<p>A new 25-storey apartment tower proposed for Mercer Street would push Geelong’s western gateway skyline higher, with Morphy Birrell Property Group lodging plans for a project directly beside one of the city’s most significant heritage streetscapes.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK</a>-designed development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/65-67-mercer-street-geelong-vic-3220">65-67 Mercer Street</a> has now been referred to Victoria’s Planning Minister. The site sits opposite the Geelong rail corridor and immediately south of the heritage-listed St Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church and Ashby Hall precinct.</p>

<p>Rather than compete with the neighbouring ecclesiastical buildings, the proposal adopts a sculpted podium intended to reference the materiality and scale of the heritage context. Planning documents note the design draws cues from the “dark stone brick” church and surrounding masonry buildings, while the tower above transitions into a softer, curved form oriented toward Corio Bay and the Geelong waterfront.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b797d10c-d4a6-47af-b8df-1aeaa3b382be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/public%20square.png?VersionId=QGIpcz1x1hKB6lQLl2iobyHqb6PS2Ztc" /></p>

<p>The development forms “Stage 5” of Morphy Birrell Property Group’s broader Mercer Street precinct strategy, following the completion of the 21-storey Miramar tower on Cavendish Street and several additional approved redevelopment stages nearby. Planning consultants Ratio said the proposal “represents an exemplary development outcome” aligned with the strategic ambitions for Central Geelong’s continued urban renewal.</p>

<p>The mixed-use project would replace an existing low-rise commercial building and surface parking area on the 3,320 sqm corner site. FK’s urban context report describes the proposal as a residential development comprising apartments, resident amenities, commercial space, and integrated landscaping positioned to maximise bay views and northern sunlight access.</p>

<p>Renders show a deeply articulated tower with curved balconies stepping above a lower masonry podium that frames a landscaped forecourt facing Mercer Street. The design intentionally preserves sightlines toward the adjacent church buildings, with the podium scaled to reinforce the heritage edge before the tower recedes upward.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bdca91e-66f7-4ac7-8baa-2f93bd5b564e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/geelong%20site.png?VersionId=QOhbino4ZgzKYw5dW3QE14E.2yq.Sv87" /></p>

<p>The planning report highlights the site’s strategic location within 400 metres of key Geelong destinations including Cunningham Pier, the Geelong Station precinct, Deakin University, and the convention centre. Bus services run directly along Mercer Street, while the Corio Bay foreshore sits around 100 metres north of the site.</p>

<p>The proposal arrives amid accelerating redevelopment across central Geelong, where planning policy continues to encourage higher-density housing close to transport infrastructure and the waterfront. Mercer Street in particular has emerged as a focal point for taller apartment development due to its proximity to Geelong Station, the bay, and major civic infrastructure.</p>


Joel Robinson

Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct

<p>Development giant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton</a> and joint venture partner Hostplus have revealed the next residential stage of their $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan, lodging plans for 512 more apartments within the precinct on surplus racecourse land at 110 Wilson Street, Moonee Ponds.</p>

<p>The proposed development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trackside-house-110-wilson-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Trackside Gardens</a>&nbsp;in the planning application, follows the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/first-look-exclusive-hamton-and-hostplus-reveal-sixth-stage-of-moonee-valley-park-masterplan">recent unveiling of the sixth-stage Cox Place Precinct</a> and continues the long-running transformation of the Moonee Valley Racecourse into one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects.</p>

<p>Positioned on the north-eastern edge of the racecourse adjacent to CityLink, Trackside Gardens will comprise three residential buildings rising between 61.8 metres and 86.4 metres within a heavily landscaped precinct shaped by Hamton’s Nature Based Cities framework.</p>

<p>The project forms part of the broader Moonee Valley Park redevelopment being delivered by Hamton, Hostplus and the Moonee Valley Racing Club, which is reshaping the 40-hectare racecourse site into a mixed-use neighbourhood with housing, retail, commercial space, hotels, parkland and community infrastructure.</p>

