In a move that aligns with NSW's accelerated planning incentives for affordable housing, developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/the-one-collection">One Collection</a> has revised its Hills District apartment plans, and taken it to the NSW Government, to secure approval.

The developer, which is currently delivering Horizon Hurstville, is seeking to add 80 more apartments to its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-castle-hill-16-dawes-avenue-nsw-2154">Castle Hill development</a> near Castle Towers. They already have approval for 280 apartments across eight six-storey buildings.

<img alt="One Collection" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3c298ba-1cc5-4db7-9872-607c75f8ceca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=wN9KpFIu5ENSGZLLsaZgXQHrXcwEO3Vd" />

Now on the desks of the NSW Department of Planning is 360 apartments, 48 of which will be dedicated to affordable housing.&nbsp;Affordable housing is to be “fully integrated within the building and visually indistinguishable,” according to the planning submission.

The 15,697 sqm block, an amalgamation of 16 sites, spans across Dawes Avenue, Hughes Avenue, and Camdan Crescent, sits 550m from Hills Showground Metro Station.&nbsp;

"The existing context is quickly changing from free-standing homes into residential flat buildings in line with the Hills Showground Precinct planning framework," Place Studio noted.

<img alt="Castle Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ec24948-c185-48fa-af8b-ed25adf302bf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.04%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zNDX.IeRROX1RlDeYcS38xn8w_dqgU2t" />

They said the design was informed by the site's unique condition of having three street frontages and was developed to to respond sensitively to iots surrounding context.

"The design adopted a conventional perpendicular alignment to the primary street frontage. The massing of the development was carefully modulated to align with the evolving character of the neighbourhood. The design ensured that the scale was not excessive or out of context, but instead contributed to a cohesive urban form consistent with emerging developments in the area."

<img alt="Castle Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f83ffdaa-f960-469d-b6fe-abcece57c9ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.09%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4oKlCyfaKes7jLi1_EMoqa46w2h_YvDZ" />

The apartment mix will be 46 one-beds, 168 two-bed apartments, and 146 three-bedroom units, with 631 parking spaces proposed.

Along the street frontages, the building heights are four storeys with a 7.5 metre setback, and eight storeys with an 11.5 metre setback. It should cost about $150 million to build.

One Collection works hand-in-hand with the respected development and construction firm Masscon, which has built a reputation for leveraging its expertise in the built environment to take on developments others can't. That's what they're achieving at Horizon Hurstville, having taken over the project to deliver it.

Joel Robinson

First look: One Collection advances plans for Castle Hill apartments

At Yarra’s Edge, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a>’s newest tower under construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trielle-at-yarra-s-edge-docklands-16-point-park-crescent-docklands-vic-3008">Trielle</a>, sets a new benchmark for elevated living. Rising 45 storeys, 12.5 metres from the Yarra River, the landmark building offers residents access to a private wellness retreat and spa, a resident-only golf simulator, and an elegant lounge, dining and bar complete with a self-playing piano, all without ever having to leave home.

Now, that sense of elevation has reached new heights with the Aerus Sub-Penthouses, a limited release of half-floor riverfront residences on the Collins St axis where the sought-after street meets the Yarra River.

Each Aerus Sub-Penthouse, located across levels 42 and 43, represents the most expansive offering within Trielle, aside from the yet-to-be-revealed crowning penthouses. Spanning between 269 and 301 sqm, these residences are designed to capture natural light and uninterrupted views of the city skyline, Yarra River, and Port Phillip Bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114216 project_image_fid=3784]

Among the collection are three-bedroom sub penthouses, complemented by a media room, and expansive four-bedroom layouts. All include panoramic living areas and oversized master suites with luxury ensuites reminiscent of a five-star hotel, complemented by dedicated dressing rooms finished in timber and natural stone.

The interiors have been crafted by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mirvac-design">Mirvac Design</a>, the developer’s award-winning in-house architecture and design team. Every material has been chosen for quality and longevity, from sculpted stone island benches with feature soft wash LED lighting to bespoke joinery and chevron timber oak flooring.

