<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/draycon">Draycon Building</a> is nearing completion of Boutique Chevron Island, a 42-apartment development on the northern end of Chevron Island at 17–19 Parneno Street, with a limited-time offer of fully furnished apartments available.</p>

<p>Now more than 90 per cent complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/boutique-chevron-island-17-19-parneno-chevron-island-qld-4217">Boutique</a> has been shaped by one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held island addresses, where riverfront outlooks and walkable access to Surfers Paradise converge.</p>

<p>For Draycon Building Managing Director Howard Dabit, the appeal of the site was immediate.</p>

<p>“I knew it was a good site as soon as I saw it,” Dabit said.</p>

<p>“The position and location on the north end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>, the way the river swirls around the site basically from the north to the east, it feels like the site is surrounded by the water. The height that we’ve got and the aspect looking north is beautiful. Eighty per cent of the apartments are looking north so they get that drenching sunlight coming in.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360922]</p>

<p>That northern orientation places the development within a stretch of Chevron Island defined by open river aspects and skyline views, while remaining embedded in the suburb’s established village setting.</p>

<p>Chevron Island has increasingly drawn owner-occupiers seeking centrality without the intensity of high-rise beachfront living. Positioned at the geographical centre of the Gold Coast, the island offers direct access to both the beach and key cultural infrastructure while retaining a neighbourhood-scale character.</p>

<p>Connected by bridge to Surfers Paradise, Chevron Island offers walkable access to beaches, riverfront parklands and a revitalised foreshore boulevard animated by walkers and cyclists throughout the day. The Pacific Ocean is only minutes away, reinforcing the suburb’s dual river-and-surf identity.</p>

<p>At the same time, Thomas Drive forms the spine of the island’s village life, delivering cafés, wine bars, casual dining and everyday services within easy reach. Independent grocers, wellness operators and neighbourhood retailers contribute to a community atmosphere that remains distinct from the vertical scale of the beachfront.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360915]</p>

<p>In the opposite direction, the Green Bridge links directly to HOTA – Home of the Arts – placing galleries, performance venues and parklands within walking distance. Weekly markets and major exhibitions draw visitors from across the region, while residents return to a quieter residential pocket at day’s end.</p>

<p>Public transport, including nearby bus routes and the G:link light rail corridor along the coastal spine, strengthens connectivity north and south. Griffith University, the Gold Coast University Hospital precinct and established private schools such as The Southport School are all within a short drive.</p>

<p>Ongoing investment across Surfers Paradise, HOTA and the broader Southport corridor has elevated amenity while preserving Chevron Island’s comparatively low-rise residential character. It is this balance, walkable village atmosphere paired with metropolitan-scale infrastructure, that continues to differentiate the suburb from higher-density beachfront precincts.</p>

<p>Boutique comprises just 42 residences, designed to maximise river and skyline outlooks within this tightly held island setting.</p>

<p>Boutique Chevron Island is slated for completion in April 2026, with prices starting from $1,220,000.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=89709]</p>


Joel Robinson

Draycon Building’s Boutique Chevron Island places 42 residences at the heart of the Gold Coast

<p>Sydney developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a> has secured planning approval for a $300 million residential development in Lindfield, marking the company’s second project on Sydney’s North Shore and its first on the Upper North Shore.</p>

<p>Located on Beaconsfield Parade and designed by DKO Architecture, the state significant development comprises three buildings of up to 10 storeys and will include 399 residences, including 59 affordable homes and 40 adaptable homes.</p>

<p>Residences will range in size from one, two and three bedrooms, with two-bedroom apartments accounting for over 60 per cent of the product make-up. Residents will have access to a broad suite of amenities, including a wellness area, indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, a pool, a gym, a community room and a golf simulator.</p>

<p>In line with Deicorp’s long-standing focus on creating transit-oriented communities, the project is located just 260 metres from the Lindfield Train Station, reinforcing its role in delivering well-connected housing close to established infrastructure, retail and local services.</p>

<p>The inclusion of affordable and adaptable housing supports greater diversity within the local market, while the mix of apartment types responds to demand from downsizers, young professionals and families seeking access to the Upper North Shore.</p>

<p>Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri OAM said the approval represents an important milestone for both the company and the suburb</p>

<p>“This approval allows us to deliver well-designed homes in a location that is already supported by strong transport and community infrastructure," Deiri said.</p>

<p>"Our focus is on creating places that integrate into their surroundings and provide long-term value for residents, and the broader Lindfield community. Being within walking distance of the station ensures this project supports sustainable growth in the right locations."</p>

<p>Across its portfolio, Deicorp currently has 4,703 apartments under construction, playing a leading role in shaping connected, liveable communities across Sydney.</p>

<p>Its expanding portfolio of Metro-linked developments includes Tallawong Village, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> in Five Dock, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hyde-metropolitan-sydney-133-141-liverpool-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Hyde Metropolitan</a> in Sydney CBD, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/falcon-alexander-crows-nest-8-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Falcon &amp; Alexander</a> in Crows Nest and Showground Village, Castle Hill.</p>

<p>Deicorp purchased the Beaconsfield Paradise site last year. Construction is scheduled to commence in Q2 of 2026 and will be completed in 2029.</p>


