Rockdale has long been characterized as a suburb on the cusp. Well-located, well-connected, but historically underserved by modern apartment offerings.

It has everything going for it: outstanding connectivity to the Sydney CBD, just four train stops to Central Station, strong local amenity anchored by Roc​kdale Plaza and a growing main-street dining scene, and enviable proximity to Brighton-Le-Sands. The six-kilometre beachfront is lined with bayside restaurants, cafés, and walking paths, giving residents a lifestyle typically associated with much more expensive coastal suburbs.

What Rock​dale has lacked is high-quality contemporary apartments. Most existing developments date back several decades, with floorplans that no longer support modern living needs, and buildings constructed long before today’s standards in engineering, efficiency, and sustainability.

Lender, fund manager and apartment developer Princeton identified the gap early. Seeing all the right ingredients in Rockd​ale, transport, lifestyle, retail, and affordability, they set out to deliver what the suburb was missing. Their answer is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale-nsw-2216">Marque Rockdale</a>, a collection of 58 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments now nearing completion just a short walk from Ro​ckdale Plaza, home to over 50 specialist retailers and anchored by&nbsp;Woolworths, Big W and Aldi.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=355216]

Understanding they would be resetting the benchmark for the area, Princeton focused on ensuring buyers received best-in-class quality, longevity, and protection.

A major step was securing the sought-after Latent Defects Insurance policy from Resilience Insurance. This policy protects apartment buyers from structural or waterproofing defects for the first 10 years of the building’s lifecycle. Crucially, it is first-response insurance, meaning that if an issue arises, the insurer pays immediately for remediation—rather than waiting for lengthy investigations to determine fault before work can begin. For purchasers, it offers an unprecedented layer of security rarely seen in Sydney apartment projects.

During construction, independent building inspection firm SDSS has been providing Technical Inspection Services, bringing highly specialised construction experts on-site at key stages to ensure workmanship meets the highest standards. The project is being built by Coplex, an iCIRT-rated construction company, and throughout the build SDSS has frequently referred to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale-nsw-2216">Marque Rockdale</a> as one of the best projects currently on their books.

Princeton also doubled down on comfort, acoustics, and livability.&nbsp;As well as being the only building along Princes Highway with a landscaped buffer between the building and the road, Princeton has purposefully included double-glazed windows in all apartments to reduce noise.

Apartments feature double-glazed, noise-reducing windows and ducted air conditioning in every residence.&nbsp;In addition to the project’s transport convenience, Princeton has partnered with GoGet Car Share to provide a dedicated GoGet vehicle housed permanently within the building. Residents will receive a free annual GoGet membership, paying only usage fees, offering a flexible alternative to owning a second car and enhancing the project’s sustainability credentials.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=277075]

Residents will enjoy an exclusive rooftop oasis, purpose-designed as an extension of their living space. The communal rooftop includes BBQ facilities and outdoor entertaining areas, a&nbsp;pergola-shaded dining zone, a dedicated children’s play space, and a landscaped herb garden.

Princeton and Coplex is approaching completion of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale-nsw-2216">Marque Rockdale</a>, and are expecting residents to move in early in the new year. The mix of apartment configurations and price points have been a hit with young professionals, those who need to commute to the CBD, and families who appreciate doorstep amenity.

“Marque is a place where residents will be proud to call it home," Princeton Head of Development George Young says.

"We’ve worked really hard with Coplex and our design team to deliver an incredible building for the future home owners to make their own. The homes are all designed to allow the residents to make it their own, a place to belong and live a stylish urban life."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136442]

Joel Robinson

Marque Rockdale sets a new standard of apartment living in Sydney's south

Plans to revitalize the&nbsp;long-established Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre into a mixed-use community combining living, shopping, dining, health and wellbeing facilities, have been proposed to the Gold Coast City Council.

The Benowa Gardens Urban Village proposal by Benowa Gardens Holdings seeks to transform the 17,660 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/203-ashmore-road-benowa-qld-4217">203 Ashmore Road</a> into a contemporary, sustainable destination that reflects global trends in modern community design while retaining the familiar local character residents value.

The site is bordered by Ashmore and Benowa Roads and Carrara, with ready access to Pindara private hospital, four schools, TAFE, sports fields and the nearby Botanic Gardens.

Benowa Gardens Holdings is seeking a preliminary Council approval only for its proposed masterplan and variations to the site’s Neighbourhood Centre zoning.&nbsp; 
Formal Public Exhibition commenced Friday and also marks the start of comprehensive community consultation with surroundings residents, schools, P&amp;Cs, existing retailers, nearby sporting clubs, arts groups and Botanic Gardens volunteers.

Designed by Neylan Architecture, the masterplan envisions around 413 new apartments, complemented by upgraded retail, dining, and wellness amenities as part of 10,000 sqm of retail, and 9,630 sqm of office space/medical suites.

The development will feature green open spaces, shaded promenades, landscaped terraces, pedestrian walkways, and expanded healthcare and lifestyle services in synergy with the neighbouring Pindara Private Hospital and local schools.

