The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 41-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 41-storey tower, which has 229 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Sqm Research

<html><body>
National residential property listings decreased by four per cent in September, according to SQM Research.
They dropped from 325,693 to 312,754 over the month, a surprise given listings generally pick up over spring.
Compared to 12 months ago, listings were down nearly seven per cent.
Louis Christopher, Managing Director of SQM Research said September’s decline in listings was an abnormal result.
"Listings normally rise for the first month of the spring selling season," Christopher noted.
"New listings did rise. It's just that older listings recorded a large decline. It suggests stock is being absorbed at a quicker rate.
<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/2019/10/2/Stock%20on%20market%20SQM.jpg" alt=""> Source: SQM Research
"Turning to Sydney, the evidence, by way of the fall in listings, the rise in auction clearance rates and the accelerated rise in asking prices, all suggest that the city has indeed entered into a new housing boom. 
"Melbourne is not that far behind the mark as well. I think we can expect to record rapid rises in dwelling prices for our two largest cities at least in the December quarter and likely beyond.”  
The lack of listings was felt the most in Hobart, a decrease of 6.4 per cent over September.
Melbourne and Perth both saw listings dwindle by 5.8 per cent over the month, with New South Wales at a 5.7 per cent decrease.
The lowest decrease was Canberra. Their listings declined 1.1 per cent.
Sydney's listings declined the most year on year, down 20 per cent. Perth and Darwin recorded a nine per cent yearly decrease. 
 
  
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Property listings record abnormal decrease over September: SQM

