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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november28anderson]}
Former Baywatch babe Pamela Anderson has listed her Malibu house for rental for US$20,000 per week or US$75,000 per month.
Although the listing photos are deliberately washed out and show little but a few splashes of flowers among a sea of white, the listing information on the <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/387082#photos" target="_blank">Vacation Rental By Owner</a> website says it was "designed and decorated by the owner herself, Pamela Anderson, who’s [sic] homes have been featured in many of the top architectural publications".
The main bedroom has a marble open fireplace ("very Pammy," says the listing), HD TV and mountain views, and the other two bedrooms both include HD TVs. It comes with a housekeeping staff, including vegetarian chef - noted animal lover Anderson is vegetarian.
Her own beloved golden retriever features in several of the pictures, and Anderson stresses that the house is pet-friendly: "Of course, pets are allowed to bring their owners… as long as they’re house trained! "
Anderon says she is listing the house for rent because she hasn't been spending much time there lately.
""I'm traveling so much these days and am enjoying a lot more time in my native Canada with my family… I’m finally willing to share my masterpiece – what I’ve co-created with a handful of green architects and designers/inspired by my favorite architect Lautner – this is my humble stab at perfection…it’s a magical spot," she says.
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Pamela Anderson lists her Malibu house for rent for US$75,000 a month

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13/7 Davison Street, Richmond, VIC, 3121
<img src="/images/stories/davison.jpg">
The tenants of this one-bedroom Richmond unit with a car space are paying $270 per week and although the lease is expired, are keen to stay on. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.runproperty.com.au/buying/search">RUN Property</a> agent Carol Hayes marketed the property before auction with price hopes of $280,000 plus. It sold at auction on Saturday, November 26 for for $290,000, which equates to a gross rental yield of 4.8%, higher than the indicative gross rental yield for Richmond units of 4%, according to RP Data. The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees. The property is close to Victoria Street restaurants, Victoria Gardens and public transport. <a href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT" target="_blank">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $3,000 and over five years to be $7,000. 
For more information about yields and prices in Richmond, see the <a href="/news">RP Data suburb page</a>.
For more investment prospects that went auction this weekend, see pages 2 and 3.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
14 Chagall Court, Scoresby, VIC, 3179
<img src="/images/stories/chagall.jpg"> 
This three-bedroom, two-bedroom house with two car spaces is rented until July 2012 at $355 per week. Michael Sergides from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.firstnational.com.au/?pageCall=property&amp;propertyID=1890973">First National Real Estate</a> is marketing the property with price hopes in "the low $400,000s". If it sells for $400,000 that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 4.6%, higher than the indicative gross rental yield for Scoresby houses of 3.8%, according to RP Data. The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees. The property is in a quiet court and is close to EastLink. <a href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT" target="_blank">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $4,000 and over five years to be $10,000. The property was passed in at auciton on Saturday, November 26 at 11am. 
For more about yields and prices in Scoresby, see the <a href="/news">RP Data suburb page</a>.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
28 Adelaide Avenue, Umina Beach, NSW, 2257
<img src="/images/stories/adelaideav.jpg">
"Rose Cottage" is a three-bedroom property close to the sea, and its tenants pay $330 per week. The lease is expired but the tenants are keen to stay on.  <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-umina-beach-nsw-2257/134592/?searchID=11200073" target="_blank">McGrath</a> agent Craig Harrison is marketing the property with price hopes of $350,000 plus, and if it sold before its scheduled Saturday auction for $375,000.  This equates to a gross renal yield of 4.6%. The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees. The 1920s property includes a pool and is a 10-minute walk to the beach. <a target="_blank" href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $3,000 and over five years to be $8,000. 
 
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Weekend Yield Watch: Gross yield of 4.8% in Richmond

