<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/jwland-development">JWLand</a>’s De Burgh, the final residential release within the Northbourne Village precinct in Lyneham, is nearing completion just as the Federal Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme prepares for its most significant expansion to date.&nbsp;

From October 2025, the scheme will allow first home buyers to enter the market with just a five per cent deposit and no lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), removing some of the most common barriers to ownership.

With <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/de-burgh-at-northbourne-village-40-de-burgh-street-lyneham-act-2602">De Burgh</a> on track for residents to move in by late spring 2025, the timing creates a strong opportunity for first home buyers seeking brand-new apartments in Canberra’s sought-after Inner North.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212888]

The project delivers 350 residences across two buildings, with layouts ranging from compact studios through to one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

JWLand has tailored the development for long-term liveability, integrating natural light, privacy and outdoor space into each home. Ground-floor residences feature private courtyards, while upper levels benefit from generous balconies.

Kitchens are fitted with Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, and all apartments include ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning with smartphone app control for lighting and climate.&nbsp;

Shared resident facilities include a rooftop garden, gym, lounge and parcel lockers, alongside landscaped green space within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=267376]

For buyers, the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme removes income caps and introduces unlimited places, making it more accessible than ever. With most De Burgh apartments priced under $1 million, they fall well within the updated eligibility thresholds.

The policy changes provide first home buyers with greater certainty and a smoother path to finance. Combined with the quality and location of De Burgh, the expanded scheme is expected to draw a new wave of buyers to Canberra’s Inner North.

Residents will benefit from the project’s central setting, just 600 metres from the light rail and three kilometres from Canberra’s CBD. The precinct is bordered by the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/lyneham-act-2602">Lyneham</a> wetlands and sits within easy reach of cafes, restaurants, schools and the ANU.

With completion scheduled for late 2025, De Burgh is set to be among the first major apartment projects to meet the expanded scheme head-on, offering first-time buyers a realistic pathway to ownership in one of Canberra’s most connected neighbourhoods.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139989]

Joel Robinson

JWLand’s De Burgh aligns with expanded Homebuyer Scheme, opening doors for first home buyers in Canberra’s Inner North

A subtropical pair of residential towers are in planning for a key South Brisbane site neighbouring the iconic Expo ’88 Skyneedle, with new documents revealing a vertically layered vision designed to respond to the precinct’s evolving high-density character.

The proposal has been lodged by&nbsp;Darveniza Group, which is also is behind the 400-apartment Station Quarter precinct in Alderley.

Darveniza Group, led by Jane Darveniza, the Brisbane-based investor and Queensland rich-lister and widow of the late property magnate Bojan Darveniza, is seeking approval for a mixed-use project encompassing 204 apartments, ground-level retail, food and drink tenancies, and office space across two architecturally integrated towers at 37–39 Manning Street.

Occupying an 1,822 sqm site, the proposed towers would rise above a sculptural podium base, with a recessed landscaped centre, rooftop communal areas, and a total of 220 car parks and 256 bicycle bays. The apartment mix spans one- to five-bedroom dwellings, with a design emphasis on generous balconies, cross-ventilation, and climate-responsive materials.

<img alt="First look: Twin towers proposed for Manning Street site beside Skyneedle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42c1f501-2afd-440b-af49-67c257123ea7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Manning%20podium.png?VersionId=KFlksfWzmDRD.VIYxd_1q3VAel.nN3TH" />

“The development is conceived as two slender twin buildings that meet at a lushly landscaped central recess,” the Finegrain design report states. “The façade is highly articulated with the plan form stepping back and forth to reduce visual bulk and maximise internal occupants’ access to natural light and air”.

A hallmark of the proposal is its integration of greenery, both visually and functionally. Around 77 per cent of the site’s green plot ratio is delivered through vertical planting spines, a green podium wall, and rooftop amenity. Ground-level deep planting and landscaped communal zones aim to create a shaded, walkable interface along Manning Street.

“The stepped plan form introduces variation in balcony setbacks and enclosed apartment areas, enriching both the façade expression and the resident experience,” the design team notes. “At ground and podium levels, this stepping also enhances permeability, maximising pedestrian view lines to the neighbouring Skyneedle and reinforcing a strong sense of local identity”.

<img alt="First look: Twin towers proposed for Manning Street site beside Skyneedle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3f26dfc-6b93-465c-9ffb-0a2530372a23" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Manning%20site.png?VersionId=JflvKdqDxcaHTFbb9HL5TwoiRgeQ2LqA" />

The site directly adjoins the heritage-listed Skyneedle at 35 Manning Street, an enduring legacy of World Expo ’88. The accompanying heritage impact report by Pendergast Architects contends that the proposal has been carefully conceived to protect the cultural significance and landmark visibility of the structure.

“The design provides setbacks, tower separation and podium articulation to maintain the visibility and landmark role of the adjoining Skyneedle,” the report states. “The significance of the Skyneedle lies principally in its landmark visibility and cultural symbolism, rather than in detailed fabric or architectural setting”.