<p>Trackside Gardens sits separately to the recently proposed Cox Place Precinct, a five-building stage comprising around 1,100 residences, two build-to-rent buildings, two build-to-sell towers, retail, office space, and a hotel overlooking the racetrack. Together, the projects continue to accelerate housing delivery across the precinct.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fc1941e-52d3-41c6-abc4-0f13fe8ae5ea" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/DA%20Edits%20%281%29.png?VersionId=7qwRHq5dcvXWNot2hNOgoQhN2GIWudNK" /></p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> with landscape architecture by Tract, Trackside Gardens has been conceived as a botanical-style residential precinct prioritising canopy planting, communal green space, and vertical landscaping.</p>

<p>“The architectural vision for the proposed development centres around buildings in a botanical park setting that champions the important role of nature,” the planning submission states.</p>

<p>“The proposal incorporates principles of biophilic design, with landscape and environmentally sustainable development influencing the ultimate design response of the buildings and prioritising the ground plane to ensure a high amenity for both occupants and visitors.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trackside Gardens will deliver 512 apartments across the three buildings, alongside 518 basement car spaces and 523 bicycle spaces. Around 20 per cent affordable housing is proposed across the broader North East Precinct, equating to around 158 dwellings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The affordable housing component will be concentrated within the Wilson East building, while the remaining apartments are expected to be delivered as build-to-sell residences.</p>

<p>Trackside Gardens has been designed around Hamton’s Nature Based Cities initiative, founded by Executive Chair Paul Hameister OAM in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Urbis, Ark Resources and Tract. The initiative promotes integrating higher-density urban development with significant biodiversity, tree canopy and landscape outcomes.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89353449-7b3c-42fd-8fd8-8bf64a5ef80f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_4.png?VersionId=X8jRt0P2L7fIWjLhfX6gPknXToXIBeLj" /></p>

<p>A comprehensive landscape strategy would introduce deep soil planting, vertical greening, communal gardens, and new pedestrian links throughout the site.</p>

<p>Planning documents state the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating, a 7.5-star average NatHERS rating, and “Exemplary” Nature Based Cities certification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The proposal joins an expanding pipeline of approved and proposed buildings within Moonee Valley Park, including the recently launched Eveline apartments and the approved Grandstand North and South towers.</p>

<p>Hamton has increasingly focused on precinct-scale, nature-led communities across Melbourne’s middle-ring suburbs, with projects spanning Hawthorn, Kew, and Moonee Ponds.</p>


Hampton unveils Trackside Gardens, latest stage of $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan

<p>The Paul Gedoun-led <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Group</a> has achieved another milestone in its $1 billion transformation of Rainbow Bay on the southern Gold Coast with the completion of the company’s third project in four years, the $160 million <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a> residences.</p>

<p>Delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a> and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a>, Esprit buyers have now moved into the 94 apartments across two interconnected buildings at 217-227 Boundary Street.</p>

<p>The successful settlement of Esprit marks another astounding chapter in the S&amp;S story, which launched its highly successful Flow apartments three years ago and created its own ultra-luxury branded fingerprint on an area craving new luxury residences.</p>

<p>Most early purchasers have secured gains of well over $1 million since the project launched in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172129]</p>

<p>S&amp;S Projects Founding Director Paul Gedoun said the completion of Esprit reflects sustained demand for premium apartments in tightly held coastal locations.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
“Esprit has attracted buyers seeking a combination of quality design, considered amenity and a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate,” said Gedoun.</p>

<p>“We identified some years ago that Rainbow Bay is a unique market where supply of luxury residences is limited, and we see the settlements in Esprit further underpinning this thinking - that for both owner-occupiers and investors.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172174]</p>

<p>A key feature of the development is ‘Club Esprit’, a 1,000sqm residents-only rooftop level combining wellness and recreation, believed to be a first for the Gold Coast, and which is fast becoming a signature of the S&amp;S brand.</p>

<p>Positioned to capture views across Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay and the Tweed River, the rooftop includes a 25-metre lap pool, gym, yoga lawn, sauna and steam facilities, ice bath, private dining spaces, outdoor cinema and landscaped areas for residents.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> Director Jayde Pezet, who led the sales campaign for Esprit and S&amp;S’s Flow and Awaken apartments, said the project’s performance reflects both the strength of the product and the depth of demand for premium apartments on the southern Gold Coast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In some cases, we’ve seen values double since launch, which is a clear reflection of how tightly held Rainbow Bay has become and the level of demand for well-executed projects in this market,” said Pezet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Buyers recognised early what S&amp;S Projects was delivering here, and that conviction has been rewarded as the project has progressed towards completion.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=214819]</p>