<html><body>
The national residential rental vacancy rate increased in June to 2.3%, an increase from 2.2% in May, according to data from SQM Research.
The total number of vacancies Australia-wide is now at 78,690, an increase of 3,597 over the month and up 2,933 dwellings over the past 12 months. 
The rise was driven by Sydney, where vacancy rates have risen to 3.5%, the highest they have been since 2005. There are now nearly 25,000 vacant dwellings in the capital.
Melbourne also recorded a 0.2% increase over the month, taking their rental vacancy to 2%.
Darwin was the only capital city to record a decrease of 0.2% to 3.1% in vacancy rates. The only other capital with a vacancy rate over 3% is Perth (3.2%).
Hobart’s vacancy rate remains steady at 0.5% and continues to record the lowest in the country with just 161 vacancies.
<table style="width: 99%;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="12%">
City
</td>
<td width="13%">
June 2018 Vacancies
</td>
<td width="15%">
June 2018 Vacancy Rate
</td>
<td width="14%">
May 2019 Vacancies
</td>
<td width="14%">
May 2019 Vacancy Rate
</td>
<td width="14%">
June 2019 Vacancies
</td>
<td width="14%">
June 2019 Vacancy Rate
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="12%">
Sydney
</td>
<td nowrap width="13%">
19,572 
</td>
<td nowrap width="15%">
2.8%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
23,796 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
3.3%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
24,931 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
3.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="12%">
Melbourne
</td>
<td nowrap width="13%">
9,035 
</td>
<td nowrap width="15%">
1.6%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
10,349 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
1.8%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
11,720 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
2.0%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="12%">
Brisbane
</td>
<td nowrap width="13%">
9,886 
</td>
<td nowrap width="15%">
3.0%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
8,133 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
2.4%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
8,526 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
2.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="12%">
Perth
</td>
<td nowrap width="13%">
8,426 
</td>
<td nowrap width="15%">
4.1%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
6,457 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
3.1%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
6,732 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
3.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="12%">
Adelaide
</td>
<td nowrap width="13%">
2,726 
</td>
<td nowrap width="15%">
1.5%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
2,126 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
1.1%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
2,310 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
1.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="12%">
Canberra
</td>
<td nowrap width="13%">
565 
</td>
<td nowrap width="15%">
0.9%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
785 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
1.2%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
847 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
1.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="12%">
Darwin
</td>
<td nowrap width="13%">
1,062 
</td>
<td nowrap width="15%">
3.5%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
1,038 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
3.3%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
965 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
3.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="12%">
Hobart
</td>
<td nowrap width="13%">
221 
</td>
<td nowrap width="15%">
0.7%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
143 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
0.5%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
161 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
0.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="12%">
National
</td>
<td nowrap width="13%">
75,757 
</td>
<td nowrap width="15%">
2.3%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
75,093 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
2.2%
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
78,690 
</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">
2.3%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: SQM Research 
Managing Director of SQM Research, Louis Christopher said, “The increase in rental vacancies in June tends to be a seasonal rise for the start of winter however Sydney’s increases goes beyond seasonal factors and so our expectation remains that Sydney will reach a 4% vacancy rate before 2019 is completed.”
“Melbourne is also likely to record more rises in rental vacancies as newly completed dwellings purchased as ‘off-the-plan’ in the last boom, enter the rental market now.” 
“In spite of the rise in vacancies this month, Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart’s rental market is in favour for landlords as in these cities have also recorded moderate increases in asking rents for the month and continue to record muted dwelling completions.” 
Asking Rents
Capital city asking rents declined 0.4% for houses but remained steady for units for the week ending 12 July 2019 to record asking rents of $551 per week for houses and $441 per week for units.  
In comparison, over the 12 months, asking rents for houses increased 0.4% but declined 0.7% for units.
Sydney and Melbourne’s asking rents for houses and units both declined in July. Sydney rents dropped 0.5% for houses and 0.2% for units to 12 July and Melbourne’s drop was 0.9% for houses and 0.2% for units.  
Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart were the only states to experience increases in weekly rents for both houses and units.
Adelaide’s house rents increased 1.1% and units by 0.4%, Brisbane’s house rents increased by 1.0% units increased by 0.7%.
Hobart’s house rents increased 3.6% and units increased by 4.9% (the highest among all states)
<div align="center">
<table style="width: 426px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="6" valign="top" width="426">
SQM Research Weekly Rents Index
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" width="169">
Week ending:  12 July 2019
</td>
<td width="49">
Rent
</td>
<td width="67">
Change on prev week
</td>
<td width="83">
Rolling month % change
</td>
<td width="59">
12 month % change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="98">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_rent_weeks.php?region=nsw-Sydney&amp;type=c&amp;t=1" target="_blank">Sydney</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
685.9
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
2.1  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
