A full-scale Sky Homes prototype apartment for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/zeste-at-the-orchards-norwest-104-fairway-drive-norwest-nsw-2153">Zeste</a> has been opened by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a>, offering buyers a look at the final residential release within The Orchards masterplan in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/norwest-nsw-2153">Norwest</a>.

The prototype launch coincides with buyer demand for larger apartment living continuing across Sydney’s Hills District.

David Lee, Sales Manager, Apartment &amp; Mixed-Use Developments at Sekisui House Australia said it was evident from the preceding four stages at The Orchards that a large number of buyers were local owner occupiers or downsizers specifically looking for oversized apartments with additional living spaces.

“The majority of buyers prefer to touch, feel and physically sight a full-scale completed apartment, rather than imagining the living spaces from floor plans," Lee says.

"The prototype apartment provides greater clarity and buyer confidence. We expect this will increase sales momentum for Zeste and the Sky Homes in particular.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351878]

Positioned within Stage 5’s Zeste project, the Sky Homes form part of the final opportunity to purchase within the award-winning master-planned community, which will ultimately deliver approximately 1,300 apartments.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, Zeste comprises two residential buildings, Essence and Eden, providing 209 apartments surrounded by extensive landscaping, resort-style amenities and community spaces.

Ben Pomroy, Principal at Rothelowman said Zeste explores a reinvention of the traditional house, in the orchard, synthesising the nostalgic story of the orchard homestead of yesteryear with a contemporary aesthetic inspired by the landscape.

“Natural light and ventilation are key to the design, contributing to a higher quality of life at the human scale. Across all Rothelowman projects, our ethos of ‘a generous eye for life’ drives our consideration of the human experience as the central point of focus of our design process.”

Pomroy says a&nbsp;notable design element is the cathedral glass light boxes incorporated in the joinery, inspired by the idea of wandering the orchard homestead with a lantern in hand, something familiar and nostalgic.

"We took this narrative and gave it a contemporary twist that is both beautiful and functional, creating unique features that unify the kitchen and bathrooms design.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351874]

In addition to the two residential buildings, Zeste comprises a single-story community amenity pavilion nestled in the landscape between Essence and Eden.

“The communal pavilion is a distinctive feature designed to foster a deep sense of community, with nature at its heart," Pomroy added.

"Whether it is watching the football grand final or hosting a family BBQ, the pavilion is designed as a place where residents can create memorable moments with friends, family and neighbours.

Since launching Essence, the first building within Zeste, buyer demand has remained strong with more than 30 per cent of residences already sold. Sky Homes have accounted for nearly 40 per cent of all sales achieved since launch.

“Purchasers are responding positively to the oversized layouts, diverse apartment configurations and the vast range of community facilities that will be available at completion,”David Lee noted.

Zeste Sky Homes represent approximately 35 per cent of the entire Stage 5 offering and are available across both Essence and the yet-to-launch Eden building. Prices for the Sky Homes range from $1,135,000 with one car space through to $1,500,000 for two car spaces.

Apartments across the broader Zeste release start from approximately $715,000, with generous floorplans ranging from 59 to 144sqm. Select residences also feature integrated ‘Max’ spaces, designed to function as flexible areas for home offices, children’s playrooms or additional storage.

Zeste also continues Sekisui House Australia’s sustainability partnership with Altogether Group, delivering integrated water, power and data services alongside passive design initiatives including cross-ventilation, landscaping and water features.

Early purchasers are currently able to access a selection of premium upgrade options, with VIP buyers receiving one complimentary upgrade package. A 2.5 per cent deposit is available for a short time.

Sekisui recently commenced its pre-construction phase. They are expecting an early 2028 completion of Zeste.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150510]

Joel Robinson

Zeste Sky Homes prototype opens as buyer demand surges for oversized apartment living

Having recently announced its entry into the booming Gold Coast new apartment market with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aere-chevron-island-18-20-mawarra-street-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Aere Chevron Island</a>, developer Martello™ is offering generous stamp duty savings for buyers before June 30.

Martello™ says the incentive creates a more accessible entry into premium apartment living.

"While incentives in property are nothing new, today’s stamp duty contributions arrive at a particularly important moment," the developer says.