Deicorp expands portfolio to nearly 5,000 apartments with Lindfield project

<p>In a joint venture with The Trump Organization, Australia developer Altus Property Group has announced plans to bring a Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower to the Gold Coast, marking the first Trump-branded project in Australia.</p>

<p>"Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast is our first official project in Australia and reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class luxury experiences in iconic locations around the world," Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, said.</p>

<p>"This development exemplifies the Trump brand’s dedication to quality, sophistication, and unmatched service, and we are thrilled to bring this vision to the vibrant Gold Coast community."</p>

<p>The 91-storey building, which will become the tallest in Australia at 335 metres, will feature a&nbsp;285-room luxury hotel bearing the trademark Trump logo. It will also include 272 luxury residential apartments, a three-level podium with an exclusive Beach Club, and over 3,400 sqm of premium commercial, retail, and dining space, revitalizing the central Surfers Paradise precinct.</p>

<p>“Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast will be a truly unique offering in the Australian market, bringing the prestige and allure of a world-class luxury brand,"&nbsp;Altus founder and chief executive David Young said.</p>

<p>"Altus Property Group is proud of its track record in delivering landmark developments across Australia, and our expertise ensures this project will be an outstanding success."</p>


Trump Hotel heads for the Gold Coast to become Australia's tallest building

<p>More than a century after the Corrimal Coke Works first opened in 1912, the industrial landmark that helped shape the suburb is being reinterpreted as a walkable residential neighbourhood, with Stage One of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-works-stage-one-27-railway-street-corrimal-nsw-2518">The Works</a> now underway at 27 Railway Street.</p>

<p>For 102 years, the site was central to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/corrimal-nsw-2518">Corrimal</a>’s economic and social identity before operations ceased in 2014. Rather than erasing that legacy, developer Legacy Property has embedded it into the masterplan, retaining and reinterpreting elements such as the iconic 1912 brick chimney and sections of the original C1 Coke Oven Battery, alongside the adaptive reuse of the former powerhouse building.</p>

<p>Stage One will introduce 181 apartments across low-rise buildings, offering predominantly two and three-bedroom residences with completion targeted for mid-2027. The scale and configuration reflect a deliberate focus on owner-occupiers, targeting those seeking a lower-maintenance home in a prime location within the northern suburbs of Wollongong.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=143415 project_image_fid=359833]</p>

<p>Apartments have been designed to maximise natural light and cross-ventilation, with floor-to-ceiling glazing extending living areas onto generous balconies. Engineered timber flooring, induction cooktops and 900mm ovens in larger residences support everyday functionality, while two interior palettes allow buyers to tailor finishes to their preferences. The material selection draws on a restrained coastal language, intended to connect homes to their surroundings rather than compete with them.</p>

<p>The Works forms part of a broader 18-hectare masterplan that will ultimately deliver around 550 dwellings, new parks, and a heritage precinct celebrating the site’s past. More than seven hectares are dedicated to open space, including Southern Park and a Village Green with community gardens and recreation areas. The creek corridor is being rehabilitated with 150,000 native plantings, restoring biodiversity to the site and softening landscape.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=143415 project_image_fid=359841]</p>

<p>Positioned adjacent to Corrimal Station and within walking distance of Corrimal Town Centre, the precinct places daily essentials, rail connections and local retail within easy reach. Wollongong CBD, including the hospital, university and entertainment venues, sits approximately 6.5 kilometres to the south.</p>

<p>For buyers more familiar with North Wollongong, Corrimal offers a different proposition: a well-established coastal suburb framed by beaches to the east and the escarpment to the west, with a strong sense of local identity shaped in part by the former Coke Works. The Works seeks to reinforce that identity by creating a connected, walkable neighbourhood between coast and escarpment, rather than a standalone apartment complex.</p>

<p>Sustainability underpins the development approach. The Works is targeting Wollongong’s first 5-Star Green Star-rated community, with water-sensitive urban design, recycled materials and energy-efficient buildings integrated across the masterplan. For residents, these measures provide not only environmental benefits but also reduced operational costs and future resilience.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=143415 project_image_fid=359842]</p>

<p>With construction commenced and display materials available to view, prospective buyers can now engage more directly with the project’s vision, reviewing floorplans, material selections and the broader masterplan in detail. For many local homeowners weighing a move, the opportunity to experience how heritage, landscape and contemporary design intersect may help bridge the gap between familiarity and the next chapter.</p>

<p>As Stage One progresses toward its mid-2027 completion, The Works represents a significant chapter in Corrimal’s evolution, transforming a site that once powered local industry into a walkable residential precinct designed for its next generation of residents.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143415]</p>


Legacy Property’s The Works reimagines Corrimal’s century-old Coke Works

<p data-end="174" data-start="72">When it comes to developing in Melb​ourne's Bayside region, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lowe-living">Lowe Living</a> knows exactly what buyers want.</p>

<p data-end="346" data-start="176">With a longstanding presence in the area and a string of sell-out projects, Lowe Living consistently delivers developments that are as sought-after as their predecessors.</p>