-0.5%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
-3.3%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
501.7
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
-0.7  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
-0.2%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
-3.8%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="98">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_rent_weeks.php?region=vic-Melbourne&amp;type=c&amp;t=1" target="_blank">Melbourne</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
534.9
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
-0.9  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
-0.9%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
2.4%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
423.2
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
0.8  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
-0.2%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
2.8%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="98">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_rent_weeks.php?region=qld-Brisbane&amp;type=c&amp;t=1" target="_blank">Brisbane</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
464.5
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
1.5  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
1.0%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
2.8%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
374.6
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
0.4  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
0.7%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
1.1%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="98">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_rent_weeks.php?region=wa-Perth&amp;type=c&amp;t=1" target="_blank">Perth</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
435.7
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
-3.7  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
-2.9%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
2.6%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
339.3
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
1.7  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
0.9%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
4.1%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="98">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_rent_weeks.php?region=sa-Adelaide&amp;type=c&amp;t=1" target="_blank">Adelaide</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
399.9
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
0.1  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
1.1%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
4.4%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
309.7
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
0.3  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
0.4%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
3.4%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="98">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_rent_weeks.php?region=act-Canberra&amp;type=c&amp;t=1" target="_blank">Canberra</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
624.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
-2.0  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
0.9%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
-1.1%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
461.5
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
0.5  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
-0.2%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
5.0%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="98">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_rent_weeks.php?region=nt-Darwin&amp;type=c&amp;t=1" target="_blank">Darwin</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
527.8
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
-0.8  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
3.0%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
-2.4%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
369.3
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
1.7  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
-0.4%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
-8.8%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="98">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_rent_weeks.php?region=tas-Hobart&amp;type=c&amp;t=1" target="_blank">Hobart</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
450.6
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
9.4  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
3.6%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
13.0%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
407.8
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
4.2  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
4.9%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
17.4%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="98">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_rent_weeks.php?national=1&amp;t=1" target="_blank">National</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
442.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
1.0  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
0.2%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
2.3%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
368.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
2.0  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
-0.5%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
3.7%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="98">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_rent_weeks.php?avg=1&amp;t=1" target="_blank">Cap City Average</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
551.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
2.0  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
-0.4%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
0.4%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
441.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
 0.0  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="83">
0.0%
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
-0.7%  
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Source:<a href="http://www.sqmresearch.com.au/" target="_blank">www.sqmresearch.com.au</a>
Key Points
<ul>
<li>National residential vacancy rates increased in June 2019 to 2.3%, an increase from 2.2% in May</li>
<li>Sydney has recorded the highest of all capital cities at 3.5% vacancy rate, and a decrease in weekly rents of 0.5% for houses and 0.2% for units.</li>
<li>Hobart’s vacancy rate remains steady at 0.5% and continues to record the lowest vacancy rate in the country.</li>
<li>Capital city asking rents declined 0.4% for houses but remained steady for units for the week ending 12 July 2019 to record asking rents of $551 per week for houses and $441 per week for units.  </li>
</ul>
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