"Buyers are not only seeking quality homes and strong locations; they are also looking for smarter financial entry points. Reducing or offsetting stamp duty can represent tens of thousands of dollars in savings - funds that can instead be directed toward furnishing a home, reducing mortgage pressure, or simply providing peace of mind during the transition into ownership."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367517]

Aere is one of the more boutique new developments on Chevron Island, with just 33 apartments across 18 storeys on Mawarra Street

The developer has placed a strong emphasis on wellness, briefing architecture firm Raunik Design to embed this philosophy into the project.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a>&nbsp;has positioned Aere as a continuation of its human-centric development approach, with a focus extending beyond amenity to the fundamentals of layout, natural light, and spatial planning.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=368446]

To bring a heightened level of confidence to the project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a>&nbsp;has already appointed Promax Construction to build the tower. They are expected to start construction in the coming months.

Martello™ says that in any market cycle, confidence matters.

"Buyers who may have been waiting on the sidelines are now reassessing their timing as developers and vendors introduce meaningful incentives designed to support decision-making. For owner-occupiers, it creates an opportunity to secure a premium residence with reduced upfront costs. For investors, it can improve the overall acquisition equation at a time when rental demand remains exceptionally strong across many key markets."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367507]

Aere offers a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, the latter of which occupy half a flor. These layouts prioritise separation between living and sleeping zones, along with increased privacy and storage, features more commonly associated with detached housing than traditional apartment product.

Aere’s private resident amenity spaces centre on wellness. A rooftop level will incorporate a heated swimming pool, sauna and spa, alongside a residents’ lounge, dining areas and barbecue spaces, while additional shared facilities throughout the building include a gym and yoga area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367515]

&nbsp;

"What we are seeing now is a market that rewards readiness," Martello added.

"Buyers who are informed, financially prepared, and willing to act decisively are finding opportunities that may not exist once conditions shift again. Incentives such as stamp duty contributions are typically limited in duration and allocation, particularly within tightly held developments where demand remains high.

&nbsp;

Offer available on selected residences at Aere Chevron Island only. Stamp duty contribution provided by the developer at settlement and cannot be exchanged for cash or combined with any other offer unless approved by the developer. Offer valid for contracts signed on or before 30 June 2026. The developer reserves the right to amend or withdraw the offer at any time without notice. Terms and conditions apply.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143932]

Martello™ offers limited time stamp duty concessions at Aere Chevron Island

New development specialists Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgleish have unveiled their new development firm, Dalcott, following several successful projects delivered under the Pyco banner across the region.

Pyco is currently delivering Atelier in nearby West End, Nouveau in Albion, and Onde at Kirra, its debut Gold Coast apartment development in the booming Kirra Beach precinct.

Its first plans under the new Dalcott banner are in South Brisbane, which has been Brisbane’s most enquired-on suburb so far in 2026, while neighbouring West End has also continued to record strong demand.

The developer already has approval for an 11-storey building with 65 apartments on Browning Street, however has recently acquired the adjoining 910 sqm site at the rear, creating a combined 2,746 sqm footprint that will now allow for two 11-storey buildings with 92 large-scale apartments, a configuration Cottee and Dalgleish have focused on across their local portfolio.

The project, known as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a>, will comprise 84 three-bedroom apartments, 16 of which will include an additional multipurpose room, and just eight two-bedroom residences.

DAH Architecture has led the design of Marrone, which will include more than 330 sqm of communal open space and rooftop recreation areas.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7eeea1a0-be23-47c8-80fb-3409428241fd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-21%20at%209.36.38%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pZW7o.tB7oJovYCRIFSxrZbMr6QdpHy." />

Cottee told Apartments.com.au the project reflects a gap in Brisbane’s apartment market.

"It is an area we know well with Atelier, another development which focuses on large apartments, less than 300 metres away," Cottee says.

"There's limited supply of large-scale apartments of this size in a single building in Brisbane. The majority of apartments in this category are in considerably smaller buildings, on the water, and are only really accessible to the deepest of pockets.

"Marrone will offer the same size and scale, but with greater amenity and at a much more realistic price point for the market."