<p data-end="585" data-start="348">Their latest instalment is in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-east-vic-3188">&nbsp;East,</a> the same postcode where they have previously delivered Hampton Hill and Oceano. The developer-builder recently commenced construction on its newest project,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marella-hampton-31-35-alicia-street-hampton-east-vic-3188">Marella</a>, a collection of 32 apartments just five minutes from the beach.</p>

<p data-end="945" data-start="587">Site acquisition is paramount to success. Lowe Living rarely brings a building to market that isn’t within walking distance of essential amenities, whether it be the beach, a prominent retail strip, or a train station. Marella is no exception, located at its Alicia Street address, less than a kilometre from the retail heart of Hampton Street and Hampton Station.</p>

<p data-end="945" data-start="587">[smartcode_project:default project_id=146197 project_image_fid=358495]</p>

<p data-end="993" data-start="947">Equally important to Lowe Living is the architecture.</p>

<p>For Marella, they appointed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, who explains that the architectural vision was to create a contemporary reinterpretation of the Californian bungalow, a style that’s iconic to Hampton’s heritage.</p>

<p>"By borrowing, abstracting, and reinterpreting elements of this quintessential style, such as strong datum lines, articulated columns, exposed structures, and roof tiles, our design strikes a balance between modernity and familiarity," says Cera Stribley.</p>

<p>"This approach ensures that the development is not only visually appealing but also contextually sensitive, resonating with Hampton's existing architectural landscape."</p>

<p data-end="1628" data-start="1460">[smartcode_project:default project_id=146197 project_image_fid=358499]</p>

<p>The building features terracotta brick, soft cream masonry, and exposed metal detailing, giving it a tactile presence that is intended to weather gently over time.</p>

<p>Internally, the focus on lasting quality continues, with two and three-bedroom residences anchored by sculptural stone kitchen islands, natural light, and clearly defined transitions between living, dining, and outdoor spaces.</p>

<p>The layouts have been carefully designed. Open-plan zones extend to private balconies, with light-filled interiors and generous kitchen proportions, supported by Miele wall ovens, induction cooktops, and integrated fridge-freezers. These are not small apartments rebranded as luxury; they have been designed at scale, with ample storage, hotel-style entry access, and secure basement parking provided as standard.</p>

<p data-end="2437" data-start="2024">[smartcode_project:default project_id=146197 project_image_fid=358492]</p>

<p>At the uppermost level, Marella’s Signature Collection penthouses offer city or bay views, large entertaining terraces (some with outdoor spas), and elevated finishes, including fully wrapped stone kitchen benches and a Liebherr wine fridge.</p>

<p>Flexible room arrangements allow for a fourth bedroom or secondary living space, sought-after by both empty nesters who want the space when family visits and families with older children.</p>

<p data-end="2870" data-start="2684">[smartcode_project:default project_id=146197 project_image_fid=358498]</p>

<p>A residents’ lounge on the ground floor reinforces the project’s small-community feel. With a fireplace, private dining area, and adjoining terrace, it’s one of several shared spaces that balance amenity with privacy and scale.</p>

<p>Construction has commenced, with completion expected in early 2027.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146197]</p>


Lowe Living continues Bayside legacy as Marella rises in Hampton

Sydney Property

<p>Setting a new benchmark for residential developments in Western Sydney, Auburn Square is the latest development delivered by property developers Tian An.</p>

<p>From its roots as one of Australia&rsquo;s oldest listed property developers, then known as Port Bouvard, Tian An has grown to deliver quality residential projects.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317 project_image_fid=79239]</p>

<p>Auburn Square has been designed for ultimate day-to-day liveability, with its precinct vision largely inspired by the nearby Auburn Botanical Gardens.</p>

<p>Designed by Rothelowman, the development features 2,000sqm of green space, an impressive rooftop garden, outdoor fitness area, film projector and screen and barbeque space.</p>

<p>Each apartment features contemporary design elements, high-end finishes and premium inclusions.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317 project_image_fid=79247]</p>

<p>Situated a three-minute walk from Auburn Central, the tower is located within a vibrant village and is just moments from transport to take you to the Parramatta and Sydney CBDs.</p>

<p>Retail spaces are located along the ground floor level of Northumberland Rd, connecting directly to Auburn Town Centre.</p>

<p>Urban takes a look at three of the featured floorplans available at Auburn Square.</p>

<p><strong>1. One-Bed</strong></p>

<p><img alt="" height="844" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-07-13_at_3.16.41_pm.png" width="1228" /></p>

<p>This one-bedroom floorplan is one of the many configurations available at Auburn Square, delivering one bedroom, one bathroom and a car space.</p>

<p>Boasting an internal area of 50sqm to 63sqm, the homes feature an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, with a choice of light or contrast colour schemes.<br />
[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317 project_image_fid=79242]</p>

<p>SMEG appliances can be found throughout the kitchen and most one-bedroom apartments feature island benches.</p>

<p>Auburn Square&rsquo;s contemporary design also sees feature walls in the kitchen, a balcony and a built-in robe in the bedroom.</p>

<p><strong>2. Two-Bed</strong></p>

<p><img alt="" height="1024" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-07-13_at_3.16.50_pm.png" width="1236" /></p>