<p>Esprit offers a mix of two- three and four-bedroom apartments and sits within walking distance of the beachfront, cafés and local amenities, reinforcing its appeal as both a lifestyle and investment destination.</p>

<p>The project is the third completed by S&amp;S Projects in Rainbow Bay, following Flow Residences and Awaken Residences, which together have contributed to the suburb’s emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after coastal pockets. &nbsp;</p>

<p>S&amp;S Projects is continuing its investment in the area with Radia, a $215 million development currently under construction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172175]</p>

<p>Gedoun said the completion of Esprit signals continued confidence in the southern Gold Coast market.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’ve seen strong interest in well-located, high-quality apartments, particularly in areas where future development opportunities are limited."</p>

<p>“That’s been a key factor in the performance of Esprit and the broader Rainbow Bay market”.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102921]</p>


Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

<p>Few developers can boast a portfolio across South East Queensland's luxury markets quite like <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic Property Group</a>.</p>

<p>The builder-developer, founded in 2004 by Managing Director Brook Monahan, has projects in planning, on the market, and under construction, from Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach to Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane.</p>

<p>With a pipeline exceeding $2 billion, Mosaic remains highly selective when it comes to development sites, having spent years refining its strategy around feasibility research and product planning. The group is set to continue growing into 2026 and beyond.</p>

<p>In Brisbane, Mosaic currently has three projects in the market. It is in the final release stage at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford</a> in Kangaroo Point, which is approaching complete sellout ahead of its late 2027 completion.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328123]</p>

<p>Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, The Bedford comprises 128 two- and three-bedroom residences. A selection of ultra-luxury Masterpiece Series Skyhomes, positioned across the top levels, offer expansive floor plans and sweeping views of the river and city.</p>

<p>High-end inclusions, such as natural stone benchtops, bespoke cabinetry, and Miele appliances, feature throughout all apartments, alongside the Rooftop Recreation &amp; Retreat Sky Terrace. This includes a resort-style pool with sun deck and loungers, spa, cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room, private dining room with a full kitchen, residents' lounge, multiple barbeque and relaxation zones, an outdoor viewing deck, and landscaped gardens with water features, all oriented to sweeping city and river views.</p>

<p>A gym with indoor and outdoor zones, and a golf simulator, further enhances recreational choice within the building.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328119]</p>

<p>A defining feature of the development is its integrated mixed-use component, which will deliver Kangaroo Point's first major supermarket, alongside a café and liquor store, bringing long-awaited convenience to the peninsula.</p>

<p>Monahan says The Bedford represents the culmination of a near-decade-long journey, after first identifying the A-grade Prospect Street site in 2016. While they came close to acquiring it at the time, the site was ultimately purchased by Woolworths' development arm, Fabcot. The opportunity resurfaced in 2024 when the site, vacant for nearly three decades, was brought back to market.</p>

<p>Monahan says Mosaic projects often begin years before any formal plans are drawn. Their new South Brisbane development is no exception, with the site first earmarked in 2018.</p>

<p>"We aren't opportunistic," Monahan says. "Every site purchase is carefully considered. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we're looking at now that we may not secure for several years."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=141711 project_image_fid=353495]</p>

<p>A similar story unfolded at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a> in Kangaroo Point, opposite The Gabba. Like The Bedford, it is also approaching sellout of its 125 two- and three-bedroom apartments. The majority of sales are attributed to returning customers and referrals, with a balanced mix of investors and a strong majority of owner-occupiers.</p>

<p>BDA Architecture was again engaged to design the 22-storey building, which will feature a suite of wellness and lifestyle amenities, including a golf simulator and cinema, a commercial-grade gym, and a rooftop recreation level with a pool, steam room, sauna, cold plunge, teppanyaki bar, private dining spaces, and landscaped terraces.</p>

<p>Construction is on track for completion in mid-2027.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]</p>

