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

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Property developer Piers Dawson Damer and wife Kim are selling their Tasmania lifestyle acreage.
The 25 hectare Mountain River estate sits in the Huon Valley, 30 kilometres south-west from Hobart.
<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/2019/6/29/sandy%202.jpg" alt="">
A six bedroom family home with tennis court and swimming pool sit in the landscaped gardens.
The Dawson Damer's paid $950,000 in 2007.
<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/2019/6/29/sandy%203.jpg" alt="">
Knight Frank Tasmania agent Anne Boman has price expectations around $2 million.
Dawson Damer has been a permanent fixture in the Tasmania real estate market for over a decade.
In 2017, Dawson Damer spent $6.5 million on the 100 year old Sandy Bay mansion Sentosa.
Designed by Marco Linardi in 1917, Sentosa sits in 2,310 square metres of Paul Bangay-designed gardens on Blinking Billy Point.
It was the second time Dawson Damer had set the Tasmania house price record.
In 2011, he bought Waimea House, the Federation Arts and Crafts style residence, also in Sandy Bay, for $6.06 million.
This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Developer Piers Dawson Damer lists Huon Valley acreage 

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According to the ATO up to 500 Tasmanian small businesses can be expecting a knock on the door from the ATO in March.
ATO Assistant Commissioner Peter Holt said businesses that advertise as 'cash only' and businesses that are operating outside will be especially targeted for a visit from the ATO.
“Businesses that pay cash in hand, or fail to lodge income tax or business activity statements get an unfair advantage and make it harder for other businesses who are doing the right thing. By detecting and addressing this behaviour, we’re helping ensure a level playing field for honest small businesses.”
Tasmanian businesses in the following industries are most likely to get a visit from the ATO in March:
<ul>
<li>Restaurants and cafes</li>
<li>Vehicle repairers</li>
<li>Personal care businesses including hairdressers and nail salons</li>
<li>Pharmacies</li>
<li>Construction businesses</li>
<li>Clothing stores</li>
<li>Grocery stores / small supermarkets</li>
<li>Butchers</li>
</ul>
“In the 2019-20 financial year, we’ll be visiting a further 10,000 small businesses across the country, including in Tasmania”, Mr Holt said.
Tasmanian businesses who are not declaring income or underpaying workers are contributing to the black economy.
“The black economy is estimated to be costing the community as much as $50 billion, which is approximately three percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is money that the community is missing out on for vital public services, like schools, roads, healthcare, and infrastructure”, Mr Holt said.
Whilst on the road in Tasmania, ATO officers will also be available to help those businesses that are trying to do the right thing.
“We obviously want businesses to succeed, so we put a lot of effort in to support, education, and assistance services. We offer seminars, videos, a dedicated small business newsroom, an after-hour call back service, even an app that businesses can use to check the performance of their business on the go”. Mr Holt said.
“We understand that people are busy and most businesses are trying to meet their obligations – but there is a difference between needing help, making mistakes and deliberate cover-ups.”
Mr Holt said the ATO will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action against those deliberately avoiding their tax and super obligations and the visits may uncover this deliberate non-compliance.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

