A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/auyin-property-development">Auyin</a> is the latest to turn to the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program in an effort to secure approval for its long-planned, mixed-use project in Elsternwick.

In 2018, Auyin lodged plans with Glen Eira City Council for a 14-storey building, however Council approved a reduced eight-storey scheme. A subsequent VCAT appeal in 2019 upheld the eight-storey height limit.

The project was later amended to nine storeys, but Auyin is now seeking to revive something closer to its original vision. The developer argues that the planning context has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly within the Elsternwick Activity Centre, where higher-density development has increasingly been encouraged along Glen Huntly Road.

The proposal would transform the 1,239 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-12-horne-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">7-15 Horne Street</a>, opposite Elsternwick Railway Station, into a 13-storey residential and retail development designed by CBG Architects, with 40 apartments

The site currently comprises three commercial properties.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f465dd4-509b-4082-a669-0253b313914b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20podium.png?VersionId=72frWi0SmQ5AVJ3ARRhX5ILUYObhTm7x" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 25 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences above 200 sqm of retail space at ground level. Residents would have access to a 90 sqm wellness facility, a 351 sqm communal indoor and outdoor terrace on the third level, and extensive landscaped areas throughout the development. A publicly accessible 135 sqm plaza would be created on the north-east corner of the site, providing seating, landscaping, and a new gathering space adjoining Horne Street.

The design adopts a four-storey podium that references the finer-grain character of the surrounding streetscape, with the upper tower recessed behind generous setbacks on all boundaries.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e637e763-2abc-4c34-a0aa-5c7ad36fae18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20open.png?VersionId=J1AoOpZgTyaF.KeeFSX6lMjEScX8KKRi" />

A key element of the proposal is the reconfiguration and widening of the surrounding laneways. Vehicle access would be retained from Lois Lane, with upgraded pedestrian connections linking Ross Street and Horne Street. The development would provide 58 residential car spaces, two retail car spaces, and 52 bicycle spaces across two basement levels and ground-floor facilities.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the established character of Elsternwick Village. The façade combines dark charcoal brickwork, textured concrete, bronze-toned metal detailing, and extensive planting integrated into podium and tower levels. The design also incorporates a chamfered corner treatment and publicly accessible plaza intended to strengthen pedestrian activity around the station precinct.

Elsternwick's last new development completion was&nbsp;EVA Elsternwick by Pitard late last year. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working away on its nature-led neighbourhood, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, on Gordon Street, with its first stage expected to complete next year.

First look: Auyin seeks mixed-use apartment project in growing Elsternwick Activity Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/otium-parkdale-123-125-como-parade-east-parkdale-vic-3195">Otium Parkdale</a>, the 13-residence boutique development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huxtable-property">Huxtable Property</a>, has entered its final stages of delivery, with completion expected within the coming month and more than half of the residences sold.

The Como Parade East project is nearing the finish line at a time when opportunities to purchase new apartments in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parkdale-vic-3195">Parkdale</a> remain exceptionally limited. Fewer than 10 per cent of dwellings in the bayside suburb are apartments, making developments like Otium a relatively rare addition to a market traditionally dominated by detached housing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5427]

The three-level development comprises 13 residences, including ten two-bedroom apartments and three larger three-bedroom homes, all positioned above a secure basement car park.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/almeida-architects">Almeida Architects</a> with a strong connection to its coastal surroundings, Otium combines red brick, exposed concrete and dark metal detailing with integrated landscaping and greenery. Expansive glazing, generous balconies and terraces have been incorporated throughout the design to maximise natural light and reinforce indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the residences feature engineered European oak flooring, natural and reconstituted stone benchtops, Bosch kitchen appliances, ducted heating and cooling, lift access and secure entry systems. The larger three-bedroom residences on the upper level have been designed with house-like proportions, while the two-bedroom apartments prioritise functionality, flexibility and low-maintenance living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5421]

The project is now in its final stages, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/labco">Labco</a> completing the remaining landscaping and external finishing works following the completion of the residences' interiors.

Otium's location within the heart of Parkdale continues to underpin its appeal. Residents will be just steps from local cafés, restaurants, shops and the newly elevated Parkdale Station, while the beach is less than a kilometre away.

