<p>Sekisui House Australia's first apartment development in Sydney's Lower North Shore has been a hit with prospective new home buyers.</p>

<p>They recently released <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/waterstone-st-leonards-24-berry-road-st-leonards-nsw-2065">Waterstone</a>, on the fringe of Newlands Park in the emerging St Leonards South precinct, a short walk from the Crows Nest Metro and the heart of St Leonards.</p>

<p>The new development will home&nbsp;207 apartments across five mid-rise buildings, rising between four to nine storeys.</p>

<p>We recently visited the display suite at&nbsp;60 Pacific Highway, St Leonards, to find out more about the development that has been one of the most enquired on developments on Apartments.com.au in the last few months.</p>

<p><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/rO1K7t6GOgY?si=pwmYyqjNBBzjMNeb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Watersone sales agent Paul Marrum says the orientation of the building was key to Sekisui's wider design philosophy.</p>

<p>“Waterstone has been orientated to face south, capturing views over Newland’s Park and back to the Sydney CBD," Marrum says.</p>

<p>"This deliberate positioning, alongside 30 per cent of the site dedicated to open space designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/aspect-studios">Aspect Studios</a>, roots the project in the developer’s Satoyama philosophy - prioritising balance between the built environment and its surrounding ecosystem."</p>

<p>On offer are a mix of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, with many including&nbsp;multi-purpose rooms to accommodate shifting lifestyle needs, from work-from-home professionals to growing families and downsizers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134191 project_image_fid=234]</p>

<p>“Every apartment is open plan, with interiors flowing to balconies or courtyards," Marrum adds.</p>

<p>"The material palette reinforces this flow: soft-toned tactile stone, fluted glass cabinetry, and warm timber joinery work together to create what he describes as a “refined but relaxed atmosphere.”</p>

<p>There’s a distinct human scale to Waterstone’s design. The community is shaped as a network of boutique buildings threaded by a ‘green spine’, a landscape feature that invites movement, reflection, and connection.</p>

<p>Marrum highlights the presence of sensory gardens and native planting throughout, signalling an approach that enhances both wellness and biodiversity.&nbsp;Yet Waterstone doesn’t forgo amenity for serenity however. Residents will have access to a heated outdoor pool and spa, infrared sauna, co-working lounge, fully equipped gym, and even dedicated resident workspaces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134191 project_image_fid=231]</p>

<p>Waterstone will rise from a prime Berry Road site ideally located near the green Newlands Park but also a short walk to the hear of both St Leonards and Crows Nest, two transport nodes with bus, train, and Sydney Metro lines connecting to the rest of Sydney.</p>

<p>Construction is slated to begin in mid-2025, with completion targeted for late 2027.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134191]</p>


Joel Robinson

Inside Waterstone St Leonards: Apartments.com.au Video Spotlight

<p>Off the plan buyers at Altona's newest apartment development Voyage, are soon to take their keys, with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spacious-property-development-group-pty-ltd">Spacious Property Development Group</a>&nbsp;approaching completion of the contemporary, coastal building.</p>

<p>Farey &amp; Co can now take prospective buyers through a fully-furnished display apartment on appointment as construction approaches its final stages.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]</p>

<p>Situated just 13 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, Voyage Altona beachside apartment development offers a rare opportunity to live moments from the sand, pier, and thriving village life of Pier Street.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/voyage-altona-102-106-pier-street-altona-vic-3018">Voyage</a> is the only new apartment offering currently on the market in <a>Altona</a>. Comprising one, two, and three-bedroom residences, it has been thoughtfully designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers, from first home purchasers to downsizers and lifestyle-focused owner-occupiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prices start from just over $500,000 for one-bedroom apartments, with three-bedroom configurations topping out just over the $1 million mark.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=2145]</p>

<p>Voyage's architecture, by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cheah-saw-architecture">Cheah Saw Architecture</a>, is defined by an asymmetrical façade and a refined palette that echoes the surrounding coastal tones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Inside, a minimalist design language prevails, with full-height glazing inviting expansive views over Port Phillip Bay and hybrid timber flooring grounding the open-plan layouts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kitchens are appointed with premium Miele appliances and stone finishes, while the bathrooms feature porcelain tiles and walk-in glass showers.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3287]</p>