<p>The two-bedroom apartment floorplan shown above displays a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, also featuring a parking space. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Two-bedders boast an internal size between 75sqm and 88sqm, as well as a balcony for outdoor entertaining.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317 project_image_fid=79240]</p>

<p>Residents have the option to include a bathroom in the contemporary residence.</p>

<p>Most two-bedroom apartments include storage rooms, while the master bedroom includes an ensuite and walk-in robe.</p>

<p><strong>3. Three-Bed</strong></p>

<p><img alt="" height="954" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-07-13_at_3.16.57_pm.png" width="1220" /></p>

<p>The family-sized, three-bedroom residence is the largest offering at Auburn Square, set over an internal area of 96sqm to 110sqm.</p>

<p>Each bedroom offers sliding doors to the extensive balcony, providing abundant light throughout the day that opens up the space.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317 project_image_fid=79250]</p>

<p>The apartment featured delivers walk-in robes, an open-plan living and dining area, as well as a generously sized laundry.</p>

<p>The apartment includes storage rooms, parking space and SMEG appliances in the kitchen with the optional upgrade to Westinghouse.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=7317]</p>


Urban takes a look at three of the featured floorplans available at Auburn Square

max.kwok_55688

Floorplan focus: The various apartment configurations at Western Sydney’s Auburn Square

<p>With Sydney&#39;s luxury market proving resilient, many buyers are seeing the benefit of investing in a high-end development at affordable prices because downsizing does not mean downgrading.</p>

<p>Whether your children have moved out or you&#39;re wanting to save money, downsizing provides a great option for couples of all ages.</p>

<p>Below are five of the best downsizer apartments on the market in Sydney to help you on your journey towards finding a new home.</p>

<p><strong>1. Bloom Arncliffe</strong><br />
Developer: Wingate<br />
Two-bedroom apartments from $699,000</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=6201 project_image_fid=89013]</p>

<p>Offering one, two and three-bedroom apartments across seven state-of-the-art buildings, Bloom is the latest development to hit Arncliffe.</p>

<p>Placed in a prime position between the city and the coast, residents enjoy the benefits of being close to Sydney&rsquo;s southern beaches, as well as the Illawarra line&rsquo;s direct link to the CBD, the Inner West and Bondi.</p>

<p>Designed by EJE Architecture, the home features spacious island benches, walk-in pantries, spacious floorplans, and entertaining space.</p>

<p><strong>2. Auburn Square, Auburn</strong><br />
Developer: Tian An<br />
Two-bedroom apartments from $615,000</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317 project_image_fid=79239]</p>

<p>Auburn is a hub of connectivity situated in the geographical heart of Sydney, offering the benefits of suburban living, with great transport accessibility to business centres including Parramatta and the CBD.</p>

<p>Auburn Square has been designed for ultimate day-to-day liveability.&nbsp;Its precinct vision is largely inspired by the nearby Auburn Botanical Gardens,&nbsp;aiming&nbsp;to connect residents and foster a community feel.</p>

<p>Designed by Rothelowman, the development features 2,000sqm of green space, an impressive rooftop garden, outdoor fitness area, film projector and screen and barbeque space.</p>

<p><strong>3. Eminence, Zetland</strong><br />
Developer: Meriton<br />
One-bedroom apartments from $745,000</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=21882 project_image_fid=71328]</p>

<p>Eminence is a trio of boutique buildings commanding four street frontages nestled between the transformational Green Square precinct and the CBD.</p>

<p>As well as 1,840sqm of lush podium gardens, the development by Meriton offers luxurious five-star amenities for year-round resort enjoyment.</p>

<p>Directly across from your home at Eminence, Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre features beach-inspired pools, open-air training facilities, boardwalks and playgrounds.</p>

<p><strong>4. Arcadia, North Lane Cove</strong><br />
Developer: Dasco Australia<br />
Price for two-bedroom apartments available upon request</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=6912 project_image_fid=153916]</p>

<p>Close by Chatswood&rsquo;s commercial, entertainment and dining offerings and the thriving Lane Cove Village, Arcadia is a sophisticated and elegant residence on Sydney&rsquo;s Lower North Shore.</p>

<p>Boasting rooftop gardens, a gym, barbeque areas and a dedicated workspace lounge, the development boasts great amenities for downsizers and first-home buyers alike.</p>

<p>Designed by PSEC Project Services, Arcadia residences include floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and abundant natural light, while some residences boast dual terraces and balcony access from the master bedroom.</p>

<p><strong>5. Destination, Macquarie Park</strong><br />
Developer: Meriton<br />
One-bedroom apartments from $600,000</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=8669 project_image_fid=71739]</p>

<p>Located within NSW&rsquo;s second-largest business district, Destination offers lots of opportunities to downsizers hoping to take advantage of Macquarie Park&rsquo;s competitive advantages.</p>

<p>Delivered by Meriton and designed by DKO Architecture, Destination offers serene garden terraces, timeless design and views from every angle.</p>

<p>The development provides large apartment layouts with house-like proportions, tailored materials and classic detailing.</p>


A look at five downsizer apartments on the market in Sydney to help you on your journey towards finding a new home

