An entity linked to I&amp;D Group Founder Ivan Filipović has filed plans for a new residential development at 188–202 Swan Street in Cremorne, targeting a prominent site within the tightly held Swan Street activity corridor.

The proposal seeks to redevelop the consolidated Swan Street landholding into a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/188-202-swan-street-cremorne-vic-3121">high-density mixed-use project</a>, replacing a series of existing commercial buildings with a significantly scaled residential outcome. The planning submission positions the development as a response to increasing demand for housing in well-connected inner-urban locations, particularly within established activity centres.

Plans outline the construction of a 14-storey building delivering 165 apartments above a four-level basement, alongside a ground-floor retail and commercial offering designed to activate the streetscape. A key feature of the scheme is a new north–south pedestrian link connecting Swan Street to Railway Place, intended to “enhance permeability and provide an active, publicly accessible connection through the site.”

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for Ivan Filipović-linked Cremorne apartment project on Swan Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7332a8f8-dd2b-483d-b86e-320658838c84" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/cremorne.png?VersionId=cXm8vAaRdHh.LpYVbecrRkjckgu9mtAF" />

The development will retain part of the existing built form at 198–200 Swan Street, while the remainder of the site will be cleared to accommodate the new structure. Basement levels will provide 196 car spaces and 113 bicycle spaces, with vehicle access from Railway Place. Communal amenity is distributed across the building, including a shared outdoor area on Level 1 and a rooftop terrace for residents.

Ground level uses include retail tenancies fronting Swan Street and the pedestrian link, a residential lobby, and a flexible commercial space positioned to support community-oriented uses. The planning report notes this space “could be offered as a flexible space within the development for community groups,” supporting short-term or longer-term occupancy arrangements.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for Ivan Filipović-linked Cremorne apartment project on Swan Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8208bf7b-cc67-485d-ad0f-1d73a74c907f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/cremorne%20lane.png?VersionId=69ctjC0txXv0zCHy7qQUpJyGwvPAT7gw" />

The site sits within the Swan Street Major Activity Centre, surrounded by a mix of retail, hospitality, and emerging residential development, and directly opposite tram services along Swan Street. East Richmond Station is located to the south, providing strong rail connectivity, while the broader Cremorne precinct continues to evolve as a mixed-use hub.

I&amp;D Group, founded by Ivan Filipović, is regarded as one of Victoria’s largest formwork contractors, partnering with major construction firms across large-scale public and private developments. The Swan Street proposal signals a move into development-backed opportunities tied to strategic inner-city sites.

Joel Robinson

First Look: Plans lodged for Cremorne apartment project on Swan Street

An ultra-luxury absolute beachfront tower on the Gold Coast’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/main-beach-qld-4217">Main Beach</a> has officially hit the market, having secured over $150 million in presales.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/le-r-ve-main-beach-3555-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">Le Rêve</a>, delivered by developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/odus">ODUS</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/nazero">Nazero</a> in partnership with Metrics Credit Partners, comprises 40 opulent half and full-floor residences, perched directly on the dunes, starting from $7.45 million.

Pre-launch sales have achieved an average price tag of $8 million, highlighting strong demand from top-end buyers.

The 26-storey project at 3555 Main Beach Parade has development approval and is under construction, with completion anticipated by early 2028.

Occupying a 1,355 sqm site, Le Rêve enjoys double the beach frontage of most Main Beach towers, an incredible 30-metres, with generous 4.5-metre setbacks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112163 project_image_fid=357556]

ODUS director Byron Sakha said it offered a rare opportunity for wide, uninterrupted views that could never be built out, on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

“Le Rêve is French for ‘the dream’ and that’s what this location represents. We believe it is the best new development site anywhere on the Gold Coast; a dream site,” said Sakha.

“The apartments are located directly on the beachfront, with no roads or paths between, providing panoramic ocean views and direct access to the sand, and because it is elevated above the dunes, it also offers unrivalled privacy.

“We’ve worked with architect Bayden Goddard of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bgd-architects">BGD Architects</a> to enhance the original design, with a distinctive, elegant glass façade, world-class amenities, and the addition of eight residences. Le Rêve’s 30-metres of absolute beach frontage affords a view from virtually every room, and has allowed us to provide a grand 25-metre residents’ beachfront pool and private lawn.

“Buyers have recognised these opportunities are few and far between and have been quick to secure their place in Le Rêve.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112163 project_image_fid=357570]

The apartments start from nearly 300 sqm and range in size up to 900 sqm, with three or four bedrooms and multiple living spaces.