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<div style="text-align: left;">
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november24mcgregor]}
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-middle+park-108524111" target="_blank">20 McGregor Road, Middle Park, VIC, 3206</a>
This early Edwardian brick property has undergone one of the most extensive renovations seen in the area.
The property will appeal to buyers looking for that genuine wow factor, as every element of the home has cutting-edge detail. For a period home the property has good light penetration through large floor-to-ceiling windows on the northeast side of the property.
The floor plan is a flexible one with most rooms in the right position. If you were a family with very young children looking to purchase this property a concern may be the master bedrooms separation from the other bedrooms. On the other hand this may be a bonus if your children were teenagers and you actually wanted some zoning capabilities.
The studio on top of the garage gives flexibility, as it could be used as a teenager retreat/bedroom, home office or studio. This property may also appeal to downsizers who like to entertain and need extra accommodation, yet want the flexibility to leave the property for extensive periods of time.
The outside courtyard links well with the kitchen and family room, however it would benefit from some garden/tubs to soften its sharp edges.
The property is well position to access the many attractions the area is well known for, such as Victoria Avenue, South Melbourne market, Albert Park Lake and the beach.
James Buyer Advocates rates this property 806 out of 1,000, which puts it in the category of "exceptional home". The agent declined to give a price quote, but it is in the James category of $1 million to $3 million. It will go to auction on Saturday, November 26 at 2.30pm. 
It is being marketed by Kaine Lanyon of Marshall White Armadale.
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">Guy Angwin is a buyers' advocate at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jamesbuyeradvocates.com.au/">James Buyer Advocates</a>, which posts home ratings, market analysis and buyer advice on its website.</div>
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Middle Park renovated property with the wow factor

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Vendors in rural and regional areas are having to offer much deeper discounts than their city cousins in order to sell their properties, according to SQM Research. 
In releasing SQM's weekly top 10 most discounted properties list, SQM director Louis Christopher notes that many of the regions represented are areas of low population density. Regions include Macleay Island, off the coast of Queensland, and several properties on the NSW Central Coast.
"Many of these homes are located in what SQM Research would regard as relatively unpopulated regions (compared to inner-ring/capital city areas)," Christopher says.
"The demand for such homes therefore, tends to be significantly lower than for those in more highly populated or centralised locations, which can potentially provide some form of explanation as to why there tends to be larger discounts in these regions."
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">1</h2>
<a href="https://&lt;http:/sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106479093" target="_blank">588 White Beach Road, White Beach, Tasmania, 7184</a>
On the market since: May 23, 2010
Initial asking price: $780,000
Current asking price: $400,000
Reduction: 49%
Days on market: 539
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"></h2>
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">2</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106479016" target="_blank">92 Beelong Street, Macleay Island, Queensland, 4184</a>
On the market since: May 23, 2010
Initial asking price: $590,000
Current asking price: $340,000
Reduction: 42%
Days on market: 538
 
3
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2008940771">102 Fountain Road, Burpengary, Queensland, 4505</a>
On the market since: April 17, 2011
Initial asking price: $1.2 million
Current asking price: $699,000
Reduction: 42%
Days on market: 211
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">4</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D105832903" target="_blank">3 Boolari Road, Gosford West, NSW, 2250</a>
On the market since: July 8, 2009
Initial asking price: $990,000
Current asking price: $580,000
Reduction: 41%
Days on market: 857
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">5</h2>
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106866439">329 Waterford Road, Ellen Grove, Queensland, 4078</a>
On the market since: October 16, 2010
Initial asking price: $1,275,000
Current asking price: $800,000
Reduction: 37%
Days on market: 392 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">6</h2>
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2008729828">2/18 Campbell Crescent, Terrigal, NSW, 2260</a> (pictured)
On the market since: December 11, 2010
Initial asking price: $1.99 million
Current asking price: $1.25 million
Reduction: 37%
Days on market: 336
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">7</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2008491614" target="_blank">25 Vicary Street, Triabunna, Tasmania, 7190</a>
On the market since: August 2, 2010
Initial asking price: $299,000
Current asking price: $189,000
Reduction: 37%
Days on market: 470
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">8</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2007193295" target="_blank">290 Viveash Road, Swan View, WA, 6056</a>
On the market since: June 5, 2008
Initial asking price: $2.29 million
Current asking price: $1.45 million
Reduction: 37%
Days on market: 1,257
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">9</h2>
<a href="https://&lt;http:/sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107366585" target="_blank">146 Maddington Road, Maddington, WA, 6109</a>
On the market since: April 30, 2011
Initial asking price: $5.5 million
Current asking price: $3.5 million
Reduction: 36%
Days on market: 196
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">10</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2007217761" target="_blank">1302 Birkdale Place, Magenta, NSW, 2261</a>
On the market since: June 17, 2008
Initial asking price: $700,000
Current asking price: $450,000
Reduction: 36%
Days on market: 1,243
 
<h2> </h2>
SQM Research also offers a list of the <a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/top100bargains.php" title="SQM Research" target="_blank">Top 100 Biggest Bargains in Australia </a>for sale.
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Regional areas dominate SQM's top 10 discount list

