with a Chinese company to buy the giant Kidman pastoral empire, after two previous bids by Chinese buyers were rejected by the federal government.
Under the proposed sale Hancock Prospecting and Shanghai CRED are forming a joint venture company, Australian Outback Beef (AOB), owned 67 percent by Hancock and 33 percent by Shanghai CRED.
The sale is worth a net $365 million after the carve out of Anna Creek station in South Australia, valued at about $14-$18 million.
Of three bids for the Kidman land, this is the first with majority Australian interests. The privately owned Shanghai CRED was involved in the earlier bids, both of which were knocked out by Treasurer Scott Morrison. It has recently bought land in Western Australia.
But the offer must run the gauntlet of the federal government’s foreign investment regime which means being examined by the Foreign Investment Review Board, with approval or rejection then up to Morrison. It is also subject to various Chinese government approvals.
It is thought this bid, with its majority local ownership, is likely to be better placed than the earlier ones to navigate the hurdles.
Its 33% foreign ownership is marginally below the 33.9% present foreign ownership – mostly British - of Kidman.
Gina Rinehart is also very close to Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, who has been a critic of the Chinese push for Australian land.
The offer is conditional on the sell off of Anna Creek and the Peake, an associated property, to other Australian grazing interests.
Anna Creek overlaps the Woomera test area and security considerations were key to the rejection of the first of the two previous bids, although the total amount of land involved was also a major factor.
The rejection of the second bid came shortly before the federal election, when Chinese investment was seen as an issue.
The Kidman empire has 19 individual properties operated as 12 enterprises, including 10 cattle stations, a bull breeding stud and a feedlot.
It has pastoral leases covering 101,000 square kilometres across South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland, and an average herd carrying capacity of 185,000 cattle.
Rinehart, chairman of the Hancock group, said: “Kidman is an iconic cattle business established more than a century ago by Sir Sidney Kidman. It is an operation founded on hard work and perseverance by an outstanding Australian, and it is an important part of Australia’s pioneering and entrepreneurial history.”
The CEO of Hancock, Garry Korte, said the quality of the Kidman herd and channel company properties would complement Hancock’s existing northern cattle properties, and align well with Rinehart’s plans to build a diversified cattle holding in Australia. The Hancock family started their first cattle station in north west Australia.
Principal of Shanghai CRED, Gui Guojie, said partnering with leading local business Hancock had already proved a productive approach and he looked forward to having the opportunity to work with Hancock through the Kidman investment.
The Kidman business went on the market nearly 18 months ago and more than 600 interested parties have held discussions with the sales manager Ernst and Young.
Michelle Grattan is professorial fellow, University of Canberra, and author for The Conversation. She can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michelle-grattan-20316" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Scott Morrison to rule on Hancock-Chinese bid for Kidman cattle empire

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The Earl of Stradbroke's rural property, Mt Fyans in the Western District of Victoria is set to be sold for about $34 million.
The mooted buyer is Harmony Beef and Cattle, a company ultimately owned by the major Chinese group He Sheng.
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-commercial+farming-vic-dundonnell-501469923" target="_blank">The Mt Fyans aggregation</a> covers 5900 hectares amassed over 25 years by the Earl, Keith Rous. 
It carries a Black Angus herd of some 2800 breeders and 2000 sheep for prime lamb production.
Its eight bedroom historic homestead was built in the mid-1880s on the back of success of the Geelong brewery.
In 1883 William Cumming commissioned Warrnambool architect Andrew Kerr to design the elaborate homestead, which was completed the following year. An earlier homestead, and woodshed, had featured in a <a href="https://shop.nga.gov.au/cards/greeting-cards/mt-fyans-homestead" target="_blank">Louis Buvelot</a> painting held by the National Gallery of Australia.
One of the largest farms in the Western district of Victoria, Mt Fyans at Dundonnell was offered last year on a walk in walk out basis.
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Earl of Stradbroke set to sell Mt Fyans to Chinese buyers