<p>Voyage's location on Pier Street places residents at the heart of the suburb’s major activity centre. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/altona-vic-3018">Altona</a> Station, Altona Beach, and a diverse mix of cafes and shops are all within walking distance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the final release now selling, Spacious is offering buyers the chance to secure their future home with just a five per cent deposit, a move that lowers the barrier to entry and positions Voyage as one of the most accessible premium new builds on Melbourne’s bayside fringe.</p>

<p>Spacious Property Development Group collaborated with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/valeo-construction">Valeo Construction</a> to bring this vision to life. The development has advanced significantly, with interior fit-outs and communal landscaping well underway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Completion is targeted for Q3 2025, with some buyers expected to move in by September.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]</p>


Completion is targeted for Q3 2025, with some buyers expected to move in by September

Buyers to move into Voyage Altona this Spring

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/beulah">Beulah</a>&nbsp;has unveiled its latest release of exclusive homes in its sustainable Brunswick townhouse development, Brunswick Established.</p>

<p>The collection, known as ‘The Courtyard House’, has been created in collaboration with Six Degrees Architects to meet the evolving needs of modern families.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With a central courtyard at its heart, the design reimagines the possibilities of multi-generational living, blending flexibility, sustainability and personalisation within a heritage setting. Distinct from a traditional garden, the courtyard delivers natural light, fresh air and a generous sense of space, without the upkeep of a backyard.</p>

<p>Comprised of 23 two-storey townhouses, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/brunswick-established-23-hodgson-st-brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick Established</a> offers multiple typologies of townhomes to suit different living requirements, allowing residents to grow in place - majority include ground-floor bedrooms for accessibility, while others, known as the ‘The Courtyard House’, provide a unique, flexible detached space separated by a courtyard.</p>

<p>Responsible for both the architecture and interior design, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/six-degrees-architects">Six Degrees</a>’ holistic approach enabled the team to ensure an intrinsic link between the design outcomes; a seamless, harmonious flow from the outside to within.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=136451 project_image_fid=275571]</p>

<p>“The modern home should flow from inside to outside - the courtyard provides a space which joins the different parts of the home together as the central outside space of the home,” explains Six Degrees Director, Peter Malatt.</p>

<p>“The courtyard is a model used since ancient times, transforming the home from an object within a space to an object enclosing space. It acts as both the visual and social heart of the home, a space to gather, reflect, or simply pause, offering a moment of calm within a busy urban context."</p>

<p>“Courtyards also offer a deeply cultural and emotional resonance, with their timeless presence across human history. They connect us to the past, while shaping how we live today</p>

<p>Malatt says the courtyard also operates as a micro-climate, which can retain heat in winter and be a shaded haven in summer.</p>

<p>"The ability to take warmed or cooled air into the home from the courtyard space is a great way to improve internal health and minimise energy use through heating and cooling. In a compact urban environment like Brunswick, courtyards are also a clever solution - bringing light, greenery and nature into denser living formats while maintaining a strong sense of privacy and connection."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=136451 project_image_fid=270371]</p>

<p>This concept resonated strongly with early downsizers who recently purchased one of the Courtyard homes at Brunswick Established for themselves and their two adult sons, aged 21 and 24.</p>

<p>“We’re excited to have a home that gives us flexibility as our lives evolve, whether it’s our sons living with us as they finish university, or us being able to lock up and travel. Having separate spaces connected by the courtyard is perfect for our family dynamic, especially as we value our independence but also want to stay close,” they shared.</p>

<p>The couple, who also share their home with two dogs and two cats, highlighted the benefits of multi-generational living in a courtyard home.</p>

<p>“Our sons help care for the pets, we enjoy cooking and spending time together, and the courtyard means we have light, greenery, and privacy all in one. We love that Brunswick Established has thought about sustainability and customisation in such a detailed way, it’s rare to find that in a project.”</p>