National vacancy rates increase marginally in June: SQM Research

<html><body>
Figures released by SQM Research reveal national residential property listings declined by 5.8% in June 2019 to 325,404 from 345,516 in May 2019. Year-on-year listings were also down by 1.8%.
All states experienced a decline in property sales listings over the month, with Melbourne and Sydney experiencing the highest decline at 10.8% and 10.7% respectively.
Hobart was not far behind with a 9.4% decline, followed by Canberra with a 9.0% decline. Darwin recorded the lowest decline at 1.3%. 
Year-on-year Sydney’s listings declined by 9.8%. Canberra’s year-on-year listings increased by 12.5%, the highest percentage increase in the nation, followed by Melbourne with an increase of 5.7% and Hobart with a 4.8% increase.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/7/2/property%20listing%201.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/2/property%20listing%201.png" alt="">
Source: SQM Research
Christopher noted it was not unusual for listings to decrease in June, the start of the colder winter months.
"Also, with falling house prices in recent months, most vendors have preferred to wait and watch," he said. 
"The modest rise in asking prices in most cities could be a result of reduced stock levels and also increasing buyer confidence due to multiple factors including the Coalition victory, the RBA cash rate cut in June and the relaxation of mortgage lending rules by APRA."
With further RBA rate cuts expected, we could see increases in property listings in coming months, he suggested.
"Massive monthly falls in recorded listings usually spells higher absorption rates and vendors withdrawing for higher future prices," he added.
Asking Prices
Capital City asking prices increased marginally by 0.4% for houses and 0.8% for units, over the month to 2 July 2019. Unit asking prices are now $563,600 and houses $908,900. Compared to a year ago, the capital city asking prices posted declines of 5.4% for houses and 3.1% for units.
Darwin was the only capital city to record decreases over the month in both houses and units, at 1.5% and 0.2% respectively.
Sydney’s property prices appear to have made a modest turn around and have now posted increases of 1.0% for houses and 1.3% for units over the month, after two years of cooling prices. Sydney’s 12 month decline is 8.1% for houses and 4.8% for units. A house in Sydney is now priced at $1,236,200 and a unit is $692,900. 
Perth, Adelaide and Hobart’s house and unit prices have also increased marginally over the month.
Melbourne’s house prices have increased by 0.3% over the month, however unit prices show a minor decline of 0.3%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/7/2/sqm.png" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge: 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/2/sqm.png" alt="">
</body></html>

Property listings declined in June 2019: SQM Research

<html><body>
Data released by SQM Research has revealed the national residential rental vacancy rate declined marginally in May 2019 to 2.2%, a decrease from 2.3% in April. 
The total number of vacancies Australia-wide is now at 75,093 properties for rent, a decrease of 2,571 over the month but up 5,941 dwellings over the past 12 months.
Most states recorded minor declines ranging from 0.1% to 0.3%.
Darwin and Sydney have the highest vacancy rates in the country, both at 3.3%. 
A 3.0% vacancy rate is what would normally be considered a balanced market.  Darwin declined by 0.3% and Sydney’s decline was 0.1%. 
Perth’s vacancy rate is not far behind at 3.1%, having dropped 0.1%.
Hobart’s vacancy rate decreased from 0.6% to 0.5% in May and continues to record the lowest vacancy rate in the country.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/19/sqm%201.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/19/sqm%201.png" alt="">
Source: SQM research The month of May recorded a marginal change in rental vacancies, overall. However the standouts for me were the falls in vacancy rates for Brisbane and Perth.
The rental market is decidedly turning in favour for landlords in these two cities. Both cities also recorded fairly strong increases in asking rents for the month.
Indeed, Perth is now recording a 6% rise in asking rents for houses over the past 12 months. 
With no expected material increase in new dwellings, the rental market will continue to tighten from here for the two cities.
Asking Rents
Capital city asking rents decreased by 0.2% for both units and for houses for the week ending 12 June 2019 to record asking rents of $553 per week for houses and $441 per week for units. 
In comparison, over the 12 months, asking rents for houses increased 0.4% but declined 0.7% for units.
Sydney’s asking rent for units and houses have both continued to decline marginally by 0.1% for houses and 0.5% for units to 12 June. 
Over 12 months, the decline has been 3.6% for house rents and 3.8% for units.
Adelaide, Darwin and Hobart were the only states to experience increases in weekly rents for both houses and units.
Adelaide’s house rents increased 1.0% and units by 1.8%, Darwin’s house rents increased by 3.0% (the highest among all states) and units increased by 0.1%. 
Hobart’s house rents increased 1.9% and units increased by 3.7% (the highest among all states).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/19/sqm%202.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/19/sqm%202.png" alt=""> 
</body></html>