<p>Mosaic's latest offering is its most ambitious yet, boasting a rare, north-facing riverfront position on Montague Road in South Brisbane.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-riversdale-by-mosaic-south-brisbane-91-montague-road-south-brisbane-qld-4101">The Riversdale by Mosaic</a> is a 39-storey tower comprising just over 200 residences and Masterpiece Series Sky Homes. Designed in partnership with Bureau Proberts, it will feature nearly 3,000 sqm of genuine, internationally benchmarked six-star, hotel-style amenities, including a wellness precinct, pool, gym, massage and treatment rooms, cinema, golf simulator, and extensive outdoor dining areas across a two-level rooftop deck.</p>

<p>Early works are underway, with full construction expected to commence in the second half of 2026, and an anticipated late 2029 completion.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]</p>

<p>Since 2012 alone, Mosaic has completed more than $2 billion in projects and is set to deliver another $2 billion worth of developments, comprising hundreds of luxury apartments, each defined by Mosaic's signature standards of quality, detail, and delivery.</p>

<p>"We never arrive, there is no finish line," says Monahan. "Our ambition is to keep evolving what luxury means, creating design- and lifestyle-led residences in incredible locations, places people genuinely aspire to and want to live, homes that are loved deeply and endure long beyond their moment."</p>


Mosaic's Midas Touch

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> (Urban) has broken ground at Keira Place, its new major mixed-use residential precinct in the heart of Wollongong CBD.</p>

<p>Held at 120-122 Smith Street, the groundbreaking marked the commencement of construction on Stage 1 of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, with the opening of the new display suite.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Keira Place is a State Significant Development that will deliver new housing supply, affordable homes and inclusive living options within walking distance of Wollongong’s CBD, coastline, transport, hospital and education precincts.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369868]<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Stage 1 is now under construction and will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, along with activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the groundbreaking represented a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected Urban’s long-term commitment to regional cities.</p>

<p>“Today’s groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong’s city centre,” Elias said.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
“Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369869]<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Member for Wollongong said Keira Place is exactly the kind of development Wollongong needs – delivering new homes close to transport, employment and services, while supporting the continued growth and renewal of the CBD.</p>

<p>"This project reflects the Minns Labor Government's commitment to increasing housing supply in well-located areas."<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Wollongong Lord Mayor Cr Tania Brown said Keira Place would deliver lasting community benefits for the city.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"Keira Place is a welcome addition to Wollongong's CBD delivering new housing, affordable homes and activated street-level spaces that will benefit our community for years to come," Brown said.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"Urban Property Group's investment reflects the confidence that quality developers have in Wollongong's future, and I look forward to seeing this precinct come to life."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369867]<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>, with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/dko">DKO,</a> Keira Place prioritises liveability and long-term performance, with landscaped shared spaces, generous apartment layouts and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape along Smith Street.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Residents will have access to landscaped podium areas, communal rooftop amenities with views to Mount Keira and the Wollongong skyline, and convenient ground-level retail.</p>

<p>The development will have 10-year Latent Defects Insurance by Resilience Insurance.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144442]</p>


Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD

Stock Levels

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<p><span>EXPERT OBSERVER</span></p>
<p><span>The seasonal surge in listing numbers is well underway, with fresh listings being added to the market up 16% relative to the end of winter, however, despite the upswing in new listings, fresh stock additions are tracking almost 4% lower than the at the same time a year ago to be at their lowest seasonal level since 2012. </span></p>
<p><span>The low level of new listing numbers can be attributed to weak vendor confidence; no surprise given housing market conditions have weakened and selling conditions have become more challenging.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/19/stock%20level%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>.</span></p>
<p><span> <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/2018/10/19/stock%20level%201.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
<p>Although freshly advertised stock is low, total advertised listing numbers have been trending higher as the rate of absorption slows. In fact, if the current trend continues, we will see the number of properties available for sale exceed the recent 2012 peak in total advertised stock levels. Total listing numbers are 10.2% higher than year ago and at their highest level for this time of the year since 2012.</p>
<p>The rise in total listing numbers isn’t due to a panicked surge in new listings. This is more about less demand which is causing a rise in relisting’s along with longer selling times and fewer successful sales at auction.</p>
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<p><span>The typical capital city dwelling sold by private treaty is now taking 53 days to sell compared with 42 days a year ago and discounting rates have risen to an average of 6.5%, up from 6.0% a year ago.</span></p>
<p>Click here to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/19/stock%20level%203.jpg" target="_blank">enlarge.</a></p>
<p><span> <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/2018/10/19/stock%20level%203.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
<p>More stock means more choice for buyers and harder selling condition for vendors – essentially abuyers’ market. Buyers have little sense of urgency under these conditions; they can negotiate hard, take their time to make a purchase decision, and if they feel a property price doesn’t reflect fairvalue, they can easily move onto the next property option.</p>
<p>Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/19/stock%20level%204.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge. </a></p>
<p><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/2018/10/19/stock%20level%204.jpg" alt=""></p>
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<p><span>With so much competing stock on the </span>market, vendors will need to be reasonable with their pricing expectations and ensure their marketing campaign is as effective as possible in order to stand out from other stock for sale.</p>
<p><em><span class="s2"><em><em>Tim Lawless is the national research director of CoreLogic RP Data </em>and can be contacted<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/author/timlawless/" target="_blank"> here.</a></em></span></em></p>
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tlawless-5VLUrbAk9s

