Investors may soon find themselves with fewer reasons to buy established property and more incentives to look towards the new apartment market.

Proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions would see new and off-the-plan apartments retain access to the tax benefits, while established properties would miss out, creating a clear advantage for buyers purchasing newly built housing.

The policy direction aligns with what many developers have been saying for several years. Australia needs more housing supply, and governments are increasingly looking for ways to encourage investment into new stock rather than existing homes.

The challenge for investors is that suitable product is becoming harder to find.

For much of the last decade, one-bedroom apartments were the cornerstone of investor demand. They offered a lower entry price, strong rental appeal, and were a common feature across most apartment developments.

Today, the development pipeline looks very different.

Across both New South Wales and South East Queensland, developers are increasingly targeting owner-occupiers and downsizers, delivering larger two, three and four-bedroom apartments in response to changing buyer preferences. While one-bedroom apartments still exist, they now form a much smaller portion of many new projects.

That shift has created a shortage of investor-friendly stock, particularly in well-located projects close to transport, employment hubs and lifestyle amenity.

At the same time, rising apartment prices have pushed many new developments beyond the reach of traditional investors. On the Gold Coast and across South East Queensland, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find new apartments priced around the $1 million mark, particularly those offering strong rental fundamentals and long-term growth prospects.

We've rounded up four new apartment developments where investors can still secure a foothold in the market for around $1 million or less.

<h2 data-end="1140" data-start="844">Flourish Soleira</h2>

<h2>Priced from: $1.07 million</h2>

Popular Palm Beach developer Sherpa is soon to officially launch its newest local apartment development, Flourish Soleira.

The one-bedroom apartments in the building were only offered to first home buyers rather than investors, and all of those have been snapped up. The two-bedroom apartments will start from $1.07 million, and the three-bedrooms, still a good investment given the popularity of Palm Beach for owner-occupiers, starting at $2,045,000.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

Flourish Soliera will comprise 153 apartments across two buildings, connected by a skybridge, the first ever delivered in the suburb.

True to Sherpa's booming Flourish brand of apartment projects, Flourish Soleira will have extensive rooftop amenity across both buildings including a&nbsp;wellness centre with gym, work from home, yoga, pilates, a&nbsp;heated pool, private dining rooms, pizza oven and barbecues, basketball court, and golf simulator.

<h2>Corallo, Palm Beach</h2>

Priced from: $841,500

Nearby Flourish Soleira is Changfa Group's beachfront-inspired Corallo development. They still have some one-bedroom apartments remaining, priced from $841,500.

The 105-apartment project on Palm Beach Avenue is otherwise dominated by larger two and three-bedroom residences, many of which are aimed at owner-occupiers and downsizers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=808]

For investors, the appeal lies in Palm Beach's continued transformation from a laid-back beachside suburb into one of the Gold Coast's most sought-after residential markets. Residents at Corallo will be within walking distance of Palm Beach's surf beaches, the recreational amenity of Tallebudgera Creek, and the increasingly popular collection of cafes, restaurants and boutique retailers along the suburb's central dining precinct.

<h2>Corner House, Stones Corner</h2>

<h2>Priced from: $880,000</h2>

One of only two Brisbane apartment developments to make the list with prices under $1 million is DeMartini Fletcher's Corner House development in Stones Corner.

One-bedroom apartments start from $880,000 within the 88-apartment development, providing investors with exposure to one of Brisbane's most established inner-south locations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149098 project_image_fid=330594]

Stones Corner has long been supported by strong tenant demand due to its proximity to major employment and education destinations. The suburb sits less than five kilometres from Brisbane's CBD and is within easy reach of the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Queensland Children's Hospital and several university campuses.

The project's location within a walkable urban village environment, surrounded by retail, dining and public transport infrastructure, continues to attract both professionals and healthcare workers seeking accommodation close to work.

Parkdrive Apartments, Chermside

Priced from: $749,000

The most affordable apartments across Brisbane's new and off the plan market are in Chermside where developer AusDev is selling one-bedroom apartments from $749,000, and two-beds from $929,000, at its recently launched Parkdrive development.