Kitchens are fitted with a BORA induction cooktop with integrated downdraft extractor, alongside Gaggenau appliances, including a fridge, freezer, and wine fridge. The adjoining butler’s pantry incorporates the exclusive Gaggenau Minimalistic Series including oven, steam oven, microwave, coffee machine and warming drawer, all concealed behind handleless glass panels for a clean, integrated presentation. Bathrooms feature custom Apaisar freestanding baths and basins and natural stone benchtops, continuing Mirvac’s design emphasis on tactile, timeless materials.&nbsp;

<img alt="Trielle at Yarra's Edge, Docklands" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c00be724-b0f1-47c0-afed-54f829870704" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Aerus%20sub-penthouse.png?VersionId=Uktd61kpLSqNjwJeDFs7IaZ3xgLlDQmu" />

Michael Wiener, Design Director at Mirvac, says The Aerus Sub-Penthouse embodies the apex of Mirvac’s design ethos.

“Moving through your home is like walking on air - a private sanctuary where the craftsmanship is refined, the proportions generous, and the flow so effortless, you feel completely at ease in the sky,” Wiener says.

“In Aerus, we wanted to create a sense of weightlessness - a home that feels suspended in the skyline, full of light, grounded in luxury.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114216 project_image_fid=3777]

The Aerus Sub-Penthouses are expected to attract a mix of local and international buyers seeking a long-term residence of scale and quality in a riverfront setting, from returning expats to established families and business owners who value privacy, craftsmanship, and convenience within walking distance of the CBD.

With an unmatched suite of amenities, Trielle is the most extensively appointed development Mirvac has created to date at Yarra’s Edge. Within the tower will be The Oasis, a 900 sqm podium rooftop wellness retreat designed in collaboration with spa expert Naomi Gregory. Located seven storeys above the Yarra River promenade, it features a 25-metre lap pool, spa and sauna, hot magnesium spa, biophilic gym, yoga and Pilates studio, cold-pail contrast treatment, and day spa treatment rooms. Further amenities include a piano lounge, bookable dining room, cinema room, golf simulator studio, games room, teppanyaki bar, dog wash bay, and two flexible work hubs, The Biblioteca library and Mills Place office space, catering to residents’ evolving lifestyle needs.

Construction of the $350 million tower is underway through Mirvac’s in-house construction arm, with completion anticipated for mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114216]

Sky-high sanctuaries: Mirvac unveils The Aerus sub-penthouses at Trielle

<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]

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

South East Queensland

Carly Cottam, Founder and CEO of MOTIV, offers valuable insights for buyers considering off-the-plan properties in South-East Queensland. As a respected leader in the property development community in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Carly’s expertise provides practical advice for making informed decisions in the current market.

<h3>The MOTIV Difference</h3>

MOTIV, established four years ago, has swiftly made a name for itself by bridging the gap between in-house and agency sales teams. Carly explains that this hybrid model provides developers with the control of an in-house team and the broad market perspective of an external agency. For buyers, this translates to working with a team that has comprehensive industry knowledge and a wide view of various projects, ensuring a more informed and balanced perspective.

<h3>Benefits to Buyers</h3>

One of the key advantages of partnering with a company like MOTIV is the unbiased and experienced market feedback they provide. Carly notes that consumers today are more educated and discerning than ever before, often doing extensive research before making any property decisions. This informed approach is supported by MOTIV’s deep industry insights, helping buyers understand how different projects stack up against each other and what factors are most important in their decision-making process.