<p>Beulah’s approach to design customisation at Brunswick Established, allowing residents to adapt layouts to their lifestyle, has been a major drawcard for buyers seeking homes that evolve alongside them. The detached living space offers flexibility to suit changing needs, whether as a studio, guest retreat, or home office, while maintaining a close link to the main residence, allowing family members to come together or enjoy privacy when needed.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=136451 project_image_fid=275570]</p>

<p>Malatt added that the&nbsp;homes have been designed for residents’ well-being, allowing couples and families to ‘grow’ in their own homes while ensuring they meet their needs for generations to come.</p>

<p>"Purchasers usually experience multiple lifestyle stages within one home, and we’re looking forward to seeing these unique homes come to life."</p>

<p>As part of this forward-thinking approach, Beulah will also host an exclusive event, The Property Market Decanted, on Wednesday 27 August at The Commons Café &amp; Cocktail Bar, Melbourne. The evening will feature insights from leading property and finance experts on Melbourne’s market outlook and long-term wealth creation strategies, particularly for multi-generational households.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136451]</p>


Beulah release sustainable courtyard townhouse collection at Brunswick Established

<p>Hampton's High Street offers the best of both worlds; halfway between Hampton Beach and Hampton Station, with a myriad of cafes and shops on its doorstep.</p>

<p>It was this unbeatable combination of convenience and connectivity that attracted Nash Project Management to secure a prime site on the corner of Hampton and Holyrood Streets several years ago.</p>

<p>The result is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/holyrood-hampton-451-461-hampton-street-hampton-vic-3188">Holyrood &amp; Hampton</a>, a newly completed residential development comprising 59 premium apartments set above a full-line Coles supermarket, enhancing the day-to-day ease for residents.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=4629 project_image_fid=1530]</p>

<p>Those who have already moved into Holyrood &amp; Hampton have highlighted several standout features of their new home, with the location topping the list.</p>

<p>Hampton Station on the Sandringham line (Zone 2), is just down Hampton Street, offering regular services to Flinders Street Station. Multiple bus routes connect to Southland, St Kilda, and Berwick, while scenic cycling paths along the bay provide a relaxing alternative for commuters and weekend riders.</p>

<p>A short walk west leads to Picnic Point and Hampton Beach, beloved for its clean sand and family- and dog-friendly spaces. Ferdinando Gardens, near the pier, is perfect for picnics, while coastal walking trails offer peaceful views and breezes.</p>

<p>The surrounding green spaces—Castlefield Reserve, Triangle Gardens, and Hampton High Reserve—offer playgrounds, sports fields, and a sense of calm. Golfers have several options nearby, including Brighton Public Golf Course just a short drive away.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=4629 project_image_fid=1528]</p>

<p>Hampton Street remains the heart of the community, with more than 50 fashion boutiques, cafés, and eateries. A Woolworths anchors the retail strip, while independent shops help maintain its village charm.</p>

<p>Health and community services are easily accessible, with local GPs, dental clinics, and the nearby Sandringham Community Hospital, supported by larger hospitals in Brighton and Cheltenham.</p>

<p>Families are well catered to, with top private and public schools within a 1–2 km radius. These include Haileybury College, St Leonards College, Firbank Grammar, Brighton Grammar, Hampton Primary, and Brighton Secondary College.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=4629 project_image_fid=1532]</p>

<p>The apartments have been designed for longevity, with spacious, home-like layouts. Many include butler’s pantries, oversized kitchen islands, and quality finishes.</p>

<p>Additional features such as a rooftop terrace, EV charging, secure storage, and direct supermarket access support a highly functional and low-maintenance lifestyle.</p>

<p>Designed by Telha Clarke, Holyrood &amp; Hampton reflects how people want to live today—connected, walkable, and move-in ready.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4629]</p>


Those who have already moved into Holyrood & Hampton have highlighted several standout features of their new home, with the location topping the list.