<img alt="Benowa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="244f4d54-2e67-4141-92b8-78d5735f47c2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-26%20at%2012.47.34%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=FmF5lzhpwVZc7POsdB770TJ_Bf2c0od8" />

“This concept embraces the way people increasingly want to live - safely, conveniently, and within strong local communities,” said Patrick Lu, Director of Benowa Gardens Holding.

“Benowa Gardens will set a new benchmark for integrated living on the Gold Coast. It’s a thoughtful, community-minded evolution that brings global best practice in urban design to one of the city’s most established areas.”

Lu said this isn’t just a redevelopment, it’s a renewal with purpose.

“Benowa Gardens has served the community for decades. Our goal is to ensure it continues to do so for generations to come, as a lively, connected Urban Village where people can truly live, work and thrive. We’re already talking to school leaders and the community to seek their feedback on our proposal, and have taken on board their ideas to improve student safety with additional “traffic calming” measures on Carrara Street. We’re conducting meaningful and sincere consultations and want to play our role in preserving and enhancing the local community."

The proposed redevelopment aims to deliver tangible benefits across the Benowa and wider Gold Coast community, including:

<ul>
	<li>Improvement of retail amenity, to capture the under-served local market demand and keep the local business at their local shopping centre.</li>
	<li>Housing diversity; offering a range of apartment types for key workers, downsizers, and local families who wish to remain in the area.</li>
	<li>Enhanced shopping and dining; revitalised retail spaces designed to support local businesses and attract more visitors.</li>
	<li>Health and wellbeing access; additional medical and wellness amenities to complement existing local facilities.</li>
	<li>Improved traffic flow and access; two new access points, upgraded intersections, upgrade pedestrian pathway’s signal and proposed upgrade of pedestrian and cycle connections/space to improve safety and convenience, especially for school children.</li>
	<li>Environmental sustainability; energy-efficient design, green rooftops, and water-sensitive landscaping to reduce emissions and enhance comfort.</li>
	<li>Local jobs and investment; supporting hundreds of construction and long-term roles while stimulating local economic growth.</li>
</ul>

The group behind the project boasts extensive experience in the property development industry, both in Australia and international markets. Over the past 23 years, the group has been involved in the development and management of a diverse portfolio of assets including residential dwellings, shopping centres, bulky-goods stores, community and medical facilities, childcare centres, offices, hotels, and taverns, across Brisbane, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast.

Benowa Gardens to become new mixed-use urban village

Demand for townhouses in Melbourne’s inner west has surged as buyers seek the elusive combination of space, affordability, and location.&nbsp;

With family-first apartments increasingly rare and standalone homes often out of reach, townhouses have emerged as the new sweet spot, delivering generous living areas with lower maintenance needs within close proximity to the Melbourne CBD.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/kings-lane-south-kingsville-50-58-new-street-south-kingsville-vic-3015">Kings Lane</a>, the new under-construction townhouse development by the family-owned developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/blue-run">Blue Run</a>&nbsp;in South Kingsville, responds directly to this trend. Comprising just 25 residences designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project offers a compelling alternative to both apartment downsizers and family upsizers. With three-bedroom homes priced under $1 million, it presents one of the area’s rare attainable pathways to townhouse living less than eight kilometres from the CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145042 project_image_fid=355147]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/south-kingsville-vic-3015">South Kingsville</a> itself is quietly becoming one of Melbourne’s most dynamic pockets of urban renewal. Flanked by the established appeal of Yarraville, Newport and Williamstown, the suburb balances quiet, village-like streetscapes with major infrastructure upgrades and a growing slate of retail, dining and lifestyle amenity.&nbsp;

Kings Lane occupies a well-connected site at 50–58 New Street, just off Blackshaws Road and within walking distance of the emerging Union Quarter precinct, a major retail destination anchored by Woolworths, specialty food outlets and wellness services.

A 400-metre stroll brings residents to the Vernon Street shops, a local favourite known for its mix of independent grocers, cafes and family-run eateries. For broader shopping options, Altona Gate Shopping Centre and Yarraville Square are both within a short drive. Spotswood IGA and the Williamstown retail strip further broaden the convenience of daily essentials.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145042 project_image_fid=355139]

Dining options in the area lean toward eclectic and community-driven, with standouts like Rocco’s Deli, Dad and Dave’s, and Pizza d’ASPORTO offering a range of casual and elevated menus. Cafés such as Hudson Road Wine &amp; Beer and Blacksheep Coffee add to the lively yet local feel of the neighbourhood.

Green space is another hallmark of life at Kings Lane. Edwards Reserve is close enough for morning walks or casual sport, while larger parks like Newport Lakes, Yarraville Gardens, and Cruickshank Park are all a few minutes’ drive away. More than half of the nine-hectares of new green space or parkland being created as part of the West Gate tunnel works is located just at the end of New Street, the same street as Kings Lane.