500 Tasmanian businesses, including construction companies can expect an ATO visit in March

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The property markets of Hobart and Tasmania lead the nation. Homes sell faster here than anywhere else in Australia and there are locations with double-digit annual price growth throughout the state. 
The key drivers are a strong state economy and affordable prices. Research from realestate.com.au indicates that buyers out of Melbourne are providing a lot of impetus to Tasmanian markets.
The number of growth locations (those where demand, as measured by sales volumes, is rising), is lower than the peak but remains strong and steady.
The outstanding feature of Tasmania’s markets is the strength of prices. Virtually every location of substance across the state has recorded annual price growth above 5% in the past year, and most have delivered better than 10%. It’s almost impossible to find a market where the median price has dropped – and in this regard Tasmania is probably unique in Australia. 
In conducting our quarterly location-by-location research on demand levels across Australia, Hotspotting also examines patterns with prices. We record suburbs and towns where the median price has increased more than 5% in the past year, those which have grown between 1% and 5%, and those where prices have declined more than 5%. (We disregard locations with fewer than 30 annual sales, because the sales sample is too small to provide accurate and meaningful price trends.)
In Hobart, we can find no suburbs with falling prices and none with minor growth. All have increased by more than 5% in the past 12 months – and 80% of them are up at least 10%. A key feature is most have recorded rises in the latest quarter, which indicates prices are still growing.
The standout markets have grown more than 20%, including the house markets in Bellerive (21%), Carlton (22%), Gagebrook (22%), Howrah (23%), Moonah (20%), Risdon Vale (26%) and Warrane (21%)
The Bellerive and West Moonah unit markets are both up 29%.
But the leading markets on price growth are Clarendon Vale houses and Lindisfarne units, both up 32%.
A standout precinct in the Hobart metro area is the Clarence LGA, where Bellerive, Clarendon Vale, Geilston Bay, Howrah, Lauderdale, Lindisfarne, Oakdowns, Risdon Vale, Rokeby and Warrane have all recorded double-digit growth in their median prices.
Our Autumn survey for The Price Predictor Index, like the previous Summer survey, provides further evidence that the Hobart market is beyond its peak in terms of sales demand. In early 2018 we saw the first hint of a moderation in sales activity in Hobart and this was confirmed by later reports. But the drop in demand has been gradual, there are still growth markets, and prices continue to rise.
The Clarence, Glenorchy, Kingborough and Sorell LGAs all have growth suburbs, but they are outnumbered by plateau markets (those where sales demand has settled on solid levels but below the peak). 
The suburb of Rokeby in the Clarence LGA has recorded quarterly sales of 17, 22, 22, 26 and 29 – and its median price has risen 12% to $285,000 in the past 12 months. 
The Brighton LGA on the northern fringe of Hobart is a growth market, both in terms of rising demand and rising prices. In the suburb of Bridgewater, quarterly sales have been 14, 15, 22, 18, 26, 34 and 31 – and the median house price has increased 15% to $235,000 in the past year.
It’s clear from these figures that the locations with the strongest growth dynamics are mainly the ones that offer affordability.
Regional Tasmania is further back in the cycle than Hobart and continues to show strong activity and rising prices. 
Launceston and neighbouring LGAs like West Tamar and Meander Valley have multiple suburbs with rising demand, including Kings Meadows, Norwood, Prospect, South Launceston, Waverley, Hadspen and Riverside. 
This precinct is also delivering rising prices. Suburbs with double-digit annual growth in house prices include Hadspen, Invermay, Kings Meadow, Mowbray, Newnham, Prospect, Ravenswood, South Launceston, Summerhill, Waverley and West Launceston. Two unit markets with notable growth include Newnham (up 27% to $220,000) and Riverside (up 27% to $325,000).
Many of these suburbs have median house prices below $300,000 and others are in the mid low-$300,000s, continuing the state-wide theme of growth in affordable markets. 
But the Tasmanian location with the strongest growth is the town of Richmond, about 25km north-east of Hobart. Its median house price is up 44% to $630,000, but based on a smallish sample of 34 sales in the past year.
Another town just outside Hobart which is doing well is New Norfolk. Sales demand is rising here and median prices are up 18% to $245,000 for houses and 12% to $225,000 for units. 
Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au
<a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au">ryder@hotspotting.com.au</a>
twitter.com/hotspotting
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Nowhere in Tasmania has seen less than 5% property price growth in 12 months: Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