Holyrood & Hampton presents a walkable, Bayside lifestyle in the heart of Hampton

<p>Developer Keylin is putting its mark on the booming Spring Hill property market, one of the strongest markets in Queensland which is being driven by the announcement that the heart of the Brisbane 2032 Summer Olympics will be developed in the small northern Brisbane suburb.</p>

<p>Well-regarded in the development industry, with several completed and planned projects across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Keylin has just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/oria-spring-hill-447-gregory-terrace-spring-hill-qld-4000">Oria Spring Hill</a>, a collection of 132 residences across 15 levels in an elevated position on Gregory Terrace, directly opposite Victoria Park, the future site of the Games.</p>

<p data-end="608" data-start="578">[smartcode_project:default project_id=109146 project_image_fid=1014]</p>

<h3 data-end="628" data-start="610">The Apartments</h3>

<p data-end="800" data-start="630">The two, three, and four-bedroom apartments feature an Art Deco-inspired design, with curved stone kitchen islands, brass textures, and bold interior colours and patterns. Durable mineral stone benchtops come as standard, while the skyhomes feature natural stone.</p>

<p data-end="800" data-start="630">[smartcode_project:default project_id=109146 project_image_fid=1078]</p>

<p data-end="1032" data-start="905">There are two colour schemes available for buyers to choose from: the bold Victoria scheme, or the more neutral Gregory scheme.</p>

<p data-end="1286" data-start="1034">Each apartment offers open-plan living and dining areas, as well as a large, covered balcony to embrace Brisbane's subtropical lifestyle. The living spaces are designed with full-height glazing to maximize views over Victoria Park and the Brisbane CBD.</p>

<h3 data-end="1305" data-start="1288">The Amenities</h3>

<p data-end="1411" data-start="1307">Leaning into its Olympic location, Keylin is introducing unique amenities that cater to changing lifestyle requirements.</p>

<p data-end="2046" data-start="1758">[smartcode_project:default project_id=109146 project_image_fid=1018]</p>

<p>Much like the shift developers made during the pandemic to include study nooks and multi-purpose rooms in response to the work-from-home trend, Keylin has responded to the growing popularity of pickleball. Oria will feature a proposed private pickleball court as part of its facilities, one of the first courts in a new residential development across the country.</p>

<p>Pickleball participation has surged in Australia from 2023 to 2024. In 2023, Pickleball Australia Association (PAA) had over 7,300 members, with an estimated 25,000 casual players nationwide. By 2024, PAA membership had grown to 15,166, with nearly 93,000 participants across the country.</p>

<p data-end="2046" data-start="1758">[smartcode_project:default project_id=109146 project_image_fid=1031]</p>

<p data-end="2335" data-start="2048">In addition to the proposed pickleball court, Oria will offer a range of proposed amenities within its rooftop pool and terrace level, including a cinema, music and games room, private dining spaces, and a gym with a steam room, sauna, and yoga space, as well as an off-leash dog area.</p>

<h3 data-end="2353" data-start="2337">The Location</h3>

<p data-end="2501" data-start="2355">Keylin understood the prime value of this location long before the announcement that Victoria Park would be the heart of the 2032 Summer Olympics.</p>

<p data-end="2628" data-start="2503">The address at 447 Gregory Terrace provides residents with easy access to major transport links, universities, and hospitals.</p>

<p data-end="2628" data-start="2503">Of course, the future growth of the area will be anchored by Victoria Park, the 64-hectare green space just across the road. The park will be transformed with the construction of a 63,000-seat stadium, which, after the Olympics, will become home to the Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat, and Queensland Bulls.</p>

<p data-end="2628" data-start="2503">[smartcode_project:default project_id=109146 project_image_fid=1023]</p>

<p data-end="2628" data-start="2503">Just 200 meters from Oria, the new National Aquatic Centre will replace the former Centenary Pool.</p>

<p data-end="3166" data-start="3039">Additionally, the nearby RNA Showgrounds, just 700 meters away, will undergo an upgrade to include a 20,000-seat outdoor arena.</p>

<p data-end="3266" data-start="3168">Keylin has already commenced construction on Oria, which is being delivered by builder CoStruct.</p>

<p data-end="3266" data-start="3168">[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=109146]</p>