&nbsp;

For those with school-age children, South Kingsville is home to a range of quality childcare centres and schools, including Kingsville Primary, Spotswood Primary, and Williamstown North Primary. Community Children’s childcare and South Kingsville Preschool are nearby, making the suburb particularly attractive to young families.

Transport links continue to improve, with Spotswood Station and the West Gate Freeway both within a five-minute radius. Future upgrades, including the proposed sky rail for Newport and Spotswood, and the delivery of the West Gate Tunnel project, promise even better access to the CBD and Melbourne Airport in the years to come.

Kings Lane's 25 all-electric townhouses are currently under construction, and will complete in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145042]

Staff Writer

Kings Lane townhouses offers rare value in Melbourne's thriving inner west

Developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia</a> has set a new apartment price record for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/rhodes-nsw-2138">Rhodes</a>, a suburb the company has been instrumental in transforming over the past two decades.

The milestone follows the delivery of thousands of apartments across the harbourside peninsula, culminating in the $4.5 million sale of a 220 sqm penthouse in the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/rhodes-central-oasis-39-marquet-street-rhodes-nsw-2138">Rhodes Central Oasis</a> building, which Billbergia completed earlier this year. It is the first apartment in Rhodes to surpass not only the $4 million mark for settled sales, but also the $3 million mark, eclipsing the previous $2.75 million record set in 2021.

The purchaser had originally secured several apartments in the 40-storey tower off the plan as investments. During settlement, she spent more time in the Rhodes area and was so impressed with the building that she decided to downsize from her Northbridge home into the four-bedroom plus MPR penthouse.

The sale underscores the long-term work Billbergia has undertaken in Rhodes since the early 2000s. The company, rated 4.5 Gold Stars under the NSW iCIRT system, identifying it as one of the state’s most trustworthy and financially secure developers, was a pioneer of the area’s urban renewal. What was once a heavily industrial waterfront has become one of Sydney’s most successful examples of transit-oriented development.

<img alt="Billbergia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="56093d7f-db18-42f4-bf9b-115bdf76f5f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-26%20at%2011.10.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pca77Mr.H83nwXbJexmaLUAqBewtQ7d9" />

Billbergia is now driving the peninsula’s next major evolution: the most ambitious project in its nearly four-decade history. They are planning the Rhodes Bay Masterplan, an eight-tower, mixed-use precinct on Leeds Street. Currently with the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority which is now championing large-scale projects across the state, the Rhodes Bay Masterplan lays the groundwork for a generational reshaping of this important pocket of Sydney’s Inner West.

The masterplan spans more than 31,000 sqm of amalgamated industrial land along the foreshore, land that has been privately held and inaccessible to the community for more than a century. According to Billbergia’s Development Director, Saul Moran, reclaiming this land for public use is central to the company’s vision. 
 
“What’s so exciting is that we have over 300 metres of privately-held industrialised waterfront, land that’s been locked away for more than 100 years, which we’re bringing back to the community,” he says. “It’s taken many years to assemble sites like these, and the goal now is to transform them into meaningful public space where new homes can be built in an integrated, amenity-rich setting.”

At full completion, the Rhodes Bay Masterplan is expected to deliver over 2000 apartments, with the first 1000 to be completed by 2029. Billbergia’s design focused on nine slender towers, so they could give back more to the ground plane. There will be more than 16,000sq m of new parkland and recreation space, including sports fields, a foreshore play area and waterfront green links. Around 14,600 sqm of retail is also proposed, extending the precinct’s role as a true mixed-use hub.

<img alt="Rhodes Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="240ffc41-4f26-421a-9606-5c56f6fc2d93" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-26%20at%2011.05.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=BkBxZr7S8CAt1vgNa8AF3zjdc3YuVh0L" />

“Density only works when it’s paired with amenity, transport and open space, and that’s what’s made Rhodes such an amazing success story,” Moran says, adding that the demographic shift Billbergia has seen over the last two decades has informed their future development pipeline in the suburb.

“Rhodes has moved from being largely an investor market to a strong owner-occupier community,” Moran says. “There’s real demand for three-bedroom homes, flexible intergenerational layouts, and apartments people can grow into.”

&nbsp;“We’re designing taller, more slender towers to free up the ground level for sport, recreation and green space. High-density communities thrive when people have the best backyards in Australia, and that’s what we want to create here.”

Demand remains robust, evidenced by Billbergia’s recent results. “We achieved a record sale across the entirety of Rhodes Central just last week,” Moran says. “It shows the depth of confidence buyers have in what’s being built here.”

Billbergia’s vertically integrated model allows them to overcome the recent cost escalation and challenges in the build environment. “Having an in-house construction team lets us control feasibility, value management and quality from day one,” Moran says. “It’s critical in the current market, where construction escalation is at the forefront of every project’s viability.”

The company is also leveraging the NSW Government’s new Housing Delivery Authority process, which Moran describes as a more efficient pathway without compromising design standards. 
 
