Kensington and Kingsford, two of Sydney's most connected inner-east suburbs, are about to become even more accessible with Randwick City Council's K2K Plan.

The K2K Plan aims to revitalize the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/kensington-nsw-2033">Kensington</a> and Kingsford Town Centres, while also enhancing bus services, creating new cycleways, and improving pedestrian infrastructure along Anzac Parade.

The plan will also introduce new public parks and upgraded retail and hospitality venues, boosting local economic activity and making these two suburbs even more desirable places to live.

Several developments are currently underway in the corridor, with Scape and Unilodge bringing student accommodation to the area bordering UNSW.

Renowned builder-developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/toga-group">TOGA</a> is one of the few developers offering new apartments for sale. Their under-construction building, The Kensington, located opposite the Kensington Light Rail stop, will feature 142 apartments above seven new retail and hospitality spaces, just two stops from Moore Park and four stops from Central Station.

TOGA has built a strong reputation for creating well-connected communities with doorstep amenities. They recently completed Wicks Place in Marrickville, which includes four specialty shops, while their Surry Hills Village development is integrated with the thriving hospitality precinct of Wunderlich Lane and Sydney's first Eve Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110959 project_image_fid=307652]

TOGA chose to develop in Kensington for the same reasons they chose Surry Hills and Marrickville: excellent public transport connections, doorstep amenity, and a wealth of employment opportunities, particularly in the growing health precinct in neighboring Randwick. This combination of factors, as well as significant higher education institutions nearby,&nbsp;has made <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-kensington-147-151-anzac-parade-kensington">The Kensington</a> highly appealing to a diverse range of residents including students, professionals, and young families. Investors, who are rarely seen in today’s new apartment market, have also shown interest, expecting strong rental demand.

With the current low supply of new apartment developments across Sydney, particularly in Kensington, there is a unique opportunity to secure long-term growth in a suburb that is set to continue growing in demand.

Rate changes have already sparked renewed demand in the new apartment sector, with increased confidence that further rate cuts will occur in 2025 and 2026.

The Kensington, being built by 4.5 iCIRT-rated builder DASCO, is scheduled for completion in early 2026, when the official cash rate is expected to be closer to 3.5 per cent rather than above four per cent.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110959]

Joel Robinson

The K2K Plan to transform Kensington and Anzac Parade corridor

Builder-developer giant Bathla, one of the largest construction and development companies in Western Sydney, has launched its under-construction townhouses development, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/hillview-terrace-north-kellyville-3-23-hillview-road-north-kellyville-nsw-2155">Hillview Terrace</a>&nbsp;in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/north-kellyville-nsw-2155">North Kellyville</a>.

Bathla has already kicked off the build of the 110 two, three and four-bedroom townhouses which sit in a quiet pocket of the suburb between Smalls and Cattai Creek.

<img alt="Hillview" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="935f8701-9f49-4519-8ebb-5ec6969523f4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-03-17%20at%201.26.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=eAa3x7Qyp7BcFfIumewidQrEpf98qR9K" />

Bathla has nearly 30 years experience delivering homes across Western Sydney, having completed over 22,000 apartments across 58 suburbs since being founded in 1997.&nbsp;

"Hillview Terrace is a prime example of our dedication to improved excellence in residential development," said Robert Loader, Bathla CEO.

"As both the developer and builder, we ensure every stage of the process meets our high standards, from design to construction and final delivery. Buyers can have complete confidence in the quality of this project."

Hillview Terrace residences have been designed to suit both owner-occupiers and investors, with a range of floorplans and configurations not often seen in the townhouse market.

<img alt="Hillview" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca27bf40-cd2b-457f-8f23-d65259d3890f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-03-17%20at%201.26.40%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=6ZVOPvKPXL7XIVmFT1fxFxF500d3xCrZ" />

Colliers has been engaged to lead the sales and marketing campaign.

"Colliers is proud to bring Hillview Terrace to market, showcasing Bathla’s ongoing commitment to delivering homes that enhance both individual lifestyles and community growth," said Luke Hayes, Colliers Project Marketing Director.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149513]

Bathla launches Hillview Crescent, North Kellyville townhouse development

The <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/gold-coast-qld">Gold Coast</a> has long been one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations. It had sun, sand, surf, and Surfers Paradise, the epicentre of the action. It was lined with skyscrapers that rivalled anywhere in the southern hemisphere for height. Even today, there’s nowhere in Australia, and arguably the world, with towers of that scale so close to the sand.

Apartments were made for investors and holidaymakers who would snap them up every weekend all year round. It was an arrangement that suited everyone. But with that arrangement came a moniker. The Gold Coast became a ‘boom-bust market’. For the growth the market would see, there were equal busts.

Caitlin Rosenboom, Head of Projects for Ray White on the Gold Coast, says the Gold Coast property markets were heavily influenced by external factors it essentially couldn’t control.

“Because the Gold Coast was traditionally always a holiday destination, the type of apartment built was for that,” Rosenboom says. “But when the economy wobbled, like it has at certain points over the last few decades—such as during the GFC—the Gold Coast market was impacted more than anywhere else. The first thing to go in an economic downturn is the secondary residence, and proportionally, the Gold Coast was well skewed toward those properties.”

Rosenboom said it then became a fight to the bottom. “Once one person, whose hand was forced to sell, sold, then it reset prices in a negative way. Then there would be floods of listings and little demand, which put incredible downward pressure on pricing.”

Indeed, during the GFC, data from Ray White showed house prices across the Gold Coast region declined by around nine per cent across 2010 and 2011 combined, just a little more than the eight per cent for units. But looking more granularly, the picture was a bit different.

Since then, however, the Gold Coast has truly rid itself of its so-called boom-bust reputation. 
From the start of 2012 to the end of 2020, house values rose by over 56 per cent, showing growth in every calendar year apart from 2018, when prices contracted by just one per cent. It was the same story for units over the same period, albeit with slightly more modest 30 per cent growth, and also with a minor one per cent dip in 2012, which houses didn’t experience.

“The Gold Coast has really matured as a region over the last decade,” Rosenboom said on the property market growth.

“It became more and more attractive as a place not only to holiday but to live. Better, larger apartments were being built, alongside an increased level of infrastructure upgrades and investment.”