National vacancy rate declined in May: SQM research

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVATION
SQM Research calculate national residential listings increased by 4.0% in May 2019 to 345,516 from 332,236 in April 2019.
A year-on-year comparison shows listings up by 6.2%.
All states experienced an increase in property sales listings over the month, with Hobart experiencing the highest increase at 7.1%, followed by Adelaide at 6.4% and Canberra 5.6%.  
Perth recorded the lowest increase at 3.9% with Darwin not far behind at 4.0%.
Darwin was the only state to record a year-on-year decline of 1.5%.
The modest monthly increases does not compare to the huge year-on-year increases of 25.0% in Canberra, 21.1% in Melbourne and 15.5% in Hobart.
Year-on-year Sydney managed a 0.7% increase in listings whilst Perth increased from 1.9% to 3.9%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/4/sqm%201.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/4/sqm%201.png" alt="">
Source: SQM Research
We were expecting a rise in listings for the month of May given the low numbers recorded in April which was affected by the Federal Election.
May’s counts suggest listings remained elevated for most capital cities, suggesting the month remained largely a buyers’ market.
This view is confirmed by the simultaneous fall in asking prices over the same month.
Asking Prices
Capital City house asking prices decreased marginally by 0.6% and 0.2% for units, for the month to 28 May 2019. 
Unit asking prices are now $558,700 and houses $903,700. Compared to a year ago, the capital city asking prices posted larger declines of 7.4% for houses and 3.7% for units.
Adelaide was the only capital city to record increases over the month in both houses and units at 0.2% and 0.4%respectively.
Sydney continues its decline in house prices with a 0.8% decrease and 0.5% for units over the month.
A house in Sydney is now $1,219,700 and a unit is $683,000. Sydney’s 12 month decline is now 10.5% for houses and 6.0% for units.
Melbourne’s house and unit prices also continued to decline over the month at 0.5% and 0.6% respectively.
Darwin, Hobart and Brisbane’s house prices increased marginally over the month at 1.3%, 0.4% and 0.2% respectively.
However, unit prices declined in Darwin by 1.5%, by 1.0% in Hobart and 0.2% in Brisbane over the month.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/4/sqm%202.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/4/sqm%202.png" alt="">
Louis Christopher is the <a href="http://sqmresearch.com.au/about-us.php" target="_blank">managing director at SQM Research.</a>
</body></html>

louischristopher-TWpYcZDLBK

National property listings increased in May: SQM's Louis Christopher

<html><body>
SQM's Louis Christopher thinks that dwelling price rises may materialise from the second half of the year as demand increases as a result of an expected improvement in confidence.
He added so far this year the national market this year has fallen by another 3.8 percent. 
"Our base case forecast, released in our 2019 Housing Boom and Bust Report back in November 2018, was for a total 2019 dwelling price fall of between 3 percent to 6 percent.
"It would be fair to say that up until this past weekend the market was heading towards the bottom end of that forecast." Christopher noted his 2018/19 Housing Boom and Bust report had a scenario 4 which followed a Liberal victory with interest rate cuts late in 2019. 
He anticipates the national housing market could record a price fall for this calendar year of between 1 percent to 4 percent.
"We believe the Liberal victory means increasing buyer confidence in the market which was severely lacking as a result of the anticipation of the change in negative gearing and capital gains tax by a Labor Government."
But Christopher considers an upside on his scenario 4 forecast which did not take into account additional loosening on credit lending with <a id="LPlnk285314" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=5823b4fe77&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">APRA</a> set to drop the 7 percent theoretical interest rate for banks to use when calculating serviceability by borrowers. 
"This move should mean that more loan applicants will qualify for a loan and/or their borrowing limits will increase." Following the May statement by the Reserve Bank, Christopher noted it appears a cut in the cash rate next month is almost a certainty. "Scenario 4 does not take into account an earlier than expected rate cut.  "If there was such a cut over the course of June, July and/or August, it is likely the market would respond and demand for residential property would increase over and above our scenario 4 forecast. "Needless to say a combination of loosening credit restrictions plus a cut in interest rates, increases the risk of another housing boom which I am sure that is not what the ‘powers that be’ would want, but they may well yet get."   Christopher noted the Australian housing market still contains headwinds which include:
<ul>
<li>The Sydney and Melbourne markets are still in overvaluation despite the price corrections that have occurred since mid-2017.</li>
<li>Ongoing restrictions on home lending in the form of a more conservative HEM and reduced purchasing power multiples on reported borrower net income.</li>
<li>Ongoing global trade tensions causing some economic uncertainty</li>
<li>Ongoing high housing Debt to GDP levels</li>
<li>Elevated rental vacancy rates, particularly for Sydney.</li>
<li>Elevated listings in Sydney and Melbourne</li>
</ul>
"These headwinds should initially prevent another rapid housing boom from developing.
"However, if we are to see a rate cut of 50 basis points or more over the next 2-3 months, combined with today’s announcement by APRA, all cards are off the table for 2020.  
"And for 2019, our scenario 4 estimates may well end up being too conservative with the risks plainly being on the upside.
SQM's initial forecast for 2019 was:
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/5/21/sqm%201.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/21/sqm%201.png" alt=""> Source: SQM Research
<div>
 