The development is strategically positioned in one of Brisbane's largest employment and retail precincts, placing residents within easy walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, St Vincent's Private Hospital Northside and the suburb's major bus interchange.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Already under construction and scheduled for completion in early 2028, Parkdrive benefits from Chermside's ongoing evolution into Brisbane's northern metropolitan centre. The suburb continues to attract significant public and private investment, supporting population growth and underpinning long-term rental demand.

For investors focused on yield and tenant depth, the combination of healthcare, retail and transport infrastructure within close proximity provides a strong foundation for occupancy and rental performance.

Joel Robinson

Investors to turn to new apartments after Federal Government changes spark hunt for Queensland's best $1 million apartments

A mix of Gold Coast locals, fly-in, fly-out purchasers from Sydney and Melbourne, and Brisbane-based families has driven early sales success at Broadbeach's newest apartment tower, Lumara.

The 26-level project, a joint venture between builder-developer 5Point Projects and Bourke Projects, comprises just 37 luxury residences and is attracting a buyer profile that is looking for exclusivity, above the most amenity-rich suburb on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=364156]

Jamie Bourke, Director of Bourke Projects, says every buyer secured so far intends to use Lumara as a lock-up-and-leave residence, combining holiday use with the ability to work remotely when required.

“The size of the apartments, both half- and full-floor options, and the different zones within the floorplans, lends itself perfectly to dedicated home office setups and multi-generational family holidays,” Bourke says.

That flexibility has become a key drawcard for affluent buyers seeking a second residence on the Gold Coast without sacrificing the ability to conduct business away from their primary home base.

The absence of holiday letting within the building has also resonated strongly with purchasers.

“This type of buyer doesn't need to generate holiday rental income,” Bourke says. “They're paying for exclusivity, privacy and certainty around who their neighbours are.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=366491]

The strong demand comes amid broader shifts in the high-end apartment market following the Federal Budget announcements in May.

“We were already seeing strong enquiry from high-net-worth buyers, but that has only accelerated since the policy changes,” Bourke says.

“A lot of those buyers are looking to place more capital into premium lifestyle assets rather than investment-grade stock that has been targeted by the Federal Government.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=366486]

Designed by Cottee Parker, Lumara adopts a slender, sculpted form with an emphasis on natural materials suited to its beachfront setting. The architectural approach draws on coastal influences, with a palette of stone, timber and concrete selected for durability and the ability to weather over time.

Apartments are limited to three and four-bedroom configurations, with a maximum of two residences per floor through the mid-levels and a selection of full-floor and dual-level homes in the upper levels. All apartments are oriented to the north to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and views across the ocean, city skyline and hinterland.

A two-level amenity offering is positioned high within the building on levels 20 and 21, conceived as a sky wellness retreat. Facilities include a magnesium pool, spa, sauna and steam rooms, alongside more social spaces such as a private dining room, resident lounge, workspaces and outdoor barbecue areas integrated with landscaped greenery.

The uppermost levels are reserved for larger-format residences, including several full-floor homes and a dual-level penthouse with its own private wellness features and recreational spaces.

&nbsp;

To give buyers confidence, 5Point and Bourke commenced construction ahead of the apartments launching to the market, a sure-fire way to prove they mean business, and the building will be delivered. They are targeting a 2028 completion date.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150454]

Locals, interstate holiday makers, drive early sales at Lumara, Broadbeach's newest luxury apartment tower

Often when it comes to purchasing property, the biggest barrier to entry is the deposit. Buyers of established homes typically aim for a 20 per cent deposit to avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance, while most property transactions require around a 10 per cent deposit when contracts are exchanged.

The off-the-plan market works differently, with buyers typically paying a deposit during construction and settling the balance upon completion. As completion approaches at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/fabbrica-fitzroy-369-gore-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">Fabbrica Fitzroy</a>, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pace-development-group">Pace</a> is making it easier for buyers to secure a residence through a deposit-matching incentive. Purchasers need only contribute a five per cent deposit*, with Pace matching the remaining five per cent.

The offer comes as Pace unveils a completed display apartment and townhouse, now available for inspection by appointment ahead of the project's Spring completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371009]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/winwood-mckenzie-architecture">Winwood Mckenzie</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/acre">Acre</a>, Fabbrica draws on Fitzroy’s industrial and manufacturing history, incorporating references to the former Argyle Shirt Factory and Life Savers Confectionery Company that once occupied the site.