Downsizing does not mean downgrading: Sydney’s best downsizer apartments on the market today

<html><body>
<p>There is little doubt the Sydney auction market has started out a lot better in February, than it finished off last December.</p>
<p>At this stage, four weeks in, the positivity has been more evident from the auction clearance rate being on the rise, than prices making any advances.</p>
<p>February typically suffers none of the inbuilt end of year fatigue. Saturday's preliminary clearance sat at over 70 percent.</p>
<p>You never know, but prices could spurt again, especially if our fresh stock levels stay low after the upcoming early Easter break, and the banks begin to ease up on their lending.</p>
<p>It would not be a second wind for prices, because we've already seen that many times, just when the market seemed destined to head backwards.</p>
<p>Sydney is highly resilient when it comes to property price momentum, often catching forecasters out of step.</p>
<p>I was thinking of the contributing mix, intrinsic and not so, when I popped a few questions to Harry Dent, one of the world’s most controversial economic futurists.</p>
<p>He is currently touring Australia. Last time he toured in 2014, Dent's worst case scenario was for a post-China bubble burst impacting on Sydney with property prices possibly set to collapse by as much as 60 percent.</p>
<p>His controversial forecasts were labelled as scaremongering by many commentators including Chris Joye.</p>
<p>Dent's earlier 2011 crash forecast also saw the founder of wealth manager Yellow Brick Road Mark Bouris counter the claims. </p>
<p>In 2011 on David Koch’s Sunrise program, Dent urged viewers to sell their homes before the 50 percent crash in prices arrived at their doorsteps after a China crash hits our shores.</p>
<p>He will be pursuing the same message this time around.</p>
<p>I told Dent that dwelling prices in Sydney now sit at around a $895,000 median, up from $610,000 in early 2014.</p>
<p>The median represents a significant 46 percent rise since Dent's last warning, and an 80 percent rise since his 2011 warning.</p>
<p>Pressed by me, Dent admits he was wrong through he sticks to the yet-to-occur outcome, merely adjusting the timing of his dire forecast.</p>
<p>"I was wrong, how about that," he said.</p>
<p>"I'm early."</p>
<p>Australia will burst whenever the China bubble bursts, he says.</p>
<p>Dent warns many won't see it coming, and adds that real estate, unlike the stockmarket, won't have any easy escape route, and its recovery will take much longer.</p>
<p>"This is not a normal bubble," he suggests noting the global real estate bubble had extended well beyond typical lengths.</p>
<p>He argues the global bubble has been caused by central banks printing money, not just low interest rates.</p>
<p>Dent says suggests central banks can't keep printing money for ever.</p>
<p>"What's not different is by every measure, is these are bubbles.</p>
<p>"Chinese real estate is a bubble.</p>
<p>"The Sydney real estate is a bubble." </p>
<p>"Better to get out a little early," he will be telling his 2018 audiences.</p>
<p>This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph</p>
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Harry Dent says he was early with his dire Sydney price collapse forecast