&lt;iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hjUPgZsdg8M?si=63cP4enM4ktCRi0o" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;

<h3>Importance of Due Diligence</h3>

Carly emphasizes the importance of due diligence for anyone considering an off the plan property purchase. Buyers are encouraged to research developers thoroughly and ensure they are partnered with experienced professionals like property lawyers and financial brokers. MOTIV assists buyers in this process, ensuring they have the necessary support and information to make confident decisions.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134197 project_image_fid=217320]

<h3>Early Engagement with Developers</h3>

For developers, engaging with project marketers like MOTIV early in the process is crucial. Carly highlights that initial workshops with the developer’s team, including designers and creative agencies, are vital to understanding the project’s context, target demographics, and overall feasibility. This early involvement ensures that the sales and marketing strategies are aligned with the project’s goals and funding requirements, setting the stage for a successful launch.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112276 project_image_fid=211187]

<h3>Navigating Construction Challenges</h3>

Given the current construction climate in Queensland, exacerbated by the upcoming Olympics and significant infrastructure projects, securing a builder can be a challenge. Carly advises buyers to inquire about the developer’s relationships with builders and any existing agreements or intentions. Understanding the developer’s track record and their approach to securing construction services is essential in assessing the viability of a project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138199 project_image_fid=257204]

Carly emphasizes the importance of due diligence for anyone considering an off the plan property purchase

Michael Bird

What off the plan buyers need to ask agents: Carly Cottam, Founder and CEO of MOTIV

South East Queensland’s housing market is set to buckle under the pressure of a 52 per cent increase in annual dwellings needed to accommodate an estimated population boom of two million new residents by 2046.

That's the stark reality facing the growing region of Queensland, according to the latest RPM SEQ Market Update.

The report, which zeroes in on the South East Queensland Regional Plan’s estimates that 863,600 new dwellings are needed by 2046 – or approximately 34,500 homes a year – to meet the estimated population growth, concludes that the recently released Draft SEQ Regional Plan by the state government does not provide the framework to meet this target.

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The RPM report notes that South East Queensland historically averages around 22,778 residential lot registrations per year and, of that number, units made up 40 per cent, adding that if the region is to meet the housing demand target, a substantial 52 per cent increase in the production of new dwellings is needed.

While the SEQ Regional Plan has intensified its focus on building up rather than out, RPM’s Queensland Managing Director Clinton Trezise says high-density infill projects within the urban footprint are struggling to stack up as an affordable option due to a blowout in construction costs.

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“Historically, Queensland has not been able to achieve the level of construction needed to meet the future demand for housing,” Trezise said,

“The closest we have ever come is 33,821 new dwellings built in the 2017 financial year when Brisbane was experiencing an apartment boom. With the cost pressures on high-rise apartments not going away any time soon, going up rather than out is not going to provide the needed supply and certainly not affordable supply of new dwellings.”

“This massive shortage of supply has fed into significantly higher prices for vacant land over the past financial year, with the median settled land price across the region surging 12 per cent to $340,000,” said Mr Trezise.

Logan emerged as the dominant land provider in the market, accounting for one-third of all settled sales last financial year with the 1,323 sales recorded surpassing all other local government areas.&nbsp;

Ipswich accounted for 15 per cent of sales, followed by Brisbane (12 per cent), Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay (at 11 per cent each).&nbsp;

The Gold Coast, with limited land supply, represented only 3 per cent of the total land sales for the year.

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The RPM report has found land prices have grown rapidly in regional areas due to supply constraints, defying the market headwinds from higher interest rates.

Trezise said supply issues were proving to be counter-productive in enhancing affordability in regional areas of South East Queensland.

“The government and councils need to facilitate more land for greenfield developments if the affordability issue is to be addressed,” he said.

“Unfortunately, this is at odds with the latest SEQ Regional Plan which has increased the emphasis on high-density infill developments throughout the region.”

The Draft 2023 SEQ Regional Plan has shifted its dwelling growth ratio from 60/40 in 2017 (60 per cent in infill areas and 40 per cent in greenfield areas) to 70/30 in 2023.&nbsp;

“While there is merit in this strategy to leverage off existing urban infrastructure, especially in Brisbane with the level of public infrastructure being provided for the Olympic Games, this should not be a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Mr Trezise.

The 70/30 ratio mirrors the urban development policies of Sydney and Melbourne, but according to the RPM Report this approach will fail to address the short-term and medium-term supply issues faced by the South East Queensland region.