</div>
 
 
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Liberal win, APRA loosening and pending RBA rate cut sees SQM's Louis Christopher forecast price recovery

<html><body>
Data released by SQM Research has revealed the national residential rental vacancy rates surged in April 2019 to 2.3%, an increase from 2.1% in March.
The total number of vacancies Australia-wide is now at 77,664 properties for rent, a rise of just under 10,000 dwellings over the past 12 months. 
Darwin’s vacancy rate of 3.6% in April, was the only capital city to experience a decrease in vacancy rates of 0.1%, but it continues to rank the highest of all capital cities since it overtook Perth in September 2018.  
Sydney rental vacancy rates jumped to 3.4%, an increase from 3.1% in March. This represents a new record high for Sydney, based on SQM’s rental index which goes back to 2005.  
Hobart’s vacancy rate increased to 0.6% in April and continues to record the lowest vacancy rate in the country since September 2014.
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="12%">
City
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="14%">
Apr-2018 Vacancies
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="14%">
Apr-2018 Vacancy Rate
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="14%">
Mar-2019 Vacancies
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="14%">
Mar-2019 Vacancy Rate
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="14%">
Apr-2019 Vacancies
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="14%">
Apr-2019 Vacancy Rate
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
15,809
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2.3%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
21,942 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
3.1%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
23,837
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
3.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
7,317
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1.3%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
9,210 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1.6%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
10,565
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
9,774
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
3.0%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
8,232 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2.5%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
8,792
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
Perth
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
8,245
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
4.1%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
6,085 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2.9%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
6,568
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
3.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2,427
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1.3%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2,024 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1.1%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2,249
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
Canberra
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
474
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
0.8%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
575 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
0.9%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
811
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
Darwin
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1,011
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
3.3%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1,153 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
3.7%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1,117
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
3.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
Hobart
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
219
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
0.7%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
131 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
0.4%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
185
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
0.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
National
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
67,854
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2.1%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
70,877 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2.1%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
77,664
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2.3%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
SQM’s calculations of vacancies are based on online rental listings that have been advertised for three weeks or more compared to the total number of established rental properties.
SQM considers this to be a superior methodology compared to using a potentially incomplete sample of agency surveys or merely relying on raw online listings advertised.
Managing Director of SQM Research, Louis Christopher said: “Tenancy demand has been weak over the course of March and April. That combined with the expectation that dwelling completions are at their peak, prompted the rise in rental vacancies, which happened largely across the country, last month. 
“Going forward we expect rental vacancy rates will further rise in Sydney and Melbourne for most of 2019, before peaking and falling in 2020 as completions are forecasted to fall.”
Asking Rents 
Capital city asking rents increased 0.2% for units, but declined 0.4% for houses for the week ending 12 May to record asking rents of $554 per week for houses and $442 per week for units.
In comparison, over the 12 months, asking rents for units declined by 0.7% and rents for houses remained steady.  
Sydney’s asking rent for units and houses have both marginally declined by 0.3% for units and 1.5% for houses to 12 May. Over 12 months, the decline has been 5.0% for house rents and 3.8% for units. 
Perth’s rental market continued to increase over this period for both houses and units, at 0.5% and 0.2% respectively, as did Brisbane, with a 0.4% increase for houses and 0.6% for units. 
Darwin experienced a marginal increase of 1.4% over the month in house rents, after a decrease of 8.0% over the 12 months. However, units continue to slide at 1.7% over the month and 7.9% over the 12 months.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="6" valign="top" width="409">
SQM Research Weekly Rents Index
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" width="132">
Week ending: 12 May 2019
</td>
<td width="59">
Rent $
</td>
<td width="70">
Change on previous week
</td>
<td width="85">
Rolling month % change
</td>
<td width="62">
12 month % change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
690.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
1.0  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-1.5%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
-5.0%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
505.2
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-0.2  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-0.3%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
-3.8%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
542.4
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-1.4  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-0.2%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
1.7%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
422.5
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
1.5  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.0%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
3.1%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
458.5
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
0.5  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.4%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
2.7%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
373.2
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
0.8  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.6%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
1.5%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
447.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
0.0  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.5%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
6.1%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
337.2
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
0.8  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.2%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
4.0%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
391.6
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-0.6  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-0.2%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
2.5%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
302.9
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
0.1  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.5%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
1.0%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Canberra
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
624.3
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-6.3  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-1.7%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
0.9%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
455.9
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-0.9  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.0%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
3.2%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Darwin
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
497.7
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-1.7  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
1.4%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
-8.0%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
370.6
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-3.6  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-1.7%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
-7.9%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Hobart
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
426.8
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
2.2  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-0.3%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
7.4%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
374.8
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
12.2  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
2.3%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
4.0%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
National
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
443.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
2.0  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.5%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
1.4%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
363.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-4.0  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-0.5%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
0.8%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Cap City Average
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
554.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
1.0  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-0.4%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
 0.0%   
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
442.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
2.0  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.2%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
-0.7%  
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: <a href="http://www.sqmresearch.com.au/" target="_blank">www.sqmresearch.com.au</a>
You can visit SQM's <a href="http://www.sqmresearch.com.au/graph_vacancy.php?region=nsw::Sydney&amp;type=c&amp;t=1#terms" target="_blank">methodology page</a> for more information on how its vacancies are compiled.
</body></html>