Buyers back in the driver's seat as stock levels surge to highest levels since 2012

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<p class="post-title entry-title">One of several reasons that some of Australia's property markets might fare surprisingly well in 2018 is the looming equities correction, driven by volatility in the US and elsewhere. </p>
<div id="post-body-3635881065614058753" class="post-body entry-content">
<p>It's now become clear (if it wasn't already obvious) that <a href="http://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/2018/01/rate-hikes-are-not-on-cards" target="_blank">interest rates aren't going to be hiked</a> this year, and probably not next either. </p>
<div>Employment is picking up nicely in some capital cities, and population growth is rising too, driving demand for housing. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Meanwhile, the lack of enticing alternatives will keep a healthy volume of investors interested in real estate, with the cash rate stuck at record lows for the foreseeable future. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Since closing at 6135.81 on January 9, the Aussie share market as measured by the ASX 200 index has already dropped by -5.13 per cent. </div>
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<div class="separator"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_sAlsZxuWc/WoGEnIt1p4I/AAAAAAAAoVU/Wh5XDB5n5WIcr8wZ2yalDLc1Cu-9oILIgCLcBGAs/s1600/ASX.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_sAlsZxuWc/WoGEnIt1p4I/AAAAAAAAoVU/Wh5XDB5n5WIcr8wZ2yalDLc1Cu-9oILIgCLcBGAs/s640/ASX.jpg" width="640" height="382" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1373"></a></div>
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<div>An inauspicious start to 2018 to say the least. </div>
<div><span><strong> </strong></span></div>
<div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><strong>'Pain trade'</strong></span></span></div>
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<div><span>US stock futures are up quite strongly at the time of writing, so perhaps tomorrow will be a better trade Down Under. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>But somehow it seems doubtful that stock market nerves are going to be settled for a while yet. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>That's the uncanny tendency of markets to deliver the maximum amount of punishment to the most investors from time to time, especially after a long, strong run.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>Myer (ASX: MYR) finished today's trade with a fresh low close of 55 cents. </span></div>
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<div><span>Shorters should now be wary of the takeover risk. </span></div>
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<div><span><span>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of </span><a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank"><span class="s2">AllenWargent</span></a><span> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and </span><a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="s2">blogger</span></a><span>.</span></span></div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Share correction could help Australia property markets