“We’re really applauding the NSW Government for its efforts to increase housing supply. There’s been a remarkable improvement in how they’re helping deliver more homes, more quickly.”

Billbergia has already commenced construction of Stage One of the Rhodes Bay masterplan. They will be lodging the State Significant Development Application before Christmas.

“We’re moving quickly, but with due care,” Moran says. “This is a generational precinct, and it needs to be done right.”

Billbergia smashes suburb record as Rhodes transformation continues

The sheer scale of the two skyscrapers at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/victoria-albert-broadbeach-20-albert-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">Victoria &amp; Albert</a>, soaring 40 and 64 storeys above the heart of Broadbeach, was always destined to deliver some of the highest and most luxurious apartments ever built in the suburb.

Now, builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/iris-capital">Iris Capital</a> has unveiled the Horizon Collection, a selection of residences with the largest floorplans and most commanding views in the towers. The three-bedroom apartments, starting from $4.64 million, include butler’s pantries, multi-purpose rooms, and, in some layouts, master retreats with private sitting areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=3944]

The most prestigious apartments in the Horizon Collection are the sub-penthouses and penthouses. The two sub-penthouses on the 38th level of the Albert Tower are priced at $8.85 million.

Each features three bedrooms, a study, and a flexible multi-purpose room with a sliding partition that allows half the space to function as a games room.

The open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area, complete with a butler’s kitchen and private wine cellar, flows onto a full-width balcony framing panoramic coastal views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=3943]

There is now just one sub-penthouse for sale on the 62nd level of the Victoria Tower, with one already secured by an expat owner-occupier. The remaining sub-penthouse, priced at $8.95 million, offers four bedrooms and a wraparound balcony that captures panoramic views up and down the Coast. vistas from every angle.

Crowning each tower is a full-floor penthouse offering multiple expansive indoor and outdoor living and entertaining spaces. Atop the Victoria building is Oceania, which measures over 735 sqm of living space, and Kurrara atop the Albert Tower, which is almost 800 sqm. They each have four bedrooms, including a master and guest suites, a full 360-degree panorama of the Gold Coast, and all the bells and whistles expected of a luxury penthouse. They are priced from a little over $18 million.

“Every detail, every finish has been thoughtfully considered to imbue the penthouses with the ultimate sense of luxury,” says Susan Rossi, Director of Interior Design at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, who led both the architecture and interiors for V&amp;A. “We shaped these skyhomes to embody the spirit of Gold Coast luxury.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=234091]

Victoria &amp; Albert, colloquially known as V&amp;A, is the flagship Gold Coast development by the Sydney-based Iris Capital. Led by developer and hotelier Sam Arnaout, Iris Capital acquired the landmark Niecon Plaza site in 2021. At the time, Arnaout described the company’s expansion into Queensland as a strategic move to capitalise on one of Australia’s strongest growth markets.

“We were initially looking to expand into Victoria, but the massive migration to the regions that followed the pandemic created a new dynamic across the Australian market,” Arnaout said.

“From a strategic point of view, Queensland — and the Gold Coast in particular — is the perfect fit for our business. The fundamentals here are strong: genuine employment growth, high net migration, and an undersupply of apartments driven by strong demand. The Gold Coast has matured into a thriving, progressive regional city with a fantastic future.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=234097]

Across its two towers, V&amp;A will deliver 425 luxury apartments, supported by a suite of resort-style resident amenities. These include a subtropical podium featuring a 25-metre lap pool, gym, yoga deck, residents’ lounge, kids’ play area, zen garden, and barbecue terraces with outdoor dining spaces.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a> Queensland Director David Higgins, who has managed sales at V&amp;A since its 2021 launch, says the project has set a new benchmark for Broadbeach’s luxury apartment market. Colliers Queensland Director David Higgins, who has managed sales at V&amp;A since its 2021 launch, says the project has set a new benchmark for Broadbeach’s luxury apartment market.

“The premium market has definitely spoken, with V&amp;A having now reached over half a billion dollars in presales since our launch,” Higgins says, adding that over 65 per cent of V&amp;A is now sold.

“Our buyers continue to validate the success of the Victoria &amp; Albert development vision and the luxury amenity that comes along with their apartment purchase. Of course, Broadbeach’s most walkable location, just 100m from the Broadbeach surfing beach, makes this luxury apartment a compelling addition to your real estate portfolio.”

