overview of the inner brisbane apartment market

OVERVIEW OF THE INNER BRISBANE APARTMENT MARKET
FORTITUDE VALLEY
SUBURB PROFILE
BY
MATUSIK PROPERTY INSIGHTS
Fortitude Valley
Over the past decade, the suburb of Fortitude Valley has recorded the highest average annual
population increase of all inner-ring suburbs apart from the CBD itself, and with a staggering 73% of
households in Fortitude Valley renting, strong demand exists for additional rental accommodation.
Metro Property Development and Pearls Australasia’s new Brooklyn on Brookes project is set to meet
this demand.
Location, location
Fortitude Valley is located just two kilometres from Brisbane’s central business district (CBD). It is just
one stop from Brisbane’s Central Station; two stops from the Roma Street parklands (and transit
centre); three stops from the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Queensland
Performing Arts Centre; and four stops from Brisbane’s world-famous Southbank parklands. Additional
public transport options include buses, CityCats and ferries. From mid-2010 the City Glider bus service
has linked Newstead and West End with regular (5-15 minute) services through Fortitude Valley and the
CBD.
Fortitude Valley also offers quick and convenient road and rail access to Brisbane’s domestic and
international airports, and easy access to Brisbane’s extensive road network including the inner city
bypass, Story Bridge, Kingsford Smith Drive, and the Gateway Motorway for access north to the
Sunshine Coast and south to the Gold Coast.
Urban renewal
For a decade from the late 1990s, under the guiding hand of Brisbane City Council’s Urban Renewal
Taskforce, the Fortitude Valley area was transformed from a predominantly industrial area into a
thriving, mixed-use precinct with boutique apartments, fashionable shops and a wide range of eateries
and entertainment venues. Fortitude Valley has a unique place within Brisbane's urban environment
and history, with a distinct identity and cosmopolitan character.
Major features of the Fortitude Valley area include Valley Metro Plaza, Emporium Shopping Centre,
Brunswick Street Mall, Chinatown Mall, Centro Complex, James Street Market, Cathedral Village
Shopping Centre, Homemaker City, Homemaker City North, Institute of Modern Art, Australian College
of Natural Medicine, Valley Pool, Centenary Place and two schools.
Queensland
Inner Brisbane
Rest of Qld
Gold Coast
6%
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
Matusik Property Insights - Source: Queensland Government (OESR). Data for March quarter each year.
20
11
20
10
20
09
20
08
20
07
0%
20
06
With almost three out of four (73%) households in
Fortitude Valley renting, tight vacancy rates have put
significant upward pressure on rents. For example,
the Residential Tenancies Authority reports a 4.4%
increase in median weekly rents over the past year
for two-bedroom apartments in Fortitude Valley, and
gross rental yields in Fortitude Valley are currently
5.8% according to Australian Property Monitors.
Residential rental apartments vacancy rates
20
05
Strong demand
Vacancy rates are extremely tight across Inner
Brisbane at present, a trend that has accelerated
over the past 12 months. See chart 1 opposite.
Inner Brisbane
Ten-year average population growth
8%
6%
4%
2%
ey
Va
ll
Fo
rtit
ud
e
Hi
ll
Bo
we
nH
ills
nd
rin
g
Sp
tE
W
es
in
Gr
ov
e
Ka
ng
ar
oo
Po
int
Fa
rm
Ke
lv
Ne
w
oo
ng
ab
ba
0%
oo
ll
According to the Queensland Government’s South
East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031, an
additional 156,000 dwellings will be required to
house the increase in Brisbane City’s population
over the next twenty years.
Population growth rates - ten year average
W
Looking ahead, new apartments which allow sharing
to occur – in essence, two-bedroom/two-bathroom
configurations with equal-sized bedrooms – should
do best with regard to rental returns into the future,
as well as well-designed (and not necessarily large)
one bedroom apartments.
Matusik Property Insights - Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Cat. No. 3218.0.
Most - 138,000 or 88.5% of these new dwellings - are to be “infill” in nature, meaning medium density in
existing residential areas, such as inner northern suburbs like Fortitude Valley. More people will
therefore call Inner Brisbane “home” and this high level of population and employment growth augers
well for the long-term performance of residential property in and around the Brisbane CBD.
To this end, it should be noted that there are currently 41 major infrastructure projects, worth $38.770
billion, underway or committed across Brisbane City. The majority of this expenditure ($29.442 billion)
is located in 18 projects across Inner Brisbane.
Top performance
There were 182 settled apartment sales in Fortitude Valley during 2010 with a median sale price of
$410,000. Whilst this was just a 1% increase from the median sale price in 2009 of $406,000 it is an
impressive 11% increase from 2008, where the median sale price was $370,000.
Examining the re-sale performance of individual apartments is a much more accurate way of gauging
price movements than relying on median sale prices, and the re-sale performance of apartments in
several projects in Fortitude Valley over the past year was a much more impressive 6.2%. Average
annual gains of around 7.0% per annum were recorded in several projects, with the average capital gain
upon re-sale of an impressive $133,112 across the projects examined.
New development
The latest apartment project to be released in Fortitude Valley is Brooklyn on Brookes by Metro Property
Development and Pearls Australasia. This project will comprise 191 residential apartments in a 15storey tower within walking distance of the CBD, the Valley entertainment and business zone, major
employment centres and public transport, and is adjacent to the fabulous Emporium centre with its 35
retail outlets and boutique hotel.
High petrol prices make proximity to public transport more important than ever. The importance of the
site’s proximity to public transport infrastructure – buses are at the door and the railway station is a fiveminute walk away – should not be underestimated, as research shows this can translate into higher
demand from both the owner-occupier and permanent rental market, increased property values, a wider
geographic area from which buyers and renters come from, and greater “rentability” and hence higher
rents and rental yields.
Disclaimer
Whilst this information has been carefully compiled no warranty or promise as to its correctness is made or intended. The information enclosed also represents subjective
interpretation by Matusik Property Insights Pty Ltd (ABN 85 088 308 847) and should not be relied upon for investment decisions. Interested parties should undertake
independent inquiries and investigations to satisfy themselves that any details herein are true and correct. The material in this publication is copyright. Reproduction only
allowed with permission. Phone (07) 3720 9988. Date compiled July 2011. Information is valid for six months from date of compilation.
SUBURB PROFILE - MATUSIK
Fortitude Valley’s extremely tight vacancy rate is at least partly due to the fact that the Valley’s
population has increased by an average of 8.0% per annum over the past ten years, the highest growth
rates of all suburbs across Inner Brisbane outside of the CBD itself. See chart 2 below.
FORTITUDE VALLEY
SUBURB PROFILE
BY
RESOLUTION RESEARCH
suburb profile
2011 SUBURB PROFILE
FORTITUDE VALLEY
Location
Fortitude Valley is an eclectic inner city suburb with a rich
heritage as an early merchant trade centre for Brisbane. Its
immediate proximity to the Brisbane CBD through the arterials
Ann and Wickham Streets has formed the logical extension of
the CBD, bringing with it, massive amounts of infrastructure,
business, investment and population.
It is well serviced in terms of lifestyle amenity with a diverse
and thriving heart along the Brunswick Street Mall and
adjacent Chinatown precinct. This area is arguably Brisbane’s
cultural hub, with trendy bars and clubs, restaurants, live music
venues and theatres all aligned under the newly designated
‘entertainment precinct.’ The only precinct of its kind in
Australia, the area is under a separate planning leadership and
has specific responsibilities in promoting a safe, integrated and
quality urban environment. The suburb is host to a number of
festivals and community events throughout the year including
the Valley Fiesta, Jazz Festival, Chinese New Year and the
weekly Valley Markets.
Fortitude Valley is also home to the James Street retail
and lifestyle precinct containing the landmark Emporium
development. This precinct features a number of high end
restaurants, boutiques and furniture retailers and the popular
James Street Markets.
Transport and Infrastructure
Fortitude Valley is well serviced by a range of public transport
options affording easy access to all areas of greater Brisbane.
The Brunswick Street train station is one of only four stations
within Brisbane that offer accessibility to all train lines,
including the air train which services both the International and
Domestic Airports. Buses run regularly from bus stops to the
CBD and further afield to the Northern and Southern suburbs.
The ‘City Glider’ is an express service that links Fortitude Valley
to New Farm, the CBD, across the river to Southbank and
West End which runs every fifteen minutes. By private car, the
CBD is accessible via Ann Street with the Northern suburbs
and the Domestic and International Airports accessible via
Wickham Street and Gympie Road. The Storey Bridge links
Fortitude Valley to the Southern suburbs and the Pacific and
Gateway Motorways which both provide direct access to the
Gold and Sunshine Coasts.
