<p>Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.</p>

<p>Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.</p>

<p>There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.</p>

<p><img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" /></p>

<p>Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.</p>

<p>"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."</p>

<p>The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a></em></p>

<p><em>Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a></em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

Joel Robinson

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

<p>Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.</p>

<p>Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.</p>

<p>The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" /></p>

<p>A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.</p>

<p>Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.</p>

<p>New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.</p>

<p>GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.</p>


First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

<p>A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.</p>

<p>The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.</p>

<p>Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368856]</p>

<p>The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.</p>

<p>GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available</p>

<p>Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]</p>

<p>The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.</p>

<p>The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]</p>

<p>For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.</p>

<p>GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.</p>

<p>"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.</p>

<p>"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]</p>


GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.</p>

<p>The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.</p>

<p>The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" /></p>

<p>A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.</p>

<p>The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.</p>

<p>"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.</p>

<p>The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.</p>

<p>Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."</p>

<p>The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.</p>

<p><img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" /></p>

<p>The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.</p>

<p>S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.</p>

<p>Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.</p>

<p>John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.</p>


First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

<p>A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.</p>

<p>The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" /></p>

<p>The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.</p>

<p>According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.</p>

<p>Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.</p>

<p>"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" /></p>

<p>The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.</p>

<p>Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" /></p>

<p>Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.</p>

<p>Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.</p>

<p>They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.</p>


First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Vacancy Rate

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<p>Perth has recorded the largest monthly rise nationally in residential vacancies during June with a 0.3 percentage point rise during June, according to SQM Research.</p>
<p>The national vacancy rate during June 2.5 percent with 77,891 vacancies. Year on year this vacancy rates have increased one percent. Perth vacancies increased 1.4 percent to 10,190 year on year.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/07/19/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-19%20at%209.28.13%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/07/19/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-19%20at%209.28.13%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>Louis Christopher, managing director of SQM Research said the rental market slump continues for Perth.</p>
<p>"Rents are now down in that city by 23 percent over the last three years," he said.</p>
<p>"Outside the current situation for Darwin, I don’t believe rents have fallen this much for any Australian capital city since the Second World War.</p>
<p>"Perth has recorded ongoing falls in asking rents of 9.1 percent for houses and 10 percent for units over the past 12 months. Yearly falls have also been recorded in Darwin, with asking rents down 2.7 percent for houses and 7.1 percent for units.</p>
<p>"Hobart continues to record the most affordable rental accommodation with houses at just $343 a week, and units averaging $284 a week."</p>
<p>According to SQM yearly falls were also recorded for Canberra, Hobart and Darwin, with Canberra vacancies decreasing 1.0 percent compared to June 2015. Hobart recorded a fall of 0.6 percentage points, based on 249 vacancies. Darwin soon followed with a vacancy rate of 3.0% for the month of May, a yearly fall of 0.5 percent.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/07/19/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-19%20at%209.29.30%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/07/19/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-19%20at%209.29.30%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Perth vacancy rates breaks record high: SQM Research

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<div><span>National vacancy rates for May remain unchanged year on year, staying tight throughout the month with a 2.4 percent vacancy rate, according to SQM Research.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>SQM managing director Louis Christopher said Darwin recorded the largest monthly fall, with vacancies decreasing by 0.5 percentage points during the month. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-15%20at%202.46.49%20PM.png" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2016/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-15%20at%202.46.49%20PM.png" alt=""></span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div>"Canberra also experienced moderate monthly falls with vacancy rates down 0.3 percentage points. Vacancies fell 0.1 percent in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Hobart during May 2016," he said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>"National Rents were slightly weaker this month with a 12 month average change that is mirroring the CPI index. Going forward we do not expect any resurgence in rents for the foreseeable future, barring some cities such as Hobart, which we do expect higher rental growth rates due to a falling trend in vacancies.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Darwin has recorded ongoing falls in asking rents of 10.4 percent for houses and 12.2 percent for units over the past 12 months. Yearly falls have also been recorded in Perth, with asking rents down 9.6 percent for houses and a considerable 10.0 percent for units.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Hobart continues to record the most affordable rental accommodation with rents for houses at just $347 a week, and units averaging $277 a week."</div>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-15%20at%202.43.23%20PM.png" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div>.<span><img src="/images/2016/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-15%20at%202.43.23%20PM.png" alt=""></span>
</div>
<div><span><br><br></span></div>
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

