Buyers considering a residence at boutique Gordon townhouse development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lume-gordon-43-47-dumaresq-street-gordon-nsw-2072">Lume</a>&nbsp;now have another reason to bring forward their decision.

For a limited time, purchasers of a residence at Lume will receive a BMW iX3 50 electric SUV, valued at more than $120,000, as part of their purchase. The offer is designed to add value for buyers while complementing the lifestyle envisioned for the architecturally designed Upper North Shore development.

Scott Timmins, Development Manager at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/winim">WINIM</a>, said the partnership was created to provide buyers with a compelling reason to act.

"In today's market, buyers need a compelling reason to act now, and the BMW partnership was designed to create that catalyst. We wanted to add genuine value for our future purchasers. Choosing the all-electric BMW iX3 50 also reflects the values behind LUME, forward-thinking design, innovation and a more sustainable way of living. It's a premium incentive that complements the lifestyle our buyers aspire to and rewards those who commit early."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]

Delivered by WINIM in partnership with Burtonwood Investment Partners, Lume comprises 14 architecturally designed two, three and four-bedroom townhomes created for families seeking the space of a freestanding house with the ease of modern, low-maintenance living.

The three-storey residences, designed by award-winning architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, have been tailored for families and multi-generational living, featuring private internal lifts, flexible lower-level spaces, generous open-plan living and entertaining areas, media rooms, and landscaped outdoor spaces with custom outdoor kitchens.&nbsp;

Inside, engineered oak flooring, bespoke dining joinery with integrated wine fridges and backlit bars, sculptural porcelain bathrooms, Parisi freestanding baths and Astra Walker tapware create interiors that balance functionality with refined finishes.

Each townhome has been designed to combine generous internal spaces with sustainability initiatives such as EV charging infrastructure, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>'s landscaped communal areas, centred around a restored creek line and native planting, encourage residents to connect with nature and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]

Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.

"Our vision was to create elegant, uplifting homes that draw on and positively contribute to the local character through meticulously considered design and an interaction with the surroundings."

The communal landscape has been designed as more than an open space between homes. Arcadia's Ben Newell and Kate Phillips said the adjoining reserve provided an opportunity to create a distinctive natural retreat for residents.

"Just as waterways carve their way through Ku-ring-gai's landscape, a raised boardwalk weaves through the reserve, connecting the homes to this tranquil oasis."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]

Located just 300 metres from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gordon-nsw-2072">Gordon</a> Village and Gordon railway station, Lume offers convenient access to Sydney's CBD while placing residents close to some of the North Shore's leading schools, including Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College and Knox Grammar. Lane Cove National Park, Gordon Golf Club and a range of cafés and restaurants further reinforce the family-focused lifestyle on offer, with the BMW iX3 50 complementing everything from local trips around Gordon to weekend drives and city commutes.

Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]

Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

Two apartments have sold for more than $10 million at EADE Byron Bay, setting some of the highest apartment prices ever achieved in the coastal town and underlining the growing appetite for luxury beachfront apartments in Australia's most popular coastal locations.

The $210 million project by Vitale Property Group has now secured more than $70 million in sales, led by residences that changed hands for $12.75 million and $11.75 million.

The record-breaking transactions reinforce the shift occurring in Byron Bay's premium property market, where affluent downsizers and lifestyle buyers are increasingly opting for high-end apartments over large beachfront homes.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eade-byron-bay-29-shirley-street-byron-bay-nsw-2481">EADE Byron Bay</a> occupies a rare 6,000 sqm absolute beachfront site on the corner of Shirley and Milton Streets overlooking Main Beach and The Wreck surf break, just 350 metres from Byron Bay's town centre.

The 25-residence development is the first beachfront apartment project approved in Byron Bay in more than a decade and is currently under construction, with completion expected in May 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]

The project has attracted a mix of local Byron Shire residents downsizing from larger homes, alongside interstate buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seeking a permanent coastal lifestyle without compromising on space.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/alexander-co">Alexander &amp; Co</a>, EADE comprises&nbsp;10 garden apartments ranging from 284 sqm to 622 sqm, nine with private pools, five full-floor apartments and 10 rooftop residences with private plunge pools, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and uninterrupted ocean views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vitale-property-group">Vitale Property Group</a> Managing Partner Chris Vitale said the project's combination of scale, location and limited future supply was driving buyer demand.