“The emphasis is on the view, with full-floor glazing, sleek glass balustrades and wrap-around balconies that are close to 4-metres wide, blurring the lines between inside and out, and inviting cooling ocean breezes,” Sakha added.

“The interiors epitomise understated luxury with natural materials, textures and tones including Taj Mahal stone, oak flooring, recessed LED lighting and high ceilings. Outside, its beautiful arched façade with glass balconies and double-storey curved podium will be complemented by lush, cascading landscaping that enhances Main Beach’s streetscape.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112163 project_image_fid=357567]

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is selling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/le-r-ve-main-beach-3555-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">Le Rêve</a>, said buyers were from the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and predominately moving from luxury stand-alone homes or purchasing as a holiday home.

“We are anticipating sales will continue to ramp up now we’re officially on the market and design enhancements have been finalised,” Elliott said.

“Le Rêve offers house-sized residences that take luxury living to the next level, in an unrivalled location, with exceptional onsite resident amenities.

“The facilities are some of the most unique on the Gold Coast, if not Australia-wide, with a huge beachfront pool and wellness amenities including a cold plunge pool, spa, sauna, steam room, gym and yoga studio, along with a teppanyaki kitchen, and private residents’ lounge."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Le Rêve development site was secured for $55.68 million in mid-2025.

ODUS and Nazero are also developing the adjacent 29-level La Mer tower in partnership with Metrics Credit Partners, which is earmarked for completion in late 2026. A fully completed prototype apartment is now available for private inspection.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112163]

Le Rêve Main Beach launches with $152 million in presales

Third.i Group and joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors (PPI) have secured detailed design approval from the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elevate-hume-place-crows-nest-25-hume-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Elevate at Hume Place</a>,&nbsp;a landmark, state‑significant mixed-use residential development positioned directly above the Crows Nest Metro Station. 
&nbsp; 
This latest approval builds on the project’s existing stage one planning consent and marks a major milestone in the delivery of Elevate at Hume Place. It confirms the detailed design of the building within the already approved planning envelope, paving the way for construction to commence and giving purchasers and the broader market added confidence in the project’s progression. 
&nbsp; 
Throughout the detailed design process, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/thirdi-group">Third.i Group</a> worked closely with the IPC, Sydney Metro, its consultant team and relevant Government stakeholders to refine the building outcome, ensuring Elevate responds sensitively to its urban context whilst at the same time maximises its development footprint above one of the NSW’s key pieces of transport infrastructure.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
This process has enabled the creation of some of the best one, two &amp; three bedroom apartments in Crow's Nest along with the introduction of an additional level of parking, providing the Elevate community with valuable off‑street parking while enhancing accessibility and convenience for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=309368] 
&nbsp; 
Elevate at Hume Place is the first development of its kind to be delivered by Third.i Group and PPI in partnership with Sydney Metro, reflecting the group’s capability and trusted position as a delivery partner for complex, infrastructure‑led projects alongside Government. The Hume Place precinct will also include a component of affordable housing and build to rent (BTR) apartments which is currently pending a separate planning approval outcome. 
&nbsp; 
With direct access to the Sydney Metro, Elevate residents will benefit from travel times of just seven minutes to the CBD and four minutes to Chatswood, positioning the development as one of the most connected residential addresses on the Lower North Shore. 
&nbsp; 
The project will deliver 122 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, including a selection of premium three bedroom penthouses known as ‘Sky Homes’, designed by internationally acclaimed architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>. Residents will have access to a suite of amenities including a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views, swimming pool and wellness facilities, private gym, concierge services and communal spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=309369] 
&nbsp; 
Florian Caillon, Partner &amp; Head of Acquisitions at Third.i Group, said the detailed design approval reinforces the significance of the project and Third.i Group’s ongoing partnership with Government. 
&nbsp; 
“Securing detailed design approval for Elevate at Hume Place is a defining moment for Third.i and a clear signal that this project is moving into its next phase of delivery," Caillon said. 
&nbsp; 
“This project sets a new benchmark for how integrated residential metro development can be delivered in direct alignment with major transport infrastructure. Being selected to deliver a project directly above a Metro station is a rare opportunity and a responsibility we take seriously. It allows us to create a living experience intrinsically connected to how people move, work and live, while also delivering enduring value for residents and the broader community.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142550]

Elevate at Hume Place, above Crows Nest Metro, reaches detailed design milestone

Buyers looking to enter Sydney’s north-west growth corridor can now secure an apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> with a five per cent deposit for a limited time, as Stage 2 of the Tallawong development comes to market.

Delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/positive-investment-enterprise">Positive Investment Enterprise</a>, the project is located at 23–27 Schofields Road in Tallawong, offering a new collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments within an established masterplanned community, where completed residences and landscaped spaces already shape a connected and liveable environment.