The architectural approach reflects the continued evolution of South Brisbane’s higher-density residential character. Renders show a heavily landscaped façade composition with curved balconies, textured brickwork, deep recesses, and integrated planting aimed at softening the scale of the twin towers.

The revised proposal builds on the design narrative established in the original scheme. In the earlier submission, Gatehouse Architects described the project as a continuation of Browning Street’s long-term urban transformation.

“The proposal echoes the spirit of early developments like Watson Terrace (built in 1888), by contributing to the growth and diversification of the local population,” the original design statement noted.

“Just as Watson Terrace played a role in the area’s early gentrification, this development continues that trajectory, delivering contemporary housing that addresses the evolving needs of South Brisbane’s expanding community.”

The updated proposal, designed by DAH Architecture, spans a 2,746 sqm corner site with frontages to Browning and O’Connell Streets. The development will comprise two 11-storey residential buildings delivering 92 apartments, replacing the previously proposed 65-unit scheme.

The apartment mix has shifted further toward larger owner-occupier residences, continuing Dalcott’s established strategy across South East Queensland. The plans include 68 three-bedroom apartments, 16 three-bedroom apartments with multipurpose rooms, and eight two-bedroom residences. Two basement levels will provide 142 car spaces, alongside bicycle parking for 115 bikes.

The larger Marrone proposal arrives amid sustained redevelopment momentum across South Brisbane and the wider Kurilpa precinct, where developers are increasingly targeting owner-occupiers seeking larger apartments close to the CBD, cultural precincts, and riverfront amenity.

The site sits within walking distance of South Bank, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane State High School, and several major transport connections, while nearby Fish Lane and West End continue to drive demand for higher-end inner-city apartments.

Cottee is expecting Marrone to launch around August with Realm Projects.

Exclusive: Dalcott doubles down on South Brisbane with twin-tower Marrone plans

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/doma-group">DOMA Group</a> has unveiled plans for Newcastle Quay, a major waterfront precinct set to reshape Newcastle’s harbourfront and further cement the city’s evolution into one of Australia’s fastest-growing urban destinations.

Positioned on a prominent site within the Honeysuckle Precinct, Newcastle Quay will span both sides of Honeysuckle Drive, connecting directly to the Foreshore Promenade and sitting within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange.

The mixed-use precinct is planned to include around 1,000 apartments, more than 28,000 sqm of commercial office space, 6,000 sqm of retail, and a 180-room hotel anchored by a 500-seat conference and exhibition centre, a move expected to significantly lift Newcastle’s ability to attract major business and tourism events.
</section>

<img alt="DOMA Group unveil Newcastle’s future with transformative Newcastle Quay Precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0642ca09-67cc-4920-8a7e-d18df9729b4e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/%3D.png?VersionId=CnDmZxQnOV5LN0ePu7jaFBXC9tPGTrWm" />

The proposal builds on DOMA’s growing Newcastle pipeline, where the developer has already delivered 866 apartments and more than 19,000 sqm of commercial and retail space since entering the market in 2013. A further $2 billion pipeline is also in the works across the city.

The masterplan and executive architecture are led by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, with building concepts developed alongside Stewart Architecture, Architecture AND and Curious Practice, and landscape design by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/turf-design">Turf Design Studio</a>. More than 11,000 sqm of open space is planned, including a new waterfront park known as Honeysuckle Green, upgrades to Tree of Knowledge Park, and new pedestrian and cycling links throughout the precinct.

At the centre of the development will be the heritage-listed Wickham School of Arts, which DOMA plans to reposition as the civic and cultural heart of the precinct through restaurants, bars, events and public gathering spaces.

The broader vision is to create a genuine day-to-night precinct, blending residential, hospitality, retail, commercial and cultural uses in a way Newcastle has yet to experience at this scale.

DOMA Group Managing Director Jure Domazet said the aim was to create a precinct that becomes synonymous with Newcastle itself.

“Our vision is to create a precinct that not only delivers high-quality commercial, residential, and cultural spaces, but also defines Newcastle’s waterfront for generations to come,” Domazet said.

DOMA’s Chris Farrington said the project would fundamentally change how Newcastle is perceived nationally.