"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.

"Buyers are responding to the scarcity and the irreplaceability of a site of this calibre and to floorplans they can't find elsewhere in the market.

"We are seeing buyers place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of the location. The sales achieved to date demonstrate that discerning purchasers recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay.

"Many are coming from larger homes in the Byron region, or from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are after the space, security and convenience, without the upkeep of a house."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]

The Byron Bay project follows Vitale Property Group's delivery of the Mondrian Hotel and Private Residences at Burleigh Heads, with EADE continuing the developer's focus on luxury coastal developments.

Residents will have access to a resort-style swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, cold plunge pool, concierge services and dedicated workspaces, while the project is targeting an 8-Star Green Star rating.

EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.

WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.

"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.

"The sales achieved to date demonstrate that purchasers at this level recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay."

Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.

But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.

As online shopping has become part of everyday life, parcel deliveries have shifted from an occasional event to a regular occurrence. Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally.

For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.

If nobody is home to accept a delivery, parcels may be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in a building lobby or common area, or require building management to step in. In higher-density buildings, where dozens or even hundreds of residents may receive deliveries each day, parcel management has become an increasingly important part of everyday living.

That can create a range of frustrations. A missed delivery often means making time to collect a parcel elsewhere, while packages left unattended in foyers or mail areas can create clutter and increase the risk of theft. What seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly become a recurring issue for residents who shop online regularly.

It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.

As a result, buyers are beginning to look beyond traditional apartment features and consider how a building supports day-to-day convenience, including whether there are secure options for receiving deliveries.

Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CkF2oKmlACg?si=C50sDaoUUn2nuLmq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than having a parcel delivered directly to an apartment, eligible deliveries can be sent to a nominated Parcel Locker. Once the parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN at a time that suits them.

The Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with installations at Post Offices, shopping centres, transport hubs and an increasing number of residential developments. By providing a secure collection point, Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and avoid parcels being left unattended in common areas.

For developers, parcel infrastructure is becoming another way to improve the resident experience. Rather than relying on concierge staff or leaving parcels in communal spaces, secure collection points help streamline deliveries while preserving the presentation and functionality of shared areas.

For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.

A generous floorplan or quality finishes might help narrow the shortlist, but the conveniences that simplify everyday life, whether that's EV charging, secure bike storage or reliable parcel delivery, often become the features residents appreciate most once they're living there.

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hg-developments">HG Developments</a> is doubling down on Maud Street in Newstead, filing plans for a new apartment tower just a few doors down from its under-construction Aire Newstead development.

Recently submitted to Brisbane City Council, the proposal is for an 18-storey building designed by bureau^proberts, which has drawn heavily on Brisbane's subtropical design principles while referencing the suburb's industrial heritage.

A total of 64 apartments are planned for the amalgamated 1,518 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-21-maud-street-newstead-qld-4006">17–21 Maud Street</a>, a short walk from the Brisbane River and Newstead Riverwalk.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a400c7fd-bd15-48f8-a63b-10ede92efe00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20bldg.png?VersionId=.0vPmjpbC7CNP7kqGWa6L7rGIwsNExaw" />

"The building is defined by a series of vaulted motifs that reinterpret the arches, colonnades and layered facades evident throughout Newstead's historic built fabric," the Urban Design Report states.

"Combined with recessed glazing and generous balconies, these elements create a layered building envelope that provides shade, weather protection and opportunities for natural ventilation whilst establishing a distinctive architectural identity."

The proposal comprises 64 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 18 residential levels, positioning it alongside a growing number of taller residential projects transforming Newstead's northern precinct. The tower incorporates extensive subtropical landscaping, with cascading planter boxes, deep planting at street level and a landscaped rooftop recreation area.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8140f4-8b98-45cd-b1b8-1efe8c8e266b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=VAZtbCoD44YCJ57N99fQCAKeSJx7ldZs" />

Bureau Proberts has prioritised passive environmental design throughout the project, with generous balconies, recessed glazing and operable façades helping reduce solar heat gain while maximising natural ventilation. River views become available from the upper levels, while the building has been orientated to capture prevailing breezes from both the Brisbane River and the west.

The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.