Last year, Iris Capital brought construction in-house through its new arm, Iris Built. Completion of the 40-level Albert Tower is scheduled for late 2027, with the 64-level Victoria Tower, the taller of the two, expected to follow in mid-2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107928]

Victoria & Albert’s Horizon Collection takes Broadbeach living to new heights

Units

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Historically Sydney embraced apartment living relatively early, in many inner suburbs there are examples of apartment buildings dating back to the 1930’s. Sydney’s appetite for apartment living has increased steadily ever since and this has resulted in a diverse stock of medium and high-density apartments to a greater extent than Melbourne.
Sydney has also alone successfully grown an urban landscape to become a ‘city of cities’ while the City of Sydney has long promoted the idea of a ‘city of villages’.
The evolution in high-density living and the continued growth of our varied urban centres has combined to help produced a rich and increasingly diverse apartment market. With each area offering interesting, diverse and appealing communities and neighbourhoods, as a result new apartment projects have also evolved in design and size to fit these different ‘cities’ and ‘villages’.
It’s a pattern of development that in Australia is unique to Sydney, much more so than Melbourne and with apartment living only going to increase, this extent of diversity appeals to many developers and buyers. It enables varied cultural outcomes to evolve and so makes each area more engaging and exciting.
One result is that we see architectural variety clearly responding to the different geographic and cultural markets that have developed. This also adds character to the city and creates different neighbourhoods that appeal to buyers.
City of Cities
Unlike Sydney, no other Australian city has developed the number of major high-density satellite centres such as Parramatta, Auburn, Bankstown, Bondi Junction, North Sydney and Chatswood.
This pattern of development is not surprising given the growing proportion of people living in high density housing. In 2001 one in seven (15.7%) of Sydney dwellings were classified as high density, by 2011 that had increased to 20.7%, today the figure is close to 30% and growing.
The highest proportions are located in the City of Sydney (70.2%) with the CBD (94.3%), and then followed by North Sydney (60.8%), Waverley (49%) and Woollahra (46.4%).
The appeal of these ‘satellite centres’ locations is somewhat surprising, as Parramatta, Bankstown and Auburn are all located some 20kms from the CBD, while Chatswood and Bondi Junction are within 10kms, which is often seen as the limits of the definition of inner-city.
However Parramatta is a great example so much so that recently a $2 billion proposal to rejuvenate its commercial hub was announced. And like Chatswood a strong high density residential market will be a key part of future plans.
City of Villages
In the 1950’s the idea of a CBD, as a district devoted to business did result in some areas becoming somewhat isolated from the wider community, and this historically residential development. Now that thinking has been reversed. Today the City of Sydney (along with most other cities) is one of the most dynamic high-density residential markets.
Taking on the idea of a series of villages, in part reflects international trends, but it’s a very positive way to help encourage and sustain residential areas and individual developments with wide appeal.
The City of Sydney has identified 10 villages, and these include the CBD and Harbour, Chinatown/CBD South, Green Square/City South, King &amp; Harris Streets, Oxford Street and Redfern Street.
With the village plan actively promoted, when we think of marketing and development goals we can see from various consultations how residents would like to see the area’s villages evolve.
What is interesting and perhaps not that surprising is that many of the key points residents look to encourage would be an exact check list for any successful development to address, including;
<ul>
<li>developing a sense of community</li>
<li>improving public transport (plus encouraging bike riding and walking)</li>
<li>supporting local services and businesses</li>
<li>solving parking problems</li>
<li>‘greening’ streets and neighbourhoods</li>
<li>promoting safe and clean public places.</li>
</ul>
For residents the idea of a City of Villages is appealing, however to meet the needs of a modern economy the long-term planning for any city needs to accommodate commercial growth and all of the associated services. Today we also see that a mix of development, including a range of residential projects clearly helps to enhance and create a more vibrant city.
As Sydney continues to grow as a ‘City of Cities’ we will continue to see further urban consolidation, much of which is based around transport connections. People and planners are attracted to existing suburbs and so the idea of a ‘City of Villages’ also makes sense, the idea allows for sensitive development while retaining local character.
Sydney’s supply of land, in particular land with reasonable access to services and employment is very limited and so both these trends are set to continue, and I think make a positive contribution to our urban environment.
Peter Chittenden is managing director for residential of Colliers International. He can be contacted <a href="https://www.projectagenda.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

City of cities, city of villages: Peter Chittenden

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Unit rents in Sydney and Melbourne continue to fall reflecting continued high vacancy rates notably in inner city and CBD markets that are under pressure from sharply reduced demand and surging supply particularly from previous holiday accommodation now converting to the permanent market. Conversely house rents are on the rise Indicating perhaps Increased demand for larger, outer suburban homes.

Sydney average asking rents for units fell by 2.3% over November but rents for houses Increased sharply by 2.5%. Perth rents continue to rise for both houses and units. Capital city rental markets continue to report diverging results with significantly lower and falling vacancy rates for houses offset by higher rates for units. This reflects sharply falling demand and increased supply of units - particularly in inner-city Sydney and CBD Melbourne.

HOUSE AND UNIT RENTAL VACANCY RATES 

Reflecting rent declines In the unit market, vacancy rates continue to Increase In Melbourne and Sydney - remaining at record levels. Vacancy rates for houses are significantly lower in all capitals by comparison with units and likely to continue to place upward pressure on rents.