The development comprises 85 residences, spanning low-maintenance apartments through to larger-format townhouses with private street access and double lock-up garages, a relatively uncommon offering in Fitzroy’s higher-density apartment market.

Pace says the project has been designed to appeal to buyers seeking inner-city convenience without sacrificing space, flexibility, or amenity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371016]

Inside the residences, Winwood Mckenzie has focused on adaptable layouts and integrated detailing, with features including custom joinery, and concealed storage solutions. The material palette leans into warm, tactile finishes intended to complement the building’s industrial architectural language.

Fabbrica’s rooftop amenity is a key part of the project offering. Spanning around 800 sqm, the communal rooftop includes a private dining room, communal kitchen, lounge spaces, work-from-home zones, and outdoor dining areas overlooking the Melbourne CBD skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371017]

Landscape architecture studio Acre has introduced a layered rooftop garden designed to soften the urban setting while creating a more communal environment for residents.

The Fitzroy location also positions residents within walking distance of Brunswick Street, Smith Street, parks, cafés, galleries, and public transport, while remaining only minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. The project has an enviable Walk Score of 96.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371025]

Pace, which is also delivering the project as builder, has developed more than 100 projects across Melbourne over the past three decades. The vertically integrated approach has become increasingly common among developers seeking greater control over construction delivery amid broader market pressures affecting the apartment sector.

The strikingly contemporary Gore Street development is now around 70 per cent complete, with purchasers expected to move into their new homes in Spring 2026. A limited number of residences remain available under the current deposit match offer.

*Conditions apply in relation to the deposit match offer.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139552]

Pace offers five per cent deposit match at Fabbrica Fitzroy ahead of Spring completion

Sydney developer Hyecorp's roots on the Lower North Shore stretch back three generations, and that deep understanding of the market continues to shape where and how it develops today.

From high-rise towers to boutique apartment projects, the family-run developer has built its reputation by focusing on a part of Sydney it knows intimately. Founded by Michael Abolakian in the early 1990s, Hyecorp is now led by his sons Stephen, Troy and Patrick.

Stephen Abolakian, joint managing director alongside Troy, has spent more than two decades in the business, overseeing development, planning, finance, marketing and sales.

Abolakian says the developer's disciplined focus on where it chooses to operate has been, and continues to be, one of Hyecorp's greatest strengths.

“We know the buyer profile exceptionally well,” Abolakian says.

“The demographics between places like Willoughby, Chatswood, St Leonards and Roseville are very similar. There are nuances between suburbs and projects, but culturally and from a buyer perspective, there’s a strong overlap.”

That buyer has historically been overwhelmingly owner-occupier driven.

Unlike many Sydney apartment developers that have traditionally relied heavily on investor demand, Hyecorp’s projects have typically attracted downsizers, upsizers, rightsizers and family owner-occupiers seeking long-term homes rather than short-term investments.

“Historically, investors have been a much smaller portion of our demand profile,” Abolakian says.

“We design for owner-occupiers. We don’t design for yield, we design for comfort, amenity, family living and long-term usability.”

That philosophy extends well beyond apartment layouts.

From landscaping and communal gardens to shared amenities and circulation spaces, Hyecorp’s developments are designed around how people actually live, something Abolakian believes has become increasingly important in Sydney’s apartment market.

“There was probably a period where having an approved project in market was enough,” he says.

“There wasn’t as much competition and if you built it, buyers would come. That’s no longer the case.”

“There’s more supply in the pipeline now, particularly with TOD precincts and low and mid-rise reforms opening up opportunities across Sydney. Buyers have more choice, so if you get the product wrong, they’ll simply go elsewhere.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=311393]

The shift has forced developers to become more sophisticated in how they approach apartment design, particularly as owner-occupier expectations continue to rise.

For Hyecorp, that means thinking beyond who the buyer is today and designing for who they may become in five or 10 years' time.

“People buying now often aren’t moving in for several years,” Abolakian says.

“You might have a young couple buying today, but by the time they move in they may have children, older children, or changing lifestyle needs. You’ve got to think about how families evolve.”