“Land is not getting developed fast enough by the current SEQ Regional Plan with complex approval processes, land constraints and lack of needed infrastructure meaning seemingly developable land cannot be unlocked to facilitate supply or simply supply cannot be developed fast enough,” said Mr Trezise.

“The reality is that adequate affordable supply is not going to come from apartments because of the cost constraints to build and affordability to buy are impacting the sector.

“While the ‘build up rather than out’ approach aims to maximise existing infrastructure for new housing, historically, the heavy lifting for new housing supply in South East Queensland traditionally has been done by greenfield land developments.

“South East Queensland currently needs to increase the output of dwellings by 52 per cent to meet demand. The only way to meet this demand quickly, and to address affordability, is to release more land.”&nbsp;

Trezise said more greenfield developments with smaller lot sizes can deliver a diversity of product, such as townhouse and terrace homes on smaller land sizes in the low to mid-$500,000 range.

“The clear message from the data in this report is that affordable housing is becoming less affordable because of restrictions on supply,” he said.

“The current lack of infrastructure in place to keep up with demand means we currently lack the horsepower required to increase land production to the extent that is needed. The state government needs to step in and open up more land for housing while looking at the infrastructure requirements to ensure it can be developed.”

Dwelling supply needs to double to accommodate two million people by 2046

Urban Editorial

A shortfall in housing in South East Queensland good news for off the plan buyers

Ten years of intense investment and premium growth - that&rsquo;s what the Olympics means to South-East Queensland real estate.

Confirmation that Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympics is a game-changer for the economies and property markets of South-East Queensland &ndash; and the state generally.

Property prices and rents are already rising in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106752 project_image_fid=169996]

Coast but the Olympics announcement will turbocharge markets throughout the region.

Spending on major new infrastructure has been pivotal in generating economic activity, jobs and real estate demand in SEQ in the past year &ndash; but the prospect of hosting the Olympics in

10 years&rsquo; time will generate an elevated program of investment and development.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102309 project_image_fid=163977]

The real estate industry tends to spruik a property boom after a major event like the Olympics but all the evidence suggests that the greatest impact for property markets occurs in the lead- up to the event, not in the aftermath.

History shows that major international sporting carnivals generate big growth beforehand.

The Sydney Olympics in 2000 and the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in 2018 provide templates for how these big events impact local economies and property markets.

The years leading up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast saw increased real estate activity, thanks to the rising levels of construction of infrastructure and facilities, the jobs this generated and the consequent demand for real estate accommodation.

There were similar outcomes around the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

The Olympics announcement also creates increased media focus on the SEQ region and the affordable lifestyle it offers. And it starts now &ndash; and will extend over the next 10 years.

As a consequence, the next decade will be a period of out-performance for real estate across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast in particular.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515]

PIPA chairman Peter Koulizos has commented on what the 2032 Olympic Games may mean for the Brisbane property market.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Research shows that residential property prices do perform better as a result of an Olympic Games,&quot;&nbsp;he says.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&ldquo;A study on six host cities, from Los Angeles in 1984 to Sydney in 2000, suggests that the impact on the economy and residential property prices is not even. It depends on the planning and the scale of the Olympic investment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&ldquo;Research on the London Olympics showed that areas close to Olympic facilities increased in value by 2% to 5% higher than other areas.&nbsp;

&ldquo;An investigation on the impact of the Sydney Olympics on the residential property market found that the markets of host suburbs experienced substantially higher growth during the bidding and pre-Olympic periods, but not after the Olympics were held.&nbsp;

&ldquo;PIPA has conducted research into Sydney&rsquo;s residential property prices pre- and post- Olympics that shows that from the time the announcement was made in September 1993 to the Olympics being held, Sydney was one of the best performing capital cities. However, post-Olympics, the rate of growth decreased significantly.&nbsp; &ldquo;Based on our research and analysis, it is obvious that Brisbane and South-East Queensland will benefit from hosting the Olympic Games.