Keylin Group launches Oria in Victoria Park, Spring Hill Olympic precinct

Mining Areas

<html><body>
<div>Total construction work done declined by 0.7 percent in seasonally adjusted terms to $46.4 billion over the first quarter of the calendar year to be 7.2 percent lower over the year to March 2017. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>After weaker trade and retail figures, all of the signs appear to be pointing to a weak result for GDP growth in the first quarter. </div>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/26/A1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/26/A1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<p> </p>
<div>First, here's the good news: having peaked all the way back in 2012, engineering construction activity is now rising again. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>There were still moderate ongoing declines in Western Australia and the Northern Territory as resources construction activity continues to wind down, but the rates of these declines is now tapering off.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>And indeed, at the national level engineering construction activity is rising again, partly driven by infrastructure projects in the three most populous states. </div>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/26/A2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/26/A2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<p> </p>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Dodgy weather...or peak resi?</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Residential building work done dropped by 4.7 per cent in the quarter, which was the worst quarterly result for the sector since the introduction of the Goods and Sales Tax (GST) more than a decade and a half ago. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Building activity slowed across new house building, apartments, and major renovations, suggesting that at least part of the reason for the decline was Cyclone Debbie towards the end of the quarter, while Sydney also had some shocking weather during the period. </div>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/26/A3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/26/A3.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p> </p>
<div>And looking at the building work done figures by state confirms as much, with a very sharp 10 per cent quarterly drop in Queensland, and a somewhat lesser 4 per cent decline in New South Wales. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In Victoria building activity powered to a new record high in chain volume measures terms, with the industry going like the clappers in Melbourne and operating at close to full capacity. </div>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/26/A4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/26/A4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<p> </p>
<div>New detached house construction has been broadly flat since the end of 2014, with the growth in residential construction since that time driven by record activity levels in the apartments sector.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Here too there was a sharp weather-related 22 per cent fall in Queensland, plus a relatively small decline in New South Wales.<br><br>But there was also a slowdown in evidence in Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Canberra. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>On this evidence, then, it's possible that the peak for apartment construction activity might have passed, although there is of course still a huge pipeline of work to be completed.  <br><br>
</div>
<div>Click to enlarge</div>
<div><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/26/A5.jpg" alt=""></div>
<p><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong></p>
<div> </div>
<div>Firstly, growth in the economy in the first quarter is going to be weak, and perhaps very weak. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>On the positive side there is light at the end of the tunnel for the resources states, as engineering construction activity finally looks to be bottoming out, after years of contraction. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Strip out the impact of Cyclone Debbie and heavy rain in Sydney and the apparently sharp drop in residential construction in the first quarter of the year may prove to be less than dramatic. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>However, it's hard to escape the conclusion that building activity in the residential sector is about to fade away as the record pipeline of apartments is delivered to the market. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>It might reasonably be expected that dwelling starts fall by about a quarter over the next couple of years. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Given the huge level of employment in the construction industry, this could prove to be a very significant drag on the economy going forward. </div>
<p> </p>
<p><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></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>
<p><em> </em></p>
<div> </div>
</body></html>

pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Mining cliff over, what next for the residential market? Pete Wargent

<html><body>
<p>Bowen Basin, after several years of property price reductions, appear to have finally turned the corner.</p>
<p>Just two years ago Bowen Basin landlords were struggling with millions of dollars' worth of unpaid rates amid the mining downturn, forcing local councils to consider repossessing homes.</p>
<p>The Central Highlands Regional Council based at Emerald, west of Rockhampton, was looking to repossess more than a dozen homes to pay down debts.</p>
<p>But this year CoreLogic found that Bowen Basin dwelling values have grown the most of any mainland district - some 14% over the past 12 months.</p>
<p>This ranked the best property price growth of any SA3 mainland region.</p>
<p>Sales this year kicked off when $95,000 was paid for 23 Acacia Street, Blackwater.</p>
<p>It had previously sold for $90,000 in 2009, suggesting prices above their last sale price were possible.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/14/Bowen%201.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p>A clear example of Bowen Basin's changing fortune is 7 Luck Place, Emerald (pictured above).</p>
<p>The three bedroom one bathroom home sold earlier this month for $180,000.</p>
<p>It was a $70,000 increase on it's December 2017 mortgagee sale price of $110,000.</p>
<p>Set on a 751 sqm block, the house has yet to be reach it's 2005 sale price of $215,000.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/14/Bowen%202.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p>Also indicative of the dwelling price growth in Bowen Basin is 1/28 Saville Street, Emerald (pictured above).</p>
<p>The three bedroom two bathroom apartment saw a price increase of $77,000 from it's 2016 mortgagee sale when it sold for $190,000.</p>
<p>Sold most recently for $267,000, the property is still short of it's 2008 sale of <span>$342,500.</span></p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/13/Top%2050%20growers.JPG" alt=""></p>
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Bowen Basin property prices finally recovering from mining downturn