That thinking also shapes Hyecorp’s approach to amenity, which positions wellness at the forefront.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362634]

While resort-style facilities have become increasingly common marketing tools across Sydney apartment developments, Abolakian says the challenge is ensuring amenities are genuinely usable and appropriate for the scale of the project.

“If amenities are done right, they can materially improve the living experience,” he says, adding however that if you&nbsp;overdo it or get it wrong, you can end up with facilities nobody uses that simply create ongoing strata costs.”

That balance is something Hyecorp is aiming to strike with projects like Roseville Avenue, one of the group's upcoming Lower North Shore developments, which Abolakian describes as bringing a resort-style living experience into a metropolitan setting.

“It’s about creating something that feels special without being excessive,” he says.

“Good gardens, quality apartments, thoughtful amenity. Creating that resort feeling in a metro location.”

<img alt="Hyecorp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13c4c0f3-b1b7-44cf-9344-0b3d1d07797a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-02%20at%2012.14.57%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=9OLWjyj2bYkDV35F78WJnyMSPfc2bJ2z" />

The focus on owner-occupier product comes as Sydney’s apartment market continues to navigate a difficult development environment.&nbsp;For Hyecorp, maintaining an in-house operating model across construction, sales, marketing and development management has become increasingly important in navigating that environment.

“We’ve always believed in keeping a lot of the process in-house,” Abolakian says.

“It creates efficiencies, but it also creates quality control. You can make faster decisions and ensure the end product stays aligned with the original vision.”

Despite the challenges, Abolakian believes demand for quality owner-occupier apartments across Sydney remains strong beneath the surface, particularly across established Lower North Shore suburbs where downsizers continue to seek new housing options close to existing communities.

“There are definitely people waiting,” he says.

“Once some of the broader uncertainty settles, whether that’s the global environment or some of the local economic noise, I think the right projects will perform very strongly.”

Hyecorp currently has three residential developments on the market across Sydney’s Lower North Shore.&nbsp;Audrey, St Leonards, positioned opposite Newlands Park, is nearing completion and preparing to welcome its first residents, with the project now almost sold out.

Hyecorp has also recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celine-chatswood-37-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Celine Chatswood</a>, an architectural tower, while continuing to deliver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet Roseville</a>, a more boutique scale of development with just 34 apartments.

Why Hyecorp continues to back Sydney's Lower North Shore apartment market

South East Queensland’s apartment market is entering a new phase defined by rising prices, constrained affordability, and mounting pressure on the construction pipeline, according to RPM Group’s latest SEQ Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report.

The May 2026 report highlights a widening divide between what buyers can afford and what developers can viably deliver, with detached house prices continuing to push more buyers toward apartments across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

RPM says Brisbane’s median house price has reached around $1.5 million, accelerating the shift toward higher-density housing as buyers are increasingly priced out of the detached market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=356540]

Median unit prices rose across all three major SEQ markets in the March quarter. Brisbane City recorded the strongest annual growth, with median unit prices climbing 21 per cent to $862,000, while the Gold Coast reached the highest overall median at $950,000, up 17 per cent year-on-year. The Sunshine Coast followed at $870,000, representing annual growth of nine per cent.

RPM noted the affordability gap between houses and units remains significant, with detached homes commanding premiums of 67 per cent in Brisbane and 68 per cent on the Gold Coast relative to apartments.

The report suggests this price disparity is increasingly consolidating buyer demand within the apartment market, particularly among downsizers and owner-occupiers.

“Demand is real. Supply is moving. But they’re operating on different timelines and the gap between what’s being built and what buyers can afford is the defining tension in this market right now,” RPM Queensland and NSW Managing Directors Peter Neale and Clinton Trezise said in the report.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366230]

While approvals and commencements are strengthening, RPM argues the delivery pipeline remains constrained by construction costs, labour shortages, and extended build timelines.

Apartment approvals across Queensland increased 86 per cent over the year to February 2026, reaching 12,682 approvals, the highest level recorded since 2016. Brisbane overtook the Gold Coast as the state’s most active apartment approval market, with nearly 5,000 apartments approved over the past 12 months.

Unit commencements also strengthened considerably, rising 48 per cent year-on-year to 5,453 commencements in the December 2025 quarter, the highest level since 2018.