“Newcastle Quay is more than a waterfront precinct, it is a national announcement for this city,” Farrington said.

“A world-class Conference and Exhibition Centre will open Newcastle and the Hunter Region to a national and international audience for the first time, delivering something this city has long deserved.”

The project is expected to generate more than 4,000 full-time equivalent jobs and act as a major economic driver for the Hunter region through tourism, business events, hospitality and commercial investment.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the final parcel of harbourfront land will be a "true mixed-use precinct destination that includes housing, hospitality and entertainment, commercial spaces, retail, economic and social outcomes."

DOMA Group unveils 1,000-apartment Newcastle Quay precinct

ASX-listed developer Stockland is continuing to ramp up its return to the apartment market.

In late 2024, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/stockland">Stockland</a> announced it would resume apartment development after a 13-year absence, launching with Stanton Place in Rosebery, a 144-apartment project now under construction.

Last week, the developer unveiled plans alongside the NSW Government for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-nsw-gov-unveils-plans-for-3-300-home-waterloo-south-renewal">3,300-home precinct in Waterloo</a>.

Now, Stockland has shifted its focus in St Leonards, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to replace an approved 42-storey office tower with a 52-storey residential development comprising more than 500 apartments.

<img alt="Stockland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8979095e-9072-432b-a7da-58b180cf994d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-20%20at%204.27.36%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=_jbRXYOafCSHjwsz.yQCNIymMyCj8zkF" />

An existing 14-storey commercial office building would make way for a 264.5-metre tower designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>. The project would deliver 538 apartments, including 30 affordable housing units, alongside retail and commercial uses at the podium and ground plane.

It will rise from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">601 Pacific Highway</a>, a prominent 2,844 sqm triangular site adjoining Mitchell Plaza and fronting Pacific Highway.

The development is being pursued under the Housing Delivery Authority pathway after Stockland’s proposal was declared State Significant Development earlier this year.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans 52-storey mixed-use tower with 538 apartments in St Leonards" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="67f40f35-0458-47ab-80c0-a4e98a31838a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%201.png?VersionId=rxXe3njr.auuGDuiR0k42uI8Zr4K.gZA" />

The apartment mix includes 217 one-bedroom apartments, 191 two-bedroom apartments, 122 three-bedroom apartments, and eight four-bedroom residences. Six basement levels would accommodate 300 car spaces, bicycle parking, loading areas, and building services.

Bates Smart said the project has been shaped around a series of urban design principles intended to improve the pedestrian experience and respond to the evolving character of St Leonards.

“With a boundary length of almost 75m along Pacific Highway and 70m along Atchison Street to the north, complying simply with the LEP envelope and required setbacks would result in a very wide tower form on the skyline,” the architects noted in the Design Report.

“We propose breaking the tower form into two defined volumes rather than a singular form.”

The podium has similarly been articulated into separate forms to reduce perceived bulk and create a finer-grain response to Mitchell Plaza and Atchison Street. Retail tenancies would activate the lower levels, while commercial space is proposed across the podium floors.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans 52-storey mixed-use tower with 538 apartments in St Leonards" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="90149990-0551-40d2-bd48-14b69a015d12" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%202.png?VersionId=MJC2KIIWFvU9FPGr3IVq09gkRN_gX3m8" />

The design also places a significant emphasis on communal amenity and environmental performance. Residents would have access to landscaped terraces, wellness areas, flexible workspaces, and rooftop communal facilities, while the all-electric building is targeting an average 7-star NatHERS rating. Bates Smart said the project incorporates passive design measures including natural ventilation, integrated shading, and lightweight façade systems.

Planning documents note the site is around 350 metres from St Leonards Station and 400 metres from the metro entrance, placing it within one of Sydney’s most connected emerging residential precincts.

The project arrives amid a wave of large-scale redevelopment proposals reshaping the St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline. Several nearby sites have recently been approved, lodged, or declared under the Housing Delivery Authority pathway as the precinct absorbs significant residential density uplift tied to transit-oriented development policies.

<img alt="Stockland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7805bd7c-dfd7-4b35-8e15-ec4a8bf8e61b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-20%20at%204.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=iY12K2m2bQ6EeDnshqfZC9rbLx_oEugP" />

Bates Smart’s report describes St Leonards as transitioning away from its historical commercial identity toward a more mixed-use urban environment.