The Gold Coast was certainly a region on the up and up. However, uncertainty reigned once again in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the country, locking both international and state borders.

The fear of another economic downturn, much like the GFC, could have put the Gold Coast in a problematic position, with a lack of tourism driving the economy. In the end, it was the opposite.

The way the Queensland Government handled the pandemic was broadcast around the country. Gold Coast locals were still on the waves, enjoying coffee on the beach, and living life, while Melburnians weren’t allowed out of their houses, and Sydneysiders weren’t much better off. 
The race was on for those southern capital city dwellers to rush to the Gold Coast.

“The pandemic changed everything,” Rosenboom said. “A lot of people who lived in Sydney and Melbourne made the move for what they considered almost to be a secondment to another part of Australia. The vast majority hadn’t been to the Gold Coast before, or not since they were kids coming on holiday. When they realised how far the Gold Coast had come, no longer just a big holiday resort, most never left.”

Over the 12 months from June 2022 to June 2023, the Gold Coast gained nearly 20,000 people, accounting for 13 per cent of the migration to the whole of Queensland. The property market became one of the best-performing in the country as the demand v supply equation was heavily skewed toward the demand side. New apartment developments that came to market over 2021 and 2022 would spend less than a few weeks online before being sold out. Prices were both unrealistic and realistic at the same time.

Then came another potential bump in the road. The borders reopened, and employees had to show their face in the office, albeit just a few days a week. Would this be the start of the decline the Gold Coast property market hadn’t felt in a decade? In short, no. No, it wasn’t.

Much to the surprise of most in the property industry, growth continued. Another stellar growth cycle in 2023 and 2024 saw house prices rise by 57 per cent in the four years to December 2024, the same growth they saw in double the time up to 2024. Units boomed by 57 per cent too over the four years to the end of 2024, almost double the 30 per cent in the eight years prior.

“The Gold Coast is no longer a holiday destination but a lifestyle destination,” Rosenboom said. 
“The pandemic shone a light on everything locals already loved about the Gold Coast. We have gone from being dominated by holiday lets to an owner-occupier-driven market due to the increased infrastructure, medical facilities, industry, and employment opportunities.”

Rosenboom has seen a mix of buyers at ARC Residences, the luxury tower on Garfield Terrace, considered the best street in Surfers Paradise, given it’s the only one that faces the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111652 project_image_fid=257250]

A few Sydneysiders, locals from the northern Gold Coast suburbs like Hope Island and Helensvale, as well as a couple of overseas buyers, have all staked their claim in the building of just 37 half- and full-floor apartments with an oceanfront pool, gym with yoga room and infrared sauna, and a cinema, along with a suite of other amenities that are more common in a luxury hotel.

Rosenboom believes there’s no reason why the Gold Coast market should take a step back at all. “We’re now in an interest rate environment where they are only going down and not up, which tends to fuel further increases in price.”

All of the pent-up demand is even without taking into account the 2032 Brisbane Summer Olympics, and the G:LINK light rail extends all the way down to the airport and Coolangatta, essentially connecting the whole of the Gold Coast. If the response to the light rail is anything like Sydney’s, then values are in for one hell of a ride.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111652 project_image_fid=257251]

Ray White Senior Economist Nerida Conisbee echoed Rosenboom’s sentiment, suggesting the economic stability the Gold Coast now has, with the shortness in supply, scarcity of land, and in particular, the rapid expansion of its population. 
 
“The influx of nearly 20,000 new residents in a single year is a testament to the Gold Coast's appeal, offering a combination of lifestyle, employment opportunities, and relative affordability compared to other major Australian cities,” Conisbee says, adding, however, that this huge increase in population is putting pressure on the housing market.

“Despite the positive outlook, the Gold Coast faces significant challenges in accommodating its projected growth. The shortage of land means that the city will need to embrace higher-density development to house its expanding population.”

“A lifestyle destination rather than a holiday destination” Why the Gold Coast is now more boom than bust

South East Queensland Developers Keylin and Kinstone Group have captured the attention of homebuyers on the northern end of the Gold Coast with their standout waterside masterplan, Lakeside Serenity 4212.

The joint venture partners had a vision for <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/serenity-lakeside-villas-helensvale-6-lake-serenity-boulevard-helensvale-qld-4212">Lakeside Serenity 4212</a>, a 65-hectare masterplan on the shores of Coombabah Lake, to become one of the best waterfront communities in the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149142 project_image_fid=324627]

Since the first launch of homes in 2020, there have been consistent stage sellouts, as well as a 2023 UDIA Queensland Award for Excellence in Boutique Development.

Tony Ashwin has been selling the homes in the masterplan since its inception. He says the masterplan fills a void where there is a real scarcity of waterfront land.

“The northern suburbs of the Gold Coast are in extremely high demand,” Ashwin says, highlighting that Helensvale is central to this growth.

“It’s the only Gold Coast suburb with both heavy and light rail connections, offering residents easy access to Brisbane and the rest of the Gold Coast.”

Having sold out the Serenity Waters waterfront lots and the Serenity Green townhouse community, Keylin and Kinstone Group have now released the next stage of development.

The latest offering, Lakeside Serenity 4212 Waterfront Villas, includes just 16 exclusive, absolute waterfront villas. Each villa faces north, providing direct access to the water and a private pontoon, with the Lake Serenity lock system offering direct access to the Broadwater.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149142 project_image_fid=324629]

Designed by MAS Architecture, the villas feature open-plan living spaces, soaring ceilings, floating staircases, and strategically placed windows that enhance the sense of space while maximizing natural light and uninterrupted lake views.

Each villa has four bedrooms, two living areas, and a double garage. The kitchens serve as the centerpiece, with premium natural stone benchtops, large island benches, butler’s pantries, and integrated Smeg appliances. The master suites feature walk-in robes, freestanding bathtubs, and private balconies overlooking the lake.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149142 project_image_fid=324623]

Ashwin points out that the Gold Coast’s medium to low-rise market is currently undersupplied, making Lakeside Serenity 4212 Waterfront Villas particularly appealing.

“Serenity meets the demand for high-quality, medium to low-rise homes,” Ashwin says.

There has been significant interest from both local downsizers and Brisbane residents looking for a second home. They are drawn to the excellent connection to Brisbane while wanting to spend the majority of their time on the Coast.

