The Australian capitals experiencing world-class price growth in luxury real estate
The latest wealth report reveals two Australian capitals posted above average results compared with the rest of the world
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Luxury real estate in Perth and the Gold Coast delivered above-average price growth compared to the rest of the world in 2023, but this year Sydney and Melbourne are expected to outshine the other Australian capitals, according to Knight Frank’s newly released global research report, The Wealth Report 2024.
Knight Frank’s Prime International Residential Index (PIRI 100), which measures price growth among luxury homes in the top 5 percent of the market in 100 prime locations, found luxury residential property prices were surprisingly resilient in the turbulent global economy last year, rising by 3.1 percent on average.
This was down on the 5.2 percent average recorded in 2022 and 8.4 percent in 2021. However, given the rapid rise of interest rates during the world’s fight against inflation, Knight Frank analysts said the growth rate was “solid”, with 80 cities recording flat or positive annual price rises. The resilience was largely due to a lack of supply, which created more buyer competition for fewer homes on the market.
Leading the PIRI 100 for growth was Manila, up 26 percent, followed by Dubai at 16 percent, The Bahamas at 15 percent; and Algarve in Portugal and Cape Town in South Africa both at 12.3 percent. In Australia, Perth and the Gold Coast recorded price rises that were higher than the global average at 5.2 percent and 4.1 percent, placing them in 28th and equal 38th place among the 100 PIRI cities. Sydney ranked equal 49th with 2.7 percent growth, followed by Brisbane in 58th place with a 2.3 percent price rise. Melbourne was the laggard among Australian cities, ranking equal 63rd with growth of 1.4 percent.
Knight Frank global head of research, Liam Bailey, said wealthy people targeted luxury residential property in 2023 as their portfolios began to recover. Mr Bailey said 24 percent of the world’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), defined as having a net worth of US$30 million or more, were actively looking to buy last year. The report finds that demand will likely be similar in 2024.
Looking ahead, Knight Frank analysts have provided their 2024 forecasts for luxury residential house price growth in 25 of the world’s most in-demand markets. They predict an average growth rate of 2.5 percent for the group, up from 1.7 percent in 2023. They think Auckland will record the strongest growth at 10 percent, followed by Mumbai in India at 5.5 percent. Among Australian cities, Sydney will lead the way with 5 percent growth, followed by Melbourne with 3 percent. This would place both cities in the top 10 out of the 25 cities canvassed.
The analysts also predict that Sydney will experience the highest prestige property rental price growth in 2024 at 12 percent, far ahead of any other city in the world. The next strongest prestige rental markets are tipped to be Auckland and Toronto in Canada with 6 percent growth, London at 5.5 percent and New York at 5 percent.
The Wealth Report finds that lack of stock was a key driver of price growth for both sales and rental markets last year, and this will remain the case in 2024. For example, Sydney’s luxury home sales were down by 37 percent in 2023, with similar volume declines also seen in London, New York, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Knight Frank Partner Erin van Tuil said: “Whilst volumes have dropped for Sydney’s prime residential market, values have not, demonstrating once again that Sydney remains a popular location to live and invest ... The fundamentals of the Sydney market, such as lifestyle, transparent government and taxes and the sheer beauty of living in the Harbour City are unlikely to change, and therefore Sydney’s popularity is likely set to remain. With only so many waterfront locations available … owning a slice of Sydney Harbour real estate remains a popular investment.”The report also reveals what US$1 million buys in prime global cities and popular second-home areas in sun and ski holiday locations. In Sydney, US$1 million buys 43 sqm, and on the Gold Coast, it buys 112 sqm. By comparison, US$1 million buys 20 sqm in Aspen, 22 sqm in Hong Kong, 32 sqm in St Tropez, 33 sqm in London, 34 sqm in New York, 38 sqm in Los Angeles, 40 sqm in Paris and 42 sqm in Shanghai.
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Mirvac’s 45-level Trielle has topped out at Yarra’s Edge, pairing riverfront apartments with wellness facilities, private dining and resident services.
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Mirvac has topped out Trielle at Melbourne’s Yarra’s Edge, with more than 70 per cent of the riverfront development sold and approximately 80 per cent of purchasers intending to make their apartment a home.
The figures, released on September 22, point to an owner-occupier audience for one of the precinct’s final residential towers. Mirvac began developing Yarra’s Edge in 2003, and its latest addition occupies one of the remaining absolute riverfront sites.
Mirvac CEO of Development Stuart Penklis said existing residents were among those moving up within the neighbourhood.
“Many purchasers already have a connection to Yarra’s Edge,” Mr Penklis said, describing buyers whose changing needs were encouraging an upgrade within the precinct.
“As one of the final residential towers within Yarra’s Edge, Trielle represents the culmination of more than two decades of creating one of Melbourne’s most established and sought-after waterfront communities,” Penklis said.
“Positioned on the Collins Street axis with absolute river frontage, Trielle offers residents a rare opportunity to enjoy sweeping views across the Yarra River, Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay, while remaining seamlessly connected to the CBD. With Trielle now more than 70 per cent sold, we’re continuing to see strong demand from buyers seeking quality homes in established locations.”
The developer also flagged a penthouse and sub-penthouse collection with larger layouts, premium finishes and broad outlooks. The planned wellness centrepiece, The Oasis, encompasses a 900-square-metre elevated urban rainforest.
Mirvac General Manager Residential Development Victoria Elysa Anderson said Trielle had resonated strongly with buyers seeking a rare lifestyle offering in Melbourne.
“Opportunities to secure a new luxury residence on a riverfront site of this calibre are incredibly rare, particularly within a community like Yarra’s Edge,” Anderson said.
“What makes Trielle unique is the combination of exceptional views, world-class residential facilities and the lifestyle that already exists around it. Residents are buying into a mature waterfront community with parks, promenades, dining, wellness and strong community connections already in place.”
The 45-level tower brings a substantial new presence to that waterfront. Its residential offering spans one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, with Signature, Prestige and Sub-Penthouse collections accommodating different household sizes. The north-facing position connects the apartments visually to the river and city beyond.
Seven storeys above the promenade, the planned Oasis combines planting and a running stream with a Scandinavian-inspired wellness club developed with spa specialist Naomi Gregory. Facilities include a 25-metre lap pool, hot magnesium pool, sauna, hydrotherapy, a gym, yoga and Pilates room, and treatment spaces.
The amenity extends beyond exercise. Residents will have access to The Biblioteca library and workspaces, ground-floor work pods, and The Salone piano lounge. A private Chef’s Table dining room offers a setting for larger gatherings, while a cinema, games room and sports lounge broaden the entertaining options. Concierge services and a dog-wash area support everyday routines.
Trielle comprises a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences. Reflecting strong demand from owner occupiers, approximately 80 per cent of purchasers to date intend to live in their homes, highlighting the project’s appeal to those seeking a long-term waterfront lifestyle.
Mirvac has recently delivered The Albertine, a premium apartment development on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD, and is nearing completion of Prince & Parade in Brunswick, further strengthening its portfolio of thoughtfully designed apartment communities in some of Melbourne’s most sought-after urban locations.
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