<html><body>
<p>EXPERT OBSERVATION</p>
<p>The prelude to the mining boom in the years leading up to 2012 saw several Australian regions record spectacular capital gains.</p>
<p>Fueled by a surge in investment, bigger pay packets and generous corporate subsidies for housing costs; housing was scarce and demand from cashed-up workers and investors was strong. Then came the downside of the mining-related property boom in 2012/13 which was even more spectacular than the upswing.</p>
<p>However, recent analysis shows that values have now steadied and rents are rising, providing some of the highest rental yields across the country.</p>
<p>The Pilbara region of Western Australia was booming on the back of iron ore and the Bowen Basin of Queensland was thriving thanks to coal prices.</p>
<p>The Karratha council area (called Roebourne until 2014), which is a good benchmark for the Pilbara mining region, saw housing values rocket 87% higher over the five years preceding the market peak in 2012, while the Isaac Regional Council, which covers a broad swathe of Queensland’s Bowen Basin, saw house values climb 72% higher over the five years preceding the 2012 peak.</p>
<p>Since conditions peaked in line with commodity prices and a wind down in infrastructure spending, dwelling values in these regions have moved through a long and deep downturn. Some suburbs have seen the median value of a house fall by more than 80% (WA’s Newman is down 84.2% since peaking and Queensland’s Dysart is down 83.0% since peaking).</p>
<p>Although the recent trends can show some volatility due to low transaction numbers, many of the these mining regions have started to see housing conditions bottom out and commence what is likely to be a drawn out period of recovery.</p>
<p>Most regions are showing housing values that are well below levels recorded 10 years ago, which may be attractive to home buyers and investors. Rental vacancies have tightened substantially which is driving up rents, in fact some of the Bowen Basin towns have seen asking rents rise by more than 20% over the past 12 months.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/12/mining%20town%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge:</a></p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/12/mining%20town%201.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Higher rents against low housing values is driving rental yields higher, with most of the towns likely to be providing a positive cash flow from the outset. Gross yields are typically above 6% in these regions.</p>
<p>Of course, a note of caution always needs to accompany anyone considering a property purchase in these regions. The economies of a mining region are inherently shallow; asset values are highly dependent on the price of the commodity that lies under the dirt and the willingness of the private sector to invest capital in extracting it.</p>
<p>Government policies can disrupt conditions, as can company policies around worker accommodation, fluctuations in the Australian dollar and appetite for trade with key trading partners.</p>
<p>Investing in these areas is high risk and investors should expect a high rental return to compensate for that risk.</p>
<p>The RBA, based on spot prices, reported bulk commodity prices are 16.5% higher over the year in Australian dollar terms. If coal and iron ore prices remain elevated against a lower Australian dollar, we could see mining infrastructure investment gather some pace.</p>
<p>Investment in minerals exploration has been consistently rising since mid-2016, rising to the highest level since December 2013, which bodes well for further infrastructure investment across the mining sector. If that does eventuate, there should be positive flow on effects for these mining regions.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/12/mining%20town%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge:</a></p>
<p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/12/mining%20town%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><em><strong>Tim Lawless</strong> is CoreLogic's head of research.</em></p>
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Mining town rents are delivering some of country's highest rental yields: CoreLogic's Tim Lawless