The proposal sits within the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct, under Brisbane’s TLPI 02/2023, where revised planning controls support high-density, mixed-use development integrated with subtropical design and increased public realm contributions.

Finegrain’s design reflects this intent, drawing cues from the site's adjacency to Musgrave Park, the subtropical landscape of South Brisbane, and cultural landmarks such as QPAC and South Bank.

Twin green towers proposed for Manning Street, South Brisbane site beside Skyneedle

A first-of-its-kind culinary precinct is coming to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a>, inspired by global street-food flavours and best-in-class restaurants and entertainment.

Deicorp’s emerging mid-city precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/melrose-central-melrose-park-33-hope-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Central</a>, will become the go-to precinct within the wider Melrose Park community, and at its heart, a first-of-its-kind culinary precinct that brings the buzz of Asia’s most iconic food streets to life.

Spanning more than 4,700 sqm, Melrose Central street food precinct is inspired by the energy and vibrant flavours of street-food neighbourhoods from Hong Kong and Tokyo to Seoul and Singapore.

This new destination will be over three times the size of existing offerings like Burwood Chinatown or Westfield Chatswood’s Hawker Lane, positioning Melrose Central as a must-visit dining hub for all of Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134220 project_image_fid=289878]

Designed by Anthony Ho of Basalt Studio, this street food concept blurs the lines between culinary theatre, art, and entertainment, offering an immersive experience. Neon-lit laneways thread between open kitchens and live grill stations, while murals, interactive displays, and light installations will bring the precinct to life, trading until late, a first for the area.

“We’ve imagined our street food concept as a graduated evolution of everything people love about Burwood Chinatown, East Village and Regent Place, elevated by the immersive artistry creating a city-style dining offer,” said Bilinda Turner, Head of Retail at Deicorp.

“By curating the very best tenants from across Australia, we’re creating a fit-for-purpose town centre for 2025 and beyond. It’s something that people truly haven’t seen before."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134220 project_image_fid=352610]

Melrose Central is far more than a food precinct. Spanning 30,000 sqm across four levels, the shopping centre will be home to approximately 100 retailers, providing a total lifestyle offering from morning until late evening.

Fresh food offerings span a brand new Coles Supermarket, Local Grocer, Korean Supermarket, Bakery and boutique fresh food, as well as a Dan Murphy's, while health needs are covered from a pharmacy, medical centre and allied health. Fitness and wellbeing take centre stage from a dedicated wellbeing hub that includes pilates, recovery, Infrared saunas and a gym, to name a few.

Variety stores will feature throughout, as well as personal care offerings from nail salons to hairdressers, as well as a dedicated early-learning centre on level 1.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134220 project_image_fid=289888]

Situated above the retail precinct will be 495 Turner Studio-designed apartments that open onto 6,000 sqm of lush podium gardens and rooftop terraces.

Located just six kilometres east of Parramatta’s CBD and 15km from Sydney CBD, Melrose Central forms the retail and lifestyle heart of Melrose Park, an urban-renewal precinct that is set to deliver more than 11,000 homes, 22,000 new residents, and 50,000 sqm of park and open space.

A dedicated stop on Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will arrive at the precinct’s Hope Street entrance, and the forthcoming Parramatta Gateway Bridge will link directly to Sydney Olympic Park and Wentworth Point.&nbsp;

Supported by a 10-minute drive, this growing catchment of 200,000 people, which is projected to grow to 279,000 by 2026, and an average household income above the Greater Sydney average, Melrose Central embodies Deicorp’s vision for transport-oriented, community-focused placemaking.&nbsp;

Melrose Central street food precinct and the wider Melrose Central retail town centre are both slated to open in mid-2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134220]

Melrose Central: First-of-its-kind culinary precinct coming to Sydney’s West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> has unveiled the fifth and final stage of its $1 billion Norwest community, The Orchards.

The final stage, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/zeste-at-the-orchards-norwest-104-fairway-drive-norwest-nsw-2153">Zeste</a>, will deliver 209 apartments across two distinctive buildings, Essence and Eden. The 135 apartments in Essence will be the first to be released to the market, which will bring to an end the decade-long vision to create a&nbsp;neighbourhood defined by design excellence, sustainability, and community engagement.

&nbsp;

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351878]

David Lee, Sales Manager at Sekisui House Australia said, Zeste's oversized living spaces and diverse apartment mix, which includes the introduction of&nbsp;Breezeway Sky Homes for the first time, deliver a unique lifestyle offering.

Early purchasers will benefit from exclusive VIP pricing as well as the choice of one premium upgrade, which Lee says is a "thank you" for their commitment to the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351876]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, Zeste embodies Sekisui House’s global design philosophy of creating harmony between people, homes and nature. Principal Ben Pomroy explained that Zeste is about living within the landscape.

“With two large courtyards, the lagoon pool precinct for the wider community and a central courtyard with pavilion exclusively for Zeste residents, the architecture frames an experience of living in a park," Pomroy said.

“Over 50 per cent of the site is landscaped, ensuring a deep connection to nature at every stage of daily life. The buildings are designed as a collection of smaller, finer-grain forms, with over 85% of apartments enjoying dual aspects.