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november24brucewillis]}
Action hero Bruce Willis has put his eight-hectare Idaho ranch on the market with price hopes of US$15 million. Willis bought the property in 2003 but has not been able to spend as much time there as he would like, according to the <a target="_blank" href="https://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204323904577038492543271720">Wall Street Journal</a>.
The six-bedroom, six-bathroom house is decorated in a plush rustic style, featuring plenty of stone and exposed wood. The property includes ponds, waterfalls and undisturbed thick woods, as well as a guest cottage and separate gym. The heated pool has water slides and a rope swing.
Willis, a marquee action star since the 1980s, owns several properties in the area, according to the Journal.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.janinebear.com/Nav.aspx/Page=/ListNow/Default.aspx">Janine Bear </a>of Sotheby's International Realty is marketing the property.
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Bruce Willis lists ranch for US$15 million

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<table style="width: 465px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="119" valign="bottom">
Postcode
</td>
<td width="119" nowrap valign="bottom">
Rental median for houses
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
CLONTARF
</td>
<td width="119" valign="bottom">
2093
</td>
<td width="119" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,395
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
BALGOWLAH HEIGHTS
</td>
<td width="119" valign="bottom">
2093
</td>
<td width="119" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,350
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
BAYVIEW
</td>
<td width="119" valign="bottom">
2104
</td>
<td width="119" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,100
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
MANLY
</td>
<td width="119" valign="bottom">
2095
</td>
<td width="119" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
SEAFORTH
</td>
<td width="119" valign="bottom">
2092
</td>
<td width="119" nowrap valign="bottom">
$995
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
NORTH BALGOWLAH
</td>
<td width="119" valign="bottom">
2093
</td>
<td width="119" nowrap valign="bottom">
$950
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
CHURCH POINT
</td>
<td width="119" valign="bottom">
2105
</td>
<td width="119" nowrap valign="bottom">
$900
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
BALGOWLAH
</td>
<td width="119" valign="bottom">
2093
</td>
<td width="119" nowrap valign="bottom">
$895
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
FRESHWATER
</td>
<td width="119" valign="bottom">
2096
</td>
<td width="119" nowrap valign="bottom">
$895
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
PALM BEACH
</td>
<td width="119" valign="bottom">
2108
</td>
<td width="119" nowrap valign="bottom">
$890
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
Source: RP Data
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Top 10 most expensive suburbs in Sydney's northern beaches for house rentals

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Tech seed fund Pollenizer is looking for partners to accelerate its latest venture, niche property website Unrenovated, which has already attracted investments totalling around $250,000. 

Unrenovated, which only features unrenovated properties in Sydney’s inner west, was co-founded by Pollenizer, real estate expert Dan Strachotta, and serial entrepreneur Julio Labraga. It has been up for about a month.  
Strachotta, former head of residential sales at realestate.com.au, is chief executive of the business while Labraga will hold the title of chief operating officer. 
On the site, homes with renovation potential are hand-picked from thousands of residential properties, so buyers spend less time searching online and more time actually renovating. 
Property condition reports help buyers determine whether a property is derelict or simply requires cosmetic renovations, while special deals help buyers when they’re purchasing property. 
For real estate agents, Unrenovated provides a simple listing facility that integrates directly with industry-standard systems, which agents are familiar with. 
Pollenizer co-founder Mick Liubinskas says the idea came about after speaking to Labraga about his struggle to find suitable properties to renovate. 
“The partnership with Julio made perfect sense [while] Dan was looking to get into something early stage he could make an impact on,” Liubinskas says. 
“We’re looking for partners to join the team… We’ve launched, we’ve got a good team and good traction. There’s been about $250,000 invested so far.” 
“Agents are very active and using internet advertising, so that’s really positive.” 
“In terms of feeing property to us, there are about eight agents supplying content. We’ve already got feeds from LJ Hooker, Ray White, Raine &amp; Horne, and Laing + Simmons.” 
Liubinskas says Unrenovated represents a strong niche in the real estate industry, and he is hopeful it can forge future partnerships. 
According to Liubinskas, about 10% of residential properties in any area are in need of a renovation, but Sydney’s inner west has a slightly higher representation. 
While the site is currently limited to a handful of suburbs, there are plans to expand into the greater Sydney region over the coming months. 
Strachotta says with the rise of reality shows such as The Renovators, coupled with high prices across Sydney’s property market, the idea of renovating has never been more popular. 
“It’s a good way for first-time or experienced buyers to benefit from the current market conditions,” Strachotta says. 
“Unrenovated is all about making it easier for buyers to find the right property so there’s no more scouring through thousands of properties to discover that untouched gem.”
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/growth/pollenizer-hunts-funding-for-property-start-up-unrenovated/201110214269">StartupSmart</a>.
 
