<html><body>
The first application stage of James Packer’s planned $1 billion casino in Sydney’s Barangaroo development has been signed off by Premier Barry O’Farrell.
O’Farrell announced the proposal had moved to the second stage of government consideration.
“The proposal has undergone an initial assessment – signed off by the heads of the Department of Premiere and Cabinet and The Treasury – which concluded it should now be the subject of rigorous financial appraisal to see if it’s in the state’s best interests,” O’Farrell says.
He says the move to stage two does not guarantee the future of the development, it just means the government is now working with Crown to assess the proposal.
He says they would have to honour their exclusivity agreement with The Star Casino, which means Packer’s development would not be operational before November 14, 2019.
Crown chief executive Rowen Craigie says Crown welcomes the move to stage 2.
“The announcement by the NSW government to progress Crown’s Proposal from stage 1 to stage 2 is a major step forward for this exciting project,” Craigie says.
“No other organisation can deliver this unique project at Baranagaroo. Crown’s record demonstrates that it can provide a centrepiece for Sydney that will draw millions of visitors and employ around 2,000 people in construction and operation. A six-star hotel report on the waterfront at Baranagaroo will assist Sydney to compete with the best cities in the world for international tourists and for major conferences and events.”
Given O’Farrell’s insistence the project not involve poker machines, the development will focus on high-rolling VIP gaming.
“Crown is proposing that VIP gaming would only be available for international high rollers, mainly from Asia together with interstate and local VIP players on an invitation-only basis.”
<a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20121025/pdf/429ndp8t636538.pdf" target="_blank">The $1 billion six-star project will have 350 hotel rooms, restaurants, spas and pools, and dedicated training colleges.</a>
It will be designed via an international architecture competition.
It is expected to contribute $400 million annually to the state economy as well as additional gaming tax revenue.
</body></html>

awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

James Packer's Sydney casino given amber light

<html><body>
The Real Estate Institute of Australia says all first-home buyers should receive a first home-owners grant, not just people buying new homes.
REIA president Pamela Bennett says she is concerned by moves by New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia to limit the grant to first-home buyers purchasing new homes.
“Not only is this in breach of the InterGovernmental Agreement (IGA) but it ignores the evidence that 70% of first-home buyers have a clear preference for established houses.”
“The IGA clearly states that assistance to first-home buyers will be uniform and that an eligible home will be new or established.
“First-home buyers make up 17.7% of the market.  REIA strongly urges the Federal Treasurer, Wayne Swan, not to agree with the states’ requests for an amendment to the IGA and effectively ignore the needs of this considerable section of the buyer’s market.
“The socio-economic demographic of most first home buyers shows a clear preference to live close to existing facilities and work as opposed to buying in new housing estates.  Lifestyle, public transport and commuting are just a few of the factors concerning those entering the market.
“Furthermore, first home buyers of established homes often embark on a program of home-improvement and renovation, which helps stimulate the building sector.”
</body></html>

REIA says all first-home buyers should get grants, not just those buying new homes

<html><body>
Nearly one year after Age journalist Chris Vedelago lodged a freedom of information request with the Foreign Investment Review Board, <a target="_blank" href="https://theage.domain.com.au/home-investor-centre/blogs/domain-investor-centre-blog/foreign-investment-dont-ask-dont-tell-dont-know-20121020-27yk7">his questions remain unanswered</a>.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/chrisvedelago/status/260973191361601536"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/vadelagotweet.jpg"></a>
His November 2011 application sought information on the board’s monitoring and compliance activities involving temporary residents — how many had applied, been approved to buy, and what investigations had been conducted or penalties levied for violations of the law.
The board finally released some documents though in a heavily redacted form.
Vedelago says the documents show the regulator “has either woefully failed to do its job or is abusing the FOI system”.
The documents show the board had not engaged in any compliance activities relating to temporary residents, despite 2010 announcements the board would clamp down on the activities of temporary residents.
He says the blank record is either due to incompetence or dishonesty from the board.
Vedelago has applied to the Australian Information Commissioner for a review of the decision.
</body></html>

Age journo Chris Vedelago still waiting for full FIRB response after a year: Tweet of the day