The limited-time deposit offer reduces the upfront cost for buyers seeking new apartments in Sydney’s expanding north-west, where infrastructure investment and population growth continue to reshape suburbs like <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/tallawong-nsw-2762">Tallawong</a> into emerging residential hubs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351025]

Inside the apartments, layouts have been designed with an emphasis on practicality and long-term liveability. Natural light and cross-ventilation are integrated into the planning of each residence, creating interiors that feel fresh and energy-efficient throughout the year. Soft, neutral finishes and durable materials are paired with contemporary kitchens that include integrated appliances and generous storage.

Bedrooms are positioned as quiet retreats, with the wider apartment layouts prioritising efficient use of space, flexibility for different household types, and strong indoor-outdoor connections through balconies and terraces. Wide frontage designs help maximise natural light and outlooks, with many north-facing homes capturing district views toward the Blue Mountains.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351030]

Sustainability features are included throughout the development. Rooftop solar panels help offset common area energy consumption, while smart home technology and cross-flow ventilation contribute to lower operating costs and improved day-to-day comfort for residents.

The development also incorporates shared lifestyle spaces intended to extend living beyond the apartments themselves. Landscaped communal gardens, shaded seating areas, BBQ facilities, and outdoor gathering spaces provide places for residents to relax or connect with neighbours.

Tallawong Metro Station, Schofields Train Station and Rouse Hill Metro Station, place residents within reach of major employment centres including Norwest Business Park, Macquarie Park and the Sydney CBD via the Metro North West Line.

Nearby retail and lifestyle options include Rouse Hill Town Centre, Schofields Village and The Ponds Shopping Centre, while local parks, cycling trails and open space, including Rouse Hill Regional Park, support outdoor recreation across the growing precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351026]

Within the Kew community itself, plans for a future retail precinct aim to bring everyday convenience closer to home, complementing the landscaped open spaces and shared amenities planned across the site.

With Stage 2 now selling and apartments starting from $570,000, the current five per cent deposit offer provides buyers with a more accessible pathway into a new apartment in one of Sydney’s fastest-evolving residential corridors.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149637]

Kew Tallawong opens Stage 2 with five per cent deposit offer

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG) is heading back to Stones Corner with its latest Brisbane apartment development.

GVG, which completed Stonebrook last year, has filed plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/vivo-71-cleveland-street-greenslopes-qld-4120">VIVO, a 320-apartment development</a> less than 200 metres away on the corner of Cleveland and Zillah Streets.

VIVO will be delivered across two stages, with the first comprising 167 apartments and a further 153 in stage two. The first stage is expected to be completed in 2029, with the full project scheduled for delivery by 2032.

The development will include a mix of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, above two ground-floor retail tenancies. VIVO will sit between the 5.2-hectare Hanlon Park and the Stones Corner café and retail precinct.

Crowning the buildings will be an expansive rooftop terrace with outdoor dining and CBD views, dual resort-style swimming pools, integrated indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, and a fully equipped gym and wellness offering.

<img alt="Vivo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dcfd0ba2-cf9e-4bad-89f7-deab0169d897" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-23%20at%209.23.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=3J4AqHZpDPnJsKvry1Lw6.8_IqdUVcny" />

Sam Gardner, Commercial Director at GVG, said the project reflects both market demand and the group’s continued investment in well-located Brisbane suburbs.

“VIVO represents a natural progression of our work in Stones Corner and our confidence in the long-term fundamentals of this precinct," Gardner says.

"The combination of proximity to the CBD, access to green space like Hanlon Park, and a well-established local amenity offering makes this an incredibly compelling location for buyers.

"Having recently delivered Stonebrook nearby in 2025, we’re able to provide a tangible example of what Gardner Vaughan Group does well. It gives our clients, the community and our partners confidence in both the quality of our product and our ability to deliver.”

<img alt="Vivo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8408faca-34a0-4fbb-864c-c75caa366f0c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-23%20at%209.23.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=48S5bvrbHMPPGT0EWAQDqhXX_mdsqL0y" />

Architecture firm Ellivo Architects says Vivo, meaning 'to live', "draws from the life of Stones Corner itself, its rich blend of old and new, where heritage masonry buildings, community life and evolving architectural languages coexist."

"The design responds to this layered urban fabric by reinterpreting the site’s historic ziggurat and stepped-grid geometries. The tower is shaped through three distinct tiers that reinterpret the site’s historic stepping forms, a central tier expressed in soft green tones that dissolve into the gum-tree canopy behind, stepped by denser, articulated edge tiers which reinforce the village character and urban grain of Stones Corner."