“The focus on natural ventilation, generous layouts and communal interaction creates a residential environment that is both sustainable and socially connected.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351886]

Natalie Shalala, a member of Rothelowman’s interiors team said they reimagined the former site’s Orchard homestead with a contemporary twist. &nbsp;

“The design draws on the nostalgia of the past orchard – timber floors, the warmth of a fireplace, the rituals of the homestead and reinvents them for modern apartment living,"&nbsp;Shalala said.

“We have created two tonal palettes, one with pale honey undertones and another with a soft blush inspired by nectar. A highlight feature is the cathedral glass light box, a bespoke design element that re-interprets the classic lantern. It is both beautiful and functional, tying kitchen and bathroom spaces together in a way that feels entirely unique."

Shalala said the&nbsp;day-to-day liveability has been carefully considered, with abundant storage solutions, butler’s pantries, bike storage and joinery designed to simplify routines and enhance comfort.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=352090]

Apartments in Zeste start from $715,000 for one-bedrooms and extend through to expansive three-bedroom Sky Homes priced from $2.25 million. Floorplans range from 59 sqm to 144sqm.

The mix in Essence comprises 41 one-bedroom, seven one-bedroom + Max space, 39 two-bedroom, 40 two-bedroom Breezeway Sky Homes (24 of which include additional Max spaces), and eight three-bedroom residences.&nbsp;

Max spaces are integrated into select residences, offering a flexible room that can be tailored to individual needs, ideal as a home office, children’s play area, or additional storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351881]

Zeste continues Sekisui House Australia’s partnership with Altogether Group, providing sustainable water, power and data services to residents. Passive design strategies include cross-ventilation, deep landscaping and water features that encourage evaporative cooling, aligning with The Orchards long-term environmental goals.&nbsp;

Construction is set to commence on the Zeste buildings in early 2026, with completion anticipated in late 2027 to early 2028.&nbsp;

More than 850 apartments have been sold across the masterplan, contributing to The Orchards community of 1,300 apartments when complete.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150510]

Sekisui House Australia launches Zeste, the final stage of its $1 billion Norwest masterplan

A significant addition to the Bella Vista Station Precinct is in the pipeline, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/landen-property">Landen</a> formally lodging a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-memorial-avenue-bella-vista-40-memorial-avenue-nsw-2153">new apartment community on Memorial Avenue</a>.

Positioned beside the Elizabeth Macarthur Creek corridor, the project is among the first major transit-oriented residential proposals within the Metro precinct.

The masterplan, designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">Turner Architects</a>,&nbsp;outlines a four-stage delivery, comprising four buildings between four and fifteen storeys, and includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a limited selection of four-bedroom penthouses and terraces.

The project places a strong emphasis on housing diversity and liveability, with apartment sizes ranging from 50 to 180 sqm. The first stage will deliver 213 dwellings, followed by 231 in the second stage. Construction is expected to commence in 2026, pending approvals.

<img alt="Bella Vista Apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bb3d84b1-d2df-4e26-915a-31b27faf9b1a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/View02_01-scaled.jpg?VersionId=Gb0AUtZ3VXsLxrqUaw_AwT_vcBwQ_FJu" />

As the first transit-oriented development (TOD) in the precinct, Landen’s Bella Vista community has been designed to align closely with the surrounding Metro infrastructure. The proposal integrates new pedestrian and cycling paths, a new bridge over Elizabeth Macarthur Creek, and direct access to Bella Vista Metro Station.

Lush communal amenities are also central to the design. 'The Grove' and the 'Garden Link' will create landscaped community areas that reflect the area's agricultural heritage and provide direct access to the creekside.&nbsp;

The ‘Garden Patio’ is conceived as a multi-use indoor-outdoor facility offering a gym, study nooks, and communal lounge spaces.&nbsp;Rooftop terraces across the buildings will offer views to the Blue Mountains and Parramatta skyline.

<img alt="Bella Vista Apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="778da409-d5cf-4e7d-9ba9-0c36990bf0b4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/landen-bella-property-image.jpg?VersionId=ukPpmVcHF71xRc7U3MUT5rtGwOsntMMz" />

Landen’s Head of Property, Shane Harding, said the proposal highlights the developer’s precinct-scale ambition.

“As the first TOD proposal in Bella Vista, it highlights Landen’s ability to pioneer precinct-scale projects, integrate housing with infrastructure, and deliver outcomes that align with government priorities,” Harding told the Daily Telegraph.

The project arrives at a time of rapid growth in Western Sydney, with Bella Vista alone forecast to more than double in population by 2046. The development’s location, between the Bella Vista and Kellyville Metro stations, positions it as a connected lifestyle hub for families, professionals and downsizers seeking access to transport, schools, and employment centres.

Pending approval, the development is slated for completion in 2028.

Landen plans 444-apartment community in Bella Vista Metro zone

Townsville

Heran Building Group has introduced their luxury four-bedroom townhomes in Burdell, North Shore Residences.

&ldquo;North Shore is a place where a better lifestyle comes naturally, where neighbours know each other by name and the daily essentials are already just moments from your doorstep&rdquo;, the developers said.

