Sydney developer Hyecorp's roots on the Lower North Shore stretch back three generations, and that deep understanding of the market continues to shape where and how it develops today.

From high-rise towers to boutique apartment projects, the family-run developer has built its reputation by focusing on a part of Sydney it knows intimately. Founded by Michael Abolakian in the early 1990s, Hyecorp is now led by his sons Stephen, Troy and Patrick.

Stephen Abolakian, joint managing director alongside Troy, has spent more than two decades in the business, overseeing development, planning, finance, marketing and sales.

Abolakian says the developer's disciplined focus on where it chooses to operate has been, and continues to be, one of Hyecorp's greatest strengths.

“We know the buyer profile exceptionally well,” Abolakian says.

“The demographics between places like Willoughby, Chatswood, St Leonards and Roseville are very similar. There are nuances between suburbs and projects, but culturally and from a buyer perspective, there’s a strong overlap.”

That buyer has historically been overwhelmingly owner-occupier driven.

Unlike many Sydney apartment developers that have traditionally relied heavily on investor demand, Hyecorp’s projects have typically attracted downsizers, upsizers, rightsizers and family owner-occupiers seeking long-term homes rather than short-term investments.

“Historically, investors have been a much smaller portion of our demand profile,” Abolakian says.

“We design for owner-occupiers. We don’t design for yield, we design for comfort, amenity, family living and long-term usability.”

That philosophy extends well beyond apartment layouts.

From landscaping and communal gardens to shared amenities and circulation spaces, Hyecorp’s developments are designed around how people actually live, something Abolakian believes has become increasingly important in Sydney’s apartment market.

“There was probably a period where having an approved project in market was enough,” he says.

“There wasn’t as much competition and if you built it, buyers would come. That’s no longer the case.”

“There’s more supply in the pipeline now, particularly with TOD precincts and low and mid-rise reforms opening up opportunities across Sydney. Buyers have more choice, so if you get the product wrong, they’ll simply go elsewhere.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=311393]

The shift has forced developers to become more sophisticated in how they approach apartment design, particularly as owner-occupier expectations continue to rise.

For Hyecorp, that means thinking beyond who the buyer is today and designing for who they may become in five or 10 years' time.

“People buying now often aren’t moving in for several years,” Abolakian says.

“You might have a young couple buying today, but by the time they move in they may have children, older children, or changing lifestyle needs. You’ve got to think about how families evolve.”

That thinking also shapes Hyecorp’s approach to amenity, which positions wellness at the forefront.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362634]

While resort-style facilities have become increasingly common marketing tools across Sydney apartment developments, Abolakian says the challenge is ensuring amenities are genuinely usable and appropriate for the scale of the project.

“If amenities are done right, they can materially improve the living experience,” he says, adding however that if you&nbsp;overdo it or get it wrong, you can end up with facilities nobody uses that simply create ongoing strata costs.”

That balance is something Hyecorp is aiming to strike with projects like Roseville Avenue, one of the group's upcoming Lower North Shore developments, which Abolakian describes as bringing a resort-style living experience into a metropolitan setting.

“It’s about creating something that feels special without being excessive,” he says.

“Good gardens, quality apartments, thoughtful amenity. Creating that resort feeling in a metro location.”

<img alt="Hyecorp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13c4c0f3-b1b7-44cf-9344-0b3d1d07797a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-02%20at%2012.14.57%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=9OLWjyj2bYkDV35F78WJnyMSPfc2bJ2z" />

The focus on owner-occupier product comes as Sydney’s apartment market continues to navigate a difficult development environment.&nbsp;For Hyecorp, maintaining an in-house operating model across construction, sales, marketing and development management has become increasingly important in navigating that environment.

“We’ve always believed in keeping a lot of the process in-house,” Abolakian says.

“It creates efficiencies, but it also creates quality control. You can make faster decisions and ensure the end product stays aligned with the original vision.”

Despite the challenges, Abolakian believes demand for quality owner-occupier apartments across Sydney remains strong beneath the surface, particularly across established Lower North Shore suburbs where downsizers continue to seek new housing options close to existing communities.