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Vaucluse, the historic 1830s Georgian homestead at Conara, south of Launceston, remains offered for sale, just three years after its last sale.
Now Vaucluse sits on 38 hectares which feature gardens with a pool and a gazebo overlooking the South Esk River.
The Midlands residence previously sat on a 2654 hectares, but the trophy home parcel has been subdivided since its $20 million sale in 2015.
The Conara farm was bought by US food and agricultural conglomerate Cargill, whose Australian rural interests include Billabong Station in the NSW Eurongilly Valley, the Temora aggregation in Southern NSW and the sugar cane Marwood Farm at Mackay, Queensland.
Now under the control of Proterra Investment Partners after a corporate break up, the company initially considered converting the Conara homestead into visitor accommodation to help pay for the upkeep.
The rustic set of stables has been restored as accommodation too.
<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/2019/2/25/Vauc2.jpg" alt="">
Vaucluse comprises 10 bedrooms, each with ensuite.
There's a commercial kitchen, formal dining room and a number of living and entertaining areas.
CBRE Agribusiness agents James Beer, Duncan McCulloch and Danny Thomas are marketing the property.
The imposing trophy home with slate room was possibly built in the 1830s to a design by Robert Bostock, adding to an earlier two storey section erected in 1820.
In 1847 John Bayles bought Vaucluse from the trustees of Robert Bostock’s estate for £9,000. Bayles was a magistrate for the district.
Longtime owners of the Georgian home were the McKinnon family from 1918 to the mid-1990s when they were caught in the insurer Lloyd's of London collapse which affected a number of wealthy Tasmanians.
Before Vaucluse's last sale, Michael and Susie Warner ran around 14,000 merino sheep and 400 Angus cattle. They also grew potatoes, poppies, grass seeds, canola and cereals.
It featured in their daughter, Georgina's book, Country Houses of Tasmania. 
<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/2019/2/25/Vauc3.jpg" alt="">
Author Georgia Warner and photographer Alice Bennett on the private colonial estates was published by Allen and Unwin in 2009.
At the time the Tasmanian Heritage Council chairman Michael Lynch noted Tasmania had more colonial heritage per capita than anywhere in Australia as historic buildings in Victoria and NSW were knocked down in prosperous times 
Georgian homes in Tasmania have enduring popularity.
The Lake House, arguably Tasmania's finest Georgian home, sold last year for $9.3 million, a state record.
It sits amid the six sales of Georgian homes in Tasmania that have transacted for over $1 million.
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian.
 
 
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Vaucluse on Tasmania's Midlands still for sale

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Tasmania held eight of the top ten spots for localities with the shortest days on market for houses, according to the latest analysis by RiskWise Property Research.
Their research showed that the top spots were held by Lutana, a localitiy of Hobart 6km from the CBD, and Mornington, only 7km from the CBD, which both had an average of six days on market before sale for houses.
The only localities on the list that weren't from Tasmania were Shenton Park, WA which is only 4km from the Perth CBD which placed 6th with seven days on market. 
The number 10 spot which was held by Castle Cove, NSW, located 11km from the CBD houses in Castle Cove delivered a capital growth of 0.7 per cent in the past 12 months and the average time on market was 8 days for houses.
Compared to the Australian average number of days on the market which sits at 43 even houses in the tenth place were sold more than 5 times faster.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
RiskWise CEO Doron Peleg said the list was made up of high-demand postcodes.
However, he said it must be noted that while the localities in Tasmania were incredibly popular, they were not ‘the entire market’ which was still decelerating.
“However, while these reductions are not surprising given Tasmania is less affordable than five of the states and territories (in price-to-income ratio) terms, the market supply is very small, so this will continue to drive some price.”
Mr Peleg said the list highlighted the age-old saying of ‘location, location, location’ or if you don’t have that then having something else special to offer whether that is lifestyle, good schools, access to transport hubs or infrastructure.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/10/TAS%20fasrt.JPG" alt="">
The 7009 postcode saw around 60 sales last year, ranging from a $168,000 two bedroom 1950s flat rented at $210 a week to $605,000 for a three bedroom 1960s house then rented at $570 a week.
It has around 1200 abodes.
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Tasmania had eight of the ten fastest selling localities for houses in 2018