National vacancy rate tight for May: SQM

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<div>More interesting trends reported today by SQM Research for the month of April 2016.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Over the past year Melbourne's reported vacancy rate declined from 2.2 per cent to 2.1 per cent, while in Sydney the reported vacancy rate has fallen from from 1.8 per cent to 1.7 per cent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>At the other end of the spectrum, Perth reached a new cyclical high of 4.6 per cent suggesting that the bottom for the Western Australian capital may not yet be in, although lower interest rates may well help to support prices. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In Perth both median house (-8.4 per cent) and unit (-9,3 per cent) asking rents have declined over the past year, although actual dwelling price declines have been modest. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Asking rents are also down for Darwin houses (-8.4 per cent) and units (-12.5 per cent).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>On the other hand median asking unit rents increased year-on-year or both Sydney (+5 per cent) and Melbourne (+4.1 per cent), while in Brisbane the increase was more modest (+1.3 per cent).</div>
<p><a href="/images/2016/05/18/SQM.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/05/18/SQM.jpg" alt=""></div>
<p> </p>
<div>Since month to month vacancy rates can move around a bit, I've smoothed the data below on a 4mMA basis (arguably I should also be applying a seasonal factor, but I haven't so...shucks).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This chart gives an interesting perspective on recent trends, although the Christmas period can be a bit of a distortion.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/05/18/SQM2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/05/18/SQM2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<p><br><span>Fascinating stuff.</span></p>
<div>In most capital cities vacancy rates have declined over the past year.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In Sydney demand has marginally outstripped supply. Even in apartment construction hotspots such as Green Square vacancy rates have reportedly fallen sharply from 3.5 per cent this time last year to just 1 per cent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Now sure, you might question the measurement criteria (where a new block of units is constructed only a sample of apartments might be advertised for rent, for example), but aren't the measurement criteria measuring like-for-like figures?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
</div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Melbourne and Sydney rental property vacancies down over year: Pete Wargent

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<p><span>GUEST OBSERVER</span></p>
<p><span>In March this year, investigation from the City Futures Research Centre at the University of New South Wales suggested that vacant properties across Sydney were constricting supply and adding to unaffordability.</span></p>
<p><span>The number of unoccupied dwellings in Sydney was derived from 2011 Census data, and researchers found that approximately 120,000 dwellings across Sydney were unoccupied on the night of the Census. It was also found that a higher concentration of vacant properties were found in inner-city suburbs, where rental yields are low.</span></p>
<p><span>The study concluded that the ability to negatively gear investment properties and receive large capital gains tax concessions incentivised investors to hold properties empty. This would explain why vacancies were higher where the capital gains on an untouched property exceeded the benefit of renting it out.</span></p>
<p><span>However, the evidence found may not support this conclusion, partly because properties have to be rented out or at least available for rent in order to receive benefits from negative gearing.</span></p>
<p><span>Representatives from the real estate sector claimed that the figure of vacant properties and its impact on affordability was overstated, as the data did not take into account properties that were vacant because they were on the market and people were in between moving homes. However, Residex data shows that on the night of the Census, there were approximately 6,100 properties listed for rent and approximately 14,200 properties listed for sale in Sydney. Listed properties are not necessarily vacant, but assuming they are, this would account for just 17% of the vacant properties estimated across the greater Sydney region on Census night.</span></p>
<p><span>It would seem that market activity cannot account for the majority of the vacant properties in Sydney’s metropolitan.</span></p>
<p><span><em>Eliza Owen is the market analyst for Onthehouse.com.au. She can be contacted <a href="https://www.onthehouse.com.au/" target="_blank">here.</a></em></span></p>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Vacant properties: are the figures overstated? Onthehouse.com.au's Eliza Owen

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<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Sydney vacancy rates for January rose 0.1 percent for the Inner region to 1.9 percent, Outer Sydney up 0.4 percent to 2.3 percent and the middle region down 0.6 percent to 1.8 percent, according to REINSW.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">The January 2016 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey found combined Sydney properties for rent down </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">0.1 percent at 2.0 percent.</span></p>
<p><span>Hunter vacancy rates rose 0.7 per cent at 3.0 percent with Newcastle up 0.9 percent to 2.7 percent.</span></p>
<p><span>Albury fell 0.5 percent at 2.7 percent, Northern Rivers fell 0.2 percent at 0.7 percent and Riverina was down 0.3 percent at 3.7 per cent. Central Coast rose 0.3 per</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">cent to 2.8 percent, New England rose 0.3 percent to 3.6 percent and Mid North Coast rose </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">0.7 percent to 1.8 percent.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">REINSW President John Cunningham said vacancy rates were expected to remain tight for </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">much of 2016.</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
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Sydney rental accommodation remains tight: REINSW