<html><body>
<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Media portrays Sydney as a market of universal and relentless decline, but our analysis shows there’s a lot more to the story. While sales activity and prices are down generally, there are many different scenarios playing out across the Greater Sydney Area.</span> </p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">In Hotspotting’s latest quarterly survey of sales activity, we can find only three suburbs where sales activity is trending higher, but there are 90 suburbs with steady, consistent sales and a similar number of plateau markets (where activity has dropped from the peak but remains at solid levels).</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">And there are 61 suburbs classified as decline markets and 14 which we regard as danger markets, with the Sydney City, Parramatta, Bayside and Canterbury-Bankstown LGAs heading the list of markets to avoid.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Our analysis of 416 suburban markets in the Greater Sydney Area shows that 77% of them have median prices lower than a year so, while 23% have higher prices. Given the negative sensation about Sydney in mainstream media, many people would be surprised to learn that there are 95 Sydney markets where prices are not falling.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">That includes 36 where median prices have risen by more than 5%, led by the top end of the Sydney market (suburbs with median prices above $2 million). Suburbs with median house prices above $2 million have recorded trend-defying growth, including Bellevue Hill (up 17%), Vaucluse (15%), Collaroy (22%), Palm Beach (17%), Artarmon (28%), Abbotsford (16%), Darling Point (12%) and Neutral Bay (17%), among others.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">In another interesting trend that defies the general media rhetoric, there are 44 suburbs where the median house price is down but the media apartment price is up. This reflects the reality that many of the Sydney markets where prices have continued to grow against the overall trend are apartment precincts – it’s not happening across the board, but it’s a significant sub-plot in the Sydney market.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Our analysis of the Sydney market shows why the generalisations prevalent in media are so misleading for consumers. This Autumn survey has given ratings to 258 Sydney suburbs: 3 rising, 90 plateau, 90 consistency, 61decline and 14 danger markets. The absence of growth markets and the dominance of struggling ones is the over-riding trend, but there are other stories to be told in the Sydney market.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The strongest precincts are those that are displaying stubborn consistency of sales activity in the face of the general downturn.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The Sutherland LGA has two of only three rising suburbs (Jannali and Kirrawee), as well as five plateau and four consistency suburbs. The median price for Jannali units has risen 22% in the past year, while Kirrawee houses are up 3%. It’s notable that median prices for units have risen in many Sutherland suburbs, including Caringbah, Cronulla, Caringbah South, Gymea and Miranda, as well as Jannali.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Other precincts that are showing solidity, with plenty of consistency and plateau suburbs (and no decline or danger markets), including LGAs at the more affordable end of the market like Blacktown, Camden, Penrith, Wollondilly and Campbelltown.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The Blacktown LGA has one rising, three plateau and 10 consistency suburbs. A characteristic of this market is that median prices are down, but only a few percent in most suburbs – including Plumpton (-2%), Ropes Crossing (-2.3%), Schofields (-1.2%), Marsden Park (-0.4%), Blacktown units (-2%) and Mt Druitt units (-2.8%).</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Other solid markets include the LGAs of Inner west, Northern Beaches, North Sydney,<span class="Apple-converted-space">  </span>Woollahra, Randwick and Fairfield.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Inner West suburbs where median prices are higher than a year ago include Annandale (units), Camperdown, Lilyfield, Rozelle (units), Dulwich Hill (units) and Stanmore (units).</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Standout price performances in the steady Northern Beaches precinct include Collaroy, Narrabeen, Avalon Beach, Manly (units), Seaforth (units) and Newport (units).</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The weakest precincts of the Sydney market are the LGAs of Parramatta, Sydney City, Bayside and Canterbury-Bankstown.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Parramatta has six suburbs which we classify as danger markets: those where sales activity is sharply down, prices are falling and vacancies are high. These suburbs are Carlingford, Epping, North Parramatta, Parramatta, Wentworth Point and Rosehill. This LGA also has six suburbs ranked as decline markets.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Median prices are down sharply for North Parramatta houses (20%), Parramatta houses (30%), and Rosehill units (22%).</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Sydney City has seven declining suburbs and two danger markets (Haymarket and Waterloo).</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The Canterbury-Bankstown LGA has nine suburbs classified as declining markets, based on a sharp decrease in sales activity over the past 12-18 months: Bankstown, Belmore, Campsie, Canterbury, Croydon Park, Lakemba, Padstow, Panania and Roselands.</span></p>
<p class="p4"><span class="s1">T<em>erry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au</em></span></p>
<p class="p5"><span class="s3"><a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au"><em>ryder@hotspotting.com.au</em></a></span></p>
<p class="p6"><span class="s1"><em>twitter.com/hotspotting</em></span></p>
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What's really going on in the Sydney real estate market? Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

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<p>Quite remarkable that the Lower North Shore property markets are showing no signs of slowing as we edge closer to Christmas.</p>
<p>What is very clear is that all but guarantees another very strong March quarter for 2017, where beyond that would be anyone’s guess.</p>
<p>Whilst many expect that the Reserve Bank of Australia will cut the cash rate in the next six months we are now starting to witness some small Australian lenders increasing their rates which sends a loud signal that we may now be witnessing the end of the low rates. I made a phone call and was advised that ING have the lowest rate presently at 3.84 percent over five years fixed. ME head of home loans, Patrick Nolan, said: “The increases were based on increasing swap rates – up 40 basis points since the end of August – and increasing cost of deposit funding.”</p>
<p>Yes, there will be casualties, more particularly the interest only borrowers. I read a sage quote by a banker on Twitter who said: “If anyone is taking out a 20 – year mortgage and they don’t believe rates will rise, I’d ask them if they should be making this investment. It is an unrealistic proposition,” he said.</p>
<p>What needs to be factored in is that wages rose by 1.9 per cent during the September quarter, which was a record low according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.</p>
<p>The NSW Government’s property development arm known as the Greater Sydney Commission released this week the first draft for the five – year housing targets by Local Government Area. A total of 23,250 new properties have been approved, with Mosman to build 300 new properties and North Sydney 3,000 and the Northern Beaches an additional 3,400.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/11/28/Draft-Districts.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/11/28/Draft-Districts.png" alt=""></p>
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<p>I really find this quite intriguing with present data suggesting that Sydney is now facing an imminent over – supply. NSW is in the process of building 55,000 new apartments with thousands more on the planning desks awaiting approval.</p>
<p>As these apartments are completed this will be a significant lever in reducing rents. When I look at Mosman I observed from CoreLogic that the rental median for a house in Mosman is $1,600.00 per week which is a 16.4 per cent increase over the last five years. The rental median for an apartment is $580.00 per week which is a 16.0 per cent increase over the last five years.</p>
<p>From an economic perspective, this is good news for NSW as it will drive employment as well as productivity. Property investors need to look closely at where their respective investment properties are within the Local Government Areas to ascertain what impact this unprecedented apartment building bonanza will have. One would have to say that in the short – term in the case of Mosman that apartment rents will be coming down. Even more so in North Sydney as they have a massive 3,000 apartments to be built over Mosman’s 300. For the fortunate ones if you own a residential development because it just doubled and trebled in value with the new high density legislation.</p>
<p>What needs to be acknowledged is this is what we call the new market and should not be confused with the established housing market as we are building apartments not houses. Although one point that springs to mind is that investors will be forced to renovate existing apartments if they are going to compete in the market on a rental dollar basis as they will be up against brand new apartments.</p>
<p>The building industry has never seen a better future although little consideration has been given to existing property owners who must contend with greater traffic congestion on our roads. So, if you thought our roads are congested now this week’s announcement will only make the situation worse.</p>
<p>Over time this will see more businesses moving to the suburbs, so a smart town planner must be marinating these development sites with a combination of commercial, retail and residential. Although we all know that this won’t happen as that would be the intelligent outcome to try and ease traffic congestion. Happy to bet now that these new developments will be strictly residential only although I will be more than happy to be wrong with this.</p>
<p>What is happening in Sydney will also see many leave Sydney for quieter and a more stable lifestyle. Whatever the outcome this will have plenty of Sydneyites re – considering their respective futures.</p>
<p><em>ROBERT SIMEON is a director of </em><em><a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/" target="_blank" title="RWM" rel="nofollow">Richardson Wrench Mosman and Neutral Bay</a> </em><em>and has been selling residential real estate in Sydney since 1985. </em></p>
<p><em>He has also been writing real estate blog </em><em><a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" target="_blank" title="Virtual Realty News" rel="nofollow">Virtual Realty News</a> </em><em>since 2000.</em></p>
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An insight into Sydney, now one big building site