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<p>Despite a surging population and record high levels of new construction, a lower proportion of housing stock is selling. </p>
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<p>The analysis, paired annual settled sales data with dwelling counts over time to show that the proportion of total housing stock turnover on an annual basis. </p>
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<p>The analysis found that over the 12 months to September 2017, just 5% of the national housing stock transacted; the lowest proportion of stock-turnover since April 2012 when it was at an historic low of 4.9% of stock transacted. Over the nine years of data available, an average of 5.5% of the national housing stock transacts in a given year.</p>
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<p>Across the combined capital cities, a record-low of 4.7 percent housing stock transacted over the past year which was well down on the 5.6% average. Across the combined regional markets, 5.6% of housing stock transacted which was slightly higher than the 5.5% average. In both the capital city and regional housing markets stock turn-over is slowing. </p>
<p><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/2017/10/26/Total.jpg" alt=""></p>
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<p>Housing turnover is impacted by supply and demand factors. From the demand side of things the contributors are the rate of population growth, growth in household incomes, levels of investor demand and accessibility to credit. </p>
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<p>From the supply side the factors include the level of new housing construction and how much stock is actually available for sale at any given time. Other factors include the costs associated with buying and selling properties as well as government policies such as incentives for first home buyers.” </p>
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<p>Across the states and territories, the trends are interesting: </p>
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<p>NSW: In Sydney an historic low 4.7% of housing stock transacted over the past year and in regional NSW the figure was 5.9%. In each region turnover has slowed. </p>
<p><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/2017/10/26/NSW.jpg" alt=""></p>
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<p>Vic: Historic low 4.4% of Melbourne housing stock turned-over throughout the past year compared to 4.9% of regional Vic stock. Both of the regions are seeing a fall in turnover.</p>
<p><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/2017/10/26/Vic.jpg" alt=""></p>
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<p>Qld: Stock turnover is well above record lows in Brisbane (5.8%) and regional Qld (5.8%). Brisbane turnover is only slightly below average (5.9%) while regional Qld turnover is at average levels. </p>
<p><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/2017/10/26/QLD.jpg" alt=""></p>
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<p>SA: Turnover is fairly steady in SA recorded at 5.7% in Adelaide and 5.8% in regional SA. In each region turnover is slightly above long- term average levels. </p>
<p><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/2017/10/26/SA.jpg" alt=""></p>
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<p>WA: After a large fall over recent years, turnover has stabilised at a record low in Perth (3.6%) and has increased slightly from record lows in regional WA (4.2%). </p>
<p><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/2017/10/26/WA.jpg" alt=""></p>
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<p>Tas: In Hobart, 5.9% of housing stock sold last year compared to a long-term average of 5.4% annually and in regional Tas 6.1% of stock sold compared to a long-term average of 5.3% </p>
<p><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/2017/10/26/Tas.jpg" alt=""></p>
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<p>NT: 4.2% of housing stock transacted over the past year in Darwin and 4.7% of stock in regional NT. There has been a significant fall in turnover across the state as dwelling values have fallen.</p>
<p><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/2017/10/26/NT.jpg" alt=""></p>
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<p>Canberra: Over the past year, 4.8% of housing stock sold which is an historic low level. </p>
<p><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/2017/10/26/Canberra.jpg" alt=""></p>
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<p>The figures are stark given just how little of the Australian housing market actually sells in any given year.</p>
<p>A big driver of the low level of turnover over the past year has been relatively low levels of stock for sale, particularly in our largest capital cities and the high costs associated with stamp duty when buying a property.</p>
<p>The impost of stamp duty discourages turnover as we have recently seen with the removal of stamp duty for first time buyers under certain price thresholds in NSW and Vic.</p>
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<p>Once removed there has been a surge in housing finance commitments by first home buyers.</p>
<p>The final consideration for the low turnover is the high cost of housing in Australia, because the cost is high it is a significant consideration for households as to whether or not to purchase a property. </p>
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Dwelling construction surges yet housing turnover falls

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<p>Zuccoli, <span>a relatively new suburb in the City of Palmerston</span><span>,</span> has experienced the biggest stock increase in the Northern Territory over the past 12 months, according to Investar.</p>
<p>Investar says its sales stock has grown by 80%, from 60 houses this time a year ago to its current 108 offerings.</p>
<p>It is followed by Muirhead with 49% growth and Gunn with 37% growth. </p>
<p><em><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/3/28/zuccoli.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge:</em></p>
<p><em><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/2019/3/28/zuccoli.jpg" alt=""></em></p>
<p><em>Source: Investar</em></p>
<p>A three bedroom Zuccoli home currently on the market is priced at $499,000 (pictured above).</p>
<p>Set on a 570 square metres, the nearly new house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nt-zuccoli-130765978" target="_blank">35 Myrtlewood Crescent </a>comes with three bedrooms, two living areas, well-appointed kitchen, and established gardens. </p>
<p>It also features air conditioning throughout, solar power system and double lock up garage. </p>
<p><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/2019/3/28/zuccoli%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Another example is a four bedroom Zuccoli house priced at $475,000 (pictured above).</p>
<p>Built in 2015, the house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nt-zuccoli-130597222" target="_blank"> 41 Brook Circuit</a> comprises four bedrooms, separate media room, living room, and large back verandah.</p>
<p>It's within close proximity to new <span>schools and the local IGA.</span></p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Zuccoli experiencing NT's biggest jump in stock: Investar