"Vertical greenery, cascading planter boxes and elevated gardens are woven throughout the architecture, softening the built form and strengthening the connection between residents and the subtropical environment."

"Through the integration of landscape, high-quality materials and passive design principles, the development delivers a refined residential address that celebrates Newstead's heritage character while contributing positively to Brisbane's evolving subtropical identity."

Newstead has remained one of Brisbane's most active apartment markets in recent years, with a number of developers continuing to back the inner-city suburb.

HG Developments is currently delivering the 40-apartment Aire Newstead at 25 Maud Street. Fortis recently launched the 65-apartment <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> on Kyabra Street, while builder-developer BPG and Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties are both expected to launch their respective Newstead projects before the end of the year.

HG Developments doubles down in Newstead with second Maud Street apartment development

Walk past a new apartment development promoting its sustainability credentials and it's easy to picture rooftop gardens, mature trees, landscaped courtyards and residents surrounded by nature.

But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.

Australia's leading environmental rating tools have played a significant role in improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings. Yet despite their focus on reducing emissions, many don't require developers to include trees, biodiversity or meaningful green space.

In other words, a building can achieve one of the country's highest sustainability ratings while containing little more than concrete, glass and hard landscaping.

That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.

The concept goes beyond designing buildings that consume less energy. Instead, it encourages developers to treat nature as essential infrastructure, integrating biodiversity, tree canopy, living landscapes and green spaces into projects from the earliest stages of planning.

Research has consistently linked access to nature with better physical and mental health, cooler neighbourhoods, improved biodiversity, stronger climate resilience and more connected communities. As Australia's cities continue to become denser, advocates say those outcomes should be considered just as important as energy efficiency.

Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.

Founded by Hamton Executive Chairman Paul Hameister OAM, the not-for-profit was created after research highlighted a significant gap in Australia's sustainability framework. While existing environmental rating tools rewarded energy performance and emissions reductions, they placed little emphasis on the inclusion of living landscapes.

"We've always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren't there," Hameister says.

"In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that's concrete and glass with not a blade of grass.

"The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn't been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities."

Since its launch, NBC has developed independent design guidelines and accreditation frameworks that encourage developers to prioritise ecology, biodiversity, tree canopy, walkability and living landscapes alongside traditional sustainability measures. The organisation first focused on medium and high-density residential developments before recently expanding into precinct-scale communities and masterplanned neighbourhoods.

Jan Talacko, founder of sustainability consultancy Ark Resources and a member of the Nature Based Cities Advisory Council, says the initiative addresses an area that has largely been overlooked by the property industry.

"Throughout my 25 years of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the property sector, I've always favoured a pragmatic approach to sustainable design which encourages initiatives that not only meet environmental expectations but also improve amenity," Talacko says.

"Whilst we are making steady progress in relation to energy and carbon emissions from buildings, there has been much less emphasis on encouraging biodiversity and tackling the urban heat island effect.

"The Nature Based Cities initiative responds to a gap in the suite of tools currently used by the property development sector, which don't provide sufficient incentive, or recognition, for the integration of landscaping and greenery."

For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.

Rather than assuming a sustainable building will naturally include abundant green space, buyers are increasingly being encouraged to look beyond environmental ratings and ask what nature is actually being delivered. How much tree canopy will the development create? Has biodiversity been considered? Are landscaped spaces designed for people as well as appearance?

As Australia's cities continue to grow upwards and outwards, the next generation of sustainability may not simply be measured by lower emissions, but by how successfully developments bring nature back into everyday urban life.

What does it really mean for a building to be 'green'?