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<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Sydneyï¿½s residential vacancy rates in Inner Sydney have remained tight, according to data released by the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.</span></p>
<p>The December 2015 REINSW Direct Connect Vacancy Rate Survey saw the number of properties for rent remain steady at 1.8 per cent, as seen in November 2015.</p>
<p>REINSW President John Cunningham said a large number of developments were waiting to be competed in inner Sydney.</p>
<p>ï¿½Stock levels remain low in some of Sydneyï¿½s most popular areas and this is set to continue until the completion of many large developments which are underway,ï¿½ Mr Cunningham said.</p>
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<p>Vacancy rates in outer Sydney rose 0.2 per cent to 1.9 per cent, while middle Sydney rose 0.7 per cent at 2.4 per cent due in large part to lower response rates in this area caused by the holiday period.</p>
<p>ï¿½Innerï¿½ includes suburbs in the following LGAs: Ashfield, Botany Bay, Lane Cove, Leichhardt, Marrickville, Mosman, North Sydney, Randwick, Sydney, Waverley and Woollahra.</p>
<p>ï¿½Middleï¿½ includes suburbs in the following LGAs: Auburn, Bankstown, Burwood, Canterbury, Canada Bay, Hunters Hill, Hurstville, Kogarah, Ku-ring-gai, Manly, Parramatta, Rockdale, Ryde, Strathfield and Willoughby.</p>
<p>ï¿½Outerï¿½ includes suburbs in the following LGAs: Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Gosford, Hawkesbury, Holroyd, Hornsby, Liverpool, Penrith, Pittwater, Sutherland, Warringah, Wollondilly and Wyong.</p>
<p>Availability in the Hunter region continued its decline with a fall of 0.2 per cent at 2.3 per cent.</p>
<p>Newcastle was down 0.3 per cent at 1.8 per cent.</p>
<p>In the Illawarra the overall vacancy rate fell 0.1 per cent to 0.9 per cent despite a rise of 0.4 per cent in Wollongong to 1.5 per cent.</p>
<p>In the regional areas New England rose 0.2 per cent to 3.3 per cent, Albury added 0.8 per cent to 3.2 per cent and the South Coast was up 0.3 per cent to 1.7 per cent.</p>
<p>Northern Rivers dropped 0.6 per cent at 0.9 per cent and Coffs Harbour was down 0.8 per cent at 1.7 per cent.</p>
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<p><img src="/images/2016/01/22/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-22%20at%208.03.52%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>ï¿½</p>
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Inner Sydney vacancy rate remains tight: REINSW

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<p>SQM Research released its latest vacancies and asking rents figures up to October 2015, which showed vacancy rates steady across much of the east coast but rising in the resources capitals. <br> <br>Reported vacancy rates were steady in Brisbane (2.6%) and Adelaide (1.9%), while Canberra (2.1%) saw a slight decline.<br> <br>The vacancy rate in Sydney declined to 1.6%, which has been reflected in moderately rising asking rents for houses (+1.9%) and units (+3.1%) over the year, although the rents figures may mask divergent trends at the sub-regional level.<br> <br>While both Melbourne (2.4%) and Hobart (1.1%) saw vacancy rates ticking up in October, over the past year both have recorded declines, and as such asking rents have been rising solidly in these cities too. </p>
<p>Click to enlarge</p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/11/18/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-19%20at%2010.43.38%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>Resources woes</p>
<p>On the other hand vacancy rates rose further still in Perth (3.8%) and Darwin (3.5%).</p>
<p>Asking rents for houses in Darwin have tanked by more than 20% over the past year according to SQM, with Darwin set for a significant price correction.</p>
<p>Asking rents are down for houses in Perth too (-6.4%), albeit by a less dramatic margin.</p>
<p>Perth has reportedly seen the price of premium property fall sharply this year, although prices at the bottom end of the market have not shifted too much to date.</p>
<p>Perth will become an attractive buyers' market again in time, but most data - including the iron ore price which was walloped by another 4.5% overnight to be down by a stonking 76% since 2011 and 36% this calendar year alone - suggests that this time is not yet upon us!</p>
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
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Vacancy rates a mixed bag: Pete Wargent