The $3 billion redevelopment of the RNA Showground’s on the
fringe of Fortitude Valley will see the 22 hectare site transform
over the coming fifteen years to include a combination of
residential, retail, commercial, recreation and entertainment
activities, combined with large tracts of dedicated parklands.
The sheer volume of this investment will not only drive a
dramatic transformation of the residential and employment
landscape of Fortitude Valley but will fuel significant demand
for residential accommodation over the long-term.
July 2011
Fortitude Valley Apartment
Market Performance 2006 to 2013
$500,000
450
$450,000
400
$400,000
350
$350,000
300
$300,000
250
$250,000
200
$200,000
150
$150,000
100
$100,000
50
$50,000
0
0
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Number of sales
Median Price
2012
2013
Source: Resolution Research – The Valuer General’s Office – July 2011
Fortitude Valley – Median weekly rents – one
and two bedroom apartments 2006 to 2011
$550
$500
$450
$400
$350
$300
$250
$200
JUN’06 JUN’07 JUN’08 JUN’09 JUN’10 JUN’11 JUN’12 JUN’13 JUN’14
One Bedroom
Two Bedroom
Source: Resolution Research – The Residential Tenancies Authority – July 2011
Fortitude Valley Property Market
The demand for inner city properties has seen significant
improvements in the past twelve to eighteen months following
the lows of the global financial crisis in 2007 and 2008.
Fortitude Valley ranks as the fourth most affordable apartment
market within the twenty one suburbs that make up the innercity. The median price for an apartment within Fortitude Valley
has recorded a healthy 4.8% average annual growth across
the five years to December 2010, recording $410,000 in 2010.
Population and Demographics
Current figures place the suburb with a population of just over
6,200 residents. The Queensland Government forecast that
by 2031, more than 22,000 new residents will have moved
to Fortitude Valley, representing an increase of around 1,000
residents per year. Additionally, a further 75,000 new jobs are
anticipated to be created in the next two decades.
With its immediate proximity to the Brisbane CBD and
its exceptional level of lifestyle amenity, Fortitude Valley’s
demographics have been transformed in the past couple of
decades, largely reflecting a greater acceptance and demand
for inner city living and demand for lifestyle. The median age
within Fortitude Valley has declined dramatically from 40 years
in 1996 to 29 years in 2006 which is a clear indication of the
Residents of Fortitude Valley also on average, earn higher
incomes than the Australian average with the mean individual
income within Fortitude Valley recorded at a 43% premium
to the rest of Australia. These demographics indicate
that Fortitude Valley is an in demand suburb for younger
generations, on higher than average incomes, attracted to
the suburb’s proximity and accessibility to employment nodes
and to its high degree of lifestyle amenity.
Rental Market
According to the most recent data made available by the
Residential Tenancies Authority, the median weekly rent for a
one and two bedroom apartment within Fortitude Valley was
recorded at $340 and $470 respectively. Across the past five
years to June 2011, the median weekly rent has seen growth
in excess of 6% per annum for both product types. Resolution
Research forecast that this trend is likely to continue through
to 2013, contingent on stable market conditions.
According to Australian Property Monitors, Fortitude Valley is
one of only two markets in metropolitan Brisbane achieving
gross rental yields in excess of 5.7%, second only to the
Brisbane CBD. With strong underlying rental demand, low
injections of new supply in recent years and a high level of
lifestyle amenity existing, this trend is forecast to continue
throughout the short to medium term.
Fortitude Valley at a glance
» Fortitude Valley is an eclectic inner city
suburb with a rich heritage as an early
merchant trade centre for Brisbane. Its
immediate proximity to the Brisbane CBD
through the arterials Ann and Wickham
Streets has formed for the logical extension
of the CBD, bringing with it, massive amounts
of infrastructure, business and investment to
the suburb in recent years.
» It is well serviced in terms of lifestyle amenity
with a diverse and thriving heart along
the Brunswick Street Mall and adjacent
Chinatown precinct. This area is arguably
Brisbane’s cultural hub, with trendy bars
and clubs.
» The suburb is host to a number of festivals
and community events throughout the year
including the Valley Fiesta, Jazz Festival,
Chinese New Year and the Valley Markets.
» Current figures place the suburb with a
population of just over 6,200 residents.
The Queensland Government forecast that
by 2031, more than 22,000 new residents
will have moved to Fortitude Valley,
representing an increase of around 1,000
residents per year. Additionally, a further
75,000 new jobs are anticipated to be
created in the next two decades.
» Fortitude Valley is also home to the James
Street retail and lifestyle precinct containing
the landmark Emporium development. This
precinct features a number of high end
restaurants, boutiques and furniture retailers
and the popular James Street Markets.
» Fortitude Valley is well serviced by a range
of public transport options affording easy
access to all areas of greater Brisbane
including the Brunswick Street train station,
which is one of only four stations within
Brisbane that offer accessibility to all train
lines and the ‘City Glider’ which is an express
service that links Fortitude Valley to the inner
city suburbs of New Farm, West End, South
Brisbane and the CBD.
» The $3 billion redevelopment of the RNA
Showground’s on the fringe of Fortitude Valley
will not only drive a dramatic transformation
of the residential and employment landscape
of Fortitude Valley but will fuel significant
demand for residential accommodation over
the long-term.
» Fortitude Valley ranks as the fourth most
affordable apartment market within the twenty
one suburbs that make up the inner-city.
» The median age within Fortitude Valley has
declined dramatically from 40 years in 1996
to 29 years in 2006 which is a clear indication
of the suburbs popularity with younger
generations X and Y.
» Rental tenure also dominates the household
profile of the suburb at 55% compared to
the Australian average of 27%. Additionally,
lone person households account for an
overwhelming majority of households,
representing almost half (44%) of the total.
» Residents of Fortitude Valley also on average,
earn higher incomes than the Australian
average with the mean individual income
within Fortitude Valley recorded at a 43%
premium to the rest of Australia.
» According to the most recent data made
available by the Residential Tenancies
Authority, the median weekly rent for a one
and two bedroom apartment within Fortitude
Valley was recorded at $340 and $470
respectively.
» The median price for an apartment within
» Across the past five years to June 2011,
» Given the introduction of new supply in the
» According to Australian Property Monitors,
Fortitude Valley has recorded a healthy 4.8%
average annual growth across the five years to
December 2010, recording $410,000 in 2010.
suburb in the coming years, it is forecast
that the median price will rise to in excess of
$450,000 by 2013 following a period of low
injections of new supply.
the median weekly rent has seen growth
in excess of 6% per annum for both
product types.
Fortitude Valley is one of only two markets in
metropolitan Brisbane achieving gross rental
yields in excess of 5.7%, second only to the
Brisbane CBD.
Disclaimer: Whilst this information has been carefully compiled no warranty or promise is made in relation to its accuracy or correctness. The information outlined within this
document is a subjective interpretation by our company and should not be relied upon for investment decisions. Interested parties should undertake independent inquiries
and investigations to satisfy themselves that any details herein are true and correct. No forecasts are being made by our company about potential capital gains. Any historical
price growth information does not imply such growth will occur in the future. This document and the material contained herein are copyright and cannot be reproduced without
our permission. This document was compiled in July 2011 and remains current for six months from compilation. The product and pricing information contained within this
document is based on price lists, brochures and third party information obtained throughout the course of our research. This information has been verified to the best of our
ability but Resolution Research & Marketing Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility for reliance on this information. This information has been prepared independent of our client
(nominated above) and at our own direction.
SUBURB PROFILE - RESOLUTION
Sales volumes over the past five years have averaged 298
apartments per annum, peaking in 2007 with 408 sales. Since
then, the below average sales volumes have been recorded,
reflecting a situation with low injections of new supply, suggesting
a pent up level of underlying demand. Given the introduction of
new supply in the suburb in the coming years, it is forecast that
the median price will rise to in excess of $450,000 by 2013.
suburbs popularity with younger generations X and Y. Rental
tenure also dominates the household profile of the suburb at
55% compared to the Australian average of 27%. Additionally,
lone person households account for an overwhelming majority
of households, representing almost half (44%) of the total.
FORTITUDE VALLEY
INVESTMENT
ANALYSIS
BY
RESOLUTION RESEARCH
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
                       