&ldquo;However, the benefits will vary depending on the location of Olympic facilities and the new infrastructure to be built, especially infrastructure that will better link the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast to Brisbane.&rdquo;

Ten years of intense investment and premium growth - that’s what the Olympics means to South-East Queensland real estate

terryryder

What does the Olympics means to South-East Queensland real estate? Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

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Sunshine Coast developer Cube Developments has achieved a near-sellout success across three of its projects totalling $132 million.

Of the three projects, <a href="/buildings/beach-life-alex-118-120-alexandra-parade-alexandra-headland">Beach Life Alex</a> (pictured) - a $70 million project opposite Alexandra Headland Beach - has seen 30 per cent of its stock snapped up by Melbourne and Sydney purchasers who are looking for a permanent sea change.

Some units are still available including three-bedroom, two bathroom units priced at $1.465 million.

Another development, Allura Coolum which comprises 43 residences, is now a sell-out success after Covid sped up sales in the past six months, while <a href="/buildings/one-prosperity-1-prosperity-drive-birtinya">One Prosperity</a> also has no residences remaining across its 50 residences.

A two bedroom unit in One Prosperity was priced around $495,000 while a three bedroom apartment sold for around $595,000. 

Director of Cube Developments Scott Juniper said around 30 per cent of purchasers across the company’s portfolio have come from outside South East Queensland, with majority of purchasers being owner-occupiers who feel the location is superior to where they’re currently living.

He said, while the borders were closed, Cube Developments successfully sold 15 of its residences virtually via Zoom with buyers choosing to make a decision site unseen; and now that borders are open across the country, Scott said he is expecting even greater demand.

Cube Developments also has land estates throughout South East Queensland, including Woombye, Palmwoods, Bli Bli, Rosemount and Forest Glen.

Now, they are set to market Nature, an 8-storey Cottee Parker-designed project in Cotton Tree that will be home to 13 boutique residences. Each will boast views over the water and have access to a host of amenities including a 25-metre lap pool, gym, steam room and spa, private dining room and a wine room. It will open for expressions of interest later this month.
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Director of Cube Developments Scott Juniper said around 30 per cent of purchasers across the company’s portfolio have come from outside South East Queensland

urban.com.au

Cube Developments records near sell-out success across three South East Queensland developments

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Multi-award winning building company Choice Homes is a market leader specialising in turnkey housing design and construction.
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Choice Homes is active in select South East Queensland hotspots such as the Gold Coast, Logan, Brisbane, Ipswich and Beaudesert, as well as the major resource industry hub of Mackay.
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The company’s well-planned growth has continued through 2018 and into 2019, hallmarked by consistent job starts, outstanding sales results and significant award recognition.
In 2018 alone, Choice Homes has sold out stages at The Highlands and Camelot in Coomera, commenced 350 builds in South East Queensland and Mackay, and brought to market many new stages in key Choice Homes estates.
Over the years, Choice Homes has won many awards and in 2018 added to the trophy cabinet by winning the Apartment Complex of the Year in the HIA Gold Coast and Northern Rivers
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Housing Awards. They were also awarded 19th place in the Gold Coast Top Companies 2018.
The company also launched new display homes at Camelot in Coomera and at Royal Sands in Mackay, and has more display homes planned across its properties. Choice Homes’ first apartment project—101 Pohlman Street, Southport—has since sold out, and planning is well underway for a brand new apartment development, with release scheduled for 2020.
Behind this outstanding market success is a 26-year-old family-owned company that has executed strategic expansion into several complementary real estate and development businesses.
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Each addition to the Choice group of companies has become a success story in its own right, while simultaneously bolstering client service and satisfaction.
MPM Property Sales and Management, for example, a standalone real estate and property management company, has an office at Parkwood on the Gold Coast, one in Ipswich and a third office which has recently opened at the booming suburb of Pimpama, each staffed by professional sales and property management teams.
As some parts of Australia’s property market have begun to cool down, South East Queensland and the highly sought-after growth corridor between the Gold Coast and Brisbane are selling at a strong and reliable rate. This is where you will find Choice Homes’ premier land developments, next to the billions of dollars’ worth of key infrastructure and employment hubs.
2019 will see Choice Homes continue to create industry-leading homes to satisfy the strong demand across Queensland’s key growth markets.
Following 26 years’ proven performance as one of Queensland’s premier builders, Choice Homes has secured an enviable land supply from key residential developers in Queensland and northern NSW.
Choice Homes continues to be a strong contributor to the community. It sponsors and supports a number of business, sporting and community-based initiatives each and every year and will continue to do so into the future.
To download Choice Homes Urban Appeal 2019 magazine, <a href="https://www.choicehomes.com.au/estate/sovereign-estate" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Who are Choice Homes?