However, RPM’s research found apartment delivery timeframes have expanded sharply compared to the previous cycle. Projects are now averaging around 30 months from approval to completion, compared to roughly 20 months a decade ago.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367515]

The number of units under construction has climbed to approximately 31,530 dwellings, nearing the previous 2016 peak, though projects are remaining in the pipeline for considerably longer.

Construction costs continue to weigh heavily on feasibility. RPM found the average apartment construction cost in Greater Brisbane reached $630,000 per dwelling in 2025, exceeding both Sydney and Melbourne. Coastal Queensland markets, including the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, were even higher at an average of $817,418 per apartment due to the prevalence of larger premium product.

The report also points to increasing pressure from Olympic-related infrastructure spending ahead of Brisbane 2032, with labour competition expected to intensify over the next several years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370960]

ANZ Associate Director of Property Daniel Gradwell said the underlying demand drivers across South East Queensland remain strong, supported by interstate migration, downsizers, and population growth.

“The challenge is bringing enough supply to market to meet that demand, and nothing on the horizon makes that straightforward,” Gradwell said.

RPM’s analysis found the affordability challenge is becoming more pronounced in the new apartment market itself, with only three per cent of surveyed new apartments priced below $1 million.

Instead, the market is increasingly concentrated in higher price brackets, with the most common new apartment price band across SEQ sitting between $1.5 million and $1.75 million. Around half of all new apartment stock surveyed is priced below $2 million.

The report suggests developers are not necessarily avoiding lower price points by choice, but because current construction economics make delivering affordable apartments increasingly difficult at scale.

Rental conditions also remain tight across the region. Median rents for one-bedroom apartments rose 12 per cent in Brisbane over the past year to $580 per week, while Gold Coast one-bedroom rents increased nine per cent to $630.

Despite rising rents, RPM noted bond lodgements have generally trended downward over the past five years, indicating more apartments are being absorbed by owner-occupiers rather than retained as investor-held rental stock.

Looking ahead, RPM expects projects targeting the mid-market owner-occupier segment between $1.25 million and $2 million to remain the most viable part of the market, while premium projects in highly constrained coastal or riverfront locations continue to attract demand.

“Construction costs are rewriting the feasibility rulebook across Greater Brisbane, and with little relief in sight, only projects in the right price band, right location, and with presales secured early will make it through,” the report concludes.

SEQ apartment demand outpacing affordable supply as construction timelines stretch: RPM

Rural

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The former Miss World Belinda Green and husband Steve Mason have yet to sell their Cowra farm, Glen Echo which was passed in at recent auction.
The online bidding opened at $1 million, with Glen Echo passed in at $1,150,000.
The Meares &amp; Co listed agent Chris Meares advised there was an asking price of $1.3 million for the 50 hectare farm which they bought in 2004. It is listed inconjunction with First National.
The 1896 double brick hillside three bedroom homestead has recently been renovated with new wide verandahs on three sides.
The couple who married three years ago at Nyngan during one of their regular Desert Duel charity car rallies, are now looking to downsize from the farm, located <a href="https://www.meares.com.au/property/glenecho/gallery/glen-echo.htm" target="_blank">16km west of Cowra</a> and 300km from Sydney.
Belinda has had a full life, but is always fondly remembered for her pageantry appearances, winning the 1972 Miss World contest at the age of 20.
These days Green, the mother of two daughters from her second marriage, and Steve's three children, prompts them to be increasingly spending time away from the farm, in Sydney and overseas.
Long retired from pageantry and even her subsequent television work, which included being a Beauty And The Beast panelist, Belinda has always been busy with charity work, awarded an Order of Australia for services to the community in 2013.
She's currently studying as a veterinary nurse at Southern Cross Wildlife care centre, an animal hospital at Braidwood, an adjunct to her rescuing, and caring for, injured and orphaned wildlife, through Wildcare.
The paddocks are currently leased to a local farmer.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph. 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Belinda Green's Glen Echo farm passed in at auction