Located in a growing Townsville suburb, Burdell is increasingly in demand due to its reputation as a safe, friendly and conveniently located area.

Priced from $372,900, each four-bedroom home features two bathrooms, double lock-up garages, and a modern kitchen with&nbsp;stone benchtops and&nbsp;European appliances, including a stainless-steel multifunction oven, cook-top, rangehood and stainless-steel dishwasher.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106962 project_image_fid=170457]

Each townhome has a&nbsp;fully-fenced private yard.

Within the development is a communal&nbsp;swimming pool and ample visitor parking.

Ducted air-conditioning is built into the homes, as are&nbsp;roller blinds and venetians.

Only 15 minutes to the Townsville CBD, North Shore is cleverly positioned for strong ongoing demand thanks to its proximity to important hubs including employment, education, major shopping, arterial roads, and public transport.

Burdell feeds directly into the growing employment node of Townsville and surrounding suburbs via Woolcock St.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106962 project_image_fid=170458]

The A1 is also only minutes away, providing easy access to all employment locations in the greater Townsville areas.

According to the developers, the expected rental return is approximately $290 to $380 per week, boasting rental yields of 4.37 per cent to 5.52 per cent per annum

The home is located in an evolving location, with two new shopping centres nearby, including North Shore Shopping Centre and the Stockland Townsville Shopping Centre, and the Townsville Grammar School.

Surrounding suburbs also offer a diverse range of amenities from medical, health, retail services and casual dining and takeaway options

Construction on the project began in May, due to reach completion in late 2021.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=106962]

Located in a growing Townsville suburb, Burdell is increasingly in demand due to its reputation as a safe, friendly and conveniently located area. 

max.kwok_55688

Brand new four-bedroom Townsville townhomes from $372,900

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Most people jump into markets when they hear they’re booming. Few will buy in a down market, with an eye to the future.
They’ll wait until a newspaper report tells them prices have jumped in the past year, which means they’re too late to maximise the best opportunities to buy well.
Perth is the most depressed of the capital city markets and buyers are staying away in droves. The real estate industry is working hard to talk up the market, claiming buyers should dive in before prices rise. Such claims are among real estate’s greatest clichés, but they will be right in the not too distant future – at the right time Perth will represent great buying, after 3-4 years of falling prices. But most won’t make a move until they read there’s a new boom on.
Another example of this conundrum is provided by Townsville. The North Queensland city has had a lot of negative publicity recently and you wouldn’t buy there on the current numbers.
But I rate locations on their future prospects, often in defiance of the current situation, to alert investors to areas poised for growth. Townsville is a classic case.
It’s among the sturdiest regional economies in Australia. I rate economic diversity and Townsville has more than most regional centres, with strong elements of government admin, education, defence, resources, health, tourism and manufacturing – plus an export port.
Its property market had a run of strong annual growth up to 2011 – and, after decline in the past few years, is ready to resume its forward progress. Its comeback will be boosted by major events, including retail projects, CBD commercial and infrastructure spending. It is also receiving economic impetus from the expansion of its military economy and will benefit from the $22 billion Adani mining project.
Townsville is forecast to be one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, reaching a population of 340,000 by 2050, according to demographer Bernard Salt in a 2015 report.
Townsville has over 100 education facilities, including the James Cook University, where around 12,000 students are enrolled.
It’s close to the Barrier Reef and tourism is a big industry. The city received 1.2 million domestic visitors in the year to September 2016, injecting $925 million (up 35 percent on the previous year). Around 12,000 cruise ship passengers visit Townsville each year and, following a Cruise Ship Terminal upgrade, larger numbers are expected in the future.
Trade through the Port of Townsville often tops one million tonnes per month and it is now Queensland’s third largest port. Examples of the port’s growth include an $85 million export facility opened by Glencore in 2015 and Puma Energy’s $150 million fuel import terminal.
The Townsville house market was one of the strongest among the Queensland regional cities over the five years to 2011, with median prices rising 50 percent. In recent years, there have been few signs of growth and many suburbs remain in decline as a result of recent economic reversals.
News of Clive Palmer’s nickel refinery closing in 2016 has not helped the market.
But Hotspotting expects an economic revival in 2017 and better results in the property market, a sentiment shared by Herron Todd White. In the October 2016 edition of its In Focus report, HTW said conditions in the residential market were starting to stabilise.
A core problem for Townsville has been oversupply, bringing an adjustment in rents. Despite that, yields remain attractive and are generally in the 5-6 percent range for houses. Some of the unit markets have median yields close to 7 percent.
So it’s a good time to consider Townsville as it gears for a growth phase. Job-generating projects are set to get under way in 2017, headed by a $1.9 billion CBD makeover. The Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area plan is designed to create a modern city space where 30,000 people are expected to be living and working in the CBD by 2030.
New developments will include bars, restaurants and shops. This will also be the site of a sports stadium, convention centre, arts precinct and a redevelopment of the North Yards railway sheds.
Townsville will thrive on the Adani coal project, which will have its HQ in Townsville, if the miner’s undertakings are kept. But nothing is certain in the resources sector and Townsvillemay have to fight to maximise the benefits because other regional cities can sniff the opportunities. Hence this headline in the local paper on 10 February: “Townsville declares war on Rocky.”
In a story on the front page of the Townsville Bulletin, Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the gloves were off in beating out other regional cities for Adani's FIFO hub.
Townsville is likely to benefit from other mining activity in Central Queensland, despite being hundreds of kilometres from the mine sites, in many cases. As one example of how major mining companies approach staffing these days, reports suggest BHP Billiton “has turned to Townsville locals to fill 200 fly-in, fly-out jobs in the Bowen Basin”.
There are 270 jobs on offer at the company’s Peak Downs and Saraji mines near Moranbah and a spokesman for BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) says they are advertising FIFO roles from Townsville.
Townsville is also likely to benefit from plans for Singaporean Armed Forces to train at Shoalwater Bay Training Area and Townsville Field Training Area. Up to 14,000 Singapore personnel will conduct unilateral army training for up to 18 weeks a year by 2021. Land will be used for tank training and $300 million will be spent on new facilities. This is the plan that became contentious recently when rural landholders claimed their properties would be forcibly resumed to make way for the military manoeuvres.
Then there’s a $225 million solar farm planned in the Upper Ross, with the project attracting federal funding and a solar power purchase agreement reported to be the biggest in the country. Under a 13-year contract, EnergyAustralia will buy 80 per cent of the electricity generated by the 142MW facility, enough power for 52,000 homes.
With so many large-scale projects in its future, Townsville is poised to return to growth and tuned-in investors will be looking around for opportunities.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can  <a href="mailto:%20%3Cscript%20type='text/javascript'%3E%20%3C!--%20var%20prefix%20=%20'ma'%20+%20'il'%20+%20'to';%20var%20path%20=%20'hr'%20+%20'ef'%20+%20'=';%20var%20addy38821%20=%20'ryder'%20+%20'@';%20addy38821%20=%20addy38821%20+%20'hotspotting'%20+%20'.'%20+%20'com'%20+%20'.'%20+%20'au';%20document.write('%3Ca%20'%20+%20path%20+%20'/''%20+%20prefix%20+%20':'%20+%20addy38821%20+%20'/'%3E');%20document.write(addy38821);%20document.write('%3C//a%3E');%20//--%3E/n%20%3C/script%3E%3Cscript%20type='text/javascript'%3E%20%3C!--%20document.write('%3Cspan%20style=/'display:%20none;/'%3E');%20//--%3E%20%3C/script%3EThis%20email%20address%20is%20being%20protected%20from%20spambots.%20You%20need%20JavaScript%20enabled%20to%20view%20it.%20%3Cscript%20type='text/javascript'%3E%20%3C!--%20document.write('%3C/');%20document.write('span%3E');%20//--%3E%20%3C/script%3E">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting">Twitter.</a>
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Tuned in investors turning towards Townsville