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The South East Queensland (SEQ) land market experienced its strongest monthly sales in more than five years in June with the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder scheme and State Government grants underpinning buyer demand. 
Total land sales in June were 1,110, compared to 273 in April – more than 400 percent increase.
Prices remained relatively stable during the quarter, falling 0.8 percent to a median price of $248,000 compared to the March quarter.
In the 12 months to the end of June, prices rose 1.5 percent. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/8/20/SEQ%20LGA%20Median%20prices.JPG" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>:
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/8/20/SEQ%20LGA%20Median%20prices.JPG" alt="">
In terms of sales in each region, Moreton Bay moved into the top spot in the South East Queensland land market, taking 26 percent market share. For the first time since March 2016, neither Logan nor Ipswich have claimed the largest portion of sales. 
Logan managed to push Ipswich to third place and achieved 24.9 percent of sales while Ipswich collected 24.7 percent, only a handful of sales separated the two regions. This is the first time that Ipswich has been outside of the top two since early 2015.
After dropping to just 273 sales across the south east in April as lockdowns closed sales offices and dented economic confidence, the market roared back to achieve 1,110 sales in June.
The total number of sales for the June quarter was 1,910, up from 1,518 in the March quarter and the strongest quarterly sales since December 2017. 
The data was compiled by Oliver Hume Research by analysing nearly 2,000 transactions across more than 150 projects across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay and Redland local government areas. 
Oliver Hume National Head of Research George Bougias said the HomeBuilder grant, combined with record low interest rates, was driving the demand from first and second home buyers. 
“Despite the Coronavirus shutdowns and their economic impact, there are still plenty of buyers with stable incomes who are more than happy to take advantage of the numerous grants and incentives available,” he said. 
“These are the right incentives at the right time and will keep thousands of tradies in jobs as homes begin to spring up on these blocks in the next few months.
“The first half of 2019 was a tough time for the SEQ land market but there was a solid recovery underway towards the end of the year and right up until the lockdowns commenced in the final two weeks of March,” he said. 
"With the restrictions lifted and the great incentives in place the pent-up demand is returning.” 
The $25,000 HomeBuilder grant combined with $15,000 first home buyer grant from the State Government, means eligible buyers can access $40,000 to help them get on the property ladder. Other incentives, including the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS), can save buyers thousands more on top of the grants.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

South East Queensland land market has strongest sales in five years with HomeBuilder scheme