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<p>The level of residential vacancies rose nationally in October with a 2.3% increase over the month to 70, 827 according to SQM Research.</p>
<p>But Canberra and Sydney notched up monthly falls.</p>
<p>SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said vacancies have been soaring in Perth and Darwin, while east coast capital cities have been stable.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/11/16/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-17%20at%209.32.57%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/11/16/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-17%20at%209.32.57%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>“There is a sharp contrast in the national rental market at this point in time," he said.</p>
<p>"Vacancies have been soaring in Perth and Darwin, while our east coast capital cities have generally been stable. This is just one indicator on how the mining downturn has effected the economy.</p>
<p>"Clearly, not everywhere has been effected, but those cities and townships that do have exposure have been hit hard.”</p>
<p>SQM Research reported <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">vacancy rates stayed the same for Adelaide and Brisbane over the month, y</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">ear-on-year vacancy rates dropped in both Melbourne and Hobart and </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Sydney vacancy rates remain unchanged over the last year, with figures from October 2015 recording a vacancy rate of 1.6%.</span></p>
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<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="/images/2015/11/16/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-17%20at%209.33.12%20AM.png" alt=""></span></p>
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Sydney's October vacancy rate at low 1.6%: SQM Research

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<p>Residential vacancies dropped in Melbourne, Canberra, Darwin and Hobart in September, according to new figures released by SQM Research.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said over the year, vacancy rates in Hobart have continued to fall with a significant 0.4% drop from this time last year.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">"Vacancy rates in Melbourne have also fallen 0.3% over the last 12 months, bringing the total number of vacancies down to 272 in September 2015. Both falls reflect the tightening of both residential markets post downturns," he said.</span></p>
<p>"The number of residential vacancies remained tight across the nation in September 2015, with a vacancy rate of 2.3% posted based on 70,037 vacancies. Vacancies remained the same in most capital cities, excluding Melbourne, Canberra, Darwin and Hobart, where vacancies dropped over the month of September.</p>
<p>"Darwin and Canberra recorded the biggest monthly fall with vacancy rates down 0.2 percentage points from August 2015. Hobart and Melbourne soon followed with vacancies falling 0.1% over the month of September."</p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/10/20/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-20%20at%201.23.00%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/10/20/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-20%20at%201.23.00%20PM.png" alt="" width="807" height="202"></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">SQM Research state</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> asking rents for Darwin and Perth are down when compared to last year, with Darwin house rents down 18.8% and 15.1% for units over the past 12 months. asking rents for Perth houses are down 7.5% and units 7.2%.</span></p>
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<p><img src="/images/2015/10/20/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-20%20at%201.24.47%20PM.png" alt=""></p>
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Hobart vacancy rates continue to fall: SQM Research

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<p>Queensland regional areas are slowly recovering from a property market slump driven by the resources downturn.</p>
<p>New vacancy rate data from the REIQ reveals the regional centres throughout the state are moving slowly towards a recovery. </p>
<p>REIQ chief executive office Antonia Mercorella said in towns <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">where employment rates are stronger and opportunities are greater the rental market is recovering more quickly.</span></p>
<p>“The State Government has announced a range of regional infrastructure projects in its recent budget and these will doubtless impact on the vacancy rates in the coming quarters,” she said. </p>
<p>Figures from REIQ show Mackay has had a third consecutive drop in vacancy rate, down 0.3 percentage points from March to 9.1%, with rental listings spending on average four weeks on the market with approximately two applicants per listing.</p>
<p>The vacancy rate in Townsville fell 0.6 percentage points to 5.3% at the end of June.</p>
<p>Bundaberg had the highest vacancy rate in 21 quarters, with the end of June figure up 0.5 percentage points to 4.6%</p>
<p>Rockhampton's rental market is in oversupply, with its vacancy rate at 6% at the end of June.</p>
<p>Toowomba's <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">vacancy rate was marginally down 0.1 percentage points to 3.1%.</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/07/24/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-24%20at%202.19.13%20PM.png" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="/images/2015/07/24/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-24%20at%202.19.13%20PM.png" alt=""></span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> The REIQ classifies vacancy rates of 2.5% or below as tight and rates of 2.5% to 3.5% as healthy. Vacancy rates of 3.6 per cent or above is classed as a weak market. </span></p>
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