<html><body>
Queensland property tycoon Kevin Seymour has partnered with mining magnate Gina Rinehart to form a mining joint venture.
The two have partnered on a coal project in central Queensland where drilling is under way to test the extent of the reserves.
Seymour says it will be some time before extraction starts.
Seymour made his fortune in property but has recently been turning towards the resource sector.
Last year he set up Seymour Energy, which acquired mining exploration rights over areas in Queensland’s Galilee and Adavale basins.
Seymour recently backed out of plans to build his tower at 300 Queen Street in Brisbane.
"We are just looking at buying it, subdividing it and selling it off," Seymour told The Australian.
"Right at the moment, we are not that bullish on property -- we are treading very carefully.
"We've got seven coal exploration areas, four gas areas, and one oil area."
He says his current mining interests could total more than one billion tonnes of coal reserves.
"The potential worth is huge.”
He has interests at the Gilmore gas fields, Augathella, covering an area of more than 400,000 square kilometres.
"They could produce an enormous amount of gas," he says.
Seymour features on the BRW rich list with an estimated fortune of $585 million. Rinehart tops the list with an estimated fortune of $29.17 billion.
</body></html>

Property tycoon Kevin Seymour partners with Gina Rinehart in coal project

<html><body>
Australian property companies have been cutting staff numbers as part of austerity measures in response to a slowing economy, according to a report by human resources group Adviev.
The report found 59% of the 113 surveyed property companies had introduced austerity measures, with most reducing head count by a median of 10% and some by up to 20% over the last six months.
Staff at property development and property finance companies were hardest hit by austerity measures, while property consultants and funds management staff fared the best.
Adviev managing director Rita Avdiev, who has been tracking property company employment since 1987, says a lack of liquidity in the market was affecting property finance and development.
“A new reality has set in as the slowing economy continues to worry companies in the property industry.”
“The forecast slowdown in the resources sector has become a concern and measures are being taken to ride out falling business conditions.”
A range of austerity measures was introduced, including cutting annual pay rises to a median of 3% for senior staff and 3.5% for others.
The cuts, aimed at reducing cost of operations and focusing on corporate expenditure, also included reducing travel expenditure, forcing people to take outstanding leave and axing business or division operations and reducing benefits.
The report found short-term incentives, usually paid in the form of performance bonuses, have remained stable for 59% of companies, with 22% increasing incentives and 19% decreasing them.
The average short-term incentive paid was 18% of total fixed remuneration.
Short-term incentives are forecast to drop next year, while overall median remuneration increases by 3.6%.
 
<table style="width: 470px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="246">
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col width="86">
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col width="136">
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col width="163">
<col>
<col>
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="65">
<td height="65" width="246">Position</td>
<td width="86">East coast average March 2012</td>
<td width="136">Median % increase for last reviews to September 2012</td>
<td width="163">Predicted % increase for next reviews, October 2012 - September 2013</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Funds manager (under $1 billion)</td>
<td align="right">370000</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Portfolio manager</td>
<td align="right">288000</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">3.1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Development manager</td>
<td align="right">175000</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">3.2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Operations/property manager (senior)</td>
<td align="right">135000</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Centre manager</td>
<td align="right">150000</td>
<td align="right">2.8</td>
<td align="right">3.5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Specialist valuer</td>
<td align="right">152000</td>
<td align="right">2.5</td>
<td align="right">4.5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Assistant architect</td>
<td align="right">50000</td>
<td align="right">3.8</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Senior project manager</td>
<td align="right">147000</td>
<td align="right">3.1</td>
<td align="right">3.5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Consultant</td>
<td align="right">75000</td>
<td align="right">3.5</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Contract administrator</td>
<td align="right">120000</td>
<td align="right">3.8</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Design manager</td>
<td align="right">134000</td>
<td align="right">3.8</td>
<td align="right">3.9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</body></html>

Property companies cut jobs given difficult market conditions

<html><body>
There has been a restructure of Australian management at Lend Lease following profit reporting problems with construction subsidiary Abigroup.
The Australian portion of the business will be split into two divisions – property, and construction and infrastructure.
Mark Menhinnitt, the former chief executive of Lend Lease in Australia, will become the chief executive of construction and infrastructure Australia.
Tarun Gupta, the current head of investment management, will become the chief executive of property Australia.
And building executive Peter Brecht, who joined Lend Lease as part of the Abigroup acquisition, has resigned.
In September Lend Lease stood down executives at its construction and engineering subsidiary Abigroup after identifying “certain discrepancies and issues in relation to the reporting and recognition of profits and losses on two projects”.
Lend Lease says the discrepancies involved the “potential under-reporting of the anticipated profit on one project and the potential under-reporting of the anticipated loss on another project” and relate to annual results to June 30.
Responsibility for the operational and financial oversight of its construction business, including Abigroup, was been assumed by David Saxelby, who is remaining as chief operating officer and Andrew Muller chief financial officer.
Lend Lease have announced that the accounting irregularities will make no difference to the 2012 profit or the expected figure for 2013.
</body></html>