“The link between Brisbane and Helensvale is unrivaled, and it’s a connection that no other suburb can beat,” Ashwin adds.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149142 project_image_fid=324625]

Additionally, the upcoming Coomera Connector will improve access between the northern suburbs and Broadbeach. The Cross River Rail Project, which will add a new train station in Helensvale (just 8 kilometers from Serenity), will further improve regional accessibility.

Ashwin notes that supply in the northern Gold Coast suburbs will remain tight.

“The Queensland Government’s build program for the 2032 Brisbane Summer Olympics will limit residential supply, especially in the medium to low-rise markets,” he explains.

Lakeside Serenity 4212 is already an established community with additional developments in the pipeline including a premium, low-rise apartment offering and future retail precinct.&nbsp;

Resort Homes, one of the most reputable builders in the northern Gold Coast, has begun construction on the Lakeside Serenity 4212 Waterfront Villas and expects to complete the project in Q3 this year.

&nbsp;

High demand and limited supply in Northern Gold Coast drives buyers to Helensvale's Lakeside Serenity Villas

The Federal Government’s latest announcement of a temporary two-year ban on foreigners purchasing existing housing in Australia has led to some confusion about its impact.

Under the&nbsp;updated FIRB regulations, foreign buyers can&nbsp;still purchase off the plan properties and newly completed dwellings without being affected by the revised rules.&nbsp;

The new regulation, effective from 1 April 2025, will prevent temporary residents from purchasing established houses. This change is intended to support the creation of new housing by redirecting demand towards new apartments and houses, which will see further demand channelled towards key off-the-plan markets.&nbsp;

Colliers Managing Director, Victoria | Residential, Tim Storey, said they expect the effects of this policy change will surprise on the upside, especially for developers of new apartments in Melbourne who will now have a larger pool of buyers.

“This policy is a positive step towards addressing the housing supply issue in Australia. By encouraging the purchase of new dwellings, we are also supporting the construction industry," Storey said.

According to the latest available statistics, foreign buyers have purchased an annual average of only 1,291 established homes over the past three years, representing just 0.24 per cent of overall housing market sales. &nbsp;

Significantly, Victoria has consistently attracted the highest levels of foreign buyer activity across all categories, accounting for 45 per cent of purchases across Australia over the past three years. This trend is expected to continue, benefiting developers in the state.&nbsp;

“The updated FIRB regulations combined with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s recent announcement of a cash rate cut, which lenders have passed through, create a more favourable environment for new housing developments," Storey added.

"Developers should see this as an opportunity to meet the growing demand for new dwellings. This change ensures that the market for off-the-plan properties remains robust and continues attracting foreign investment."

FIRB regulations to drive foreign buyers to new apartment development market

Prominent New Zealand apartment and hotel operator, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>, is offering up a prime investment opportunity for Australians to purchase off the plan in one of the world’s most popular ski destinations.

They recently took to market Mountain Oak Queenstown Apartments, in the growing precinct of Remarkables Park in Frankton, near the airport and at the foot of The Remarkables - the mountain range the locals like to call “The Remarks”.&nbsp;

Sydney investors have shown interest in the one, two and three-bedroom apartments that secure high-season occupancy six months over the year, primarily over summer and winter months.

They average 90 per cent occupancy across their portfolio over January, February, March, August, November and December, while shoulder season months of April, July, September and October are still occupied 70 per cent of the time, with the growing appeal of Queenstown becoming not just a hotspot for the snow, but a lifestyle destination.

Even in the low seasons of May and June, occupancy levels reach around 40 per cent.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Safari’s Safari Hotels arm can also manage the holiday letting for an investor, from the listing on holiday accommodation websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com to the cleaning and maintenance of the investment. They’ve been in the short stay management business for 15 years and offer 24/7 support for investors, an important convenience benefit for any overseas investor

Another major drawcard for Australians is that New Zealand doesn’t have a stamp duty policy - so the entry price of NZ$639,000 (AU$586,000), is all that is payable on completion.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Safari is starting construction of the 141 apartments in Q2 this year, with a two-year build estimated to complete in mid-to-late 2027.<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="15" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXczFpFAb7WuA6f4f9TtKWcqXyNwR8qqtakWv352ERkpqNlP3KwIo8YKxw67jZNHfpjEGIZGv5MQTbnvLZwNt8iu9IVdOrswOjCvBZ4zhSoOOLrpt6etVEZTN1gkBho0r_R72zdHNA?key=yq3daOanqHSb88QFd8jGYKdb" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" />​

The apartments will feature modern amenities and contemporary designs with expansive windows capturing sweeping views of The Remarkables mountain range.&nbsp;

Interiors are equipped with modern finishes, premium appliances, and secure electronic key-locked doors, ensuring a comfortable living experience for residents and guests alike.

With its strategic location near Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort, as well as key retail and dining precincts such as Market Street, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and Remarkables Market, Mountain Oak offers a strong proposition for investors seeking high rental yields and capital appreciation in one of New Zealand’s most sought-after locations.&nbsp;

Queenstown’s sustained demand for visitor accommodation and rental properties is underpinned by a shortage of housing options, attracting both local and international buyers.

Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district

Diversified New Zealand developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a> has introduced a gateway for investors and homeowners to the "adrenaline capital" of &nbsp;New Zealand, situated in the picturesque suburb of Frankton.

Safari's apartment development, Mountain Oak Apartments, will be located in Frankton’s masterplanned precinct, Remarkables Park, offering a mix of 141 apartments ranging in size from 49 sqm to 249 sqm.

The development includes 36 one-bedroom and one-bedroom flexi apartments, 40 two-bedroom and two-bedroom flexi apartments, four three-bedroom apartments, three penthouses, and four private entry apartments.

Dual-key apartments—comprising two separate residences held under one title—are also available.

Its location ensures residents and visitors are just a short drive from popular slopes like Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort.&nbsp;

Additionally, the development capitalises on its proximity to essential facilities, including the airport and extensive retail and dining precincts such as Market Street, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and Remarkables Market.