“There are definitely people waiting,” he says.

“Once some of the broader uncertainty settles, whether that’s the global environment or some of the local economic noise, I think the right projects will perform very strongly.”

Hyecorp currently has three residential developments on the market across Sydney’s Lower North Shore.&nbsp;Audrey, St Leonards, positioned opposite Newlands Park, is nearing completion and preparing to welcome its first residents, with the project now almost sold out.

Hyecorp has also recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celine-chatswood-37-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Celine Chatswood</a>, an architectural tower, while continuing to deliver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet Roseville</a>, a more boutique scale of development with just 34 apartments.

Joel Robinson

Why Hyecorp continues to back Sydney's Lower North Shore apartment market

South East Queensland’s apartment market is entering a new phase defined by rising prices, constrained affordability, and mounting pressure on the construction pipeline, according to RPM Group’s latest SEQ Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report.

The May 2026 report highlights a widening divide between what buyers can afford and what developers can viably deliver, with detached house prices continuing to push more buyers toward apartments across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

RPM says Brisbane’s median house price has reached around $1.5 million, accelerating the shift toward higher-density housing as buyers are increasingly priced out of the detached market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=356540]

Median unit prices rose across all three major SEQ markets in the March quarter. Brisbane City recorded the strongest annual growth, with median unit prices climbing 21 per cent to $862,000, while the Gold Coast reached the highest overall median at $950,000, up 17 per cent year-on-year. The Sunshine Coast followed at $870,000, representing annual growth of nine per cent.

RPM noted the affordability gap between houses and units remains significant, with detached homes commanding premiums of 67 per cent in Brisbane and 68 per cent on the Gold Coast relative to apartments.

The report suggests this price disparity is increasingly consolidating buyer demand within the apartment market, particularly among downsizers and owner-occupiers.

“Demand is real. Supply is moving. But they’re operating on different timelines and the gap between what’s being built and what buyers can afford is the defining tension in this market right now,” RPM Queensland and NSW Managing Directors Peter Neale and Clinton Trezise said in the report.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366230]

While approvals and commencements are strengthening, RPM argues the delivery pipeline remains constrained by construction costs, labour shortages, and extended build timelines.

Apartment approvals across Queensland increased 86 per cent over the year to February 2026, reaching 12,682 approvals, the highest level recorded since 2016. Brisbane overtook the Gold Coast as the state’s most active apartment approval market, with nearly 5,000 apartments approved over the past 12 months.

Unit commencements also strengthened considerably, rising 48 per cent year-on-year to 5,453 commencements in the December 2025 quarter, the highest level since 2018.

However, RPM’s research found apartment delivery timeframes have expanded sharply compared to the previous cycle. Projects are now averaging around 30 months from approval to completion, compared to roughly 20 months a decade ago.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367515]

The number of units under construction has climbed to approximately 31,530 dwellings, nearing the previous 2016 peak, though projects are remaining in the pipeline for considerably longer.

Construction costs continue to weigh heavily on feasibility. RPM found the average apartment construction cost in Greater Brisbane reached $630,000 per dwelling in 2025, exceeding both Sydney and Melbourne. Coastal Queensland markets, including the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, were even higher at an average of $817,418 per apartment due to the prevalence of larger premium product.

The report also points to increasing pressure from Olympic-related infrastructure spending ahead of Brisbane 2032, with labour competition expected to intensify over the next several years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370960]

ANZ Associate Director of Property Daniel Gradwell said the underlying demand drivers across South East Queensland remain strong, supported by interstate migration, downsizers, and population growth.

“The challenge is bringing enough supply to market to meet that demand, and nothing on the horizon makes that straightforward,” Gradwell said.

RPM’s analysis found the affordability challenge is becoming more pronounced in the new apartment market itself, with only three per cent of surveyed new apartments priced below $1 million.

Instead, the market is increasingly concentrated in higher price brackets, with the most common new apartment price band across SEQ sitting between $1.5 million and $1.75 million. Around half of all new apartment stock surveyed is priced below $2 million.