The submission of VIVO comes at a time of continued strength in the Brisbane property market, with growing demand for well-located, design-led apartment living. Looking ahead, Brisbane’s preparations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are expected to further accelerate infrastructure investment and reinforce the appeal of inner-city precincts such as Stones Corner.

Gardner Vaughan Group plans VIVO, Stones Corner apartment development

Tim Lawless

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 5">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The vast majority of properties sold nationwide to September 2015 did so at a profit, with 91.6% of sales over the quarter selling at a profit, according to the latest CoreLogic RP Data Pain &amp; Gain report.
The report found the total value of this profit was recorded at $17.3 billion, with the average gross profit $265,605. 
According to the report some 8.4% of all homes resold recorded a gross loss when compared to their previous purchase price; the lowest proportion of loss-making resales since December 2014.
"This figure was lower than the 9.2% over the June 2015 quarter and also lower than the 8.9% recorded a year ago. Across those dwellings which resold at a loss over the quarter, the total value of loss was $376.2 million with an average loss of $63,221," it noted.
"Nationally there was $376.2 million in realised losses over the quarter at an average of $63,221 and $17.3 billion in realised profit at an average of $265,605.
<div class="page" title="Page 4">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
"Across the capital cities, there were $193.5 million in losses with an average of $71,996 per loss-making resale compared to $14.4 billion in profit at an average of $324,887. The combined regional areas recorded $182.7 million in losses at an average of $55,996 compared to $2.9 billion in profit at an average of $139,798. The average losses were greater in the capital cities, however they also generally experienced much greater profits, more than double those in regional areas."
</div>
</div>
</div>
 
<a href="/images/2016/01/29/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-29%20at%2010.48.24%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/01/29/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-29%20at%2010.48.24%20AM.png" alt="">
The proportion of loss making resales is lower than the financial crisis peak nationwide with the exception of Darwin to September 2015, according to the latest CoreLogic RP Data Pain &amp; Gain report.
The report found loss-making resales lower in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Hobart, higher in Perth and Darwin and flat in Adelaide and Canberra and said values growing sharply in Sydney and Melbourne over the year with moderate value growth in Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra and values falling in Perth and Darwin. 
<a href="/images/2016/01/29/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-29%20at%2011.03.34%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/01/29/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-29%20at%2011.03.34%20AM.png" alt="">
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

tlawless-5VLUrbAk9s

Proportion of loss-making resales lower than the financial crisis peak: Tim Lawless CoreLogic RP Data Pain & Gain national

<html><body>
December 2016 saw capital city dwelling values rise by 1.4%, taking the annual capital gain for 2016 to 10.9%; the highest growth rate for a calendar year since 2009.
Factoring in gross rental yields and capital gains, housing as an asset class, earned a total annual return of 14.7% based on the combined capital cities index results.
Across Australia’s capital cities, the annual change in dwelling values for 2016 ranged from -4.3% in Perth to 15.5% in Sydney, with Melbourne and Hobart also showing annual capital gains higher than 10%.
Capital city growth rates have also shown a growing divergence between the broad housing product types.
Over the past twelve months we have seen capital city house values rise by 11.6%, while unit values have increased by roughly half the pace at 5.9%.
The divergence in growth rates is the most distinct in Melbourne and Brisbane, where concerns around unit oversupply have eroded buyer confidence.
Melbourne house values are up 15.1% over the year compared with a 1.7% rise in unit values, while Brisbane house values are 4.0% higher over the year, with unit values falling by -0.2%.
Australia’s regional housing markets generally did not experience the same growth conditions as the capital cities, with annual growth to November recorded at 2.8% across the combined regional markets. Regional New South Wales showed the strongest growth conditions, with non-capital city house values rising 7.3% over the 12 month period to November 2016.
The remaining rest-of-state regions showed relatively sedate conditions, with values rising by half a per cent across regional Victoria, 1% across regional Queensland and 1.1% across regional South Australia. Regional Western Australia recorded a 7% fall in house values over the year. Those regional areas with intrinsic ties to the mining and resources sector have continued to record weaker housing market conditions since the end of the mining infrastructure boom, with Perth and Darwin recording the weakest housing market conditions across the capital cities.
Since values peaked in these markets during 2014, values have fallen by a cumulative 7.9% in Perth and 5.9% in Darwin.
More recently both these markets have shown signs of moving through the low point of their respective downturns, with values rising by 2.8% and 5.9% respectively over the final quarter of 2016.
Based on the annual housing market results, it is clear that housing markets across Australia have responded to regional differences in economic and demographic trends; strong population growth and economic activity have driven value growth in Sydney and Melbourne, however, more recently strong growth trends have spread to Hobart and Canberra, as well as many of the coastal and lifestyle markets where values are now also rising swiftly.
Post Global Financial Crisis, the CoreLogic index results show that Sydney’s dwelling values have almost doubled, rising by 97.5% since January 2009, whilst Melbourne dwelling values have increased by 83.5% over the same time frame.
Every other capital city has seen dwelling values rise at substantially lower rates over this period, highlighting just how strong the Sydney and Melbourne housing market conditions have been over the past eight years.
Sydney-siders saw dwelling values increase by approximately $10,000 per month over the past year, creating a significant boost in wealth for home owners; at the same time we’ve seen mounting affordability challenges for aspiring home owners.
The recent CoreLogic Housing Affordability Report shows Sydney dwelling prices were 8.3 times higher than annual household incomes and households were dedicating an average of 44.5% of their income to service a mortgage (based on an 80% loan to valuation ratio and the average discounted variable mortgage rate).
Tim Lawless heads up the CoreLogic RP Data research and analytics team, analysing real estate markets, demographics and economic trends across Australia.
</body></html>