“In recent years, the character of St Leonards has started to evolve, driven by new development trends along the Pacific Highway corridor,” the report said.

“These projects have increasingly focused on residential accommodation, marking a shift from its purely commercial roots.”

Sekisui House Australia is currently selling Waterstone down near Newlands Park, in a pocket being branded "St Leonards South." Hyecorp recently completed Audrey in the same pocket.

First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower

Wollongong

Two new mixed-use residential developments are in the pipeline for Wollongong&rsquo;s CBD, continuing the upwards growth in the area.

Local developers, Blaq Projects, are behind one of the lodged development, with plans to construct an 18-storey building at 24-30 Kenny Street.

The $33 million development outlines 68 residential units, along with a 78-room hotel which will feature a range of amenities, including a caf&eacute;, swimming pool and gym.

While the operator for the hotel is yet to be announced, the successful group will manage and operate the hotel alongside Anya Solutions, which is headed by Blaq&#39;s chief financial officer, Sharmen Naidoo.

Designed by Robert Gizzi at Design Workshop Australia - another Wollongong local &ndash; the development application has also included basement level parking for 122 vehicles.

On the northern end of the CBD, a seven-storey residential development has been put forward, with plans to designate the 1889 sqm ground floor as retail space.

81-85 Keira Street will comprise 43 apartments and will feature basement level parking.

Local developers, Blaq Projects, are behind one of the lodged development, with plans to construct an 18-storey building at 24-30 Kenny Street.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Two new residential offerings added to Wollongong's development pipeline

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Overall retail trading conditions remain challenging for many local traditional shop front businesses, particularly in the Wollongong CBD, according to the latest report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The property valuation firm has seen a decline in foot traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated work from home directives still in place for numerous commercial office tenants.
Suburban retailers, particularly in the food and beverage sector, have seemingly benefited from the change in work patterns, reporting improved customer visits since the April lockdown, while many of the large national bulky goods retailers that have an online ordering system have been reporting strong sales figures.
Despite some serious initial concerns, retail leasing activity has not fallen off a cliff with many landlords still coming to terms with tenants albeit with higher incentives that typically include a rent free or rental discount period over the initial six to 12 month period of the lease term.
The report authors said, "It is our view though that the real test is still to come with many of the government programs and schemes to be wound back over the coming months."
"Sales activity remains at a low level with several sales occurring over the past six months in the sub $1 million range to owner-occupiers and only a couple of retail investment sales in the higher price range."
"Investors during these periods are typically seeking defensive assets with strong long term lease covenants with the market predicting a long period of low inflation," they concluded.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Local Wollongong retail property is struggling: HTW

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Wollongong’s industrial sector looked set to continue years of buoyant conditions prior to the coronavirus wreaking havoc on the local economy, according to the latest report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
“Obviously all bets are off at the moment with the market broadly in a freeze as investors, owner-occupiers, developers and tenants for the most part adopt a wait and see approach, needing comfort on the long term economic impact prior to making a buying or leasing decision in this current uncertain environment,” the firm said in their April Month-in-Review.
“Each transaction that takes place during this period needs to be scrutinised heavily as motivations of the participants involved will fluctuate quite significantly. This is not a normal market.”
The firm said they were aware of an industrial property owner very close to retirement who was happy to sell at a circa 10 to15 percent discount on what was fair market value as the risk of holding and waiting for the situation to settle was not worth it for them.
“The purchaser was very happy to acquire at this discount, believing values will return to pre-Coronavirus levels in two to three years time, if not sooner.”
The Commonwealth has released a mandatory code of conduct for commercial tenants with an annual turnover up to $50 million, providing a guideline for those impacted by a downturn in trading.
The report concluded that, despite recent downturn, the medium to long term outlook for the Illawarra industrial sector remains strong.
“The region may well benefit from a lower Australian dollar, repatriation of offshore manufacturing facilities and construction of warehouse facilities to ensure adequate levels of stock are held as insurance for potential future disruptions to the global supply chain.”
The area’s biggest asset as an industrial market are its “proximity to Sydney; construction of the second airport in Western Sydney; expanding Port of Port Kembla; and state government investment in infrastructure, with more likely to follow as part of Commonwealth and state government stimulus measures.”
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How Wollongong’s commercial market has fared during the coronavirus pandemic: HTW