                    

     
                        







 

 
 

                  

 

 
                
               

 


INVESTMENT ANALYSIS - RESOLUTION
 

 

 

 









 

 
                 

 

                  

             

 

 

 


 

 



 










                

 
 
 


               

 

 

               
               

INVESTMENT ANALYSIS - RESOLUTION
                
               

             
                

 
            

          

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               
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 
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                
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 
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 
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 
 
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 





 


 



 


 

 



INVESTMENT ANALYSIS - RESOLUTION
 

 





 



 

                 

 
                 
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 
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               
             
               

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
               

                  
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


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               
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
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
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INVESTMENT ANALYSIS - RESOLUTION
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
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                

 

                  
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 
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

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               
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





INVESTMENT ANALYSIS - RESOLUTION



 

              

 
                

               

 

              

 
            
            

 
               


 

               
                 

 

                  





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
 

 

 

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














INVESTMENT ANALYSIS - RESOLUTION

 


 


 

 

 

 

 


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 

 
 

 


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
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 
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 

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
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 

               


 
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 

                  

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
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




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
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
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

INVESTMENT ANALYSIS - RESOLUTION

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
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

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
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

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
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
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










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


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 

               


 
                  


                 
                

                 

INVESTMENT ANALYSIS - RESOLUTION
 



               

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
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
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
 

 
 
                

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INVESTMENT ANALYSIS - RESOLUTION
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 

 


 
 
              
                

 
                 


              
               
                

               

               




 



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 


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 



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 




            

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 


 




 