The historic village of Arrowtown, known for its rich gold rush history and scenic trail network, is also just a 30-minute drive away, offering an alternative destination for history and nature enthusiasts.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments living area" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="957d1777-8b2b-420e-8a81-f22b75151b85" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Living_WEB.jpg?VersionId=3LglY20Jp_MAzQYdvwODRWvtjL.cZcqI" />

Frankton is a burgeoning area located just seven kilometres from Queenstown’s bustling centre. While Queenstown is a popular year-round holiday destination, its busiest season runs from mid-June to mid-September, coinciding with the snow season.

"It peaks all year round, in both winter for skiing and snowboarding, and summer for hiking, cycling, and water sports," said Safari Group Senior Development Manager Josh Van Veen.

Queenstown’s popularity ensures consistent high demand for short-term visitor accommodations, holiday homes, and residences for long-term tourism workers.

"There is high demand for both tourist and residential living, coupled with a shortage of housing options and limited supply for both renters and home buyers," Van Veen said.

After New Zealand locals, Australians are the second most active buyers in the New Zealand property market. They are particularly drawn to Queenstown’s ski fields due to their affordability and investment potential.

Unlike Australia, New Zealand does not impose stamp or transfer duty on property purchases, saving Australian buyers a minimum of four per cent compared to similar transactions at home.

Safari Group has calculated that the average annual gross return for a Mountain Oak Apartment operating as visitor accommodation is 7.43 per cent.

"Queenstown properties generally offer good returns on investment, making this an excellent opportunity for investors to either dip their toes into property investment or expand their portfolios," Van Veen said.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments dining area" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b24ce18d-f4e3-4b9e-9a01-a6173cdcd5b4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Mountain Oak has been designed with this flexibility in mind, offering buyers multiple options. Buyers can opt for long-term rental management to cater to Queenstown's tourism and hospitality workforce or short-term visitor accommodation management to leverage the region’s thriving tourism market.&nbsp;

Buyers can use either the Safari management service, or find their own management provider - this is not something they have to decide straight away.&nbsp;

The Safari short-term accommodation option includes comprehensive services such as cleaning, administration, and 24/7 on-site guest support, providing a hassle-free investment experience.

For homebuyers seeking a permanent residence, Mountain Oak offers spacious apartments with expansive windows that frame breathtaking views of The Remarkables mountain range.

The apartments feature modern amenities, including electronic key-locked front doors, acoustically treated flooring, and underfloor heating in bathrooms, ensuring secure and comfortable living in the Alps.

Kitchens are equipped with premium Fisher &amp; Paykel and Haier appliances, complemented by luxurious yet durable engineered or porcelain benchtops and splashbacks.&nbsp;

Residents can choose between light and dark interior colour schemes to suit their preferences.

One-bedroom apartments at Mountain Oak start from NZ$639,000 (AU$586,000).

Queenstown’s popularity ensures consistent high demand for short-term visitor accommodations, holiday homes, and residences for long-term tourism workers

Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown

The value of new loan commitments for investor housing rose by 12.7 per cent to $7.8 billion in March, which was 54 per cent higher than in March 2020.

The rise in March is the largest recorded since July 2003.

It was driven by increased loan commitments to investors for existing dwellings.

The value of new loan commitments to investors rose across all states except the ACT.

There was a 13 per cent rise in NSW, 13.7 per cent in Victoria, and 19 per cent in Queensland.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90553 project_image_fid=147606]

According to the ABS, this has continued a period of increases in investor lending since May 2020, when it reached a 20-year low.

The value of owner-occupier loan commitments for the construction of new dwellings fell by 14.5 per cent in March to $3.6 billion.

It was the first fall since June 2020 when the HomeBuilder grant scheme was introduced.

It has remained at record-high levels being some 120per cent higher than last March.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22057]

&ldquo;Investor lending has seen a sustained period of growth since the 20-year low seen in May 2020,&quot; &nbsp;ABS head of finance and wealth Katherine Keenan said.

The rise in March is the largest recorded since July 2003 and was driven by increased loan commitments to investors for existing dwellings.

HIA&rsquo;s analysis of ABS data showed that the number of loans for the construction of a new dwelling in the three months to March 2021 compared with the same time last year had tripled in Western Australia and Tasmania and more than doubled in Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Northern Territory and the ACT.

It almost doubled in NSW.

The value of new loan commitments for investor housing rose by 12.7 per cent to $7.8 billion in March



jchancellor

Queensland leads property investor new lending spike - biggest in nearly 18 years

It&#39;s time for investors to start thinking differently about their rental properties and marketing them to fit the growing work-from-home trend.

This means adapting to demand and updating your property to match the needs of the young professionals and students who may need study and workspaces to accommodate their new lifestyles.

Urban takes a look at the top tips for creating the ideal study zone in your inner-city investment property. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Tip 1: Find the space</li>
</ul>

<img alt="" height="661" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shutterstock_1693064941.jpg" width="1000" />

Whether it&rsquo;s within a bedroom, a hallway or in a dedicated study, finding the perfect space to modify into a work-from-home study zone is an important first step.

Urban recommends exploiting underutilised &lsquo;dead space&rsquo; &ndash; an alcove or a landing that may fit a small desk or collapsible shelving. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Tip 2: It&rsquo;s all about lighting</li>
</ul>

Lighting can have a huge effect on the efficiency of study and work, as well as make your property look bigger and brighter.

It is generally agreed that natural light is best when it comes to general lighting for your home study space, as natural light has been claimed to increase productivity and performance.&nbsp;

If natural light is not possible in your investment property, warm lighting can deliver similar benefits.

<img alt="" height="497" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shutterstock_1482794711.jpg" width="1000" />

<ul>
	<li>Tip 3: Set up a brand-new desk</li>
</ul>

Standing out from the competition is important when seeking good tenants, so there&rsquo;s no denying that good marketing and some furnishings go a long way, especially in an apartment marketed towards students.

Setting up a brand-new desk lets prospective renters imagine desk space in the home and may even secure more competitive prices for your inner-city apartment. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Tip 4: Add some greenery</li>
</ul>

Besides looking beautiful and creating a more welcoming&nbsp;home, research shows that there are numerous&nbsp;benefits to having plants in work zones.&nbsp;

Plants have been proven to boost your mood, improve memory, and increase productivity.

<img alt="" height="667" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shutterstock_1575692173.jpg" width="1000" />

Apartments nearby universities, research hubs and numerous employment opportunities are the ideal location for investors to secure their next investment property.