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A Victoria Supreme Court has upheld an injunction temporarily halting the sale of Tasmanian dairy business Van Diemen's Land to a Chinese backed company.
Moon Lake is headed by Chinese businessman Lu Xianfeng who made an unconditional binding offer to VDL owner, New Zealand-based New Plymouth District Council.
But the offer is subject to approval by the Foreign Investment Review Board.
Earlier this month the VDL indicated it was selling to the Tasmanian company TasFoods Limited in a $280 million cash and share deal.
However, NPDC's investment arm, Taranaki Investment Management Limited, announced subsequently it had sold the farm in a "commercially superior" deal.
The NewZealandfarmer.co.nz speculates it is $300 million.
The case is back in court this week.
VDL is effectively owned by the New Plymouth District Council in New Zealand and the council’s interests are managed by Taranaki Investment Management Limited (TIML).
TasFoods Limited, formerly OnCard International Limited, has retained Allan Myers QC and Andrew Broadfoot of counsel, instructed by Norton Gledhill.
The Van Diemen’s Land Company has dairy operations in the far North-West of Tasmania with some 25 dairy farms. Thirteen of the farms are in Woolnorth and another 12 in other areas of Circular Head. It milks about 19,000 cows to produce between 90 and 100 million litres of milk, or 7.7 million kilograms of milk solids, a year.
There are about 150 staff employed on its own properties, including those share-farmed.
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Van Dieman's Land dairy sale dispute

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The marketing of Yougawalla Station in Western Australia's Kimberley is set to kick off after a decision by its owners' syndicate headed by media buyer Harold Mitchell and former Seven West Media director Doug Flynn.
The partners have appointed ANZ Banking Group and KPMG Corporate Finance to sell the 1.4 million hectare farm with 44,000 head of cattle with around $70 million tipped. It come with <a href="https://modscape.com.au/projects/kimberley/" target="_blank">Modscape’s sustainable residential designed home</a>.
ANZ's global head of advisory Martin Hanrahan alongside KPMG Corporate Finance partner Sam McClure have the sales task, according to The Australian Financial Review. The Australian suggest $80 million. Harold Mitchell bought Yougawalla in 2008 along with Doug Flynn and the Sale family who expect the Yougawalla sales process will not suffer the same fate at the S.Kidman sale given it does not own land critical to Australia's defence interests. 
Harold Mitchell has criticised Treasurer Scott Morrison's decision to block the sale of Australia's largest cattle property portfolio to foreign buyers calling on local investors to take a greater interest in the country's agricultural sector.
"There are real problems. It shouldn't be handled in this way," he told The Australian Financial Review. 
"We are short on capital and have been for a century and we rely on international co-operation." 
"I am confident that the government would allow us to proceed if the acquirer was a Chinese company or individual," he said.
"[However] they would be concerned if it was a state-owned enterprise but I think that's wrong. The Chinese economy is driven by state-owned enterprises and China is looking out to the world."
Chinese investment firm Genius Link Asset Management is believed to have been the highest bidder for Kidman after rival company Shanghai Pengxin made a $350 million bid for the company. 
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$70 million tipped for Yougawalla Station

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

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Wongawilli, the contemporary tin-clad Kangaloon weekender of architect Peter Stronach and interior designer Tim Allison, has sold.
It had been relisted through Ian Rayner Real Estate and Bob Guth at Bradfield Cleary who was seeking $1.8 million plus for the striking barn-like two-storey residence.
It sits on a 15 hectare parcel of land in Trig Station Lane, one of the most elevated precincts of the NSW Southern Highlands.
Designed by Stronach and then furnished by Tim Allison Associates, the three bedroom Wongawilli will be a weekender for a Mosman family.
Peter Stronach, principal at Allen Jack+Cottier, nears a 50 year career as an architect, with his numerous landmark design projects including Apple Headquarters in Frenchs Forest. 
The house won gold at NSW’s 2002 Green Building Awards given supremely low energy running costs of around just $500 a year with radical space-age insulation Astro-foil borrowed from NASA space suit technology sandwiched between the cladding and core.. 
“Our off-peak electricity, radiant solar heat and wood fired heater costs just $10 a week,” Stronach once boasted suggesting neighbouring properties were typically running up heating, cooling and lighting bills of more than $300 a week.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Wongawilli sold by Peter Stronach