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It's not just the cane toads coming across the border.
Darren Lockyer, the Brisbane Bronco and Maroon legend, and his wife Loren have bought a weekender property just inside NSW.
Rather than Noosa, Port Douglas or Surfers Paradise, the Brisbane based Channel 9 commentator has spent $770,000 at little known, Crystal Creek.
It got him <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-acreage+semi-rural-nsw-upper+crystal+creek-122377478" target="_blank">a four hectare estate</a> in the lush Northern Rivers district, near Murwillumbah.
It has been an equestrian property featuring a dressage arena, stables and electrified paddocks.
But Lockyer tells me he and wife, Loren have other plans for their family of three boys.
"We intend to use the property as a hobby farm for our children including quad bikes, motorbikes and farm animals”
There's a three bedroom main homestead and separate one bedroom accommodation. 
They have done well as the property had been on and off the market for over five years. It's initial asking price was $1 million.
Northern Rivers agent Wally Trankle says the buying interest from north of the border had increased as roadworks made the travel time to Brisbane a quicker trip for weekenders.
In recent times the NRL star has become a property mogul since his 2011 retirement, although he's been interested in property since he was a 16 year old apprentice builder. 
During a mid-90s overseas tour with the Kangaroo's he got up at 2.30am the morning of a test match to participate an auction over the phone.
It worked out well for the versatile five eighth, who secured the house over the phone and the team won the test.
Darren has owned in New South Wales before. He had a Hillsdale investment property that he sold for $900,000 off the market in January this year.
Lockyer, now a rugby commentator, is considered one of the most successful players in history.
He closed the book on a glittering career in 2011 having won four grand finals, a record six consecutive State of Origin series wins and a World Cup in his 17 year career. 
It's not all one way traffic into northern NSW. Melbourne Storm star Billy Slater and wife, Nicole sold their redundant Byron Bay hinterland retreat earlier this year.
He had rarely found time to visit let alone renovate.
Some of the Crabbes Creek locals were hoping for a rugby academy, but Slater instead took the bullish $1.375 million offer.
Slater had told the Telegraph in 2014, he fancied himself settling down on the 36 hectare property to train a few horses as a hobby.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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NRL's Darren Lockyer buys NSW weekender

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A 17,000 acre mixed farming station holding, one of the largest in Victoria’s Western District, has been sold for an undisclosed amount with the buyer emerging as Laguna Bay Agricultural Fund 1.
Reports suggest the sale was for around $20 million. Laguna Bay is a specialist small Australian agricultural assets fund manager which invests on behalf of US pension fund giant, the Washington State Investment Board and other investors.
The property, Banongill Station, is 8km from Skipton and 45 minutes drive from Ballarat includes 30,000 sheep, 2,400 Angus cattle, a full complement of station plant and equipment, and 3,700 acres (1,500ha) of winter cereal cropping land.  
The off market sale was managed through Colliers International’s national director of Rural &amp; Agribusiness, Shane McIntyre on behalf of private owners Stewart and Sue Gull.
McIntyre said Laguna Bay secured Banongill Station as they recognised it to be a ‘best in class’ rural property,” he said.
Vendor Stewart Gull said when he bought Banongill, the wool market was very depressed, so we thought it was important to have diversity and in particular, a stronger focus on cropping.
 “In our first year here, the only revenue was the wool cheque, we have created a balance of wool, fat lambs, beef and cereals. We have continually tweaked each of the areas in search of improvements, including the genetics of our sheep and cattle," he said.
The Banongill Station homestead was established in 1853, when it was separated from Borriyalook station, owned by pastoralist and philanthropist Francis Ormond, the founder of the University of Melbourne's Ormond College.
The original 1853 bluestone cottage forms part of the kitchen in the more recent 1905-built homestead.
It is surrounded by 5 hectares of landscaped show gardens designed by William Guilfoyle, the designer of the Royal Botanic Gardens.
There were rumours in 2012 that the RIFA group were negotiating to buy Banongill Station, but these were denied by the former VFL footballer turned Ballarat property developer Stewart Gull.
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