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The industrial sector has been the best performing real estate asset class in the region over the past two years and we expect this performance to continue throughout 2020, according to the February 2020 report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The property valuation firm found that the main risk in this sector will be one of overheating.
Most of the activity in the industrial market is being driven by the Port of Port Kembla with logistics a rapidly developing sector particularly in new vehicle transportation.
The very tight supply and escalating values and rents of industrial property throughout Sydney (notably south-western Sydney) is also impacting on the local market given its proximity to Australia’s largest city.
HTW valuers said, "given recent performance, current momentum, interest rate cuts and a strong performing local economy, we expect to see continued downward pressure on investment yields, although the challenge for investors in 2020 will be the availability of assets to purchase."
"Outside of small to medium sized strata warehouses, owner-occupiers may also struggle to find suitable premises and industrial land supply is limited at present."
"For better quality properties where demand exceeds supply, we expect there to be upward pressure being placed on rents and it will be interesting to see where market rents set for tenants who exercise options in 2020, and of course for tenants entering into new lease agreements," they concluded.
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Wollongong industrial property to remain its strongest market in 2020: HTW Industrial

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Overall the Wollongong retail market is headed towards finishing the year as predicted, flat, according to the latest retail report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The property valuation firm found that the first half of the year was particularly challenging for retailers due in large part to a stagnant housing market however some hope for a recovery has been provided for the second half of the year and moving into 2020 as the housing market recovers, likely being fuelled by the three interest rate cuts.
It is hoped that these interest rate cuts will stimulate spending in the retail sector.
The report authors stated, "leasing conditions have continued a long term trend of being static given above averagevacancy rates and generally soft demand, while supply continues to be introduced to the market given the large number of mixed-use projects completed in the Wollongong CBD over recent times and with additional projects also being developed at present."
"There is no upward pressure being placed on rental rates with conditions generally favouring tenants," they concluded.
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Hope remains for a Wollongong retail recovery: HTW Retail

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A Wollongong apartment has been re-sold for $5.85 million.
The Illawarra district property had been the most expensive property of 2017 in the region when 11/72 Cliff Road, Wollongong sold for $3,793,000.
The oceanfront penthouse contains four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
It occupies the entire sixth floor of the east tower in the 33-apartment luxury development The Esplanade.
The 11/72 Cliff Road apartment was initially listed off-the-plan for $4.5 million in 2015.
Rob Austin from Harrison Property was the selling agent of both sales.
It has been sold to a Sydney buyer who was from Wollongong.
It has an internal floor space of 275 square metres plus 225 square metres of balconies, a five-car garage and lock-up storage.
The Esplanade is a dual-tower complex built on the former Villa Maria nursing home site.
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Wollongong apartment resold for $5.85 million

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The former Century 21 Wollongong real estate agent Hakan Kutup faced Wollongong Local Court yesterday.
Kutup faced court on fraud allegations.
He has been charged with 27 offences. 
Lake Illawarra detectives, with the assistance of the Office of Fair Trading, commenced an investigation in August into the alleged actions of Kutup.
Hakan Kutup, formerly of Century 21 Ultimate Wollongong, told the local paper, The Illawarra Mercury he would be fighting the charges in September.
Lake Illawarra detectives allege Kutup, 53, made false documents that claimed he had sold numerous properties and as a result would be entitled to the commission.
The alleged false documents included photo-shopped emails and letterheads purported to be made from solicitors and conveyancers located in the Illawarra, police allege.
They also include fabricated contracts of sales, fabricated agency agreement documents, false signatures and false bank deposits for the business that ran out of 4/ 74 Kembla St, Wollongong after being set up in 2009.
The documents were allegedly submitted to Paidonexchange Pty Ltd - a business that, for a fee, provides real estate agents their entitled commissions from the property up front, removing the need for the real estate agent to wait for the settlement.
As a result Kutup "made a total financial advantage of $263,755", police say.
They allege they also uncovered that Kutup misappropriated funds from a sale trust account to the amount of $220,515.
He was charged with 12 forgery offences, 12 fraud offences and three counts of fraudulent conversion of money.
Kutup was granted strict bail. 
The former Wollongong real estate agent, who faced court for the first time yesterday, had been a director at HKJS Holdings Pty Ltd (in liquidation) that formerly traded as Century 21 Ultimate (Wollongong).
In mid 2018 Century 21 removed HKJS of their C21 franchise with liquidation records suggesting the C21! HQ was owed $85,000.
The ATO was owed $185,000.
Kutup had previously worked at Park Trent.
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Former Century 21 Ultimate Wollongong estate agent Hakan Kutup on PaidOneExchange commission fraud charges