Vacancy

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
The spectre of Australia’s vacancy tax is about to become real for Chinese residential property owners, with penalties of up to $52,500 looming for those who miss the deadline. 
One year after the Federal Government introduced vacancy tax rules, the first returns are starting to become due – and up to 15,000 foreign investors will be expected to provide evidence as to whether their property sat vacant in the last year.
Foreign owners of Australian residential property face a minimum vacancy tax of $5,200, and even occupied properties could incur a $52,500 penalty if the owner fails to meet the deadline to lodge a return declaring occupancy of their assets with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Further, if they fail to keep the necessary records to prove occupation, they could be hit with an additional penalty of $52,500. And even then, the owner would still be liable to pay the vacancy fee. For a property worth upwards of $4 million, that could equate to combined penalties and fees of more than $150,000 —even if the property has been occupied throughout.
The annual vacancy tax rules are the latest in a series of imposts on foreign buyers, designed to reduce the impact of foreign ownership on housing affordability, particularly in the core property markets of Sydney and Melbourne.
While the ‘ghost tax’ is intended as a financial incentive for foreign owners to make their dwelling available for rent and increase available housing in Australia, it raises the question of whether Chinese buyers might be scared away by the long-term implication of the new rules.
Foreign owners must lodge a vacancy tax return every year, keep records for at least five years after selling, keep evidence regarding who is using their property, and manage the risk of significant financial penalties if they fail to do so.
The immediate challenge facing foreign owners who have bought a residential property since May 2017 is identifying when they will need to submit their vacancy review, and how they will go about proving whether the property was vacant or not.
While the burden of this new tax on Chinese buyers is hauntingly clear, the impact on foreign sales in the Australian residential market is not.
Chinese buyers remain Australia’s biggest investors in real estate but according to statistics published in the Foreign Investment Review Board’s (FIRB) 2016-17 Annual Report, the size of their investment more than halved from AUD$31.5 billion in 2015-16 to AUD$15.2 billion in 2016-17.
Overall FIRB real estate approvals plunged from 40,149 in 2015-16, to 13,198 last year. But there have been a number of factors that may have contributed to this reduction, including the introduction of FIRB application fees, tighter Chinese capital controls and weaker Australian property market conditions.
For Chinese buyers, the residential property market continues to become more hostile in Australia and while it hasn’t yet reached New Zealand levels - where foreign buyers have been banned altogether - the latest changes are likely to have a chilling effect for many looking to purchase property.
Denise Honey is a partner at tax consulting firm Pitcher Partners.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

The potential impact of Australia's new vacancy tax rules on foreign ownership

<html><body>
In the 2017-2018 Federal Budget announced on May 9 2017, the government revealed their intention to place an annual fee on foreign owners of Australian residential property that leave their property vacant.
On 7 September 2017, amendments to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (FATA) were introduced in the House of Representatives as the Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Tax Integrity) Bill 2017, to implement the annual vacancy fee on foreign owners of Australian residential properties.
The aim of the annual vacancy fee is to increase the number of residential properties available for Australians to live in by providing a financial incentive for the foreign owners of Australian residential real estate to make their property available on the rental market.
The annual vacancy fee will be levied on foreign owners of residential properties where the property is not occupied or genuinely available on the rental market for at least 183 days in a 12 month period.
The fee levied on the foreign owner will be equivalent to the foreign investment application fee which was paid at the time of application to the Foreign Investment Review Board for approval.
This fee is currently calculated as:
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/10/04/VacancyFee.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/10/04/VacancyFee.png" alt="">
The vacancy fee applies to foreign persons who are owners of Australian residential real estate.
Section 4 of FATA provides the definition of a ‘foreign person’:
a. An individual not ordinarily resident in Australia; or
b. A corporation in which an individual not ordinarily resident in Australia, a foreign corporation or a foreign government holds a substantial interest; or
c. A corporation in which 2 or more persons, each of whom is an individual not ordinarily resident in Australia, a foreign corporation or a foreign government, hold an aggregate substantial interest; or
d. The trustee of a trust in which an individual not ordinarily resident in Australia, a foreign corporation or a foreign government holds a substantial interest; or
e. The trustee of a trust in which 2 or more persons, each of whom is an individual not ordinarily resident in Australia, a foreign corporation or a foreign government, hold an aggregate substantial interest; or
f. A foreign government; or
g. Any other person, or any other person that meets the conditions, prescribed by the regulations.
The vacancy fee applies when:
- Residential property is not occupied or genuinely available on the rental market for at least 6 months in a 12 month period. - If the dwelling is not residentially occupied, or genuinely available to be occupied, for at least 183 days in a 12 month period.
A foreign owner will not be liable to pay the annual vacancy fee if:
- The owner or a relative of the owner occupies their dwelling for 183 days or more in a 12 month period.
 - The property is subject to lease/s or licence/s with a minimum duration of 30 days which total 183 days in a 12 month period.
 - The property is made genuinely available on the rental market, with minimum durations of 30 days, for a total of 183 days in a 12 month period.
 - A dwelling will be considered genuinely available for occupation as a residence if the dwelling is: made available on the rental market, advertised publicly and available at a market rent.
 - Where a foreign owner chooses to utilise a web-based short term stay site (e.g. Airbnb) and only makes the property available for periods of less than 30 days in order to maintain - flexibility, this will not count towards the minimum 183 days as this type of rental does not make the property genuinely available for periods of 30 days or more.
 - The foreign person owns residential land without a dwelling or currently undergoing construction of a dwelling.
If you are liable to pay the fee:
- Foreign owners are required to give a ‘vacancy fee return’ to the Commissioner of Tax (Commissioner) after the end of each year to advise the number of days a residential property was occupied in a 12 month period.
- The Commissioner will issue a notice to foreign owners if a vacancy fee is payable, explaining why the liability has arisen. The amendments grant the Treasurer with powers to recover unpaid amounts and civil penalties may apply where a foreign person fails to submit a ‘vacancy fee return’ or keep the required records.
 This article was by Gary Newton, Partner at <a href="https://www.tresscox.com.au/" target="_blank">TressCox Lawyers</a>, and Henry Yuan, Law Clerk at the same law firm.
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Foreign property investors slugged with vacancy fees: TressCox Lawyers