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St Mary’s Anglican Church Hall, in Gretna in the Central Highlands, is the first Tasmanian Anglican Church property to sell as part of the redress scheme.
The sell-off of church assets will fund a contribution to the National Redress Scheme for survivors of sexual abuse in their institution.
A number of the major churches and charities, including the Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, the Uniting Church, the Salvation Army, the YMCA and Scouts Australia signed up to the scheme.
St Mary’s Anglican Church Hal was snapped up by a local buyer, who paid over the $180,000 asking price.
The historic property, 60 kilometres from Hobart, was built in 1927 and, unlikey many churches, is divided into five rooms.
Elders Brown and Banks real estate agent Chris Johnston suggested it can be made liveable by simply adding a shower bay and washing machine.
<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/2019/1/10/CHURCH2.jpg" alt="">
The kitchen area opens to a living room with windows overlooking a large farm dam. This lounge area has a large two sided fireplace which is shared with the main hall area.
"The property like most of its era is solidly built and I am told the window frames are celery top pine, a timber often used for boat building due to its durability," the marketing advised.
Johnston told the local paper the property attracted keen interest, including the accepted offer from a North-West Tasmanian couple.
The redress scheme began in July last year.
 
 
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First Tasmanian Anglican Church property listed as part of the sexual abuse redress scheme sells

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The lowest median house values in Australia this year were in Zeehan on the West Coast of Tasmania, according to CoreLogic's end of year report.
The town's median came in at $71,184.
Three of the top four localities with the lowest median house values were in the West Coast council region of Tasmania with third lowest being Queenstown ($74,961) and fourth lowest being Rosebery ($75,858).
They had higher values than in Peterborough, SA which had the second lowest median at $71,880.
Zeehan also had the ninth highest Gross rental yield nationally at 12.5%.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/20/TAS%20Low%20value.JPG" alt="">
An example of the median house value in this region of Tasmania being at this level is 3 Emma Street, Zeehan (pictured above).
This two bedroom, one bathroom house sold for $67,000 earlier this year.
The property features four parking spots.
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Zeehan, Tasmania had the nation's lowest 2018 median house values

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The Lake House at Cressy, Tasmania's finest example of Georgina architecture, has been quietly sold.

The price is suggested as $9.3 million according to CoreLogic when offloaded by Virgin Australia co-founder Rob Sherrard who had restored the home after he paid $4,805,000 in 2004.

It's been bought by local farmer Robert Price.

<img alt="" src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/22/cressy2.jpeg">

The low-key Price has only ever been referred to the once, a UK Country Life magazine mention when he became engaged last year to Elle Clarke, daughter of Tom and Mandy Clarke of Quorn Hall, a Campbell Town seven generation wool growing family whose pastoral activities date back to the 1830s.

The Lake House, south-west of Launceston, was built in 1830 by London shipowner Robert Corney, inspired by British architect Sir John Soane.

<img alt="" src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/22/cressy3.jpeg">

The stately colonial property has eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms over its three levels.

There are two renovated farm houses, stables, coach house and gardener's cottage on the 490 hectares.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406]

Price's parents, Athel and Annie Price, are from Bolfracks House, Scotland, a 1,620 hectare farm listed last year at £11 million ($20.5 million). They also have farming land in New Zealand.

This article was first published in the Weekend Australian.

  

 

 
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Tasmania's The Lake House quietly sells for $9.3 million