Here are four investor-friendly apartments for sale now in Melbourne. 
&nbsp;

1. Melbourne Grand, Melbourne 
Address: 560 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 
Two-bedroom apartments from $569,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490 project_image_fid=92412]

Winner of the HIA &lsquo;Victorian apartment complex of the year 2020,&rsquo;&nbsp;Central Equity&rsquo;s Melbourne Grand provides an outstanding living experience.

Less than a kilometre away from Monash University&rsquo;s Parkville campus, investors can secure high-income researchers as well as postgraduate students who will enjoy the apartment&rsquo;s ideal location.

Designed by Guildford Bell and Graham Fisher Architects, Melbourne Grand features various amenities, including resort-style facilities, residents&rsquo; lounge, 17-seat theatre and coffee bar. 
&nbsp;

2. Port Lane, Port Melbourne 
Address: 201 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne VIC 3207 
Three-bedroom townhomes from $1,025,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89720 project_image_fid=147505]

Boasting 122 three-bedroom residences, Port Lane offers a quality selection of townhomes in Port Melbourne.

Developed by ID_Land, the coastal community delivers an authentic and distinctive design to sit in harmony with the Port Melbourne community.

Architects&nbsp;Rothelowman&nbsp;and interior designers&nbsp;Hecker Guthrie have designed the home with contemporary palettes and materials.

Curated landscaping by Tract frame the townhomes, with a verdant entrance pergola marking each residents&rsquo; arrival. 
&nbsp;

3. Live City, Footscray 
Address: 124-188 Ballarat Road, Footscray VIC 3011 
Two-bedroom apartments from $460,000

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Backed by developer R&amp;F Property Australia, the new master-planned Live City project comprises 208 residences spread across 14 floors.

Set to deliver over 1,400 apartments across eight buildings, the project brings together a fully-integrated, mixed-use community that&rsquo;s thriving with character and history.

Designed by&nbsp;Elenberg Fraser, each apartment features floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary interiors and an abundance of natural light. 
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4. The Docklands Residences 
Address: 3-43 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008 
Two-bedroom apartments from $1,050,000

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Located atop the five-star Marriott Hotel,&nbsp;Docklands&nbsp;Residences provide timeless luxury living in Melbourne&rsquo;s inner-suburbs.

Set atop the five-star Melbourne Marriott Hotel, homeowners of the oversized one, two and three-bedroom&nbsp;Docklands&nbsp;residences will enjoy exclusive hotel membership, access to services and amenities and true luxury living.

Designed by award-winning architects&nbsp;DKO, the unique mixed-use project boasts floor-to-ceilings windows, terraces and a private enclosed glass winter garden.

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It's time for investors to start thinking differently about their rental properties and marketing them to fit the growing work-from-home trend

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Investor tips for creating the ideal study zone in your inner-city apartment

Australian housing values lifted by 1.8% in April according to CoreLogic&rsquo;s national home value index, with the monthly pace of capital gains easing from a 32-year high in March (2.8%). &nbsp;

Although growth conditions have slowed, housing values are still rising at a rapid pace, up 6.8% over the past three months to be 10.2% higher than the COVID low in September last year.

CoreLogic&rsquo;s research director, Tim Lawless, says the pace of capital gains could slow further over the coming months as inventory levels rise and affordability constraints dampen housing demand.

&ldquo;The slowdown in housing value appreciation is unsurprising given the rapid rate of growth seen over the past six months, especially in the context of subdued wages growth. &nbsp;With housing prices rising faster than incomes, it&rsquo;s likely price sensitive sectors of the market, such as first home buyers and lower income households, are finding it harder to save for a deposit and transactional costs.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12718 project_image_fid=39002]

There is already some evidence of fewer first time buyers in the market, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting a -4.0% fall in the value of first home buyer home loans through February, the first drop since May last year.

Despite the slowdown, positive housing market conditions remain geographically broad-based with every capital city and &lsquo;rest-of-state&rsquo; region continuing to record a lift in dwelling values over the month.

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Darwin (2.7%) and Sydney (2.4%) recorded the largest month-on-month rise in dwelling values, while Perth values recorded the lowest rate of growth amongst the capital cities at 0.8%.

The four smallest capital cities recorded double digit annual growth (Adelaide 10.3%, Hobart 13.8%, Darwin 15.3% and Canberra 14.2%), reflecting a smaller COVID-related disruption and an earlier start to the growth phase last year. &nbsp;Melbourne is recording the lowest level of annual growth (2.2%) due to a larger downturn, attributable to the extended lockdown period last year.

The broad trend of houses outperforming the unit sector continued through April as higher density styles of housing experienced less demand amidst elevated supply across some inner city precincts. &nbsp;At the combined capital city level house values (8.6%) have risen at double the pace of unit values (4.3%) over the first four months of the year.

&ldquo;A preference shift away from higher density housing during a global pandemic is understandable, however a rise in flexible working arrangements also seems to be supporting greater demand for houses around the outer-fringes of capital cities. &nbsp;Relatively weak investor activity, compounded by a supply overhang in some high-rise precincts, is also dampening price growth in unit markets,&rdquo; Mr Lawless said.

Australian housing values lifted by 1.8% in April with the monthly pace of capital gains easing from a 32-year high, according to CoreLogic

jordan_55689

Home values still on the rise but lost steam in April

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EXPERT OBSERVER

I’ve been telling our customers for the past two years that the outstanding property market in Australia is Regional Victoria.

And multiple data sources continue to support the view that anyone seeking affordable property, good rental yields and in particular great capital growth would be wise to consider Regional Victoria.

There is no other market jurisdiction in Australia that has delivered so many locations with double-digit growth in their median prices in the past 12 months. Equally, Regional Victoria is a national leader on locations with strong long-term capital growth rates.

The regional areas of Victoria were also prominent in the latest Pain and Gain Report from CoreLogic which highlights the number of properties sold for a profit in the September 2019 Quarter.

Why is Regional Victoria doing so well? Partly it’s because Victoria is the No.1 economy in the nation. The latest State of the States report from CommSec confirms Victoria as the leading economic performer in the nation, with New South Wales slipping down the rankings to third.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559]

And partly it’s because Victoria continues to be the No.1 state for population growth, gaining significantly from both overseas and interstate migration.