Lend Lease management restructure following Abigroup irregularities

<html><body>
A Docklands hair salon opposite Etihad Stadium has been listed for auction.
The property is leased to Aveda Hair salons, which runs the shop as White Lotus Hair and Beauty.
It currently earns $25,000 per annum in rental income plus GST and outgoings. The lease is a newly signed five-year lease with options to 2027.
It sits below a series of apartments called Site One complex at 757 Bourke Street.
The <a href="/news">Docklands</a> property is being sold by Domain Commercial Real Estate agent Dean Fornaro in conjunction with Burgess Rawson agent Adam Thomas.
The property is marketed as being ideal for self-managed super fund operators.
“We’ve had a lot of inquiries from self-managed super fund buyers,” Thomas says.
“This one is definitely an affordable entry level property.”
He is looking to sell the property for around $300,000 to $310,000. If it sold for $310,000 the gross yield would be 8.06%.
It goes to auction on October 31 at Crown Casino.
For those with a bit more to spend, Thomas is also marketing a Docklands restaurant with an asking price of around $850,000 and a rent of $68,959 per annum. 
</body></html>

Docklands hair salon offers small investors and SMSF potential 8% return

<html><body>
With the Christmas around the corner, auctioneers have started making their first bookings for 2013 auctions.
Fastidious planners, those who want to avoid competing with the many December distractions, and the 2013 early bird optimists have booked in a number of auctions for the start of next year.
Current listings include properties in Bronte NSW, along with the traditional beachside January auction locations including Noosa Head QLD, Rosebud VIC, Natimuk VIC and South West Rocks NSW.
Sydney based auctioneer Damien Cooley says the listings are starting to pick up for 2013.
“Residentially there are encouraging signs to suggest the market is continuing to improve.
"We expect this increased confidence to flow through into 2013 and particularly feel that there will be a good volume of property coming onto the market early 2013.”
He says most auctions for the new year will start in February.
New stock will be expected to hit the market from mid-January to early February with the first auctions in early February 2013, if they don't sell before, Cooley says.
“The vast majority of property hitting the market in the new year will begin their campaigns in February which will result in strong auction volume late February and right through March as vendors and buyers look to trade in the new year and before Easter.”
Cooley will be auctioning a Bronte property listed through Alex Phillips from goodyerDonnelley.
Other 2013 auction listings include <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-rosebud-111864055">3 Hope Street</a>, a three bedroom fibro home in Rosebud Victoria going to auction on January 19, through David Short from David Short Real Estate.
A beachside  cottage at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-south+west+rocks-111945671">18 Memorial Avenue</a> in South West Rocks NSW listed for a January 12 auction through Mark Foster from Raine &amp; Horne South West Rocks.
A Stephen Kidd designed water-front mansion at <a href="https://www.homehound.com.au/12+noosa+parade+noosa+heads+qld+4567/">12 Noosa Parade</a> in Noosa Heads Queensland has been listed for a January 25 auction through Mal Cox from Tom Offermann Real Estate.
And a 219 hectare crop and livestock farm in Natimuk Victoria has been listed for a February 8 auction through Neil Ottoson from Ottoson Partners Real Estate.
</body></html>