INVESTMENT ANALYSIS - RESOLUTION
 



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

FORTITUDE VALLEY
INNER BRISBANE
APARTMENTS
BY
BIS SHRAPNEL
Inner Brisbane Apartments
2010 – 2017
“How long before sentiment recovers to drive an upturn in the Inner Brisbane apartment
market?”
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
© BIS Shrapnel Pty Limited November 2010
The information contained in this report is the property of
BIS Shrapnel Pty Limited and is confidential.
All rights reserved.
No part of this report may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, nor may any part of or any
information contained in this report be distributed or disclosed to any person who is not a fulltime employee of the Subscriber without the prior written consent of BIS Shrapnel Pty Limited.
The Subscriber agrees to take all reasonable measures to safeguard this confidentiality. The
Subscriber may not, under any circumstances, use information in this report for promotional
purposes.
B5380/AZ/AR/JB/sf
BIS Shrapnel contact:
Angie Zigomanis
BIS Shrapnel Pty Limited
Level 1, Rialto North Tower
525 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Australia
Tel. +61 (0)3 9614 0011
Fax +61 (0)3 9614 0033
Acknowledgement
This report has been prepared by Angie Zigomanis, Andrew Raponi and Jodi Birch.
Administrative support was provided by Sylvia Foo.
INNER BRISBANE APARTMENTS - BIS SHRAPNEL
Note: Although great care has been taken to ensure accuracy and completeness in this project,
BIS Shrapnel Pty Ltd has not independently verified, and does not accept responsibility for, the
completeness and accuracy of the factual information on which its opinions and assumptions
are based, which information has been derived from public authorities or government bodies.
Executive summary
Inner Brisbane Apartments 2010 – 2017
Executive summary
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Inner Brisbane Apartment (IBA) market has experienced a
collapse in new supply, with completions of just 420 apartments in
2008–09 and 570 apartments in 2009–10—considerably below the
long term (1995–2010) annual average of 1,340 apartment
completions. New supply during these last two years was
constrained by weakened pre–sales to investors, change of use of
apartment sites to commercial or serviced apartments, and
eventually due to the credit environment preventing developers
funding their proposed projects.
. . . although rental growth has
increased by 5 per cent over
this period due to weak tenant
demand.
Despite the low levels of new supply, rental growth have been
moderate at best, rising by just 5 per cent in total over the last two
years to 2009–10, after increasing by an average of 9 per cent per
annum from 1999–2000 to 2007–08. New tenant demand as growth
in Inner City employment stalled, whilst tenants were also enticed to
buy given the fall in mortgage rates and increased Federal
Government first home buyer incentives. In 2010, overseas student
numbers have steadied, further lowering the pool of new tenants.
With apartment completions
expected to remain low in
2010–11 . . .
New apartment supply in the IBA area is on track to remain low at
600 completions in 2010–11 as the impact of the constrained lending
environment flows through. However, there has been some pick up
in off–the–plan sales due to improved investment fundamentals and
economic growth, with projects under construction or about to
commence scheduled to take completions to 1,400 apartments in
2011–12.
. . . and not become significant
until 2012–13 . . .
While the challenging economic environment in 2010–11 will prevent
a significant upswing in pre–sales during the year, an expected
strengthening in economic growth the following year is projected to
underpin improvement to investor demand and strengthen pre–sales
activity through to 2012–13. The time lag between off–the–plan
purchase to completion means this will not translate into a significant
increase in annual new supply in the IBA area until 2012–13 and
beyond.
. . . rentals are forecast to
increase by 14 per cent over
the two years to June 2013 . . .
Subsequently, the combination of limited new supply and recovery in
tenant demand as the economy improves will see empty stock
rapidly backfilled and a tightness in vacancies re–emerge over the
three years to 2012–13. Stronger rental growth is consequently
forecast to return in 2011–12 and 2012–13, with rising interest rates
during these years further encouraging landlords to pass increasing
costs onto tenants. Total rental growth for the overall IBA area of
14 per cent is projected in the two years to 2012–13.
© BIS Shrapnel Pty Ltd 2010
iii
INNER BRISBANE APARTMENTS - BIS SHRAPNEL
New apartment supply in the
Inner Brisbane Apartment (IBA)
market has collapsed over the
two years to 2009–10 . . .
Inner Brisbane Apartments 2010 – 2017
Executive summary
. . . before growth is projected
to slow during thereafter in the
forecast period as new rental
supply outpaces tenant
demand.
The rental growth should lead to more robust investor demand in this
period, which will be encouraged by improved economic conditions
and some return in price growth. As the upturn in pre–sales leads to
completions, the apartment deficiency in the IBA area is expected to
be substantially eroded over the three years to 2015–16, with the
annual average of 2,150 completions being significantly greater than
demand. As a result, rentals are forecast to increase by a more
moderate 10 per cent over this three year period, before rental
growth improves to 6 per cent in 2016–17 as tenant demand picks
up and surpass new rental supply again.
The median apartment price in
the IBA area rose by 5 per cent
over the two years to 2009–10
due to weak sentiment amongst
purchasers . . .
Similarly, price growth in the IBA area accelerated by an annual
average of 13 per cent over the six years to 2007–08, before slowing
to increase by an average of under 5 per cent per annum in the last
two years to 2009–10. The downturn in economic conditions during
2008–09 and the slow recovery through 2009–10 has sapped
purchaser demand with sentiment still weak. Furthermore, relative
low indicative rental yields over 2009–10 has discouraged a more
significant return of investors to the IBA area purchaser market.
. . . although price growth is
expected to accelerate through
2012–13 . . .
The deterioration in affordability after the 200 basis point increase in
the housing variable rate between October 2009 and November
2010, will keep purchasers cautious, and prices are forecast to rise
by 3 per cent in 2010–11. However, with more stable interest rates
rises during the remainder of 2010–11 and in 2011–12, confidence
will improve. Economic growth will also accelerate from 2011–12 as
investment in the resource sector in Queensland ramps up, and with
the return of solid rental growth and improving yields, this will
increase optimism amongst investors, leading to apartment prices in
the IBA area jumping by a forecast 6 per cent in 2011–12 and
7 per cent in 2012–13.
. . . and remain solid thereafter
through to 2016–17 . . .