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Houses in southeast Queensland are enjoying higher demand and improved capital growth as buyer confidence rises.
According to the latest RiskWise Property Research Risks &amp; Opportunities Report, housing finance in Queensland is showing signs of improvement with an increase of 16.9 per cent since February 2019 after a reduction of 7.7 per cent relative to August 2018.
At this stage only modest (i.e. 3-5%) price growth is expected with the likelihood for strong (i.e. double digits) price increase low.
While the Sydney and Melbourne markets were experiencing continued (while improving) issues in relation to housing unaffordability, southeast Queensland enjoyed a more stable market, good population growth and healthy rental returns, making it attractive to both home buyers and property investors.
However, he said while houses were enjoying a resurgence in demand, this was not the case for units.
Units in Queensland, particularly in high-supply areas and other places where the demand for units is consistently low (and houses enjoy strong popularity as a dwelling alternative), also carry a higher level of risk.
One of the reasons for this is because the demand for units among owner-occupiers is low.
Also, in addition to APRA’s lending restrictions, units in some suburbs are also subject to voluntary lending restrictions by major lenders, such as lower loan-to-value ratio due to oversupply.
Units in inner-city Brisbane have the highest level of risk with a very large number of properties in the pipeline and increased rates of defaults for those bought off-the-plan. In fact, many areas with oversupply have been labelled 'danger zones' by lenders and also have low sales volumes.
Mr Peleg said with many of these over-supply areas also presenting a major financing barrier due to requirements for large deposits, in particular off-the-plan units, there was a high level of risk that should be further assessed based on the absorption of the current supply into the market in the next two years and the reduction in commencements.
He said the impact in the short to medium term would be gradually mitigated by a reduction in these dwelling commencements alongside strong population growth.
Mr Peleg noted that the Queensland market greatly varied between high and low-performing areas and special attention should be given to the different job markets across the state, particularly since the unemployment rate had risen from 5.9 per cent in April to 6.5 per cent in October.
This is especially the case in the mining towns in Central and North Queensland, that generally experience low demand, versus houses in popular beachside suburbs on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast that have delivered strong capital growth.
It is important to remember that a softer employment market is well connected with low population growth, lower demand for dwellings and price reductions.
The risk associated with the Queensland market should be monitored closely at the SA4 level, as deteriorating employment conditions are likely to have a significant negative impact on dwelling prices.
The mining towns still present a relatively higher investment risk due to a very large proportion of investors with negative equity and insufficient growth drivers since the end of the boom.
DORON PELEG is the CEO at RiskWise
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Positive outlook for southeast Queensland's housing market in 2020: RiskWise's Doron Peleg

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<div>A 2.33 hectare block of land has been sold to a south east Queensland project developer and builder for $6.4 million.</div>
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<div>Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-residential+land-qld-taigum-202087566" target="_blank">281-295 Handford Road, Taigum</a>, the cleared, elevated site has access to water and sewerage infrastructure and is in close proximity to local shopping, education, recreation and public transport facilities.</div>
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<div>The deal was jointly brokered by the Ray White Special Projects Queensland team of Mark Creevey and Tony Williams.</div>
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<div>Mr Creevey said the land sold following a six-week expressions of interest campaign and enquiries were high.</div>
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<div>“Throughout the process we had 70 enquiries, and at the close of the expressions of interest period, we had eight strong offers to consider,” he said.</div>
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<div>“With the site ripe for development and being only 14.5 km north of Brisbane CBD, we’re pleased to see that so many people appreciated the opportunity that was on offer.”</div>
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<div>Mr Williams said while the site was originally approved for 104 x 3 bedroom townhouses, there was interest in the site for a variety of potential development outcomes.</div>
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<div>“Despite the townhouses being aimed towards the investment sector, there was also strong interest from the market from groups seeking to undertake a variety of other residential uses, including lower density townhouse development, land subdivision and retirement/aged care,” he said.</div>
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<div>“The strong level of enquiry is evidence of the continued demand for approved residential in-fill sites in the Brisbane City Council LGA.”</div>
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Approved Taigum development site sells for $6.4M

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A Queensland entrepreneur has launched a website to display all data, zoning and council plans of a property within South East Queensland.
Developer Alex Steffan, pictured above, said the <a href="https://propertease.com.au/" target="_blank">PropertEASE</a> website features development possibilities such as subdividing, units, rezoning, height restriction by typing in your address.
“In a just a few seconds, PropertEASE supplies all the complex council information in an easy-to-read report," Steffan said.
“Until now property owners have had to deal with the council, which can be very tedious, or contact a town planner, which can be expensive. 
“I’ve spent the last three years accumulating all the council data - zonings, planning data, every bit of information regarding a property is now all on one website.
“It’s for everyone interested in property, home owners, buyers, sellers, developers, real estate agents - with PropertEASE you have a town planner’s knowledge at your fingertips.    
“Most owners have no idea where to start or what questions to ask when it comes to their property."
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South East Queensland

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