HOME LOANS 

ABS home lending data reported another Increase over October with owner-occupier loans continuing at unprecedented levels. Total residential lending increased by 1.1% over October and has risen by 16.8% over the first 10 months of this year compared to the same period In 2019. All buyer types reported increases over October however, remarkably, lending for first home buyers now exceeds that reported for Investors. All states, with the exception of Victoria reported Increases In the total value of housing loans approved over October. Similarly, only Victoria failed to record an Increases In first home buyer lending over October, falling by 5.9%.

Although lending for first home buyers has surged this year driven by numerous state and federal government Incentive policies, levels remain well below those recorded during the post GFC revival period In 2009-10. Lending for new home building continues to be a significant contributor to the recent surge In home lending reflecting In particular the Impact of the recently extended federal government HomeBuilder policy.  Victoria continues to clearly record the highest number of loans for home building followed by QLD and WA.

HOME BUILDING 

The surge In lending for home building Is also been reflected In rising house building activity over recent months. Latest ABS building approvals for October were however lower in Sydney and Melbourne over the month but significantly higher In Brisbane and sharply higher In Perth.  Despite recent rises In home building approvals, underling levels, particularly for units, remain well below previous peak levels.
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Unit rents in Sydney and Melbourne continue to fall reflecting continued high vacancy rates notably in inner city and CBD markets, according to Archistar's Chief Economist Andrew Wilson.

urban.com.au

Unit rents continue to fall across Melbourne and Sydney

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The housing markets in Melbourne and Sydney are on a downward trend, according to the valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The last few months Herron Todd White suggested Sydney and Melbourne have been declining due to the impacts of COVID-19, but now they have deemed houses and units in Sydney are now classified as a declining market rather than one just starting to decline, suggesting they have been hit harder than Melbourne.
To enlarge the national property clock for houses, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/8/11/HTW%20August%20Clock%20RESI.JPG" target="_blank">click here</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/8/11/HTW%20August%20Clock%20RESI.JPG" alt="">
There has been no movement across the housing and unit markets at the peak of market position this month, HTW found.
However there has been some minor shuffling in markets nearing the bottom or starting to recover.
They noted, "many regional property markets remain resilient due to low/nil infection numbers, with CBD accessible lifestyle regions gaining appeal."
"Multi-residential investments (e.g. flats) hold excellent promise across many markets," they added.
To enlarge the national property clock for units, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/8/11/HTW%20August%20Clock%20UNIT.JPG" target="_blank">click here</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/8/11/HTW%20August%20Clock%20UNIT.JPG" alt="">
"Affordable housing and granny-flat construction in Western Sydney looks promising."
"Town planning changes in Kyogle and surrounds are opening up small development opportunities"
"Queensland property positions itself as an appealing post-pandemic alternative for southern investor."
"New construction is gaining momentum in some centres on the back of government stimulus, plus in Perth, transaction numbers rose, and vacancy rates fell due to low infections," HTW concluded.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Sydney residential market hit harder than Melbourne: HTW Residential Clock

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Unit markets across Australia saw no significant movement over the past month, according to property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW).
The valuation firm's national property clock for December found that five locations remained at the peak of the market cycle for units.
Unit markets in Albury, Sunshine Coast, Wodonga, Tamworth and Bathurst remained at the peak. Bathurst has sat at the peak the longest.
No other markets are approaching the peak while a number of markets including Hobart, Launceston and Mildura have continued rising.
Lismore, Mackay, Melbourne, Newcastle, Illawarra, Townsville, Cairns and Geelong, among others are still just in the beginnings of a recovery.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/12/9/HTW%20Unit%20Clock%20DEC%202019.JPG" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/12/9/HTW%20Unit%20Clock%20DEC%202019.JPG" alt="">
Canberra, Perth, Kalgoorlie and the Southern Tablelands continued declining while the Central Coast remains at the start of a decline.
Broome, Geraldton and South West WA have still yet to hit rock bottom, unlike Darwin, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney, which according to HTW are all at the bottom of the unit market
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Unit markets held steady over the month with no movement: HTW Clock

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Three locations have climbed to the peak of the market cycle for units, according to property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW).
The valuation firm's national property clock for August finds unit markets in Albury, Sunshine Coast, and Wodonga are now at the peak of the market, joining Bathurst which has sat at the peak for the last two months.
It's been a quick rise for Albury and the Sunshine Coast.
In back to back months they've climbed quickly through the cycle, from rising market in June to approaching the peak of the market in July.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/8/5/unit%20clock.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/8/5/unit%20clock.jpg" alt="">
Tamworth joined Hobart at the approaching peak of the unit market. 
Apartments in the South West of Western Australia were not as far through their declining cycle as HTW had previously suggested.
They moved from approaching the bottom of the market to in a declining market, suggesting there is still some way to go in the decline.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/8/16/Tamworth%201.JPG" alt="">
One example of a unit listed in Tamworth is 1/33 Murray Street (pictured above).
The two bedroom one bathroom unit is listed for $225,000 more than 10% higher than the median price for a unit in Tamworth, $194,811.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/8/16/Tamworth%202.JPG" alt="">
Another example of a unit exceeding the median sale price in Tamworth is Lot 41/337 Armidale Road (pictured above).
The three bedroom, two bathroom apartment sold for $273,000 in March 2019.
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Tamworth unit market starts to approach the peak: HTW Clock 