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<p class="post-title entry-title">EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p class="post-title entry-title">Although the official statistics suggest something slightly different, by my reckoning Sydney's housing market has now entered its third year of downturn.</p>
<div>From a purely psychological point of view, this makes for a testing time for owners, and some may now choose to sell.  </div>
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<div>I'm interested in opportunities, but one of the challenges facing bargain-hunters - at least in the areas that are typically of most interest - is that Sydney's regional unemployment rates are as close to zero as you'll ever see. </div>
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<div>Click <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQj8VeqmxnU/XHhf4Egzx6I/AAAAAAAAuw4/_7pp0VW2TYcFLt_g8Pi1qPhoEz_JtIb6gCLcBGAs/s640/UE.jpg" target="_blank">here</a> to enlarge</div>
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<div>The cash rate setting is also at the lowest ever level, so there's little in the way of mortgage stress to report in inner Sydney, although tighter access to credit and the interest-only mortgage reset could smoke out some portfolio investors. </div>
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<div>And despite record levels of construction in recent years, Sydney doesn't really have a structural oversupply.</div>
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<div>What it does have, though, is a few concentrated gluts of apartment completions and projects hitting the market at the same time, which might give rise to some distressed sales or failed apartment projects. </div>
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<div><strong>Pockets of pain</strong></div>
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<br>My experience in Britain has taught me that sharp price falls are sometimes seen when the economy really turns bad, leading to rising unemployment and forced sellers - hardly a widespread problem facing Sydney at this point in time - and sometimes in the most supply-responsive areas.</div>
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<div>I spent a long time last week looking for bargains in the Sydney market, and in the east I couldn't find anything - I mean, not a single thing - that you might term a bargain, or anything even approximating to a bargain. </div>
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<div>I don't really know enough about Homebush, Parramatta, Blacktown, or Western Sydney to comment in any meaningful way.</div>
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<div>The best examples I could find of significant price declines, at least within 20 kilometres of the City, were mostly in areas zoned for higher-density housing or construction hotspots.</div>
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<div>Epping was a standout example, where scores of apartments were sold off the plan around 2014, and it's not too hard in that area to find examples of units for sale at well below the 'as new' price (although, interestingly, some have been advertised 'almost as new').</div>
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<div>Resale prices in some developments look likely to be up to 15 to 20 per cent lower than the off-the-plan price after an assumption for discounting is factored in.</div>
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<div>A high proportion of such apartments was bought by non-residents, and jt's probably fair to say that total return might not have been absolutely front of mind for some off the plan buyers. </div>
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<div>Locations around Epping and parts of the Hills District have experienced a huge surge in apartment completions in recent years. </div>
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<div>Finding a tenant would be hard work right now for landlords, which might encourage more sellers in 2019.</div>
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<em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.</em> </div>
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Where are the Sydney property bargains? Pete Wargent