The report suggests developers are not necessarily avoiding lower price points by choice, but because current construction economics make delivering affordable apartments increasingly difficult at scale.

Rental conditions also remain tight across the region. Median rents for one-bedroom apartments rose 12 per cent in Brisbane over the past year to $580 per week, while Gold Coast one-bedroom rents increased nine per cent to $630.

Despite rising rents, RPM noted bond lodgements have generally trended downward over the past five years, indicating more apartments are being absorbed by owner-occupiers rather than retained as investor-held rental stock.

Looking ahead, RPM expects projects targeting the mid-market owner-occupier segment between $1.25 million and $2 million to remain the most viable part of the market, while premium projects in highly constrained coastal or riverfront locations continue to attract demand.

“Construction costs are rewriting the feasibility rulebook across Greater Brisbane, and with little relief in sight, only projects in the right price band, right location, and with presales secured early will make it through,” the report concludes.

SEQ apartment demand outpacing affordable supply as construction timelines stretch: RPM

Camberwell Junction has long been the epicentre of amenity in Melbourne’s Boroondara region.

For nearly a century, it has drawn both locals and visitors, anchored by the Camberwell Sunday Market, which first operated in 1929 and quickly became a fixture of the suburb’s identity. Over time, the Junction evolved into one of Melbourne’s most established retail and lifestyle precincts, now comprising more than 400 stores and over 300 commercial businesses.

Despite that depth of amenity, one thing has remained notably limited: the supply of new apartments.

In a suburb defined by its heritage streetscapes and tightly held residential stock, new development opportunities have been scarce, particularly within the core of the Junction itself. That lack of supply has left a gap in the market for larger, design-led apartments suited to downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in the area.

Boutique developer Above Zero identified that gap when it secured a prime site on Burke Road, in the heart of Camberwell Junction.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368543]

The site has a long planning history. Various proposals have been put forward over more than a decade, many of which were knocked back by the City of Boroondara, with initial applications dating back to 2015. Above Zero acquired the site in 2022 and returned with a revised scheme, refining both the building’s height and its ground-level interface to better align with Council expectations.

That process has culminated in approval for Camberwell House.

The Cera Stribley-designed development will deliver 57 residences on a 1,950 sqm site within the Camberwell Activity Centre, placing it directly within one of Melbourne’s most established retail and transport hubs.

It is expected to be one of the only new apartment developments to launch in the Junction in recent years, reinforcing the rarity of new supply in the precinct. Currently, there are just a handful of projects on the market in Camberwell, underscoring the significance of a development of this scale and positioning.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368544]

Camberwell House has been conceived with a clear focus on larger-format apartments. The project will offer a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, alongside a limited number of penthouses, targeting owner-occupiers seeking scale rather than volume-driven product.

The building’s vertical presence will also set it apart.

Positioned on Burke Road, the development is set to become one of the taller buildings in its immediate context, allowing for elevated outlooks across Melbourne’s CBD skyline and toward the Dandenong Ranges. In a precinct characterised by lower-scale built form, that height provides a point of differentiation, particularly for buyers seeking outlook and natural light.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368568]

Architecture has been led by Cera Stribley, with interiors by GOLDEN and landscape design by Florian Wild. The design approach centres on material consistency and restraint, with residences oriented to maximise light, ventilation and connection to outdoor spaces.

Full-height glazing and generous terraces form a key part of that strategy, allowing apartments to extend beyond their internal footprint and engage with the surrounding environment.

Beyond the private residences, a significant component of the project is its amenity offering.

Above Zero has positioned Camberwell House as a “complete living environment”, incorporating a full floor dedicated to resident facilities. At the centre of that is a wellness zone, including a 12.5-metre lap pool, spa, sauna and treatment spaces, alongside a gym and recovery-focused amenities.

This level of amenity is more commonly associated with inner-city developments, rather than established middle-ring suburbs like Camberwell.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368588]

Additional shared spaces include a private library lounge, dining and entertaining areas, and an indoor golf simulator. A self-contained guest suite has also been incorporated, allowing residents to accommodate visiting family or friends without impacting their primary living space.