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A block of units in the heart of Mosman is on the market with the price of $550,000. 
It has been offered by David Cotton from Fidelity International.
Sitting on a 730 square metre block of land, the four separate two bedroom units at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unitblock-qld-mossman-117151079" target="_blank"> 6 William Street </a>features solid construction, high ceilings and retro style architecture.
There are two apartments located on the first floor and two top floor apartments that are accessible via an internal stair case.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/15/mossman%202.jpg" alt="">
The units are all currently rented out between $190 to $200 per week.
It is located directly across the road from the school and only 100 metres to the main street. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/15/mossman%203.jpg" alt="">
With the growing demand for rental properties in the area, these prices have the potential to increase on the next rent review.
There is a lot of potential in renovating and increasing the value of the property.
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Mosman block of apartments hits the market

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Sydney Olympic Park has experienced the biggest stock increase in Australia over the past year.
Investar suggests its sales stock has grown by 189%, from 37 units this time last year to its current 107 offerings. 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/4/5/sydney%20olympic%20park.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/4/5/sydney%20olympic%20park.jpg" alt="">
A two bedroom apartment has been listed for sale with a price guide of $768,000 to $784,000 (pictured below).
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-sydney+olympic+park-127730742" target="_blank">The 612/1 Australia Avenue apartment</a> features two spacious bedrooms, gourmet kitchen with stone bench top and two appointed bathrooms.
Extra features include split system air conditioning, building video security intercom, and secure parking.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/4/5/6121%20australia%20avenue.jpg" alt="">
Another Australia Avenue two bedroom apartment was sold for $709,000 last year (pictured below).
Located on the fifth floor of the near new Australia Towers building, the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-sydney+olympic+park-126172790" target="_blank">501/7 Australia Avenue</a> apartment comes with 99 square metre living space, stone top kitchen with European appliances, and secure car park.
Positioned in the heart of Sydney Olympic Park, it is mere footsteps from the park’s world-class sporting venues, train station and restaurant precinct.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/4/5/5017%20australia%20avenue.jpg" alt="">
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Sydney Olympic Park experiences big stock increase

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A three bedroom villa in Armadale, a suburb of Perth, has been listed by Ian Rankin from Ray White.
It will be auctioned on April 28.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-wa-armadale-127948078" target="_blank">Situated at 6/34 Friar Road</a>, the unit features three bedrooms, good sized kitchen which overlooks the family area, and L-shaped living/lounge area.
It also comes with the private enclosed patio and large double garage.
It's on the right side at the back of the complex.
It last sold at $305,000 in 2009.
It was a $340 a week rental in 2015 and at $340 in 2009.
According to CoreLogic, the suburb's median unit price sits on $230,000.
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Armadale, Perth three bedroom villa listed by mortgagee

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The peak of the market cycle for units remained unchanged in October, with Melbourne still at the top along with Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Newcastle and NSW Central Coast, according to property valuation firm Herron Todd White.
Sydney remains at the starting to decline position for unit prices. 
There were few changes from September, with Bathurst and Orange moving a notch up to a rising market from their start of recovery in the previous month. 
Whitsundays has gone from being at the bottom of the market cycle to start of recovery in the clock, according to HTW.
The biggest change, however, was Bendigo which dramatically slipped to approaching the bottom of the market from its rising market position in September.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/10/06/HTWUnitsOct.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/10/06/HTWUnitsOct.png" alt=""> 
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Melbourne stays at top of market for units, Sydney in decline while Bendigo slips dramatically: HTW clock 