A more aggressive round of interest rate rises is anticipated in
2012–13, as emerging skills shortages lead to wage growth and
inflationary pressures, which will constrain affordability. This is
expected to be followed by a weakening in the economic cycle, and
is projected to further restrict price growth of apartment in the IBA
area to a low 6 per cent over the two years to 2014–15, before price
growth picks up again during the latter part of the forecast period.
. . . to register total growth of
38.9 per cent over the forecast
period.
Total median price growth for apartments in the IBA area is
projected to be 39 per cent over the seven years to 2016–17,
equating to average annual compound price growth of 4.8 per cent.
Apartment stock
Since June 1994, the stock of
Inner Brisbane Apartments has
more than trebled . . .
iv
The stock of apartments in buildings of three storeys or greater in
the Inner Brisbane study area was 10,200 dwellings at June 1994.
By June 2010, the estimated apartment stock is 31,650 dwellings,
just over three times 1994 stock levels, and representing an average
increase of 1,340 new apartment completions per annum.
© BIS Shrapnel Pty Ltd 2010
Inner Brisbane Apartments 2010 – 2017
Executive summary
. . . and is forecast to increase
by 11,600 apartments in the
forecast period.
By June 2017, the Inner Brisbane Apartment area stock is forecast
to be over 43,250 apartments. This is a further increase of 11,600
apartments or an average of over 1,650 apartments per annum—
somewhat above the average of the last sixteen years to 2009–10.
Apartment completions
remained solid from 1997 to
2008, with new supply
averaging 1,570 apartments . . .
The collapse in new apartment supply from 2008–09 occurred after
a twelve year period of sustained robust levels of new apartment
supply in the IBA area. From 1996–97 to 2007–08, an average of
1,570 apartments were completed annually in the IBA area, with
completions peaking at 2,150 apartments in 2005–06.
However, over the three years to 2007–08, many residential
apartment sites in and around the Brisbane CBD were re–scoped for
proposed office development, due to weak rental returns for investors
and greater profitability of commercial development during this period.
In addition, many apartments were turned over to the serviced
apartment market upon completion to benefit from the greater returns
being offered by this use. As a result, new supply in the IBA area
deteriorated, with just 420 and 570 residential apartments completed
in 2008–09 and 2009–10 respectively.
. . . before collapsing over the
last three years to 2010–11.
Although conditions tilted in favour of residential development from
2008–09, the impact the Global Financial Crisis had on both demand
(via reduced confidence) and supply (via an inability to finance new
construction) during the year delayed the recovery in apartment
activity. Subsequently, new supply in the IBA area is expected to
remain low at 600 completions in 2010–11.
Chart I: Completions of major IBA projects 1995 to 2017
© BIS Shrapnel Pty Ltd 2010
v
INNER BRISBANE APARTMENTS - BIS SHRAPNEL
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics & BIS Shrapnel
Inner Brisbane Apartments 2010 – 2017
Executive summary
New apartment supply in the
IBA area is forecast to improve
thereafter . . .
A rebound in the economic climate and the return of some capital
growth has initiated the first stages of a recovery in investor demand
during 2009–10. Weak local conditions in the Queensland economy
and rising interest rates have seen this improvement stall into the
second half of 2010. However, buoyed by forecast improving
economic growth into the medium term, investor activity is likely to
eventually strengthen, whilst high rise residential development will
also benefit from more readily available finance going forward as the
tightened credit concerns dissipate. Completions in the IBA area are
consequently projected to pick up to long term levels in 2011–12 and
2012–13, before increasing further over the following two years to
peak at an estimated 2,500 apartments in 2014–15.
. . . and surpass 2,000
completions in both 2013–14
and 2014–15.
The upturn in demand will place upward pressure on prices and
weaken rental returns for investors, which will also be impacted on
by a forecast peak in interest rates during 2013. Subsequently,
purchaser demand is expected to ease in 2014 and into 2015 and
lead to a fall in new supply over the latter part of the forecast period,
with completions slowing to a projected 1,400 apartments in 2016–17.
Potential new apartment supply
is greatest in the North East
precinct over the forecast
period . . .
Table I depicts BIS Shrapnel’s forecast of annual completions by
precinct to the end of the forecast period in 2016–17. The precincts
with the most potential for new supply include the North East,
CBD/Spring Hill, West End, Inner North and Woolloongabba, whilst
the Toowong and Kangaroo Point precincts will experience less
apartment completions due their limited availability of potential
residential developable sites.
Table I: Forecast IBA completions by precinct, 1994–95 to 2016–17
Year ended
June
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
CBD/
Spring Hill
203
130
553
733
92
307
140
386
250
129
267
1,018
331
711
52
0
Kangaroo
Point
40
141
285
82
137
229
193
207
350
155
192
11
110
16
18
28
North
East
455
81
87
781
784
292
848
581
512
729
393
497
234
158
36
129
West
End
128
119
154
139
231
190
41
95
54
104
208
375
269
223
126
277
Toowong
111
107
389
22
231
250
412
379
270
154
0
160
268
39
118
51
Inner
North
38
52
22
63
7
55
19
0
47
32
253
93
426
169
69
88
0
50
250
150
150
100
100
198
300
400
450
600
500
300
136
250
300
350
450
250
200
97
100
100
350
150
100
100
106
300
200
250
350
300
200
Woolloongabba
0
6
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
18
0
0
203
0
0
Total IBA
Area
975
636
1,490
1,819
1,488
1,324
1,653
1,648
1,483
1,303
1,331
2,154
1,638
1,519
419
573
Forecast
2011
42
2012
250
2013
350
2014
300
2015
500
2016
400
2017
350
Source: BCI & BIS Shrapnel
vi
22
150
150
250
300
200
150
601
1,400
1,750
2,100
2,500
1,850
1,400
© BIS Shrapnel Pty Ltd 2010
Inner Brisbane Apartments 2010 – 2017
Executive summary
. . . followed by the CBD/Spring
Hill and West End precincts.
The trend for apartment completions in each precinct generally
follows the overall IBA area. New supply is expected to be relatively
low in most precincts in 2010–11, with no apartment completions
forecast for Kangaroo Point, based on projects already in the
development pipeline. Thereafter, as pre–sales demand picks up,
new apartment supply is forecast to rise and peak in nearly all
precincts in 2014–15, which will equate to a record high annual level
of completions during that year.
Apartment demand
The key drivers of underlying
apartment demand will remain
solid, although will be slightly
lower than in recent years . . .
Analysis of apartment occupiers from the 2006 Census of Population
and Housing indicates that the three major demand sources that
have driven the occupancy of new Inner Brisbane apartments are:

Students—who comprise 18 per cent of apartment occupiers and
have been dominated by growth in overseas student numbers;

Young Apartment Dwellers—who are primarily aged 20 to 34
years old, and typically have moved to the inner city to be close
to their place of work; and

Empty Nesters—single persons, or couples whose children
have left the family home and are now seeking smaller, low
maintenance premises, compared to their larger detached
home.
Apart from brief periods, the main drivers of these demand sources
have all averaged strong overall growth since the mid 1990s.
. . . with more moderate growth
in overseas students . . .
The population growth of overseas students stalled in 1998 as a
result of the Asian economic crisis. Growth in overseas student
numbers has since recovered and averaged a strong 21.4 per cent
per annum between 1999 and 2003, and 19.7 per cent per annum
more recently from 2006 to 2009.
© BIS Shrapnel Pty Ltd 2010
vii
INNER BRISBANE APARTMENTS - BIS SHRAPNEL
We expect that overseas student enrolments stabilised in 2010,
increasing by 2 per cent, and will decline by 3 per cent overall during
the following two years to 2012. This will be partly due to the high
Australian dollar making other locations more attractive. In addition,
changes to residency eligibility have meant that it has become more
difficult to gain permanent residency for overseas students studying
particular vocational courses. This has reduced the demand for
vocational study, which has been the main growth sector in recent
years. Beyond 2012, it is forecast that growth in overseas student
numbers will return, although remain moderate at around 3 per cent
to 4 per cent.
Inner Brisbane Apartments 2010 – 2017
Executive summary
Chart II: Sources of Inner Brisbane Apartment occupier demand
apartment
demand
students
(18%)
non-students
(82%)
domestic
overseas
(0%)
(100%)
. . . and young apartment
dwellers underpinning
occupancy, . . .
young apartment
dwellers
(68%)
empty
nesters
(32%)
Demand from the Young Apartment Dweller group has reflected the
growth in the Inner City stand alone office work force (as the majority
tend to be employed in white collar professions close to the CBD).
The Young Apartment Dweller group experienced moderate to solid
growth in demand from 1999 to 2008, supported by the Inner City
work force increasing by an annual average of 5.1 per cent during
that ten year period.
With the downturn in economic conditions being shallower than
expected, Inner City employment remained stable overall in 2008–09.
Furthermore, as the first stage of a recovery in the economy came
through in 2009–10, growth in Inner City employment rose to
2.1 per cent during the year. Over the forecast period, growth in
Young Apartment Dweller demand is expected to continue to be
moderate, reflecting a slower growth rate of the Inner City stand
alone work force compared to the majority of the 2000s decade.
. . . although empty nesters
demand should be strong.
The Empty Nester age group (i.e. those aged 50 years old and
above) has been Brisbane’s fastest growing age group in absolute
numbers.
Apartment occupier demand
averaged 1,560 apartments
over the eleven years to 2008–
09 . . .
Occupier demand remained solid from 1998–99 through to 2008–09,
averaging 1,560 apartments per annum, and peaking at a little over
2,000 apartments in 2005–06. Continual robust demand for Inner
Brisbane apartments was supported by strong average annual
growth in both Inner City employment (4.7 per cent) and overseas
student enrolments (14.7 per cent) over this eleven year period.
viii
© BIS Shrapnel Pty Ltd 2010
Inner Brisbane Apartments 2010 – 2017
Executive summary
Table II: Growth in demand drivers and annual underlying demand
for IBA area apartments, 1994 to 2017
Non-student YADs
1
Empty Nesters
Year
Ended
June
Stand alone
W’force
(’000)
Annual
Growth
(%)
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010e
86.3
90.8
91.7
93.8
94.3
98.8
103.0
106.5
113.4
119.4
121.8
130.0
141.8
150.5
155.5
156.4
159.7
161.5
165.4
171.3
175.7
178.3
183.7
190.4
Overseas Students
Annual
Growth
(%)
Annual
Underlying
Demand
(Apartments)
Popul’n
(’000)
Annual
Growth
(%)
Popul’n
(’000)
5.2
0.9
2.3
0.6
4.7
4.3
3.4
6.5
5.3
2.0
6.7
9.1
6.1
3.3
0.6
2.1
446.3
461.1
476.7
491.6
507.3
522.8
538.8
556.5
574.6
594.1
612.6
628.7
644.2
663.4
681.1
699.6
716.2
3.3
3.4
3.1
3.2
3.0
3.1
3.3
3.2
3.4
3.1
2.6
2.5
3.0
2.7
2.7
2.4
14.3
17.5
22.7
22.7
20.1
20.4
25.1
34.0
38.5
44.3
47.3
49.0
53.0
59.5
74.0
90.8
92.5
22.7
29.7
0.0
-11.4
1.3
23.1
35.4
13.2
15.0
6.8
3.7
8.1
12.3
24.4
22.6
1.9
1,094
1,426
919
536
1,545
1,162
1,944
1,004
1,679
1,123
1,456
2,030
1,621
1,910
1,696
859
1.2
2.4
3.6
2.5
1.5
3.1
3.6
734.1
752.4
770.9
791.9
814.5
838.9
863.2
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.7
2.9
3.0
2.9
89.6
89.4
92.4
96.1
100.2
104.9
109.6
-3.1
-0.2
3.3
4.0
4.3
4.6
4.4
488
856
1,255
1,199
1,107
1,434
1,551
Forecast
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Source: ABS/Australian Education International/BIS Shrapnel
YADs – Young Apartment Dwellers
Underlying occupier demand slowed significantly to 860 apartments in
2009–10 in response to marginal growth in the stand alone office work
force and overseas student enrolments. Softer demand for IBA area
stock is expected to continue during the two years to 2011–12, with a
forecast decline in overseas student numbers. Furthermore, more
moderate growth in both Inner City employment and overseas student
enrolments thereafter is forecast to lower occupier demand to an
average of 1,300 per annum between 2012–13 and 2016–17.
A profile of the purchasers
within the IBA market
reveals:
We estimate that around 15 per cent of the apartment stock that is
purchased will not be regularly occupied. This can be in the form of a
second home, or a speculative purchase to be held for a long term
capital gain. The remainder of new Inner Brisbane Apartments
purchased comprise both investor and owner–occupier purchasers.
The groups can be segmented as follows:
61 per cent are investor
owners . . .

© BIS Shrapnel Pty Ltd 2010
61 per cent investor owners. These purchasers are influenced
by movements in the rental market, particularly vacancies and
prices.
ix
INNER BRISBANE APARTMENTS - BIS SHRAPNEL
. . . before falling to 860
apartments in 2009–10, and
recovering to a lower level than
over the last decade.
Inner Brisbane Apartments 2010 – 2017
Executive summary
. . . 17 per cent are owneroccupiers aged under
45 years . . .

17 per cent owner-occupiers under 45 years of age. Many will be
upgrading from IBA rental apartments and also be on relatively
high professional and “new economy” salaries, meaning their
decision to purchase will be little affected by the stage of the
economic cycle, provided interest rates are conducive to
affordability.
. . . 22 per cent are owneroccupiers aged 45 years old
and older.