2016 dwelling value growth rates divergent even within the same capital city: Corelogic's Tim Lawless

<html><body>
Melbourne’s housing market is more resilient to a slowdown compared to Sydney, according to CoreLogic’s latest update report.
The property data firm says that price growth conditions are starting to ease.
For more information see the video below:
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WjyeHf3_ZYQ" frameborder="0" width="450" height="253"></iframe>
</body></html>

Melbourne housing update: Tim Lawless sees price growth conditions ease

<html><body>
Adelaide dwelling values held over June quarter, according to CoreLogic’s latest update report.
The property data firm says that however the unit sector’s performance fell over the quarter.
For more information see the video below:
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ydpoi0iHa1U" frameborder="0" width="450" height="253"></iframe>
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Adelaide housing market update: Tim Lawless

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
CoreLogic’s recently released Pain and Gain report highlighted a growing divergence between houses and units for loss making resales. 
Unit markets recorded a higher proportion of loss making resales relative to houses across every broad region of Australia over the June quarter.  
The latest CoreLogic Pain and Gain report provides a summary of gross profit and loss making resales across the country. The results show a consistent and long underperformance across the unit sector, and more recently, a growing divergence between the proportion of houses and units reselling at a gross loss. The June quarter report revealed that 14.3% of units that resold across the capital cities transacted at a gross loss; roughly double the rate of loss making house resales. Across the combined regional areas of Australia, loss making unit resales comprised 16.1% of transactions while a lower 10.3% of houses resold at a gross loss.
Every capital city and rest of state region across the country has seen the unit sector record a larger proportion of loss making sales across the unit sector compared with detached housing, however the differential is substantial in those cities where unit values have fallen more materially.
Across the capital cities, Darwin stands out as showing the highest proportion of loss making unit resales, with 71% of units reselling at a loss over the June quarter. Considering Darwin unit values have fallen 44% since peaking in May 2010, the high rate of loss on resales should come as no surprise; in fact Darwin unit values are back to the same level they were in February 2005. Darwin house values haven’t fall any where near as much, down 11% since peaking.  
Regional Western Australia has recorded the second highest level of loss making resales for units (56.7%) followed by Perth at 47.8%. Both regions have seen unit values fall substantially more than house values. Since peaking in January 2008, regional WA unit values are down 47.5% and are now back to levels seen in 1988. In Perth, unit values are 18.2% lower after peaking in July 2013 and are now worth the same value as they were in May 2006.
Amongst the capital cities, Brisbane also stood out for a high rate of loss making unit resales, with 29.2% transacting at a gross loss over the quarter compared with only 4.1% of houses selling at a gross loss. Brisbane unit values are back to where they were in August 2007 after declining by 10.8% from their 2008 peak.  
The lowest rates of loss making unit resales were in those regions where unit values have shown more buoyant conditions. Hobart recorded the lowest portion of loss making unit resales, with only 2.9% reselling at a gross loss over the June quarter. Hobart unit values are at a record high after recording solid capital gains over the past few years. It was only five years ago, after a long period of weak housing market conditions, when 25% of Hobart units were reselling at a gross loss.  
The Sydney unit market was showing the second lowest proportion of loss making unit resales over the June quarter. Despite rising levels of unit supply, only 3.5% of Sydney units resold at a gross loss over the quarter. Unit values are down 2.6% since peaking in November last year, and values remain 43% higher relative to five years ago. With a recent history of such strong capital gains, the vast majority of Sydney unit owners are still in a positive value position relative to their purchase price, however as values continue to slip lower and supply levels rise, we are likely to see loss making resales rise.
Click <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/9/24/tim%20lawless%201.jpeg" target="_blank">here</a> to enlarge
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/24/tim%20lawless%201.jpeg" alt="">
There are a variety of factors that could be contributing to the higher proportion of loss making sales across the unit market. 
For starters, units are more likely to be owned by investors. Around 68% of units are investor owned, 51% of townhouses are owned by investors and only 22% of houses.  CoreLogic Pain and Gain data shows investor owned dwellings have a higher propensity to resell at a loss which is probably attributable to the fact that investors can take advantage of taxation benefits such as offsetting their losses against future capital gains.  
Unit markets can be more prone to oversupply. This trend has been evident across the Brisbane and Melbourne inner city markets to different extents.  Focusing on some of the key inner city unit markets, Brisbane’s inner city recorded 32% of unit resales at a loss over the quarter and Melbourne’s inner city recorded 22% at a loss. Unit construction has been winding down across Queensland since late 2016, but remains at record levels across Victoria and close to record highs in New South Wales. With unit values now falling in Sydney and Melbourne and the pipeline at, or close to record highs, its likely that loss making resales will diverge further in these markets.
There is also the factor of the underlying land value. Even though dwelling values are sliding in some markets, land prices have generally held firm or continued to trend higher.  Detached houses have a stronger relationship with land values which is likely contributing to the long run trend of higher capital gains for houses relative to units.
Click <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/9/24/tim%20lawless%202.jpg" target="_blank">here</a> to enlarge
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/9/24/tim%20lawless%202.jpg" alt=""> 
Tim Lawless heads up the CoreLogic RP Data research and analytics team
</body></html>

