Owner occupiers running at 73% for strong Stockland residential sales

Stockland has reported its residential sales remained robust with a further 1,557 net deposits for the latest quarter, with project release timing in Sydney especially influencing the result.

First quarter deposits combined with the deposits already on hand at the end of FY15, totalled 5,299.

The majority will settle in FY16, with the balance in FY17, managing director Mark Steinert said.

The listed property group was very well placed to achieve its target of 6000 residential settlements this year.

“This result provides a high level of confidence for our earnings outlook this financial year and confirms that the markets where we operate remain healthy, underpinned by 73% owner occupier demand,” Mr Steinert said.

Its offshore buyers continue to represent less than 1% of net deposits.

“Residential markets around the country are at different stages, however, our active projects are generally well placed in high demand, low supply corridors.

“In line with our previous commentary, we expect markets in Sydney and inner Melbourne will moderate with a more normalised level of growth.

"Brisbane is showing improvement, Melbourne growth corridors remain sound and Perth has continued to slow as anticipated.

“We remain confident we are well placed for these conditions and will continue to capitalise on strong demand for our differentiated and affordable offerings.

"Our new projects continue to strengthen our returns with operating profit margins over 14%.

Stockland launched two new residential projects in the first quarter - Aura on the Sunshine Coast, the largest project in Australia under single ownership, which has attracted over 900 leads since launching earlier this month.

Stockland’s first stand-alone medium density project, Arve in Ivanhoe Melbourne, (pictured above) is already 80% pre-sold.