Sydney vacancy rate jumps to 3.4% in April: SQM Research 

<html><body>
National residential listings decreased by 6.3% in April 2019, according to new figures from SQM Research.
Listings across the country dropped from 354,459 in March to 332,236.
All states experienced a decrease in property sales listings over the month, with Sydney experiencing the highest decrease at 11.1%.
It was followed by Melbourne at 8.9% and Canberra 8.8%. Darwin recorded the lowest decrease at 4.3%.
Compared to a year ago, national listings rose 2.2% with Melbourne recording the biggest increase of 18.2% year-on-year, followed by Canberra at 15.3% increase. Sydney only mustered a 0.7% increase year-on-year.
<table style="width: 454px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="72">
City
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="78">
April 2018 Total
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
March 2019 Total
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="78">
April 2019 Total
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="71">
Monthly change %
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="71">
Yearly change %
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="72">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="78">
33,364 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="85">
37,813 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="78">
33,610 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
-11.1%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
0.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="72">
Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="78">
32,378 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="85">
42,001 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="78">
38,277 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
-8.9%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
18.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="72">
Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="78">
30,419 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="85">
33,815 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="78">
31,476 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
-6.9%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
3.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="72">
Perth
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="78">
26,548 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="85">
28,114 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="78">
26,178 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
-6.9%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
-1.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="72">
Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="78">
16,235 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="85">
17,370 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="78">
16,355 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
-5.8%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
0.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="72">
Canberra
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="78">
3,895 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="85">
4,928 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="78">
4,492 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
-8.8%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
15.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="72">
Darwin
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="78">
2,089 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="85">
2,047 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="78">
1,960 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
-4.3%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
-6.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="72">
Hobart
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="78">
2,270 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="85">
2,503 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="78">
2,335 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
-6.7%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
2.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="72">
National
</td>
<td nowrap width="78">
325,147 
</td>
<td nowrap width="85">
354,459 
</td>
<td nowrap width="78">
332,236 
</td>
<td nowrap width="71">
-6.3%
</td>
<td nowrap width="71">
2.2%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Louis Christopher, Managing Director of SQM Research, said it's not uncommon to see the decline due to the holiday month we've just had.
“The decrease is mainly due to the Easter long weekend and ANZAC day public holidays in the month of April which had only 3 weekends of trade compared to March which had 5 weekends," Christopher said.
"That said, I note Sydney listings are now only up by just 0.7% year on year.
"If Sydney listings are starting to peak that could be a sign we are getting closer to the bottom in this downturn.
"However the election could also be having an impact here, with both buyers and sellers waiting until the election is over before making decisions on buying and selling.” 
Asking Prices 
Capital city house asking prices increased marginally by 0.1% but units decreased by 0.6% for the month to 30 April 2019. The average unit asking prices are now $559,900 and houses $908,800. 
Darwin’s unit price had the highest decrease at nearly 10% over the month followed by Hobart with a 5.3% decrease in unit prices. However, Hobart’s house prices saw the highest increase at 1.4% over the month.
Sydney’s house and unit prices each dropped by 0.5% over the month. The average house price in Sydney is now $1,229,100 and a unit is $686,500 – both back to 2016 prices. 
Sydney’s 12 month decline is now 9.3% for houses and 5.8% for units. Melbourne’s house and unit prices also continue to decline over the 12 months to 30 April at 7.1% and 0.1% respectively. 
Perth experienced a marginal growth in house prices of 0.3% but unit prices continue to decline at 0.1%. 
Year-on-year capital city asking prices also posted declines of 6.5% for houses and 3.8% for units.
Hobart continued to show the strongest growth year-on-year for houses with a 7.9% increase but units declined 0.3% over the 12 months.
SQM Research Weekly Asking Prices Index
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">
<table style="width: 426px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" width="156">
Week ending: 30 Apr 2019
</td>
<td width="64">
Asking Price
</td>
<td width="72">
Change on previous week
</td>
<td width="70">
Rolling month % change
</td>
<td width="64">
12 month % change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_weeks.php?region=nsw-Sydney&amp;type=c&amp;t=1">Sydney</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
1,229.2
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
-4.3 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-0.5% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
-9.3% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
686.5
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
-0.7 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-0.5% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
-5.8% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_weeks.php?region=vic-Melbourne&amp;type=c&amp;t=1">Melbourne</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
937.2
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
2.3 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
0.7% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
-7.1% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
543.8
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
-0.8 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-1.3% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
-0.1% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_weeks.php?region=qld-Brisbane&amp;type=c&amp;t=1">Brisbane</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
616.7
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
0.1 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
0.2% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
1.0% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
372.1
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
-0.2 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-0.9% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
-2.4% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_weeks.php?region=wa-Perth&amp;type=c&amp;t=1">Perth</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
667.9
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
-1.1 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
0.3% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
-2.9% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
383.3
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
-0.2 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-0.1% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
-4.0% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_weeks.php?region=sa-Adelaide&amp;type=c&amp;t=1">Adelaide</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
512.2
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
0.3 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-0.3% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
0.6% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
300.3
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
-1.0 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-0.3% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
-1.5% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_weeks.php?region=act-Canberra&amp;type=c&amp;t=1">Canberra</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
818.9
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
0.9 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-0.0% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
3.1% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
421.3
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
0.6 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
0.2% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
1.0% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_weeks.php?region=nt-Darwin&amp;type=c&amp;t=1">Darwin</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
585.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
-0.2 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
0.2% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
-1.4% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
362.5
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
-5.8 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-9.9% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
-4.8% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_weeks.php?region=tas-Hobart&amp;type=c&amp;t=1">Hobart</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
515.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
5.4 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
1.4% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
7.9% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
304.2
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
-2.2 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-5.3% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
-0.3% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_weeks.php?national=1&amp;t=1">National</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
566.9
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
0.7 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-0.3% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
-0.4% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
377.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
-0.2 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
0.9% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
0.1% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2">
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_weeks.php?avg=1&amp;t=1">Cap City Average</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
908.8
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
-1.9 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
0.1% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
-6.5% 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
559.9
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="72">
-0.6 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-0.6% 
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="64">
-3.8% 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Source: <a href="http://www.sqmresearch.com.au/" target="_blank">www.sqmresearch.com.au</a> 
</body></html>