With the project tracking ahead of schedule, buyers can currently secure a residence with a five per cent deposit and benefit from settlement terms of up to eight months. The advanced stage of construction also provides buyers with the opportunity to walk through the near-complete residences and experience the quality and finishes firsthand ahead of completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134974]

Otium Parkdale enters final month before completion as rare apartment opportunity nears sellout

A new boutique apartment development is entering the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>, with Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ausdev">Ausdev</a> bringing 33 residences to a well-connected pocket of Brisbane's north.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">Parkdrive Apartments</a>, at 25 Sammells Drive, will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences positioned within walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Bradbury Park.

Established in 1989, Ausdev has a long-standing presence across both development and construction, with Parkdrive Apartments representing its latest residential project in Brisbane's northern suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363778]

The development has been designed around open-plan living and natural light, with residences featuring stone benchtops, timber cabinetry, BOSCH appliances, and private balconies that extend the living areas outdoors.

Kitchens are positioned as the centrepiece of the homes, incorporating natural material palettes and integrated appliances, while bathrooms have been designed with a focus on functionality and understated finishes.

Residents will have access to a communal barbecue and entertaining area on Level 3, providing shared outdoor space within the development. Secure parking and lift access are also incorporated into the building.

The project will deliver a limited collection of 33 apartments, with one-bedroom residences priced from $749,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Beyond the building itself, the location places residents within easy reach of several of Chermside's key amenities. Bradbury Park is around 350 metres away, while Westfield Chermside is approximately 1.3 kilometres from the site. The Prince Charles Hospital is located within 750 metres, and the Chermside Bus Interchange is around 1.5 kilometres away, providing connections across Brisbane.

Parkdrive Apartments adds to the growing residential pipeline in Chermside, a suburb that continues to evolve as a major retail, healthcare, and transport hub for Brisbane's north.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152125]

Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370900]

The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150499]

Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

Tasmania

<html><body>
We’re regularly told that one of the most important things about investing in property is to hold that investment for a long period of time. But how long do people tend to hold their properties for?
Here are the 10 most tightly held markets in Tasmania, for houses, based on the years held and the median prices. 
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Stieglitz</a> 14 years $233,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Forth</a> 14 years $350,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Rose Bay</a> 14 years $428,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Summerhill</a> 13 years $243,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Swan Bay</a> 13 years $370,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Waverley</a> 13 years $159,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Kingston Beach</a> 13 years $455,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Miandetta</a> 13 years $240,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Mount Nelson</a> 13 years $518,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Cambridge</a> 13 years $513,000</li>
</ol>
Source: RP Data
Another 61 suburbs ranked as having a hold period of 10 years or more.
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The 10 most tightly held Tasmanian suburbs: RP Data

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A small construction company is aiming to tackle Tasmania’s high rates of obesity and cardiovascular disease by starting to change people’s attitudes to exercise and healthy eating in the workplace.
Ronald Young &amp; Co Builders in Hobart have been constructing homes in southern Tasmania for more than 40 years. Husband and wife duo Lisa and Paul Burnell purchased the business in 2011 and immediately recognised the importance of implementing a successful health and wellbeing program.
Lisa Burnell said research shows <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people/42402-one-in-five-workers-has-stayed-home-in-past-year-because-they-felt-mentally-unwell-study">healthy workers are nearly three times more productive than unhealthy workers</a>. In addition, they have fewer sick days and workers compensation claims.
“The benefits to our business have been that it’s been enhanced teamwork and workplace morale,” she said. “It demonstrates that we value a positive work environment.”
As part of the program, the company’s 10 permanent employees receive free health checks on site – such as blood pressure monitoring – and are encouraged to eat healthy and exercise.
“I’m a registered nurse so I have found it easy to incorporate this into our business,” Burnell said when describing the program. “I also develop an annual calendar of events and other initiatives – men’s health, prostate awareness, cardiovascular disease. There’s a lot of information out there.”
The business’s actions have not only improved their brand image but also their involvement in the local community.
“Tasmania has one of the highest rates of obesity,” she said. “Construction workers are blue collar workers and alcohol and smoking is high. So for me with my background it’s good to be able to try to initiate some health improvements.”
Burnell points out while a lot of SMEs don’t have the time or resources to implement a health and wellbeing program as extensive as theirs, if you are a business owner it is still worth putting health and safety high up on your list of priorities.
“The return on investment is high,” she said. “It’s not only our legislative obligations – and I think a lot of businesses are aware it’s good business.”
Burnell said if other small enterprises wanted to follow suit, then her top tips would be to include health and wellbeing in the business’s core values and to get staff involved.
“Do a needs assessment,” she said. “See what your health needs are in your workplace. Start off small and network with other businesses.”
This article first appeared on SmartCompany. 
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Meet the Tasmanian construction company giving its workers free health checks