 
 
 
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Pollenizer seeks funding for property start-up Unrenovated

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A new development in Southbank is set to resemble New York’s famous Flatiron building.
<img src="/images/stories/banque1.jpg">
To cope with the triangular block, Chinese developer CBD will create an unusually shaped 22-storey building in Clarke Street, Southbank. Urban Design Architects has designed the project.
Sales consultant Paul Raimondo of Castran Gilbert, which is marketing the off-the-plan apartments, says the unusual footprint offers buyers a choice of more appealing designs.
“Because the block is triangular in shape, it’s made some interesting floorplans,” Raimondo says. “They are not the standard rectangular boxes.”
He adds that the building’s shape helps illuminate more of the interiors.
“Almost all of them have natural light to all the bedrooms, which is rare these days,” he says.
<img src="/images/stories/banque2.jpg">
The development will comprise 92 one- and two-bedroom apartments, with the ratio about one-third to two-thirds in favour of the larger configuration. One-bedroom apartments will range from 35 square metres to 40 square metres, and two-bedroom units will be between 55 and 71 square metres. One-bedroom units start at $249,950, and two-bedroom units start at $399,000.
Raimondo says sales have been brisk since the development launched about three weeks ago, with about 20 of the units already sold.
<img src="/images/stories/banque4.jpg">
He says they have sold to an even mix of owner-occupiers and investors, as the location and price point appeal equally to both.
“We’re going to target younger people, first-home buyers who want to live out of home and live in the city,” Raimondo says. He adds that the Southbank location also appeals to investors.
“They will rent really well, due to their proximity to Crown and the city.”
Construction is expected to begin in February 2012 and be finished in the middle of 2013.
For advice on buying off the plan, download our free e-book.
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Banque88 development emulates New York's Flatiron building in Southbank

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november23breakingdawn]}

Cashed-up Twihards can stay in the house where Bella and Edward consummated their marriage for about $4,000 a night.

<img src="/images/stories/bellaedward1.jpg">

The six-bedroom, 1,022-square-metre house is in Mamangua Bay, between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil. The honeymoon scenes in Breaking Dawn: Part 1 were filmed at the house, called <a href="https://www.casaemparaty.com.br/en/default" target="_blank">Casa em Parat</a>y, in addition to a soundstage in the US. 

<img src="/images/stories/bellaedward2.jpg">

Casa em Paraty was designed by Thiago Bernardes and includes a 220-metre private beach and 700 square metres of verandas. It rents for R$7,000 a night, or about A$3,930.

Those on "Team Edward" will know that the vampire reduces the marital bed to splinters on the couple's wedding night, but as the bedroom scenes were not filmed at Casa em Paraty, the main bedroom is still intact. 

<h2>Recently listed properties:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90553]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24323]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3459]
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Twilight Breaking Dawn honeymoon house available for rent for $4,000 per night

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november22oprah]}
Talk show queen Oprah Winfrey has put a palatial three-bedroom, 428-square-metre Chicago apartment on the rental market for US$15,000 per month.
Winfrey bought the apartment in 2006 for US$5.6 million but never moved into it, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/chi-oprah-renting-east-lake-shore-drive-coop-for-15k-a-month-20111115,0,183477.story?track=rss&amp;utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+chicagotribune%2Frealestate+%28chicagotribune.com+-+Real+Estate+News%29&amp;utm_content=Google+Reader">The Chicago Tribune</a>.
The Beaux Arts-style building was designed by Benjamin Marshall and built in 1913, and it comprises 13 apartments. Winfrey's rental apartment includes a wine room, library, formal dining room, high ceilings and solarium. 
It is listed by<a target="_blank" href="https://www.coldwellbankeronline.com/property/details/2285629/MLS-07906261/199-East-Lake-Shore-Drive-Chicago-Near-North-Side-IL-60611.aspx"> </a><a href="https://www.bradlippitz.com/property/chicago/07906261.cfm?searchId=a9533805-c8c2-42d0-9f3e-f606e0ef9eae&amp;page=1&amp;pageSize=20&amp;sortType=1" target="_blank">Prudential Rubloff</a> agent Brad Lippitz.
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Oprah puts Chicago unit on the rental market for US$15,000 a month

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

Cassidy Knowlton

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