<html><body>
Brisbane houses have rose to the second highest vacancy rates in the country ahead of Darwin, a new report has shown.
Brisbane's house vacancies rose to 2.6 percent in September, while Darin tightened to 2.1 percent, Domain Group's rental report revealed.
Both are still some way off Perth's 4.2 percent vacancy rate. 
Source: Domain Group
<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Capital City </td>
<td>Houses September 2016</td>
<td>Houses September 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Perth</td>
<td>4.2%</td>
<td>3.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brisbane</td>
<td>2.6%</td>
<td>2.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Darwin</td>
<td>2.1%</td>
<td>2.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sydney</td>
<td>2.0%</td>
<td>1.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adelaide</td>
<td>1.8%</td>
<td>1.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Melbourne</td>
<td>1.5%</td>
<td>1.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canberra</td>
<td>0.8%</td>
<td>1.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hobart</td>
<td>0.6%</td>
<td>1.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
National Capital City
</td>
<td>2.3%</td>
<td>2.1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Domain Group chief economist Andrew Wilson said Brisbane is a “tenant’s market”.
“The upwards bias of vacancy rates is really favouring tenants,” Dr Wilson said. 
“When compared to other capital cities, it’s clearly become one of the best cities for renters in the country.”
“One positive is the number of jobs this has created.”
Median rent prices remain flat at $400 per week, which Dr Wilson said was due to more first home buyers.
Median rental prices by capital city for houses: Source Domain Group
<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Capital City </td>
<td>Median House Rent September 2016</td>
<td>Median House Rent September 2015 </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Darwin</td>
<td>$550</td>
<td>$590</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sydney</td>
<td>$530</td>
<td>$530</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canberra</td>
<td>$475</td>
<td>$450</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brisbane</td>
<td>$400</td>
<td>$400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Melbourne</td>
<td>$400</td>
<td>$390</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Perth</td>
<td>$380</td>
<td>$420</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adelaide</td>
<td>$350</td>
<td>$350</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hobart</td>
<td>$330</td>
<td>$330</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
<div>“Brisbane has seen higher numbers of first home buyers and that has really taken pressure off rental demand,” he said.</div>
“Rents have been flat for some time now, and will likely continue into the foreseeable future. 
"But yields are high in Brisbane – in fact, highest of the mainland, which is attractive to investors.
"However, the issue is securing a tenant, and that’s the challenge.”
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Brisbane's house vacancy rates jump to second highest in the country