<html><body>
It has been a strong sales quarter for Tasmania, Australia’s cheapest state for property.
We looked at the <a href="/news/tas/tasmania-records-strongest-sales-month-in-half-a-decade-reit">most recent data from the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania</a>, in their Quarterly Property Report June 2014, to compile the cheapest suburbs – those equal to or sub-$180,000 – across the country from A to Z.
We note that some of the data is statistically questionable due to the infrequency of sales in these areas.
Here are the 24 suburbs that made our list, and their recorded quarterly and yearly median price changes.
FROM A TO Z
<ul>
<li>Acton</li>
</ul>
$151,250
Median price change over quarter: 4.3%
Median price change over year: -4%
<ul>
<li>Avoca</li>
</ul>
$178,000
Median price change over quarter: NA
Median price change over year: 40.7%
<ul>
<li>Beaconsfield</li>
</ul>
$164,000
Median price change over quarter:  -33.1%
Median price change over year: -13.1%
<ul>
<li>Beauty Point</li>
</ul>
$165,000
Median price change over quarter: -10.8%
Median price change over year: -17.1%
<ul>
<li>Bridgewater</li>
</ul>
$159,000
Median price change over quarter: -16.3%
Median price change over year: 54.4%
<ul>
<li>Campbell Town</li>
</ul>
$140,000
Median price change over quarter: -22.2%
Median price change over year: -14.9%
<ul>
<li>Clarendon Vale</li>
</ul>
$126,000
Median price change over quarter: -22.3%
Median price change over year: 10.8%
<ul>
<li>Cressy</li>
</ul>
$180,000
Median price change over quarter: -13.3%
Median price change over year: -68.3%
<ul>
<li>Derby</li>
</ul>
$110,000
Median price change over quarter: 10.8%
Median price change over year: NA
<ul>
<li>Emu Heights</li>
</ul>
$130,000
Median price change over quarter: NA
Median price change over year: NA
<ul>
<li>Exeter</li>
</ul>
$170,000
Median price change over quarter: -40.9%
Median price change over year: -43.3%
<ul>
<li>Forest</li>
</ul>
$160,000
Median price change over quarter: 18.5%
Median price change over year: -27.3%
<ul>
<li>Gagebrook</li>
</ul>
$125,000
Median price change over quarter: 8.7%
Median price change over year: 16.3%
<ul>
<li>Georgetown</li>
</ul>
$172,000
Median price change over quarter: 72%
Median price change over year: -18.1%
<ul>
<li>Havenview</li>
</ul>
$169,000
Median price change over quarter: NA
Median price change over year: 8.6%
<ul>
<li>King Island</li>
</ul>
$180,000
Median price change over quarter: 9.1%
Median price change over year: NA
<ul>
<li>Mayfield</li>
</ul>
$120,500
Median price change over quarter: -7.3%
Median price change over year: -3.6%
<ul>
<li>Queenstown</li>
</ul>
$48,500
Median price change over quarter: -17.8%
Median price change over year: -34.6%
<ul>
<li>Ravenswood</li>
</ul>
$120,000
Median price change over quarter: 14.3%
Median price change over year: -14.3%
<ul>
<li>Rocherlea</li>
</ul>
$138,000
Median price change over quarter: -6.8%
Median price change over year: 16.9%
<ul>
<li>Rokeby</li>
</ul>
$174,000
Median price change over quarter: -30.4%
Median price change over year: -5.9%
<ul>
<li>Roseberry</li>
</ul>
$33,000
Median price change over quarter: -72.5%
Median price change over year: 127.6%
<ul>
<li>St Marys</li>
</ul>
$135,000
Median price change over quarter: 4.7%
Median price change over year: -2.2%
<ul>
<li>Zeehan</li>
</ul>
$84,000
Median price change over quarter: -11.6%
Median price change over year: 74.7%
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A-Z: The Tasmanian suburbs with median house prices under $180,000