22 per cent owner-occupiers aged 45 years and older. Many in
this segment will be influenced by the price they will receive for
their Brisbane detached house. Demand from this segment will
be greatest during an upturn in the Brisbane residential cycle
and somewhat less during a downturn. In this instance, demand
from this group is not expected to pick up until 2011–12.
Rental market
The IBA rental market has been
in underlying deficiency since
1999–2000 . . .
The IBA rental market moved into a balanced position at June 1999,
and is estimated to have since experienced an increasing deficiency
of apartment stock, which has underpinned strong rental growth over
this period. Additions to the IBA residential rental stock remained
solid at an average of 820 apartments per annum over the nine
years to 2007–08. With slightly stronger demand due to sizeable
growth in overseas student numbers and Young Apartment Dwellers,
it is estimated the underlying deficiency steadily rose from 50
apartments to 1,320 apartments during this period. This drove solid
average rental growth in the IBA area of 9 per cent per annum
between 1999–2000 and 2007–08.
. . . which has grown to
equivalent to 14 per cent of
total IBA area stock at
June 2010.
IBA rental completions are estimated to have collapsed to
100 apartments in 2008–09, and have remained low at just
270 apartments in 2009–10. This level of new supply has been
considerably below underlying tenant demand, even though demand
also slowed noticeably during 2009–10 to 520 apartments. As a
result, we estimate a significant dwelling underlying deficiency in the
IBA area of 2,500 apartments or equivalent to 14.4 per cent of total
IBA rental stock emerged at June 2010.
Rents in the IBA area have
steadied though over the past
two years to 2009–10 . . .
Despite the shortage of rental apartments in the IBA area becoming
more acute from 2008–09, rents have steadied during this period,
increasing by a moderate 5.2 per cent over this two year period to
2009–10. With the rapid falls in interest rates during 2008–09, the gap
between rent and mortgage repayments narrowed, which encouraged
tenants into owner occupation.
At the same time, the weakness in the Queensland economy and
uncertain employment prospects have prevented new tenants
entering the rental market. As a result, there has been an increase in
vacancy rates, and to retain their own tenants, landlords are expected
to have kept rental rises to a minimum through 2009 and into 2010,
particularly as relatively lower interest rates had removed any financial
need to pass on costs.
x
© BIS Shrapnel Pty Ltd 2010
Inner Brisbane Apartments 2010 – 2017
Executive summary
Chart III: Underlying tenant demand and rental apartment supply, IBA area, 1995 to 2017
1,600
IBA weighted Median Rent ($ per week)
Apartments
650
Forecast
600
1,400
550
Demand (LHS)
1,200
500
1,000
450
800
400
350
600
300
400
200
Rent (RHS)
250
Supply (LHS)
200
150
0
95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
as at June
Source: ABS, Rental Tenancies Authority & BIS Shrapnel
. . . although rents are forecast
to increase by 18 per cent
during the next three years to
2012–13 . . .
The rise in vacancies is expected to be short–lived. As economic
conditions improve we expect that the vacant stock will be rapidly
back filled due to the solid underlying rental deficiency. Despite new
rental supply in the IBA area being forecast to outpace our measure
of tenant demand from 2010–11 to 2015–16, the lag between
commencement and completion will not result in a significant erosion
of the underlying deficiency in the IBA area until 2013–14. This is
projected to underpin a solid 18 per cent escalation in IBA area
rentals over the three years to 2012–13.
. . . before increased new
apartment supply towards the
end of the forecast period leads
to the absorption of the stock
deficiency and an easing in
rental growth.
The upturn in apartment completions will begin to significantly erode
the deficiency of rental dwellings in the IBA area from 2013–14. An
average of 1,200 rental apartments is anticipated to be completed
each year during the three years to 2015–16, eroding the underlying
IBA area deficiency to an estimated 730 apartments or a minimal
3.2 per cent of total stock at June 2016.
Overall, in the seven years to 2016–17, median rents in the IBA area
are forecast to increase by 37 per cent, or 10.8 per cent in real
terms. This equates to 4.6 per cent growth per annum, or 1.5 per cent
per annum in real terms.
© BIS Shrapnel Pty Ltd 2010
xi
INNER BRISBANE APARTMENTS - BIS SHRAPNEL
Consequently, rents are forecast to rise by a modest 10 per cent in
total between 2013–14 and 2015–16. With tenant demand projected
to finally overtake new supply in 2016–17, IBA area rental growth is
estimated to improve to 5 per cent during the year.
Inner Brisbane Apartments 2010 – 2017
Executive summary
Table III: Inner Brisbane apartment rental market, 1999 to 2017
Year ended
June
Expected demand for
new IBA rental
apartments
Expected supply of
new IBA rental
apartments
Estimated vacant
apartments
Estimated
vacancy rate
(%)*
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
1,070
810
1,350
610
1,030
690
890
1,240
990
1,170
1,040
520
740
760
900
910
750
690
680
1,130
850
750
100
270
0
-50
-490
-190
-460
-450
-660
-770
-910
-1,320
-2,260
-2,510
0.0%
-0.5%
-4.3%
-1.5%
-3.5%
-3.3%
-4.6%
-5.0%
-5.6%
-7.7%
-13.1%
-14.4%
300
520
770
730
680
880
950
320
780
950
1,170
1,430
1,000
710
-2,490
-2,230
-2,050
-1,610
-860
-730
-970
-14.0%
-12.0%
-10.5%
-7.8%
-3.9%
-3.2%
-4.1%
Forecast
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Source: BIS Shrapnel
Note: Negative vacancy rate represents pent up demand
Rental yields
Rental yields fell to long-term
lows in 2006–07 . . .
Rental yields improved over the early 2000s, rising from 5.14 per cent
at June 1999 (as defined by the median two bedroom unit rent divided
by the median unit price) to 6.65 per cent at June 2003, as rental
growth remained stronger than the increase in prices. However, four
consecutive years of double digit annual price growth from 2004 to
2007 (inclusive) led to yields continually easing back down to
5.10 per cent at June 2007.
. . . before rising over the two
years to 2008–09 as rental
growth strengthened . . .
As the deficiency of apartment stock in the IBA area started to
escalate at a quicker rate from 2007–08 due to the collapse in
new rental supply, it applied further upward pressure on rents.
Subsequently, the indicative rental yield in the IBA area increased to
above 5.3 per cent during both 2007–08 and 2008–09.
Indicative yields in the IBA area
are expected to ease to
5.14 per cent at June 2010 due
to higher price growth during
the year . . .
However, despite our estimate of an apartment shortage, rental
returns in the IBA area have fallen to 5.14 per cent at June 2010.
Short term influences have impacted on rental growth, whilst
relatively low interest rates throughout much of 2009–10 led to
owner occupation becoming more attractive compared to rental.
Tenant demand was further dampened by slower employment
growth in the Inner City and a minimal increase in overseas student
numbers. Consequently, landlords were forced to keep rental levels
competitive through either maintaining on even discounting rents.
xii
© BIS Shrapnel Pty Ltd 2010
Inner Brisbane Apartments 2010 – 2017
Executive summary
Table IV: Unit Prices, Rents and Yields, IBA study area
Median 2 Bedroom Unit
% var
Median Unit Price
($’000)
% var
Indicative Yield
%
As at June
($ per week)
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
144.3
157.8
178.5
188.6
195.2
194.3
213.5
227.0
247.5
274.8
284.2
315.3
338.9
372.4
422.8
438.4
444.6
9.4
13.1
5.7
3.5
-0.4
9.9
6.3
9.0
11.0
3.4
10.9
7.5
9.9
13.5
3.7
1.4
175.0
168.0
177.0
170.0
187.0
196.5
215.0
200.0
195.0
215.0
245.0
295.0
345.0
380.0
412.0
429.0
450.0
-4.0
5.4
-4.0
10.0
5.1
9.4
-7.0
-2.5
10.3
14.0
20.4
16.9
10.1
8.4
4.1
4.9
4.29
4.88
5.24
5.77
5.43
5.14
5.16
5.90
6.60
6.65
6.03
5.56
5.11
5.10
5.34
5.31
5.14
460.0
490.0
525.0
545.0
560.0
580.0
610.0
3.5
6.5
7.1
3.8
2.8
3.6
5.2
462.0
488.0
520.0
530.0
550.0
585.0
625.0
2.7
5.6
6.6
1.9
3.8
6.4
6.8
5.18
5.22
5.25
5.35
5.29
5.16
5.08
Forecast
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Source: Rental Tenancies Authority & BIS Shrapnel
Rental returns are forecast to steadily increase over the next four
years to peak at 5.35 per cent by June 2014. Through this period,
rising interest rates through this period will necessitate a higher
rental return, whilst the improvement in tenant demand and
persistent substantial underlying rental deficiency is likely to place
further upward pressure on rents. As a result, rental growth is
expected to outpace the increase in prices until 2013–14.
. . . before rental returns firm
during the remaining forecast
years.
Over the latter part of the forecast period, significant additions to
new supply will result in rental growth slowing. Conversely, interest
rate reductions over the two years to 2014–15 will lead to slightly
stronger price growth in subsequent years. As a result, the indicative
yield in the IBA area is forecast to move back down 5.08 per cent by
June 2017.
Price growth
After increasing at a solid rate
over the six years to
2007–08 . . .
© BIS Shrapnel Pty Ltd 2010
Apartment price growth in the IBA area averaged a considerable
13.3 per cent per annum over the six years to 2007–08, remaining
particularly resilient in 2007–08, despite housing interest rates
increasing by 1.4 percentage points during the year, which
significantly deteriorated affordability.
xiii
INNER BRISBANE APARTMENTS - BIS SHRAPNEL
. . . and then improve through
to 2013–14 . . .
Inner Brisbane Apartments 2010 – 2017
. . . median prices of
Inner Brisbane apartments
eased to below 5 per cent in
both 2008–09 and 2009–10.
Executive summary
However, the poor affordability eventually initiated a slowing in price
growth, which was further augmented during 2008–09 as the
Australian economy stalled and the jobs market weakened. This
brought on a collapse in purchaser confidence and more stringent
requirements by lending institutions. However, initiatives by the
Reserve Bank of Australia (rapid lowering of interest rates) and
Federal Government (boosted first home buyer incentives) tried to
sustain consumer demand, and were enough to still support
moderate price growth in the IBA area of 4.1 per cent over 2008–09.
Despite young apartment dwellers being enticed into owner
occupation, and some recovery in upper quartile house price growth
providing older buyers with more favourable conditions to sell their
existing home and trade down to an Inner Brisbane apartment,
purchaser demand in the IBA area has struggled for momentum in
2009–10. This is mainly attributed to confidence remaining weak as
the rebound in economic conditions across Queensland has
generally been slower compared to other states. As a result, growth
in the IBA median apartment price increased only marginally to
4.9 per cent in the year to June 2010.
Apartment price growth in the
IBA area is forecast to pick up
over the three years to
2012–13 . . .
Growth in the IBA median unit price is forecast to slow to 3 per cent in
2010–11, before improving to 7 per cent by 2012–13. A continuing
substantial underlying level of apartment deficiency within the IBA
area and strengthening economic cycle in this period will facilitate
price growth.
Chart IV: Forecast price growth by IBA area apartments, 1992 to 2017
700
Median Price (‘000’s)
Forecast
600
500
3%
5%
4%
8%
10%
400
2%
7%
17%
300
20%
14%
10%
200
100
6%
7%
6%
4%
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
as at June
Source: Residex & BIS Shrapnel
xiv
© BIS Shrapnel Pty Ltd 2010
Inner Brisbane Apartments 2010 – 2017
Executive summary
. . . and remain solid in the
latter part of the forecast period.
With interest rates forecast to begin to move well past the neutral
outpace demand from 2013–14 (eroding a significant amount of the
stock deficiency in the IBA area), growth is projected to ease to total
6 per cent over the two years to 2014–15. Thereafter in the forecast
period, the increase in apartment prices is anticipated to pick up
again to a little above 6 per cent per annum, with strengthening
economic conditions driving solid growth.
Total price growth for apartments in the IBA area is projected to be
39 per cent over the forecast period, representing average price
growth of 4.8 per cent per annum.
Over the next seven years, we expect solid underlying demand and
rental growth to underwrite price growth in the IBA market. With
vacancy rates forecast to remain tight across the overall IBA area,
reasonable rental growth, and further forecast growth in the Brisbane
house market will underpin price rises across all precincts. However,
the degree of growth will vary across each precinct depending on
their demand and supply fundamentals:
. . . weakest in CBD/Spring Hill
and West End . . .