<html><body><div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Residential vacancy rates held steady in June, SQM Research figures show, remaining tight across the nation.
There was a vacancy rate of 2.4% posted based on 72,849 vacancies.
Rates remained in the same in most capital cities, excluding Perth, Brisbane and Canberra, where vacancy rates climbed.
The biggest rise was recorded in Perth and Canberra with a monthly change of 0.2 percentage points from May.
Over the year, vacancy rates in Perth have continued to climb with a significant 1.1% jump from this time last year.
Year-on-year, vacancy rates are down for Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, and to a lesser extent Sydney. 
Melbourne has posted the biggest yearly fall in its vacancy rate from 2.7% to 2.3%.
The Sydney rate stood unchanged a 1.8% in June, slighly better for landlords than the 1.9% of June a year ago,
But the year-on-year rental increase of 3.2% was showing a slow down, said SQM managing director Louis Christopher. 
Vacancies are rising in the resource economy-hit cities of Perth and Darwin. 
Perth's vacancy rate grew to 3.6% from 3.4% in May, well above the 2.5% of last year. 
Darwin sat 3.5% from May, more than double the 1.6% of June last year. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Melbourne's rental vacancy rate tightening: SQM

<html><body>
The latest SQM Research vacancy rate figures have found vacancy rates dipping slightly for the second consecutive month, in what is likely a seasonal trend.
Currently, the national vacancy rate is 2.1% with 62,947 vacancies. Year on year, this sees the national vacancy rate at a fairly stable figure, recording 2.0% in October 2013 and 2.2% in September 2014.
Despite the national figure remaining stable, <a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/" target="_blank">SQM Research</a>’s managing director Louie Christopher pointed to drastic vacancy rate changes when drilling down to the capital city levels, perhaps as a result of the falling mining boom.
For instance, Perth in October 2013 recorded a vacancy rate of 1.5%. It is now 0.9% higher.
Similarly, Darwin recorded a 0.9% vacancy rate in October 2013 and now sits at 2.1%.
Canberra has recorded a reduction in the vacancy rate from 2.1% in October 2013, and in September 2014, to 1.8% in October 2014.
“The rental market was steady over the month with the trends observed over the course of the year, continuing on in October,” said Christopher.
“We continue to see ongoing rental weakness in Perth and Darwin. Canberra is now providing signals that perhaps the worst of the rental downturn is over with a slight fall in vacancies year on year and a rise in asking rents for the month,” he said.
He noted that Sydney appears to be the strongest rental market at present, with asking rents up 6.8% for the past 12 months. However, he said that he expects this to slow in 2015 with increased stock coming onto the market for the city.
Vacancy rates (from highest to lowest):
<ul>
<li>
Melbourne 2.5% 
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Perth 2.4% 
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Brisbane 2.2% 
</li>
<li>
Darwin 2.1% 
</li>
<li>
Canberra 1.8% 
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Sydney 1.6% 
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Adelaide 1.5% 
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Hobart 1.3%
</li>
</ul>
Turn over page for SQM Research’s results on the changing rents charged across the capital cities.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<img src="/images/2014/11/19/sqm%20nov%2019%20one.png" alt="">
Source: <a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au" target="_blank">SQM Research</a>
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Drastic Perth and Darwin vacancy changes: The weakest capital city rental markets

<html><body>
An area's vacancy rate is an important detail, helping you shape your initial picture of the area.
Changes and trends in the vacancy rate and how it compares to other areas will help you consider whether that suburb is the best decision for you. If you're unsure about how to use this figure, start with our quick explainer about <a href="/expert-insights/what-is-a-vacancy-rate-investment-terms-explained">what a vacancy rate is and what it measures</a>. High vacancy rates can be caused by a number of things, like a surge in stock.
Property Observer looked to SQM Research's statistics to see where, across Victoria, the vacancy rates are highest. To see vacancy rates for a specific suburb, you can see <a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/graph_median_rent_weeks.php?region=nsw%3A%3ASydney&amp;type=c&amp;t=1" target="_blank">SQM Research's free data online</a>.
Here are ten to know from the list.
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Southbank</a> 8.3% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">St Leonards</a> 6.4% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news"> Docklands</a> 5.5% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Melbourne (city)</a> 5.1% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Travancore</a> 5.0% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">St Kilda</a> 3.9% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Parkville</a> 3.7% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">South Yarra</a> 3.6% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Elwood</a> 3.1% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Connewarre</a> 2.9%</li>
</ol>
YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO READ
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/mining-town-vacancy-rates-mean-that-its-wise-to-wait-and-watch">Mining town vacancy rates mean that it's wise to wait and watch: Terry Ryder</a>
<a href="/news/nsw/which-new-south-wales-region-has-the-lowest-vacancy-rate-and-its-not-sydney">Which New South Wales region has the lowest vacancy rate? (And it's not Sydney)</a>
Note: Some of these numbers have been amended from initial publishing due to data updates
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Victoria's highest vacancy rates: 10 suburbs topping the list