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<p>Upper Kedron, <span>an outer suburb of Brisbane</span>, has experienced the biggest stock increase in Queensland over the last 12 months, according to Investar.</p>
<p>Investar says its sales stock has grown by 170%, from 27 houses this time a year ago to its current 73 offerings.</p>
<p>It is followed by Rothwell with 129% growth and Gleneagle with 119% growth. </p>
<p><em><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/3/28/qld%20investar.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:</em></p>
<p><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/2019/3/28/qld%20investar.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><em>Source: Investar</em></p>
<p>A Upper Kedron offering currently on the market is a five bedroom house priced over $620,000 (pictured below).</p>
<p>Set on a large 773 square metre block, the family home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-upper+kedron-130732070" target="_blank">16 Thomas Place</a> comes with five bedrooms, separate areas for lounge, dining and casual living, kitchen  and alfresco patio.</p>
<p><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/2019/3/28/upper%20kedron%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Another four bedroom Upper Kedron house on a 659 square metre block has been recently sold for $612,000 (pictured below).</p>
<p>The house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-upper+kedron-130179426" target="_blank"> 5 Kulnura Street </a>comprises four bedrooms, multiple living areas, modern kitchen, and covered alfresco area.</p>
<p>It's close to parkland, shops, train and schools. </p>
<p><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/2019/3/28/upper%20kedron%203.jpg" alt=""></p>
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Brisbane's Upper Kedron house stock increases 170% in a year: Investar

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<p>South Nowra, a suburb of Nowra in the Shoalhaven in New South Wales, has been ranked as having the nation's biggest stock increase.</p>
<p>Its sales stock has grown by 252%, from 23 houses this time last year to its current 81 offerings, according to Investar.</p>
<p>It suggests postcode 2541's median house price sits at $566,000, with 14.3% growth over the past year.</p>
<p>Its median rent sits at $430 per week, which has increased 7.5% over the past year.</p>
<p>The rental yield sits at 4%.</p>
<p>A South Nowra four bedroom house has been recently sold for $496,010 (pictured below).</p>
<p>It was sold by Jacqui Grapp from Raine&amp;Horne on May 31.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-south+nowra-127519710" target="_blank">Situated at 7 Barbata Grove</a> (pictured above), the home on a 700 square metre block comes with four bedrooms, open plan kitchen and dining, lounge area and double garage. </p>
<p>Other features including outside access via sliding doors, timer laminate flooring and rear yard access for the boat. </p>
<p>Another Caladenia Crescent four bedroom was sold for $555,000 by Megan Liddicoat and Scott Baxter from Ray White on April 30.</p>
<p>It was last traded for $181,500 in 2016 (pictured below).</p>
<p>Located within the Green Orchid estate,<a href="http://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-south+nowra-127874622" target="_blank"> the 50 Caladenia Crescent</a> home comprises of four bedrooms, gourmet kitchen, and open plan living and dining.</p>
<p>Nestled on a 660 square metres, the rear yard is level and freshly turfed with double gates providing side access for boats, caravans and trailers, plus a rear garden shed/ workshop.</p>
<p><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/2018/6/19/50%20caladenia%20cres.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>A South Nowra offering currently on the market is a four bedroom house priced at $525,000 (pictured below)</p>
<p>It was listed by Peter Russell and Ashleigh Beaufils from Integrity Real Estate.</p>
<p>Positioned on a 458 square metre block, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-south+nowra-128420022" target="_blank">the 52 Basil Street</a> house contains four bedrooms, separate lounge room, dining and living, and double garage. </p>
<p>It is located just a short stroll to the local park and a short drive to shops and medical. </p>
<p><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/2018/6/19/52%20basil%20st.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Another South Nowra four bedroom house has been listed for $545,000 to $565,000 (pictured below).</p>
<p>It is offered by Bohdan Brumerskyj from Professionals Clyde Poulton Real Estate.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/%20https:/www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-south+nowra-128214230" target="_blank">Located at 25 Terralla Grove</a>, the house features four bedrooms, kitchen with gas cooking, three well-sized living areas and two-car electric door garage.</p>
<p>It is only minutes from the centre of Nowra, and close to schools, sporting facilities and state forests.</p>
<p><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/2018/6/19/25%20terralla%20grove.jpg" alt=""> </p>
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South Nowra experiencing biggest jump in stock 