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It’s a marvel that Australia has any regional cities left.
Every time there’s a major (and sometimes relatively minor) business reversal, media declares the death of the local economy and often the collapse the local property market.
Legendary author Mark Twain could have been speaking for Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong and many other regional cities when he said that “the reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated”.
The latest Australian regional city to inspire a premature obituary is Townsville in the wake of the decision by political and business buffoon Clive Palmer to shed 237 jobs at his Queensland Nickel refinery. 
As has become common in the wake of such events, the media coverage has been a tad over the top since the announcement. I’ve seen reports predicting devastation of the local economy. One suggested Townsville would become “a ghost town”.
Admittedly some of the dire forecasts have been sourced from sacked workers who were understandably emotional.
But beyond the unfortunate impacts on the affected families, the downsizing of the Queensland Nickel business is not a catastrophe for Townsville.
The northern Queensland city is one of Australia’s strongest regional economies. It has wonderful diversity, with a broad range of strong industry sectors providing employment and economic activity.
It has a major (and expanding) military presence, a massive government sector, a significant education industry, a busy tourism industry and various activities related to the resources sector, among others. 
Few Australian regional cities can match it for strength and diversity.
A couple of years from now the Queensland Nickel kerfuffle will be seen as a minor blip in the economic life of this very strong city.
Townsville is not the first regional economy to be declared terminal and it won’t be the last.
Last rites have been administered in recent years to both Wollongong and Geelong, which nevertheless remain very much alive and kicking.
Wollongong was proclaimed an impending basket case when Bluescope Steel announced some major downsizing in 2011. Media went overboard. I recall one headline predicting that property values would fall 50%.
But something quite different occurred. The Wollongong property market has recorded strong price growth in the years since, partly because it caught the wave from Sydney and partly because of positive events in the local economy. 
What the doomsayers overlooked when they over-reacted to the Bluescope Steel job cuts is that there are a lot of  other things happening in Wollongong besides the smokestack industries. Like many other regional cities, Wollongong has been busily reinventing itself and these days has strong industry sectors in education, IT and tourism, among others.
The gradual decline in employment at the steelworks has been going on since the 1970s. Back then, Bluescope Steel employed 27,000 people. Today it provides jobs to only 10% of that number. In the meantime, Wollongong has moved on and created new modern industries to sustain itself.
It’s doing just fine.
So is Geelong, although it should have shuffled off this mortal coil before now, in the wake of bad news about the Ford car plant and one or two other old-style industries. 
But, like Wollongong, Geelong isn’t a blue collar factory town any more. Its biggest employment sectors are eduction and health. The city is thriving as an affordable lifestyle alternative to Melbourne, to which it is now better connected since the completion of the $5 billion Regional Rail Link.
Major new enterprises are opening up in Geelong. One is the National Disability Insurance Scheme, which is being headquartered in Geelong and is attracting other enterprises that want to be located near it.
In real estate terms, Geelong is the strongest market in regional Victoria and I don’t expect that to change any time soon.
There are echoes in this situation also of Newcastle, which was expected to wither and die following the closure of BHP activities in the late 1990s. But check it out today and you’ll find a strong and vibrant city where spending on new infrastructure and property developments totals many billions of dollars. 
And so it will be with Townsville. I’m sure those 237 people who are losing their jobs are suffering (I’ve experienced retrenchment a couple of times in my life and it’s not pleasant) but Townsville as a community and as an economy will not be devastated. 
We’re talking 237 jobs in a city of 200,000 people. Even allowing for flow-on effects, Townsville’s future is as strong as ever.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a>
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Townsville economy will weather mining downturn: Terry Ryder