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The June Quarter Property Report from the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania has recorded the highest number of house sales for a quarter in four years – that is, since the 2010 June quarter. It was also the strongest month since June 2009.
A 5.7% increase across the state was recorded, up 10.1% for the year, explained REIT president Adrian Kelly.
“Breaking these figures into regions, we see Hobart experienced a 23% increase, Launceston a 14.4% increase, while the North West Centres eased back for the quarter – down 4.8% on the previous quarter, but up 4.4% on the same time last year," said Kelly.
“Interestingly, Outer Hobart house sales increased by 53.8% for the quarter and 52.4% on the same time last year."
There was a decreased median days on market - dropping by eight days to 62 across Tasmania, and the median house price was recorded as being up 2% to $311,000 for the quarter.
Across the state, the most expensive suburbs included:
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Battery Point</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Acton Park</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Sandy Bay</a></li>
</ul>
The three most affordable:
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Ravenswood</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Mayfield</a></li>
<li><a href="/news">Gagebrook</a></li>
</ul>
“Six municipalities also recorded a median house price higher than that of the state median ($311,000), these included Clarence ($358,000), Hobart ($490,000), Kingborough ($408,000), Latrobe ($334,000) and the Meander Valley ($315,000)," explained Kelly.
First home buyers recorded 17% of all house sales across the quarter, however Kelly expects a drop for the next quarter.
“Second home buyers continue to hold over half the market, accounting for 52% of house sales and a median house price of $338,120," he said.
“The report also revealed interstate and overseas buyers were down slightly to sit at 15% for the quarter.”
</body></html>

Tasmania records strongest sales month in half a decade: REIT

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Currently, established and new properties in Tasmania can receive a benefit for first time buyers, with up to $30,000 available. However, as in many other states and territories, this is changing at the end of June.
From 1 July 2014 established home buyers will lose the current $7,000 benefit.
For new properties, the First Home Builder Boost, which last November increased from $8,000 to $23,000, those eligible for this would also be benefit from the $7,000 FHOG, bringing their total payment to $30,000.
The grant for new properties is available until 31 December 2014.
To be eligible, you must not have owned and occupied (for more than six months) a home in Australia after 1 July 2000, and you cannot have owned a property before this time.
When you get the FHOG, you need to live in the property for six continuous months within 12 months of the date which the certificate of occupancy is issued.
You can check out the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-national-guide-to-first-home-buyer-grants">national guide to first home buyer grants</a> to see a more detailed rundown of what's available across Australia for first home buyers.
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Tasmanian first home owners to lose grant for established homes at the end of June

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Tasmania’s first home buyers are still keeping out of the market, now sitting at just 17% of the market, warns the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania’s president Adrian Kelly.
Kelly said that if the first home owners’ grant is removed in 1 July, then this situation is likely to keep getting worse.
“If the Grant is to be axed, we look forward to seeing what alternative measures are to be introduced by the new Liberal government,” he said.
“Second home buyers still continue to hold over half the property market now accounting for 52% of purchases with a median house price of $325,000.
“Both interstate and overseas buyers were also up slightly to sit at 16 per cent of house sales for the quarter.”
In the March quarter, a house sales decrease of 4.6% was recorded, however an annual 14.9% improvement compared to 2013 has been noted.
Launceston house sales dropped 18.5% over the March quarter, returning to a similar level prior to the uptick in interest. It remains 25.1% above the March quarter 2013.
Hobart house sales also dropped for the quarter, but recorded a 10% uptick over the year, with specific interest in the central suburbs – 18.8% up for the year.
“The median house price for Tasmania remained steady for the quarter to sit at $305,000 totalling an increase for the year thus far of 4.5%,” he said.
Brighton, Clarence, Hobart and Kingborough municipalities saw increases in median house prices and sales for the quarter – along with a number of others with lower than median house prices.
Photo courtesy of Ian Armstrong/Flickr/<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a>.
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“First home buyers continue to dwindle” in Tasmania: REIT