Victoria’s ranking as the No.1 economy and population growth state isn’t just about Melbourne – the regions have been major contributors to the state’s success.

Recent data on unemployment showed that Regional Victoria leads the states in jobs growth and has the lowest unemployment rate. ABS data shows that 20,000 people found work in regional Victoria in the three months to November.

Regional Victoria’s jobless rate is 3.7% – the lowest in the nation and well below the average regional rate of 5.1%. In the past five years, regional Victoria’s unemployment rate has decreased by 2.9 percentage points.

This is translating into exceptional performance in real estate.

CoreLogic’s quarterly Pain and Gain report (which compares the prices of properties sold in the September Quarter with their previous sale) found that Hobart was the national leader – 98% of houses sold made a profit.

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But close behind in second place was Regional Victoria, where 97% of houses sold for a price higher than the vendors paid previously (ahead of Melbourne’s 96% and Sydney’s 92% - and the national average of 90%).

In terms of apartments, Regional Victoria ranked third in the national (94%), well above the national average of 80%, Sydney’s 87% and Melbourne’s 85%.

The out-performance of Regional Victoria locations shows up in price growth data for the past year and also for the past decade.

Dozens of Regional Victorian locations have recorded double-digit growth in their median house prices in the past 12 months.

Ballarat has been particularly outstanding, with Ballarat Central (13%), Brown Hill (20%), Golden Point (18%), Lake Wendouree (11%), Mt Pleasant (21%) and Wendouree (10%) all producing strong price growth.

The City of Greater Geelong also produced multiple growth leaders, including Barwon Heads (12%), Bell Park (12%) and Drysdale (20%).

Other high-growth locations were spread around the state, including Newborough (16%), Wonthaggi (14%), Heathcote in Bendigo (17%), Maldon (17%), Irymple near Mildura (23%), Daylesford (13%) and Mansfield (13%).

This kind of growth in not a one-off event – many Regional Victorian locations have long-term capital growth rates above 7% per year, with some nudging 9% per year – which puts them alongside the best in the nation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358]

The City of Greater Geelong, Ballarat and the Macedon Ranges LGA all have multiple locations with capital growth rates between 7% and 9% per year.

Lake Wendouree in Ballarat has averaged 8.9%, while Woodend (Macedon Ranges) and Norlane (Geelong) have both averaged 8.7% per year.

Others with capital growth rates above 8% per year include Beveridge, Daylesford, Maldon, Geelong (the suburb), Kyneton and Herne Hill (Geelong).

TERRY RYDER is the founder of hotspotting.com.au ryder@hotspotting.com.au twitter.com/hotspotting
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Regional Victoria is Australia's most outstanding property market: Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

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Low mortgage rates, a swift economic recovery, which has spurred consumer sentiment, and low listing volumes have catapulted national housing values to new record highs. At the end of March, the CoreLogic national home value index increased a further 2.8%, placing values 5.6% above the previous market peak in October 2017. The combined value of Australian dwellings hit $7.9 trillion dollars over the month, according to CoreLogic. This cements residential property as an extremely large and important asset class.

Comparing current capital city values with previous peaks adds some perspective to the current upswing – particularly in Perth and Darwin, where values remain substantially below their record highs from 2014. It also highlights the very different dynamics across capital cities – such as in the ACT, where dwelling values have hit a new record high every month for 19 months.

The following charts plot the change in capital city dwelling values from previous peaks, and the number of months it has taken for values to surpass the previous peak. The subsequent downturn and recovery trends vary, and are unpacked below.  
 

 

<div class="infogram-embed" data-id="584c3a02-1d58-4092-befa-6afcff697778" data-title="Change in value from previous peak" data-type="interactive"> </div>
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<h2>Sydney</h2>

Sydney dwelling values took 44 months to reach a new record high value. While values have lifted a relatively high 8.1% since the COVID-induced decline (which bottomed out in September 2020), the total value of the dwelling market is actually only 2.6% higher than the previous peak, which was in July of 2017. 

In 2017, a property price downturn was likely catalysed by changes to lending conditions. Cash rate reductions, along with a relaxation in borrower serviceability assessment rules, spurred the start of a recovery trend through 2019. COVID-19 interrupted this upswing, but a recovery in economic conditions, and increased consumer confidence, has pushed values above the previous peak.  
 

<h2>Melbourne</h2>

Melbourne dwelling values reached a peak in March 2020, after staging a recovery from the earlier 11.1% drop in values between late 2017 and mid-2019. However, the Melbourne housing market was the most impacted of any capital city by COVID-19, due to extended social distancing restrictions through 2020, and a particularly high exposure to overseas migration as a source of housing demand.  Closed borders created a negative shock, with a more significant and direct impact on inner city rental demand. Since bottoming out in October 2020, as stage 4 lockdowns began to ease, Melbourne dwelling values have climbed 0.7% above the pre-COVID high. 

As the value of Melbourne housing nudges over its previous peak, it is worth noting the market has not recovered evenly. House values remain -1.8% below the previous November 2017 high due to a larger correction through the recent downturns. Within different price segments, there is also variation. As of March, the ‘high’ end of the market (measured as the top 25% of values in Melbourne) was still -4.0% below its record high, which was in October 2017. Meanwhile, low and middle tier values have increased beyond their pre-COVID highs by 4.9% and 2.2% respectively, reflecting a smaller decline turn recent downturns, as well as strong demand from first home buyers who typically target properties around the middle-to-lower end of the market.  
 

<h2>Brisbane</h2>

Brisbane dwelling values are sitting 6.5% above the previous peak, which was in April 2020. Market values saw a peak-to-trough decline of -0.9% through COVID-19. The decline lasted just 4 months, before Brisbane dwelling values recovered to a new record high by October 2020.

As with Melbourne, the recovery in the Brisbane market has been varied. While house values climbed 7.6% above the previous peak through March, which was reached in May of 2020, unit values remain -9.4% below the record high value, which was in March 2010.  Brisbane unit values are currently at similar levels as October 2007, reflecting a very affordable entry point to the market.