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The leading growth markets in Australia are now popping up in unexpected places.
Regional centres like Launceston and Townsville (above), as well as the affordable outer-ring precincts of our capital cities, dominate Hotspotting’s new National Top 10 list for municipalities with the highest number of growth suburbs.
This partly reflects the decrease in the number of rising markets in Sydney and Melbourne, with both the big cities still performing solidly but well past their peaks in terms of sales volumes. The attention is now shifting to other cities.
In the new Spring edition of The Price Predictor Index, the Moreton Bay Region in Brisbane’s north is the No.1 LGA in Australia for growth markets, having overtaken the Sunshine Coast. 
Moreton Bay LGA has 14 suburbs with upwardly-mobile markets, with buyers attracted by affordable prices, infrastructure and jobs nodes. Growth areas include Caboolture, Burpengary, Arana Hills, Bongaree, Deception Bay, Bray Park, Woorim and Warner. 
Morayfield is a key market, with sales around 170 per quarter, compared to 120-130 two years ago.
The Sunshine Coast LGA continues to feature strongly. It has 12 growth suburbs, while the neighbouring Noosa LGA has four. Growth stars include Coolum Beach where quarterly sales are up from around 70 to above 100. Caloundra and nearby Golden Beach are also thriving.
The Adelaide market gets very little national attention but it’s showing considerable resilience and there is growth potential in specific precincts. The Marion LGA in Adelaide’s south-west is the leading market in the South Australia capital, having lifted the number of growth suburbs in each of the past three quarterly surveys.
The Marion LGA, a middle-market area of Adelaide, now has nine rising suburbs, including Oaklands Park (median house price $470,000) which has lifted sales from 18 to 24 to 29 to 30 to 37 to 41 in the past six quarters. Other growth suburbs include Sheidow Park, Clovelly Park, Dover Gardens, Edwardstown and Glengowrie.
The Hobart market has captured national attention as homes sell quickly, rents rise at rates above the national average and price growth challenges the major cities. Within the Hobart metro area, the Clarence LGA is the market leader, although growth suburbs are spread across the city. 
Clarence, on the opposite side of the Derwent from the CBD, includes growth suburbs such as Geilston Bay, Bellerive, Lindisfarne, Rokeby, Risdon Vale and Warrane.
Launceston markets continue to grow in strength, but tend to be overlooked because of growing national focus on results in Hobart. Tasmania’s No.2 city has eight suburbs with growth markets, while the nearby West Tamar LGA has three. Affordable Invermay (median house price $230,000) typifies the growth in this region. Its sales levels have grown from 19 to 22 to 24 to 29 to 34 to 37 in the past six quarters, while sales in South Launceston have risen from 20 to 29 to 34 to 47 to 51.
Townsville in North Queensland is one of the nation’s comeback markets. It is showing increasing signs of recovery from years in which the usually-strong local economy struggled, thanks to the downturn in the resources sector and the closure of the city’s nickel refinery. 
The growing evidence of a revival is likely to gather pace as major events (such as the location of the headquarters for the $20 billion Adani mining project) start to take shape. On the back of improving economic prospects, Townsville now has six suburbs with rising markets. 
Perth too is mounting a comeback after four years in a slump and regions in the north of the metro area are leading the fightback. The Wanneroo LGA is  featuring strongly; it has six suburbs with growing sales activity - remarkable when you consider that the entire Perth metro area had zero growth suburbs only nine months ago. 
The growth markets include Alkimos, Carramar, Clarkson and Hocking. The Wanneroo LGA is the fast-growing municipality in WA and includes several new growth suburbs. As is often the case in such areas, vacancies are high in some postcodes but this will change as demand continues to grow. 
Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au
<a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">ryder@hotspotting.com.au</a>
twitter.com/hotspotting
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Leading growth markets popping up in unexpected places: Terry Ryder