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Vacancy rates in the inner and outer Sydney suburbs led a downward shift in available rental properties, however Albury is the most difficult area in which to get a rental across the state, according to the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales statistics.
In the August 2014 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey, Albury’s vacancy rate increased by 0.1%, but at 1.7% it is the most difficult place to find rental accommodation.
Coffs Harbour saw a 0.3% rise to 3.4%, with the Northern Rivers increasing 1.7% to 3.7%, the highest figure for the area in more than two years.
Inner Sydney in general, however, isn’t far behind with the survey recorded a 0.2% vacancy drop to 1.8%.
REINSW president Malcolm Gunning said that outer Sydney suburbs dropped 0.1% to 1.8%. Middle ring suburbs actually increased by 0.2%, to 2.1%.
“We hit the bottom of the availability trend in March 2014 with 1.4% and have been tracking upwards for the last five months,” said Gunning.
“This decline could really be considered a slight glitch. Over the next few months it is expected that availability will continue to improve as more properties enter the marketplace as a result of the construction boom in Sydney,” he said.
The Hunter’s availability dropped 0.5% to 3.3%, reversing gains made in July, while Newcastle slipped the same amount from 3.2% to 2.7%.
The Illawarra dropped 0.1% to 2.0%, and Wollongong increased 0.1% to 2.2%.
Even vacancy rates in New England slipped, after being at an 11 year high, to 3.5% - a 0.7% drop. Orana continued the trend, falling 1.0% to 2.1%.
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Which New South Wales region has the lowest vacancy rate? (And it's not Sydney)

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New SQM Research vacancy rate figures have seen increases in the vacancy rate nationally, with the only capital recording a decrease being Hobart.
This is the highest result recorded since December 2013.
<a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/" target="_blank">SQM Research</a>’s managing director Louis Christopher said that while this isn’t a “rout” for investors quite yet, it does paint a picture of rents unexpected to rise above inflation over the next 12 months.
“At this stage the market is increasingly favouring tenants across the country,” said Christopher.
“This means that rental yields will continue to fall, thereby reducing the net cash flows for new property investors in the market place.”
Nationally, vacancies are recorded at 2.3% in May or 69,258 nationally.
Melbourne, whose vacancy rate is the highest of the capital cities, sits at 2.7%, while Darwin, Hobart and Adelaide have the tightest vacancy rates – at 1.6%.
Perth recorded the highest year increase – up 0.9% to 2.5%. Sydney recorded a 1.9% vacancy rate.
See over page for the summary table of vacancy rates and their latest changes.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Latest recorded vacancy rates
Click to open in new window: 
<a href="/images/2014/07/17/sqm%20july%2019%20one.png" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/17/sqm%20july%2019%20one.png" alt=""></a>
Source: SQM Research
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Property investors to see net cash flow fall: SQM Research