The inclusion of these facilities reflects a broader shift in buyer expectations.

As more downsizers look to transition from larger family homes into apartments, there is increasing demand for developments that offer not just a residence, but a lifestyle. That includes access to wellness, social and entertaining spaces within the building itself, reducing the reliance on external amenity while still maintaining proximity to established precincts.

Camberwell House is positioned to benefit from both.

Its location places it within immediate walking distance of Camberwell Junction’s retail and dining offering, as well as public transport connections, including tram and train services. That combination of internal amenity and external convenience is central to its appeal.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-150" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:55d7c6ac-8e6d-4881-ad49-0ed9bf66d1cc-74" dir="auto">
Jellis Craig Projects Director Stephen Bowtell is handling sales for the project and says Camberwell House offers a rare entry point into one of Melbourne’s most tightly held markets.

“Buyers are recognising that Camberwell House offers something they simply haven’t seen before in Boroondara,”&nbsp;Bowtell&nbsp;says.

“It combines a level of resident amenity and service typically associated with Melbourne’s premium inner-city developments, while being positioned right in the heart of Camberwell Junction.

“The response to the concierge offering has been particularly strong. Buyers appreciate not only the convenience, but also the sense of security and peace of mind that comes from having a dedicated presence in the building every day.

“When you combine that with the wellness facilities, the exceptional arrival experience, and panoramic views across both the CBD skyline and the Dandenong Ranges, it creates a lifestyle proposition that is genuinely unique within the local market.”
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4896]

Above Zero launches Camberwell House in undersupplied Camberwell Junction precinct

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Townsville

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Townsville has recorded a rise in its residential vacancy rate, lifting from 5.7 percent to a record high of 7.1 percent over September.
Antonia Mercorella, chief executive officer of the REIQ said this is surprising because Townsville’s property market, overall, is reasonably steady.
"Local agents tell us, anecdotally, that there have been a few break-lease situations where people are leaving to become owner occupiers, but how widespread this is, it’s hard to say," she said.
“This is always a risk when interest rates are at historic lows."
“However, it’s too early to draw any concrete conclusions about the Townsville market; next quarter may reveal the September result to be anomalous.”
<a href="/images/2016/10/25/Vacancy%20rate%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/25/Vacancy%20rate%202.jpg" alt="">
Very high vacancies:
<ul>
<li>Gladstone 8.9 percent</li>
<li>Mackay 6.9 percent</li>
<li>Townsville 7.1 percent (record)</li>
<li>Burdekin 9.6 percent</li>
<li>Cassowary Coast 7.7 percent</li>
<li>Livingstone 8.3 percent</li>
</ul>
 (Source: REIQ)
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Townsville vacancy rate hits 7.1 percent record high

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The North Queensland Cowboys five-eighth Michael Morgan has sold his Townsville investment property.
The 24-year-old NRL star purchased the four-bedroom, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-bohle+plains-123935982" target="_blank">two-bathroom Bohle Plains home</a> in 2011 for $146,000.
It sold in early November having been listed October 26 for $349,000 through John Bowen at First National Real Estate – Nicholson.
It’s been a rental at $390 per week.
He still owns a waterfront apartment overlooking the marina which was purchased in 2014.
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Cowboy Michael Morgan sells Townsville investment