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The largest CBD freehold, mixed-used development site with holding income, is set to hit the market in the coming weeks.
Colliers International in conjunction with CBRE are selling this significant holding known as the South Yards precinct, on behalf of Honeycombes Property Group who are one of Queensland’s largest private developers. The 17.2ha site is on the edge of the Townsville CBD and will become an extension of the city once fully developed.
Adjacent to the new $300 million, 25,000 seat Queensland Country Bank Stadium, the purchaser will have the opportunity to masterplan the site and develop a mixed-use precinct, capitalising on the growth underway in North Queensland.
The South Yards precinct has a holding income of more than $870,000 per annum; a rarity for large-scale development sites.
“The South Yards site is intended to be the natural expansion of the Townsville CBD and represents a huge opportunity for a forward-thinking investor, developer or land banker,” said Samuel Biggins, Director, Investment Services at Colliers International. 
“Notable comparisons can be drawn to renowned urban renewal projects such as Brisbane’s James Street and Southbank precincts; Lend Lease’s Barangaroo project and Docklands in Melbourne.” 
Neville Smith, Associate Director, Townsville at Colliers International said “Townsville is the economic, administrative, educational and defensive hub of Northern Australia, with over $12 billion in infrastructure projects currently underway.  
“The city enjoys a diversified economy supported by several sectors including the Australian Defence Force; prominent higher education institutions such as James Cook University and State and Federal government bodies including the Australian Tax Office and Queensland Government Regional Headquarters.  
This major land holding is of the same size as Townville’s existing core CBD with an anticipated development standard already set with the grandeur of the new Stadium precinct opposite
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Townsville’s most strategic land holding is on the market 

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Anecdotal evidence suggests that the supply of new stock being brought to Townsville market remains low as potential sellers hold off listing properties in the current environment, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm suggests that in locations across the nation, the downtime delivered by isolation has spurned on owners looking to improve their assets through maintenance and upgrade. This month's HTW residential report highlights where renovations are on the rise and the price points and outcomes those markets can expect.
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"We are continuing to see sales occur, albeit at lower volumes compared to pre-COVID-19 and to date value levels appear to be holding," the valuation firm said. 
The report states over the past 12 months there has been a noticeable increase in the number of house flippers in the market, typically operating within the five to eight kilometre radius of the city centre in suburbs such as Railway Estate, Currajong and Gulliver.
 The buy in price for homes with renovation potential in these areas is typically in the low $200,000s with end values created in the high $200,000s to mid $300,000s depending on the extent and quality of the works undertaken.
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"The rise in popularity of lifestyle home renovation shows such as House Rules and The Block are also contributing to the increase in renovation projects being undertaken by home owners," the valuation firm said.
The reason behind this increase could be contributed in part to the change-over cost from their current home to an upgraded property, the report suggested. 
Furthermore, location seems to be a factor in the decision to renovate. Owners not wanting to take a gamble on location by moving are opting to stay where they are and renovate to accommodate their changing circumstances.
"Apart from upgrades to kitchens and bathrooms, we are seeing decks and outdoor living spaces added and house extensions to create more living space and utility," the valuation firm said. 
"The renovator market is likely to continue tracking on its current course during 2020 with the cost of borrowing remaining low and a preference from buyers at this time for renovated properties requiring little work with the age old saying of 'I’d rather be opening a can of beer (or bottle of wine), than a can of paint' ringing true," the valuation firm said. 
A renovated Queenslander cottage in South Townsville has recently been sold for $330,000.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-south+townsville-133215230" target="_blank">36 Nelson Street</a> home (pictured below) comprises three bedrooms, functional kitchen, study and expansive undercover patio area. 
It features renovated bathroom, split air-conditioning and electric controlled gate. 
<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/2020/6/29/south%20townsville%20.jpg" alt="">
 
A current listing is a three bedroom house in Railway Estate. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-railway+estate-133779006" target="_blank">71 Ninth Avenue</a> home (pictured below) comes with refurbished kitchen, renovated bathroom, open plan living and three generous bedrooms. 
It also features fresher painted interior and exterior, rumpus room, and traditional features including high ceilings and light timber floorboards. 
<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/2020/6/29/railway%20estate.jpg" alt="">
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Townsville renovators prefer properties requiring little work: HTW residential 