Unit owners are more likely to record a loss at sale: Tim Lawless

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
EXPERT OBSERVER
The seasonal surge in listing numbers is well underway, with fresh listings being added to the market up 16% relative to the end of winter, however, despite the upswing in new listings, fresh stock additions are tracking almost 4% lower than the at the same time a year ago to be at their lowest seasonal level since 2012. 
The low level of new listing numbers can be attributed to weak vendor confidence; no surprise given housing market conditions have weakened and selling conditions have become more challenging.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/19/stock%20level%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/19/stock%20level%201.jpg" alt="">
Although freshly advertised stock is low, total advertised listing numbers have been trending higher as the rate of absorption slows. In fact, if the current trend continues, we will see the number of properties available for sale exceed the recent 2012 peak in total advertised stock levels. Total listing numbers are 10.2% higher than year ago and at their highest level for this time of the year since 2012.
The rise in total listing numbers isn’t due to a panicked surge in new listings. This is more about less demand which is causing a rise in relisting’s along with longer selling times and fewer successful sales at auction.
 
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The typical capital city dwelling sold by private treaty is now taking 53 days to sell compared with 42 days a year ago and discounting rates have risen to an average of 6.5%, up from 6.0% a year ago.
Click here to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/19/stock%20level%203.jpg" target="_blank">enlarge.</a>
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/19/stock%20level%203.jpg" alt="">
More stock means more choice for buyers and harder selling condition for vendors – essentially abuyers’ market. Buyers have little sense of urgency under these conditions; they can negotiate hard, take their time to make a purchase decision, and if they feel a property price doesn’t reflect fairvalue, they can easily move onto the next property option.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/19/stock%20level%204.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge. </a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/19/stock%20level%204.jpg" alt="">
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
With so much competing stock on the market, vendors will need to be reasonable with their pricing expectations and ensure their marketing campaign is as effective as possible in order to stand out from other stock for sale.
Tim Lawless is the national research director of CoreLogic RP Data and can be contacted<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/author/timlawless/" target="_blank"> here.</a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
 