The weaker conditions across the unit sector are likely due to previously high levels of unit completions keeping values subdued, particularly in the later part of the 2010s. ABS dwelling completion data saw unit completions across Queensland rise 50.4% in the 5 years to September 2020, compared with a 17.4% uplift in house completions. However, strong internal migration flows to south-east Queensland, as well as other tailwinds for housing demand more broadly, has supported 5 consecutive months of growth in Brisbane unit values since November 2020. 
 

<h2>Adelaide</h2>

The Adelaide dwelling market was one of the least affected through COVID-19 in terms of values. Following a -0.2% dip from the previous high in May 2020, values had surpassed the previous peak by September last year. The rate of change in dwelling values jumped to a monthly increase of 1.5% over March 2021, which is the highest monthly growth rate seen across the city since December 2007. Both house and unit values across Adelaide are currently sitting at a record high. Although housing values are reaching new highs each month, relative to the larger capital cities, Adelaide housing values remain low. 
 

<h2>Perth</h2>

The CoreLogic home value index for Perth shows values -15.9% below the record high, which was in June 2014. The peak-to-trough decline, which was induced by the rapid withdrawal of mining investment, employment opportunity and migration, lasted around 67 months. As the market started to recover in mid-2019, COVID-19 created an additional, negative shock, which pushed values down a further -2.2% between April and July of 2020. However, the Perth dwelling market has seen consecutive increases in value for the past 8 months. For the past 5 months, value increases have exceeded 1% a month, which is a strong growth rate and signals the start of what may be a sustained and rapid recovery. This coincides with rising interstate migration levels to Western Australia, and projected increases in already rising mining investment. Hobart

Hobart has seen the second-highest uplift in housing values from the previous peak, at 12.3%. The previous peak in dwelling values was at February 2020, before a brief, COVID-induced decline in total dwelling values of just -0.3%. Hobart dwelling values have seen extraordinarily strong growth, with the annualised capital growth return sitting at 9.4% for a 5 year period (+56.3% over the past five years). ABS building activity data suggests house commencements were 32.8% above the decade average through the September 2020 quarter in Tasmania. Combined with affordability constraints, additional stock should work to ease growth rates across the region in the coming months.  
 

<h2>Darwin</h2>

Darwin dwelling values are the furthest from the previous peak of the capital city markets. A record high was reached across Darwin dwellings in May 2014. Similar to Perth, a decline in the resources related infrastructure sector saw a substantial decline in housing values, with the peak-to-trough fall extending to February 2020, at -32.7%. Since February 2020 however, Darwin dwelling values have increased 16.5% through to March 2021 which is the fastest growth rate amongst the capitals. This leaves values -21.6% below the record high, and shows the Darwin dwelling market firmly in a recovery trend.   
 

<h2>ACT</h2>

ACT dwelling values at the end of March were 16.9% higher than the previous peak, which was in April 2019. Following a -1.5% peak-to-trough decline, ACT dwelling values had recovered by September 2019, and have hit a new record high each month since. Rapid dwelling value growth across the capital has largely been driven by house values, which are 19.7% above the previous high in April 2019, compared with a 7.2% uplift in unit values since the previous high. Part of the strength in ACT dwelling value returns have been due to relatively high incomes across the Territory, along with resilient labour market performance through COVID-19. However, the fact that dwelling values have surged almost 17% in less than two years, highlights an increasing barrier to ownership for future first home buyer cohorts. 

 

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See more: Properties ideal for investors

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90553]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6201]

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The combined value of Australian dwellings hit $7.9 trillion dollars over the month, according to CoreLogic, cementing residential property as an extremely important asset class

How do dwelling values compare with previous highs? Eliza Owen

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This is the strongest Regional Queensland market in the six years that Hotspotting has been conducting its quarterly surveys of sales activity and prices. The number of rising markets is the highest recorded, by a considerable margin, and property values are growing.

We have identified 72 locations with rising sales activity, a remarkable result in the year of the pandemic. Locations across the state are benefiting from the Exodus to Affordable Lifestyle and/or the improvement in the resources sector. Vacancies are ultra-low in most of these places. 

There are seven regional cities with five or more suburbs with forward momentum in sales activity: the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Townsville. These cities, plus smaller regional centres like Gympie, Emerald, Warwick, Kingaroy and Dalby, all have markets trending in the right direction for sustained price growth.

The Sunshine Coast is again the standout location, but other regional markets are emerging, notably the important inland city of Toowoomba. And we are seeing recovery in resources-related centres which have spent several years in downturn, including Gladstone, Mount Isa and Emerald.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24532]

The exceptions to the trend of upwardly-mobile markets are Cairns and the Fraser Coast, neither of which appear to be experiencing the uplift seen elsewhere. 

The Sunshine Coast continues to be one the nation’s outstanding property markets. There are 14 suburbs with rising sales activity and seven with consistent sales volumes. Neighbouring Noosa has two growth suburbs.

The Sunshine Coast is outperforming the Gold Coast, which is a much larger city but has only seven growth suburbs, as well as 12 consistent ones.

Toowoomba is the new contender, as its economy rises on the back of significant new infrastructure. Eight suburbs have rising sales activity and we expect prices to rise considerably.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6769]

Rockhampton, Gladstone, Mackay and Townsville each has between five and seven suburbs with rising momentum.

Gladstone’s re-emergence as a growth market is notable, after half a dozen years in downturn: vacancies are now low, sales activity is picking up and prices are now responding.

Markets across Regional Queensland are performing well on price growth: almost three-quarters of locations across Regional Queensland have had annual growth in their median house prices and a similar number of towns and suburbs have had uplift in the most recent quarter.

The Sunshine Coast continues to impress as one of the nation’s strongest markets, with price uplift in particular in the top end of the markets. 

Sunshine Beach, the most expensive suburb on the coast, has recorded a 33% annual rise in its median house price, now $1,750,000. The canal-based suburb of Minyama has increased 29% in the past 12 months to $1,190,000. Yandina (median house price $730,000) has increased 30%.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7974]

The market in and around Noosa is a particular standout, with Sunshine Beach up 33%, Sunrise Beach up 17% and Noosaville up 12%. Mooloolaba (median price $900,000) has risen 10% and Moffat Beach (median price $910,000) is up 12%.

The Gold Coast has some notable growth performances also, with Worongary (30%), Runaway Bay (14%), Miami (12%), Arundel (15%) and Burleigh Heads (15%) all recording growth annual growth.