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The industrial sector continues to be the most buoyant of the three main commercial property classes, driven primarily by activity surrounding the port of Port Kembla, a profitable BlueScope steelworks, mining activity which has rebounded over more recent times and a strong Sydney industrial market, according to the latest report from Herron Todd White
The property valuation firm found, owner-occupiers and private investors are active while there is also an increased appetite for higher valued assets as illustrated by the June 2019 sale of 1 Darcey Road, Port Kembla to an owneroccupier for $8.6 million plus GST, reflecting rates of $965 per square metre of lettable area and $345 per square metre of improved land area.
Investment sales have been scarce due to the lack of properties available.
Analysed market yields are hovering between six and seven per cent and even lower for sub-$1.5 million properties in industrial precincts near the Wollongong CBD.
The valuers added, "agents are reporting some upward pressure on rents due to limited stock with gross face rents typically ranging from $100 to $150 per square metre and even higher for smaller modern style warehouses."
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Wollongong industrial market remains the most bouyant: HTW Industrial

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Sales transactions in the Wollongong office sector have slowed over the past 12 months mirroring the trend of the broader commercial real estate market across regional New South Wales, according to the latest report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The firm's report found, the slowdown is coming at the end of a very buoyant three years where record sales prices were achieved resulting in yield compression across the board.
This is exemplified by the sale of 90 Crown Street, Wollongong in late 2018 for $50.38 million showing an initial passing yield of 7.75% on a WALE of 3.5 years.
Report authors stated, "the slowdown in investment sales over the past year is attributed to several factors including the Banking Royal Commission, state and federal elections, volatility in the global markets, downturn in the housing market and just the normal market cycle."
"There is optimism that recent interest rate cuts will spur activity with most participants keenly watching to see if this will result in further yield compression in the sector or if there will be a more permanent reassessment of risk despite lower borrowing costs."
"During this period of low and reducing interest rates, owner-occupiers have remained relatively active in the sub-$1.5 million price category, however the limited availability of such properties particularly in the Wollongong CBD has seen owneroccupiers look further afield to the region’s other major centres including Corrimal, Fairy Meadow, Dapto and Shellharbour."
"Gross face rents in the Wollongong CBD generally sit in the order of $400 to $450 per square metre for A-grade and $350 to $395 per square metre for better quality B-grade stock in the CBD," the authors concluded.
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Wollongong office market slows after three buoyant years: HTW Commercial

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A former Wollongong real estate agent has been charged with multiple forgery, fraud and misappropriating offences.
Detectives from Lake Illawarra Police District, with the assistance of the Office of Fair Trading, commenced an investigation into the 53-year-old man following a complaint received in relation to the theft of funds.
Police allege between December 2017 and June 2018 the man made and submitted false documents to a business that provides real estate agents their entitled commissions up front.
The false documents included photoshopped emails and letterheads from solicitors and conveyancers located in the Illawarra, fabricated contracts of sales and agency agreements, false bank deposits and false signatures.
The documents were allegedly submitted on more than 12 occasions over the seven-month period, resulting in a financial advantage of $263,755.
The investigation revealed the man had also allegedly misappropriated more than $200,000 in funds from a sales trust account.
The 53-year-old man was arrested at Lake Illawarra Police Station last week.
He was charged with 12 counts of forgery, 12 counts of fraud and three counts of fraudulent conversion of money.
He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to face Wollongong Local Court on 5 November 2019.
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