 The 2013 auction season already starts to book fill up

<html><body>
Darwin is the safest real estate market in Australia according to Colliers, with nearby Palmerston catching up.
The city provides a virtual safe haven for investors, with strong sales figures and exceptionally high rental returns, according the Darwin residential research report for the third quarter of 2012.
The report finds Darwin has the highest rental rates in the nation, pushing up residential sales prices.
Darwin now has an average house rental of $700 per week and a median house price of $585,000.
In Darwin the $500,000 to $600,000 price bracket remains the most popular, accounting for 42% of all house sales.
The report found the sales volume for units in Darwin increased by 29% over the quarter, with the $400,000 to $500,000 price range the most popular.
In nearby Palmerston, prices are increasing as well, closing the gap on Darwin.
“Accommodation in Darwin continues to become out of the reach of young families and singles, and in turn this is increasing demand for more affordable property in all areas,” says research analyst Lianna Georges.
“Prices in the Palmerston market continue to strengthen, and for the fifth consecutive quarter the median house price has increased.
“Since September 2011, the median price in Palmerston has increased by approximately 13% to $532,500, a figure which is quickly closing in on the median prices in Darwin.”
Colliers predicts the rental rates will keep increasing over the next six to 12 months, bringing significant change in the social dynamics of Darwin.
“Clearly, lack of affordability will impact negatively on average workers and families,” the report finds.
<a href="/news">Leanyer</a>, <a href="/news">Wulagi</a> and <a href="/news">Anula </a>were the most popular suburbs in Darwin.
The median unit in Darwin is now $500 per week, giving yields of 6.1%.
While transaction levels in <a href="/news">Palmerston </a>have stayed level, the median house price has increased for the fifth consecutive quarter to $532,500, up 13% since September 2011.
<a href="/news">Woodroffe </a>was the most popular suburb in Palmerston, followed by <a href="/news">Durack</a>.
Median unit prices in Palmerston fell slightly over the quarter, dropping to $438,000.
All in all though, Colliers is pretty upbeat about Darwin and the future of Palmerston.
“As Darwin continues to blossom into a multi-faceted city, its residential housing market is expected to entice investors. The territory is able to offer abundant employment, modern infrastructure, quality schooling and amenities, in addition to new housing which provides an ideal environment for sustained economic growth,” Georges writes.
</body></html>

Darwin a safe bet for residential investors: Colliers

<html><body>
Two current auction listings in Sydney’s inner east are amongst the smallest for their suburbs.
Agents are selling a 45-square-metre house in Paddington and a Darlinghurst house on about 40 square metres.
The smallest Sydney house that Property Observer is aware of is in Rozelle.
A tiny six-metre-wide terrace in Paddington has been listed for sale at more than half a million dollars.
The 45-square-metre property at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-paddington-111902647">4 Mary Place</a> (pictured below) maximises space with a charming rustic rooftop entertaining terrace.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/mary.jpg">
It has been listed through BresicWhitney agents William Phillips and Maclay Longhurst with $525,000-plus hopes for its November 17 auction.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/10/mary2.jpg">
Potential buyers enter the property through its Mary Place entry into the open-plan living and dining room. One door leads into the galley-style kitchen while the other leads into a 3.2-metre by 2.4-metre bedroom and an ensuite. A hatch leads onto the rooftop storage and entertaining area.
Marketing for the property describes it as a “sundrenched” look with weathered timber floors.
Property Observer understands the house belongs to Full Square architect Dodie McMenamin.
McMenamin bought the property in 2006 for $410,000 after it was listed for two months at $435,000. Prior to that it sold for $390,000 in 2005.
The property is close to Glenmore Road and Oxford Street.
Also listed by BresicWhitney is a cosy house on about 40 square metres in Darlinghurst.
The property at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bresicwhitney.com.au/real-estate/id/property/10066/darlinghurst/3-sims-street/#top">3 Sims Street, Darlinghurst</a> (pictured below) is listed by agents Dominic Kuneman and Brigitte Blackman for $675,000.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/sims.jpg">
It has a total interior area of around 60 square metres.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/sims2.jpg">The two-storey home comes with a tiny courtyard decorated with a wall garden of dangling plants.
It comes with a mix of polished timber floors and tiles throughout and a gas fireplace in the loungeroom.
Potential buyers enter into the living room via Sims Street. A door at the back leads onto the dining room and kitchen, which opens out to the small courtyard at the back. A staircase in the living room leads up to the two bedrooms and one bathroom on the upper floor.
According to RP Data, it last sold in 1996 for $225,000.
Sydney’s smallest home is believed to be at <a target="_blank" href="https://goo.gl/maps/Bi4Z3">180A Evans Street, Rozelle</a> (pictured below), on 27 square metres built in a former alleyway.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/small.jpg">It’s pictured on Google Streetview with what looks like a Red Aston Martin with a parking ticket on it.
</body></html>

Pocket-sized Paddington and Darlinghurst property listings among Sydney's smallest houses

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

Alistair Walsh

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News