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<p>Melbourne has over 6.5 percent less fresh listings than it had at the same time last year, while Adelaide and Brisbane aren't too far behind.</p>
<p>Sydney's new 8,300 listing represents a 0.4 percent increase in fresh stock to their market compared to a year ago.</p>
<p>Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/3/14/properties_listed.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> <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/2018/3/14/properties_listed.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Sydney's overhang still comes from last year, with 26,800 total listings showing a 22.5 percent increase on how many listings they had last year.</p>
<p>Hobart is still well short of stock with dwellings flying off the shelves. They're 34.5 percent down on total number of listings from this time last year.</p>
<p>In total there are nearly 30,000 new listings, down 3.2 percent from this time last year.</p>
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Melbourne's fresh listings well down while Sydney still sees major overhang from 2017

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<p>Montello is one of the few Tasmanian locations that Investar calculates has secured a big increase in stock.</p>
<p>The sales stock growth was recently calculated as up by 50%, from 20 houses this time last year to its current 30 offering. </p>
<p>Investar put its median rental at $240 a week.</p>
<p>The median house price sits on $189,000, according to CoreLogic.</p>
<p>A three-bedroom house currently on the market is an <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-montello-127253150" target="_blank">8 Alice Street</a> offering, which is priced at $199,000 plus. </p>
<p>It came with open plan kitchen and dining and garage space.</p>
<p>Another three bedrooms offering nearby is priced at $169,000 (pictured below).</p>
<p>This <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-montello-119377119" target="_blank">2 Morse Street house</a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-montello-125987954" target="_blank"> </a>is situated about 10 mins walk to CBD. </p>
<p>It was previously rented fully furnished, (all furniture is included in the sale) for $220 per week.</p>
<p>A Margaret Street house has been sold for $213,000 this January. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-tas-montello-127016182" target="_blank">The 8 Margaret Street </a>house came with three bedrooms and two living.</p>
<p>Set on Mace Street, near Montello Primary School, a three bedroom house sold for $155,000 in 2016. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-tas-montello-115131635" target="_blank">The 19 Mace Street house </a>came with a separate garage and the 800 ㎡etre yard (pictured below).</p>
<p><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/2018/1/31/montello%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
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Montello ranks as having Tasmania's biggest stock rise

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<p>Lathlain is the Western Australia location which has had a dramatic decline in its house listings.</p>
<p>Investar suggests that the decrease of sale stock is around 61%, from 46 houses this time last year to its current 18 offerings. </p>
<p>There is one Rayment Street offering under contract priced at over $749,000 (pictured below).</p>
<p>Built in 1961, the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-lathlain-127476026" target="_blank">25 Rayment Street home</a> comes with three bedrooms, separate large lounge room an open plan kitchen.</p>
<p>Additional features include ducted evaporative air-conditioning, ceiling fans in kitchen and bore-fully reticulated gardens.</p>
<p><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/2018/2/26/25%20rayment%20street.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>A Howick Street four bedroom house has been recently sold for $600,000 (pictured below).</p>
<p>It was sold by Ken Nelligan from LJ Hooker.</p>
<p>Located at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-lathlain-126988670" target="_blank"> 50A Howick Street</a>, the Western Australian home comes with four bedrooms, separate formal lounge/theatre room and open plan kitchen.</p>
<p>It is only a short walk to Victoria Park train station, and minutes to Crown Entertainment complex, Perth Stadium and Lathlain Park.</p>
<p><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/2018/2/26/50a%20howick%20st.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Another Lathilain three-bedroom house was sold for $670,000 in July 2017 (pictured below).</p>
<p><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-lathlain-124548662" target="_blank">The 26 Rutland Avenue house</a> was sold by Craig Wildman from Acton.</p>
<p>Fully renovated, the 1920s built home comes with three bedrooms, modern kitchen and large backyard.</p>
<p>It also has double glazed windows,  ducted reverse cycle air conditioning and a CCTV system.</p>
<p><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/2018/2/26/26%20rutland%20avenue.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Investar puts it the suburb median rental at $360.</p>
<p>The suburb's median house price sits on $660,000 according to CoreLogic. </p>
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