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Hobart may have some of the cheapest properties across the capitals in Australia, with a recorded median of $338,000 according to RP Data, and it appears that this might just be attracting buyers from the more expensive capitals.
Speaking to The Mercury about the sale of high end properties, Real Estate Institute of Tasmania president Adrian Kelly mentioned that many people have been “priced out of the market” in Melbourne and Sydney due to the recent booms in prices.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if Tasmania benefited from this with investors looking further afield,” Kelly told The Mercury.
“One in seven Tasmanian properties are sold to interstate buyers because of our affordability and strong rental returns.’’
At the end of the September quarter of 2013, Property Observer reported that <a href="/news/tas/hobart-house-sales-down-over-quarter-but-picture-mixed">house sales to interstate buyers remained strong</a>.
“Second home buyers still hold over half the property market, with the report revealing they account for 55% of house sales at a median house price of $317,750, while interstate buyers held 14% of the market share for the September quarter," Kelly explained at the time.
If you're looking to buy interstate, you can <a href="/expert-insights/investing/how-to-buy-property-interstate">read this guide here</a>.
Photo courtesy of Ian Armstrong/Flickr.
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One in seven Tasmanian properties sold to interstate buyers: REIT

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The Prince of Wales stables at Fingal in Tasmania remain listed for sale with a $145,000 asking price.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-fingal-112656971" target="_blank">The Tasmanian heritage listed building adjoined the Prince of Wales Hotel</a> which burnt down in the 1920s.
Set on the island's north east, the colonial sandstone stables date back to the 1840s.
William Augustus Solomon was the licensee in the 1870s.
"The Prince of Wales stables are a fantastic link with our Tasmanian heritage," the Roberts Longford agents David Headlam and Jeff Carins note.
The 170 square metre at 57 Talbot Street, Fingal is an untouched example of colonial craftsmanship with the unrestored property coming with cobbled floors, horse stalls, feedbins and with a feed loft upstairs. There's also small stable hands accommodation.
"Truly a project in the view of Grand Designs," the marketing says. The 3,845 square metre property comes with a separate two room timber cabin, ruins and a winter creek.
The property has been listed since late 2010 with no change in its asking price.
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The Prince of Wales stables, 1840s Tasmanian heritage sandstone stables

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The Hayes Prison Farm, Kilderry, has been listed for sale at $3.35 million.
The property was converted into the Hayes Prison Farm by the Tasmanian government as a minimum security facility during the 1960s.
It has been <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-mixed+farming-tas-hayes-7529911" target="_blank">listed by Peter Wade at Robert Real Estate</a>.
The former Hayes Prison Farm comprises 595 hectares, of which 218 hectare will be protected under a conservation covenant.
The balance land, some 379 hectares, is considered prime agricultural farming land. 
The property has numerous buildings located on it, including barns, dairy and various others, plus the gaol 70 cell block and administrative buildings associated with the prison.
The state government-owned Derwent Valley farm, decommissioned in late 2012 after the last 40 prisoners were moved to Risdon Prison, was briefly speculated as being potentially a detention centre for asylum seekers.
The farm near New Norfolk allowed prisoners to be rehabilitated through learning agricultural skills.
Low-security inmates milked the cows in the 20-stand dairy and grew vegetables and tomatoes in a large glass hothouse.
They produced and packed frozen vegetables in a purpose-built kitchen and coldroom for Hobart nursing homes and hospitals.
The land held a 800-megalitre River Derwent water licence suitable for stone fruit, cherries, vineyards, and market garden.
"Over the years the farm has been recognised for its excellent dairy herd, extensive market gardens, grazing sheep and wool production, cattle and processing of vegetables," the marketing says.
The Hayes Prison Farm offers exciting and somewhat different opportunities," Peter Wade said. 
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