Property listings decreased in April: SQM Research 

<html><body>
Data released by SQM Research has revealed the national residential vacancy rate fell further to a low of 2.1% in March 2019, with the total number of vacancies Australia-wide now at 70,877.
Canberra is the only capital city to increase its vacancy rate from 0.8% in February to 0.9% in March 2019, reporting only 575 properties available for rent.
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide all experienced a 0.1% decrease in vacancy rates.
Darwin and Hobart have remained steady at 3.7% and 0.4% respectively.
Hobart continues to record the lowest vacancy rate in the country since September 2014.
Darwin’s vacancy rate is now 3.7% as the city continues to rank the highest of all capital cities since it overtook Perth in September 2018. Sydney currently has the second highest vacancy rate at 3.1%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/4/16/sqm%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<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/2019/4/16/sqm%201.jpg" alt="">
Although there have been some marginal decreases in vacancies in most states over the month, Perth was the only city to record increases in asking rents for both houses and units.
Hobart’s near double digit growth in asking rents for units reflects the ongoing strong demand in a city where rental supply has been pushed to its limits and experiencing shortages in accommodation.
For the major east coast capital cities, although the latest results show a tightening of vacancies and steady rents over the month and the near term, the expected influx of new construction completions and the uncertainty around the Federal election are likely to contribute to increased vacancies and downward pressure on rents, SQM said. 
Australia’s national vacancy rate has not exceeded 3% since SQM Research began collating vacancy rate data in 2005.
With Sydney’s vacancy rate already hovering at 3.1%, Darwin at 3.7%, Brisbane and Perth not too far behind this mark and with new construction completions set to rise over 2019, this may well become a reality towards the end of the year.
Asking Rents
Capital city asking rents increased 0.2% for units but declined 0.7% for houses over March 2019 to record asking rents of $556 per week for houses and $442 per week for units.
In comparison, over the 12 months, asking rents for units declined by 0.2% and rents for houses declined by 1.2%.
Hobart’s weekly asking rents for units surged ahead with a 9.9% increase over the month and 12.3% over the 12 months. House weekly rents however, have decreased 2.2% over the month but improved 4.9% over the year.
Sydney has managed a steady asking rent for units but house rents have marginally declined by 0.8% over the month.
Perth’s rental market increased for both houses and units at 1.2% and 0.9% respectively. In contrast, Adelaide has recorded rental decreases for houses and units at 0.5% for both.
</body></html>

Vacancy rates fall in March, but election likely to lead to uptick: SQM Research

<html><body>
National residential listings increased by 3.3% in March 2019 to 354,459 from 343,190 in February 2019 as the market opens up for its first full trading month, figures released by SQM Research reveal.
All states experienced an increase in property sales listings over the month, with Melbourne experiencing the highest increase in listings at 8.3%, followed by Canberra at 6.3% and Sydney 5.9%.
Darwin recorded the lowest increase at 2.5% and was the only state to record a year-on-year decline of 2.2%. Compared to a year ago, national listings rose 4.8%.
Melbourne recorded a huge increase of 24.9% year-on-year followed by Canberra with a 21.4%. 
Sydney recorded an 8.3% increase year-on-year.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/4/3/SQM%201%20.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge
<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/2019/4/3/SQM%201%20.jpg" alt="">
Residential property listings continue to accumulate, reflecting the ongoing capital city housing market downturn. The rise though, is mainly attributed to older stock failing to sell. While new listings did increase over the month, very low sales rates are exacerbating the overhang of older listings. Overall, the weight of listings continues to put downward pressure on asking prices as vendors keep adjusting their asking prices in order to meet the market.
Asking Prices 
<a id="LPlnk65000" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=18a622aef9&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Capital City</a> asking prices for houses and units declined by 0.3% and 1.2% respectively, for the month to 2 April 2019. Unit asking prices are now $563,400 and houses $908,200.
<a id="LPlnk886131" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=249a806da1&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Melbourne</a>, <a id="LPlnk517675" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=d405b1713a&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Brisbane</a> and <a id="LPlnk950386" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=dfb2e33ca6&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Adelaide</a> recorded asking price declines in both houses and units. Whilst <a id="LPlnk499696" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=d4a5a0141d&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Sydney’s</a> house price remained steady at $1,235,100 asking price, the city’s unit prices has dipped 1.7% over March to $690,000. <a id="LPlnk449125" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=7f521ac19f&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Perth</a> experienced a marginal growth in house prices of 0.5% but unit prices continue to decline at 0.7%. <a id="LPlnk598582" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=93e052cc08&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Canberra</a> and <a id="LPlnk615027" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=5e88f7796e&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Darwin</a> are the only two states that recorded both house and unit asking price growth.  <a id="LPlnk640247" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=1cf3afc21f&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Hobart</a> is still outperforming all states in house price growth over the month, although only marginally at 0.9%. However, unit prices in Hobart have declined by 1.9% - the biggest decline amongst all states.
Year-on-year capital city asking prices also posted declines of 3.4% for units and 7.3% for houses. Hobart continues to show the strongest growth year-on-year for both houses and units with a 4.6% increase in houses and 5.1% for units. Canberra also experienced yearly growth of 3.1% in houses and 1.6% growth in units. Sydney’s 12 month decline is now 9.9% for houses and 5.8% for units. Melbourne’s house price also continues to decline at 7.3% but unit prices increased 1.5% over the 12 months to 2 April.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/4/3/SQM%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge  
<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/2019/4/3/SQM%202.jpg" alt="">
 
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