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The Commonwealth government’s decision to wave through a controversial tourism development in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area was made in defiance of strident opposition from the expert statutory advisory body for the region’s management, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/giblinite/status/1052020975775014912" target="_blank">it was recently revealed</a>.
In August, federal environment minister Melissa Price’s office <a href="http://epbcnotices.environment.gov.au/_entity/annotation/d3c5c54d-18af-e811-b817-005056ba00a7/a71d58ad-4cba-48b6-8dab-f3091fc31cd5?t=1539327928331" target="_blank">decided</a> the proposed luxury development on Halls Island did not need to be assessed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
But according to documents tabled in Tasmania’s parliament by the Greens this morning, the state’s <a href="https://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?id=1715" target="_blank">National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council</a> had advised the opposite, as well as recommending that the proposal should not be approved at all in its current form. The council also argued “contentious projects” like this one should not be considered for the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area without “an agreed framework to guide assessment”.
This situation is not unique, and reveals a deeper problem with our national environmental laws. They may look strong on paper, but their strength can be eroded by bureaucratic discretion.
From conservation to commercialisation
Tasmania’s wilderness has long been ground zero for the struggle between conservation and commercialisation of our natural estate. In the 1980s, the Commonwealth government nominated the area for <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/181" target="_blank">World Heritage listing</a> to stop the state government building a hydroelectric dam on one of Australia’s last truly wild rivers.
The “locking up” of large parts of wilderness from industrial development has prompted deep social divisions. Nevertheless, the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) has since become part of Tasmania’s cultural and natural fabric. Yet this wilderness is now under renewed threat, as commercial interests seek to capitalise on its tourism potential.
World Heritage Areas must have an up-to-date management plan to ensure compliance with Australia’s obligations under the <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/convention/" target="_blank">World Heritage Convention</a>. In 2016 the Commonwealth and Tasmanian governments <a href="https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/Documents/TWWHA_Management_Plan_2016.pdf" target="_blank">revised the TWWHA management plan</a> to reflect its “socio-economic” value, allowing a range of tourism uses that were banned under the previous 1999 plan.
The World Heritage Committee <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/6290/" target="_blank">warned in 2015</a> that without “strict criteria for new tourism development”, there would be significant risks to the area’s “wilderness character and cultural attributes”. Australia accepted the recommendation but has still not meaningfully implemented strict criteria to assess and protect wilderness values, even as it accepts proposals for tourism developments.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240388/original/file-20181012-119123-mwlla0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240388/original/file-20181012-119123-mwlla0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Proposed commercial infrastructure projects involving built structures, transport, and modification of the natural environment in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, which have received preliminary or final approvals at October 2018. 30 proposals have been made and additional projects are likely to be announced as the EOI process continues. (c) Nick Fitzgerald 2018.
Since both levels of government agreed to open up the TWHHA, a range of commercial interests have proposed tourism developments there. Expressions of interest for commercial developments are done behind closed doors, but it is clear that <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-12/hodgman-challenged-over-lake-malbena-development/9860202" target="_blank">at least 30 commercial development proposals have been made</a> for sites in the TWWHA, including projects involving permanent huts, lodges and camps, and some that would necessitate helicopter access.
Halls Island
The first of these proposals to be released for public comment and assessed under the 2016 management plan is a plan to build a “luxury standing camp and guided ecotourism experience” at Halls Island in <a href="https://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=3904" target="_blank">Walls of Jerusalem National Park</a> – a remote highland region of the TWWHA.
The plan includes <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-12/hodgman-challenged-over-lake-malbena-development/9860202" target="_blank">reclassifying the lake surrounding Halls Island from “wilderness” to “self-reliant recreation”</a>. On March 22, 2018, the proponent (Wild Drake Pty Ltd) <a href="http://epbcnotices.environment.gov.au/_entity/annotation/6fdfc222-f732-e811-886f-005056ba00a8/a71d58ad-4cba-48b6-8dab-f3091fc31cd5?t=1539138560646" target="_blank">referred the proposal to the Commonwealth Environment Minister</a> to determine whether it should be formally assessed under the EPBC Act.
Upon referral the proposal met with widespread opposition from scientists, conservation specialists, civil society, and recreational users of the park, especially the fishing community. What became clear today is that it was also strongly opposed by the expert advisory council for the TWWHA.
Expert advice
The National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council (NPWAC) is a statutory body of independent experts, with responsibility to advise on the management of the TWHHA in line with Australia’s national and international World Heritage commitments. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/giblinite/status/1052020975775014912" target="_blank">The documents released today</a> show that on July 13 2018, the NPWAC argued strongly against the proposal being allowed to proceed, stating that it “does not support this project progressing at this time”.
It cited a range of objections, including the fact that the development would effectively grant “exclusive private commercial use” of an area in the TWWHA, and that the opening up of airspace to helicopters would set an unwelcome precedent. It also described the development’s planned “standing camp” as a “pretence” because it would involve the construction of permanent buildings for year-round use. And it pointed to the proposal’s failure to address adequately the risk to threatened species and the fire-sensitive nature of the property.
Like the World Heritage Committee, NPWAC argued that the range of projects currently proposed for the TWWHA “should not be considered until there is an agreed framework to guide assessment”. Yet despite this, the minister’s delegate allowed the proposal to proceed without further assessment under the EPBC Act.
Commonwealth government’s decision
On August 31, 2018, the delegate of the minister decided that the referred action “is not a controlled action”, which means that it will not be subject to any further assessment, or even attention, by the Commonwealth government. No other reasons were given to reject the NPWAC’s recommendations, or the submissions from 78 individuals (including expert scientists) and 808 campaign submissions opposing the development.
Government ministers are not bound to act on expert advice. But they do have a duty to take it into account in a meaningful way. That is especially the case when expert advice is so clear, and supported by a range of relevant, independent and compelling public submissions from scientists and specialist groups.
In the case of Halls Island, these factors should have tipped the balance towards undertaking a proper, legal assessment of the proposal and its likely impacts.
In a response to The Conversation, Price said her department had considered a range of advice and concluded that the proposed development is “not likely to have significant impacts on any nationally protected environmental matters, including the value of the World Heritage Area”.
Examined against the government’s increasingly cavalier attitude to our national estate, world heritage, and role in global environmental governance it is tempting to conclude that Tasmania’s wilderness has become yet another place where economic values trump conservation ones.
The Commonwealth is supposed to provide a check and balance on states’ self-interest in exploiting areas of outstanding universal value. But with another 29 development proposals on the list, our fear is that Tasmania’s World Heritage “wilderness” will become a lot less wild in the future.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/104854/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
Brendan Gogarty, Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Tasmania
Nick Fitzgerald, PhD candidate, University of Tasmania
Phillipa C. McCormack, Lecturer, Faculty of Law, University of Tasmania
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/green-light-for-tasmanian-wilderness-tourism-development-defied-expert-advice-104854" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Green light for Tasmanian wilderness tourism development defied expert advice