A number of Central Queensland are rising, including Mackay (where Andergrove, Blacks Beach, South Mackay and North Mackay have all recorded double-digit annual growth) and Rockhampton (where Berserker has led the growth with a 27% increase).

Gladstone continues to deliver evidence of recovery from a lengthy downturn, with median house price growth in suburbs such as Calliope (10%), Clinton (12%), West Gladstone (18%) and Tannum Sands (11%). 

Central Queensland resources towns like Moranbah (up 23%) and Clermont (up 10%) are also recovering, albeit from a very low base. Chinchilla on the Western Downs is in a similar position, with its median house price rising 15% in the past year after several years of decline.

TERRY RYDER is the founder of hotspotting.com.au 
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Strongest regional Queensland market in six years: Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

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EXPERT OBSERVER

Six months ago it was hard to find any suburbs across the Greater Sydney Area with rising buyer demand, but now there are many. It’s been a sharp turnaround – but an uneven one.

Overall, this is the strongest Sydney market I’ve recorded in the five years that I’ve been conducting quarterly surveys of sales activity and price trends. 

Our Winter 2019 survey pinpointed the bottom of the Sydney trough and our latest survey, now under way, provides strong evidence of the market revival, showing just how much has changed since the middle of last year. 

Locations with rising markets, as measured by sales activity, can be found in 22 municipalities across the Sydney metro area, but the revival is not evenly distributed. The greatest uplift is being felt at the upper end of the market and many suburbs have not yet experienced significant improvement.

The number of suburbs classified as declining markets has dropped a lot but there are still 12 suburbs with deteriorating demand – and another 12 that have that characteristic as well as high vacancies and weak prices, which we therefore classify as danger markets.

There danger markets are all locations where apartments predominate. Seven of them are in the Parramatta LGA, where high levels of new apartments have been built in recent years and vacancies remain in the 5% to 8% range in several cases.

The leading market in the Greater Sydney Area is the Northern Beaches LGA. It has nine suburbs with rising sales activity, plus six others with steady buyer demand. 

Quarterly sales in Newport have been 28-36-53-64, while Freshwater and Frenchs Forest are stand-outs for maintaining highly consistently sales levels throughout the post-boom correction phase and now in the recovery.

The Inner West LGA is also performing well, with six growth suburbs and nine others with consistent buyer demand. Quarterly sales in Annandale have been 17-32-36-45-64, while Leichardt has been 59-68-77-105, patterns that will likely drive prices higher.

The Sydney City LGA has growth suburbs, but also shows the importance of not generalizing when discussing real estate in a major city. The central city LGA has five suburbs with growing sales activity, 11 with steady markets, three where demand continues to decline and one suburb which we classify as a danger market. All that diversity exists in one municipality. 

Blacktown is the strongest of the outer-ring markets, with five growth suburbs and 11 with steady sales activity. Schofields continues to stand out with rising sales activity – quarterly sales over the past two years have been 64-82-99-105-120-150-196-162.

Other LGAs with three or four growth suburbs include the Hills Shire, Ku-ring-gai, North Sydney and Sutherland municipalities.

This new survey also shows the recovery in the Canterbury-Bankstown area. Six months ago, 12 suburbs in this LGA were rated as declining markets, with sales levels dropping markedly. But now most of these suburbs have been re-classified as plateau markets, as sales levels start to improve. And four suburbs of the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA have shown sufficient revival to be classified as rising markets.

Across Greater Sydney, prices are reacting to the uplift in demand that is generally occurring in many locations, but most suburbs still have median prices below the levels of 12 months ago. This applies to 92% of suburbs for houses and 85% of suburbs for apartments.

But many suburbs have shown increases in the latest quarter. Examples include Mona Vale (median house price down 8% annually but up 2.3% in the latest quarter); Collaroy (down 15% in annual terms but up 9.5% quarter-to-quarter); Bronte (down 9% year-on-year but up 2.6% in the latest quarter); and Killara (down 15% annually but up 3% quarter-to-quarter). 

This is a pattern I expect to see becoming increasingly prevalent as the uplift being led by the more expensive areas spreads more widely across the metro area.

Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">ryder@hotspotting.com.au</a> twitter.com/hotspotting

PICTURE SOURCE: <a class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/34120957@N04" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alex Proimos</a>
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Northern Beaches rising buyer demand drives Greater Sydney to strongest Sydney market: Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

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Rental demand for units is 23% higher year-on-year, according to the latest data from the realestatwe.com.au website.

Demand for house rentals is up by 11% on the same time last year, just as the worldwide pandemic became official.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24422]

"Perhaps somewhat surprising given the current environment, but demand for units is 23% higher year-on-year with demand for houses up by less than half that, at 11% growth," Cameron Kusher, the executive manager of economic research at REA Group said.

This year the rental demand has fallen for five successive weeks.

<img alt="" height="1376" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/rea_rental_demand.jpg" width="1600">

The reasons Kusher advised on the emerging trend was "that we aren’t seeing the influx of overseas arrivals like we typically would at this time of year, as well as the fact that government incentives have driven a surge in purchasing activity from first home buyers, which may lead to reduced rental demand."

Rental demand fell by a further 1.1% last week, taking it to be 15.8 per cent lower than its historic peak.

Cameron Kusher said Tasmania and Australian Capital Territory were the only states in which rental demand increased over the past week.

While rental demand has trended lower over recent weeks, it remains 17% higher than it was a year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90553]

After the seasonal early-January surge, two weeks ago Kusher noted demand would continue to trend lower over the coming weeks "as we exit the busiest time of the year for the rental market during the first quarter."

The REA Insights Rental Demand Index was relaunched last month.

While the original index measured the total volume of highly-engaged renter activity on realestate.com.au, it now measures the change in the number of people that are highly-engaged with properties listed for rent on realestate.com.au.

Someone is determined to be ‘highly engaged’ when they undertake a number of actions on a listing, these include but are not limited to; the number of visits to a listing, looking at the photos for a listing multiple times, saving the property, sharing the property and/or making an enquiry with the agent.
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Rental demand has now fallen for five successive weeks, after the seasonal early-January surge, but remains higher than last year, according to realestate.com.au data

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