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With the backdrop of housing affordability set to be a key issue for Tuesday's federal budget, a compact Chelsea townhouse in Melbourne's seaside suburb was in the spotlight as the nation's most affordable weekend sale.
The vacant <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-chelsea-125169970" target="_blank">one bedder</a> fetched $273,000, having last sold at $147,000 in 2005, so falling short of doubling in price over the intervening dozen years.
The property was offered through Thomson Real Estate agent Mark Pearman and Jeff Cowan.
Its 2005 price had surged from its prior $55,000 sale eight years earlier in 1997, highlighting recent CoreLogic research suggesting despite the recent boom in capital city dwelling values growth was actually subdued compared to past decades.
Sydney ranks as the only capital city that has recorded a greater increase in values so far this decade compared to the previous decade, the research advised. The latest commentary on Sydney's affordability came via a weekend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/senator.sam.dastyari/videos/vb.269334213215074/784450785036745/?type=2&amp;theater" target="_blank">Facebook posting</a> by Senator Sam Daystari with some 345,000 plus views by Sunday evening. 
Sydney's cheapest weekend sale was $502,500 for a three bedroom house at Windsor, in the Hawkesbury district.
Almost doubling in price over its nine year ownership, it had last traded at $255,000 in 2008, and previously at $257,000 in 2005, showing that prices can fall too.
It had doubled in price from $110,000 to $220,000 between 2000 and boom time 2003.
The nation's top reported result was Sydney's dearest sale when an restored 1890s Newtown terrace house sold pre-auction for $3.8 million.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/08/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-08%20at%209.50.35%20AM.png" alt="">
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-terrace-nsw-newtown-125174618" target="_blank">66 Watkin Street</a> terrace (above), that now overlooks the glamorous backyard swimming pool, traded unrenovated at $1,883,000 in 2009.
The property was offered through Ray White agents Ercan Ersan and Shaun Stoker who had initial $3 million price guidance.
"No expense has been spared on the meticulous craftsmanship behind its prestigious 12 metre facade," the marketing advised.
Adelaide, often ranked as the cheapest mainland capital city, saw prices range from $290,000 to $991,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/08/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-08%20at%209.51.42%20AM.png" alt="">
The $991,000 sale was <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-eden+hills-125265266" target="_blank">a four bedroom home on a hillside 2413 sqm block at Eden Hills</a> (above). 
The home marketed as "elegant and huge" had been tipped by Harris Real Estate to fetch $850,000 plus.
The $290,000 Aldinga Beach sale was a 1970s townhouse that had been a $250 a week rental when last offered vacant three years ago.
The national clearance rate held firm around 74 percent on lower auction activity in the first week of May, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
Rapidly falling volumes appear to have underpinned the national auction clearance rate as buyer hesitancy begins to emerge given rising interest rates and overheated markets.
The property data firm says that this week, 1,662 capital city auctions were held and preliminary results show that 1,365 auctions have been reported so far, with a preliminary clearance rate of 74.6 percent, rising from a final clearance rate of 74 percent last week across 2,350 auctions.
Clearance rates remain above the long term average across the largest capital cities, but the rolling four week average reveals a softening trend in Sydney’s final clearance rate.
Both Sydney and Melbourne maintain their place as the strongest auction markets.
This week’s combined capital city preliminary clearance rate is stronger than one year ago, when 67.7 per cent of capital city properties cleared, however auction volumes are lower than this time last year when 2,230 homes were taken to auction across the combined capitals.
Across Melbourne, 782 homes were taken to auction and preliminary results show a clearance rate of 78.4 percent, up slightly from last week’s final clearance rate of 78.1 percent across 1,226 auctions.
At the same time last year, Melbourne’s clearance rate was 73.2 percent, with 1,150 auctions held across the city.
The North East region was the best performer in terms of clearance rates, with a 89.4 per ent success rate. 
Melbourne's top sale was $3.7 million in Balwyn for a home with 500 sqm of living space through MICM Real Estate.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/08/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-08%20at%209.56.17%20AM.png" alt="">
 
It was a five bedroom home with study and six bathrooms, built in the French provincial style on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-balwyn-125159990" target="_blank">its 740 sqm Metung Street block</a> (above).
The vendors had unsuccessfully sought $3.9 million at its June 2016 auction.
It first sold as a new-build in 2011 at $2.82 million.
Sydney was host to 585 auctions this week, down from 811 last week and 676 at the same time last year.
A preliminary clearance rate of 77.8 percent was recorded this week, representing an increase from last week’s 74.3 percent and higher than one year ago (71.8 percent).
"The performance across Sydney’s individual sub regions was varied," Kevin Brogan, the CoreLogic auction analyst said.
Across Blacktown, where 11 results have been reported so far, the preliminary clearance rate was 36.4 per cent, while across the Central Coast secured 89.5 percent and City and Inner South secured 88.5 percent.
There were 105 auctions held across Brisbane this week, down from 124 last week, and significantly lower than one year ago (195).
Preliminary results for the city show that 60.8 percent of auctions were successful this week, up from 52.9 percent last week, while one year ago 41.2 percent of auctions were sold.
Brisbane's cheapest weekend result was $355,000 in Zillmere, for a home on a 610 sqm block of land not too far from Nudgee College. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/08/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-08%20at%209.57.48%20AM.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-zillmere-125140418" target="_blank">The 1970-build three bedroom home</a> (above) with 95 sqm of living space had been last traded in 1977 at $27,450, so reflected 6.6 percent annual growth over the four decades.
A total of 95 auctions were held in Adelaide this week, up from 83 last week, and similar to last year (94).
Preliminary results for the weekend show 66.7 percent sold across Adelaide, up from 63.5 percent last week.
There were 56 auctions held in Canberra this week and the preliminary clearance rate was 65.3 percent, down from 68.3 percent last week and higher than one year ago (54.3 per cent).
Like several other capitals, Canberra's cheapest offering was a townhouse.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/08/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-08%20at%209.58.48%20AM.png" alt="">
 
It was a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-duplex+semi+detached-act-amaroo-125273026" target="_blank">three bedroom Amaroo duplex townhouse</a> (above) that fetched $430,000, having come with $399,000 plus price guidance from LJ Hooker. It had last sold at $382,000 in 2010.
 
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