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<p>Commentary on the future direction of the residential property sector has been diverse.</p>
<p>As Gary Brinkworth, the boss of the Herron Todd White valuation firm recently noted, some observers are expecting a subtle slowdown, while others predict a catastrophic collapse.</p>
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<p>He suggests these views fail to understand the complexity of the Australian residential property sector and that having specialist knowledge at a localised level was key to good decision making.</p>
<p>It adds its can be difficult to keep up as markets adapt to the challenges around COVID-19.</p>
<p>"Some locations have seen monumental disturbance to their usual state of affairs, while others have barely registered a ripple.</p>
<p>"COVID-19 has amplified the diversity of Australia’s resident property markets by location, price point and property type," he added.</p>
<p>Well informed valuers, like well informed estate agents, are well informed on sales activity and price direction.</p>
<p>Brinkworth acknowledged Herron Todd White in Sydney made the decision in early March that all staff would work from home.</p>
<p>The decision was made to ensure that any potential exposure to the virus did not place further risk on other staff and their clients, whose homes they inspect daily.</p>
<p>They changed the way they conduct inspections - with hand sanitiser, face masks and disposable gloves becoming just as importan as their tablets and laser measurers.</p>
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<p>HTW has also developed a contactless inspection tool which allows occupants to take internal photos which feed straight into their valuation system, allowing valuations when a COVID-19 related concern means a property cannot be fully assessed.</p>
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<p>This has allowed mortgage applications to proceed instead of being delayed by weeks or even months until internal access became available.</p>
<p>His team, while noting some statistics may not yet be showing a decline in values across the Sydney market, have seen evidence from selling agents indicates that values are falling, particularly in some areas and for some price sectors, although not necessarily uniformly within these sub-markets.</p>
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<p>The rental market has seen a more immediate impact however, with listings increasing and rents falling, which will certainly have an impact on yields and prices.</p>
<p>Looking around the regions the Northern Beaches has appeared to absorb much of the negative sentiment and restrictions surrounding the pandemic, although "there is a strong chance you will be paying less than you would have three months ago for the same product."</p>
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<p>The slowdown in volumes of transactions in inner Sydney and the Eastern Suburbs made it difficult to ascertain any emerging pattern emerging, but HTW advised in previous downturns, the inner city market segment most vulnerable to volatility is the upsizer price bracket, typically from $2 million to $3 million.</p>
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<p>It also noted properties falling in the Airbnb sector are being impacted, for obvious reasons. </p>
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<p>HTW have been still seeing reasonably strong activity in the west, particularly at the entry level.</p>
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<p>Like the eastern suburbs, the North Shore prestige market is more accustomed to off-market transactions, so recent restrictions around open for inspections and public auctions have not impacted this part of the market as much as lower price points.</p>
<p>Overall HTW conclude the long term outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic for the property market is uncertain.</p>
<p>The Sydney property market is resilient, as seen by the recovery from the 2017 to 2019 downturn. </p>
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<p>However, HTW anticipate a slower return to normal, depending on just where unemployment numbers end up and the extent of a decrease in short term immigration numbers.</p>
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Sydney residential market is resilient, but expect a slower return to normal after COVID-19

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Sydney rents are falling but not everywhere: Nerida Conisbee

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<p>Sydney house values jumped over three per cent over the month of November, growth not seen over a month since the late 1980s.</p>
<p>Dwelling values in the harbour capital grew by 2.7 per cent, led by house values (+3.1 per cent), CoreLogic's November update showed.</p>
<p>Units also saw strong 1.8 per cent gains.</p>
<p>Sydney hadn't seen dwelling values rise that high and that quickly since 1988 when in October they rose 3.5 per cent.</p>
<p>The November 2019 figures topped that of May 2015 when dwelling prices rose 2.6 per cent. </p>
<p>The house value jump takes Sydney's quarterly gains above Melbourne as the two fight it out over who claims top spot in the recovery.</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/2019/12/2/CL%20Cap%20Values%20Dec.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Sydney house values have grown seven per cent over the quarter, compared to Melbourne's 6.9 per cent, after the Victorian capitals 2.4 per cent house value gain in November.</p>
<p>Melbourne's dwelling values are still higher than Sydney over the quarter, driven by their stronger recovery in the apartment market (+5.3 per cent compared to Sydney's +4.2 per cent.)</p>
<p>CoreLogic's head of research Tim Lawless said that although housing values are rising across each of the valuation cohorts, the recovery trend is most concentrated within the premium sector of the market.</p>
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<p><span>"This trend is most evident in Sydney and Melbourne where the top quartile of the market is outperforming the broad </span><span>‘middle’ </span><span>of the market and lower quartile," Lawless noted.</span></p>
<p><span>"Values across </span><span>Sydney’s </span><span>top quartile were up 7.4% over the three months ending November, compared with a 3.8% rise across the lower quartile.</span></p>
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<p> </p>
<p><span>"Similarly, in Melbourne, top quartile values were up 8.1% over the same three month period compared with a 4.2% rise across the lower quartile. </span></p>
<p>“The stronger performance across the higher value end of the market can likely be attributed to a combination of values falling more in this sector during the downturn, as well as recent adjustments to serviceability rules which has boosted borrowing capacity. Additionally, the scarcity value of detached homes in many of the blue-chip property markets is another factor supporting strong capital gains.</p>
<p><span>“As </span><span>housing values become less affordable in these high-end markets, demand is likely to ripple outwards to the more affordable </span><span>areas,” </span><span>Lawless said.</span></p>
<p><span>Sydney and Melbourne dwelling values are now positive for the first time in 12 months.</span></p>
<p><span>Sydney houses are up 2.1 per cent, Melbourne's 0.9 per cent.</span></p>
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<p>“The Australian housing market is now five months into an unexpected period of rapid recovery. The question is, how long can such a high pace of capital gains be sustained?”</p>
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<p><span>“Annualising </span><span>the growth rate over the past three months implies the national index is already tracking well above double digit annual growth (+15.3%), while Sydney and Melbourne dwellings are tracking around the mid-twenty percent range for annualised capital gains based on the most recent three month trend."</span></p>
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