<html><body>
Vacancy rate changes are becoming notable within New South Wales and Sydney, and the the June 2014 Real Estate Institute of New South Wales (REINSW) Vacancy Rate Survey has noted what is occurring across the state.
REINSW president Malcolm Gunning noted that rates above 2% are considered neutral, and that some areas will be seeing an increase in vacancy rate as new rental accommodation is constructed.
Here are 10 locations in New South Wales notable in the survey.
<ul>
<li>ALBURY</li>
</ul>
Current vacancy rate: 1.1%
The vacancy rate has dropped by 0.5%, and this is down to levels that the REINSW notes they last saw in March 2003 where they dropped to 0.7%.
“Albury is a vibrant regional centre with lots of activity. It is growing and has solid employment opportunities. Less incentives for first homebuyers see people in the area renting for longer or those from metropolitan areas moving to enjoy a tree-change,” Gunning said.
<ul>
<li>ILLAWARRA</li>
</ul>
Current vacancy rate: 1.8%
The Illawarra’s vacancy rate has tightened by 0.1%.
<ul>
<li>WOLLONGONG</li>
</ul>
Current vacancy rate: 2.1%
This is a decrease of 0.3%.
<ul>
<li>HUNTER</li>
</ul>
Current vacancy rate: 3.3%
The area had a drop of 0.1%, led by a 0.4% decrease in Newcastle, to 3.5%.
<ul>
<li>CENTRAL WEST</li>
</ul>
Current vacancy rate: 4.4%
The area is down 0.3%.
<ul>
<li>RIVERINA</li>
</ul>
Current vacancy rate: 3.6%
The area is up 0.3%.
<ul>
<li>COFFS HARBOUR</li>
</ul>
Current vacancy rate: 3.6%
Coffs Harbour is up 0.2%.
See over page for Sydney metro (inner, middle and outer) vacancy rate details.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
SYDNEY METRO:
Current vacancy rate overall: 1.8%
Across Sydney, the residential vacancy rates were notably unchanged on the whole – with opportunities for those looking for rentals.
Across Sydney’s entirety, the rate dropped 0.1%.
<ul>
<li>INNER</li>
</ul>
Current vacancy rate: 1.9%
<ul>
<li>MIDDLE</li>
</ul>
Current vacancy rate: 2.1% (biggest mover with a 0.4% drop)
<ul>
<li>OUTER</li>
</ul>
Current vacancy rate: 1.5%
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Vacancy rates to know: 10 New South Wales locations

<html><body>
New figures from SQM Research have seen vacancy rates jumping across the country, to see the national figure hit 2.3%, compared to 2.0%.
It’s the highest vacancy rate recorded for April since the inception of SQM’s index, in 2005,  and SQM's head of research Louis Christopher expects that for some areas this could be about to get worse.
<img src="/images/2014/05/19/vacancy%20may%2019%20one.png" alt="">
As can be seen in the table above, increases were seen across all states and territories in April 2014, compared to March 2014. When compared to the corresponding month in 2013, the story is somewhat more mixed.
Adelaide is down 0.1% since April 2013, and the market is also tighter in Hobart and Melbourne.
Perth and Canberra “are clearly looking sick” Christopher explained to Property Observer, “and I would say Darwin is going to follow suit.”
Melbourne, he noted, is bouncing back after two tight months previously.
“Nevertheless [it’s] more than just coincidence as our asking rents also recording a stagnant rental market,” he said.
National asking rents have remained flat, and over the past 12 months to May the capital city increase for units was just 1.7%, while dropping back 1.5% for houses.
“As we predicted this time last year, rental growth is slowing to the point where we are recording a flat rental market and in some instances significant rental falls as is the case with Perth and Canberra. With the national recovery in building approvals and completions, I can only surmise that the rental market is increasingly going to favour tenants over the next 12 months. And so rental yields for potential property investors will look even less attractive from their current low levels,” Christopher said.
Despite this, the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales’ vacancy rate statistics have seen pressure remain on Sydney’s market, as well as Wollongong, Albury and the Northern Rivers.
However, they also recorded a vacancy rate rise – bringing the number of properties for rent up 0.3% across Sydney, explained REINSW president Malcolm Gunning.
“Inner Sydney vacancy rates remain the tightest, despite an increase of 0.3% to 1.6%. In middle Sydney availability rose 0.4% at 2.0% and outer Sydney was up 0.2% at 1.7%,” said Gunning.
Inner city LGAs include Ashfield, Botany Bay, Lane Cove, Leichhardt, Marrickville, Mosman, North Sydney, Randwick, Sydney, Waverley and Woollahra.
Middle Sydney LGAs includes Auburn, Bankstown, Burwood, Canterbury, Canada Bay, Hunters Hill, Hurstville, Kogarah, Ku-ring-gai, Manly, Parramatta, Rockdale, Ryde, Strathfield and Willoughby.
And outer Sydney includes Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Gosford, Hawkesbury, Holroyd, Hornsby, Liverpool, Penrith, Pittwater, Sutherland, Warringah, Wollondilly and Wyong.
Wollongong vacancy rates are now at lows that were last seen three years ago, said Gunning.
“Wollongong is an attractive proposition for those who wish to relocate from Sydney. Its beachside location is a more affordable option for those who are seeking a more relaxed lifestyle and this is putting pressure on the number of properties available,” he said.
Meanwhile, vacancy rates dropped 0.5% in Albury and the Northern Rivers, while Newcastle’s increased by 0.5%.
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