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Over the last quarter, Townsville’s retail market has seen a resurgence of local buyers (owner-occupiers and investors) in the sub $1.5 million entry level retail investment sector, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property advisory firm says that the end of 2015 saw a flurry of larger retail sales driven by southern investors including Vincent Village for $16.7 million and Rising Sun Shopping Centre for $9.85 million. There were also a number of other retail properties in the $3 million to $5.5 million range.
The flow-on from this investment along with an increased level of market sentiment has seen the recent sale of several smaller strip commercial and suburban convenience centres.
These properties, some of which have been on the market for an extended period of time, have vacancies and low WALEs.
Local buyers including intending owner- occupiers and investors are potentially seeing the opportunity to realise upswing in this secondary retail product and that coupled with the affordability is making the potential for capital returns enticing.
This resurgence, possibly on the back of recent positive announcements including the Stadium and Waterfront precincts, is indicating a renewed level of confidence amongst local buyers in the market.
The Cairns retail market passed through the bottom of the cycle during the course of 2014 but the limited recovery thus far means that the retail property market remains relatively flat.
It must also be said that retail property sales in Cairns are sporadic, with most sales involving retail property being of mixed use retail and office buildings or tenant buyouts of single premises.
High exposure CBD retail space remains reasonably well occupied, but vacancies are more noticeable in the lesser exposure locations and CBD fringe.
Rents have remained generally stable, showing ranges of $600 to $800 per square metre per annum for prime CBD space and $1,000 to $1,500 per square metre per annum in key tourist precincts such as the Cairns Esplanade.
Blue chip retail located within the main Esplanade tourist strip and CBD show reasonably low vacancies, though there is also limited demand from new businesses.
There remains good investor demand for well leased properties which rarely come onto the market.
There have been no retail property sales of note thus far during 2016, however the Bellview Hotel, which represents a prime hotel and retail redevelopment site on the Cairns Esplanade with significant holding income, has been recently placed on the market.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Local buyers back Townsville's retail market: HTW

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There is an oversupply of rentals in Townsville with available properties exceeding demand, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest market report.
The property advisory firm says that although there are issues with rental vacancy, the trend is steady.
HTW said there is fair demand for new houses, which coincides with a steady trend of new houses being built despite increasing volume of house sales.
<a href="/images/2016/11/04/Qld%20houses.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/04/Qld%20houses.jpg" alt="">
New properties in Townsville are almost never sold at prices exceeding their potential resale value, the report said.
Other regions with a fair demand for new houses includes Whitsundays and Brisbane.
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Townsville housing market currently in oversupply: HTW

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Townsville’s residential market remains slow with the most active sector being property priced under $450,000, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that the median house price as at June 2016 was $335,000. The under $450,000 price bracket covers a wide section of the housing market with the upper end providing for modern homes in modern land estates.
One example would be a four bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-kirwan-123817466" target="_blank">58 Greenwood Drive</a> (above) that is for sale for $349,000.
HTW says the buyers are mostly owner occupiers looking to upgrade the amenity of their property or move to a better location.
Renovators are also active in this price bracket with the availability of tradespeople and the low cost of borrowing appealing to this type of buyer.
"Overall affordability remains the key focus for buyers who must take into consideration their own financial and employment positions and are buying properties they perceive as good buying based on their current economic circumstances," the report advised.
The slowest sector is currently the vacant land market which has seen a significant reduction in sale volumes over the past two years.
This reflects a lack of buyer confidence in the market stemming from the subdued economy, along with the economics of building a new home versus the cost of buying an existing home.
The inner city unit market and the higher end residential housing market are also less frequently traded.
This is due to a combination of thin volumes of stock on the market along with vendors willing to hold back going to market until conditions improve.
"Within the inner city unit market we have seen some recent sales by vendors unwilling to hold on for market improvement that have reflected significant decreases in value from purchase prices."
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Townsville residential market remains slow: HTW

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Sales activity across Townsville has been trending lower over the past few years and the most recent 12 month period is no exception, with 10.4 percent fewer transactions over the 12 month period ending May 2016 when compared to the year ending May 2015, according to CoreLogic's regional market report.
<a href="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2011.04.13%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2011.04.13%20AM.png" alt="">
Over the past five years, Townsville has averaged 3,778 sales annually, which is much lower than the 5,202 over the preceding five year period.
<a href="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2011.04.20%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2011.04.20%20AM.png" alt="">
More recently, Townsville home values have fallen on the back of a weak local economy, down 4.5 per cent for houses to $317,125 and 3.7 per cent lower over the year for units, with the typical unit value currently sitting at $254,381.
<a href="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2011.04.27%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2011.04.27%20AM.png" alt="">
Townsville home values are currently lower than they were five years ago.
<a href="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2011.04.44%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2011.04.44%20AM.png" alt="">
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Weak local economy causes home values to fall in Townsville region: CoreLogic