</div>
</div>
</div>
 
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

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

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Overall, it’s hard to see a scenario where Australian housing values could fall off a cliff.
For this to happen we would need to see a material about face in labour market conditions, a global shock or a material rise in interest rates– none of which seems to be a likely outcome at the moment.
Without a doubt, housing risks are heighted relative to a year ago. Dwelling values are slipping lower nationally (down 2% since peaking in September last year), mortgage rates are edging higher (up by around 15 basis points from three of the four major banks announcing a rate rise in September) and mortgage arrears have moved off their record lows (but still only around 0.6% of all mortgages are 90+ days in arrears). All this against a backdrop of record high levels of household debt (the ratio of disposable income to household debt reached 190% in March this year), increasing levels of housing supply and rising domestic and global uncertainty.
It should come as no surprise that some commentators are forecasting a substantial reduction in dwelling values. We saw similar forecasts during previous downturns from the likes of Steven Keen, Harry Dent and Jeremey Grantham as well as many others. The most recent dire prediction to get mainstream airplay was from Martin North predicting a 40-45% fall in dwelling values; albeit with only a 20% chance of this occurring. Since airing on 60Minutes, the segment titled ‘Bricks and Slaughter’ has seen the two primary experts featured, Martin North and Louie Christopher, clarifying their televised comments which were apparently presented in an unbalanced context: a presentation of the worst case scenario with no regard for the most likely outcome.
If we look at the current downturn in Australian housing, the trajectory of decline is actually quite unremarkable.
Australia’s largest housing market, Sydney, has seen values fall by 5.6% sincepeaking in July last year; a trajectory that is straight down the middle of previous downturns. During the GFC, Sydney dwelling values fell by 7.0% in the space of twelve months, and the downturn before that (2003-2006) saw values fall 7.1% over the same number of months.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne, has seen values falling since November last year. Since that time the market is down a cumulative 3.5% and the descent has generally been milder relative to previous downturns.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/9/21/CORELOGIC%201.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/9/21/CORELOGIC%201.jpg" 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/2018/9/21/CORELOGIC%201.jpg" alt=""></a>
 
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Even in markets where values have been falling consistently for more than four years on the back of a material weakening in economic and demographicconditions, we haven’t seen values fall by anywhere near 40%. Perth dwellingvalues peaked in 2014 and have fallen by 12.6% and in Darwin where conditions have been even tougher, dwelling values are down 21.8%.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/9/21/CORELOGIC%202.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/9/21/CORELOGIC%202.jpg" alt="">
Recently released housing value forecasts from Moody’s Analytics certainly paints a less gloomy picture of housing markets over the coming years. While, growth is forecast to be subdued relative to previous years, the forecast is for a relatively mild downturn, with national house and unit values returning to mild positive annual growth by the middle of 2019.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/9/21/CORELOGIC%203.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/9/21/CORELOGIC%203.jpg" alt="">
 
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The Moody’s Analytics forecasts are based on an econometric model whichuses CoreLogic’s Hedonic Index data as a base to forecast from. Their upbeat assessment of dwelling values is based on rising business investment, particularly in the non-mining sector, a rise in infrastructure spending, above trend jobs growth, and ongoing low interest rates.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/9/21/CORELOGIC%204.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/9/21/CORELOGIC%204.jpg" alt="">
Of course the outlook for housing conditions is varied across the regions. Bythe end of 2019, Moody’s is expecting every capital city except Hobart (-2.4%) to record a positive annual change in house values, with year on year rises ranging from 4.5% in Canberra and Adelaide to a 0.9% rise in Perth dwelling values.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 3">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Forecasting the movement in asset values is challenging at the best of times. With so much uncertainty at the moment it’s even harder. Several wildcards remain that could have a negative impact on the direction of housing values.
Households are more sensitive than ever to interest rate movements due to the record level of household debt. Roughly, 70% of household debt is housing related, which implies small changes to mortgage rates could have an amplified impact on household balance sheets. Further out of cycle movements in mortgage interest rates could have a negative impact on the market. On the flipside, if the RBA decides to cut the cash rate further (a possible scenario of economic conditions weakened and housing price falls accelerated), this would likely see a rise in housing activity and help to place a floor under housing prices.
There is also the potential for changes to property taxation policies that could have a further dampening effect on investment demand. Based on the value of new housing finance commitments, investors still comprise around 41% of mortgage demand, down from 55% in mid-2015. Investor concentrations remain well above their long term averages across New South Wales (49% of housing finance commitments) and Victoria (41% of housing finance commitments), implying Sydney and Melbourne would have more to lose if investor activity were to drop more substantially. Investors are already being disincentivised by falling prices, mortgage rate premiums and low rental yields; additional disincentives from tax reform could see demand reduce further, creating some slack in the overall demand composition for Australian housing.
In balance, even with mortgage rates edging higher, we are still in the lowestmortgage rate environment since the 1960’s. Population growth remainsstrong and maintaining a consistent migration policy seems to have support from both sides of politics which will continue to support demand for housing. Labour markets are reasonably healthy with unemployment holding at 5.3% and likely to trend lower, underemployment at the lowest rate since May 2014 and jobs growth above the long term trend.
Overall, it’s hard to see a scenario where Australian housing values could fall off a cliff. For this to happen we would need to see a material about face in labour market conditions, a global shock or a material rise in interest rates –none of which seems to be a likely outcome at the moment.
TIM LAWLESS heads up the CoreLogic RP Data research and analytics team and can be contacted<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/author/timlawless/" target="_blank"> here.</a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Is the property market really all that bad? CoreLogic's Tim Lawless