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Jobs and job security are major drivers of our local property market with both of these currently heading in the right direction prior to COVID-19 directives, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said.
"Over the twelve months since January 2019, we have seen a trend increase of 7.1 percent in the number of persons employed in the Townsville region. 
"Our unemployment rate is on a downward trend and the higher levels of business confidence and strong rates of job advertising being observed bode well for continued strength in employment creation in the coming months," the valuation firm said. 
"We have a strong pipeline of projects proposed to commence in 2020 or currently underway, with completion of the North Queensland Stadium and its hosting of events now a reality." 
The report suggests this is providing a positive driver along with other proposed inner city projects such as the SeaLink ferry terminal, the Cowboys Centre of Excellence and the 166-room Double Tree by Hilton hotel.
Detached housing in inner suburbs such as Belgian Gardens, North Ward and South Townsville in close proximity to entertainment and lifestyle hubs are seeing sales rates quickening and selling periods reducing. Sales however are still price sensitive and price movements thus far have been minimal.
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"We are however entering a period of unprecedented global economic disruption with COVID-19. Just how this will translate in our local market in terms of jobs and job security will be a major indicator to watch over the months ahead." 
A beachside unit in North Ward has recently been sold for $290,000.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-north+ward-133163758" target="_blank">11/177 Mitchell Street</a> home (pictured below) comprises two bedrooms, two bathrooms, multiple balconies and secure car space. 
The complex features resort-style pool and entertaining area. 
<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/2020/5/25/north%20yard.jpg" alt="">
A current listing is a traditional Queensland cottage in South Townsville priced at $335,000.
The two bedroom, one bathroom is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-south+townsville-133146638" target="_blank">12 Sixth Avenue</a> (pictured below).
Positioned on a 721sqm block, it comes with modern kitchen, front veranda, internal laundry and huge yard. 
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<div>Note regards COVID-19</div>
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This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks. 
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<div>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</div>
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How will COVID-19 pandemic transform Townsville property market: HTW residential 

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A major Townsville commercial office building has been acquired by Independent fund manager Castlerock, in the largest commercial office transaction in Far North Queensland.
The Melbourne-based group secured the State Government tenanted 445 Flinders Street in a deal brokered by Colliers for $92,855,000 million.
The deal represents a yield of 6.9 per cent on the passing income.
Settlement was pushed forward two months to the end of March due to a faster than expected influx of investors targeting long-term sustainable assets with strong and stable leases, according to the agents.
Castlerock director, Adam Bronts, said it was the company’s largest transaction to date and reflected a strategy to start moving into bigger transactions.
The purchase comes 18 months after Castlerock acquired 44 Nelson Street in Mackay for $52.4 million, again in a deal brokered by Colliers.
Both buildings are tenanted long-term by the Queensland Government.
“The purchase of Flinders Street in Townsville is our largest asset acquired to date and confirms our approach to purchasing long-term sustainable assets with long-term government tenants,” said Mr Bronts.
“It is a significant building in the city and a fantastic asset for our investors.”
445 Flinders Street acts as the region’s primary State Government headquarters and is 89 per cent leased to the government until September 2028, with a five-year lease renewal option.
Designed by ML Design, it is classified as an A-grade building comprising 11,383 square metres of floorspace across nine levels and offering the largest column-free floorplates in the local market.
It includes an additional 252 square metres of retail at ground level and three-level podium carpark accommodating 195 parking bays that offer Townsville’s best carparking ratio of 1:60.
It is occupied by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Department of Natural Resources and Mines and the Department of Health and Education.
The building also houses the Queensland Government’s North Queensland Recovery Centre, which because of its critical nature, has been highly specified and is able to operate without power or water for up to five days. Designed and built to an Importance Level Four classification, it can operate in the event of a natural disaster.
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Government-occupied Townsville office building sold in record deal

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Townsville agent Julie Mahoney not only conducted her first online auction but also managed to become the first Townsville office to sell property via online platform.
Two properties were snapped up on Monday night, 7 Townsend St, Mysterton (pictured above) sold for $450,000 and 116-118 Martinez Avenue, West End went for $545,000.
Office principal and selling agent Julie Mahoney said the auctions drew a large range of bidders including locals, those from interstate and even a few international viewers translating to some great results on the night.
Ms Mahoney said, "most of the bidders were local but the demographic was quite interesting."
“We had bidders who were aged from 70 plus online and one of my vendors who will be auctioning later in the month watched from England."
A local first home buyer couple were the winning bidders on 7 Townsend St, Mysterton which they said was the first auction they’ve participated in.
“We were very nervous, however it was an easier process than what we thought it was going to be and not being able to see the competition actually made it easier,” they said.
The couple had been looking for several months and the four bedroom home was exactly what they were after.
Calling the auctions was Ray White Queensland chief auctioneer Mitch Peereboom who said he is thrilled to see both buyers and sellers embracing the new technology.
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Townsville's first successful online auction sale

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The retail market in Townsville during 2020 is likely to maintain its status quo with the greater economic climate in the retail sector making for tough conditions, according to the latest report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
“Generally speaking, we are seeing a firming in yields in the broader retail sector, however there appears to be limited potential for rental growth in the current environment and a higher risk of increasing vacancies on the back of looming lease expiries with no current commitment to re-lease,” said the March report.
“Ageing neighbourhood centres with a single anchor tenant will likely present a higher risk due to capital expenditure requirements and cash flow volatility.”
The potential for redevelopment of these centres in the current market is also limited.
The firm ultimately concluded that the smaller sub-neighbourhood centres offering a mix of fast food and drive through options are likely to remain the retail flavour during 2020.
 
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