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A prime three hectare Townsville CBD waterfront development site is being offered for sale again. 
It is being marketed again on behalf of receivers Ferrier Hodgson. 
The Saltwater, Airlie Beach site is adjacent to The Ville Resort Casino having been one part of the extensive portfolio amassed by former Gold Coast developers Resort Corp. 
There are views across the Coral Sea to Magnetic Island from the site at 48 Sir Leslie Theiss Drive.
The site consists of five community title lots, totalling 29,638sqm of land area with 440 metre of water frontage.
The site has a preliminary approval for a mixed residential development that allows for up to an estimated 61,000sqm of Gross Floor Area (GFA) across the site offered to market through Colliers International.
In 2011 the Resort Corp receivers marketed the troubled company's last major asset which was consolidated at a $49.5 million cost in 2007 when bought from Consolidated Properties.
The original project was earmarked to develop 570 apartments.
In 2007, Resort Corp boasted a development portfolio on the northern NSW and Queensland coasts totalling $1.35 billion.
Linked to Paul Brinsmead and Peter Madrers, the group was placed in voluntary administration in March 2009, declaring debts of more than $300 million.
The site also failed to sell after an expressions-of-interest campaign in 2010.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Townsville development site listed again

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With the median house price in Townsville currently trending at around $330,000, an investment of $500,000 will net you a good quality modern home in desirable residential suburbs or a renovated house within the inner city suburbs, say valuation firm Herron Todd White in their July 2016 residential market report. 
“Our suggestions from 12 months ago have not changed much with the median price and market sentiment softening during this period making it very much a market for owner occupier buyers,” says HTW.
Following the recent announcement of federal funding from both sides of government for the proposed CBD stadium and entertainment precinct, houses in the inner city localities of South Townsville, North Ward and Belgian Gardens would be a desirable location for a $500,000 investment. These suburbs typically have renovated older style houses, typically on traditional sized lots within close proximity to the CBD and The Strand. 
Other suggested localities include the middle class suburbs of Idalia, Annandale and Douglas.
"For $500,000 you could buy a good quality masonry block constructed home within a modern residential estate featuring lifestyle facilities such as parks and walking and bike paths," says HTW.
These areas are also within close proximity of major employment hubs including Lavarack Army Barracks, Townsville Hospital and James Cook University. 
Property Observer found a two-bedroom, two-bathroom inner city apartment around the median price on www.realestate.com.au at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-townsville+city-122431462" target="_blank">1206/106 Denham Street, Townsville City, Qld</a>, which recently exchanged hands for $355,000.
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A modern home beckons owner occupiers for $500,000 in Queensland’s Townsville: HTW 

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As the major regional centre in Queensland, Townsville has an opportunity to shape a new and sustainable economic future if it can connect to the growing business, trade and investment opportunities in key Asian markets, according to ANZ.
The optimism for Townsville’s farmers and businesses in light of the significant demand from Asia comes as ANZ recently hosted its Opportunity Asia Forum, bringing together local business leaders to discuss the growing export and diversification opportunities for North Queensland into Asia.
ANZ general manager regional business banking Christine Linden said Australia’s reputation for high quality produce and North Queensland’s proximity to Asia gives local business a considerable edge.
“As Asian economies continue to grow and generate demand for a wide range of our goods and services, Australian businesses need to be ready to capitalise on the export opportunity. By sharing industry and sector trends from across the region we work towards cultivating an environment where North Queensland businesses are informed and empowered to look to Asia for real growth,” said Ms Linden.
ANZ regional executive Veronica Kregor said the event came at an time for the region with recent investment announcements including the increase in military spending from the Singapore Government and planned Federal Government rail infrastructure and marine maintenance investments, all pointing to a brighter future.
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FNQ's Townsville future rests with key Asian markets: ANZ

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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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