Despite the extremely low levels of apartment supply expected
in the short term, apartment completions will still remain
significant overall in the CBD/Spring Hill precinct throughout the
forecast period. Also, due to the precinct’s high level of investor
owners and student renters, the recent considerable rises in
rents could limit further solid rental increases. As a result, we
expect to see rental growth and prices to be below that of the
IBA area overall.

Although, the West End precinct contains a broader rental
market, the significant expected increase in new apartment
completions over the forecast period (the West End apartment
stock is projected to increase by almost 50 per cent over the
next seven years) is likely to result in slightly softer rental and
price growth than that of the total IBA area.

With the lowest level of investor owned apartments, and limited
potential for new supply, in the Kangaroo Point precinct will
ensure that both rental growth and price growth remains strong,
outperforming our forecast for the IBA area overall.

The student market comprises a significant component of
demand in the Toowong precinct, and it appears that this is
being dampened by the high level of rents. However, the lower
level of apartment supply expected over the forecast period, is
likely to keep the rental market in Toowong tight. Subsequently,
we are forecasting for rental and price growth slightly above that
of the IBA area as a whole.
. . . strongest in Kangaroo Point
and Toowong . . .
© BIS Shrapnel Pty Ltd 2010
xv
INNER BRISBANE APARTMENTS - BIS SHRAPNEL
Price growth in the forecast
period is expected to be . . .
Inner Brisbane Apartments 2010 – 2017
. . . and on par with the overall
IBA area in North East,
Inner North and
Woolloongabba.
Executive summary

The North East precinct has experienced the highest number of
new apartment completions over the past sixteen years. Projects
in the development pipeline will underpin continued high rates of
completions, although with the precinct containing a broad
occupier spread, we expect to see the increase in rents and
prices to be on par with the overall IBA area.

The Inner North precinct is forecast to witness greater
apartment development activity going forward, from a relatively
low base. Although the precinct contains a significant proportion
of investor owners, owner occupiers purchased more
apartments between the 2001 and 2006 Censuses. With this
broad purchaser spread expected to continue, growth in rents
and prices are forecast to be slightly below the overall IBA area.

Apartment completions in the Woolloongabba precinct over the
next seven years are expected to more than triple total stock
levels at June 2010. Although, with the majority of apartment
stock being relatively new and having very little older stock to
compete with, prices and rents in the precinct are expected to
move at a marginally slower pace than the overall IBA area.
Nevertheless, despite some variations from precinct to precinct, we
expect rental and price growth rates to remain solid over the forecast
period, only varying by degrees within each precinct.
Table V: Comparative forecast price growth of apartments in each precinct
Ave Ann. Growth %
2010–2017
Total Growth %
2010–2017
CBD/Spring Hill
4.6
37.0
Kangaroo Point
5.2
43.0
North East
4.8
39.0
Precinct
West End
4.6
37.0
Toowong
4.9
40.0
Inner North
4.7
38.0
Woolloongabba
4.7
38.0
Total IBA Area
4.8
38.9
Source: BIS Shrapnel
xvi
© BIS Shrapnel Pty Ltd 2010
INNER BRISBANE APARTMENTS - BIS SHRAPNEL