<html><body>
Higher priced properties in Sydney and Melbourne is not the only obstacle stopping people from entering these markets.
<div>
Varying from state to state, another factor contributing to the high entry cost to housing is Stamp Duty, particularly in Australia’s largest two capital cities.
Levied by each state and territory and payable by the receiver when a property is transferred, stamp duty varies remarkably across the states and territories based on the price of the property, the type of buyer (owner occupier / first home buyer / investor) and the type of property. 
CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless said, “Calculating how much stamp duty is applicable on a property purchase can be confusing due to the significant differences regionally, but also due to the complexity of rules, concessions and limits that are applied to the calculation of stamp duty.” 
Based on the median dwelling value across each capital city, stamp duty estimates can range from a whopping $32,680 in Melbourne to a modest $9,000 in Brisbane.
<h3>Median dwelling value</h3>
<img src="https://corelogic.com.au/resources/property-pulse/article-graphs-img/2016-12-12--image1.jpg" alt="2016-12-12--image1" width="500" height="261">
Mr Lawless said, “Even though the median dwelling value is $200,000 higher in Sydney compared with Melbourne, the cost of stamp duty on the median valued home is actually slightly lower in Sydney, at $31,763, due to higher stamp duty rates in Victoria.”
<h3>Estimated stamp duty payable on median value dwelling</h3>
<img src="https://corelogic.com.au/resources/property-pulse/article-graphs-img/2016-12-12--image2.jpg" alt="2016-12-12--image2" width="500" height="543">
In some states, first-time home buyers can be offered substantial concessions on stamp duty; however there is generally an upper limit. 
For example, first home buyer property transactions in Victoria with a price tag of $600,000 or less will enjoy a 50% reduction on their rate of stamp duty. 
In Queensland, first home buyers purchasing a property priced less than $550,000 can realise a discount of more than $8,000.
Stamp duty rates can also be higher for investors. 
Surprisingly, Mr Lawless observed that New South Wales, which is the state with the largest proportion of investors, does not charge a premium rate of stamp duty on this segment of the market.
The three largest states also charge a stamp duty premium on property purchasers by foreign buyers.
He said, “Because stamp duty costs are percentage based, as dwelling values move higher, stamp duty costs can rise disproportionately faster due to bracket creep. 
Over the past five years dwelling values in these two cities have increased by 62% and 38% respectively which implies at least a commensurate rise in stamp duty costs in these cities.
The high transactional costs associated with housing are likely to be one factor that is contributing to a slowdown in the number of sales across the country.” 
While stamp duty is generally the largest transactional cost associated with buying, there are other costs such as building and pest inspections, conveyancing, removalists and more that also need to be factored in and are likely to be dampening participation in the housing market. 
Mr Lawless said, “Add to this the fact that most lenders will be seeking a 20% deposit and the barriers to entry become even more substantial.”
For state governments, stamp duty is one of the largest revenue sources. 
In the 2014-15 financial year, state and local government taxation revenue was recorded at $89.278 billion having increased by 7.0% over the year. 
The taxation revenue was comprised of $45.203 billion or 50.6% from property related taxes (mostly stamp duty and municipal rates). 
While total tax revenue increased 7.0% over the year, property tax revenue increased by 10.5% highlighting that property taxes are the largest source of taxation revenue for state and local governments and are rising at a rapid pace.
Mr Lawless said, “If transaction numbers across the housing market continue to trend lower, state governments are likely to encounter a budget hole as stamp duty revenue falls.   
For this and associated reasons, we may find state governments become more serious about considering a broader based land tax that is applicable to all property owners rather than a stamp duty that is payable only across the small percentage of properties that transact each year.”
</div>
</body></html>

Stamp duty an obstacle for first home buyers entering the market

<html><body>
Sydney’s housing market is showing signs of a controlled slowdown, according to CoreLogic’s latest July update.
The property data firm says that clearance rates are trending lower and time on market is starting to edge upwards.
For more information see the video below:
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p3ABSDStcnc" frameborder="0" width="450" height="253"></iframe>
</body></html>

Sydney housing market's controlled slowdown update: Tim Lawless

<html><body>
Brisbane’s housing market capital gains is subdued, but sustainable, according to CoreLogic’s latest update report.
The property data firm says that rise in house values compensating a fall in unit values takes Brisbane’s annual growth rate into 2%.
For more information see the video below:
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o2xJhQxU5uc" frameborder="0" width="450" height="253"></iframe>
</body></html>

Tim Lawless

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Tim Lawless

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News