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The Tasmanian Walking Company (TWC) has announced the official opening of Australia’s most environmentally friendly lodges with the unveiling of Three Capes Lodge Walk.
The four-day 46 km walk offers a fully guided experience of the ‘edge of the world’ Three Capes Track, located in the Tasmanian National Park, and is the newest addition to the 'Great Walks of Australia' collection.
Three Capes Lodge Walk is the fourth multi-day walk for TWC.
Brett Godfrey, Co-owner said, "Today marks an important milestone in Australia’s walking landscape and a new era of conservation-based tourism."
Andrew McEvoy, Chairman, Great Walks of Australia said, “Tasmanian Walking Company has set a new benchmark... the lodges are a reflection of the iconic and remarkable landscape and focus on ecological preservation, utilising best practice environmental technologies from around the world." 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/5/Cape%20walks%202.JPG" alt="">
Advancements include Australia’s first recycling showers, they are a Swedish design that filters and recirculates 5 Litres of shower water and requires 80% less energy consumption.
The lodges feature 7 double/optional twin rooms with floor to ceiling windows. The lodge menus have been designed with seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
The Relaxation Pavilion at Cape Pillar Lodge offers a spa therapist available onsite exclusively for walking guests, as well as featuring an outdoor bath.
Three Capes Lodge Walk commences with a private boat trip to Denman’s Cove. Walkers then travel along the coastal woodlands to Surveyors Cove.
Day two walkers climb Arthur’s Peak and skirt the edge of Tornado Ridge.
Day three is a walk through silver gum forest, and out to the highest sea cliffs in Australia at Cape Pillar.
The final day of the walk climbs to 483 metres above sea level to the walk’s highest peak, Mount Fortescue.
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