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Karin Adcock, founder of jewellery chain Pandora Australia, sold her 1840s Tarana, NSW Bathurst district rural retreat, Mutton Falls which went to auction last weekend.
Set on nearly a hectare of Central Tablelands country garden in the Tarana Valley, about two and a half hours from Sydney, Adcock bought the property in 2010 with friends Jeanine and Sebastian Bardon for extended weekends away, paying $910,000 in 2011 from Dennis Danna. 
The Bardon's own retail business Bardon Design, which developed stores for the Danish jewellery brand.
<a href="https://uniqueestates.com.au/listings/residential_sale-326166-tarana/" target="_blank">Nicolette van Wijngaarden of Unique Estates</a> secured $1,035,000 for the restored and extended 1840s homestead with rammed earth and wattle daub timber facade.
Mutton Falls, accessed via an avenue of poplar trees, was built by Richard Mutton for the family, including sister Anne Webb who managed a general store on the main route to Bathurst. 
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Jeweller Karen Adcock sells Mutton Falls at Tarana

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Tongy Station, at Cassilis near Merriwa in northern NSW is under offer through Colliers International's Richard Royle.
The offer is being considered by the Victorian establishment Baillieu family who listed <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-mixed+farming-nsw-cassilis-7758509" target="_blank">the 4637-hectare station</a> with $20 million plus hopes.
Located on the banks of Talbragar River, the property features a sandstone homestead amid manicured gardens which has been their rural retreat for almost 100 years. 
Tongy dates to 1825, when former convict Richard Fitzgerald was granted freehold title of the property by Governor Bourke for his services to the colony through agricultural management. 
The Baillieu family bought the property in 1923 from Fitzgerald's five grand daughters. 
This Australian Dictionary of Biography described Richard Fitzgerald (1772-1840), convict, public servant and settler, as one of the most remarkable men to settle in early New South Wales. 
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Tongy Station, Merriwa under offer 

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The renowned Morningside property fronting the picturesque Goulburn River in Nagambie, one of Australia’s most successful thoroughbred breeding properties is on the market.
Shane McIntyre at Colliers International National Director of Rural &amp; Agribusiness, has been appointed to sell <a href="https://morningsidepastoral.weebly.com" target="_blank">Morningside</a>.
The 362ha holding has bred, trained or educated over 35 Group 1 winners, including two Melbourne Cups, having been developed by equine veterinary expert Dr Bill Burns.
There is a four-bedroom homestead is surrounded by sweeping lawns overlooking an ornamental lake.
<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/2015/10/12/700_morn.jpg" alt="" width="591" height="359">
Its improvements including stables, undercover day yards, cattle yards, horse conditioner, machinery and hay shedding complete the purpose-built infrastructure.
There is 6km of Goulburn River frontage.
Offers close October 30.
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Morningside, Nagambie thoroughbred stud listed 

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The boutique Quorrobolong, Hunter Valley broodmare farm of Brett and Rachael Howard has been listed after the bloodstock industry couple recently purchased Coronation Park in nearby Mount Vincent.
Their existing 20 hectare Sandy Creek property has been listed through Shelly Jurd of Jurds Real Estate some six years after commencing their specialist broodmare farm. 
Over the past six seasons the <a href="https://jurds.com.au/listings/rural_sale-445705-quorrobolong/" target="_blank">farm with views to the Watagan Mountain</a> range across irrigated pastures, has walked out well over 100 mares to the Upper Hunter stallion farms such as Arrowfield, Coolmore, Widden and Yarraman Park, managing to get over 90% of the mares in foal.
“I am not aware of any other properties of its size, containing this amount of horse infrastructure, irrigated pastures, plus with two houses and its lifestyle features, priced under $2 million,” she said.
Brett Howard set up Randwick Bloodstock Agency in 1987, buying the farm in 2006.
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Boutique Hunter Valley broodmare farm listed

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The London based M.P. Evans Group has sold its 31,000 hectare cattle-fattening property Woodlands, near Westmar in Queensland, for $28 million to the Fucheng Group.
The sale is conditional on Foreign Investment Review Board approval.
The group's core strategy is to continue to expand its oil-palm areas in Indonesia, in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. 
Its statement to the London Stock Exchange, M.P. Evans, advised its board determined some time ago, for strategic reasons, to sell Woodlands but significant interest in the property had only developed in recent months further to the sharp strengthening of the cattle market.
Woodlands reported a farm profit for the year ended 31 December 2014 of US$0.2 million.
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