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<p>New research has found that property prices halved in many mining regions over the past decade.</p>
<p>Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) chairman Peter Koulizos is currently reviewing research he undertook for a book that was published in 2008.</p>
<p>As part of the new research, however, Koulizos used CoreLogic data to calculate the best and worst performing areas over the past 10 years and found a clear front – runner for bottom of the pile – mining locations.</p>
<p><em><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/9/11/mining%20property.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:</em></p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/9/11/mining%20property.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><em>Souce: PIPA</em></p>
<p>“What this data shows us is that if you had bought property in one of these towns, not only did your property not increase in value over this 10-year period, but it is actually worth less,” Koulizos said.</p>
<p>“West Australia – which benefited the most from the mining boom – has also suffered the most from the mining bust.</p>
<p>“There is a very long list of underperforming mining towns in WA, but the worst is South Hedland, a suburb in Port Hedland, where house prices fell a whopping 74.8%.</p>
<p>“Newman came in a close second to South Hedland, where the median house price was $501,000 in 2008 and now it is only $147,000.”</p>
<p>Queensland mining towns and suburbs within those towns have also suffered, according to the data.</p>
<p>Gladstone was promoted by many property spruikers and it’s clear they have seriously come unstuck, Koulizos said.</p>
<p>“South Gladstone house prices fell by 31.7% and West Gladstone house prices fell by 47.6% over that time period,” he said.</p>
<p>“However, these two suburbs are not the worst performers. Property prices in the mining town of Dysart fell a whopping 77.4%, while at the same time Brisbane house prices increased by 24%.”</p>
<p>House prices in the mining town of Roxby Downs in South Australia fell by 36%, according to the data, plus sales have fallen from 140 in 2008 to just 51 in 2018.</p>
<p>“It’s important to understand that buying property outside of capital cities still makes financial sense. In fact, there are many regional and country areas that are deserving of your investment dollars,” Koulizos said.</p>
<p>“The moral of the story is that successful property investment is about long-term economic fundamentals, not supposed short-term financial gains.</p>
<p>“And that usually means investing in locations with diverse, multi-faceted economies, not areas that financially ebb and flow depending on the strength – or weakness – of a single industry.”</p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Mining property prices have dramatically dropped over past decade: PIPA

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<p>Non-performing housing loans for lenders have edged up over recent years, though they are still low as a share of all housing loans, says the RBA.</p>
<p>The central bank’s Assistant Governor Christopher Kent made these remarks during a speech at Moody's Analytics Australia Conference 2017.</p>
<p>However, at around ¾ of one per cent as a share of all housing loans, non-performing loans remain low and below the levels reached following the global financial crisis, he said.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/15/RBAfig1.png" alt=""></p>
<p>The RBA official said that the Securitisation Dataset helps the central bank to assess how loans are performing across different parts of the country by examining arrears rates. </p>
<p>Like non-performing loans, the arrears rates have increased a little but remain low, he observed.</p>
<p>The rise has been more in regions experiencing weak economic conditions over recent years, in particular, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland since late 2015.</p>
<p class="p1">Earlier this year, the central bank noted that conditions had generally improved for businesses in the resource-related sector.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/15/RBAfig2.png" alt=""></p>
<p>Using the Securitisation Dataset, the bank also found other relationships between arrears and other factors. </p>
<p>A key factor contributing to a borrower entering into arrears is a reduction in income, most obviously via a period of unemployment. </p>
<p>“We find that there is a positive relationship between arrears rates and the unemployment rate across regions (Graph 9).</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/15/RBAfig3.png" alt=""></p>
<p>“However, the relationship is not especially strong, which suggests that other factors are at play.” </p>
<p>For example, arrears rates are higher in mining-exposed regions, which have generally experienced a sharp fall in demand in the wake of the end of the mining investment boom. This was indicated by the “pronounced fall in the demand for housing” in those parts of the country as indicated by a decline in housing prices (Graph 10).</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/15/RBAfig4.png" alt=""></p>
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